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Messages - nineoaks

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151
Words / Re: Turps common?
« on: February 10, 2011, 06:34:23 AM »
Hi, Anonsi:

Turps is a common abbreviation among people who work with turpentine (painters, woodworkers, etc.). It's one of those words that's never used in the singular (kind of like 'tights'). It is an informal word and, I would guess, only 'common' among people who use this solvent.

BTW 8), let me add my admiration for your excellent text-ese translation skills!

nineoaks

152
Words / Re: cancelled versus canceled
« on: February 06, 2011, 08:50:56 AM »
The same is true for travelled/traveled. The double-l version of both travelled and cancelled looks better to me, but I always taught my students the 'American English' single-l spelling, because that's the way it was spelled in their dictionaries. I wonder if the spelling change dates all the way back to Noah Webster and his campaign to simplify spelling rules.
Anybody know?

nineoaks

153
Whatever / Re: Any Chi members living in the Carins - Townsville, QLD area?
« on: February 04, 2011, 12:38:22 PM »
Dear Bambam:

I breathed a big sigh of relief when I read your latest posting and was assured that you are safe and sound. Thanks for letting us know your status.

All best wishes,

nineoaks

154
Whatever / Re: Changes
« on: February 04, 2011, 05:11:16 AM »
TRex:

Ha! Ha! Yes, it does seem more like an opportunity to become less tired! :) (...and I know that you know it's got nothing to do with being tired, but is from the French retirer, to withdraw or draw back.)

I do much prefer the Spanish for retirement: jubilación 8)

cheers,

nineoaks

155
Whatever / Re: Aussie neighbours
« on: February 01, 2011, 12:59:44 PM »
Dear Ada: Yes, that's the connection made by my twisted little mind...

But, seriously, Aussie Neighbors, we are distressed by the horrific string of natural disasters you have been suffering. The BBC website says that NE Australia is now expecting a cyclone they refer to as Cyclone Anthony's 'big, ugly sister.'

Yikes! All Chi-folk safe and sound?

All best wishes,

nineoaks

156
Whatever / Re: Changes
« on: February 01, 2011, 07:19:35 AM »
Dear Pat:

Congratulations on your excellent decision! It's lovely to know that your retirement has been such a success.

Thanks for your kind wishes and may you continue to enjoy your days...

nineoaks


157
Whatever / Re: Changes
« on: January 31, 2011, 04:11:49 PM »
Thanks, A-non! I appreciate your good wishes. I was happy to be able to make the switch from my old one-page-a-day planner to a two-pages-a-week format. Such a luxury!

nineoaks

158
Whatever / Re: Changes
« on: January 31, 2011, 06:52:17 AM »
Quote from: cb on January 30, 2011, 09:36:52 PM
Congratulations!  Glad to hear you've already found many ways of filling your additional free time.  I too am madly jealous.

Thanks, CB, for your good wishes. Much appreciated,

nineoaks

159
Whatever / Re: Changes
« on: January 31, 2011, 05:50:34 AM »
Dear Birdy:

You asked if I have set any goals for retirement. I do have some interests that I want to pursue, but I am trying to keep from over-committing myself.

I volunteer at the local elementary school (where I taught for many years). Once a week, I visit the kindergarten and first grade classes and do a short Spanish lesson. Fun! I also volunteer with our public library's adult literacy program, working with people who, in mid-life, have bravely decided to learn how to read.

Like you, I have the goal of cleaning my house. I've started on the attic: scary! :)

Have you done any traveling since you retired? I'd like to spend an extended period in a Spanish-speaking country to work on my fluency and keep my brain alive.

Thanks so much for your friendly postings,

nineoaks




160
Whatever / Re: Aussie neighbours
« on: January 30, 2011, 05:26:21 PM »
Cake decorating and historic battle reenactment...hmmm...the image that popped into my mind was a large sheet cake skillfully decorated to represent the Battle of the Bulge...

sorry, I couldn't help myself...

and welcome to the Forum, Clever Mick!

161
Whatever / Re: Changes
« on: January 30, 2011, 05:17:07 PM »
Dear Birdy:

Well, I'll be sure call on you when I need expert advice. After just one month of being ungainfully (and happily) unemployed, I cannot figure out how I ever had time to work. This is a good sign, no?

Thanks for your kind wishes,

nineoaks

162
Whatever / Re: Changes
« on: January 30, 2011, 01:54:03 PM »
Dear Anonsi:

Quote from: anonsi on January 30, 2011, 09:47:38 AM
Congratulations!! Did I mention I'm jealous? :)

I said this very same thing to a neighbor when she retired. Her reply stayed with me: 'Don't worry. It will come to you, too.'

Thanks to you and Ilondrah for your kind wishes.

nineoaks

163
Whatever / Changes
« on: January 30, 2011, 06:28:20 AM »
Dear Forum Friends:

Just wanted to mention that my profile now includes the word retired! My plans: to see what my home is like in the daylight on a weekday! Perhaps I'll be able to join the forum conversation more often now.

cheers,

nineoaks

164
Words / Re: re: Saturday, Sept 24 Challenge
« on: September 28, 2010, 06:35:16 AM »
Thanks, Anonsi!

Idle Curiosity:
Are you named after the famous spider of the Ashanti people of Ghana?

9Oaks

165
Words / re: Saturday, Sept 24 Challenge
« on: September 26, 2010, 10:30:36 AM »
Dear Alan:

I was surprised to find 'vise' accepted as a rare word. To me, this is a common word meaning, 'a clamping device, usually consisting of two jaws closed or opened by a screw or lever, used in carpentry or metalworking to hold a piece in position.'
I understand that the British spelling is 'vice', but are there not quite a few chi words with alternate American/British spellings (-re/-er; -our/-or; etc.) that share 'common' status?
What is your thinking on this?

All best wishes,

Petra @ nineoaks

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