The Hermits' Rest

Suna and Spouse enjoy a seaside reverie, with gulls, then they come up with a super plan for getting back to the Hermits' Rest! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/20/solace-at-the-sea-and-travel-planning/

Suna laments that nothing she has to say right now is interesting, but shares how the progress on the ranch fencing project is going, which may be interesting after all. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/19/i-may-have-become-boring-but-i-have-updates/

Suna reports on learning from the founder of the Black Outside organization, and thinks about positive changes in the black community when it comes to having fun in the water. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/18/learning-to-be-an-ally-of-my-bipoc-friends/

Looks like Suna and Spouse are in South Carolina for a while. And they found the seedy bits of the neighborhood. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/17/pivoting-again/

Suna bares all, or at least bares her legs as she shares why shaving is not for this old feminist. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/16/controversial-i-stopped-shaving-my-legs/

Suna takes her knitting along to explore Calabash, North Carolina. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/15/knitting-my-way-to-calabash/

What a fun and interesting book this was! A dog actually CAN talk, with a communication device perfect for dogs. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/15/book-report-how-stella-learned-to-talk/

Suna reports on a group biography or the pioneer women of National Public Radio. Great book! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/15/book-report-susan-linda-nina-and-cokie/

Suna's spouse got surprised for an award for his civic contributions in their small town. Suna gushes about what a great guy he is. That's not normal, is it? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/14/spousal-pride/

Suna suddenly thinks no one wears jeans and t-shirts but her anymore. Crisis? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/14/sartorial-strategies/

Suna feels better after immersing herself in a beautiful woods. Plus, she got to go to a pancake restaurant that was frozen in time, in a good way. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/13/nature-is-the-best-medicine/

Suna explains, at great length, how she has suddenly plunged into a state of poor mental health, and what she plans to do about it. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/13/whats-my-problem/

Suna and Spouse have to re-plan their "vacation" time and deal with cold weather. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/12/time-to-pivot/

Suna is happy to have finished the knitting part on the wrap she's been working on. And she and Lee had delicious German food. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/11/practically-finishing-a-knitted-object/

Suna reviews a book all about the color yellow, which is maybe the saddest color on the spectrum, at least historically. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/11/book-report-yellow-the-history-of-a-color/

Suna goes on a boat ride to a deserted island, but does not get shipwrecked. She does see bald eagles, blue crabs, and jellyfish. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/10/another-post-about-birds-beaches-and-beauty/

Oh boy, it's two episodes in one! First, Suna spots some dolphins and shares a Mother's Day wish, then Suna and Spouse visit Huntington Beach State Park and see a "castle." Suna eats many oysters and sees bikers on the way home. 

This episode is also available as two blog posts: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/09/dolphins-and-mothers-day-wishes/

and https://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/09/birds-trees-castles-oysters-and-adventure/

Suna has to change her email address. This is painful. But, at least she's at the beach. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/08/who-hated-changing-email-addresses/

Suna and Spouse discover wild beauty, listen to cheesy stories, and enjoy lots of animals deep in the heart of coastal South Carolina. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/07/cruising-the-waccamaw-river/

Suna and Spouse head back to Brookgreen Gardens and discover more beauty, plus learn about squirrels. Yes, this was of interest to Suna. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/06/we-had-to-get-ourselves-back-to-the-garden/

It's really weird how many pancake and waffle establishments there are here in northern South Carolina. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/06/the-odd-thing-about-south-carolina-dining-out/

Suna and the spouse explore the fancy shopping area near Myrtle Beach and the beautiful, but stinky, town of Georgetown, SC. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/05/evening-exploration/

Suna hears news from the ranch about Apache and a big project being started. Then, she and her spouse find nature hiding on the beach. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/04/news-from-back-at-the-ranch-and-seaside-sights/

This podcast contains two blog posts, both about how relaxing travel has rejuvenated Suna and her spouse. She also discussed modest bathing suits and how they work for her.

This episode is also available as two blog posts: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/03/this-travel-works-for-me/

and https://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/03/some-couple-time/

Suna and Lee explore Pawley's Island and the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens. Plus, a visit to Publix Supermarket! To see all the photos, remember this episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/02/a-well-timed-garden-visit/

Suna explains why it is GOOD that she has nothing too exciting to blog about, and lays out her plans. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/02/to-do-things-you-have-to-plan/

Resting from the beach. That doesn't suck at all. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/05/01/a-day-of-may-day-rest-darn-it/

If Suna wasn't a writer, what would she have been? What? A knitting teacher/wildlife biologist? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/30/what-did-i-want-to-do-when-i-grew-up/

True. Suna was feeling pretty cruddy for a few days, but she lifted herself out of her funk and by gosh she pushed back and fixed things. We're so proud. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/29/from-the-pit-to-the-pinnacle/

Suna experiences a wonderland of fluff, makes a lot of plans, and kicks butt at work. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/28/look-what-the-wind-blew-in/

The ranch lost a chick, Suna found a deceased hummingbird, and a snake found the egg laying area. Not a good chicken day. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/27/bird-mysteries/

What do you do when you suffer a setback? Do you hide or do you regroup and push back? Suna is pushing back. It's important. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/27/you-can-choose-to-do-nothing-or-you-can-push-back/

After many years at the Hermits' Rest Ranch, Suna is still discovering new plants or interesting variants of old ones, as long as no one mows the wildflowers! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/26/always-something-new-at-the-ranch/

Suna explains why the Hermits' Rest Ranch has kept her sane, shares her Sunday morning routine with the dogs, and gives a chick update, and reminds us all that we've survived all our challenges, so far. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/25/sunday-musings-its-a-good-life-all-things-considered/

Suna explores the wild area at Bird and Bee Farm, and gets to see her Master Naturalist friends. She even got presents. Riveting. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/24/exploring-with-friends-safely/

Suna reminds herself that worrying over the unknown doesn't change things, and shares pithy quotes to back this up. Suna wants to have a nice weekend. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/23/lets-practice-what-we-preach/

Suna gears up to watch it rain and look out for hail. Fun times, with knitting. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/23/got-knitting-all-ready-for-upcoming-storms/

Can you believe the chicks are a week old already? Suna found out all their new skills and celebrated Earth Day, too. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/22/chickie-birthday/

Suna stops despairing and finds her support team helps her see the bigger picture. All is not lost! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/22/humor-is-your-buddy/

Really, who among us is NOT more than a little stressed or anxious today? Suna wonders what to do.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/21/stress-dreams-a-cry-for-help-you-cant-answer/

Star the hen states that SHE is the boss of her babies, not Suna. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/21/chickens-sure-are-good-mothers/

Suna shares that she almost gave up on riding her horse, because he was not listening to her. How did she remedy the problem?

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/20/my-horse-is-my-toughest-teacher/

Suna reviews Inclusion: Diversity, the New Workplace and the Will to Change, a book with lots of great ideas for Employee Resource Groups and their sponsors.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/19/book-report-inclusion/

Suna decides to mess with a water feature using only junk she finds lying around the property.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/18/playing-with-my-spring/

Suna learns from the Stoics about how to prevent your biases from messing with her serenity.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/18/unconscious-bias-just-ask-marcus-aurelius/

When a chick goes on walkabout, Suna has to come to the rescue.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/17/the-great-peeper-escape/

Suna shares a story of how a kind person handled having all her books stolen from her Little Free Library.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/17/a-little-free-library-with-a-lesson-for-us-all/

Suna gets to snuggle with a wee cattle dog and her own giant dog. Both wet. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/16/love-is-a-wet-puppy/

Much needed rain! No hail! Chick update!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/16/dodged-another-weather-bullet/

It's another double episode! Today Suna bemoans low attendance at her book club, then shares some photos of her baby chicks learning to eat chicken food.

This episode is also available as two blog posts: 

http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/15/the-unpopular-kid-at-school/ 

https://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/15/hungry-and-cute-chicks-with-pix/

Suna happily reports that we FOUND our missing dog! Also, the hand-knit afghan reward is available again to our next sponsor of more than a dollar a month!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/14/look-whos-back-its-gracie/

Big news from the ranch! We hatched our first baby chicks! This episode is also available as two blog posts: 

https://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/14/baby-watch-chick/

http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/14/im-a-chicken-grandma/

Suna uses memes to try to clarify what she means when she says you can't MAKE anyone happy. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/13/no-youre-not-responsible-for-the-happiness-of-others/

Suna's in rant mode again, this time about members of volunteer organizations who forget their mission. No one wants to be told what to think, but they do listen to shared information. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/12/information-not-advice-in-this-cancel-culture/

Suna updates you on her knitting, plus BONUS content, not in blog, about music. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/11/quick-knitting-update/

Suna is surprised that mowing her property is controversial, finds out her horse is hurt AGAIN, and is impressed as Ace the horse gets ridden. Also, the chickens are weird. Find out why! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/11/mowing-controversy-and-more-horse-stuff/

Here's a double episode! First, Suna explains why not having a mown lawn isn't so bad, and second she shares why dogs and photography don't mix.

This episode is also available as two blog posts: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/10/inquiring-neighbors-want-to-know-why-isnt-your-lawn-mowed/  and https://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/10/those-wiley-canines-thwart-my-photography/

Where are those darned chickens hiding their eggs NOW? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/09/summertime-is-coming-and-the-chickens-are-laying/

Suna drops her walls and gets deeply into goofiness with her friend. This resulted in funny dogs and antics with a stuffed sloth. Not to be missed. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/09/sometimes-you-have-to-be-goofy/

Stress affects each of us differently. Same with plants. Learn what Suna means by this assertion. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/08/ways-we-cope-with-stress-featuring-plants/

Suna wonders why she's not feeling all oppressed as a woman, after dealing with a world of woe. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/07/i-am-woman-hear-my-woe/

Suna has adventures with "tree worms." This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/07/creepy-crawlies-but-not-worms/

Suna was all ready to feel great about someone else's misfortune. But she couldn't do it. Why? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/06/i-cant-muster-up-schadenfreude/

Suna gets real about her issues with moving from her Austin house, discovers she has things in common with Ernest Hemingway, and shares wise words from her friend, Kelli Martin Brew. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/06/knowing-your-issues-doesnt-fix-everything-nor-should-it/

First, Suna checks the local oaks for life and finds a lot, then she shares happy news about puppies and horses, and a bit of a worry. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/05/checking-out-oaks-for-myself/

Is it a secret? Suna talks about where HER Easter eggs and joy come from. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/04/where-do-easter-eggs-come-from/

Suna and her spouse actually left the ranch and went to an air show! It's great to be vaccinated. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/03/i-did-a-social-event-with-airplanes/

Did you know we call a pond a "tank" in Texas? What's up with that? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/03/tanks-ponds/

Suna shares her happiness with Douglas Tallamy's brand-new book, The Nature of Oaks. Learn what an oak gall actually is! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/02/book-report-the-nature-of-oaks/

Bertie Lee the hen has been hiding her eggs for a LONG time now. But, she's no match for the Sherlock Holmes of nesting hens! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/02/the-great-hen-detective-strikes-again/

How much damage did the terrible winter weather do on the ranch? Suna checked it out. There are lots of photos, so be sure to also check the  blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/04/01/the-ranch-resurrection/

Suna learns just how messed up her horse's feet (aka hooves) were last year, and ventures out on a solo ride with an agitated donkey in tow. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/31/still-working-on-horse-feet/

Suna rants! You can't fix people's prejudices and biases by taunting them and shutting them down. So, how can younger and older anti-racists talk to each other? photo by @SBphoto via Twenty20

 This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/31/curbing-your-anti-racist-enthusiasm/

Our elderly hen who thinks she's a horse is still churning out eggs! Here's the story of Big Red and Suna's detective work. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/30/im-the-sherlock-holmes-of-nesting-hens/

Encouraging ideas on handling our biases from the very wise Howard J. Ross. Maybe we CAN make a better world? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/29/book-report-everyday-bias/

Suna's horse buddy, Apache, learns to be a role model, once again proving that teaching helps you learn a lot. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/29/the-student-becomes-the-teacher/

Suna got all excited today when she saw an exotic bird by the pond. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/28/a-familiar-bird-all-dressed-up/

Suna reports on a new horse who showed up at the ranch and admits she is not good with heavy bales of hay. If you want pictures, visit the blog post! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/27/apache-has-a-new-buddy/

Will Star the broody hen give us some chicks?

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/27/trying-again-with-chicken-parenting/

Suna explains why her podcasts have been so...amateur so far. Ironically, she edited this one, so it's not amateur. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/26/why-i-havent-upped-my-game-recording-myself-talk/

Updated! There is now actual SOUND when Suna tells her story! Suna shares her joy at having achieved maximum vaccine protection. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/26/happy-covid-freedom-day-to-me/

Suna meets cute rodents, identifies a butterfly, and encounters various forms of lady beetles. Ranch living!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/25/you-never-know-who-youll-meet-around-here/

We have ranch mysteries going on around here! And some of them HURT, says Suna.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/24/mysteries-and-owies/

Suna achieved a lifetime goal of being able to saddle up and ride her horse off into the sunset...solo. She shares how she got there and why it's so important to her, the horse, and to future growth.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/24/a-lifetime-milestone-and-why-it-matters/

Update on the horse, sponsors, and Suna's work, which may have been unpopular. Learn why!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/23/some-good-news/

Suna shares an update on this here podcast and brazenly solicits sponsors.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/22/hows-that-podcast-coming-along/

In which Suna and the gang deal with a skunk episode and an escaped horse eating exactly the wrong thing for his delicate constitution.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/22/stinky-and-dangerous-ranch-drama/

Suna reviews a sweet book on the history of sheep and humans, plus she makes an offer for potential blog supporters!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/21/book-report-a-short-history-of-the-world-according-to-sheep/

The first day of spring featured a trail ride with ALL the horses. A fun day for all.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/20/three-horses-plus-two-people-equals-springtime-fun/

Today, Suna seems to be conflicted about whether to troll kindly or speak up loudly when she encounters racism.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/20/to-troll-or-not-to-troll/

Blind Spot is a fun, educational, and inspiring book about the hidden biases in all of us.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/19/book-report-blind-spot/

Maybe, just maybe, some of us are moving past the anger that has gotten us both mentally and physically sicker for the past few years.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/18/is-anger-making-us-sick/

Suna had so much fun exploring a creek on a neighbor's property. Hear her delight over finding wild violets and a giant frog!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/17/exploring-the-wild-violet/

Chickens are such clever birds. They can really hide their eggs!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/17/mystery-of-the-missing-eggs-solved/

Suna is relieved to report that the snow and ice did not prevent spring flowers from showing up.

This episode (along with its photos) is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/16/feeling-a-little-better-about-natures-survival/

Good news for Suna the bandwidth hog. She finally got a wireless internet thingie that brings this rural ranch into modernity.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/15/the-hermits-rest-has-internet/

Suna noticed unusual bird activity in the fields this morning and got all scientific to figure out why. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/15/a-chickweed-festival-for-birds/

Mask wearing is controversial here in Texas. What can private companies do? What can you do? People both impress and disappoint Suna.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/14/its-hard-to-require-masks-in-texas/

Sickly Suna gets cheered up watching the Dogs of Hermits' Rest play in the water. Check the blog for photos! 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/13/dogs-love-springtime/

Ugh. Suna got vaccination side effects. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/13/plans-for-today-cancelled/

Suna is grateful for support of friends and for signs of spring!

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/12/spring-support-and-hopefulness/

Suna reveals that she's not feeling all that great, but hopes it will pass.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/12/helplessly-hoping/

Suna reviews a sobering book about unconscious bias against Black people. 

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/11/book-report-biased/

Suna's equipment is giving her a lot of trouble.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/11/technology-staging-a-revolt/

It's a simple dream. Hugs. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/10/dreaming-of-hugs/

Suna was really impressed by this book. Find out why.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/02/book-report-women-talking/

Suna admits she has started a podcast. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/10/what-podcasting/

Suna bumbles her way through an explanation of why she thinks last names are so interesting. This may be hard to listen to.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/09/must-surnames-be-sir-names/

In which Suna commiserates with so many people.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/08/bummed-and-not-alone/

Welcome to the Hermits' Rest podcast series. I'm tired. So very tired. I also can't hear this, so if you can, let me know.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://thehermitsrest.blog/2021/03/07/tired-it-happens/