Friday, January 31, 2020

Bye Bye January

January 31, 2020

Good morning.  Tis cold but the sun is shining.  It's 29F degrees, but should climb to the upper thirties later today.  This is good because I have to go out to the Town Hall today.  Then I need to make appointments for Pogo for his check up and a visit to the beauty salon. 

I did not have a chance to call Best Buy yesterday, but I will do it before I go out today.  I really want to get this little laptop up and running.  There's also a computer store here in town, and I think I'll  give them a call to see if they can do this for me and what their charge would be.  I can get to this store a lot quicker than I can get to Best Buy. 

Yesterday I got a sale flyer from Ocean State Job Lot, and a couple of the ads on the front page had me giggling.  January wasn't even over yet and they were already advertising bathing suits.  The funny part though, was that the ads right below these swim suits were for ice melt, shovels and scrapers.  This just struck me as so funny.



A couple days ago, I got a nice surprise from my friend Beth.  She made me a beautiful scrap page.  Thank you Beth, I love it.


Pogo and I just found out that Joe is home today.  Even though Pogo has already had his breakfast, he's champing at the bit to get out into the main part of the house to get his turkey treat.  He may only eat a few bites, but he wants it.  I guess it has to do with  routine.  If he doesn't get his turkey treat, it sort of throws his whole day off.  ???

That means I'd best be going.  Otherwise, Pogo will start barking at me shortly, and he won't stop until I let him out into the main house.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Just 49 Days Till Spring

January 30, 2020

Good morning.  Today is sunny and cold.  But the good news is that Spring is only 49 days away.  And before that, Pogo and I will get to bask in the warm sunshine of Florida for two weeks.  Woo Hoo! 

Well, yesterday I got really brave and decided to set up my new little laptop so that I could start using it.  I need to get familiar with it before I leave for Florida.  I guess I don't have to tell you how badly I messed it all up.  The book that I bought to help me wasn't printed for folks like me. 

Don't get me wrong.  I am not a dummy.  But I don't know how to set up my Microsoft Surface Go laptop.  At least not without a readable book of instructions.  (and maybe not even then)  Why can't Microsoft (or someone)  print a manual for users like me?  I discovered (too late) that there are a lot of users like me on line looking for a user manual that is written in plain English. 

Yes, there are a lot of videos available that will teach these things, but I just can't sit at my regular laptop for hours trying to learn from them.  Maybe when I was thirty years younger, but not now.  I even went online to see if there were any classes available that I could attend.  No such luck!

I called my daughter Audrey, and she will try to help me over the phone.  Otherwise, I may have to pay to have it set up so that I can use it.  Best Buy has staff that can do that.  Actually, I think that might be my best bet.  I'll call them today to see if this can be done at our local store. 

Ever wonder what to do with old pieces of furniture other than putting them out with the trash?  I found this great idea on the web and wanted to share it here.  What a wonderful way to use the piece of furniture.  What child wouldn't love to have this little kitchen?


Today I think I'll work on my tax stuff.  Then tomorrow I have to go to the Town Hall and pay my property taxes.  I'm hoping that Saturday is a nice day because Deanne says she'll take me shopping.  Pogo and I are  really looking forward to this outing.  It's been a while since he's been out shopping.

I have another giggle for you.  Here's hoping it starts your day with a smile.


Now I'm off to do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Pet Peeves

January 29, 2020

Good morning.  For some reason, I was wide awake at 4:30 this morning, so I got up and made breakfast for Pogo and myself.  Except coffee.  I had water instead.  After breakfast, we both went back to sleep until just a little while ago. 

I have a question to ask everyone.  Do you ever notice tiny details when you are watching a movie or a program on TV?  My brother could always spot the details that were wrong.  I never really looked for them.  Except for when a person is driving an automobile or some type of vehicle. 

Watch the driver as he/she is talking with a passenger in the vehicle.  How many times does the driver look somewhere other than the road?  How long does the driver keep looking elsewhere?  Even if the driver is law enforcement.  They always tend to be looking at the passenger while they talk to them, and not looking at the road. 

This is now a pet peeve of mine.  I get nervous and keep waiting for the accident to happen.  Obviously, it does not happen.  But in real life it would most definitely happen.  And it would be a doozy of an accident.  Now if I noticed this bad driving habit right away, doesn't it make you wonder how many of our young drivers notice it too?

Another thing I notice is how when law enforcement goes into someone's home to arrest them, they never lock the door to the premises when they leave.  Lots of times, they never even shut the door.  The door is just left open for anyone to go in.  I find this lack of regard for another person's property very disdainful.  And no, I'm not going to rant about it.

On a happier note, how about another old photo?  This one is my two eldest, Audrey age 3 and Kerri age 1.  My folks were babysitting this day and took the photo. 


I used to love dressing them in matching outfits even though their personalities were so different.  As toddlers, Audrey loved to dress up and did not like to get dirty.  Kerri was happiest wearing overalls and exploring everything around her.  This photo has always been a favorite of mine. 

On a very serious note, folks when you see an animal in need of help, please help it.  When you want to get a new pet, please visit your local shelters.  And don't be put off by scars and age.  All our animals deserve and need love.  Some have know horrors we can't even imagine, yet they will be loyal to you and love you all the rest of their days. 


Now I'm off to watch "In The Heat Of The Night."  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Decisions, Decisions!

January 28, 2020

Good morning.  Tis 37F degrees and a bit grayish outside this morning.  It's a great day for climbing back under the covers, but I won't.  Today I want to box up the afghans that are being given away and hopefully, they can be mailed out by the end of the week. 

I guess now I have to decide on colors for the next two afghans.  Of course, I'm not complaining.  I love picking out new yarn.  I received my new Herrschners catalog, only to find that Red Heart Yarn is eliminating a batch of colors.  Sadly, some of these are my favorite yarn colors.  I may pick up some of them because they are half price while they last.

How does a light or medium Fern Green, Lavender and a variegated mix of both of these colors sound?  On the color chart, they look really nice.  There's even some beautiful browns that will look great with a variegated yarn that I have.    Hmmm, such a choice to make!

Do any of you use Vicks VapoRub?  I found this image on the web and thought I'd share it with you.  I wasn't aware of all these different uses for this salve.  This is good to know.  And yes, I do have a jar of it in my medicine cabinet.

I also have to think about getting a new printer soon.  My printer is good, but if one color runs a bit low, it doesn't print until that color is replaced.  And the ink is expensive.  Also, my printer is not a copier.  That's what I need the most.  So I'm thinking of looking at the HP All In One printers that are eligible for the Instant Ink program.  (I think that's what it's called.) 

With this program, the ink will automatically be replaced before it is gone, and it is not very expensive.  I think if you go to HP.com you can find a list of all their printers that are eligible for this program.  (HP is Hewlett Packard)

I found another great idea on the web and borrowed it to share here.  This is a wonderful way to remember a beloved pet.


Now I think I'll do a bit of blog reading before getting started on today's chores.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Mini Skirts And Go Go Boots!

January 27, 2020

Good morning.  Tis 35F degrees and sunny.  Although it must have rained sometime during the night because we have a few puddles.  Today's temps may reach the very low forties.  How quickly our weather forecast changes.  I thought we were going to have a few days with temps in the forties, but after today the temps won't get out of the thirties for a few days.  Of course, that's according to my phone app.

Deanne stopped by yesterday before work for a visit and she brought me the neatest gift.  It's a desktop word search puzzle calendar.  I've never seen one before, and it's really quite fun. 


Every page covers two days, and a word search puzzle.  Now this is really fun.  Thank you Deanne, I'm enjoying this.  Here's the first page.  If any of you like these puzzles, I'll include them now and then. 


I wasn't very energetic yesterday.  I had me a nap, and washed one load of Pogo's blankets.  Of course, because of that nap, I was up most of the night.  Thank goodness WeTV has so many good old TV shows on all through the night. 

Yesterday, I did go through some of my tax stuff, and then last night I put a few rows on the navy blue afghan.  Today I have a few things to do, but first I need to scrounge up some energy.  Or maybe I'll just wait until tomorrow. 

Do you realize that the end of this week will be the beginning of a new month?  I read how time really does go by faster as we get older, and it's true.  By the time I get through Monday and Tuesday each week, it's already Friday. 

A friend posted this next image on the web and I borrowed it to share here.  This is so true for all us grannies and great grannies.  I'm sure today's kids have never even given this a thought.  A lot of them think us old folks have just never been young and hip and carefree.  But we were!  Oh my, the fun us old folks had in our day!


On this happy note, I'll take my leave.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Going On Fourteen And Handsome As Ever

January 26, 2020

Good morning.  The sun is shining and the temperature is 39F degrees.  Everything is wet so I guess we got a bit of rain during the night.  Temps should reach 44F degrees later today.  Not bad!   Pogo and I have been up for hours.  I tried to sleep late, but Pogo decided we should be up. 

Yesterday wasn't very busy.  I did, however, pay a lot of bills.  It's amazing how every time my checkbook gains a speck of weight a ton of bills arrive in the mail wanting to paid immediately.  Wouldn't it be nice if I could lose a few pounds that easily? 

Actually, I may have lost a few pounds.  My jeans are getting way too loose.  I don't think I've lost a whole size though.  Maybe only a half size.  I'll have to look through my jeans to see if I have a pair that are smaller and see if they fit.  Now that would really be nice.

Yesterday, Deanne sent me a super photo of Kevin at work.  Hmm, if all electricians looked this good, we'd should all have electrical problems that need fixing.  Right, ladies?


I did finish the red and black afghan Friday night.  I'll take a photo of it later today to share.  After I paid a batch of bills yesterday, I worked on some tax stuff for a while.  The rest of the evening, I did nothing.  Just relaxed, and watched reruns of Law & Order, SVU. 

This is how my little guy spent his evening.  You know, he's going to be fourteen years old in April.  I can't believe how fast these past years have flown by.  He still thinks he's a puppy.  And I think he's still as beautiful as he was the first day I got him. 


Today I'm going to do a bit of laundry.  After that, we'll see.  First, I'm going to do a bit of blog reading.  I did not spend very much time on my laptop yesterday.  On that note, I'm going to refresh my cup of coffee.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Bananas? Really?

January 24, 2020

Good morning.  Tis sunny and 35F degrees today.  The temperature may go up a few more degrees by mid afternoon.  According to my phone app, daytime temps for the next few days should be in the forties.  That will be a nice welcome.

Well, I don't know if yesterday's scammer came by for the check, but a stranger did come by.  I did not answer the knock on the door.  I did scoot out to the kitchen in the main part of the house and look out a window to get the license plate number.  Just in case.  Folks in the house know not to let this person in should he ever come back.

The rest of my day was rather quiet.  I went through a lot of junk mail and magazines and got rid of a lot of it.  Late afternoon, Kevin and Eddie came by to finish putting in a new outlet.  This is an old house, and putting in electrical outlets can be very tricky.  Thank goodness, my SIL and grandson are both very good electricians.  Thank you, guys. 

I thought I would share another new book that I've acquired.  This one is put out by Reader's Digest.  It's called "Easy Fixes" and is chock full of all kinds of ways to repair your stuff.  (taken right off the cover.)


Here's a little snippet from the book.  I'll try to post one or two of them every now and then.  I might add that when disposing of those plastic bags, do cut the handles so that no animals can get caught in them.  Thank you.


I did a bit more crocheting last evening, and now I only have six more rows to go to finish the red and black afghan.  Woo Hoo!  I think before I tackle the navy blue one, I'll work on my tax stuff for a bit.  I'd like to at least get expenses into columns ready to be added.  After that, I can make an appointment with my accountant.  At least, that's the plan.

Last night, I watched Project Runway and I swear, designs are getting really wonky nowadays.  The wonkier the design, the more the judges seem to love it.  Last night's challenge was to make fashionable clothing using fabric designed by artist, Ashley Longshore. 

Some of the artist's fabric designs were okay, but others had rather delicate unmentionable body parts  splashed all over it.  Most of the designers made beautiful and respectable outfits, while others played up the fabric patterns.  Sad to say, but I am so disappointed in what was my favorite TV Program. 

Since the new host, Karlie Kloss, has taken over hosting the show, fashion styles and guest judges have taken on a new flavor.  And not always a good one.  This does make me sad because I've always loved fashion design.

Ah well, I'm off now to watch the rest of "In The Heat Of The Night."  (on MeTV)  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Phone Scams

January 23, 2020

Good morning.  It looks like the icy cold weather has stopped for a little while.  It's 29F degrees and sunny, and we might even see forty degrees later today.  Woo Hoo!  We may actually see forty degrees for the next few days.  I can handle that.

Someone mentioned that I'm industrious.  Actually, I'm not.  But I do try to crochet a lot because of the arthritis.  When my hands are idle, they begin to hurt.  The crocheting helps to keep my hands working.  Plus it's a good feeling to see pretty things grow out of a few skeins of yarn. 

Today I thought I'd share Audrey's new project.   A friend of hers asked if Audrey could make this for her.  I can't wait to see this beauty when it is finished.  Here's a photo of the stuffed pegasus/unicorn along with the colors of yarn she will be using.



I think I got duped!  Last evening, I got a phone call asking for a donation for a project of a local police department.  I said I'd give them a check and they said they would pick it up today.  So I gave them my address.  This was sheer stupidity on my part. 

This morning I tried looking this up on Google, and I couldn't find it.  So I called that particular police department and found out that it was a scam.  I tore up the check.  If they do show up, I'll call our town police.  I'm only sharing this because I'm hoping none of my readers will get caught in a scam like this.  Do not give out your address to a stranger. 

On that note, I think I'll take my leave.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Welcome To The Family, Nutmeg

January 22, 2020

Good morning.  Well, as you can see, Deanne and her family have decided on a very different name altogether for their new kitten.  She's being named "Nutmeg."  Here's a photo that Deanne sent to me last evening.  You can see that Nutmeg is having fun playing in her new home.  Isn't she just a cutie?


The sun is shining today, but it is still cold.  The temperature is 25F degrees.  It may get as high as the mid thirties later today.  Spring, oh Spring, where art thou?  Pogo and I would like some warmer temperatures.  Each year, the cold seems to feel even colder to this old body of mine.

Last night I added a few more rows to the red and black afghan, and now I only have around fifteen more rows to go. I just might get both of these afghans finished before I go to Florida.  That would really be nice.  Once the red and black one is finished, I'll box it up and mail it to my grandson Trio.  I'll also mail one to Sweden for Ulf and his girlfriend. 

I've decided to give the Cranberry afghan that I made before to Ulf.  When I finish an afghan, I store it in a zipped plastic storage bag.  Then when I need a special gift or a donation for a raffle, I just have to pick one out.

Audrey has been working on some new projects too.  Here's a baby blanket she just finished for a friend.  I love the colors and the pretty edging.  This is beautiful, Audrey.  Your friend is going to love it. 


She's starting another new project, but I'll save that for tomorrow's post.  Right now, I'm waiting for the new pattern book to get here.  It will be a while yet because it isn't supposed to get here until sometime between January 27 and February 3rd. 

Sometime this year, I'd also like to finish two more afghans for Aurora and Xander.  You know what I'd really like?  When the warm weather finally gets here, I'd like for a few more hours added to each day.  I know, I know.  But a girl can dream, can't she?

Well, Matlock is on TV now and I'm going to watch it.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

We Americans Are A Proud Lot

January 21, 2020

Good morning.  I know I'm late today, but Deanne and I went to the shelter this morning to pick up her new kitty kat.  I think they are leaning more to the name  Pebbles, but I won't know for sure until this evening when they have their family meeting.  So far, all I know is that the new kitten does not like Sassy (their doggy). 

Well, did any of you watch the march on Richmond, Virginia yesterday?  I kept the news on all day just to make sure no one would get hurt.  My daughter and her friends were there.  I did not have to worry though.  Us legal gun folks are peaceful and law abiding.  There were 22,000 people at this rally, and not one speck of trouble from any of them.  They even made sure to clean up the area before they all left to go home.

Here's a photo of Audrey and her friend Ellen.  Did I mention that it was super cold there?  Everyone is bundled up to keep warm.


Here are a few photos from yesterday's rally.  This was a huge, but peaceful crowd.  Even law enforcement was there.  This is a great country, and these are just some of it's wonderful people.



And here's a view from Senator Cosgrove's office window, just to give you an idea of how many folks were there.  These folks came from all over the country to stand up for their rights.


It's almost noon, and Pogo and I have just finished our breakfast.  It was too cold to get up early this morning to eat before I left.  Besides, when it gets this cold, my coffee doesn't stay warm very long.  I have to drink it right up.  The temperature now (outside) is 23F degrees, and that's about how high it will get today.  Maybe one or two degrees higher for maybe an hour or two.

I keep telling myself that Spring is coming soon.  Sometimes it helps, and other times I crawl back under my big orange comforter.  I am so glad I bought this comforter.  It's been keeping Pogo and I quite comfy.   I do have electric blankets, but I hardly ever have to plug them in.  Only when the outside temperatures get really mean.

Today, I'm going to shop online for some warm slippers.  Even with fuzzy socks, my feet get cold walking on these floors.  I feel so bad for Pogo when he has to walk on it.  He will not wear slippers.  Well, I'm going to do some blog reading now, so till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B

Monday, January 20, 2020

Peppers, Pebbles Or Zucchini?

January 20, 2020

Good morning.  My goodness, how's this for a date?  One, twenty, twenty, twenty.  I think it's interesting.  Tis cold here.  The temperature is 19F degrees, and may get up into the mid twenties later today.  Brrr! 

Deanne and Jazzy are asking for your thoughts on the new kitten's name.  They are now thinking of Peppers, Pebbles and Zucchini.  What do you think?  I'm leaning toward Pebbles.  Tomorrow, Deanne picks up the new kitten and it will get it's new name tomorrow night.  I'll be looking forward to your thoughts.

Folks, I crocheted one small pouch for a baby Australian animal.  It's very easy, but it's with a smaller stitch and hook, so the work comes out tighter and closer.  This makes my hands hurt.  I had to stop and take breaks to give my hands a rest.  At this rate, it would take me all year just to make a few of these little pouches. So, I went online and donated money for the animals' care instead. 

I'm sorry, I did try.  Maybe I can turn the pouch that I made into a little purse.  One of my  great granddaughters might like it.  Meanwhile, I put a few more rows on the red and black afghan.  I think I have about twenty two more rows to go on it. 

I've been watching the news for information about the big rally in Richmond, Virginia.  Audrey and Mac and some of their friends are there.  I'm praying for their safety.  The governor there seems to be treating all the rally folks as terrorists.  His staff and followers appear to be making life very difficult for the folks protesting some of the laws that are being passed before the public even knew they were included inside other bills.  This is really sneaky, and dangerous. 

It's sad when the government officials take to being sneaky and lying to their public.  It's sad that only 40% of the voters showed up at the polls when these politicians were being voted into office.  Folks, these days especially, it's so very important to get out and vote on election days.  Your vote can make a really big difference.  If you can't get out, call someone.  They can either take you to the polls, or help you get an absentee ballot. 

Today I'm going to share another new book that I've ordered.  I also ordered one for Audrey, seeing as how so many of her friends have babies and small children.  This one is full of patterns for making crocheted stuffed animals.  It also shows you how to use parts of each pattern to make other animals than the ones in the book.  The book is called "Cuddly Crochet Critters."  It's available from Dover Publications and Amazon.  (It's cheaper on Amazon, plus free shipping.)


While I was surfing the web recently, I came across another great new invention that could be most useful.  It's a wrench, and I think it's rather interesting.  What do you think?


Now I'm going to make a cup of hot cocoa and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

How Does Pickles And Peppers Sound?

January 19, 2020

Good morning.  We woke up this morning to at least six inches of snow.  During the night, I looked out once and the snow was coming down at a really good clip.  This morning, our turkeys came looking for their breakfast.  Joe had to go out and shovel a place to put down their food. 

I love watching our big birds.  When they arrive, they start softly gobble, gobble, gobbling for Joe to come out with food.  When Joe takes the food out, he softly gobble, gobble, gobbles right back at them.  They are sort of communicating with each other.  It's such fun to watch.

Well, Friday was a really fun day.  Deanne and I went to the kitty shelter, and had a wonderful time playing with some of the kittens.  They were all so darling, and ready for some one on one attention and playtime. 

And yes, Deanne adopted one of them.  It was a difficult choice because they were all so beautiful and lovable, but one in particular seemed to be taken with Deanne.  This kitty's name was Layla.  So here's a photo of Layla.  She's about seven or eight months old.  (I forget exactly)


Once you decide on adopting, there's a sit down meeting to learn all about how to integrate the new kitten into your household, feeding tips, health tips, etc.  They even give you a goodie bag filled with treats, food, toys, and a coupon for a visit to your vet.  Deanne and I will go back on Tuesday to pick up her new kitten.

As you know, Deanne already has a kitten named Pickles.  They are thinking about naming the new kitten Peppers.  Tuesday evening, they will have a family meeting to decide on the new name.  Hmm, Pickles and Peppers does have a nice ring to it.

Today I borrowed an image from the web to share with you.  I have to say that some days my brains take a few minutes longer to take things in.  When I first looked at this image, I thought "Hmmm, what a great idea!"  Then I thought I should share it with all of you.  So, I downloaded it.  Then it hit me.  How is it getting the water into it to spray?  DUH!  But you have to agree, it would be a great invention.


You know, "blinker fluid" should have given me a clue!  Ah well, I never said I was smart all the time!  Now I think I'll refresh my coffee and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, January 17, 2020

We're Off To See A Kitty Cat

January 17, 2020

Good morning.  Tis a wee bit chilly this morning.  Only 18F degrees, but it might get up to 22F degrees later today.  The good news is that the sun is supposed to be shining most of the day.  It's a good day to stay in, but we're going to pick out a kitten this morning.

Deanne, Jazzy and I are going to visit a shelter this morning so that Deanne can pick out a kitten to adopt.  This is a dangerous trip for me.  I have a difficult time leaving a pet store or shelter without wanting to bring some off the animals (at least one) home with me.  I've always been like this.

When my kids were little, they talked me into so many animals.  At one point, there were more animals than people in our home.  But it was nice.  The apartment where we lived would not let us have a dog, so we had cats, birds, fish, turtles, a bunny, guinea pigs, mice and a skunk.

The worst for me were the mice and the skunk.  Audrey wanted a pair of little white mice for Christmas.  Oh lordy me, no one ever told me how quickly two mice would become several hundred.  We finally had to talk the pet shop into taking them.  As for the skunk, well, Deanne asked me to let her go into the pet shop just to look around.  I should have known better.  We came out of the store with our new little skunk, which Deanne had named Petunia.

Petunia turned out to be very vicious to everyone except Deanne.  She ate the cushions of my kitchen chairs, the bottoms of the cabinet doors, and part of the trash barrel. She even ate the insulation out from under the refrigerator.  After a while, she would go after anyone who dared to go into the kitchen.  She had declared that her domain.  After she attacked a maintenance man, we had to take her back to the pet store.

It's only a little after six o'clock so it won't be daylight for at least another hour.  I'm watching Dragnet on TV.  My favorite show, Perry Mason, comes on at nine o'clock but we leave for the shelter before that, so I'll tape it so that I can watch it later.

Here's another little story from my bathroom book.  I hope this starts your day with a giggle.


I think I'm going to try to catch a few more winks before it's time to leave.  Before I go, let me leave you with this thought that I borrowed from the web.  It's such a simple message, but it could mean so much to someone.

I'm off now.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Shopping Can Be Fun

January 16, 2020

Good morning.  The temperature is 39F degrees and it is wet outside, with bits of rain on and off.  It looks like a good day to do indoor crafts.  I've been asked for information about the new carry case that I bought for my little laptop.  So.......

I went to Amazon and looked up "case for Microsoft Surface Go 10 laptop" then scrolled through all the offerings that came up.  I finally chose one by "wiwu" that came in several different colors.  Black stays clean longer so I picked that.  It had five stars, and the price was $23.99.  I am quite pleased with this new carry bag and I hope this helps.

Yesterday I went grocery shopping at Market Basket.  This was a nice treat for me.  I was able to pick up some meats and lunch meats.  They have a nice meat selection.  I also treated myself to some apple fritters and some Swiss Miss dark chocolate cocoa mix.  Yum yum!

There's not a lot of news today, so how about a chuckle to start your day?  This came from my bathroom book.  (What else is new?) 


I get emails from Naztazia.com sharing new crochet patterns and stitches.  This newest one is really quite beautiful.  It's called "crochet tulip border for blanket."  If anyone is interested, you can visit her website, NAZTAZIA.COM and sign up for emails. 


I'm watching an old episode of Matlock on TV.  It's interesting because they have a murder that nobody committed.  Hmmm, how does that happen?  I'll just have to watch the rest of it to find out.  On that note, I'll take my leave.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

A Great Day For Grocery Shopping

January 15, 2020

Good morning.  The sun is shining and the temperature is 42F degrees.  Woo Hoo!  It may even get two degrees warmer.  This is great because I'm going grocery shopping with dwarf Mike.  We're going to Market Basket.  They have really great meats and I enjoy shopping there.

Last night I put a few more rows on the red and black afghan.  There's just another thirty rows to go and it will be finished.  Then I will take a photo of it to share.  After that I think I only have three  or four more afghans to go for the family.  I think.  I've created a rather large family, and I've been crocheting these afghans for years. 

The package that came yesterday was the carry case that I had ordered for my new little laptop.  My goodness, it is so nice.  My little laptop and all its accessories fit inside it, and it has a shoulder strap to make carrying easier.  (The little handles fold nicely into pockets.)  It comes in a few different colors.  Mine is black.  I'm going to enjoy this bag. 


Pogo and I slept rather late this morning.  And, I must say, it felt good.  Well, actually, sleep always seems to feel good.  Or maybe it just seems more so when one gets old.  Speaking of getting old, my beautiful little Pogo will be fourteen years old in April.  And his hair is getting really thin.  It's almost a shame to cut it, but it does need to be trimmed soon.  He looks like a tiny lion nowadays.  But he's my little lion and I love him.


I finally decided whether to take my walker or Pogo's stroller when we go to Florida.  We'll be taking Pogo's stroller.  It serves as both a walker for me and a ride for Pogo.  Now that that is settled, it's time to make an appointment for Pogo's checkup and travel health letter. 

Today's old photo is one of the last ones I have of Kerri, me and Deanne together.  I thought I had lost this photo.  Thank goodness I didn't lose it.


Now I think I'd better do my blog reading and get ready to go shopping.  Mike gets home from work shortly after noon.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Growing Up In Years Gone By

January 14, 2020

Good morning.  It's looking very gray outside my door this morning.  Today's temperature should reach a high of 40F degrees with lots of sunshine.  My energy level is definitely tied to the temperatures.  Those last two days that we had such warm temps had my energy at a healthy level.  Today, not so much.

Yesterday was a telephone day.  Booking airline flights shouldn't be a project, but it took me two hours to get this done.  I still have to reserve a rental car to use while Pogo and I are in Florida, but I'll wait until next month to do this. 

I also had to figure out my finances in order to make sure all the bills will be paid on time.  This one was a bit trickier than reserving airline tickets.  But, I'll work it out.  When one grows up in a wartime, one learns how to stretch every dollar out to its maximum.  You also learn as many crafts as you can.  (When you cannot afford to buy something, you make it.)

I learned the usual cooking, sewing, typing, shorthand, etc.  Also, knitting, crocheting, painting, wallpapering and how to shop, etc.  About the only thing I did not get to learn was how to fix my car.  I wanted to learn this, but growing up in my day did not let girls take automotive classes.  That was reserved for the boys.

To be honest, I'd have to say that I grew up in the best years.  As children, we did not have "devices" to do our work for us.  We learned to do things, and to figure things out on our own.  We learned to write in cursive, not just to print.  We learned our math.  We did not have calculators to do this for us.  Most importantly, we learned to use our minds and brains.  We learned to be creative.  Libraries were at the top of our "best friends" list.

Enough for history.  Today I have photos of the plants that I re-potted a couple days ago.  The Bird Of Paradise plant will have to re-potted again to another, bigger pot in the Spring.  (This is the really tall plant in the photo)


I had picked up a new Amaryllis plant a month ago, and finally got around to potting it last week.  This one is pink and white, and is called "Apple Blossom."  I hope I'm here when it blossoms, and not a way on vacation.


A reader informs me that the Christmas Cactus plant likes to be pot bound in order to get lots of blossoms.  Thank you, I did not know this.  Now I see the mailman coming my way and he has a package for me.  It's time for me to get the mail and see what's inside that package.  Hopefully, it's my newest blog book.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Monday, January 13, 2020

Winter Temps Are Back

January 13, 2020

Good morning.  Tis quite a bit different today than it was yesterday.  The cold temps are back.  Ah well, it is Winter.  But the good news is that Spring is definitely coming.  In a couple of months.  Right now it's gray and 39F degrees here, and we may see the temperature rise another degree or two by tonight. 

I looked up at the tree tops in my yard (yesterday afternoon) and thought that the sun looked ever so pretty shining on the tree tops.  This photo was taken through the kitchen window.


Yesterday was another busy day.  Mostly for Joe.  He's been doing most of the work on cleaning the two empty rooms.  I did order the new rug for one of the rooms.  That should be here in a few days.  The mattresses will arrive sometime today.  Hopefully I'll be able to get these rooms occupied soon.  There's never a dull day when you have a rooming house. 

I finally got around to repotting a couple plants yesterday.  I'll take a photo today.  One was a Bird Of Paradise plant.  It was getting so tall and almost falling out of its pot.  The other was an Aloe Vera plant that also outgrew its pot quite a while ago.  If I have enough dirt left, I have a couple Christmas Cactus that need to be repotted.

I found something interesting on the web last night and downloaded it to share here.  If you're like me, this will really make you feel old.


Actually, there have been fourteen presidents during my lifetime so far.  They are: Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1933 - 1945), Harry S. Truman, Dwight David Eisenhower, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson, Richard Milhous Nixon, Gerald Rudolph Ford, James Earl Carter, Jr., Ronald Wilson Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, George Walker Bush, Barak Hussein Obama, and Donald John Trump.

I've also been here long enough to see two queens of England:  Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth II.  Kind of makes a person feel a tad bit old.  (but super lucky!)

Here's another great quote that I borrowed from the web to share here.  How true this is.


That's my news for today.  Now I'm off to make some breakfast and a hot cup of coffee.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Another Gorgeous Day Here In New England

January 12, 2020

Good morning.  It's 6:16 a.m.  The temperature is 60F degrees.  Today's high will be 64F degrees in a few hours, and then work its way back down to 32F degrees for the overnight temps.  It's raining lightly (should stop soon) and very windy.  This will be our last super day for a while. 

Pogo and I were up super early this morning, and have already had our breakfast.  You know I'm going to have the munchies around ten or eleven o'clock.  I have to be careful though, because I don't want to gain back the precious few pounds that I've manage to lose.  It takes so long to lose the pounds, and yet we can gain them back so quickly.

Yesterday was quite a busy day here.  We suddenly have two empty rooms, so Joe has been working hard to get them both clean and fresh and ready to rent.  I've been doing laundry, mine, Pogo's and curtains for those rooms.  I also ordered new mattresses and mattress covers.  Next I will have to order a new rug for one of the rooms.  Then I can place an ad in the newspaper.

Today, I think I'll clean my bathroom, then we'll see.  I run out of energy quickly most days.  Yesterday I got lucky and lasted just about all day.  I even cooked an extra supper so that tonight I won't have to cook. 

Deanne has been looking for another kitten for months now.  They just aren't being found.  Today though, I got an email from a friend who runs a small kitten rescue, and she is linking us up with another kitty rescue person who does have a kitten.  Hopefully, this week Deanne and I can go look at this kitten.  And adopt it!

Here's an interesting image that I borrowed from the web to share here.  I did not know this before, did you?


Before I leave and try for a few more winks (Pogo is already sleeping) let me share a couple giggles from my bathroom book. 



Now I'm off to catch up with the sandman for a little while if I can.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Temps Are Warming Up A Bit

January 10, 2020

Good morning.  Today is lovely.  The temperature is 37F degrees and headed to 48F degrees later this afternoon, according to my phone app.  However, the weatherman on TV says it will get up to 60F degrees today.  Hmmm, one of these forecasters has had a bit too much moonshine.

Another book that I had ordered has come, and I'm finding it quite interesting.  It's called "Reader's Digest FOOD CURES."   Have you figured out by now that I enjoy books?


Yesterday, I watched a video by Matt Kloskowski, the author of the photo classes that I signed up for.  The video showed us how he had edited a lot of his favorite photos using Light Room and Photoshop.  I saw that I do a lot of the same editing using just Photoshop, and that I have a lot more to learn.

Deanne came by for a while yesterday afternoon and we had a nice visit until it was time for her to pick Jasmine up at work.  As they rode through the park on their way home, Deanne stopped to take this beautiful photo of the moon over one of the ponds.  Thank you for sharing this Deanne.


Last night I watched what used to be one of my favorite programs on TV, Project Runway.  I love watching the designers turn fabrics into beautiful clothes.  However, these last few years, the so called fashions just aren't fashionable anymore.  The judges seem to be enjoying ragged, trashy looking things.  Just my opinion. 

It seems the more horrible and poorly made an item is, the judges seem to love it more.  No matter how much they applaud these so called fashions, I have yet to see anyone actually buying and/or wearing this stuff.  Every now and then, a designer comes up with a really lovely outfit, but they don't get very far with the judges.  It's so sad.

I've decided that I'm going to start putting more old photos into my posts so that the family can enjoy them later in my blog books.  Back in the 1990's my best friend from high school, Ginny May and I had some fun traveling.  In this photo, we were getting ready to leave on one of our trips to Nashville, Tennessee.  We shared the driving, and stopped to enjoy some beautiful places along the way.  She left this world just a few years later.  I'm so glad I have this photo.  (left - me, right - Ginny May)


This is our high school graduating class, 1957.  We are the 6th (me) and 5th (Ginny) in from the right in the front row.  I tried to put a circle around us on the photo, but I haven't figured out how to do that yet in the new Photoshop so I made a cropped close up.



Oh my, so many wonderful memories of all the things in life that we shared.  You are sorely missed, my friend.

Well, that does it for today.  After I finish a bit of blog reading, I really must tackle a few chores around here.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Another New Project

January 9, 2020

Good morning.  Tis a cold one today.  The temperature is only 22F degrees, and we may actually get up to 30F degrees later today.  Tomorrow it should start to warm up a bit.  Did I mention there are only 72 days till Spring?

I spent quite a while yesterday researching my air travel to Florida.  Alas, I did not come up with any good results.  I have some things to check out before I actually book my flight.  Gosh, I hate having to make difficult decisions.  One year I came home from Florida a day early to save a few hundred dollars on my airline ticket.  This year, it won't make a difference.  I may have to pay quite a bit more though, to come home on a flight at a decent time of day.  Ahh, what to do, what to do.

My daughter Audrey did some searching for me and found some patterns for the Australian animals.  If anyone is interested, here's one for a pouch.  It's a photo that I took from the screen on my laptop.  I also looked up the measurements.  12cm = 4.72441 inches, 24cms = 9.44882 inches. On the metric chart, the 4mm crochet hook is size - US G/6 and UK 8.


For those of you struggling to learn Windows 10, I bought another book, a much easier book to understand, and thought I would share this with you.  It's called "Windows 10 Simplified."  I bought it through Amazon.  I actually found answers to a couple of my own questions in this book.  So this is the one I'll stick with.


They should make books like this one for every new piece of technology that comes out.  Young folks tend to learn new things easily and quickly, but us oldies take a while longer to grasp all the new technology that comes along.  I'm talking about me of course.  I bought the "Dummies " book for Windows 10, but the "Simplified" books are so much better.

Well, that's enough learning for today.  I'll leave you with this image that I borrowed from the web.  This is so true!
Now I'm going to make a fresh cup of hot coffee and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.