Monday, August 31, 2015

Say Goodbye To August

August 31, 2015

Good morning.  My goodness, this is the last day of the month.  It seems like Spring was almost here not too long ago, and now tomorrow will bring forth September.   I just got a call from the car dealer reminding me that is time to bring my car in to make sure it is ready for Winter.  So now I have an appointment to take my car in tomorrow morning. 

SIL Eddie came by yesterday afternoon and fixed the dryer.  Thank goodness I called him because it was an electrical problem.   I do not play around with electricity.  Eddie is an electrician, so I trust him to take care of these problems.

While he was here, Eddie also fixed our outside spotlight.  Thank goodness for that.  I don't like our whole yard being so dark all night, so I've been leaving the light outside my door lit all night.  Last night I was able to shut it off.  I will have to ask Eddie about the motion sensor light in the driveway because it is not coming on when there is motion.  It stays on all night.  Ahhh, it's always something!

This past week, Audrey and Mac have been spending time visiting with their daughter Andi who just graduated from welding school.  They also got to spend lots of time with their precious granddaughter, Alena.     Here's a photo of Mac and Alena.


After a whole day of celebrating, a visit to the Aquarium and dinner, the little one was all pooped out.  Gosh, doesn't she look so sweet here?


I have another adorable photo to share that I borrowed from the web.  I don't know the author, but I had a wonderful giggle.  I guess foxes aren't on this hunting doggie's shopping list.


The program that I was taping to DVD's is finished now.  I'll send it off in the next box that get's mailed to daughter Audrey.  I have one more program ready to tape to DVD for her.  This is one of those never ending projects that keeps me busy. 

I have a lot of music CD's that I want to play on my Music Center today to make sure they still play.  Sometimes after a few years, they stop working properly and you lose the music that is on them.   Hnnnm, I wonder why the manufacturers of the CD's didn't tell us about this when we first bought the CD's? 

Ah well, today is another scorcher so it will be a good day for indoor projects.  Maybe tomorrow on the way home from the auto dealership, Pogo and I will take a side trip through the park.  Maybe we'll even take a picnic lunch with us.  Mmmm, that sounds like a good plan.

A few nights ago, I made another batch of peach ice cream, which I shared with the dwarfs.  I must say, that this batch tasted pretty good.  I think next I'd like to try using strawberries.  Mmmm, that sounds good!

Well, I'm off now to make a cup of coffee and catch up a bit on my blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a splendid day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

This Big Ole House Needs A Lot Of Attention

August 30, 2015

Good morning.  It's beautiful this morning, still in the 70's, and I'm loving the cool breeze coming in through the door.  Soon, however, it will be hot and muggy again.  Pogo and I have learned to take advantage of the early morning hours with the door open.

Today I'm doing a bit of Christmas shopping.  I turned on one of the shopping channels (QVC) and lo and behold, they were showing the digital pressure cooker that I've been wanting.  And, oh my, what a beautiful array of colors it comes in.  Black, Apple Green, Red, Cinnamon, Orange, Cobalt Blue, Purple, Turquoise, Pink and Yellow.  Wow!! 

And the price was superb!!   A couple of my girls want one for Christmas, so that's where my holiday shopping comes in.  If you tell the operator that an item is a Christmas gift, they will extend the return date until January 31.  I doesn't get easier than this.  Well, actually it does.  They will ship the order directly to the recipient if you ask them to. 

*****I'm back.  I got a phone call, and then I had to go out into the main part of the house because the dryer wasn't working.  I'm not sure what is wrong, and a trip to the fuse box (circuit breakers) did not help, so I have put in a call to my SIL Eddie.  He will stop by later to see if he can fix the problem. 

Gosh, it's always something with this old house.  Friday, the window installers were here and put in all fifteen replacement windows.  Unfortunately, they had to unhook the outside spotlight.  So now I have to have Eddie figure out how to re-hook it up, and replace the cord on it too. 

See what I mean?  It's always something!    The installers also tripped one of the circuit breakers with all their power equipment.  Joe could not tell which breaker was tripped because not all of them are labeled, so he had to try them all. 

Friday was also Kevin's eighteenth birthday.  Gosh, seems like only yesterday he was just a little fellow.    Here's a couple photos of our little two pound miracle.  The first was shows him in his incubator, and the second shows him in his first Halloween costume.  He was still in the hospital, but would be going home soon.  (He was there for two months.)



And just look at our handsome young man now.  He's all grown up and off to college. 


Well, I've about chewed your ear off, and bragged a bit too.  Now I think I'll check the fridge to see what Pogo and I will have for lunch.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a truly fabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, August 28, 2015

A New Freebie For You

August 28, 2015

Good morning.  Last night was a sleepless night for me.  At least until shortly after five this morning, when I finally fell asleep.   At 6:50, my alarm clock went off.  Why all the fuss?  I guess it was anxiety that kept me awake all night. 

Around 7:15 this morning, the window installers arrived.  Today we get fifteen new windows.  At least that's the goal.  Any windows not finished today will have to be done tomorrow morning.  I'm really hoping that they can finish the job today. 

Joe stayed home today because someone has to be in the dwarfs' rooms where the installers are working.  Most of the windows being replaced are on the second floor, and I can't do the stairs very well any more. 

I'm watching the Weather Channel today because Tropical Storm Erika is headed for Florida, and is expected to go straight up the whole state and take in part of the surrounding states too.  This Tropical Storm is bringing lots and lots of heavy rain so there will be a lot of flooding. 

I can't sit at my laptop for very long because I have to keep going out into the main part of the house to see how the work is coming along.  Therefore, this will be a rather short post. 

Before I leave, I do have a freebie for you.   I used a collab kit that I helped to make several years ago.  (I used only the parts that I contributed.)   The kit was called "Beyond Dreams."


Here is your download link: 
Expired

It's getting quiet out in the house, so I'd better get out there.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Bulk Shopping Can Save Money

August 27, 2015

Good morning.  I'm posting a bit late, but I've been busy this morning.  My little guy has been extra huggy huggy this morning so we've been doing a bit of cuddling.  Plus there was breakfast to make and a couple of bills to pay. 

DIL Janet came by last evening.  We watched a couple of our favorite TV programs (that I had taped) while we enjoyed some lasagna for supper.  Mmmm, yum!  I'm thinking that next week  I'll make us a "slow cooker" one pot meal.

Gosh, I just had to dash quickly to catch the UPS man so that he wouldn't leave my package on the front porch.  I caught him in time, and he brought the package (a huge one) to my side door and set it inside on the floor for me.  Oh thank you, thank you.  Now I don't have to try lifting and carrying it inside.  It was two cases, taped together, of wee wee pads for Pogo. 

Why do I buy these pads by the case?  Because it is a whole lot cheaper than buying them at the store.  I get double and triple more wee wee pads buying them by the case than I would if I bought them in packages of 20 at the retail store.  Can you find them at the store for only $10/100 or less?  Not any store that I know of.

And here's a great project for your yard.   I found this really neat way to build a small pool in your yard or garden.  I've always wanted a little pool so maybe next Spring I can try making one of these in the garden.   It doesn't look very difficult, and just think how pretty it would look with a few plants around it.


I read an article in our newspaper titled "Housing crisis is more complex."  Basically, it was about people living in public housing while earning way over the income limit.  One family makes $497,911 a year, another earns $212,200 a year.  And that's only two (out of more than 25,000) of these families.

The crisis problem seems to be what to do with these families.  Should they be kicked out of the public housing?  Oh goodness, they might have a tough time paying regular rent if they could find an apartment somewhere else.  Maybe they should just charge these families more rent?  Oh sure, that will solve the problem. 

What about all the families in desperate need of housing, and who actually do have earnings within the guidelines?  Too bad, I guess.  We don't to hurt anyone's feelings by kicking out the high earners so that the low earners can have a place to live.  My goodness, what shall we do?

Instead of sticking to the rules of who is eligible for public housing and how money they can earn to remain in public housing, HUD is looking for other alternatives.  These include more money to revamp old units, build new ones for mixed income use and provide vouchers generous enough to get people out of bad neighborhoods and into better ones.

I don't know about you, but I think there is something wrong with this thinking.  To me it is simple.  You earn too much money?  You do not qualify to live in public housing.   As for the heftier rent vouchers, I think these are a no no.  Once people get these vouchers, they never move on.  Free rent for life.  Would you give this up?  Of course not.  There is no limit (that I know of)  as to how long a person can keep these vouchers.  Where is the incentive here to get folks on their feet so that they can move on?

Enough.  I could go on and on about this, but I won't. 

School is starting everywhere.  Next week, Jazzy will be helping at the high school during "Orientation" for all the new freshmen.   Gosh, that means there's only about three and a half more weeks left of summer.  Hmmm.

Before I end this post, I'll leave you with another brain teaser picture puzzle.  There are fifteen wolves hidden in this image.  Good luck and enjoy.


Now I'm off to see about making some lunch for Pogo and me.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Welcome Friends!

August 26, 2015


Good morning.  It's bright and sunny, and in the low 70's, but in a few hours it will be close to 90.   I seem to remember August being the best month for comfortable summer temperatures.   Now I'm not so sure.  This month hasn't had very many comfy days so far this year.  Of course, it could just be my aging imagination and how it sees things.

Have you noticed how the days are getting shorter?  It was dark last night before 8 p.m.  I did not get up early enough this morning to see what time daybreak occurred, but I'm sure that it was later than it was last week. 

Have any of you received a message on your cell phone about the Do Not Call" list?  I did, and I called the number  1-888-382-1222  to keep the telemarketers from calling my phone for the next five years.  I also registered my home phone because lately I seem to get at least three or four telemarketing calls a day.

Yesterday, I was expecting someone from the cable company to come by to help me figure out how to make my wi-fi signal stronger than it is now.  Unfortunately, he did not show up.  If I don't see him today, I'll call the company and make a new appointment.

My new yarn order arrived yesterday, and I started a baby blanket last night.  I tried taking a photo of the yarn but the colors weren't coming out very good so I downloaded an image from the web.  This is Baby Print yarn, and the colors in it are pink, blue, green, yellow and white.  Very pretty.


Did you like the image that I inserted at the top of this post?  I found it on the web, and thought it was just perfect for my page.  

Oh my, the mail just came, and in it is the new water/sewer/trash tax bill.  Yikes!!  It's a doozy and will have another increase on the next bill.  The billing is being changed from twice a year to four times a year.  That will help take some of the sting off.  It seems like all the tax bills are large and due all at once in less than a month. 

I just noticed something.  My yard used to always be full of orange tiger lilies, and this year I did not see very many of them.  Hmmmm, I wonder why?  Ah well, I think it's time for me to think about making some lunch for myself and Pogo.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

A Mars Spectacular Coming Soon?

August 25, 2015

Good morning.  My goodness, have you noticed that there is only one more week left in this month of August?  It just seems like time is flying by even faster than it did last year.  Or maybe that's just because as you age, you realize just how short life really is.

I'm watching the Weather Channel, and it never ceases to amaze me at how cheerful the weather forecasters are while describing ongoing severe weather.   People and animals have lost their homes and for some, their lives, due to wild fires and severe floods.  Yet these happy, smiley people are getting all excited about the beautiful cloud formations and the amazing landscapes created by all the severe storms. 

Don't get me wrong, I think that nature is beautiful.  But, there is a time for getting excited over all this beauty.  I don't believe it is while you are describing the severity and devastation of ongoing wild fires and monsoon floods. 

Let me give you an update on yesterday's mail fiasco.  After investigating the matter, the Post Master called me back to say that the piece of mail had been delivered to a neighbor either Friday or Saturday.  For some reason, the neighbor opened the mail even though you could clearly see in the window on the envelope that the mail was not theirs.  Then yesterday, the neighbor put the piece of mail out for the mail carrier to pick up.  

Supposedly, this neighbor lived very close to us, so I'm wondering why they did not just bring it to us when they first realized that it was not their mail.   The Post Master said that in the future no altered mail will be delivered.  It will first be taken back to the Post Office, sealed in plastic and tagged with a "We're sorry" sticker before being delivered.

Have any of you received an item with this image in your email?  It tells us of an event called "Mars Spectacular" that is about to happen on August 27.  It says that we will be able to see two moons, one of which is really Mars, and that it will not happen again until 2287.


Well, I looked it up on Snopes, and found that this is really just a hoax.   The truth is that Mars did make an extraordinarily close approach to Earth almost twelve years ago on August 27, 2003, when the red planet came within 35 million miles of Earth.  This was it's nearest approach to us in almost 60,000 years. 

At that time, Mars appeared approximately 6 times larger and 85 times brighter in the sky than it ordinarily does.  One version of the story was often reproduced with an unfortunate line break, leaving some readers with the mistaken impression that Mars would look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.  They did not realize that would only apply to those viewing Mars through a telescope with 75-power magnification.

Although Mars' proximity to Earth in August 2003 was a rare occurrence, the red planet comes almost as near to us every 15 to 17 years.  Mars' last close approach was in December 2007, but even then it was still about 55 million miles away from us.  It won't be until the year 2287 that Mars will come closer to Earth than it did back in 2003.  (This information is from Snopes)

Now aren't you glad that you stopped by this morning?  Otherwise you might have been one of those folks out late tomorrow night waiting for a beautiful huge double moon to photograph.  If I hadn't looked it up, I'd have been one of those folks!

Well, that's all the news for this morning.  Now I'm going to enjoy my coffee while I catch up on some blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Hmmm, Strange Looking Mail!

August 24, 2015

Good morning.  It's overcast and 70F degrees at the moment, but it will be up to 80 degrees in a few hours.  Right now though, it's really nice outside.   I went outside a while ago to feed our little birds and the breathing was easy.

Right now, there is a woodpecker, a sparrow, a chickadee and a titmouse all snacking on the peanut butter/bread treat at the same time.  A few minutes ago, there was a blue jay and a nuthatch at the snack bar.  I just love watching how all of these different birds get along so well.  Us humans could learn something here?

Today I will try to make another meal with the induction burner.  Folks, just because I'm not learning this new technology so quickly, don't let that stop you from trying it.  I know several folks who already use these new burners and they don't have any problem at all.  As my brain ages, it tends to take a bit longer to get comfy with all the new technology.

I just had to take a moment to change from the news channel to the weather channel.  These channels tend to have their "news" sections on a loop, and you watch the same news over and over.  I've just watched the same news at least three times in the past two hours.  It gets annoying after a while.  The only reason I did not change it earlier was because I was busy doing something and not really paying much attention to it. 

I'd like to thank Elee for her suggestions about the cooking burner.  I'm okay with the right pans, (magnetic bottoms)  but that information about the temps will be very helpful.  I'm sure that before the summer is over, I'll be cooking like a champ on this burner.  (I'm a positive thinker!)

Yesterday I was transferring photos from my phone to an external drive, and I came across the photo that I thought I had but could not find to post yesterday.  So, I'll share it today.  It's a photo of "Queenie and The Cat" doing their tango.   Oh my, just look at the mischief on that "Cat's" face!


Last night, I took a photo of Pogo as he was resting on his little sofa.  The heat has been making my poor little fellow very uncomfortable.  I keep a "stand up" fan next to his sofa, so that he can be comfortable.


Oh gosh, the mail carrier just came, and I went out to get the mail.  The top of one of the envelopes was torn open and it contained a check that should have arrived last week.  I immediately showed it to one of the dwarfs (so that I had a witness), and then I called the Post Office to let them know that this mail should have been sealed in plastic and tagged with a "we're sorry" note.  The Post Master says he will check into it.  Here's the envelope.  (I've blacked out all personal information.)  Note the torn top edge.


Well, it's getting close to lunch time and I'd best be heading in to the kitchen to see what Pogo and I will be having for lunch.  Before I leave, let me share an adorable Minion image that I found on the web.  It made me smile because it's how I feel sometimes.  haha.


That's all the news for this morning.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Ah, What Fun I've Been Having!

August 23, 2015

Good morning.  It's a bit gray outside, but oh my, the temperature is just lovely.  It's around 70F degrees, and should get up to the mid 70's later on.  It's breathable, and I'm loving it. 

Gosh, where do I start?  I've been busy these past two days.  Well, Friday I decided to make a big pot of pasta, using my induction burner.  Oh dear, oh dear.  Would you believe it took me over an hour just to bring the big pot of water to a boil?  After what seemed like forever, I switched over to the electric burner just to get the water boiling so that I could cook the pasta.

However, I did make the meat sauce on the induction burner.  First, I tried making a hamburger for Pogo, and I only burned the first one.  So I guess that's a bit of progress.  It's going to take me a while to figure out this new cooker.  By the way, the pasta was delicious!!

Yesterday I did a load of laundry and took a nap.  (I know, such excitement!)  In the evening, Deanne and I went to watch Jazzy perform in "Honk."   The play is based on the story of "The Ugly Duckling" and was such fun to watch.  Our Jazzy played Queenie (a cat), Henrietta (a chicken), a member of the Geese Squad and a Snowflake.  Actually, many of the cast members played multiple parts. 

Here are some photos from the play.   In this first photo, we see Mama Duck comforting her Ugly Duckling as the other ducklings and chickens taunt him.


"Ugly" leaves the Duckyard because none of the other animals want him there.  After wandering around, he tries to find his way back home.  On the way, he meets the "Geese Squad", and they try to help him find his way.  Jazzy is fourth from the right.


I was busy taking a video of this nexr scene, so I did not get any stills.  Later, I played the video back and took this photo with my phone.   Here, we have "Queenie"  (Jazzy as a cat)  doing a Tsango with "The Cat."   I uploaded this video and one other to Facebook for those of you interested in watching it.


While "Ugly"  is wandering, trying to find his way back, he makes friends with some "Frogs" at the duck pond.


Seasons go by, and now it is snowing.  Here, Jazzy is a "Snowflake."


One day, "Ugly" transformed into a "Beautiful Swan".  He met a lovely "Girl Swan" and brought her home with him to meet his family.


 
Everyone is happy for him, and glad to have him back home.  Here, Jazzy plays "Henrietta" the chicken.


These next two photos are from the Finale.  Have you  ever seen such cute little ducklings?



This post has taken me a while because I've been cropping all these photos to fit here, and now it is time to rustle up something tasty for lunch.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Busy Doing ? ? ? ? ?

August 21, 2015

Good morning.  I have been up for a while, but I've been busy doing goodness knows what.  I seem to be an expert at keeping busy and never really accomplishing much of anything.  Well, I have been watching the Weather Channel.  So I guess that's something. 

Well yesterday afternoon Joe and I went grocery shopping at Walmart.  I hunted all over their very messy yarn department for a skein of yarn to finish off my afghan, but I could not find the color I needed.  Later I went on-line looking for it, but still no luck.  I was going to take a ride to JoAnn's Fabric store to see if they had any, but first I checked on-line.  A good thing too, because they were out of stock too. 

While I was at Walmart, I picked up a couple balls of ribbon yarn and a pattern book.  Last night, I was looking at the patterns and realized that I would not be able to try any of them without someone to actually show me how to use this ribbon yarn.  They did have instructions, but my frazzled little mind could not make sense of them.

The mail carrier just came, and brought me an envelope from the manufacturer of the induction burners.  Remember they said they would send me an instruction booklet that explains how to cook on this burner?  Important things like what temperature to use for different things, how long to cook different thngs, etc.   Well they sent me a copy of the booklet that comes with the burner.  It tells you what the different parts are for, and what kinds of pans you can use on the burner.  Period.  So, I guess one has to just play around with these burners and learn the old fashioned way.  Trial and error.

On a happy note, the mail carrier also brought me two fun catalogues to browse.  They have such pretty clothes in them, and I just love looking at all the wicked funny tee shirts.  I guess I'm what you might call "a cheap date."  Toss me a couple of catalogues and a cold bottle of water, and I'm a happy little clam. 

Here's another happy note that I borrowed from the web. 


On a more serious note, I also borrowed this from the web.  My goodness, what a fabulous idea for folks with fur babies. 


Well, that's about all the news here.  Before I go, I have another brain teaser picture puzzle for you.  There are ten eagles hidden in this image.  Good luck.


Now it's time to grab a nice cold bottle of water and settle down with my new catalogues.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Mmmmm, Peach Ice Cream!

August 20, 2015

Good morning, what's left of it.   Yup, I slept as late as Pogo would let me this morning.  He must have been having a good sleep himself because he let me sleep till almost 10:30.  Did I tell you what a good boy he is?

Well, I did not get to use the new big induction burner for last night's supper because DIL Janet was late getting here.  So we had Stouffers Mac 'n Cheese instead.  However, I did attempt to make some peach ice cream late last night.  I must say that it wasn't too bad either.


If you would the recipe, here it is.  I made it with my small Ninja Blender/Processor. 
 
PEACH ICE CREAM - makes 4 servings
 
Ingredients:   2 1/2 cups frozen peach slices,  1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice,   3 Tablespoons sugar,   1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk  (Feel free to substitute your favorite milk and sweetener.)
 
Directions:   1 - Place all ingredients into the 40 oz. Processor Bowl in the order listed.   2 - PULSE until smooth, using long pulses.   Enjoy.
 
This weekend, Jasmine is performing in another theatre production.  This one is called "HONK!," a musical based on the "The Ugly Duckling."  It sounds like a fun evening.
 
 
Were any of you able to find all the horses in yesterday's puzzle?  I only managed to find five of them so far.  Hmmm, very frustrating.  I usually manage to find all of the hidden images after a while but this one has me stumped.
 
Today the mail carrier was busy.  Two packages arrived for me.  I had ordered a Heat Diffuser to use with my big induction burner.  This way I can use two of my favorite old pans.  I like my new pans, but somehow I've bonded with these two old pans, and I'm comfortable with them.
 
The other package was a couple of covered egg trays that I ordered for my daughter Deanne.  She makes deviled eggs for all their occasions, and I thought these would make it easier for her to transport them. 
 
Remember that wicked weed that I tried to dislocate from my little pansy garden?  Well, I looked it up on Google, and it appears to be Stinging Nettle.  Granted, it has some wonderful medicinal attributes, but I prefer to stay away from it in it's natural state.
 
Hopefully, we'll be going grocery shopping later this afternoon.  If we do, we'll be going to Walmart so that I can pick up more Merlot yarn.  I'd really like to finish the Merlot afghan before the end of this month.  That will give me three months to work on a few other holiday crochet gifts.
 
Do any of you watch "Skin Wars" (on TV)?  Last night was the finale, and I was very surprised at the outcome.   I thought that the person who finished in second place should have won, but of course, the judges did not ask for my opinion, haha.  For those of you who don't watch this program, it is about body painting, and it is very entertaining.
 
I need to get busy now and do a few things around here before I can go shopping.  So, until tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.
 
Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

A Wicked New Weed In My Little Kiln Garden

August 19, 2015

Good morning.  It's early, so there's some nice cool air coming in through the door.  Unfortunately, it will be up to 90 degrees again in just a few hours.  Hopefully, tonight will be a better night for sleeping.  Last night was sticky and uncomfortable. 

Gosh, I just went outside to feed the birds and squirrels, and I stopped for a minute to pick out the dead pansies from the kiln.  There was a weed with a spikey edged leaf growing in with them so I pulled it out.  And right away, my wrist and fingers were itching wicked. 

I rinsed them off with cold water and put some Benedryl cream on the itchy spots.  Already there are little welts popping up just like insect bites.  I have no idea what this weed is or where it came from, but I'll have to wear gloves the next time I encounter it.

There's not a lot happening around here, as it has been too hot and sticky for Pogo and me to go out.   I keep thinking that we might be able to go out early in the morning before it gets too hot, but first I need a few hours sleep during the night.  That's not always possible in this heat.  At least we get to open the door and enjoy the cool air that comes in early in the morning. 

Last night I put a few more rows on the Lemon Yellow afghan.  It's a little more than half done now.  I did order some new yarn a few days ago, but it was before I ran out of the merlot yarn.  There are two new great grandbabies coming in a few months, so I had ordered the yarn to make a blanket for each of them.  This order should arrive the beginning of next week. 

Today I have a texture freebie for you.  I made it from a photo that I had taken of the rain through a screen.  I tried it out on a couple of images, and I think it could be used for making a grunge background.  I hope you can use it.


Here is your download link:
Expired

DIL Janet is coming by later today after work, and I haven't a clue what I will make for our supper.  I'm thinking that maybe I'll try cooking up a pot of pasta and sauce on my new burner.  Stacey, do you know the name of that cookbook for induction cooking that HSN has?  I did have a look this morning, but I could not find it.

I'm hoping that the user manual from the manufacturer comes soon.  I am absolutely the greatest at burning food and cooking meat until it can be used as a weapon.  So a cooking guide will really be a big help.

I have another brain teaser picture puzzle for you.  This one has seven horses hidden in the image.  Have fun.


Well, I need to get busy here if I want to accomplish a few things before it gets too hot.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Yeah! I've Learned How To Boil Water!!

August 18, 2015

Good morning.  At the moment, it is quite lovely outside, and there is a nice breeze coming through the door screen.   In a few hours though, I'll have to close the door for a while.  By then, the temperature will be in the low 90's.

Yesterday, I searched again on-line for a cooking instruction manual for induction cooking burners.  Did I find one?  Nope.  So I sent an email to the manufacturer, explaining that there were no cooking instructions in the box with my burner, and could I please have one.  They replied with an apology for this oversight, and said that they would mail one to me.  You know, I bought more than one burner, and none had cooking guide instructions included. 

I tried one of the burners again at supper time.  Nothing special, but I think I have the "boil water" down pat.  Next I'll have to try a pot of pasta.  Folks, there is a cookbook called "Cookery Induction."  Do not buy it if you are looking for an Induction Cooking cookbook.  It's just a regular cookbook.

I borrowed a couple of images from the web to share with you.  They show just how much our fur babies love us.  My Pogo doesn't care if we only ride down the road a bit and turn around and come home.  As long as he is with me.  And when I'm not feeling so good, he's right there by my side to comfort me.



Well, the strangest thing happened last evening.  I was clipping right along, crocheting the Merlot afghan, and I ran out of yarn.  Well, darn!!  And I have less than twenty rows to go to finish this afghan.  Ah well, I spent the rest of the evening working on a Lemon Yellow afghan.  I always have one or two afghan projects sitting in a bag just waiting to be worked on.

Before I get busy here, I have one more adorable image to share with you.  (borrowed from the web)  These little Minions are really smart!!


Well, now I think I'll do a bit of catching up with my morning blog reading before starting my household chores.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a simply scrumptious day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Splish Splash! I Was Cooking Some Rice!

August 17, 2015

Good afternoon.  My goodness, what a night Pogo and I have had.  Pogo was restless in the early evening, but we managed to fall asleep for a few hours.  Close to 3 a.m., he started acting very restless again and could not get comfortable anywhere. 

I opened the door to let some of the cool night air in, and made up a tasty little dish for Pogo.  He did not want the food and was having trouble finding just the right spot to settle down.  Finally, he was able to throw up whatever was troubling his tummy.  I cleaned off his face and set him on the sofa (the big one).  Finally, he was able to curl up and fall asleep around 5 a.m.  I did too.

Today I have a few things to put in the wash, and then I think I'll give Pogo another bath.  He's feeling quite playful right now, and this makes us both happy.  I made him a plate of food and he has gobbled up all of it.  My little guy is feeling much better.  Yes!!

Have you ever bought an appliance and later realized that there are no instructions anywhere to show you how to use it?   Well, last evening, I set up one of the induction burners, and then got out the booklet that came with it.  I was looking for instructions on how to use it and what temperatures, etc. are used for cooking various things.  I was just trying to boil some water to cook some "Boil in Bag" rice for supper.   Absolutely nothing came with the burner that even resembled cooking instructions.

I looked everywhere on the internet for these instructions, and could not find any.  I even checked the books on Amazon to see if there was a book on induction cooking.  No luck here either!  Finally, I just picked a temperature and stood by watching the water splash about happily all over the counter while the rice cooked.   Once the rice was done, I put the induction burner away and took out my little electric burner to finish the rest of the meal. 

Later, I managed to find a chart of sorts on the web that I downloaded.  Today I will look it over to see if it is helpful.  I did not have time last evening to study it because the phone rang, and then I just forgot about it.  Today I'll look at it, and try again to find a book on induction cooking. 

Today I have more pictures to share of some plants that look like other things.   This first one is called "Laughing Bumble Bee Orchid"  (Ophrys bombyliflora).


These cute little blossoms are called "Swaddled Babies"  (Anguloa Uniflora).

 
This last blossom is called "White Egret Orchid" (Habenaria Radiata).


Well, it's time now for me to get busy here.  There's a load of laundry waiting for me to tend to it.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Mother Nature Is No Party Girl!!

August 16, 2015

Good morning.  It's beautiful outside this morning, but well on it's way to another hot sticky day.  I think after yesterday's busy afternoon, Pogo and I will have a lazy day today.

Yesterday afternoon, Pogo and I went to Kevin's graduation/birthday celebration party.  In two weeks, he will turn eighteen years old.  Gosh, from a tiny two pound miracle baby to a tall, handsome young man!   Do I sound like a wicked proud grandma?  I hope so!  Because I am!

On the way to the party, all traffic had to stop for a while to let a couple of turkey families cross the street. 


It was quite warm out, but Deanne's backyard was mostly shaded so it was very comfortable.  Pogo and I stayed for a couple of hours and got to visit with everyone before it was time for us to head back home.  Of course, I took lots of photos with my cell phone, and one movie of Kevin and his friends playing basketball in the swimming pool. 

I got to see one of my granddaughters and a great granddaughter that I haven't seen in quite a while.  This is Mia (granddaughter) and Amelia  (great granddaughter).


There were two other great grandchildren there too, and I have photos of them to share.  This is Jack Jack and his sister Lilah.



The heat and anxiety yesterday was finally getting to Pogo, and the poor little guy started getting small cases of the squirties.  I did my best to keep cleaning up after him, and once we got home he was fine.  Till just now....I'm trying to get my breath back after cleaning up after him again.  If it doesn't cool down soon, I'll run out of breath altogether. 

It wouldn't be so bad if I could kneel, but knee surgery many years ago prevents me from kneeling.  So I have to bend over to clean anything on the floor.  Needless to day, this takes away all my breath.  For my next doggie, I need one that does not poop. 

Back to yesterday, we were only home about an hour and a half when the thunder and lightning started, and all of a sudden the heavens opened and poured tons of rain down on us.   Oh dear, Deanne has a yard full of people, a pool full of kids, and all sorts of delicious food on tables and cooking on the grill.   Needless to say, there was a mad scramble to bring everything and everyone in out of the downpour.  But my Deanne is a scrapper and she kept the day going great for everyone. 

I stood out on our front porch for a few minutes to cool down with the rain.  Here's one shot showing how hard it was raining. 


The only good part of this storm was that it drowned out the party that was going on across the street from me.  These are not very nice people, and it was good to see Mother nature dumping on them for a change.  I know, I'm not very nice for thinking that way, but it feels good anyway!! (That's my wicked side showing!)

Supper last night was a breeze because I had set it all up in a crock pot in the morning.  All I had to was serve it up and eat it.  Not bad!  It was a new recipe, and tomorrow I'll share it with you.

I hope today stays nice because Deanne has invited everyone back to party some more while it's nice out.   I'd love to go back and visit more with everyone, but I think Pogo and are in to stay till the weather cools down a bit.

Well, that's it for today.  I'm going to get another cold bottle of water and settle in my lounge chair for a bit.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Neither rain, nor snow, nor heat..............Really?

August 14, 2015

It's so close to noon that I'll say good afternoon.  After a restless night, I'm a bit tired and moving slowly.  Once the breathability of the air gets better, I should be sleeping better and getting about a lot easier.   Right now, we are having a warm spell, but Autumn is right around the corner, bringing some cooler air with it. 

Most of yesterday I was busy watching for the mailman to get here.  I had put out some mail, but alas he never did show up.  For some reason, this year is not our best year with the Post Office.  This is the third time that they have not come by to deliver or pick up mail.  I did call the Post Office at 4:10 p.m. and was told that the carriers were still out delivering.  Well, we watched and waited, but the little white truck never showed up.  I put the mail back out this morning, and am happy to say that it was finally picked up.

Tomorrow, Pogo and I will be going to Kevin's party.  Several of my grandchildren and great grandchildren will be there, and it will be so good to see them all together.  I know Pogo will be ecstatic.  He just loves being around people, and of course, Sassy (Dee's doggie) will be there too.

Remember I mentioned the peanut butter/bread treats that I put out for the birds?  I took a few photos (through the door window) of some of these little birds gobbling it all up.  They really are fun to watch.




I also took a photo of one of the blooms on our butterfly bush.  We thought we had lost this bush too from the harsh winter, but it is making a beautiful come-back. 


When Joe got home from work yesterday, we did some grocery shopping.  By the time we got home, and I had all my things put away, it was time to make supper for Pogo.  After supper, I was too tired to start playing with the new burner.  I did buy ingredients to cook up something tasty on it, but that will have to wait a bit. 

Speaking of food, Pogo keeps coming over to me with that "please feed me" look.  There's not much else happening here, so I think I'll go rustle up some lunch for both of us.   Before I go, let me post another picture puzzle to keep your brain healthy.  This puzzle has 15 hidden wolves in it.  Have fun.


I'm off to the kitchen now.  So, till Sunday, Y'all stay cool and have a magnificent weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

The Hot Days Are Back

August 13, 2015

Good morning.  It's quite comfortable outside right now, but the sticky muggy hot stuff is already working its way back here.  In a couple hours, it will be in the upper 80's.   For a whole week ahead, the Weather Channel is forecasting high 80's and low 90's.   Oh goody.  Well, at least we had all those wonderful days this past week to enjoy.

This weekend Pogo and I will be going to a party to celebrate grandson Kevin's birthday and graduation.   Hopefully, we'll be able to handle the hot weather for at least a couple of hours before it does us in. 

DIL Janet came by last evening, and we ordered Chinese food for supper.  It was good, but it will be fun next week to cook our supper on the new burner.  Today I will give it a try.   I'm hoping this works out for me because my range top was tossed out in order to put in the new counter top.  Sometimes, I'm a "jump in with both feet" type of person.

Today I have more photos from my archives to share.  Aside from birds, I find photographing insects quite fascinating.  As long as I don't get too close and annoy the critters. 



I also have another image of a plant that looks that something else.  These little Snap Dragon Seed Pods  (Antirrhinum) look like skulls.  Interesting!!


When I have some time, I think I'll look up these odd looking plants to see how many more of them are out there.  I find it quite fascinating how closely entwined plants, animals and humans really are.

Soon, I'll have to make up this week's shopping list.  I've found a couple new recipes that I'd like to try out, so I'd best make sure that all the ingredients are on the list.  (if I don't already have them)    One recipe is for a slow cooker cheesy chicken and potatoes, and the other is for a peach ice cream.

This morning I'm enjoying a bit of fun TV.  "Let's Make A Deal" and "The Price Is Right" are two of my favorite morning shows.   They never fail to start my day with a smile.  It's good to see folks having fun and winning some nice prizes. 

I think I'll make my coffee now and enjoy the TV for a while.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs,  Edna B.