Thursday, March 12, 2009

A LITTLE AFTERNOON DRAMA...

March has finally arrived...and it has begun in a whirlwind...literally! These first two weeks in March the weather has been seasonably variable, but wow, have we ever had the wind gusts going. What has impressed me is the action going on in the upper atmosphere. Clouds changing and reshaping at such rapid pace...at times I felt as if I were watching a documentary on the climate. You've all seen clips where the speed of the film is increased to show the changes of the weather in quick time...well, it has been somewhat similar to that. Personally, I'm not a fan of strong wind here in our lower atmosphere...but up in the clouds, it's just fine. These captures were all taken between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on March 5th and 7th. The skies changed from bright and sunny to a mixture of bright sun and dark clouds...and everything in between. I have upcoming full moon photos were you can actually see the speed of the clouds as I'm photographing (well, trying to photograph!) using the tripod.








AN EXPLANATION TO MY GUESTS..........









Many of you may have noticed that I haven't been visiting your blogs as often...I have...and I haven't! Most of you know of my weak connection as we don't have high-speed. Some of you, I have explained the amount of time it takes for me to blog due to my regular issues with our location and poor internet connection. Well, here's the scoop to anyone who cares!






On any given day while blogging, ONE page may take several minutes to load, I'm lucky for it to load in 40-60 seconds! Even then, the page may load, but not fully. Sometimes in the middle of reading a post, typing a post, leaving a comment or preparing a post, I lose whatever it is completely...and then have to start the whole process over! You should see how much time is involved for me to prepare a post (today was a doozy!). On a regular basis, I have a couple of good days a month with few problems, usually the fore mentioned is the norm 95% of the time. It is extremely frustrating!







These past couple of weeks, my issues have been worse with connection problems to many other sites, usually the blogs. Some blogs I can get to, but can't leave a comment....some blogs I can't get to at all. My dashboard hasn't shown my followers, nor has my blog. I contacted blogger, maybe they took care of this recently, now it's showing.
I'm spending hours on this computer a day, attempting to enjoy as many blogs as I can. I am tired of struggling with this computer and need to spend more time getting things done! I've had a few people try to drive these DEMONS(can't think of a better word!!) away.






So! Now that I've vented, I hope you all understand my dilemma. I will try to visit you all when I can on my better days, it won't be as often as I would like, believe me! I've got to manage my time better here in the real world and not spend hours a day on this computer...and stressing so much over it! I know that I will probably lose followers over this and I understand. Who knows...maybe someday this will all click into place! My fingers are crossed.











WOW!!!....talk about afternoon drama!?!?!
EDIT...After publishing these past few posts, I viewed my blog...my followers are gone again.
I give up!





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36 comments:

Tom Arbour said...

Hey Spooky- It must be frustrating to have an internet connection as slow as a glacier. No worries though! I'm really enjoy watching you grow as a photographer. It won't be too much longer until the dragons start to fly!

Tom

FAB said...

Beautiful drama in the sky.

Good to see you're back - I hope your frustrations are blown away by the winds & you regain full control. Lol Frank.

P.S. Verification is "stormi" - Hope this is not a bad omen.

nilla|utanpunkt said...

No worries, we're here, your followers. A slow connection is a pain, I understand all your struggles! Anyway, some dramtic lovely skies there, as if the sun is trying to get through all those clouds – spring fighting winter. Take care and talk to you soon!

JGH said...

All I can say is WOW! Absolutely stunning photos! Have you entered your bird photos in the Backyard Bird Count's contest?! You should.

This is my first year blogging and the first time I've ever tried to take photos of birds, so I have a new appreciation for how difficult it is!

Hey, don't worry about visiting - come when you can. We also have a very slow computer so I sympathize.

Anonymous said...

It may seem like your followers are gone but we are not, honest! Still here ready to enjoy more of your beautiful pictures and text.

Gosh, I get frustrated if my pictures take longer than usual to upload so I can truly sympathize with your much more annoying predicament.

Anonymous said...

I can totally understand. We have dial up too and i feel bad not being able to visit certain people's sites. On some days it just doesn't work or it freezes over and over again. My site must be a pain for you because of all of the pictures. But now people have so many complicated widgets with flashing graphics and videos. Dial up is definitely being squeezed out of blogger land. I wish you the best with higher speeds.

spookydragonfly said...

FURTHER MORE!!!!...After I published this post the first time, I noticed that my one paragraph(the one NOW missing)was entirely colored print, which I had nothing to do with. It was then that I noticed my followers were gone again. So-o-o...I went back to edit this post, erased my colored paragraph, re-typed it, and added my edit note. THERE! Now my post is finally done. I go back to view my post on my blog and....the paragraph was missing! I'm sorry, but that paragraph will not be written again! In any of my future posts, if anything like this happens again...please, just use your imagination and fill in the blanks!

Hi Tom...Every day I walk around the pond hoping to see my first dragon of the season. I honestly am so excited for their arrival! Speaking of arrivals...Congratulations, Dad! Weston is adorable! Oh, I hope I remembered his name correctly! Many blessings to all three of you!

Hello Frank...Thanks for stopping by. We've had two different computers since I started blogging last year. Same problems with both, it's this connection! Stormi?!?!...that was the verification word?! See...there are demons in my computer!

Hi Camellia...I had problems publishing your comment. It took a few tries. Spring fighting winter...I like that. Thanks for being understanding!

Hello JGH...Thank you! No, I haven't entered any of my bird photos. Hmmm?? Maybe I'll give that some thought. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one with a prehistoric connection! With my husband driving three hours a day for his work commute, I can't justify upgrading to hi-speed..not in this economy especially. I had trouble publishing your comment, too.

Hi Mo...Thanks, I appreciate your understanding! I really enjoy visiting other blogs, I just need to cut back. Blogging is meant to be enjoyed, not to induce stress. Thanks for your support!

Unknown said...

Beautiful series. The changing cloud patterns does feel like time lapsed photography.

A slow internet connection is a real pain and you should be having some patience to be managing with it.

spookydragonfly said...

Hello Bernie...Thomas..

Well, I just attempted to leave you both a reply, clicked publish and lost my page! Here I go again! (can I whine or what?!)

Hi Bernie...I see you feel my pain, as they say! Yes, slow speed is exactly as you mentioned. Blogs with lots of photos, or in particular lots of widgets/graphics take quite a long time to load. Usually those type of blogs take me several tries. Thanks for your comment, Bernie!

Hello Thomas...Thank you, as far as patience goes, it never was one of my virtues. But, since I've been blogging for several months now, I've attempted to keep up with everyones' posts. I'm actually feeling stressed over this. I don't want to offend anyone, but I must manage my time better. My son does computer programming, when he comes to visit and hops on my computer, he's very frustrated. He's the one who suggested that I let my guests know of my dilemma. Thanks for your support, Thomas!

Anonymous said...

Yep, I totally understand. I think I have insulted numerous people because I could never go to their web pages. I went to Tom's birdsnapping page and spent twenty minutes trying to leave a comment today. It didn't work. But then I went again tonight and it worked for some reason.

I look forward to seeing more of your dragonflies. Stacey and I will be gone for the spring and summer to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. We leave in late April then for four months.

Have a wonderful spring.

spookydragonfly said...

Thank you, Bernie...for adding validity to my issues! I am sure that I've insulted a few bloggers as well, certainly not my intention. I just can't spend hours a day on my blogging, things have to get done around here. Where is that maid, anyhow?! HA! I wish! Best of luck to you and Stacey on your adventures, and let me say...I'm jealous! Safe travels to you!

flydragon said...

Hi Spooky,
Sorry about the pain in the butt you're having. Don't worry...I understand, and certainly have the same type of problems here sometimes. It's always worth waiting for your posts..great pictures once again!!!

Nutty Gnome said...

Hi Spooky - bad connections are SUCH a pain but, don't worry, I (for one) am not going anywhere and I don't get upset if people don't visit my blog - I just assume that they're busy getting on with life!

Your photos are fantastic and worth all the hassle to get them posted - trust me!

joey said...

Love your dramatic sky shots, Kim. Sorry about your slow connection woes ... can imagine your frustration :( Any way, delighted to see your post. Wishing you a wonderful Wishnik Woods Weekend!

Anne said...

Yes it must be very frustrating for you. But we can still enjoy your pictures on your blog even if you can't get to the other blogs. It must be because you live in the woods or something like that. If you can, get the high speed internet. It works great.

Lona said...

I know exactly what you are going through with a slow connection. We had the same thing until we got a Hughes dish.Now I am spoiled :)

I love the shot with the sun coming through the hole in the clouds. Clouds are so fascinating to watch and photograph.

spookydragonfly said...

Hi Flydragon...Thank you so much for understanding, and for enjoying my photos. I'll still be out there visiting, just not as often. Didn't want to offend anyone. Happy spring...soon!


Hello Nutty Gnome...Thank you for your support and kind comments. So far, everyone seems to be understanding, I'm breathing a little slower now!

Hi Joey...Let me say thanks to you as well! I enjoy blogging and reading everyones' blogs...I'm just not getting anything else done! Always appreciate your visits...Happy Spring!

Hello Anne...Thank you for understanding. We live wa-a-a-ay back in the woods, totally surrounded by very tall mature trees. In addition we are surrounded by three good sized hills. It's a pain with this connection and I wish we could go to Hughs Net. Right now, I can't justify the extra cost. My husband no longer has a company car and gas card. He drives at least three hours a day to work...gas is killing us! Happy Spring to you!

Hello Lona....Thank you as well for your understanding. You know exactly what I'm going through probably if you live among the large Hocking Hills....I so wish we could get Hughs Net! I've talked to others around here that live back in the woods, and they have the same problems. I wonder if Hughs Net would make that big of a difference...anything would be better than this!

Jan said...

Ahhhh, well dear Kim, I won't go anywhere! You were one of my 1st 'friends' on Blotanical...and I felt an instant connection with you:-) I have 'missed' being able to communicate with you regularly--but I totally understand. It must be frustrating...because even with the high speed connection, it still takes me HOURS, literally. I have spent way too much time here, too. Now that the weather is getting nicer I want to 'live' my life more fully & spend less time doing, what amounts to, 'playing' on the computer. I know we have formed 'real' relationships with people here--you, for example, are a friend, even though it's very rare we 'talk'; BUT, we can't be expected to be here any more than we are 'able' to be. SO, whenever you post, I'll try to read. If I miss a post, I'll be back for another. I hope you'll keep posting, even occasionally...you always have something interesting to post, or to say!!
I love your last 2 photos here, with the sun just popping out and then the gorgeous 'star' that it seems to form within the cloud!!!

Jan said...

P.S.The reason it takes me hours isn't due to problems w/high speed internet, though...so don';t let that stop you from getting it, if you ever can;
My problems have to do with befriending so many people I just want to talk with everyone;-) Hard to do on a regular basis!! I don't even have that many friends in my 'real' life!! he he.

Please take care!

spookydragonfly said...

Hi Jan...Thanks for popping over here. It is a delicate balance, spending time in Blogdom and managing the real world. I've only been using a computer just over a year now. I managed a Retirement Community years ago(the Independant and Assisted Living facilities, not the Nursing home on our grounds). It was a fairly large campus and I had two assistants. I never had the desire to learn computers, and when the owner acquired computers, I bulked! He told me not to worry, that's what I have assistants for. I have avoided computers for years. One of the aspects that I just loathed was someone spending hours in front of a computer (or video games), instead of experiencing the real world....and now, I am doing just that! Of course, if we had high speed, that wouldn't be the case.

I intend to keep posting, this has become somewhat of a journal for me, someday a move is inevitable. My blog will be a record of my memories here. I'm not going to stop visiting my blogger firends, I enjoy it way too much. Just cutting back! Jan, thanks so much for your understanding. I hope you find a little more time as well!

spookydragonfly said...

A LITTLE INPUT PLEASE????....

I was curious if my playlist and followers are showing up when any of you visit here. I'm not seeing my followers. Thanks.

flydragon said...

Hi Spooky,
Your playlist and followers are here this morning. At least for me.

Sunita Mohan said...

I can see your Followers, Kim. Maybe Google's making you play hide'n seek! :P
I love your very dramatic sky shots. I cant even decide which one I like best.
As for your internet troubles, I'm so sorry for you. I would strongly suggest that every time this happens ... go bite a bar of chocolate! There... you see how it instantly makes you feel better? ;)

spookydragonfly said...

Hi Flydragon...Thanks for the info. I don't know who to contact now. Not sure if the problem is on my my end or blogger.

Hello Sunita...Girlfriend, if I did that...I'd be able to photograph Wishnik Woods from the clouds...I'd be as big as a hot air balloon!! Thanks for visitng and hope you understand!

FAB said...

I've logged in again & can confirm that both your playlist & followers are showing.
P.S. I'm listening to Enya as I type this.
Frank.

joey said...

Feedback: Loud and clear from my point of view, Kim. I see both playlist and followers (but you're not on my list, if you had chosen to do so).

spookydragonfly said...

Hi Frank...Thanks for the input. I keep meaning to add a few more choices to that playlist, but it's the least of my worries right now. You know, I love all types of music. I just couldn't bring myself to put up any of my dancing favorites. If there's one thing I can do and am good at...it's dancing. I know, not much to brag about, huh? Good thing the neighbors can't see me back in the woods when I've got the old 80's thumping, bumping music turned way up! Sorry, I got a little off track...thanks again for the update!


Hello Joey...Thank you as well for the info. I was just on my dashboard and my Reader list tells me that I am not following anyone!?! So, now that's wiped out. That took me days to work on. I'm going to stop over at your blog, Joey. I thought I had been following you?!

spookydragonfly said...

Joey...I just went to your blog. I left you a message, your followers aren't showing up for me. I'll have to try again. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you are having internet problems right now. Your pictures are glorious as always. What a fascinating skyline.

MyMaracas said...

I have exactly the same issues with our connection out here in the sticks. Pages take minutes to load, especially if there are a lot of photos and gadgets. Even making a comment is slow. And uploading a photo? Fuhgeddaboudit. Twenty minutes apiece. I'm not kidding. Which is why there is usually only one, if any, on my posts.

That said, your sky shots are spectacular. I really wish I could do birds like you do. Your blog is a feast for the eyes.

spookydragonfly said...

Hi Racquel...Thank you, March does offer a wonderful display in the sky, with the extreme changes in the atmosphere. Right now, I'm anxious to see my dragons and some spring blooms!

Hi Vicki..Ahhh, you feel my pain, too! I'd imagine living among so many tall, mature trees is a large part of the problem for both of us. I can upload four photos from Picasa, with no problems! Then when I upload any more I have to go through blogger, and that's the real pain! Usually I have to attempt this process several times, sometimes over a period of days, it's horrible. When I upload my photos through blogger, I click publish and walk away. I'll come back about 20-30 minutes later to see if it was successful. Hmmm???...can I think of anything else to complain about? Yes, my keys are sticking on my keyboard!

Amila Salgado said...

Hi Spookydragonfly,

Great sequence of photographs. Yes, it is a lot better when the high winds are well away from the lowe atmosphere.

I am sorry to hear about your slow internet speed. I know how frustrating that is.

I am eagerly looking forward to seeing more of your dragonfly shots taken from you new toy.

joey said...

Everything looks fine here, Kim. I wonder if adding your music drags you down! Another lovely day here... do hope spring is knocking at your door also :)

spookydragonfly said...

Hi Gallicissa...Thank you, Every day I look for my dragons! I'll tell you, I'm starting to worry how my photos of them will turn out. Honestly, I still have no idea what I'm doing with my new toy! I have referred to my manual over and over....I've had no photography lessons at all, some of the lingo seems like a foreign language to me. I'm just hoping for decent photos and a good I.D. count!

Hi Joey...I have a birthday rolling around here soon, if my son comes out to visit, I'm going to have him check my settings again. The thing is...my followers weren't showing, then briefly one day they appaered, then they were gone again. Now, I'm not seeing anyones' followers.
I don't think my playlist has anything to do with my more recent problems, as I've had that in place for some time now, before this latest round of troubles. But, I will check it out. Thanks,Joey!

Aleks said...

Hi spooky,I alreadu have sent you a coment on here with possible explanations of your problem on blogland but google desided not to send it to you,nice of them no?Blogger gnomes are people too,so they can make mistakes,No?GRRRRRRR!!
I rely hate that.Keep up,likeI will try too,greatings Sandra

spookydragonfly said...

Hello Sandra...Thanks for your support! It is so-o-o frustrating, I think I will be able to post tonight or tomorrow. I have been trying for two weeks to post to this blog. I've had great difficulty visiting other blogs too, not fully loading, can't comment, etc. I have to tell you...you are one talented person, after visiting your blog! I'm envious, I wish that I had your talents!