iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Speaking of, the current fight over "skills games" in PA (and those hideous neon green "Smoke and Skillz" places springing up all over) has me feeling like we're Now Entering the Worst of Pottersville.

Pawn Shop from Pottersville in the movie It's A Wonderful Life.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

(I just got home… my part-lease has an abscess so I hung out and soaked her with all these new-fangled soaking boot things my trainer has. I prefer an old school bucket but 🤷‍♀️ … that’s Tolly who “retired early” from Rolling Rock’s pack. We all listened to Steve Byk from yesterday).

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Your Threads Doomscrolling Moment of the Day // I think I should quit while I’m ahead.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Big smiles when @bradstock.bsky.social visited downtown Indiana. I stopped in Indiana County, PA Democratic Committee to learn a little more about his campaign to represent PA's 14th Congressional District (Fayette, Greene, and Washington, + most of Indiana, Westmoreland, and Somerset counties).

PA 14th Congressional District candidate Alan Bradstock visiting the Indiana PA Dem's downtown Indiana, PA headquarters on No Kings Day.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

I love the fact that the weather dude is talking about the "Boxing Day Winter Storm."

An open cardboard box on a blue halftone background. The text above in Cooper Black typeface reads "Yep. It's Still Christmas."

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Fa la la Favorites: Take One … It’s a wonderful something, yo.

Worm's eye view of a Santa hat lying in the gutter, against the curb and on a grate. The photo is in color but has a halftone effect. Text over the photo reads "Season's Greetings [in cream all-caps sans serif with a red drop shadow] from the Christmas Tree Capital. [in a black sign painter-style script" For context, the photo was taken looking east on Philadelphia Street in downtown Indiana, PA, outside the Jimmy Stewart museum.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

The Year That Was [on my camera roll] … December 13 … I’ve been passing this and wondering about it for weeks … a pioneer that didn’t survive the Monticello Trail from Regency Mall?

A brown winter hat made of fur is hanging on a wooden surveyor’s stake in an empty lot. A small brick, mid-century ranch house is in the background. The ground and hat are lightly dusted with snow.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Well, that was demoralizing. #maclayfinals flat phase ... Group C. No stirrups. Ring being set for the top 25 o/f.

Close up lower leg of hunt seat rider on a bay horse during the 2025 Maclay Finals Flat Phase, Group C.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

It’s been a day and I nearly forgot opening day! And after making sure I had my trees from the turn done in time, too. They’re going to need a bit of rail, I think. #keenelandfallmeet

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Did you just get one like this, too? WTAF.

Screenshot of email reading:

You can use widowsnorphans again

Hi widowsnorphans,
Thanks for taking the time to request a review. We reviewed your account and found that the activity on it does follow our Community Standards on account integrity, so you can use Instagram again.

We're sorry we got this wrong and that you weren't able to use Instagram, for a while. Sometimes we need to take action to help keep our community safe.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

This is some Kafkaesque sh't ... all the means of communicating I can find require you to be able to be logged into an account 😂 Also, they disappeared two other accounts I had but rarely use, one an account for freelance work that was basically dormant.

Screenshot of email from Meta reading "

Take action or lose access to widowsnorphans

Hi widowsnorphans,
Your Instagram account has been suspended. This is because your account, or activity on it, doesn't follow our Community Standards on account integrity.

If you think we made a mistake, you have until March 31, 2026 to appeal."

Screenshot of email from Meta reading "

We disabled your account, widowsnorphans

Hi widowsnorphans,
We reviewed your account and found that it still doesn’t follow our Community Standards. As a result, your account has been permanently disabled.

Learn how our Community Standards help keep the Instagram community an authentic and respectful place for people to express themselves."

Screenshot of email in-box showing emails from Meta received at 12:46 p.m. (initial suspension) and 1:55 p.m. (permanently disabled Instagram account)

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

@jennydemilo.bsky.social @shlynhorsestuff.bsky.social @aphagirl.bsky.social ... and you haven't checked email yet or get the TPH stuff, this just whoosed into my in-box... We told them whut? www.theplaidhorse.com/2025/09/24/d...

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

USEF fee changes announced. Failure to read the room? Discuss.

Screen shot of USEF email detailing changes to their fee structure as follows:

"Noting that the membership fee structure has not changed in more than eight years, the Board reviewed and approved changes to the fee structure listed below that will support our future. These increases will allow us to continue offering existing benefits and to expand key areas of our work that members have told us they value most. These changes are not about maintaining the status quo -- they are about investing in progress.

Beginning December 1, 2025, administrative fees (formerly $8) will increase to $10. Show passes (formerly $45) will increase to $85.

Beginning April 1, 2026, the following fee changes will apply:
• Competing Membership fee will increase from $80 to $100
• Subscriber Membership Fee will increase from $25 to $35
• Annual Horse Recording will increase from $95 to $115
• Lifetime Horse Recording will increase from $300 to $500
• Individual Lifetime Foal Recording will increase from $35 to $50
You can save on your competing membership by enrolling in a three-year membership for $285.

Equestrian sport is not standing still, and neither are we. Thank you for your commitment to equestrian sport and to US Equestrian. Together, we are building a stronger, more innovative, and more compassionate future -- for horses, for athletes, and for our entire equestrian community.

Thomas F. X. O’Mara
President

William J. Moroney
Chief Executive Officer"

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Nope. Not Monday (or Tuesday, Wednesday, etc etc) nor today... and the message changed to a flat "no" today:

CVS Website Vaccines Unavailable message - specifies due to state restrictions or inventory

CVS Website Vaccines Unavailable message - specifies due to state restrictions *period*

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

I was in the same situation until Hitchens decided to see if his odds of getting fed were better elsewhere. Then there’s this one. She’s better at logistics.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

#caturday … I brought some work home with me for the weekend and these guys are (literally) here for it. They love themselves a little quality time at the ‘bed office’ (not chiro-approved).

Overhead view of a gray cat and black cat napping on a bed amidst paperwork and next to a laptop computer.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

That's like, shopping on a budget the way this night is going 😆

Screen shot of Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale Live coverage. Split screen with America's Best Racing panel and Walker Hancock of Claiborne Farm on the left and a view of Hip 38, a dark bay horse, in the sales ring on the right. A viewer question on the bottom of the screen reads "why wouldn't you just buy 12 horses for that money"

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

#notesfromthesundaypapers // OMFG Edition … I read so you don’t have to, but this time I’m taking you all down with me. Let’s all sleep well tonight

Newspaper clipping with headline “‘Hordes’ of tarantulas set to emerge in United States.”

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

In other, lighter news... Got Clip My Horse on while making Sunday breakfast. Ammys are carrying nice pace this morning at Blowing Rock. I also spy a wine/plum-ish jacket...

Adult amateur hunter rider (English-style) and horse on course, seen cantering along the rail, at Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show in the outside ring. Rider is wearing a wine-colored jacket. Horse's mane and tail are braided.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

@goonrgrrl.bsky.social @gloomylawyer.bsky.social so, the Baran? Makes me miss olde olde really olde Twitter and uh, Diva 😭 And I’m less than three minutes in on today’s events. Sweet Jesus. (Was traveling to visit fam today so just catching up now).

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

How’s that super rank horse laundry going? It’s not. This one needed to take her turn.

A gray cat is sitting possessively on a white quilted saddle pad.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

I think there used to be a barn cat account at the “old place.” Hitchens thinks he would like to be a barn cat but I keep telling him the lifestyle isn’t what he thinks it is. These guys aren’t getting $36 crunchies and Cosequin treats in climate-controlled comfort 😂

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

It’s not Bodega Cats but here’s His Hitchens-y Awesomeness hoarding the absolutely rancid-smelling saddle pad I blessedly remembered to pull out of my EZ Bake car during this 99-degree weather (I exaggerate but only by about 4 degrees).

A black cat crouches on a folded, dirty white quilted saddle pad with gray binding and orange piping.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Indiana, Pa. (western part of the state; Jimmy Stewart's hometown) ... there was a concurrent Pride celebration down the street, that's an annual event.

Flag and sign-waving crowd on a sidewalk in downtown Indiana, Pa. Lots of American flags and red, white, and blue attire!

A view of a line of peaceful protesters across a downtown street, seen between two people, a woman at right with streamers and a paper plate fashioned into a sign, and a man. The back of his sign is visible and you can see the word "Can't" (in full, it read 'Can't intimidate me")

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

You can also bring snacks ... at ours today (her sign referenced tacos):

close up of large bag of Cheetos carried by a woman, whose lower leg and shirttail are seen from behind, against a rainy brick and concrete sidewalk.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

Indiana, Pa. ... concurrent with the community's annual Pride celebration. #NoKings

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

With Rodney Jenkins being honored at Upperville, I was super delighted to spy Phlash Phelps in the Take2 jumpers. I missed that he was an RRP horse! And at WEC Ohio last fall (I need to venture away from the hunter rings once in a while). @goonrgrrl.bsky.social @gloomylawyer.bsky.social

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Happy Derby Day! The curse is in: Pool 2 KDFW > Journalism; WPS > Coal Battle; Ex Box > Journalism/Sovereignty/Coal Battle/Chunk of Gold. (photo: CD, Thurby 2016).

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Playing name that tune with the instrumental covers during the Browland derby.That was Hozier's "Take Me To Church," during the cute paint horse's round. I know I know this next one; I just can't spit out the song and artist. Also, hot mic!! (2 high options and are YOU coming to the party tonight?)!

Rider and brown and white horse on course during a hunter derby.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Have reached the age where I'm excited to do surveys for the chance to win fly spray. Wait. I may've always been that age?

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 13/04/2025

No longer an LAT subscriber but still delighted by this sight in my in-box this AM...

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Well-played, @backmarketofficial.bsky.social, well-played! (I bought my last two phones from them and am not in the market now but do need my screen fixed... already)...

Screenshot of Back Market email graphic reading "Recession Special... we can't stop them from taxing the penguins ..." and offering the discount code "ELON."

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

My small, Western PA town filled four sides of our big intersection. I wasn't quick enough to get the hands-off sign complete with rubber hands 😆

Protesters at a four-way intersection along a small town's main street.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

Fisher-Price My First Protest Sign (and helper). #caturday

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

I leased a fancy one when I was a kid. His owner was batsh*t but he was super cute, also a bay with blanket - also, Schooling Sweats and sneakers, most likely no socks. How 80s is this? 😭

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Not a basketball person but I do enjoy this time of year. "If you leave a couch outside, it will be toast by morning ... not by me. For the record," says a twinkly-eyed kid on tonight's WKYT 6 o'clock news. (screenshot from today's Herald-Leader PM Newsletter)

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Those dogue a**holes better not be messing with the Library of Congress.

Screenshot of Library of Congress webpage that says “we are experiencing technical difficulties” and features a vintage photo of a man changing a tire on a US Department of Commerce Coast and Geodetic Survey truck.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

www.instagram.com/p/DG4l-fsMpB... … my Instabit on saddle pad economics.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

Jennifer Aniston is 55. Just sayin. And I mean this kindly, as someone knocking on the door of that demo. 🙂

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

**detail from Clifford Berryman’s “The Ground Hog Up To Date” (1909)

Drawing of a groundhog carrying a pipe and a parasol with repeating text reading “No whammies.”

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

From the Democratic Underground ... We should make this a daily reminder, reminding folks to remind folks about a big ol'campaign promise broken: www.democraticunderground.com?com=view_pos...

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

Hoping @protectdemocracy.org revisits their pardon power piece. Is it too late for all of this: protectdemocracy.org/work/the-pre...

Screenshot of text about pardon power from Protect Democracy's website:
"The pardon power is not unlimited. It cannot be used to place the president above the law; to subvert other parts of the Constitution, including constitutional rights; to violate criminal law with impunity; or to license future lawbreaking on the president’s behalf. Like any executive power, it is constrained by the rest of the Constitution, including the duties imposed upon the president to act in the public interest.

However, constraints remain theoretical unless and until those vested with the authorities to effectuate them do so. Congress, the judiciary, and the executive branch itself each have access to critical constitutional tools to appropriately constrain the pardon power in order to prevent its abuse. The specter of any president who intends to abuse the power, or who attempts to do so, must prompt swift responses within our system of checks and balances."

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

It was either that or a seatbelt. Ohhkaaay. Let’s do this.

Tater tots and small plastic containers of cheese sauce are strewn on a sidewalk that stretches uphill. Text on the photo reads “On the road to 2025.”

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 29/12/2024

Meanwhile during the doldrums on CMH: a live-streaming dream come true for the holidays, yinz'all: a schooling ring and a hot mic at the Florida Gold and Gulf Coast QH shows. These are some nice horses and riders. Also, the trainer yelling "find your outside rein" hits, as the young people say.

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widowsNorphans @widowsnorphans.bsky.social · 29/12/2024

Okay.. back at it. The Year That Was // In No Particular Order … September 2 … Cornwall, PA. Should’ve broken this one out for the Halloween card I didn’t make.

An abandoned , Furbee-like toy, faded and weathered, with big eyes lays on its side in the grass in front of a wrought iron gate.

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