Monday, September 30, 2013

September's Last Hurrah

September 30, 2013 

Good morning on this last day of September.  This is her last day to lavish us with her warmth and beauty, her last hurrah.  May it be a fabulous day for everyone.  It's still dark outside, but because of the fuzziness of the outline of the tree tops, I can tell it is quite foggy.

Yesterday morning we had a dense fog alert right up until 10 a.m.  Visibility wasn't very good at all.  Mostly you could see a couple of houses ahead of you (when there were houses), and had to keep your lights on so that others could see you.

It's a good thing that I know my travel route very well because in a few places there was hardly any visibility at all.   I stopped a few times to take photos (whenever I could do this safely).  Here are a couple of shots of the road ahead me most of the way home.



At one point, when I was closer to home, I noticed a bright spot in the sky where the sun was actually trying so very hard to burn away the fog, but was still heavily covered.  What an interesting sight to see.  Naturally I had to pull over to get some photos. 

 
Here is one place where visibility was at its best, but only for a minute.   This was one of those pockets of space where visibility was good for about a quarter mile.  However, there weren't too many places like this on the way home. 

 
By ten o'clock most all the fog was gone and in its place was one really beautiful day.   The sun was shining brightly and the day was warming up.  It's going to be a great day for a picnic.  I had about an hour and a half or so to try to catch a few winks or at least some rest before Pogo and I would get ready to go to his picnic. 
 
It was a wonderful day for my Pogo, and me too, but I will save that story for tomorrow.  I still have to look at the photos and do some cropping so that I can post them here.
 
Today is also Mandarin Orange Monday, and I found the cutest couple to share with you.  Autumn is a great time to decorate one's home and yard to celebrate both the harvest season and Halloween.   Meet Mr. & Mrs. Strawbody. They are all dressed up in their prettiest Fall outfits.  Aren't they a handsome couple?
 
 
It's after 6 a.m. and I want to look in on the Mrs again before I start packing up my work bag.  Pretty soon I can go home to Pogo and my comfy warm bed.  Ohhhhhh, that is going to feel so good!!  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.
 
Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

September Is Tiptoeing Away

September 29, 2013

Good morning.  Are you noticing the date?  The month of September is almost gone.  It's kind of sad in a way how the months of April through November just fly by, and the months of December through March seem to linger on and on.  Especially January and  February.  They seem to hang on for dear life.  Well, at least that's how it feels to this old soul.

It's 5:30 a.m. and I'm still at work.  I was able to catch a few winks while Mrs has been sleeping, but I'm hoping for a short nap when I get home this morning before Pogo and I leave for his picnic.  I have never been to one of these shelter picnics before but I imagine it will be a lot of fun.

I've just made myself a mug full of hot instant oatmeal.  Yum yum.  It is raisin and spice oatmeal and it tastes so good on a cold morning like this.  I carry all sorts of things in my workbag, including cereal for a quick morning pick-me-up. 

On my way to and from work, I pass a very unique and interesting tree.  In the summertime, the tree is all green (the leaves) and when the leaves start changing color, only one half of the tree turns a beautiful deep red while the rest of the tree is still green.  I did look and there is only one tree trunk here.  It splits into a "Y" and one half is red and one half is green.  Strange.  But beautiful.


Another pretty place is down the street from my house.  There is an island that goes from end to end on a side street.  The whole thing is planted (by a gardening club) with all sorts of beautiful plants.  One of the plants that is so striking is this one.


I'm not sure, but is this called a "spider plant"?  It grows next to red "knock out" roses and is just gorgeous.   It appears to have one stem with lots of spikey arms coming off it with white blossoms on the ends. 

This week I need to order my blog books for January to August.  I started working on this during the week past, but there was just too much other stuff to be done first.  Now I have the time to work on this.  Next will be designing my Christmas card and making the final selections for my 2014 calendar.  I would like to get all of this done in the next couple of weeks.  After that, I can concentrate on the upcoming holidays.

I think this year, I'm working on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.  Bahhhhh,   I like to be home for Christmas Eve.  No special reason, but that's the night that Santa stops in for a short chat and a cup of cocoa.  I know, I'm a softee, but I like Santa and he's always been good to me.

Well, enough chit chat.  It's time to be checking on the Mrs again and start packing up my workbag.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Tis Truly A Wonderful Morning

September 28, 2013 

Good morning.  Wow, another wonderful full night of sleep.  It does wonders for the body and attitude.  With so much of the summer's stress behind me I almost feel lighter.  Outside, the sun is shining and the temperature is working its way up to 70 degrees F. 

Well, I never made it to the supermarket yesterday afternoon.  Joe decided he did not need anything and I was too pooped to pop.  Pogo and I had some supper, and I turned in early.  Thank goodness for the DVR on the TV because I was able to watch my program from the night before.  I even got to watch a couple episodes of "Cold Case" before nodding off to dreamland. 

I'm hoping that tonight will be an easy night and that the Mrs will go to bed early so that I can maybe catch some winks.  Tomorrow is Pogo's big picnic day.  The rescue shelter that brought us together is having their annual picnic and we are planning to go.  Pogo will be in heaven with all the other doggies to visit with and play with.

By the time we get home from the picnic, maybe there will be an hour or two for a little nap for me before going back to work.  Yea well, I'll be tired, but it will be worth it.  I want to show the shelter folks how well my little guy is doing.

I have some photos to share today that I took at the park this past Thursday.   The first photo shows how gorgeous what a gorgeous day we were having.  The second photo is my favorite little trio of ducks, and the last photo is a really interesting looking goose. 




Now I want to get dressed and run the vacuum cleaner around a bit.  There's also a few dishes in the sink that could use a splash of soap and hot water.  Tonight at work I shall try to put together a new freebie for you folks.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Twas An Interesting Day

September 27, 2013

Good morning.  Well, Pogo and I survived yesterday.  The fellow came early and sprayed my place, and said he would be back next week to finish the job.  They have to wait a week to make sure all is well.  There was nothing in my place, but because I travel between the main house and my place, the spraying had to be done in order to warranty the work done in the main house. 

I feel as though a one hundred pound weight has been lifted off my shoulders now.  After next week, I can start putting my things back where they belong.  They've all been stuffed into the computer room and some stuff out back.  It's going to be wonderful to get back to normal.

I realize that this is a problem that has been becoming widespread everywhere, but I don't particularly want these critters in my house.  The dust bunnies can stay, but the bugs just got to go. 

The hardest part yesterday was finding something to do for five hours away from the house.  First Pogo and I did a couple of errands and stopped to take a few Fall color photos.  Then we went to Wendy's and got some lunch.  Their food doesn't seem to taste as good as it used to.  The fries were skinny and crunchy, and the chicken was hard and crunchy.  I'll stick to McDonalds and Burger King from now on.

After lunch, we took a ride to the park and walked around a bit.  Then I curled up in my car and had me a nap.  By now, I was very tired, having been up since 4 a.m.  After this, Pogo and I went to visit with Dee Dee for a while until it was time to go home.  While Joe watched Pogo, I rant to Walmart to buy a new mattress cover and memory foam topper.  However, I got the wrong kind, so later this afternoon I will return them. 

Last night my favorite TV program was on, Project Runway, and I was all curled up snug as a bug in my lounge chair waiting for it to start.  Alas, I awoke around 12:30 a.m.  Of course, I had missed my program.  Luckily I taped it so I can watch it tonight.  I also remembered that I had forgotten my laundry that was in the dryer.  So at 12:45 a.m. I was in the laundry room folding my clothes. 

I had no problem getting back to sleep until Pogo woke me up this morning around 4:45.  Time to make the coffee and get ready for work.   I haven't had a chance to look at yesterday's photos, so I got a couple from my archives to share with you.   The first photo is a Northern Flicker that was enjoying a tree trunk in the Mrs' backyard, and the second is a pumpkin arrangement that was given to the Mrs.



Now I must get busy here.  The Mrs will be waking soon and wanting her breakfast.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B>

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Please, No More Critters

September 26, 2013

Good morning.  This may well be a short post because I am waiting for the pest control man to get here.  Remember a few months ago when I told you about a critter problem that needed fixing?  Well, the truth of it that a couple of the dwarfs brought bed bugs into the house.  Of course, they did not say anything to me until the problem had escalated.

Getting rid of these pesky critters took quite a long time, and thousands of dollars.  The whole house had to be cleared and sprayed, and then re-checked again later.  The problem areas (only the rooms of these two dwarfs) were not cleaned properly by the dwarfs and therefore everything had to be re-sprayed. 

The critters did not move into my part of the house but because my apartment is attached to the house it also has to be sprayed.  During all of this my blood pressure sky rocketed and I got quite sick.  Also, you may have noticed that I got extra crabby too. 

I cannot do much without having to sit for a spell so it has taken me months, and a lot of help from Janet and Eddie, to get my place ready to be sprayed.  This morning is D-Day.  After the man leaves today, he will come back next week to make sure everything is still okay, and then I can begin to put my life back together. 

Through all of this, my other dwarfs have been very good and very cooperative.  They still keep an eye to make sure there is no re-occurrence out in the common areas of the house.   The tenants who caused all of this have been warned that should it happen again, I will definitely take them to court to recover all of the costs of getting rid of the problem.

So, aren't you glad you're not me right about now?  Anyhow, in between all of this there is still nice news from time to time.  A couple of days ago, I got emails from a reader, Leona,  who made some scrap pages with my last freebie QP.  She sent me a few of the pages.  I must say that are really lovely.  Here are just a couple of them.



I really like it when readers share their pages with me.  It keeps me in design mode.  Thank you for sharing these, Leona.  I'll try to have some new QP's ready for posting soon.

Now I really must get busy and pack a few things into my car.  Pogo and I will have to be out of the house for several hours once the spraying is done.  Oh joy, oh joy!!  The good part is that now my blood pressure will stay at normal, and my mind is much more at ease.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

No Sleeping Late This Morning

September 25, 2013

Good morning.  Well, I tried to sleep late this morning but one of the neighbors was making a wicked loud noise crunching some trees and branches.  That'll wake anybody up.  Well, most anybody.  Pogo was snuggled in his little bed and never even wiggled his ear to figure out what the noise was. 

As long as it is not a sharp noise, he can sleep right through it.  That's not to say that he doesn't hear well.  He can hear Joe approaching the front door on the main part of the house in the afternoon.  He can hear Joe when he tiptoes (so he won't wake Pogo) to the refrigerator in the laundry room.  That's where the bologna treats are kept.  He is just selective in what he will allow to bother his rest.  lol.

Yesterday, I was busy all day.  Whenever I felt the body beginning to twinge I would sit for a moment and then start in again.  I filled four bags to go to the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation, and one bag of blankets and a couple of sweaters for an animal shelter.  Of course, there was also a large bag of trash and a lot of stuff for the recycle barrels.

Janet (God bless her) came by after work and stayed for hours helping me.  What would I do without this wonderful daughter in law?  She will be by this afternoon and help me some more.  Hopefully, we will finish up early enough to just sit and chat and eat a much deserved decadent dessert.  Next week, we will go to a local seafood restaurant and I shall treat her to a lobster dinner.  For me, I shall order a large scallop plate.  Mmmmmm, I love scallops!!

Now it's time for me to get cleaned up and dressed.  My consult appointment is this morning.  I do however, have another fabulous scrapbook page to share that my friend Kyra made for me.  This one features Pogo in his little doghouse.  Isn't this just wonderful? 


The kit used for this is "Forgotten Fairytale".  It's another gorgeous freebie kit that you can find on Kyra's blog.  If you haven't been by there lately, you're missing out on some wonderful chit chat and fabulous freebies.

I also have a photo of a dark eyed Junco that I took in the Spring.  This is such an adorable little bird. 


Now I really must get going.  Till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Short And Sweet

September 24, 2013

Good morning.  Yesterday turned out to be quite a beautiful day, and today is looking pretty nice too.  I will keep this post short because I have so much stuff to do today.  Mostly household chores, but I'm a procrastinator and if I wait much longer I just won't get to any of it. 

Tomorrow I have an appointment for the consult before the stress test.  I am not looking forward to this at all.  I don't like tests of any kind.  Or consults.  You guessed it.  I'm not the world's best patient either when I am sick. 

Ah well, enough chatter.  I have laundry waiting, and dishes clamoring for a bit of soap and water.  My vacuum cleaner has been trying to make friends with me but it's just not on the top of my "best buds" list.

I really must get busy here, but I thought I would share a fabulous little image that I found on Dee's Facebook page.   It just fits me so perfectly.


I promise to chat a bit more tomorrow, and to have some new photos to share.  Pogo is still asleep (I think) in his little bed.  Either he is trying to send me a message that he does not want the doggie food that I put down for his breakfast, or he is really tired.  He knows I won't hold out too long, and he'll end up with what he wants.  Smart little guy.

On that thought, I shall bid you good day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Mandarin Orange Monday

September 23, 2013

Good morning.  Gosh, It's 6 a.m. and it's still dark outside.  The sky is beginning to lighten a bit but nor quite enough for day break.  This week's daytime temps are supposed to be in the upper 60's with nighttime temps of low to mid 40's.  I guess it's definitely time to dig out the snuggies and flannel pajamas.

I'm watching the Weather Channel, and they are showing how some folks are beginning the clean up and salvage work, trying to save their homes.  Most of them do not have flood insurance and will have to just start over with the re-building process.  Some of them have no home left to salvage. 

I guess  I'm wondering just how does one start over after a tragedy like this.  Close to 2000 homes were lost or ravaged, and FEMA comes in with a budget of around 8 million dollars.  Will this amount of money even make a noticeable dent?   There is more than two billion dollars of damage from the Colorado flooding. 

Add to that, all the storm victims from past storms who are still waiting for help.   With so many of our citizens hurting and in dire need through no fault of their own, why isn't our government taking care of them instead of supporting the world?  Shouldn't we help our own citizens first?   Unless they are all helped and back to being able to take care of themselves, just who will be left to give money to the government to take care of the rest of the world?

Today is Mandarin Orange Monday, and my offering is a photo that I took a few days ago of a beautiful orange butterfly.  Most of the big butterflies are gone now so these smaller ones are quite a treasure.  This one was high up on the bush, making the background quite colorful. 


To see the other entries, click on the MOM link above.  When you get there, scroll to the bottom of the post and click on the link that says "click to view/add link". 

It's time now for me to check on the Mrs again and pack up my work bag.  Another half hour and I'll be on my way home to Pogo.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

The Clouds Are Really Fascinating

September 22, 2013

Good morning from soggy New England.  The fog outside is quite thick so one can't see very far (at least where I am at work) but I can hear the rain.  There is also a bit of a breeze this morning.  Of course, it is only 5:45 a.m. and things can change in the next hour or two.  I did think to bring my umbrella in with me last night.

The weather forecast is for rain on and off most of today, then we should have a couple of nice sunny days.  We shall see.  It's been warm all through the night, but by tonight the temps will have dropped down into the 40's.  They are forecasting very cool nights for the whole week.  

As you can see, the internet was back on when I got to work last night.  Hopefully, it will stay on.  I do miss it when it is not accessible.  I enjoy sitting with a cup of coffee (or a bottle of water) and catching up with other folks' blogs.  There's only a few blogs that I follow, but I do miss them when the internet is out.  

Last night on the way to work, the sky was a beautiful blue and filled with some pretty awesome clouds.  Then the dark clouds started rolling in.  Whenever I was stopped for traffic, I grabbed a few shots of the sky ahead.  Here's a few of those photos.





There were some really awesome formations, but I'm not always in a situation where I can get photos.  Wow, right now the rain is really coming down and making lots of noise as it hits on everything outside.  I hope it slows down a bit for when it is time for me to go home.  I'm not crazy about getting soaked going to my car and then having to sit in my soggy clothes all the way home. 

Well, it's time for me to be checking on the Mrs again.  So till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Pray For Puppy Doe's Soul

September 21, 2013 

Good morning.  Well, it's about 70 degrees F, so that's a pretty nice way to start the day.  I did try to sleep as late as possible this morning, but Mr. Pogo would only let me have until around 8:30 and then he carried on until I got up.  As soon as I opened the door to the laundry room, he rushed out barking and growling for Joe.  It was bologna treat time for Pogo!!

Thursday night through Friday was a long shift.  However, the Mrs' son came by at 7 a.m. so that I could run home and pick up Pogo and bring him back with me.  I had already packed food for Pogo in my workbag the night before.  The worst part of the whole shift was having no access to the internet. 

It's amazing how uninteresting the laptop becomes when there is no internet.  You cannot read your blog or anyone else's blog.  There's no point in looking at email because none came in while the internet was out, and most of it won't open anyway without Wi-Fi.  Sounds like we are a technology addicted population. 

There's been articles in the news these past couple of days about a pit bull named "Puppy Doe".  I'm not going to rant about the horrific abuse this dog had to tolerate because I am enraged at the sicko who tortured this poor fur baby.   The violence and wounds were so severe that Puppy Doe had to be put to sleep.  I'm just hoping that that this horribly vicious person is severely punished. 

My heart cries for Puppy Doe and all the other abused animals.  What is wrong with people anyway?  When will be all start watching over not just our own pets but other animals as well?  Folks if you see or know of any animal abuse, please report it to the authorities.  People don't just wake up one morning and decide to torture an animal.  There are signs.  Please see them and report them. 

How about a photo?  Have you ever taken a close look at a butterfly bush after the blooms have passed by?  I never really thought about it until I was taking a few photos in my yard a few days ago.  I was looking to see what is still blooming when I noticed how strange the "gone by" blossoms on the bush really looked.


I also got some nice shots of a spider web filled with rain drops that was tucked into one of the rose bushes.  I thought it was quite interesting.


Last, here's a photo that I like to call "Hope".   After a dreary cold and wet day, this little pink bud shows that there is still hope for another beautiful day.


It's time now for me to get dressed and do a few things around here.  Tonight it's back to work again.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.  Give your fur babies an extra hug.

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Don't Forget To Get Your Flu Shot!

September 19, 2013

Good afternoon.  This will have to be a short post as I had things to do this morning, and in a while I will have to get my workbag ready for work tonight.  Tonight I will work through till 3 tomorrow afternoon.  However, my boss says he will cover me in the morning so that I can come home and get Pogo and bring him back with me.  This works for me.

I had my follow up checkup with the doctor this morning and my blood pressure is doing just fine now.  Thank goodness for that.  I still have to have the stress test thing though.  I tried, but could not wiggle my way out of it.  I also got my flu shot this morning.  So I guess I'm all set now for the Fall.

Right now, I'm doing laundry.  I like to wash all of Pogo's little blankets every week or two to keep them fresh.  His beds make it in to the wash every two or three weeks.  After all, he likes his bed to smell nice and clean too.

Here's a cute photo of Pogo peeking out of his little house bed.  See how he blocks the doorway with part of his blanket to keep the cold air out?  Smart kid, my boy!!


I also have another beautiful scrapbook page from Kyra.  What a wonderful surprise to start my day off.  Thank you so much my friend.


Now I think I'll check to see if the laundry is done.  I still have to pick up my prescription this afternoon before I get ready to leave for work.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Make Some Noise And Put Our People Back To Work

September 18, 2013

Good morning.  It's only six a.m. so it's not daylight yet.  Gosh I surely do miss those early sunrises and late sunsets.  This morning I picked up the newspaper only to get rather disillusioned again about our lawmakers and big business.

There is an article that says "Time to revoke visa program that's hurting American job seekers."  Naturally this  heading perked my interest.  After reading the article, I am left with a disgusted feeling and more distrust in business and government.

Basically, the H1-B visa program allows employers to import 65,000 foreign nationals per year.  That's about 400,000 foreign nationals at any given time, who must stay here for six years and continue to work only for the company that hired them.  This drives out the American workers, and keeps the hourly wage way down. 

In order to preserve this horribly dishonest H1-B system, employers loudly and continuously proclaim that they can't find qualified American workers.  They say they are only importing the highly skilled workers, but that in fact is a big fat lie.  It's time, folks, to GIVE THESE JOBS BACK TO OUR PEOPLE!!

Folks, check it out and SPEAK UP!!  These are our children and husbands and other family members and friends who are out of work and struggling to get by daily.  It's way past time to do something about it and get our people back to work.

Today I have some pretty photos of clouds that I took a few days ago at work.  As you know, I enjoy photographing the clouds.  There is so much beauty up in the sky.  We just have to look up.  This was a beautiful sunny day.  However, you can see by the last photo that the large dark grey clouds were on there way in and hiding the blue sky and fluffy white clouds.




I gave the smelly lavender sleepy time spray to one of the dwarfs (who loved it!)  and got me a good nights' sleep without it.  And now that I have ranted a bit, I need to get busy and try to accomplish a few things around here.  Maybe dislocate a few dust bunnies.  That always makes me feel so macho and accomplished! 

Before I leave, I have a freebie for you.  I used one of my clover photos for the background and a robin that I photographed while I was at work.  The frame and the flying robin are from a kit that Kyra made.  The kit is "Nostalgic Memories" by Russian Dutch Heart Designs.


And here is your download link.  Enjoy.

http://www.mediafire.com/?yla03fy2akagcek

I can see daylight peeking through my window so it's time to rustle up some breakfast and get started on this new day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

My Little Guy Is Soooooo Smart!

September 17, 2013

Good morning.  Brrrrr!  It's six o'clock and it's 43 degrees F.  I actually had to turn on the electric fireplace to keep myself and Pogo warm.  We do have warm blankets, but they don't help much when you have to get up during the night. 

Pogo is very smart though.  He makes a small mountain with his big blanket, and then crawls into it to keep toasty warm.  Here is a photo that I just took to show you how adorable my little guy is all snuggled up in his fuzzy blanket. 


 Well, I have to confess that I did not get to try the Lavender stinky stuff last night.  I got all comfy, curled up in a blanket in my lounge chair and settled in to watch some TV.  When I woke up, it was 2:30 in the morning.  So much for needing a sleep aid.  I think I'll give the Lavender stuff to one of the dwarfs.

Today will be an easy day.  I have a couple of calls to make, then I want to finish doing a few things around here.  If the sun comes out and warms us up a bit, maybe Pogo and I will go outside in the yard for a while.  The fresh air will be good for both of us.

Yesterday afternoon I did take my camera out to take a few photos of some of the roses.  There are still quite a few of the plants blooming in my garden.  Pretty soon though, it will be time to trim back the butterfly bushes.  They are getting quite big and most of their blossoms have gone by.  Here are a couple of the roses.



Well, daylight is breaking so I think I'll make a fresh cup of coffee and do a bit of blog reading and catch up on some emails.  Till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Mandarin Orange Monday

September 16, 2013

Good morning.  I'm a little late posting but I had a few things to do this morning.  Dee Dee's car had to go in the shop so I picked her up.  We had a quick breakfast and a nice visit before I dropped her off at her work.  Then Pogo and I went shopping at Petco for some new Fall sweaters.  Gosh, this time there were so many nice looking things that it was hard to choose just a few. 

Well, I gave that Lavender sleepy spray a try last night.  I really did not need it because I was so tired that falling asleep was no problem.  However, the spray did stink up the air in the room for a little while.  Maybe that's how the stuff works.  You have to pull the blankets up over your head to escape the nasty smell, and while you're nice and warm under the covers you fall asleep. 

I should have known better though, because I don't like most scented things.  Plus, most of them just interfere with my ability to breath.  It's going to be cold again tonight, so maybe I'll give the stuff another try tonight.  The good part is that the smell goes away rather quickly.  So, if you don't fall asleep, at least you don't have stinky air all night.

Today, it's been raining lightly all morning, and the temperature is only 60 degrees.  I'm not complaining though because I'm thankful that we are not having flood rains. 

I have to take a break here because the nail salon just called to say that they have a cancellation and that I can come in now.  Be back soon.

***Yoo Hoo!  I'm back.  I really needed this appointment because I have been neglecting my fingernails for a while now, and that is just not good.  I may be short and dumpy, but as long as my nails look nice I think I look nice.  I know, it's all psychological but that's how it goes.  So now my wrinkly hands have pretty pink fingernails and I'm feeling a bit chipper again.

Today is Mandarin Orange Monday, and I have a pretty Rose of Sharon to share.  First is the original photo .  Then I played a while in Photoshop with the watercolor filter and came up with a very pleasing (to me) image.  Then I changed the color to orange for MOM, and it is still quite pleasing.




Now I think I want to get busy around here and just maybe I can get a couple of things accomplished while I still have this little burst of energy.   So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

 

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Studying The Clouds Can Be Very Interesting

September 15, 2013

Good morning.  My goodness, it's already the 15th of September.  This has been an awfully quick year so far for me.   I wouldn't mind because it means we are that much closer to next Spring, but it also means that one is a year older.  Now that part could slow down a bit.

I'm thinking that when one's birthday rolls around, (especially when one reaches a tender golden age)  that it might be a good time to send a card to all those family and friends that you love.  Include a letter that recaps your memorable moments throughout the year.  Some folks already do this with their Christmas cards.  Many years ago, I had a friend who sent these cards/letters but she has since passed on.  Hmmm, just food for thought.

For photos this morning, I have some that I took of the moon and the clouds on my way to work last night.   These were shot from my car - the moon through the side window, and the clouds through the windshield, whenever I had a chance to stop for a moment.  In the second and third photos, those are not far away hills that show up ahead, those are low lying dark grey clouds.




I find watching and photographing the clouds quite fascinating.   The Weather Channel had a program on a few days ago showing all the different shapes and types of clouds, and it was just awesome. 

I'm off tonight, so I'm hopefully going to be able to get a few things done around here before I croak.  I've already cleared a couple of large stacks of magazines and put in a load of laundry for Joe.  Earlier, Joe trimmed  my yellow rose tree, and then he mowed the grass on both sides of the house.

This morning on my way home from work, I stopped at Walgreen's and bought some of the new "Sleep Serenity" bedroom mist from Febreze.  I got the moonlit lavender and have high hopes that a few squirts of this when I get ready to sleep will send me right to dreamland.  If I wake up during the night, I'll just squirt some more of it and try to fall back to sleep. 

I have this beautiful champagne flute (a souvenir from Samuel Adams), and this morning I filled it with ginger ale.  Mmm, mmm.  Amazing how the soda tastes so much better when it is in a pretty glass.  It even makes one feel a bit glamorous.  (I told you it doesn't take much to make me happy!)

Now it's time to think about what's for lunch.  Every now and then Pogo walks over to the empty place where his food dish should be, and then he goes back to his little bed.  I think he's trying to give me a few gentle hints.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Can A Fuzzy Caterpillar Forecast The Weather?

September 14, 2013

Good morning.  Gosh another week has gone by along with half of September.  Some folks are predicting a cold and snowy winter.  So, as along as time is whizzing by so quickly, maybe Winter will whiz by too and we can get right into Spring.  Or better yet, maybe the forecasters can be wrong and it will be a mild winter.

Here's a photo of a fuzzy caterpillar that I saw at the park earlier this week.  He's not quite as thick as some that I seen in years past.  Does this mean a mild Winter?


Yesterday, Pogo and I managed to get through the day okay.  I'm so glad I had the crackers and the can of fruit in my work bag.  When I got home later in the afternoon, Joe and I went food shopping at Market Basket.  By the time we got back home and my groceries were put away, I had just enough strength left to make some supper for Pogo and me. 

After supper, I curled up in my lounge chair with a fuzzy blanket to watch a bit of TV.  I watched a couple episodes of "Cold Case" and blissfully fell asleep.   For once, the bladder behaved and went to sleep too.  Now if only I could do this every night!  Mmmmmmmmm.

I have a couple photos of cone flowers "gone by" that I thought were pretty interesting.  There's only a smidgen of pink and green left in their patch in the garden.



Now I'm off to start some laundry and maybe a few other little things.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Where Oh Where Has My Little Mind Gone?

September 13, 2013

Good morning.  Pogo and I are here at work.  It has been raining off and on throughout the night and into the morning.  Nothing very heavy so far, although I noticed a few tree branches down on some of the roads on the way to work.

This will have to be a rather short post.  Mrs is up and enjoying her breakfast, so I'll have to be getting busy here shortly.  I do want to post a really beautiful scrap page that Kyra made for me a few days back.  I've been waiting until she offers the kit that she used on her blog.  It's a really gorgeous kit with stunning sunset colors.  Be sure to visit her blog to see this fabulous freebie "Tramonto".


I also have a cute photo of a few of the cute ducks from our local park.  The two white ducks always travel with a pair of mallards.  (The boy mallard is somewhere close by)


I hope today turns out better than it started off.  This morning in my rush to get off to work on time, I forgot my cell phone, and had to turn around and head back home to get it.  I still managed to get to work on time.  So far, so good. 

However, when I went to unpack my work bag,  (at work)  I realized that I had left my lunch (and Pogo's) at home in the refrigerator.  The good part is that I did manage to put Pogo's breakfast and water bowl, along with a bag of crackers for me into my work bag.  And, there was already a small can of fruit in my bag.  So, I guess today I will feast on fruit and crackers. 

Now I'm off to tend to the Mrs.  Till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Is Severe Weather Becoming A Way Of LIfe?

September 12, 2013

Good afternoon.  Gosh, I've been watching the Weather Channel all morning about the awful flooding in Colorado.  My heart goes out to those folks.  They still have several days of rain coming before any water can begin to recede. 

The scenes I am watching on the TV screen are horrible.  Three people have already died.  Roads are caving in, with cars and trucks falling into deep waters.  So far, the people in the vehicles have all managed to get out safely.  Mandatory evacuations have begun in several areas, and their Governor has finally declared it a disaster so that government aid can be requested.

I just don't understand the severe weather that we are getting now.  It just keeps coming with no let up.  I think that whatever harm man has done to the outer atmosphere is something we cannot fix or undo.  It makes me very sad.  We may not have a beautiful earth to leave to our grandchildren.

At the moment, we are getting "severe thunderstorm" warnings for our area due to a storm coming up through Rhode Island.   We are expecting thunderstorms on and off through the night and tomorrow morning.   I have to work tomorrow, but at least I will have Pogo with me.  He doesn't mind the weather, but the loud thunder and lightning does scare him.

Enough gloom and doom.  I have some nice photos of the gulls at our local park.  They are really quite beautiful to watch.




Now I  think I'll try to accomplish a few things here.  Before you know it suppertime will be here.  Tonight my favorite TV program is on (Project Runway) and after that I'm hoping that the sandman will pay a visit so that I can sleep  through the night.  That would be nice.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

New Credit Security Information

September 11, 2013

Good morning.  It's warm here in New England.  Those hot temps from the Mid West have caught up with us, but only for a couple of days.  After that we will be back with the cooler Autumn temps.

I got an email from  a friend that really bothers me, and I forwarded it along to several folks.  It was about a WiFi chip that is being imbedded into our credit and debit cards, drivers licenses, passports, etc.  This chip contains all our personal/credit information.  Supposedly it will make some things easier.  Like paying for things.  Instead of sliding your card through credit card scanner at the store, just place the card near the scanner and it will be read. 

Not only is this the height of laziness, but it also puts all of us at risk.  Anyone with the right equipment (which can be purchased cheaply) can just point their little machine our way, and presto!!!  They have all our info and can make themselves new credit cards with our information on them.  Anytime we show any of our identification cards, the bad guys can easily get the information just by pointing their little machine towards our ID.

We can ask our credit companies NOT to issue us a card with this WiFi chip embedded in it.  Likewise when we get our new licenses, but we have no control over our passports.  This little goodie is on all passports issued since 2006.  Hmmmm, I did not know that.  Did you? 

There is a web site you can go to for ideas and products to keep your information private, and your cards safe.  Meanwhile, you can cover them with aluminum foil.  So. please do check out IDStronghold.com.  Also, here is a video you can watch to learn more about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLAFhTjsQHw&feature=player_embedded

I will call my credit card company later to find out if they will be putting this little chip in my new card, and whether or not I have the choice of not having it on my card.  I also want to the check to credibility of this for myself.

How about something not quite so serious.  I have some adorable photos of one the ducks at the park who was enjoying a bit of bathing, preening and wing flapping.    When they spread their wings out like this, they are quite beautiful, don't you think?




Now I am off to maybe do a bit of vacuuming, and figure out what's for supper tonight.  Janet will be here, as this is our "gals' gab fest and eat whatever we want" night.  Our choices for supper are quite yummy.  DiGiourno Pizza, Stouffers Mac n Cheese, Home made pasta and meat sauce, etc.  Only the best for Wednesday night.  lol.

I'm making myself hungry now so I think I'll make a bit of lunch before doing my little dance with the vacuum cleaner.  So, till  tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.