Zoom! Zoom!

July 31, 2011

Good morning.  Can you believe that this is the last day of July?  Seems like growing up takes forever, while growing old comes on fast and furious.  Once you step on that banana peel, you just keep zooming right along.

A friend of mine had a birthday a couple of days ago, and once again, I am a bit tardy with my birthday wishes.  Nani, I hope your birthday was as scrumptious as that cake!  Folks, if you have a chance, drop by Nani's blog and wish her a happy birthday.  While you're there, read about the Photo Walk Day that will be coming up soon.

Tomorrow, I will be posting the brand new August GI Blog Train list.  Make some room on your hard drive, because there are lots of fabulous scraps coming your way.  Now I have a few photos to share before I head on home.  This first one is Chippy stocking up for winter.  Would you just look at those huge jowls?

This next shot is a bloom on a butterfly bush.  They seem to be everywhere this summer, and the butterflies are just loving them.

This last photo is of the flag that was flying from the back of our cruise boat.  Folks, if you know me at all, then you know that I love seeing our beautiful flag flying everywhere. 

Now it's time for me to check the Mrs. again, and pack up to go home.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The "Necessity" Years Were Good Years

July 30, 2011

It's another gorgeous morning, and I will be outside enjoying it soon.  I have a couple of errands to do, and an appointment at the nail salon.  If I keep my nails pretty, maybe no one will notice how frizzy my hair is.  You think?

"Project Runway" started up this week, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I started making my own clothes when I was around 15, and had dreams of becoming a fashion designer.  However, reality set in, and life took over and decided my future.  I did keep sewing and making clothes until my kids were almost into junior high school. 

It's amazing what necessity teaches us.  When you have little or no money to work with, you become very resourceful.  You learn how to make do with what you have, and how to turn scraps into things of beauty.  My best friend's mother made the most beautiful braided rugs, and spent hours teaching us how to make them.  My parents made "pom pom" rugs that were quite popular back in the early 1940's.  They taught me how to whip up a large batch of pom poms and fashion them into a beautiful rug. 

Knitting, crocheting, and cooking were also on the list of things that we were taught when we were young.  Is it any wonder that most of us kids that grew up in the 40's and 50's were able to cope with a lot of the things that life threw at us?  Today, I don't think I can name ten kids that can do all of the things that we learned as children.

Okay, that's enough of my ranting.  How about that closeup photo of the whale's blow hole that I promised?  It sort of looks like a regular nose, only it's on the top of the whale's head instead of on its' face.

I also have a fun photo of a pair of "footwear" that someone was wearing on the boat.  I can't imagine walking around town with these on my feet.  On the other hand, they do look rather comfortable.

Now it's time for me to get dressed so I don't miss my appointment.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Nice Tan On My Scalp!

July 29, 2011

Tis a bit gray outside this morning, and I believe we are expecting some rain today.  But that's okay, because we need it.  The gardens and lawns are getting a bit patchy from the summer heat, and will welcome a bit of rain.

My sunburn is beginning to feel less uncomfortable.  I didn't realize that you could get sunburn on your scalp underneath your hair.  But you can, and I did!!  Folks, if you go out in a boat, DON'T FORGET YOUR HAT!!  It's a bit messy trying to put cream on the part of the sunburn that is on your scalp!

I'm at work this morning, so this will have to be a short post.  Mrs will be waking soon.  I do have a few photos from the cruise to share.  What's a fishing wharf without gulls?  My first photo is of a gull resting on a street lamp.  We were very close to the airport so of course I took a few photos of the planes taking off the runway. 

Another point of interest on the cruise was the lighthouses.  I tried to take the photo when the light was on.  This lighthouse was interesting because it shows the keeper's house and outbuildings.  And yes, the light is on.

Well, that's all for now.  The Mrs. is awake and wanting her breakfast.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Science Can Be So Enjoyable

July 28, 2011

It's another gorgeous morning here in my little part of the world.  I've been sitting here watching a program about the Ancient Romans.  It showed how they invented glass blowing, and the molds to make mass production possible.  Some of their glass designs were stunning.  I just love these learning channels. 

Two more programs that I like on the Science channel are "Wonders Of The Universe" and "Through The Wormhole."  They also have programs like "How Do They Do It" and "How Is It Made."  There is  a treasure trove of learning and education available here.  I'd have been over joyed if they programs like this when I was a kid.  Not that I was a brainy nerd, but I loved learning.

I have a few more whale photos for you this morning.  This first photo shows a mom and her baby whale.  In the second photo, you can see the baby's  head right behind Mom, and the third photo is a closeup of Mom's eye.  (just below the blow hole)

I got a couple of super close ups of the blow hole which I will look for and post tomorrow.  One of these days, I would love to go on another whale watch cruise.  It was such a fun and fascinating day!! 

Now I think it's time to get some laundry started and maybe try out the vacuum cleaner.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Great Day For A Cruise

July 27, 2011

Good morning, and my oh my, yesterday turned out to be a gorgeous day after all.  I really thought we might have to cancel our cruise, but the sun came out and chased the rain away.  It's a good thing that I left Tootsie at home.  The water was a bit rough, there were a lot of people, and it took most of the trip to find my "water feet."  Most of the time when I tried to move around on the deck, I resembled a happy drunk.

Before it was time to board the boat, a nice young lady came around with a camera and took pictures of everyone.  Of course, this was with the intention that we would buy said photos after the cruise.  And we did!  Here is Dee Dee, Kevin, Jasmine, Moi and Eddie.

We were first in line, so when we boarded we promptly headed for the topmost deck.  I figured we could see a lot from up there.  Somewhere in my thinking I forgot that most of the humans around me are a lot bigger than 5 feet.  Whenever the whale expert would announce "whales at 10 o'clock,"  everyone would rush to the other side of the deck leaving me with a perfectly gorgeous view of the wide empty ocean.

Once in a while though, the whales would come to my side of the boat.  In between being squoze up against the railing or another body, keeping my feet steady on the floor, and keeping a death grip on my camera, I did come manage to get quite a few photos.  Here are a few showing the tail before it went under the water, a nice shot of the spray coming out of the blow hole, and then a close up of the whale's head as it was feeding.

I took over six hundred photos, so I still have lots to go through.  We had a fantastic day and took away a lot of great memories along with a nasty sunburn for me.  I left my cap in the car because I was sure the wind would keep trying to blow it away.  I also forgot to wear sunblock.  Today, I have learned my lesson the hard way.  I look like I'm in a constant state of severe blushing!

Well, that's it for this morning.  It's time to see if I can accomplish something around here today.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Of Course, It's Going To Rain Today!

July 26, 2011

I've been sitting here at my computer since 4:30 this morning because sleep is evading me.  I tried catching winks while the Mrs. sleeps, but it is just not working.  All night, the rain has been falling and bouncing off the skylights in the roof here.  It's not just a pitter patter, more like a splot splot splot all night long.  At the moment, it seems to have taken a short break.  Now if it would stay away until after supper tonight, it might still be a pretty good day. 

Today is the day we are supposed to be going on a whale watch cruise.  I'm not looking forward to being out on the ocean in a boat in the rain for three hours.  And I won't be able to use my camera if it is raining out there unless I can figure out how to make it a raincoat from a plastic bag.  Already I'm taxing my tired brain!

Glory to be, last night there was internet access here so I was able to finish the August collab kit and get it all wrapped up.  Next week, I will be posting a new GI Blog Train list, along with my contribution.  The following week, Su and I will begin posting our next kit.  Lots of freebies coming your way. 

Speaking of freebies, I have no new photos to post this morning, so I made you a QP.  For the background, I layered a couple of my photos, and then blended a texture from Kim Klassen into it.  For those who might wonder, I leave my QP backgrounds fairly plain so that you can add your own personalization.  I hope you can use this one. 

Here is the download link for EB  - QP - 065:  EXPIRED

Now it's time to check on the Mrs. and do a few things here.  Pretty soon it will be time to head on home.  I know Tootsie is looking forward to the whale watch cruise, but I think it will be best if I leave her at home with the sitter.  It wouldn't be any good for her to be out in the rain for so long.

That's it for this morning.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a terrific day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Welcome Break From The Heat

July 25, 2011

It's a lovely gray, cool morning.  I'm sure it will warm up later, but I'm enjoying this nice break from the heat.  Thank you for the help in naming my shrub.  I looked up Queen Anne's Lace and Viburnum, and it looks like my shrub is Viburnum.  There are many varieties of of this shrub, but I did find one that looks just like mine. 

Now if I can only figure out how to get rid of a rat without chasing away my other critters.  I think we will have to stop putting the ground seed so close to the house.  I don't mind the squirrels and the chipmunks, but I draw the line at rats.  They can go right back to where they came from.  A neighbor is digging up their whole front yard, and I'm wondering if this is why all of a sudden we see a rat. 

I have another question for everyone.  How does using a particular shaving gel wake up any roosters in the morning?  I came across a coupon good on the purchase of "Edge" shave gel.  The ad states that "The Edge Man Wakes Up Roosters In The Morning."  So you should rush right out and get your Edge?  Especially if you live somewhere near a sleepy rooster.  Actually, if your rooster doesn't want to get up early and crow, I say let him sleep.  It's too darn hot to be crowing.

How about some birdie photos?  This first one was taken in bright sunlight, and the second one was taken in the shade by our little feeder.

Now it's time to give Tootsie her morning meds, and maybe catch a little nap.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Cooking The Fruits Of Our Labor

July 24, 2011

Gosh, what a night!  It was so hot and sticky and there was no sleeping for me.  There has been a nasty odor in my place for a couple of days now, and I have been looking high and low for the source.  Well, DUH!  It seems that I had forgotten to take out the filters in the AC and clean them.  So at 3:45 this morning I was up taking out the filters and washing them.  Then of course, I had to try to clean out anything that might be inside behind the filters. 

Once that was done, I dug through my screwdrivers to find the right one to take apart the fan in my bedroom.  Once the fan was all apart ( God bless me with all those teeny weeny screws!), I scrubbed it all nice and shiny and put it all back together again.  By now, I had worked up an appetite, so Tootsie and I each had a bowl of cereal and then went back to bed.

Today, the temperature has gone down a bit, thank goodness!  I can actually walk out the door without the heat smacking me in the face.  We might even get a few thunder showers.  Gosh, I hope so!  This afternoon, I get to cook the first summer squash from our garden.  Oh yum!!  Aside from mashed potatoes,  this has to be my favorite veggie.  I love most all of them, but we do tend to have favorites. 

Right next to the shed, there is a large beautiful flowering bush.  It is has been there for many years, even though different folks have tried to get rid of it.  I keep coming to its' rescue.  I don't know it's name, but I think maybe my friend, Kyra, might be able to help with that.  The bush is at least six feet tall, and the florets are covered with teeny white blossoms.  I have a photo of it, plus a close up.  Let me know what it is.

Now I have some laundry to do, and the carpet really does want to meet up with the vacuum.  After lunch, maybe I can catch a short nap before I head off to work.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantastic day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Splot, Splot, Splot!

July 23, 2011

Hark!  I hear thunder.  Can that mean that rain is not far behind?  Actually, a few splots have hit the ground, but so far not enough to water the garden.  I'm hoping for a good soaking.  Not a flood, mind you, just a good soaking.  It just might help to cool things down a bit.

Last night was not a good night for sleeping, so Tootsie and I got up early this morning around 4 a.m.  I caught up a bit with my emails, and then we went back to bed.  It's actually a great morning for sleeping in late.

There is a metal awning over my living room windows, and I have a small bird feeder hanging under it.  Thank goodness the birds ate all the food because this morning there was a gray furry little visitor to the feeder.  Here is the little bugger.

Oh lordy, now I can hear large splats of wet stuff hitting the awning and the AC.  Plus, it's getting a bit dark outside.  I'm not complaining because we really need this rain.  There are two summer squashes in our garden that are just about ready for picking.  This rain is very good for helping them to grow.  And I can just about taste those squashes, mmm mmm mmm!!!

That's all for today.  Now I'm off to get Tootsie her morning meds.  Till tomorrow,  Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle!

July 22, 2011

Good golly Miss Molly, it's hot, hot, hot!!  I did work today, that's why I'm so late posting.  After a short heated argument with the Mrs, I managed to keep the AC on for the whole day.  The thermometer outside her kitchen window was reading 108 degrees this afternoon.  It's cooling down a speck now, because outside the window on the shady side of my house the thermometer is reading 98 degrees. 

There really isn't much news for today.  My daughter helped me color my hair to get rid of the gray.  God bless her little heart, she was very careful to stay away from the edges of hair nearest my eyes.  The hair coloring worked pretty good except on those hairs nearest my eyes that are still a bit gray.  The only thing I did not like was how the stuff left my hair feeling.  It used to be very soft, now it's rough.  Tonight, I will wash it again with regular shampoo and conditioner.  That should help.

I hope you're not tired of hummingbird photos because that's what I have for today.  The first three photos were taken on a gray wet day a couple of weeks ago.   The others were taken last Monday.  There is one male, and two different females.

That's all for now.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a great night, and try to stay cool..

Hugs, Edna B.

Now You See It, Now You Don't.

July 21, 2011

Good morning.  It's early, so it's still comfy outside with a soothing little breeze.  Pretty soon though, it will be stifling.  Tootsie and I have been having a grand time watching the shopping channel and making a list of all the "must have" things that we need.  (want is more like it!)  But have no fear, we are just looking and wishing.  It's been hard, but we have not bought anything!

Actually, I joke about the shopping channel, but I also learn a lot from watching and listening.  They give you a lot of information about the products that they sell, and they explain a lot about the new technology.  This morning, I've been trying to learn about the new smart phones.  One of these days soon, I will be needing to update my cell phone.  How is it that such a small item can make me feel so stupid? 

Dee Dee will be here this morning to help me with a new product that I thought I would try to get rid of my gray hair.  Not that I have anything against gray hair, but I thought I would like to try something new for a while.  This is a new brand, and it is a foam product.  So in a few hours, we shall see if it really works.

I have some flower photos to share this morning.  These were all taken at work in the Mrs' garden.  I don't have any of these in my yard. 

I want to get some pink Cone flowers, and Rose of Sharon in several colors for next year.  I think that will give us a lot more color and bloom time in the garden here.  I'm thinking that we might add some green bell peppers to our veggie garden too.  Of course, I need to discuss this with Joe, because he is the one doing all the physical work in the garden.

Now I need to get busy here and get dressed and start some laundry.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Ooooh Weeee! It Is Sizzling Here!

July 20, 2011

Good morning.  So far, it's not so bad outside, but the heat will be sizzling in just a little while.  I'm watching the weather channel on TV show the temperatures for Texas.  More than ten days in a row ranging from 101 degrees to 105 degrees.  Yish!  How do these folks handle the heat?  Our temps are in the 90's and Friday will be close to 100, and I'm doing my best to just handle that.

I have to work on Friday, so I'm hoping the Mrs will be nice about letting us have the air conditioner on.  I don't know if I can stay there all day with water pouring off me every time I move a part of my body.  Trust me, I won't be looking very pretty.  I'll also be rather crabby!

Oh boy!  You gottal hear this!  Now the weatherman is saying that our temperatures are so hot because the fields of corn in Iowa are throwing off a lot of moisture.  Folks,  we've been growing corn ever since we first got to this country hundreds of years ago, and we never knew the effect it was having on the temperatures across the country.  How about that?

How about some more Trivia?  (1)  What Robin Moore bestseller became a John Wayne movie?  (2)  What did 27.1 million people visit in New York City to see in 1964?  (3)  What Liverpool group hit the charts with "Needles And Pins? and "When You Walk In The Room"?

By the time I got back yesterday from my doctor appointment (just a check up) and doing a couple of errands, I just wanted to sit and play with the computer, and the next thing I knew it was too late to post anything here.  I know, my bad.  I took a couple of new photos of my lilies and then played around a bit in Photoshop.  First I'll show the original photo, then a black and white version, then an "artsy" version.

Now it's time to get dressed and maybe do a speck of laundry.  Maybe I'll even run the vacuum a bit.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a terrific day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Trivia Answers:  (1)  "The Green Berets",   (2)  The World's Fair,  (3)  The Searchers.

Happy Birthday Guys

July 18, 2011

Good evening.  It's been one of those days.  I  got home this morning to find that my internet was out.  No matter what I tried, nothing seemed to work.  So now I had to call and see if Wayne could come to my rescue.  It's 6:40 p.m. and he just left, leaving me with a huge smile and a working internet.

Today is a special day because this would be my hubby's and my brother's birthday.  This should be
the day when I cook them a birthday dinner with lobsters, corn on the cob, salads and whatever else they wanted.  Today, I really miss my guys.  I don't eat lobster, but I would gladly cook them each two big ones if only they could be here with me.  I wonder, do they serve lobster in heaven?

Before I post my next two parts of "From Sea To Shining Sea" I have some photos to share.  Today is special, so I have extra photos.  This first photo is the Birthday Boys' moon from early this morning.  The photo is straight from the camera, only cropped to fit here.  Not bad for hand held, eh?

Next, I have a gorgeous Robin who sat just long enough on a tree branch for me to get a decent photo.

After I got this shot of the robin, I spotted a bird flying by the driveway and clicked as fast as I could.  This is what I got.  Granted, it's not the greatest photo, but it was such a surprise and so interesting that I played with a couple of filters to see what I could do with the photo.  The first is the original photo,  then I have it with the dry brush filter, and lastly with the poster edge filter.  Interesting, no?

Last, but not least, I caught a bit of action at the hummingbird feeder.  It's only a blur, but it is two hummingbirds jockeying for the same perch at the feeder.  I just thought it rather interesting.

Now I will get down to the matter of posting my last two parts of "From Sea To Shining Sea." 

Here are your download links:
EXPIRED
If you haven't already been by Su's blog, don't forget to stop by and say hello and pick up her parts too.  Here is her preview.

Now I think I'll go check on my pizza.  I can smell it so it must be done!  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful night.

Hugs, Edna B.

Pizza Anyone?

July 17, 2011

Good morning.  It is such a scrumptious morning here!!  The sun is shining and there is a tantalizing breeze floating by every few seconds.  It's a perfect morning to be out and about.  Of course, I have to stay indoors and do some laundry because Miss Tootsie sprinkled a few of her blessings on one of the scatter rugs. 

On my way home this morning, I stopped to pick up a few Digiorno Supreme pizzas that were on sale for a great price.  Mmmm, mmmm!  Looks like we'll be having pizza for supper tomorrow night.  Two of the dwarfs help me by babysitting with Tootsie while I'm at work so I have special treats for them a couple times a week.  This way, we help each other.

There isn't much news this morning, so I'll hop right on to the share photos.  This morning I was noticing a branch moving a lot way up in a tree so I took some photos and this is what I found.  A tiny red squirrel was peeking out through the leaves.

Before I left work, I tried for another shot of the hummingbirds.  These little buggers are so skittish that it's difficult to get a decent shot.  When they approach the feeder, they spot me and disappear quicker than I can click the shutter button.  This was my best shot.

That's all for today.  There's really no news to share, just laundry and stuff.  So till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Television Isn't What It Used To Be

July 16, 2011

Weather wise, the weekend is off to a great start.  It's really quite lovely.  Maybe later this morning Tootsie and I could go to the local flea market and walk around for a bit.  Who knows, we might even find a treasure.

I just finished channel surfing on the television and am very disappointed with the offerings.  We have hundreds of channels to choose from, but except for news and cartoons there really isn't anything much worth watching.  I find this to be very sad.  For now, I will have to be satisfied to watch "Peep-the big wide world/Pocoyo." 

I think the main characters are little round stick birds and a round blue stick duck.  I'm not sure, but at least they are entertaining.  At the moment, little colorful ants are eating the blue stick duck's bread and peanut butter.  Don't laugh!!  At least these little characters are entertaining.

Yesterday, I met the new little furry kid that moved in next door to where I work.  Oh my, what a sweetie!  Meet Daisy Rose Gemba.  Isn't she a darling?

Oh boy.  The program I've been watching has ended, and a new story is now playing.  Would you believe?  A large pink elephant and a little boy in blue are making mud pies much to the chagrin of their paranoid friend, a yellow duck who is afraid of getting dirty.  I do believe I'm experiencing a "Sam Adams" moment.  

How about a photo of one of my lilies?  There are so many of them that I think by the end of summer, we can transplant some of them to the other side of the house. 

Now I think I'll have me another cup of java and see what sort of mischief is awaiting me today.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Woe Is Me! There's No Internet At Work!

July 15, 2011

Good (late) afternoon.  It's been a really gorgeous day today, even though I was inside at work.  Every now and then a cool breeze would come wafting through the open windows, and the birds were extra chirpy all day.  I guess even the birds like the cooler air better.

I could not post this morning as there was no internet access available.   From what I understand, there probably won't be any access for quite some time.  Oh well, bummer!!  I would buy a mobile internet stick but they are so expensive for so little web time.  I'll have to work on this.

Yesterday, my new blog book "2011 Vol. 1" was delivered and waiting for me when I got home from doing my errands.  Wow, what a great job the printer did on all the photos that I had posted.  I am very happy with my blog books.  As for my errands, I bought an extra bag of Tootsie's chicken jerky treats and a large bag of yams wrapped in chicken treats.  I also got her another bag of little chewy bones.  She should be all set for a while now.

I do have some fun photos to share with you.  Eddie came by and set up my birdbath/fountain.  So far I haven't seen one little birdie visit the darn thing.  But the sound of the water falling is very soothing to us humans.  After I took this photo, we put some pennies in the bath to help keep it cleaner.

On my way to work last Sunday, I noticed a huge beautiful moon in the sky even though it was still quite sunny.  Of course, I had to stop for a moment to take a photo.  This moon is gorgeous,  and I didn't even have to wait until dark to get a good photo.

Then, on Monday morning, I got this lovely silhouette shot of a tiny hummingbird resting on a branch.

I have lots more nice photos but I'll save them for other days.  Tonight after I got home from work and let Tootsie in our part of the house to go potty, (it's the only place she will go)  I put my work things away and went back out to the supermarket.  My favorite kind of ice cream is on sale so I picked up some to keep in the freezer, plus some for the dwarfs who help me take care of Tootsie.  I also stocked up on a few frozen items that were on sale.  My freezer is looking GOOD!!

Now it's time to think about some supper for Tootsie and me.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a great day.

Hugs, Edna B.