I Sold Out

By: rebekah
On: 08/31/2009 08:16:49
In: Rumor Has It ...
Comments: 50

I did, I sold out.

But before we discuss that, I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?

Do you tend to pick the good or bad news first when someone asks you that? I usually ask for the good first...so, here goes.

The good news: internet was finally (finally!!) hooked up in our new house. It took a whole week to get it done, but, friends, it is FINALLY here. There are still some problems, but at least I can access the Internet.

Which means I'm not sitting in Starbucks at the moment, but am in my family room instead.

Incidentally, I meant to tell you that one day last week I had been working out in the yard and was not presentable in the least. Not by sight nor smell. I needed to get access to the Internet to take care of a couple of pressing things, but hated to walk into Starbucks being so entirely and completely not presentable.

So, I decided to try to catch the WiFi wave out in my car in the parking lot in front of Starbucks. It worked! Who knew?

I've got to thank you for all the GREAT suggestions for catching some zzzz's. I had a feeling y'all would have some ideas for dealing with this. I'm still working on it and will probably try each and every suggestion before I'm finished.

Now, on to the bad news.

But really, it's not that bad. No, not bad at all. I mean, there is some real bad news out there...and this? Just another glitch, that's all. It could be worse. It could ALWAYS be worse. You know what? Now that I think about it, this isn't bad news at all. It's actually good news. So here's the other good news:

I've got some kind of bug or flu or something. My tonsils feel like golf balls, it hurts to talk, I can't breathe and have nausea. That's probably too much information for you. (My daughter's first grade teacher used to say "TMI." Ever since first grade, that's how we refer to such facts: TMI.)

Oh well. Know that I've taken my Nyquil and plan to lay around all day. See now? That's the good news. Nyquil. Someone suggested Nyquil for my insomnia and now I can try it...

What will I do today, you might ask? Just laying around "aching, sniffling, sneezing, stuffy-head, fever so I can't rest." (Did I get it right? The symptoms in the Nyquil commercial?)

Here's where the "I sold out" comes in to play.

I'll not be reading as I try to get feeling better. Or sleeping. Or goofing around on the computer.

Look who my Hubby invited over to our house on Saturday:

The satelitte tv man.

This means we have television.

We haven't had television for over two years.

And I haven't missed it AT ALL.

Well, except for that day when I heard that David Cassidy was on Oprah. But other than that? Haven't missed a thing about television.

But hubby has.

He's missed sports and news. And he likes the weather.

So, I gave in. "Okay, Sweetie, whatever...."

I guess I didn't really "sell out." I just gave in. Hubby's very cute. And his cutemess makes him very persuasive in these and all matters.

But, let me tell you this. I intend to be heavy handed with the "OFF" button. With an 8-year old daughter I protect like Mama Bear, I have a feeling I'll be turning television OFF a lot.

But today? Well, today I'll be catching up with the Food Network and TVLand...

Me and Nyquil and daytime tv...

and Strudel-Noodle, sleeping like a baby....

oops, was sleeping like a baby, I just woke her up and her eyes popped open...no other movement, by the way, just the eyelids opening up....

"Oh, Strudel...lullaby and goodnight, go back to sleep...."

What about you? What are your thoughts about television in your home? Anybody lived without it for a period of time? Or for good? What were your reasons? Or, could you never live without it? Are there some shows you simply must see each week? (Used to be Seinfeld for me...Will probably be again on reruns.) What are the best shows these days? Or the best channels?

And let me just add: Y'all are the BEST commenters in all of blogland!

Until next time, Friends, savor the flavor of life!

Lots of love, The City Farmgirl, Rebekah

See ya back here next Tuesday!

Comments

: By: Marlene; On: 08/31/2009 17:43:28

We have a TV. We pay a whole lot for cable.

And we never turn the thing on.

We use it for movies, mostly, which we rent from Netflix.

Over the last few years, we've watched two shows - Lost and .... and ... what was that show? Oh - Heroes! But we always watched them on the internet because it was easier than recording them on our VCR. We won't watch a program on straight TV, cause we can't stand the commercials.

A couple of years ago, my daughter moved back in with her Dad so she could save for a down payment on a house. She had a big-screen TV that she was afraid to put in storage, so we took it. It's upstairs in our bedroom. I think my husband turned it on once to watch a basketball game. I will NEVER agree to watch a TV in our bedroom.

I guess there's really no point to my rambling. Except to say - yeah, be really tough with that "off" button.

: By: Jenny; On: 08/31/2009 18:22:32

Oh poor wittle sick girwl. Your node is all stubby? I think I could live without TV just fine. I hate when my granddaughters watch it and get that glazed over look on their faces. Then I turn it off and make them go play with my old Fisher Price vintage toy sets or we paint or color or swim or go for a walk. There's stuff I watch but if I didn't have it I think I would be just fine.

OK, but I will admit, Food Network, the History Channel, Hallmark (at Christmas).

OK, so maybe I need my TV just a little bit.

And when my kids were little our TV broke and we were without for one entire summer and nobody noticed - too many games to play outside, too many places to explore...just wayyyy too busy to watch it!

Get better Miss Germy!

And be careful not to get sucked into Project Runway ! ha!
Although Design Star is pretty fun!

See? I watch it hardly at all.

: By: Karin; On: 09/01/2009 06:58:21

I hope you are better soon. :) Nothing worse than being sick. Well, maybe being sick without TV. ;) We have the Dish and, truthfully, I have so many channels locked I don't know why we bother. But there would be a mutiny if I tried to do away with television in our house. I'm not in the mood for one of those. ;)

: By: Norah; On: 09/01/2009 08:06:23

I grew up without a tv, but watched until my eyes ached whenever I got the chance lol.. We spent our time reading - a lot. Since I got married (38 years ago), we've always had tv and we never really went any length of time without it. Not having tv is a good thing though, and we should have done it. Now, my husband and I watch the news and an occasional movie on tv, but we have Netflix, which we love. We got into watching 24 however, and we like "Lie to Me", and love "The Office". TVland is great, I love the Andy Griffith show.

Get well soon, and enjoy curling up, staying dozy and comfy until you feel better.

I just discovered your blog :-)

: By: all8garden; On: 09/01/2009 08:51:13

My DH's family went without a TV for years because the set broke and they just didn't replace it. All of their kids talk about how that was the best of times. They read, played games and worked together. They all still have really close relationships.

Since everything went digital, we can only pick up one channel. So we don't bother with it. BUT we do have Netflix and love their Instant Play. Homework, dinner and chores must be done by everyone before it gets turned on though and bedtime is 8-8:30 pm so it limits the time that it can be watched, plus, if we can't finish a movie in that time frame then it's a no-go. When we lived out in the country the TV wasn't as much of a bother, too much to do and see. Can't wait till we move back out. (Ack, who'd have ever thought I'd be raising "city" kids?!)

: By: Carol; On: 09/01/2009 09:29:25

TV is boring!!! To many commercials. I'm all about Netflix though. It's a great service. Just wish I was the one that thought of it!!! Get well soon.
CC

: By: Gary; On: 09/01/2009 09:53:57

Good subject Rebekah...!
I haven't owned a tee vee since about October 2001, and I'm not missing a worthwhile thing. If you recall, in the wake of 911, we were all glued to our tee vees, and I was no exception. Mine just stopped working one day that October... blank screen, and I was very busy with work at the time and didn't have time to go shopping for a new one. In the days following, I began to notice my mood brighten, and my general outlook on everything took a significant positive turn. At first I was puzzled, as there had been no event in my life to account for my perky Spirit, and then I realized... oh yes there had been an event: I was no longer being "told" on a daily basis what to think and how to feel about certain things. Upon realizing this, I took the old Panasonic and heaved it into a dumpster; bought a big screen monitor, computer and VHS/Disc movie player, and life returned to normal.
I am fortunate, because I grew up in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains during a time when there was little or no tee vee... I was about 5 years old when Knoxville got it's first station WATE, and I read, a LOT, and listened to those old radio dramas, which require the use of imagination to visualize what was being heard.
Television... techno-geeks are fond of plays on words and letters... translation: "Tell them how to see it"...
To me it's just tee vee.
Thank You for reading.
Gary
in Tampa

: By: Eva Painter; On: 09/01/2009 09:58:23

Don't forget the peppermint tea! It's good for upset tummies and stuffy noses! hot of cold!

We don't have cable TV, but we do have Cable Internet, so we use hulu.com. I miss the Discover channel, the Travel channel, and the History channel, but that is probably because we homeschool our four children... If we want a movie, we go to the library and check it out.

Get well soon,

: By: Holly; On: 09/01/2009 10:15:52

While living on the outskirts of the Alleghany National Forest, our tv antenna was struck by lightning. We lived without tv for over a year and never missed it. Mind you, we only received the 3 major networks anyway, and have no children. Nonetheless, we read a lot, went for many, many walks, listened to music and the radio, and really got along quite well together. It can be done!

: By: Janet Bucklew; On: 09/01/2009 10:28:15

I am not adverse to television. Sometimes it is on "mindlessly" and I have been turning it off more often. My sister has been living in NC for about two months without the tube. Personally, I would rather have the internet over television any day of the week. Hope you feel better.

: By: Cindy; On: 09/01/2009 10:37:07

My family and I do not watch much TV at all. PBS is about the only good thing we watch when we do turn it on. We don't sit in front of our computers for any extended length of time either. We don't Twitter, Facebook, Google or text. Cell phones are for urgent matters only. We have intentionally downshifted....and it has been a revelation! There was once a time when TV served as background noise, it was always on, then one day came when I saw how noisy and useless all the electronics were. My children have grown to use their imagination, and they are most happy outdoors and we spend our time building fortresses, fairy houses and playing in the dirt, sand and water. The way we feel now, TV is boring....real life is much more fun!

: By: Miki; On: 09/01/2009 11:13:51

Years ago we lived in a huge house with a TV in every room.
Now we live in a little house with one TV that gets very bad reception (I refuse to pay for cable) Our TV is so old and hubby has wanted a flat screen for a very long time. Early this year I suggested he buy that flat screen, and guess what?? He still hasn't bought it!
It's truly a waste of time and money. We can watch what we need to on our computer.
Hope you fell better soon!
Miki

: By: Nancy Rekow; On: 09/01/2009 11:32:07

Hi Rebekah,
Here's a highly effective old-time treatment for the dreadful flu-like symptoms you describe. Here in the Northwest where it rains mucho fall, winter, spring (but is beautiful & things grow like mad) I've struggled with nose/throat/lung/ear stuffiness stuff for 46 years -- & usually lose my voice for a while in the process. Last year a naturopath told me about THE WET SOCK TREATMENT which REALLY HELPS. Now I've learned from an Austrian friend that it's widely used in Europe & elsewhere where it's been known for centuries! Anyhow here it is. Before going to bed (day or night) thoroughly wet & wring out a pair of cotton socks & put them on! (I use hot water.) Then immediately pull on over them a pair of heavy wool socks & get into bed well-covered. Your feet feel cold for maybe 30 seconds. Then warmth works in. All night as you sleep, the wool keeps in the moist warmth & your feet feel lovely. When you wake up the socks are all dry & your warm feet & legs have kept your blood circulating all night long. And this all makes sense. Think about it. The reason sheep do fine out in freezing wet weather is that wool, even wet wool, holds in the heat, as all hikers know.
Why amazing simple healing facts like this are not better known has always mystified me.... And also, as you probably know, STEAM yourself over & over. Run the shower, close the door, sit in the bathroom & read.... And also, use a neti pot or saltwater nose squirter thing once or more a day.... And also, take LOTS of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin....
So here's hoping you resurrect soon. And of course it seems we now & then need to feel miserable so we can, when restored, realize yet again what a miraculous thing it is to be alive....Meanwhile, facing September, I thank you for reminding me to be mindful of these seasons.
Nancy Rekow, 9/1/2009

: By: Blair; On: 09/01/2009 11:46:29

My fiance and I cut the cable off a couple of years ago. Once he got over the shock of me cutting it off in the middle of college football season (oopsie) we both still had plenty to watch with just the analog channels we got from our rabbit ears. When analog switched to digital recently, we planned to just go without. We have internet and have plenty to do besides watch TV. That lasted about 3 months, until the first time we nearly go blown away by a Kansas tornado. We agreed to buy a converter box in order to get the local news stations and see the weather maps/radars (know when to head to the basement). I must say, even with our handful of channels, neither of spend a great deal of time in front of the TV anymore. (personal victory for myself, I have a weakness for "vegging out" in front of the tube).
So stay strong! I too miss the Food Network and the History channel and truth be known, if I could pay for just the channels I wanted to see, I totally would.
Netflix is fantastic and the Internet lets me see pretty much any sitcom episode I like.
No need to support the 45 home shopping channels just to get local stations and HGTV, right? :)
I hope you get to feeling better.
Blair

: By: Betty Grimes; On: 09/01/2009 11:51:35

I left a comment. When I finished I was told that it would not go thru, because I had not given a valid email address. I gave what I use all the time, what happened. It did not give me time to check it and make any corrections What do you mean by website???

: By: donna; On: 09/01/2009 11:57:49

I have a love hate relationship with tv. But my DH loves football. He lives eats and breathes football. So we have tv. And the dish. Which I get great channels like the garden channel and cooking. And Hallmark. and I get the radio where they play music all the time. Do I think I would get more accomplished if I used the on/off button more? Of course I would. But sometimes it's nice to have it muttering in the background. And on RFD I get to watch Elenor Burns. A quilt guru. And then there is the channel with the old cartoons on. Tom and Jerry and Huck Finn. So I feel like I get to see old friends. and I love The Andy Griffith Show. I hate commericals. But I like Tv.
Ginger Tea works really good when you are sickly. Hope you feel better.
donna

: By: Rebekah; On: 09/01/2009 12:32:57

Hi Betty!
I have no idea why that would have happened? Try it again, if you don't mind. My understanding is that we don't even need a valid email address for comments to be posted here, so gosh, I can't imagine what happened?
I do know about the "website" question. If you want a link from your name to your website, type in your website address and it will pop up. Then everybody can visit your website too!
Okay, let me know if you have any further problems with posting. I'll ask the technical wizards to look into it!
Take care! Rebekah

: By: Clare Deane; On: 09/01/2009 13:24:30

I hope you feel better soon. I love this blog!! We didn't have a tv until I was 12. We listened to mysteries and such on the radio.It developed my imagination and powers of deduction. This was in the 1950s. I have a tv now but don't watch the news or news related shows. I like PBS, some mystery shows, and a few of the comedies (very few). I watch movies on either DVDs or VHS tapes. I go for days without turning the tv on. I live alone, so I have control of the remote. I get enough news from when I open my e-mail and the main page give news snipets. If I want to read more, I click on the link. If not, I bypass the link and check my e-mail. My 85 yr old mother watches CNN 7/24 and makes sure she calls me with news she thinks I should be aware of. If I didn't have a tv, I would listen to more books on CD and cassette tapes than I do now and listen to music more too. TV in and of itself is not a bad thing. It makes a difference as to how much one watches it and does watching it hinder interactions with those you live with.

: By: Nancy; On: 09/01/2009 13:43:59

Hi Rebekah...

Newbie here, just popping in to say we have cable and I use it to watch all the old movies. I love seeing the great actors, act without all the vulgarities. It is so delightful!
Just went thru a week of Audrey Hepburn (what a beauty) and some Sinatra movies. Since changing our eating habits, the food channels don't really work for me anymore. I do like PBS now and then, wish we could get some Westerns. Am I showing my age?
Loved your picture of Strudel-Noodle. Wish there was a way for me to attach my "pattycake" in the very same pose as Strudel. Pattycake is a silver/blonde yorkie that is the sweetest pup anyone could ever want...love her so much! Anyway, I know that look of eyes moving and nothing else...hahaha!
Be well dear Rebekah...take care of yourself.
Blessings,
Nancy

: By: Cindy; On: 09/01/2009 18:11:56

Well my favorite tv station was taken away from our "basic" cable package, and that was the Hallmark station. So now, all I watch is NCIS on Tuesday evening (when it isn't reruns) and Martha Stewart. I record Martha, then watch what I want. That's it. TV really isn't worth the money. I do watch PBS now and then, and if they take it away, I'm canceling cable for good.

: By: lisa; On: 09/01/2009 18:14:57

I am SO sorry to hear your are under the weather..
Nasty things, tonsils.. they make it so much worse.

Love the subject of tvs. We don't have sat. or cable but love the PBS Create Channel.
Also a big LOST fan . Course I am addicted to Brit Coms on PBS !
I do show my youngest dd old shows like Gilligan's Island & Hazel :-) on Hulu.. or another Internet site.

Currently I spend more time on my MP3 listening to everything from "Father Knows Best" 1950's radio too Knitting podcasts. Great for my daily walks..

I have to say I am amazed at how many comments are on here from those that don't watch a lot of tv.. Nice to hear..

lis

: By: Reba; On: 09/01/2009 18:21:20

Hope you feel better soon, Rebekah. You have been through much stress lately, so it's not a surprise that your immune system is down. Once you're over the nausea, yogurt is really good for "probiotics" to rebuild the immne system. I ate yogurt and also did the neti-pot when I some of the same symptoms. It may have taken longer than "antibiotics", but I'm more about finding something natural and some things to avoid doctors. It is interesting to assess how much time is spent in front of a tv. My husband loves to sit with the tv. I turn it on to watch a movie or DVD (I have the "Little House", "Waltons", and "Dr Quinn" series given to me as gifts from my daughter). Hope you heal well, and feel strong very soon. How is your daughter? I have kept her in my thoughts and prayers since she is going to school with new friends, and also a hurting heart from the loss of her friend. Maybe soon you both will be settled in and ready to enjoy the little "nip" of fall in the air. Blessings, Reba

: By: Cheri; On: 09/01/2009 19:09:28

Sorry you're feeling yucky, I, too, am nursing a cold :(
Okay~ tv...Around the time our daughter was born, we got sick of the cable bill (they kept raising the rates) and turned off the service. So just 'snow' on the screen since then, tho we do use a DVD player and Video player for watching movies (from friends or Library). We played lots of games at our house and had numerous kid sleepovers. Somehow, our place was popular even without tv. Lots of hiking, reading aloud and visits to the Library for more stacks of books (each of out 4 kids could check out 50 books at a time!). We have not regretted this for one moment. Honest. People are amazed at the fun and memories we have as a family. We still play games together and the kids have never begged for the tv. We turned it off when our daughter was born and that was 21 years ago. Try it...unite the family :)

: By: Jan; On: 09/01/2009 19:28:18

Hi Rebekah,
Hope you are feeling better really soon!
I just had to add my two cents to tv land.
When my kids were little (I had 5 in 6 years, the last two were twins) I decided that my kids were far to interested in tv and it was always a battle to keep it off so I made a deal with them if they sold the play station and the main TV, we would buy a trampoline. They agreed and we sold the items and bought a trampoline and get this a fantastic trampoline tent that is made for the trampoline.
They had so much fun on that trampoline and camping out in the tent that went with it! We would drag out the little tv that had a vcr in the bottom of it and put it in the tent, get out sleeping bags and pop popcorn and then snuggle up and watch a movie in the back yard. The trampoline has lasted about 12 years and is still in commission including a few patches that the canvas shop put on it.

My kids played together so much because they were the entertainment. They are all young adults now and still enjoy each other's company.

My oldest daughter is writing and illustrating children's stories and she always says I think our imaginations went wild when we were kids because we didn't have tv to entertain us. I now am the proud grandma of my first grand baby (a sweet little girl) and as soon as she is big enough she and I will jump on that trampoline and watch movies in that tent and I am certain that when she is at grandma's house we will find all kinds of stuff to do other than watch tv.
By the way I love reading your blogs! Jan

: By: Wendy; On: 09/01/2009 22:31:44

Well, honestly I only watch TV when I am folding laundry every few days (and not always). And then it's PBS or Discovery Channel. Sometimes I watch a movie that I've checked out from the libaray (mostly Jane Austin - watched Persuasion yesterday while I quilted - love that one). Although, I tend to watch movies on the computer in the warmer part of the house upstairs. Does that count as a TV? Funny, we have a huge flat screen TV downstairs that my husband just had to have and we never watch it.

A couple of years ago when the economy took a dive I talked my husband into downgrading our cable to just basic. I was so excited to be back to just 13 channels! Just like when I was a kid! I though "there you go, kids will find other things to do because there won't be an endless stream of channels." I thought about this more for my daughter who is 17. But, of course she found adequate junk TV to watch. But, it's less frequent and my voice is less hoarse form yelling at them to "TURN OFF THAT TV AND FIND SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE TO DO! LIKE A BOOK!" There are so many other activities to do (quilting, reading, playing an instrument, learning a new hobby, gardening, the list is endless).

My strongest advice is NEVER LET VIDEO GAMES INTO YOUR HOUSE! I'm not thrilled about Wii. We will eventually leave the TV behind. We are moving east from the Seattle area. I asked my husband if he thought he would be ready to leave the TV here too and he actually said "YES"!! Very progressive of my sci-fi junky husband! I am truly a farmgirl trapped in a city dwelling, always have been. I dream of getting up at the crack of dawn to feed chickens and goats (maybe even a horse :-), planting large gardens, having a stall in a farmers market selling my colorful treasures, the quiet of the countryside, living off the I-5 corridor (never been more than 5 miles off the corridor my entire life from San Diego to Seattle).

Anyway, good luck with the telly! And the cold! Rest! Hot lemon and honey is always soothing too! Take care Rebekah!

: By: Angela; On: 09/02/2009 01:39:46

Since school started this year, I have "deprived" my children of evening television. It's harder to occupy them while I making dinner, but bedtime is easier, conduct grades are higher, and I find out more about what went on at school each day. When I move to my farm in a couple of years, I don't think that I'll take the tv. Can Spongebob begin to compare to playing in the great outside? Not in this momma's eyes.
Take care,
Angela

: By: Carol in NC; On: 09/02/2009 05:24:22

We went without TV for two years when our kids were about your daughter's age but succumbed a few years ago, unfortunately. The commercials drive me crazy. It bugs me to pay my cable bill and still have to sit through advertisements. What the heck is my money going toward then? It's like one long chain of drug company adds. We're so invaded by chemical corporations I'm beginning to think they rule the world. Oh wait, they do rule the world! haha.
Carol

: By: Shari; On: 09/02/2009 05:30:25

Ah. Television. My husband can’t live without it. If he had his way he’d have one in every room of the house. As it is, there’s one upstairs, one in the master bedroom, and one in the living room. It comes on first thing in the morning and it’s the last thing to be turned off at night. So the first thing I get is what fire is raging where, politics with Morning Joe, an O’Reilly repeat and I’m exhausted already.
BUT … my husband has been putting in some long hours at work lately and the TV is OFF!!! The windows are open, I can hear the birds sing, see the horses shuffle down the lane to their favorite pasture, and hear hens clucking over one of their best eggs ever. Its life as it should be.
I cannot understand why we allow all the things of a world gone wrong to take up valuable cell space in our brain. Call me a Pollyanna, but I choose to fill my brain cells with a morning kiss, a sunrise over the mountains, and crisp morning air while sipping a steaming cup of coffee. And that’s just the beginning of my day. I can’t wait to get started. 

: By: Debbie; On: 09/02/2009 08:40:39

Hope you are better, soon, drink lots of liquids. I make a cough syrup every fall for the cold season with honey, sugar and garlic. I know there aren't any bad chemicals in it. And it stores for the whole season. Really doesn't taste that bad even though the mixture sound weird. Keep it on the counter ready for the first sign of illness.
My husband is the same as Shari's. TV on every minute. I like the old shows like TV land or food network for background noise sometimes when I do needle work at night, no birds singing then. Otherwise, just use it to get the news or weather. Much prefer to be outside or listening to the oldies on Surius Radio which comes with the TV cable service. Good use for the TV, listening to oldies on it. Usually something nice I can sing to. (Can't carry a tune so only sing when no one is around) LOL! Makes me feel good.

: By: auntpammy; On: 09/02/2009 11:10:04

Well, I hope you are feeling better today. I get that error message alot of times too. I usually just wait and post the next day if I can.Yes it happened yesterday so I came back today!!!

Now, about the tv. My family and I were without television for about 15 years. We didn't miss it, we didn't have it.That was when we lived on the farm and had no business even watching tv.We were busy from sun up till sun down.

Then we moved to our little town and got tv.We got satellite and had more channels than I even knew existed! My husband even went out and bought a big plasma tv with surround sound. Guess what? That was like four years ago and now all we watch is Mountaineer football and basketball.(GO 'EERS!)Go figure, I guess it's a nice thing to have but I wouldn't want to live there???lol

Feel better Rebekah, get some much needed rest and relax.

: By: Lori; On: 09/02/2009 12:19:39

We haven't had cable for 20 years. Hubby loves the news and weather. My daughter and I like 'Lie to Me' and 'House'. All 4 kids can't live without 'Heroes". We watch movies and tv shows on DVD. That way we can censor out inappropriate stuff and there are no ads. I like old Doris Day and Cary Grant movies and shows like Dick van Dyck, Mary Tyler Moore, Hogan's Heroes, Get Smart and new ones like Pushing Daisies.

: By: Betsy; On: 09/02/2009 15:16:42

I would love to say we don't watch TV but I am afraid it is on all day everyday. My husband could not live without it and my disabled daughter watches it all the time. My grandson plays games on his in the evening after school. Me, I record the shows I like and don't watch it during the day. I am out in one of my gardens or quilting or scrap booking or if my work is done, I will read.
I remember that when I was 3 years old on a farm in Indiana my parents purchased the first TV in the whole area. I remember watching wrestling with neighbors and that is all.
I could live without it but my family would not agree.

: By: Erin; On: 09/02/2009 19:08:04

I am totally and miserably HOOKED on TV. Sorry - Gotta have it. I think it's a result of having grown up on the farm with only rabbit ears and the occasional clear signal (usually being the boring CBS affiliate out of Lafayette).
Anyway - I have countless pictures of my Maggie dog like that. I chuckled thinking about all of the sweet doggie naps I've interrupted with the flash of a camera.

: By: Oemissions; On: 09/03/2009 00:55:43

Starbucks? That is a last resort. I go he extra block(s) to findan organic, fairtraded coffee shop run by some LOCAL people.

: By: Kathy; On: 09/03/2009 05:20:43

Well my goodness, didn't this stir up a lot of comment?! TV and illness...the two actually have fond memories for me. If I was sick and got to stay home from school, I was allowed to snuggle up on the sofa and watch TV in the daytime! I came from a family that was busy all the time, so although we had TV it was never on during the day. Daytime TV was Andy Griffith and Mayberry, the Price is Right and all sorts of wonders. It was great.

I think TV still has its place in the world and don't begrudge it at all. I really don't watch it much, my husband watches it more often and we both jokingly call it a 'wasteland'. But it has a place in our "busyness", actually kind of a quiet place - a place where we are physically quiet and not pressed to do something. It really has a big part in some older folks' world providing a voice in a quiet house.

Lastly, we raised our daughter on a ranch in a very rural situation in the west. We had a TV with rabbit ears and could get a PBS station and another local type station as our house was on a big hill. The neighbors down the way had six kids. They did not believe a TV should be part of a household. Occasionally I would invite the lot of them up to play (as we had just one little bambino). She would be so excited but as soon as those kids would come they would beg to watch TV. Sometimes we would go along and turn on some children's program and they would all sit fixated on the screen. It didn't appear that they were learning a lot from the no TV rule to me. My daughter learned you could take it or leave it and there were times when it was a big bonding element for us - every Sunday evening we watched Murder She Wrote - solving murders left and right. It was "our" fun time amid a ranchlife full of the out of doors, work and play. My daughter is grown up now - she is a huge reader, makes things, sells on Etsy, etc. but she does have a TV. Get Well Soon!

: By: Shirley; On: 09/03/2009 08:30:02

I really hope you start feeling better soon, take care.

I spend the day by myself and the tv never comes on, but when the other half is home that is the first thing he does when he walks in the door. I prefer a movie in the evening, I think it is so true, "gosh knows how many channels these days and not much on" I do like the feeling though that if I wanted to watch tv it is here.

I love you blog, thank you so much for continuing even though you are not feeling well, you are a sweetie :)

: By: crunchycon; On: 09/06/2009 06:40:19

We still have TV, but got rid of the cable earlier this year when we figured we weren't watching a whole lot of the channels unless we were indiscriminately channel surfing - a real waste of time. So - we're down to network, and we have about 3 programs we watch religiously, along with local news - and we watch a lot of old movies on DVD. The big test will be this fall, as DH's beloved Ohio State Buckeyes are only available on ESPN and the like around here. Will we survive?

: By: Heather; On: 09/09/2009 20:37:23

We just moved (again) and we have just basic cable. I honestly watch Food Network, PBS or its subsidieries, college/NFL football, the PBR, CMT or any country channel, a local new station and LOST. Honestly, I use it for background noise. The little one loves Sesame Street and a few others on the PBS station. I have lived without it before and could do it again. We are enjoying board games more, especially being able to teach our 3 year old son. It's great family time and he learns so much. Otherwise, he is transfixed on that darn box. GRRR!!! I do admit, when I am sick or just really tired or the weather outside is just awful, I do like to have it on but only last about 30 minutes. I admist I am internet addicted...could that be your next subject??? Oh boy...***SIGH*** : )

: By: O'Dell; On: 09/10/2009 17:34:43

Hi Rebekah,

We are watching less tv, and I agree with some others, that my mood is better, too. I'm more choosy in what I watch, spend time doing my crafts, or playing with grandchildren...was just thinking...when I was young ( like yourself) the only times I was nauseous was when I was pregnant....? I use honey & fresh lemons, with tea for my sore throat. Have you tried that? It is great! hope you feel better real soon...

: By: Jane; On: 09/15/2009 09:02:12

We did not have a TV for about 2 years and it was wonderful. The first night we got it back my 4 year old snuck out of bed and..... at 2 in the morning he was up watching James Bond. It's easy to rely on - so do stay firm. We currently watch to much. How wonderful about your turnips - get better soon

: By: Barbara; On: 09/16/2009 04:17:51

I thought the last color photo in your article was Paula Deen (sp?)and I kept looking for her face. Finally discovered it was your doggy.
I love your writing.
Don't stop!
Barbara

: By: Louise Jozwiak-Fredieu; On: 09/29/2009 08:47:48

This is my first comment to a blog, but i just could not resist. i pay my satellite bill, but lately have not been watching at all....................until Sunday night. The National Parks series began on KERA. It is so fascinating how these Americans found then decided to conserve this beautiful, awesome land for the rest of generations. Can you believe they did that, and against such opposition! One man in particular that gets my hat off is John Muir. He was sure green when green wasn't cool!!!!! I think its a week long thing or something so i would highly suggest it to you and everyone.
EASTENDERS is a British soap opera that i used to be fanatic about until one day i just stopped watching it. i really dont know why. i paid for it thru pay per view and it was worth every cent. The accents were difficult to understand at first, but you get used to those different little words and syllables like "bum" instead of my buttocks or "rubbish" instead of trash. "boot sale" is one of my favorites. I just want to go to England so i can go to a boot sale! And, no, they don't sell boots!!! The other thing i liked about Eastenders is that all of the people are just ordinary people not not glitzed up Hollywood types. i just loved it................think ill go back for more. So, i hope you read my first comment. I'm sure i'll have many more to come.
Louise Fredieu

: By: CherylK; On: 10/01/2009 09:29:49

We have satellite TV but Hubby watches it more than I do. I think I could live without it but it's one of those things that if you don't have it, you want it!

: By: Karen; On: 10/01/2009 10:36:56

When my son was 9, his father and I divorced. I rented a small house and was determined not to have a TV - a contributing factor to our divorce (you know, huband comes home from a long day at work and goes straight to the chair to watch HIS TV programs - the ultimate solution to avoiding conversation - but that's enough of that!) When my son realized I wasn't going to buy a TV - he had fits!!! "How could I be sooooo mean" Well, I just ignored his comments and asked if he wanted to play a game. Soon enough we got used to the routine (dinner, homework, game, bedtime). There were a few comments that remained, "It's just not fair!" Anyway, years later grown and on his own, my son is very proud of the fact that he has no TV - HA! Now as the years have gone by, I find myself with a TV, but also with the most fastastic invention since the TV itself - TiVO!!!! This wonderful invention gives me my programs on my own terms - not the network's. I am a fan of the food channel, Grey's Anatomy, Brother's and Sister's and thats about it - available to me WHEN I want to see them and, because of the handy fast-forward button, commercial free!

: By: Heather; On: 10/02/2009 08:57:05

I don't think you sold out. You just have TV and internet now. That's not too bad. With a 8 year old daughter, you might want to have your adorable hubby figure out the parental controls to filter out some shows. I know that TV can be rather scary when you have little ones around.

: By: Tamara from N.Syracuse, NY; On: 10/07/2009 08:43:55

I pay <$10 for basic cable, channels 2-14. I can't bring myself to get the other channels, but if I could buy each channel ala carte, I'd get the food network & HGTV. But with my meager 13 channels, I've fallen in love with PBS. They have Globe Trekker, cooking shows, yoga & other exercise shows, parenting/family, history, current news talk shows. I'd like to be less of a news junkie and I seem to keep track of time by what soap opera or if The View is on, or whatever. When I really want to put effort into not watching television, I unplug it, so the remote won't turn it on.

: By: Lisa; On: 10/13/2009 13:48:58

I'm so sorry you are sick. We have been learning the benefits of elderberries, when it comes to lessening symptoms of the flu. Elderberries also have the unique ability to prevent the virus from replicating itself. The store brand is Sambucol, but this year we made our own 'tincture' with Elderberries steeped and then strained from vodka. Anyway, I hope your symtoms are mild, and you get the rest that will help the most!

As for television, nearly two years ago, my new husband and I decided we did not want or need television. It is wonderful! We get news and other important information from the internet; we read tons; and best of all, we talk. It is wonderful not to have the excuse of the noise that might keep us from the effort of remaining 'in tune.' I love the quiet and I don't miss the rhetoric, the repeats, the continual bids to get watchers to buy, buy, buy. I don't ever see television in our future. We do belong to Net Flix, and so are able to choose great movies to watch together, but beyond that, and even movies are 'special' and spaced out fairly far apart, I am happier than ever NOT to have television invading our home! Thanks for asking! Lisa

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City Farmgirl Blog by Rebekah Teal™

I Sold Out

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