Livin in Sim

Hi, John, just had to post early and tell you that I surely do Liv's manor. The refurbished farm looks great; good idea to get the winery to grow, of the Pinot Noir variety at that, who would've thought! It looks like you've done what I've always been trying, to get the Last Chance Motel to actually grow on the edge of town, ha, ha. Seems there are two versions, this one, and a bigger one with blinkies and a fountain. That's the one that always pops up in the middle of an otherwise sedate neighborhood, yuck! I noticed the small wheat field. I can't recall, do you ever have wheat grow on large plots? I envision vast "amber waves of grain" but they seem to stick to relatively small zones. and they are prone to block up on rolling terrain--very unwavelike. Those yuppie flats are a bit "Aspen-ish". That's what happens when the best kept secret of a scenic area leaks out, you get a winery, then yuppies. I fold--I'm sorry about your toe. When I was in my teens I slammed my little toe in a door, cracked it, and that was some of the worst pain I've experienced, only beneath labor and surgery. Know what, I'm also of Irish/Celtic descent, on both sides. My mother's grand neice found members of the Rice family that traced ancestry back to the 1500's to Dingle, County Kerry. I believe they left during the Potato Famine, settling in the Hill Country of Madison County, North Carolina. My grandfather, Hillard Malone Rice, couldn't read or write, but played the mouth harp and danced a mean jig. My dad's family, the Monroes, were of Scotch Irish descent. And the toast was a funny one of his; interesting background. If that is true, though, I should say, "Here's mud in my eye," because you are out in front. And this post is getting on, so until Friday I'll leave you with another good one (I'm sure you know) of Daddy's... May you be in heaven a full half hour before the devil knows yer dead! Sláinte! --Liv

Hi, Jacky, I'm Lurkin'--I mean Livin--in Sim. I've been camping out in your little piece of heaven now for quite some time. Here, let me set this backpack down a sec, aaah. That rustling in the bushes over by the horse arena--that was me. That stone that rolled down the cliff and plopped into the creek? Me. The twig that snapped near the abbey, the tomatoes missing from the garden of the Tuscan farm, that form stretched out on the bench by the village clock tower, that shadow behind the waterfall--all me. So I'm at your mercy, haul me off to the Paradise Falls Hoosegow if you must. I'm not too worried about the atmosphere. I know it will be nicer than most. You have my most humble admiration for you skills with the landscape, and for your style au naturale. Global warming has met it's match, and we all can breathe a little deeper. Great work, and congrats! --Liv

Yeah, baby, the encyclopedia of City Journals wins 2!! David, you've improved our minds, and shared your addiction. PM me if you need the number of a Group for that. No, please, don't ever recover! --Liv

Hello, John, and all joyful fans of Anduin Valley!!! Best City Journal!! All around, hands down, wrapped up, locked and loaded. No surprise there, my friend, no surprise there. It's Thursday night, well, it was Thursday night until I saw the Trixies were up and it carried me over. Work is almost done for the week, I'm snuggled in my chair taking one last look and feeling the (shared) anticipation. Things are serene in the Valley, the judges share our opinion, and all's right with the world. Here's mud 'n yer eye, John! Down goes the Bowmore. Smo-o-oth. --Liv

T’was three weeks before Christmas and all thru ST, There was peaceful posting and uploading by Dirk’s decree. The Home Page was filled with great articles and pics; The forum gurus were sharing their tips and tricks. The BAT’ers had rendered, and their creations bedecked, Then they joyfully uploaded them all to the STEX. The LOT’ers were employing their artistic tendencies; Adding lovely props and textures, all with no dependencies! The BSC Advent Bash had caused much delight, As we hurried to register and download from Peg’s site. The Modders were sharing technical terms in their threads, While complex computer codes raced thru their heads. The City Journals had been given a lace>Holidaylace> glow, As we found more ways to make the game produce snow. I, with my computer cradled in my lap, Had inadvertently nipped off for a winter nap. When from the map section a mighty region arose. Its sheer magnitude awakened me from my doze. There were two hundred fifty six large tiles, split into quarters; 3RR NW, NE, SW, SE stretched out their borders. The mountains were terraformed to the finest detail. The rivers wound realistically thru land sized to scale. Each quad had been designed with the utmost care, For the eager Simtropolitans to develop and share. As David continues this huge undertaking, We’ll follow each step, there is no mistaking. As we accept this great gift from this diligent giver, It’s a simsational holiday, indeed, in the Region of Three Rivers! --Liv

Hi, John, What a week it has been! I worked six days, caught a cold, and twisted my knee. I missed my usual Thursday night anticipation, or at least sharing it. I think shared anticipation is twice as exciting. If it wasn't so darn cold I'd venture forth in search of the recommended Talisker or Bowmore for medicinal purposes. I did however enjoy my first French wine last weekend. I believe it was a Pinot Noir, not sure what winery, but 2002, brought back by a friend from a layover in Paris. It was very nice. Do you suppose it was the sort of wine those living in La Plaisance Estates would drink? I'm sure they would make a point of knowing the label. Me, I live a little closer to the tracks, not too far from the Junction, the one that's really making a name for itself lately. You know, over by the Eckerds--the brown and white Tudor? But I ride my bike past La Plaisance Estates all the time. I really admire the way the developer built those lovely wrought iron and stone walls to make it look like all the yards are connected. Quite often I eat lunch by the river. I always walk my bike across the swing bridge, stopping for a while in the middle. One day I listened really closely, over the sound of the waterfall and the birds. I could hear a string quartet playing, and the guests talking and laughing at a garden party nearby. It was a perfect day in June, just right for a garden party. So when I got home, I called up my friend. We listened to The Stones and drank red wine on the deck of the Tudor. It was a good time. Yep, Ettiene's Junction is really on the map nowadays. Even the farmers are well to do! Thanks, John, for the glimpse of June in November! Take care. --Liv PS--I have read...your...whole...journal!!! Also a good time.

Happy Thanksgiving, John! Actually tomorrow is our dinner, so today has been a nice day, half clean the house and half just relax. I love the cycleway, and how it looks on the riverbank. Thanks for patiently showing us your improvements, to get rid of the retaining wall, and make the entrance to the cycleway look the best. I think those little culdesac parking lots are the ones I just ran across today, are they jeronij's? They will be of use in a myriad of situations, as is true for most of jeronij's creations. I also found Vlakhaus' farm entrances--eureka! It finally took a look thru all CSX, as they didn't show up in a narrower search. Sadly, I cannot find Marrast's stairs. BSC recently kindly reuploaded a lot of his stuff, but I don't think the stairs were in any of it. I have a nice useable set of stairs, but they aren't quite the calibre. Also nice rain--it's raining here now. I once scrolled to a rain picture in Green Depra, which was complete with a lightning bolt. Suddenly, my desktop weather program, to indicate a weather warning, emitted a crack of thunder. Man, did I jump! Talk about spookily realistic! I've made to to Bruinen Fjord on the other end, so I'll be catching up with myself soon. In some parts of your region it seems there are seasonal street trees. Also, I've never seen the 2x3 residential with the protruding garage from Calenhad. It's the one Nik-Nik mentioned with regards to garage bands. I just read how you explained to him a tree growing out of the hood of a car, an option that would allow shaded parking! I can't believe he'd never heard of that feature. Sorry for so many questions! Tomorrow, after the dishes are done, and all the company is gone, it will be put the feet up time. I'll grab the laptop (perhaps a single malt??) and happily look you up. Read ya then! --Liv Edit: Oh, just discovered that the cycleway parking/entrance is yours--cool! I have and use your trails constantly. Thanks, they're great for my farms.

Hello, David, Yes, I like the seasonal trees, mixed in with the evergreens. It's improving right along, and I know when you're done it will be just like a walk in the woods. I hope the community can solve the snow thing, but with the great minds here, it's not impossible. Very sly of you to slip the vanilla rock in with the others...when I scrolled by it, I thought, "Is that the orginal rock? Naa, it didn't look that good." Maybe it was better than we thought, or just looks good in your area. The Columbus and Missouri breaks are best, look about the same to me, but the shoreline is way better with the latter, yes. Olympic might be good for a variation in quads/elevation. So good choice in your votes, everyone. Thanks for asking our opinion. Woo-hoo for the 20,000 posts! --Liv

Hi, John, It's technically Friday already, and I am soon to bed. Tonight when I get home I will engage in what has become as much a Friday evening ritual as the movie and the popcorn. It's a nice relaxing end to the work week. Thanks for the great reply. Yes, although Jean-Luc was a only fictional character, it certainly did give a tug to one's heart to see the dedicated starship captain come to know and love the life of a family man in The Inner Light. I must agree it was the best of a good series that improved with time. One of my other favorites is the episode with Data's daughter, Lal. It was so interesting to see how Data approached parenting. And it was somewhat of a paradox that Data, a being incapable of emotion, could inspire a person to feel for him. I like your take on Darmok. It does relate well to the purpose of your journal. I know I have some questions. I'll have to come up with a good one. I think my favorite part of the last update was the little residential area, topped off by the brewery and inn. It seemed folksy and authentic. Let's find a comfy table with a good view, and make a toast with our favorite lager, "To Fridays!" --Liv

Thus the 256 quads in all their vast array were completely terraformed. And Dedgren saw that it was good. On that day, Dedgren had finished the work he had been doing; so on that day, he rested. --Liv

Hello, Darmok, Livin in Sim, at Anduin Valley. (Metaphorical language meaning embarrassment at lurking forever while trying to read all the way through your wonderful journal.) I remember that STTNG episode in which your name was mentioned. It was a dandy. Greetings to a fellow watcher and long term SC4 player, altho you are much more advanced than I. I discovered this end of your long running classic a few weeks ago. I determined to do it justice by taking it all in. "Pack a lunch," was Dedgren's sage advice to another recent discover. Pack a lunch, ha, ha! Heck, pack a bag, pack the car, grab the fam, head out for an excursion. So I packed the car, and motored off, starting at Minas Tirith. I have now reached Osgiliath. The roads have been very good, and well marked. I haven't gotten lost once. I've stayed and eaten at some very fine establishments. Everyone I've met along the way has been very pleasant. I lingered in Dol Amroth the longest. It was in my estimation the most scenic of your beautiful sights. So now I must take a brief break from my travels to thank you for your dedication. I do revisit this end every Friday. I'm working on a rural area now. I get much inspiration from your ideas, so then I go play. I will try to comment now and then. It may be more "then" until I reach familiar territory once again. Thanks for sharing your journal, and so much of your daily life and other observations. I feel as though I know you. --Liv

Hi, David, Wow, what a lot of work--you are a machine--a friendly, funny, informative one, tho! From my viewpoint it was worth it, that's for sure. I can't wait to see the different tiles developed according to the diverse styles of the ones who have volunteered to help. What an interesting idea to invite collaboration! The mountains look realistic with the snow. You had me from "So I assume everyone besides me can see this..." Yep, we surely can! --Liv

A Sim-mobile is driving down the street--suddenly the ground turns white... Passenger Sim: (riding shotgun) Whoa, what's that white stuff--it's all over!! Driver Sim: (fighting to keep control of the wheel) Holy ___--it looks like...snow! It hasn't snowed down here since...lemme see...was it ...2000? PS: That was freaky how it just appeared all of a sudden like that. DS: Yeah, and after the mayor told us there would be no more snow. Whose stinkin' idea was it to bring back snow?! (Almost slides into ditch.) Snowboarder Sim: (waking up from nap in back seat) Swe-e-et!! Seriously, thanks, Buggi, I think snow is sweet, too. --Liv

Hurray! --Liv PS Hmmm...was thinkin'...two lines...=...does it mean we are all equal in spite of our post count?? Prob'ly a n()()b thought, huh?

Hi, 3RR Dwellers, I'm back from a trip to see my brother, and I took a vacation from my laptop as well. Many happy returns on the 1000th and 15,000th milestones, David! Sorry about the earthquake, and that you got the flu. I wanted to let you know that I DL-ed Firefox, and I can now see your map pics with it. Haven't looked in IE to see if they're missing there, but now and then there were a few other journal and "Show Us Your..." pics I couldn't see as well, so maybe that will help. As for the maps, they look great, and will have to study them later. It will be great to think about the RL proportions of SC. Thanks for uploading the rocks, they're "simsational". Grammar Police, I'm waiting for my day in court. Is the nice bridge in the picture the one with the linkie in Jeronij's sig? (Went to the linkie, but it was just the zip.) If so, I have it, but don't know if I see it in my toolbar. Oh, maybe I haven't needed a bridge since I DL-ed it. Will have to do a land one now that there are more rocks and flora. I'm off to work, ugh. --Liv PS--Gaston, thanks for the nice comment!

*pulls over to side of forum, rolls down window, greets officer of grammar police* Good morning! No, I had no idea how fast I was running on...three to four times the normal limit?! Oh my, I'm so sorry. It won't happen again! *accepts ticket from officer* Yes, well, guess I'll see you in court...uh, yeah...you have a nice day, too. *watches officer drive off* Nuts! I wonder if I need a lawyer...

*knocks timidly on door of CJ* Come in? Oh, OK! Hi, David, I'm Liv. Nice to meet you! I've been observing from afar, but have been fascinated. I love your eye candy, I'm a nature person. I like your farms as well. And your transportation systems, well, they have me in awe, as most of the amazingly detailed and well thought out systems in the CJ's of ST do. That's definitely not my strong suit, but I'll have to work at it a bit, tutorials in hand. It's the key to any good city or town. I have tried my hand at the ploppable water, with your tutorials and rapids, and I'm pretty happy with those, thanks! The land bridges are very versatile, thanks for that lesson as well. I must admit, you've lost me a bit on the scale thing, but I've reread a few, and I'm starting to get it. Because I do love maps. I spent large parts of road trips poring over the atlas. (Only if I'm not driving!) My fave activity of a Sunday is to jump in the outfit with a Forest Service map and spend all afternoon getting lost and unlost on the backroads. For me some of your pics are gone still, tho, I know they would help me understand the scale topic. Anyway, just wanted to drop in to say, "Great job, keep it up, thanks for putting all you have into this!" I appreciate the work and feel like I know you, so I will surely be back. Am off on vacation soon, but this might make me bring along my laptop. --Liv

Hi, Simtrop Community, I must say, you have a very useful and entertaining site here. I'm having so much fun checking out all the helpful information, the inspiring CJ's, and now all the "sim-sational" BAT's. I can't wait to try them in my cities and towns! I've been playing SC4 off and on for more years than I like to count, but recently rediscovered it when my son put together an "Uber-puter" from components. It was a hot summer, so I spent far too much time in front of the monitor. If you want to know a little more about me, check out my profile. Thanks again to you all for a fun site, and hope to cyber gab with you again soon! --Liv