Don't Be So Nervous

[bec_87rb]

11:15: So I have packed enough clothes, shoes, and Christmas paraphernalia for a two week stay into the trunk of the Altima, gotten gas, and am using both the GPS on loan from D and printed directions from sis, and am cruising along the Fairfax County Parkway. Sis's directions to her new house include how long each leg of the trip will take; this

Comments

what is the name of these trees?

[suegypt]

Sounds like you were writing this as you were driving, or at least speaking to Diane on your dictaphone.

Re: what is the name of these trees?

[bec_87rb]

It's that endless mental cataloging in my head. I was replaying the good parts. Mmmm, vacation from work, mmmmmmm.....

The trees were ...named?

Re: what is the name of these trees?

[suegypt]

Douglas fir

*GROAN*

[bec_87rb]

Douglas, of course, I knew that.

[chhinnamasta]

I can't hear about Altimas without thinking about a friend of mine who backed his brand new one into a cement pillar at the cineplex. He'd only had it a couple of days, and I was with him when it happened. Oh, the horror! I've driven a rental Altima and I wasn't that impressed. Anything that isn't my car just feels weird.

You're able to identify the breed and sex of cattle while driving?!

[bec_87rb]

I can't hear about Altimas without thinking about a friend of mine who backed his brand new one into a cement pillar at the cineplex.

*OUCH* Did he cry or curse? I am used to a smaller car, so I was nervous backing that beast up.

You're able to identify the breed and sex of cattle while driving?!

Not if they are driving, but if I am, and I'm looking at local cows, I often can. If you passed a big field with a group of dogs, all of the same breed, you'd be able to tell what kind they were. Same thing, only bigger and more slobbery.

Do you see cows in the countryside when you drive out of town?

[chhinnamasta]

Did he cry or curse?

No, he was obviously dejected, but he took it well.

I know you deleted your exposition on the beeve varieties, but I got it via e-mail anyway. I can't imagine why it is now sous erature? I found it most edifying. I especially enjoyed the comparison of dairy cow legs to those of dancers! Where did you learn all this? I have to admit, my urban existence hasn't put me in the way of such information.

Do you see cows in the countryside when you drive out of town?

Yes, but, when I look, I see a cow, not an Angus, Charlay or Holstein. Their sex, and sometimes even their color, remains a mystery to me, as the bovine blur flies past at 80-100km/h.

[bec_87rb]

Oh! I wrote it all out, then thought, "Who cares about breeds of cows?" I assumed I had gone all Aspbergers for a minute, so I erased it.

Yes, but, when I look, I see a cow, not an Angus, Charlay or Holstein. Their sex, and sometimes even their color, remains a mystery to me, as the bovine blur flies past at 80-100km/h.

I have to refer to the dogs again - if you were used to looking at cows or bulls, your brain would do the pre-filter for you, and they would be easier to distinguish. It reduces processing time. Also knowing the local breeds.

I asked Mr Google, and I spelled it wrong, it's "Charolais." Oops. Also, the photos it brings up are the Arnold Schwarzeneggers of beef. I don't remember Uncle Sidney's mean old Charolais bull looking so cut. Serious definition on that guy.

[chhinnamasta]

the deep snow in fields marked by sled runners and farmer boots

Also, I can't believe that you're making out this level of detail, while whizzing past at 60-65mph. Amazing!

I swear I am not making this up.

[bec_87rb]

I suppose it has to do with the number of seconds I get to do the looking.

The land is slighty hilly, but not mountainous there. The cow, sled marks, et cetera, are a point of attention in a large field(s) with few salient features other than snow, which is pretty uniform, and it takes me several seconds to traverse the side of the fields that border the highway. Plenty of time to get a pretty good glimpse of readily-identified objects, such as a cow grazing next to the side of a barn.

Try it out the next time you are zipping by cows?

Re: I swear I am not making this up.

[chhinnamasta]

I'm not doubting you, just marveling. You can even make out the dints of farmers' boots at that distance and speed, eh? Wow!

Re: I swear I am not making this up.

[bec_87rb]

It's easier on a fresh and snowy hill, but I saw it with my own two eyes over Christmas.