I'm Back In Style With My Granny Panties

May 29, 2015

Good morning.  It's a bit cloudy right now, but it's only 6 a.m.  Today is supposed to be warm and sunny again.  I don't think we're going to be getting any rain before Sunday or Monday.  We could use a little of the wet stuff.  Just a little though.

Yesterday, I napped halfway through the day.  Then last evening, Pogo and I went out for a while in the car.  We ended up getting him a hamburger at McDonalds, and an iced coffee for me.   Pogo was oh so happy to be riding in the car again.  I even put the window down so he could stick his head out.

According to the news this morning, Amazon Prime is going to be offering same day delivery for free to members.  Wow!  I'm already quite pleased with the service I get from Amazon, and now this!!  I wonder what other companies will do to top this.

Today, I think I need to get out my hand held vacuum and clean the pollen off the screen on my storm door.  After that, I will need to wash the windows on the door too.  I can't believe how dirty they are. 

It's all over the news this morning.  Granny panties are in style again!!  So all you ladies who, like me, never gave them up, are right in style with your undies.  Yeahhhhhhhh!!!

I have a couple more photos from my garden to share.  I'm not sure of the name of the plant in the first photo.  I believe it's a Dutchman's something or other.   The second photo is my pansies.  I know I've shown them before, but I keep picking them and they just keep right on blooming.  They are just gorgeous!!

Well, that's about all my news for this morning.  I've been up for a couple of hours now, so I think a nap is in order.  So, till Sunday, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Breakfast Tastes Good This Morning

May 28, 2015

Good morning.  It's another beautiful sunny day here in New England.  However, we could use a little rain.  Mind you, I said "a little" rain.  So far, we're okay, but the water level is going down.  We've had hardly any rain all Spring. 

I just took a few moments to get some breakfast for Pogo and me.  I cooked an extra hamburger last evening so that he could have some today.  He has already gobbled it all up and is looking at me for more.  So, I'll go get a little more for him.  One thing he does not do is overeat.  He may only want one more bite, and he'll keep looking at me like he is starving until he gets it.  Once he has that extra bite, he walks away. 

For myself, I opened some cottage cheese with pineapple.  And boy oh boy does it ever taste good.  This is the first morning I've had any breakfast in a while now.  Actually, like Pogo, I've just finished eating the last morsel of my cottage cheese.  I think we were both hungry this morning.

Yesterday, I took Pogo out for a walk around the yard.  We took our time because there was so much that he had to sniff and check.  While we were on the other side of the house, I took a few photos of some of the plants.   Here you can see my peonies that will be blooming in maybe another week. 

And here is one of the huge dark purple (almost black) irises.  This one will be blooming soon, and oh my, it is just gorgeous!

Deanne and Eddie were going to be stopping by for a few minutes, so we sat out on the front steps and waited for them.  Pogo was simply thrilled to be outdoors.  Actually, it felt good to me too.

After the kids left, dwarf Helen went with me to Walmart to pick up a couple of things.  Needless to say, I took my time, hung on to the shopping cart and walked slowly.  It felt good, but I soon tired, and we headed back home.

Joe is feeling a bit better, and went to work today.   I hope he just has a summer cold, and it goes away quickly.  Dwarf Helen will be going in for surgery on her hand next week and will be home for a while.  Other than that, everyone else in the house is healthy. 

Well, that's my news for this morning.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Finally On The Mend

May 27, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining and there is a small breeze coming in from the storm door.  If it gets much warmer, we will have to close the window on the door and put on the A/C.  I need to keep the indoor air breathable.

Yesterday, I had a follow up appointment with my doctor, and yes, before the visit was over, the good doctor and I had a little chat.  The outcome was that I will get my reports on printed paper, and I'll be treated much quicker to when I first get sick instead of waiting for pneumonia to set in.   I explained my feelings and fears, and we were able to agree on many things.  It was a good visit.

I did learn that my allergies are what is making this thing last so long.  So I'll be using my nose sprays, etc. along with the A/C to make it easier to breathe.  I also feel better this morning.  I'm not ready for that cup of coffee yet, but I'm up and about, and it feels good.

Alas, these past couple of days, Joe has been sick with a cold.  I just hope he did not catch anything from me.  I purposely haven't spent very much time out in the main house this whole six and a half weeks.  Later today, I will attempt to take my car to Walmart to pick up my prescription refills, and whatever Joe might need to feel better.  If I can manage this, I'm definitely on the road to recovery!!

Sometime this week, I have a couple of boxes to take to the Post Office.  That will be another outing to look forward to.  Isn't it wonderful how little things like this can make us happy? 

I have a couple more fun household tips to share with you today.   The first one is:  To prevent the soil from escaping through the hole in the bottom of the flower pot, line the pot with a large coffee filter.

Also, to prevent potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag.  Hmmm, I'll have to try this one myself!

Well, that's all my wisdom for today.  It's almost time to raid the fridge for something tasty for Pogo's lunch.  Speaking of Pogo, I really do have to make an appointment at the beauty salon for my little guy.  He's beginning to look like a lion.  Plus with this hot weather, I'm sure he'll be much more comfortable with all that hair gone. 

So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe, and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Progress Isn't Always Good For Everyone

May 26, 2015

Good morning.  Today is sunny and bright, and headed for the really warm temps this afternoon.  The weatherman says we might hit 90F degrees today.  It won't bother me.  There is A/C in the car for when I have to go out later to my doctor appointment.

I am going to have a serious chat with my doctor today.  I am in week seven of whatever it is that is keeping me down, and I just can't do this every time a new virus goes by my neighborhood.  His office has recently changed over to an all digital system, and I for one am not happy about that.  I used to get a typed letter after each appointment showing my health status.  The last time I went to see him, I did not get the letter.  Instead, I got an email (thank goodness I felt up to reading my emails that day)  telling me that if I want my status report that I can go online and sign up and read them on-line.  This is not what I am comfortable with.

I don't care what other folks do, but I don't want to be forced into doing all my banking and bill paying on-line, and I certainly don't want to read about my medical status on-line.    While progress might be good for most of us, I am saddened how it has made us so "in-human" and uncaring about personal feelings. 

The last time I saw my doctor, he was getting ready to write out a script for an antibiotic and he asked me what I was allergic to.  This surprised me, so I asked him why he didn't just look it up on my medical record.  He said that he couldn't do that because the system was being updated to the cloud.  I don't know about you, but this really upset me.  Because I was given a script for the wrong medicine that day, I did not get better, just worse.  This is good progress?

The other thing I want to discuss with him is why I have to be sick for a month before he will prescribe the medicine that will heal me.  I am not a drug addict.  I do not abuse drugs.  I don't even like taking them, and never have.   So now I'm wondering if the insurance companies have instructed him to slow down on giving out necessary drugs to the elderly.  We are old, so who cares?   He always seemed to be a good doctor, but now I think it is time for us to have an honest chat.

My appetite lately is horrid.  Most of the time, nothing appeals to me.  Once in a while, I can enjoy what I am eating, but most of the time I don't enjoy the food.  So, then I just skip the meal and grab a bottle of water.  Even my morning coffee tastes awful now, so I haven't had it in a while.  I did have an ice coffee from McDonalds the other day that tasted ever so good.   So maybe today I can get another one on the way home from the doctor's office.  (and maybe a hamburger for Pogo)

Enough from Miss Crabapples.  I have another image (from a friend)  to share with you.  This can make peeling onions a lot more pleasant.  If you wipe the counter (or table) area with white vinegar before peeling the onions, your eyes will not get all teary.

And here's another good kitchen tip.  Try using a large muffin pan when you are making stuffed peppers.  Stand the peppers up in the cups.  This helps to keep them upright.

Before I take my leave, I want to let everyone know that Kyra is beginning to feel a bit better now.  This is such wonderful news.  Don't overdo things, Kyra.  Just keep getting stronger. 

Well, that's about it for today.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe, and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Memorial Day 2015

May 25, 2015

Good morning.  I've been up for a couple of hours now, trying to get my feet settled under me.  I feel okay, but the thought of drinking my cup of coffee is not feeling so good.  So, no coffee this morning.  I'll just stick with the spring water. 

Today is Memorial Day, and hopefully there will be lots of parades everywhere.  Also, I'm hoping that lots of people will be outside at these parades, watching and enjoying them.  It's sad to say, but as the "new" immigration population goes up, interest in our flag and the parades goes down.  We are being asked to fly different flags, and hold parades for different country celebrations instead of our own.  We are being asked not to sing the national anthem at sporting events.  Gosh, it seems we've lost so much of what we are all so proud of.  It makes me wonder why so many folks keep coming here to live.  Why not stay where they are if they don't like our ways?   (I take my observations from the communities around me, and by reading the newspaper and watching TV)

I don't want to be sounding like I don't like immigrants.  I like most anyone who can live with and respect others.   You are welcome to share in the bounties of my country.  But you must respect our laws, our right to our religions, our customs and holidays, our belief in God and our flag.  I don't think this is asking too much of anyone.  Anyone moving to my country must be moving here because what they are leaving behind is not so good.  So why are they trying to so hard to change my country to be like the one they left behind? 

Also, I think if someone is planning on living in this wonderful country of ours, they should learn to speak, read and write English, and become a citizen.  Show that they are proud to be here.  This is no less than what one of us would have to do in order to live in another country.  (learn their language and become a citizen)

Today we pay our respects to all those men and women who paid the highest price for our freedom.  As I look through my "family" book, it appears that most all of the men in my family served in the military to ensure that I (and you) would be free to live and love in this beautiful country.  The book has records going all the way to the 1600's.  Is it any wonder that I love my flag so?  Isn't this just the most beautiful sight?

I think I should take my leave here before I go off on a tangent.  My family is very patriotic.  (You probably couldn't tell, huh?)  I'm wishing everyone a beautiful Memorial Day.

So, till  tomorrow, Y'all be safe, enjoy the parades, and wave your flags!  Have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

p.s.  The images I borrowed from the web are from (1) ishareimage.com,  (2)  sodahead.com, and (3)  Faithforthefamily.com.

Wave Our Flag Proudly!!

My 24, 2015

Good afternoon.  I really was up earlier today, but after feeding Pogo, I crawled back under my covers and got some much needed sleep.  The past two days have not been very good for me, so I stayed in bed a lot.  I just was not feeling very good.  Friday, I did call to make an appointment with my doctor (for next Tuesday). 

Today though, seems to be much better so far.  I slept a few hours during the night, woke up to do a bit of crocheting, and then back to sleep until it was time to tend to Pogo. As for the crocheting, I finished the Pink Camo lapghan, and a new one - Perfect Pink.  I finally have a few rows done on a (blue) one, Light Periwinkle.

I found a gorgeous patriotic rose on the web, and borrowed it to share with you.  It's perfect for this weekend.  A weekend we have set aside for remembering all those men and women who bravely gave their lives so that we may enjoy our freedom. 

Remember that challenge I posted on Friday?  The one about waving our beautiful flag everywhere?  I surely do hope that all of you are proudly waving your American flag.  She's a magnificent sight, waving about freely in the breeze.

Many of you will be able to attend your local Memorial Day parade.  I read in our newspaper that some towns might be considering not holding the parade because of small crowd turnouts.  That's a shame.  Folks, if your town or city is having a parade, do make an effort to go and watch it.  The men and women marching in the parade need to know that you support this wonderful country and the lives that our freedom has cost.

A friend sent me some wonderful ideas, and I thought this one would be great for all those picnics and barbeques everyone will be having this weekend.  Use cupcake papers to cover drinks glasses, to prevent flies and other bugs from dropping in.  Enjoy!!

Well, that's it for today.  I'm going to see if I can accomplish a few small things around here before I run out of steam.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Do You Need A Set Of Spurtles?

May 22, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining and there is a beautiful little breeze.  It's a great day for cleaning up the yard.  SIL Eddie and a friend are here doing just that.  It's simply amazing the piles of junk and dead leaves and branches that seem to pile up over the winter. 

Today I'm a bit better.  The shakies and the sick to the stomach part are still here, but the rest is beginning to heal.  At least I think it is.  I was going to call my doctor yesterday to give him an update, but I forgot.  Today is his day off, so I'll wait till Monday to call him.  Hopefully, by then I'll feel even better.

I've been working on a Perfect Pink lapghan, and it is more than half done.  My new yarn order arrived yesterday, so I'm thinking that the next lapghan will be a shade of blue.  Even though I love working with all the beautiful colors, I have to remind myself every now and then that not everyone with a wheel chair is a lady.  Therefore, I need to include all the "guy" colors too. 

Right now, I'm having a bout of sneezing.  So, let's get right to the images that I'm going to share today.  My friend Mat sent this image to me, along with a link to the source.  The lady who makes these sells them, so the pattern is not available.  But aren't they beautiful?  Thanks Mat, for sharing.

Next, I want to share a new product that I found on QVC's shopping channel.  Have you ever heard of a spurtle?  How about a whole set of spurtles?  It's amazing how many different products are re-invented over and over, and yet someone still manages to market and sell them.  Here's a photo of the Spurtles as they were displayed on the TV.  (They work like spoons and spatulas.)

This is Memorial Day Weekend so whatever you are doing to celebrate, be safe.  Wave that beautiful flag, and appreciate all that has been given so that we may enjoy our freedom. I borrowed this image from the web, and I hope everyone will take up the challenge and show our beautiful flag everywhere.   

Now I think I'll take my leave.  The sneezing is getting to me.  So, till Sunday, Y'all be safe and have a magnificent weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

In Case No One Told You Today, You Are Awesome!

May 21, 2015

Good morning.  Goodness, it's almost noon time.  I just did not want to get out of bed this morning.  My body is trying to catch up on all the sleep that it has missed this past weeks.  I would stay right there in bed, but Pogo has other ideas.  He insists that I get up and feed him.  Oh, all right.  I'll get up!

Last evening, DIL Janet came by for a visit.  She even stopped by Walmart first to pick up some pink yarn for me.  We had us a nice visit, and Stouffer's Mac N Cheese for supper.  Oh yum!  Next week, maybe we can have seafood plates for our Wednesday supper.  I told DIL that if she will pick it up, I'll pay for it.  Oh my, I'm licking my chops just thinking of that scallop plate!!!

Pretty soon, I will have to be making an appointment for Pogo at the beauty salon.  He is becoming quite fuzzy.  I've been holding off, because I like to go with him to make sure that his hair cut is done right.  So, maybe by next week we can do this.   (I'm thinking positive!)

I found some images on the web that I would like to share with you.   This first image is a given.  Folks, please please do not leave your fur babies in the car while you shop, etc.  Leave them at home!!

This next image brings back lots of memories from my childhood.  We always said this prayer before we ate.  Life was good then.  Somewhere along the way, someone decided that we did not need to do this anymore, and life changed.  Let's bring back the prayers.

I find this next image is very disturbing.  America has lost her way, and has misplaced all her values.  Imagine paying all this money to these people for a short time (usually) of work,  and barely paying anything to our soldiers and elderly. 

Our soldiers deserve better than this.  Shame on the politicians who have a problem sharing the wealth.  As for the seniors, we all paid into that Social Security to ensure ourselves a decent retirement.  Yet by the time Congress divided it up between all sorts of other groups, there is very little left over for us.  And Congress is constantly threatening to take away the little that we do get.  Again, shame on Congress. 

Okay, that's it for my little rant.  As you can see, I'm beginning to feel a bit better.  Gosh, it's been a long time coming.  Six weeks! 

I'm watching the Weather Channel, and every now and then, they flash a saying on the screen.  The one they just put up is:  "In case no one told you today, you are awesome!"   What a super nice thing to say to someone!!

On that note, I'm going to the kitchen to see if I can find something tasty for Pogo's lunch.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be well, and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Taming The Touch Pad

May 20, 2015

Good morning.  This may be a rather short post because I'm feeling tired today.  All through the night, sleep came in fits.  Maybe because I've had a wicked headache since early last evening.  Either way, I'm not in a very gabby mood.

I did want to show you some of the many irises that are budded and getting ready to burst into bloom. 

Plus, here's a photo of Pogo sitting by his door, and keeping an eye on things.   Note how the bottom window is up so that he can enjoy the soft breeze.

Do many of you prefer to use a mouse on your laptop instead of the touch pad?  For those of you who want to quiet the touch pad, I'll share what I do.  Hopefully, your laptop is similar enough that this will work for you.

Using the mouse, click on the Control Panel>then click on Synaptics Touch Pad>A window will come up showing fingers scrolling on the mouse pad>Click on the "x" in upper right corner of this window to close it> Then click on the "x" in the upper right corner of the control panel window to close that too. 

This will shut off the touch pad.  But only while the laptop is turned on.  Once you shut it off, then you have to do this again when you next turn on the laptop.  I tried turning off the touch pad permanently, but then one day I could not find my mouse, and I had no way to turn the touch pad back on.  So I do this every time I turn on my laptop.  I hope this helps.

My head is hurting, so I'm going to take an Excedrin Migraine tablet and curl up in my lounge chair in hopes of losing the headache.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Beware The Wipe-Out Key

May 19, 2015

Good morning.  Wow, there must be a "wipe out" button on my keyboard that totally wipes out whole posts if your finger manages to tough this sensitive little key.  I just typed about half of my post, and VOILA!  All gone!!   Now I just have to find this wicked little key and tape it over. 

Miss Crabapples becomes quite cranky after a run in with this key.  I find that I have very little patience when I am not feeling so good.  Of course, that's probably the reason my hand keeps on finding this wicked little key.  You  think?

This morning is my best morning so far, so I'm hoping that I'm beginning to see a light at the end of this sickly tunnel.  Oh my, it sounds good to say that, so here's hoping!!  I only had one little cough/choke session this morning.  (So, far.  keeping my fingers crossed)  This is a major improvement.

Today is rather gray and cloudy, as we are expecting rain for a good part of today. So far, there's only been a light rain.  Yesterday's clouds burned away, and the rest of the day was simply gorgeous.  We do need a bit of rain though to keep the lawns and gardens happy. 

It was quiet here yesterday.  In between napping, I finished the Woodsy lapghan, and went to my yarn supply to pick out some red yarn.  However, I chose instead a Pink Camo yarn with white for the accent color.  It really is quite pretty.

I'm noticing that colors in photos show up extremely different on my laptop from on my cell phone.  The colors on my cell phone are simply gorgeous and true to life.  On my laptop, well that's another story.  A photo sent from my phone to my laptop comes across as gray, dull and dark.  Then I have to manipulate it in Photoshop to get back to the original color (if I can).  Hmmm, I wonder why?

Well, there's really not much news so I think I'll make a fresh cup of coffee and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be well and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Welcome Back, Miss Crabapples!!

May 18, 2015

Good morning.  My goodness, it is gray outside this morning.  The weather man says we won't be getting any rain today, but I think I'll just watch and see.  Today is a speck cooler, only about 69 or 70F, but still comfy.

Yesterday was just gorgeous.  We had the door open all day with the bottom glass pane (on the storm door) raised up to catch the breeze.   I napped on and off most of the day, while Pogo kept watch over everything.  He is just the best little caretaker. 

This whole bug/pneumonia stuff would have been a lot worse if I did not have Pogo here with me.  He made sure I got up on days when I did not want to, and he kept me entertained with his adorable antics.  I was ever so blessed the day the shelter folks brought this precious little guy to me.

This morning's wake-up coughing was not as bad as it has been, so I'm hoping that this is a good sign that the new meds are doing their job.  Inside me, I feel better.   Now I just need for the rest of the body to catch up.

Have you been noticing all the new Walmart ads on TV lately?   They talk of how they are giving their employees a raise in pay so that they (the employees) can have a better life.  It really does make Walmart sound like a super nice employer.  Don't let the ads fool you.  Minimum wage was raised, so  that explains the increase in pay. 

Walmart is normally quite cheap when it comes to giving out raises.   They also don't have very much respect or appreciation for most of their employees.  If they did, they'd do something about the way they treat the employees.   Over the years, the inside of the stores has changed.  Walmart stores used to look clean, neat and were customer friendly. 

Now it's not quite so, at least in the ones that I've been in these past few years.  The stores seem messier now, with lots of empty shelves.  Popular items are not always re-stocked promptly, nor are the shelves kept neatly arranged.  There are no helpful employees available if you need help or have questions.  In many cases, the only employees available hardly speak any English.  If you ask one of them a question, they just look at you, shake their head and walk away.  (This happens all the time at the Walmart nearest to me.)

On the other hand, I'll be fair and say  that I do still shop there because they are handy; and when they do have an item that I want, the price is reasonable.   My one biggest complaint about Walmart (and a few other stores) is the way the handicap parking is set up.  I think that all the spots closest to the store entrances should be for the cars with handicap tags.  I see no humor in watching a little old lady with a walker park her car way back in a row of cars, and then have to walk all the way up to the store while the closest parking spot to the store is being used by a couple of very healthy young folks.  Sad!

Ahhh, Miss Crabapples is coming back!!!  That must definitely be a good sign!!  

Today I have a couple of really cute minion cartoons to share that I borrowed these from the web.   Aren't these just the cutest??   I especially love the second one.   

The Woodsy lapghan is almost finished, only about six more rows to go.  My new yarn order won't be here for a few more days, so I think maybe I'll make a red one next.  I have plenty of red, white and blue yarn, and this is a great time of year for these colors. 

Well, that's about all my news for this morning.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be well and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Fun Package In The Mail

May 17, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining and it looks to be another beautiful Spring day here in my little part of New England.  In a little while, I'll open the door so that Pogo can take up his post in front of the door.  A few squirrels, a chipmunk, and a couple of our birds have been keeping Pogo entertained these past days. 

Yesterday, DIL Janet came by to do a power shopping for me.  Goodness, now the pantry and freezer shelves are stocked up again.  The only things she could not get for me were the large tote and the curtain rod for the storm door.  No problem, she will try to get them later in the week.  So, thank you Janet, I surely do appreciate this. 

Well, my head had hopes of going shopping at Home Depot today.  Somehow though, I don't see it happening in reality.  I guess the positive thought now would be to hope for this shopping trip to happen next weekend.  Okay, I'll do that.

My friend Kyra has been missing from her blog recently, and today she posted an update that she has been in the hospital with pneumonia, and is now back home and trying to mend.  Gosh, I've been hearing of so many folks getting this nasty bout of pneumonia this year.  And it really is nasty!   I'm so glad you are back home Kyra.  Take care and get well my friend.

On a fun note, I got a package in the mail yesterday from daughter Audrey.  After letting Pogo sniff and check it all out, I put a battery in the little clock and set it up on my bookcase where I can see it from everywhere in the room.  Isn't this pretty?  I so love the little birds on it.

This morning I watched a demonstration of a new "smart watch" on one of the shopping channels.  Gosh, I can't imagine getting excited about reading my emails and documents on something this size, and paying hundreds of dollars for the pleasure.  I need something a bit bigger than a watch face.  I wonder if we'll ever see folks wearing watches with faces as large as an eight inch tablet screen.  Now that would be fun to see!!

Ah well, as you can see, there is really nothing new happening here, so I'll take my leave and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Visit To Urgent Care Clinic

May 16, 2015

Good morning.  It's Saturday, but I thought I would post today because I did not get home yesterday early enough to type up a post.  Around 5 a.m. this morning, I decided to get up as long as my eyes were awake, and then maybe have a nap later this morning. 

Yesterday, SIL Eddie took me to the Urgent Care Clinic at my doctor's office building.  After a check over, chest x-rays were taken.  The first reading said that the pneumonia was not gone.  After a second reading, the doctor said that they were not sure if the pneumonia was still there or if there was just an awful lot of inflammation in my lung.  However, I was put on a new regime of meds, and told to check in with my doctor in a few days. 

Unless I did not start to get better.  Then I am to call my doctor Monday.  Deanne dropped off my new prescriptions, and Joe went later to pick them up for me.  I started the new meds last evening.  So now it is just another waiting game.  All the time I thought I was getting better, I wasn't.  I think I just wanted very badly to start feeling better, so my mind let me think that way.

So, Monday will start week six of this nasty stuff.  One good thing that I did yesterday was to take my big book on how to use my cell phone with me.  While I was at the clinic, I was able to learn how to move a few things in my photo gallery over to my memory card, and where some hidden camera features were hiding.  So I guess that makes it a good day after all.

I have a couple photos that I want to share that daughter Audrey sent to me.  A few days ago, they had a bit of rain, and then later the sun came out.  Audrey took these photos from her front porch.  Wow, I haven't seen a rainbow for a few years now.  Audrey, thank you for sharing these photos.

DIL Janet is going to come by this morning to do a power shopping for me.  The freezer is looking a bit bare, and the pantry shelves are showing lots of empty spots.  No, I'm not complaining.  Pogo and I have had plenty of food to eat these past five weeks.  But now it's time to re-stock the shelves. 

Plus I'll ask Janet to pick me up a magnetic curtain rod for the storm door.  I had ordered curtains for the living room doors and windows, and yesterday the door curtains arrived.  I was able to hang the curtain on the inside door, but I don't have a magnetic rod for the storm door. 

After supper last evening, I dug out a new color yarn, and started another lapghan.   This one is called "Woodsy" and the accent color is Buff.

I won't be making it out to see Jasmine in the Drama Club's performance of "Anything Goes", so I've given my two tickets to Joe so that he and another dwarf can go in my place.  Deanne was at last night's performance, and she said that if was "Awesome!". 

Today, I think I'll watch a couple of documentaries that I had set aside to watch later (from Amazon Prime).  I also need to tape up a box to mail to Audrey.  Maybe if Janet comes by early enough, she will take the box to the Post Office for me on the way to the market.   We'll see.

By the time I finally get back on my feet, I will have to think of something nice to do for everyone who has been helping me.   I don't like being dependent, but I surely do appreciate all these wonderful people. 

Well, that's about all the news for now.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Have You Had Your Chocolate Salad Today?

May 14, 2015

Good afternoon.  Today's post will be a bit short.  It was a cool night here, and after getting up around
6:30 this morning to put another blanket over Pogo, I grabbed an afghan for extra cover and went back to bed.  I fell right to sleep, and stayed there until Dee and Eddie called to say that they were on their way over.

After a nice visit, the kids left, taking the box that I need mailed with them.  Yesterday, I went online and ordered the new yarns that I need to keep on with my lapghan projects.   The down side to this is that it will take about a week for the yarn order to get here.  Ah well, I have lots of other projects and yarns to work with.  I try to keep a handy supply of what I need on hand.

DIL Janet could not come by last evening because she had to work late.  So it was a quiet evening for Pogo and me.  After supper, I finished off the Easter Basket lapghan, and then put a few rows on the Claret afghan (a Christmas project). 

I watched a cooking show on TV, where the host was showing how to make a lasagna with only bread, zucchini, cheese and sauce.  It looked good, but gee whiz, when I think lasagna I think pasta.  Not bread and squash. 

I found this rather interesting sign on the web and thought I would share it with you.  I just love chocolate.  This makes it easier to eat the chocolate without feeling a bit guilty about eating that extra piece or two.  After all, everyone knows that salad is healthy and good for you.

It's time now to check the mail.  After that, I'll call my doctor to give him a progress report.  This healing is a slow process, but we'll get there.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's Time To Put The Plants Into The Ground

May 13, 2015

Good morning.  It's a little bit cooler today, and the sun is shining.  I've been up for a couple of hours now, watching a lot of new household cleaning ideas on one of the shopping channels.  No, I'm not shopping, just watching and learning.  Coming up will be some new ground cover perennial plants.  I'll be watching for something pretty to plant in the shade.

Joe says he will do some planting this weekend.  We need to get all the new plants and bulbs into the ground.  Pretty soon, we'll have lots of veggie plants needing to be transplanted into the yard too.  Dwarf Helen has a whole tray of plants that she started from seed, and they are growing nicely. 

SIL Eddie is coming over this morning to see about blocking a place where I think a couple of hornets found their way into the house yesterday.  Hornets are not something I want to deal with.  It took a while, but I managed to get these two out of the house.  Now to just take care of that entry spot.  (At least, that's what I think it is.)

Eddie will also stop by the Post Office for me and mail off my box of lapghans.  This first batch has six different colors. 

I'm already working on Batch Two.  I showed a picture of the Easter Basket yarn yesterday, but oh how pretty it is when partnered with a light pink.  Isn't this pretty?

Yesterday, I spent some time on-line looking for Patio Mates to put on part of my new porch.  It's like a screen house that is made for decks and porches.  This will give Pogo and me a "bug free" place to sit outside.  I found one that might be just right, but I want to see what SIL Eddie has to say about it before I invest a lot of money into a purchase.

Last night, I worked on one of the afghans that I have started.  I'm waiting for DIL to call me later.  I'm going to see if maybe she will stop by the store and pick me up some blue yarns.  Maybe some ice cream too.  I already ate all the ice cream that Joe picked up for me last week.  (Yup, little miss piglet, me!  I can't resist the ice cream.)

I'm hoping to be able to go food shopping tomorrow, even if only for a little while.  We'll see.  I'm still a bit shaky on my feet.  If I can't, maybe DIL Janet will go for me.  I really need to get a lot of stuff now.  This is week five of being in the house, and I've pretty much deleted a lot of stock items.  I'm not complaining.  Actually, I'm really glad that I had as much stuff stocked up.  It's lasted really well.

My friend Kyra has been laid up for the past couple of weeks.  I'm not sure what the illness is, but I surely do hope that she gets well soon.  I miss my morning visits to her blog.   Big hugs and prayers for a speedy healing to you Kyra, from Pogo and me. 

Well, I obviously don't have a lot of news for today, so I think I'll take my leave here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's Time To Mail Off A Batch Of Lapghans

May 12, 2015

Good morning.  It's a bit on the cloudy side here, and it rained a bit during the night.  The flowers on my doorstep are looking pretty happy.  Especially the purple and orange pansies.  Gosh, every day they get prettier and prettier.  As soon as I pick a handful of these beautiful pansies for my little vase, they grow a whole new batch of blossoms. 

Well wow!  Yesterday was a great day for getting boxes in the mail.  First came a small package tucked in with the mail.  Then came a truck with lots of boxes.  Oh boy!!  Well of course I got busy right away opening all these packages.  A few things were put away in the gift drawer, some was for sharing, and some was for moi. 

My new induction burners arrived, along with one of the new pans for my microwave.  I'll have to ask SIL Eddie to make the new cover for my stove top so that the new burners can be set up.  I'm looking forward to learning how to cook on these new burners.

By mid afternoon yesterday, I got very tired.  I guess I just over-did things a bit.  When you start to feel better after a long illness, sometimes you (me) tend to do a bit too much.  So the rest of the day was mostly for resting up.

Last evening, I picked out the color for the next lapghan.  This one is called "Easter Basket".  It's a mixture of lilac, pink, gray and white. 

I was going to start a blue lapghan, but I don't have enough of the blue yarn.  Not to worry, that's a super excuse to do a bit of yarn shopping.  I'm not complaining one tiny bit!

My first batch of lapghans is about ready for mailing, and these are being sent to my friend Nani.  She runs a support group for folks with MS, and hopefully some of the members can use these lapghans.     Now it's time to get started on the next batch.

In between working on the lapghans, I'm adding a few items to my gift drawer.  I still have two afghans to finish for Christmas, but there is plenty of time to get them done.  I'm hoping to make it out to a store later this week to pick up a large plastic tote for storing my crochet projects. 

DIL Janet might be coming over tomorrow after work, so maybe I can talk her into taking me shopping.  While I'm there, I can pick up some blue yarn, and on the way home, we can pick up some take out from McDonalds.  Now that will make Pogo very happy.  He gets a double hamburger plain.  Most of it will be for his supper, and the rest of it will make a tasty late night snack.

Yesterday, Deanne sent me a photo of my great granddaughter Lilah and her brother Jack.  Lilah was a beautiful snowman in the Mother's Day recital at her dance school.  Here, Jack is helping Lilah with all her beautiful flowers.   I'm really quite blessed.

Well, I think I've done enough babbling.  Now it's time to sip a bit of my coffee and catch up on some blog reading.   I have my favorites that I like to start each morning with.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Orange Roses And Feeling Better. Can't Beat That!!

May 11, 2015

Good morning.  I hope everyone had a wonderful day yesterday.  Thank goodness for the modern technology of cell phones and texting.  Daughter Audrey was preparing to fly home from Missouri, and I was able to keep in touch via texting.  With all the wicked weather in the mid section of the country, I was quite worried for her safety.  A phone call late yesterday after she got home set my mind at ease.

Deanne and Eddie came by and brought me a bouquet that has the most gorgeous orange roses in it.  Oh, but I do love orange roses!!   I couldn't make up my mind which of these two photos to share, so I'm sharing them both.   After all, one can't have too much orange!!

Last evening, I worked a bit on the Country Basket lapghan.  Oh my, it is really coming out so pretty.  I'll have to do another one in a variegated yarn.  I do have one yarn that has lilac, pink and white in it.  Hmmm, I'll have to think about this one.

After chatting with Deanne and Eddie, my porch just might become a reality soon.  It's just a matter of first deciding how to design it, and then build it.  I'm getting excited now.  I would love to be able to sit out on a porch and have my morning coffee and watch the birds and squirrels.  And, if we line the rails with a criss cross lattice, Pogo will be able to run around safely on the porch.  

This morning was so much better than yesterday morning.  So I guess I'm really on the mend.  Oh I can't wait to go food shopping!!!   I know, this sounds silly, but I'm use to doing things for myself, and I haven't been able to do much these past four weeks.  So a trip to Walmart will be a rather nice outing.   If that works out, I'll go to Market Basket for the next grocery trip.

I also want to do a bit of shopping at Jordans Furniture Warehouse and Bob's Furniture.  I'm looking for a new sofa for out in the main house, and a new recliner chair for me.  Eddie says he will go with me, so this is something else I have to look forward to in the upcoming days and weeks. 

Well, I think that's about all the news for this morning.  Now I'm going to open the door so that Pogo can get busy tending to all the happenings going on outside.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a glorious day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy Mothers Day

May 10, 2015

Good Morning, and Happy Mothers Day.  That goes for all the "fur baby" Moms too.  I wish you a beautiful happy day.

Does it sound like I'm in a better mood?  Oh yeah!  No coughing and choking this morning, so I guess I can safely say that I have definitely moved on to the healing side of this wicked bug/pneumonia thing.  I actually had a pretty good day yesterday, even though I napped a bit on and off.  Of course, that meant that I would not sleep through the night, but that's okay.  I can nap on and off again today. 

Last evening, I finished up the Orchid and Buff lapghans and started a new one.  The color of this one is called "Country Basket".  It's a variegated yarn, and is quite pretty.

Today is another gorgeous day here in my little part of New England.  The temps will hit the mid 80'sF, and there is a nice breeze.  It was in the low 60's all through the night, and I was able to keep a window open all night.  Now that was nice!!

My daughter Audrey has been at a taxidermy conference all week, and is due to fly home today.  I'll pray her flight has good weather all the way home.  She is an officer in the association, and works the whole week at the convention.  Travel safely Audrey.

There's not much more news for this morning, but I do have a couple of photos from the little garden outside my door.  Tulips are Springy, cheerful and beautiful.  And these are for all you Moms.  Have a beautiful day.

Now I think I'll mosey on out to the kitchen to find something tasty for breakfast.  Pogo is being quite patient with me, but he keeps looking at me and then at the refrigerator.  That's his way of hinting that he is hungry.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a glorious day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Unscrambling My Brains A Bit Here

May 9, 2015

My goodness, I think my marbles have scrambled because I had to call my SIL Eddie to find out what day today is.  I woke up thinking that it was Friday, so after I fixed my Friday post, and posted a new "Friday" post, I went out to the laundry room to find my Saturday newspaper sitting on the washer. 

What?????  So now I'm wondering just what day it is!!!  Well, I'm not going to fix the last post.  I just want to say that this being sick for so long has really scrambled my brains.  Hopefully, I'm all set and back to normal again.  Thanks for bearing with me folks. 

I'll see you tomorrow.  Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

I Do Believe The Healing Has Started!!

May 9, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining here, but I see it is snowing in the mid west part of the country.  Well dang!!  Although in one sense, maybe this extra precipitation will make a healthy dent in the shortage of water in some of these areas.  There has to be a plus side to snow in May. 

Well, I think I may finally have some good news about this pneumonia thing.  This morning is my best morning so far.  I think I may actually be starting the healing side of this stuff.  No coughing and choking this morning when I woke up.  Now that's a good thing!!

Yesterday I had a question about where I found those cool cat stockinga.  Well, I found them in one of the many catalogues that I get in the mail.  I'm not sure which catalogue, but if I remember, I'll post it.  I don't buy a lot from the catalogues, but I love seeing all the fun stuff in them.

Well, it's beginning.  The fruits of my many recent shopping experiences has started.  Yesterday, the first three packages arrived.  Ooohhh!!  I love getting packages in the mail.  Even if I'm the one who ordered the stuff.   After oohing and ahhing over the contents of the packages, I put two of them in the gift drawer to wait their time for giving.  The contents of the remaining package will be gift wrapped and given to my grandson Kevin for graduation. 

Yup, I'm a happy little camper this morning.  Boxes coming in the mail, pneumonia going away, sun is shining, and my friend Nani sent me an email to let me know how she is doing.  I worry about her when she does not post on her blog for a while.  This MS is nasty stuff, but Nani always has the most beautiful smile on her face. 

Well, I have about fourteen more rows to go on the Orchid lapghan, and then I'll get back working on the Buff one (only about one third done)   Hmmm, now I'll have to go pick out two more colors.  Probably two shade of blue because I haven't made any blue ones yet.   These little lapghans are easy to make and they work up quickly.

Today I have photos of some of Jazzy's latest shopping trip.  I must say, this young lady is very fashion conscious and loves all the new trends.  I can't wait to see her wearing these two newest items.  Aren't these purty?

One of the packages I'm waiting for will have new curtains for my living room. I felt it was time to put up something lighter and airier, so I ordered some pretty blue and white curtains for the windows and a plain white lacy panel for the door.   The ones I ordered do not go the floor, only to the window sill.  My carpet is blue, so these should look real pretty.

I think my thinking cap was on crooked yesterday, because I signed off by saying that I'd be back here on Sunday.  Hmmm, it will be nice when my brains finish unscrambling and get back to normal.  I did fix that on the post. 

Well, that's about all my news for today.  This time I will be back on Sunday.  So till then, Y'all be well and have a fantabulous weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.

A Real "Crappy" Evening

May 8, 2015

Good morning.  Well, it's another gorgeous day coming up.  I love how the daylight has been pushed back to around 5 am.   When I wake up early, and look out and see daylight, it starts my day in a happy way.  

This morning when I woke up so early, I decided to stay up.  Mornings have been my worst time this past week.  I cough when I wake up and lose my breath, and have quite a time getting it back.  This makes is difficult to comfortably fall asleep, not knowing if you'll make it in the morning.  This is the same thing my grandson Kevin was going through for so long this winter. 

This morning, it wasn't so bad for me.  I'm thinking it might have been because I got up so early and it didn't have a chance to get too bad.  I don't really know.  On the other hand, maybe I'm beginning the healing thing.  Oh boy, wouldn't that be wonderful!!

 There's not really much for news, except for my "crappy" evening last night.  Do you know how much I love my little Pogo?   A whole lot!!!   Last night he was starting to act funny.  He came over to me, and he was shaking and wanting to be picked up.  So I picked him up.  He cuddled in and got all comfy on my chest with his little hind legs tucked into the top of the front of my jammys.   He was shaking wicked, so I hugged him close.  And then he got the squirties all down the inside of my jammy top!!! 

How about that for a "crappy" evening!!   First I set him on a towel while I took off the jammy top.  Then I cleaned us both up, got him a clean shirt and me a clean pair of jammies.  No biggie.  That's what mommies do.  I'm happy to say that after all that, Pogo was feeling much better.  This morning he is in a very playful mood. 

I took a photo of the two new lapghans that I am working on.  One is Buff and the other is Orchid.  These are numbers six and seven.  I'm not sure how many I need, so I'll just keep on making them until I decide who they are going to and how many I need.

Going through some of my many catalogues, I found a very interesting item that some of my cat lover friends might like.  A sexy pair of "cat" stockings.  Wowee!!

 Before I take my leave, I want to thank the Queen Jester for giving me the name of those pretty blue flowers that are growing in my yard.  They are Scilla, or more commonly know as Siberian Squill.  Thank you QJ. 

Now I'm going to drink my coffee and get caught up a bit on my blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Nature Is Smiling At Me

May 7, 2015

Good morning.  It's going to be warm today.  It's already 79F degrees and headed for the low 80's.  Wow, it's sort of like an intro to Summer.   Well, Summer can wait a bit.  I'm wanting to get outside and enjoy some of this beautiful Spring weather before it's time to turn on the A/C. 

Well, I was very good yesterday, and did not do anymore shopping.  I'll have to admit that it wasn't because I tried not to.  I watched the kitchen specials all day and evening.  I had my eye on a really gorgeous set of cookware.  Unfortunately, it would not be good for induction cooking so I did not order it.   I'm going to hold off on buying any new pans (which I really could use) until I get my new burners set up.

Yesterday, I started two new lapghans.  One in Buff, and one in Orchid.  Why do I have two going at the same time?  Because just sitting around makes me restless and I get bored with the project that I'm working on.  So this way, I can put one project down and pick up another.  It changes my mood rather nicely. 

Gosh, this pneumonia stuff is messing up all my fun.  One of my great granddaughters is in a dance recital this weekend for Mother's Day, and I'm not going to be able to see this.  The following weekend, Jazzy is in a performance of "Anything Goes".  I don't know yet if I'll be able to go watch this yet.  If I can't, I'll still buy a couple of tickets, and a couple of the dwarfs can go instead.

There's really not much news for today, so I'll just post a couple photos of some of the new blooms in my yard.  Aren't these yellow tulips gorgeous??   It's sort of like Nature is smiling at me.  It sure does put a big smile on my face.  I'm not sure what the little blue flowers are that are poking up through the leaves, but they sure are pretty.

Well, I think it's time to go back to my lounge chair.  If I stay up too long, I get a bit shaky.  Gosh, I'll surely be glad when things get back to normal.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Shopping My Little Heart Out!!

May 6, 2015

Good morning.  Tis a bit on the cloudy side this morning, but if today is anything like yesterday, the sun will be out in a while and the whole day will be fabulous.   It's already almost 70F and it's not even ten o'clock yet. 

I guess the good news is that I'm all done with the antibiotic.  The doctor says it will just take time now.  Hmmm, easy for him to say!    Part way through the day, I do feel as though I'm getting stronger.  However, when I go to do some things, I find out how wrong I am. 

Yesterday afternoon, I took a bottle of water out to give the plants on the doorstep a drink.  On my way back in, I fell on the step by my back door.  Thank goodness folks were home, and windows were open.  I called out and Joe came out to help me.  I'm okay, just some scrapes on the elbow, and a huge purple bruise on one leg.   I've been given orders not to go outside alone when no one is at home.  (by the dwarfs)   They threatened to call one of my girls if I did not listen.   Yeesh!

Last evening, I finished off the Key Lime lapghan, and now I need to go through my yarn to find a different color for the next one.   I'm thinking that I'd like to make a buff colored one, and of course a couple in different blue shades.   Hmmm, just a thought. 

Yesterday, while I was outside checking on the mail, I took this photo of Pogo sitting by his door.  This is where he is everything afternoon, watching and waiting for Joe to come home so that he can get his turkey treat. 

I'm noticing that the blanket is still rolled up by the bottom of the door.  I think I can remove it now.  I put it there in the Fall when it started getting cold, in order to prevent any possible drafts from getting on Pogo while he sits there. 

I also took a photo of the pansies.  Gosh, these are beautiful!!  As long as I remember to water them and pick a few blooms every couple of days, they just keep on blossoming.  (Don't laugh!  My green thumb turned brown many many moons ago!)   Having the plants on my doorstep is a good way to remind me that they need water.

I also have another photo of our calla lily plant.  It is just soooo pretty!   I'm thinking though, that it might be wanting to be planted outside soon.   I'll have to research this plant a bit more to see if it is ever just a house plant or if it definitely needs to be outside.  Gosh, isn't this pretty?

A couple of my favorite TV channels lately seem to be the shopping channels.  Since last evening, they've been featuring a lot of kitchen items.   Usually this is not my favorite type of product to be watching, but right now I'm having a grand time. 

I've been wanting to change over to induction cooking for some time now, so pretty soon I'll have my first burner.  Well, actually I'll have two of them.  I will ask SIL Eddie if he can make me a shelf cover to go over my stove top.  I'll use this as a counter top for my new burners.   I also ordered a beautiful new microwave cooking pot.  A few years ago, I found a wonderful covered cooking bowl for the microwave.  I love it!   However, I've not been able to find any more of them.  I just know that this new pot will soon be another favorite of mine.

I also ordered me a new little grinder (for pepper, etc.)  It's orange with white polka dots.  Oh boy! d I'm a nut for orange.  And I definitely love the polka dots!   Next on my list will be some new pans.  First I want to research which pans I can use.  There is a magnet coming with my new burners that I can use to test different pans. 

Folks, this is one of the downsides of being put on lots of rest.  The shopping is such fun, and so easy to do.   That's the catch word - "easy".   Ah, but I am a careful shopper.  Occasionally, I do lose out on a fabulous buy because I take too long to think about something, but usually I do very well.   Another thing I'm watching for is a pressure cooker.   There will be a new one featured on the one of the channels later today, so I'll be watching for it.

Well, there's really not much more happening here, so I think I'll go pick out a new yarn color for the next lapghan.   So, till tomorrow, Y'all be well, and have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.