Where Does My Day Go?

June 30, 2015

Good morning.  My goodness, it's already the last day of June.  I think it's amazing that the only season that lingers on forever is Winter.  I wonder why that is?   I suppose the folks who love to ski are thinking that Winter flies by too.  Hmmmm.

Today is looking quite lovely with lots of sunshine.  I was watching the Weather Channel to see how the day would go, but they get so bogged down with all kinds of technical facts about African dust, ocean swirls (I made that one up), and upper and lower air currents, that they take all day to get to the local weather.  Some days I just don't have the patience for all this information.  I just want to know what the weather will be today.  So I changed the channel to Unsolved Mysteries.  Much better!!

Yesterday was a busy day, all day.  But for the life of me, I can't figure out just what it was that kept me so busy.  I look around me, and I see the same dust bunnies that were here yesterday.  The folded laundry that was piled up on the chair is still there. 

Hmmm, I guess keeping busy has a different meaning when you get old and retired.  At least, when you are by yourself.  When your mate is still with you, I can see where things would be different.  I think I'm quite lucky to have such good tenants so close by.  It's just me and Pogo here, but we're really not alone with the dwarfs nearby, so I can't really hibernate for too long.

I think I mentioned a few days ago that I had bought a couple of squirrel feeders.  Well, we picked up some shellac, and over the last few days, Joe has put several coats of lacquer on the bigger feeder.  Yesterday afternoon, we went out into the yard to hang the feeder and fill it with food. 

While Joe was hanging the feeder on the tree, there were squirrels sitting in the trees nearby watching, and waiting for us to walk away.  Once we got in the house, the fun began.  Of course, I ran for my camera so that I could get some fun shots. 

The first squirrel to reach the feeder thought he was in heaven and that this was his own personal feeder.  Much to his chagrin, he was quickly joined by another squirrel.  Squirrel #1 was kept busy for a while guarding over his treasure, and chasing squirrel #2 down, and around the tree trunk and away from the feeder.  Finally  he gave in and shared the goodies.

The second feeder is made of cedar, and I wasn't going to have Joe shellac it, but now I think we should.   These are left out in the weather year round, so the shellac will help them to hold up longer.  So, I guess we'll start on this one later today when Joe gets home.  This one is smaller and holds ears of corn or something similar.

I will have to check on Amazon to see what else we can put in the feeder for the squirrels to eat.  Right now, I just have peanuts and rolls for them.   Folks, these feeders are worth the price, considering all the entertainment they will be providing for us humans.

Today, I'm hoping to go to Best Buy to get some help with my cell phone.  DIL Janet is feeling much better now, and is coming over to go with us.  (me and Pogo)  Maybe we'll grab some fast food, and have lunch in the park.  Now that sounds like fun!!! 

Now I think it's time for me to get dressed.  I surely can't go shopping in my jammies!!!  haha.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Memory From The Past

June 29, 2015

Good morning.  It's cool and cloudy here in my little part of New England.  But tomorrow is supposed to bring more sunshine and warmer temps.  I surely hope so because I want to get out to do a couple errands. 

Well, the rain slowed down to a fine mist late yesterday morning, and stayed that way for most of the day.  All our plants look a bit downtrodden but I'm sure they'll all be perking up again as soon as the sun comes out.

Yesterday, while trying to put some files on a DVD, my laptop started acting a bit hinky.  As soon as the files would start to burn onto the DVD, it would stop and a box would come up telling me that the write speed of the disc was either too slow or too fast for my DVD burner.  What?????   This very burner successfully burned some of these same files onto other DVD's from the same stack just a couple days ago.  I just don't understand technology these days.  I'll have to put in a call to Wayne to find out what is wrong.

I have a photo from the past that I thought I would share.  My first, third and fifth children are look alike girls.  They look just like me.  This photo could be either one of them.  But it is me, taken many moons ago at a Halloween party.  Note the beautiful one-eyed bunny on my lap.  He was a gift from my children, and even he had a good time at the party.

Every now and then, I love going through some of the older photos.  It's good to see the changes that have taken place over the years.  It's also wonderful to reflect on all the memories that each photo evokes.  (How's that for a great new word!!)

I also have a cute image that I borrowed from the web to share with you.  This is for all of us who found our fur babies at a shelter.

I'm looking out my window, and I'm seeing the sun shining down through the clouds.  Yeaaaaaah!!  It goes in and out, but it sure does feel good to see it.  It makes the day seem to be not do dreary.

Well, I want to get busy and do the laundry that never got done yesterday.  Funny how my plans change so quickly!  Then I have a potty patch grass that is wanting a bath.  Oh such fun stuff to keep me busy today!!  So, on that note, I'll take my leave.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Well, Hello Rain!!

June 28, 2015

Good morning.  Well, this time the weatherman was partly right.  It rained all night, and so far all morning.  The puddles in my yard are almost big enough to float a canoe in.  Almost.  Well maybe just some tiny canoes. 

Any blossoms that were on our plants and bushes are all rather sad looking today.  When the rain comes down fairly hard, it tends not to be so nice to the plants.  My poor pansies look a bit confused.  Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny, so maybe they'll look better then.

Yesterday, I finished copying a lot of my scrapbook kits to an exterior drive.  Gosh, what a difference in my style of design from when I first started and when I last made a kit.   I also had fun looking at some of my old family photos. 

I found this photo of daughter Audrey, the little blonde on the left. The woman and the other girl are neighbors.  I made the skirt and blouse that Audrey is wearing to match a set that I had just made for myself.  Back then, I made a lot of our clothes - by hand.  I did not have a sewing machine.  But isn't my little girl just the cutest???  Who'd have thought this little sweetie would have grown up to stuff and mount dead animals?  It's called taxidermy.  You just never know.

I have a photo to share of the tiny white rose blossoms on the big bush outside my door.  Most of the blossoms have passed on by, and the rain has finished off any that were still hanging on.  Enjoy.

I also dug out a photo of one of the rose bushes on the other side of the house.  The photo was taken three years ago, but at least you can see the roses.  This morning, they look pretty sick, with a lot of their branches hanging down, heavy with rain water, and the petals scattered on the ground.

Pogo is not too happy this morning.  He went out into the house to get Joe and have his turkey treat, but Sunshine (one of the cats) chased him back into our apartment.   Needless to say, this did not make me very happy.  So from now on, the cats will have to stay in their rooms until after Pogo has had his treat. 

If it's nice out tomorrow, I think Pogo and I will take a ride to Best Buy to see if one of their techs can help me with my cell phone.  I need to move all the photos, etc to the memory disk, but I don't know how.  I'm just about out of memory on my phone, and it's becoming a nuisance because now some things on my phone do not work.

Well, that's about all my news for this morning.  I think I'll do a load of laundry now.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's National Take Your Dog To Work Day

June26, 2015

Good morning.  It's a bit gray and cloudy this morning, although there is no rain yet.  The weather man still says that we'll get some rain sometime this morning.  Oh well, we'll just wait and see.  The temperature is in the 60's right now and quite comfy.  It should get up into the mid 70's by this afternoon.

Did you like the title of this post?  I've been watching the Weather Channel all morning, and all the employees there have their doggies at work with them.  I think this is a great idea, and it should happen more often. 

I received another lovely surprise in my email yesterday.  My friend Beth made me a beautiful scrap layout featuring Pogo.  Isn't he just the handsomest little guy?  Thank you so much Beth.  I love it.

Folks, do any of you use "4shared" to store a lot of your scrap materials, etc?   If you do, be careful.  I logged in to 4shared yesterday only to find that all my files were gone.  According to them, I had not been active for 180 days, so they emptied out all my files.  Actually, I had been logged in a couple times during that 180 day period, but I guess that did not count. 

Thank goodness I had a lot of my stuff on Mediafire.  Last night, I logged in here and started downloading a lot of my work to put on DVD.   It's a good thing too.  I'm finding that a lot of my files are missing folders.  I need to make copies of all these files before any more folders go missing.

I did call my doctor yesterday to ask for a different type of medicine to use temporarily until my chest is completely clear.  This morning, his office called to say that he had phoned in a couple of new scripts for me to pick up today.  Hopefully, the new medicine is not in powder form.

I did not get to go food shopping yesterday, so when Joe gets home from work, we'll go to Market Basket to pick up some groceries.  I don't need very much, but I like to take Joe each week because he does not have a car.  He helps me, I help him. 

Yesterday afternoon, I was watching a video on the Weather Channel of a woman (Mary) who was in her car when the car got swallowed up by a flash flood water.   She was on her cell phone calling 911 for help.  Only the top of her car was visible when the rescuers got to her.  They were able to swim out and break a window on the car and get Mary out safely.  Yeaaaaaaah!!!  It's good to hear some good news.

I dug into my photo archives again to find some new photos to share.  These were taken a couple years ago while I was working.  The first two photos were taken through a window after dark.  The last photo was taken through the same window early the next morning.

 

One of the things I miss about not working, is the hummingbirds that always came to the Mrs' feeder.  I hardly ever see these beautiful little birds around here.  I had planned on putting up a couple of new feeders for them in the garden this year, but it hasn't been a good year so far for me to play in the garden.  Maybe in another week or two, Joe can put up at least one feeder.  We'll see.

Well that's about all my news for this morning.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sometimes Medicine Makes Things Worse

June 25, 2015

Good morning.  It's a beautiful morning, with sunshine and a light breeze.  The temps are in the mid 70's, but will get up into the low 80's later today.  For now, though, I can have the bottom window on Pogo's door raised up so that he can enjoy the cool breeze.

Last night, I had another of those cough/choking episodes, and it was a wicked bad one.  I'll have to ask my doctor if there is a different way to take the medicine that I need for breathing.  Right now, it is a powder form (Advair) and breathing it in brings on the cough/choke episode. 

Yesterday, after Joe came home from work, we finally made it to the Post Office so that I could get some boxes mailed out.  Then last evening, I put a few rows on the Country Blue afghan.  That was about the extent of my excitement for the day.  Gosh, retirement is sometimes a bit boring.

I've been asked why I don't drink tap water, and instead pay for bottled water.  To be honest, I suppose the tap water is safe, but I just don't like it for drinking.  I cook with it, but that's it.  I don't like the taste of it, and too often we are not given advance notice when the water mains are being flushed or repaired.  At these times, the color of the water is a turn off.  I'd rather pay for clean, refreshing Poland Springs spring water.

I don't have any new photos, so I went into my archives again.  On June 25, 2012, it was pouring rain here.   These photos were taken while I was standing on our front porch.  The first two photos show the rain falling from the porch roof and in front of the porch.

We are supposed to get some rain here tonight and tomorrow morning.  We haven't had much rain here lately, so we'll see.   According to the weather man, we have more rain coming on Sunday, and then again on Tuesday.  Hmmm.

Well, it's getting close to lunchtime, and I think I'll have a look in the refrigerator to what looks tasty.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B. 

The Storms Skipped Us !!

June 24, 2015

Good morning.  Today is just a gorgeous summer day, sunny with temps in the mid 80's, and a fabulous soft breeze.   Yesterday however, was a cliff hanger.  The sun came through the clouds every now and then, and we all waited for the storms to come. 

We were, however, very lucky.  The wind and rains that came were like a really bad hurricane, but they did not come to us.  The storms hit above us, to the west of us, and south of us.  Trees were toppled, and whole communities were left without power.  

Luckily, the tornadoes did not happen.   We were ready.  Everyone was told to keep their windows closed, and to go down into the basement as soon as the sky started getting dark.  I told them all to put any necessary medicines into a bag to take with them.   Not to worry, our fur babies would be the first things we would grab up to take with us. 

Today, the first state (in Massachusetts) approved marijuana store will open.  Mind you, this is supposed to be "medical marijuana".  However, I think most everyone in the state who smokes this weed already has their prescription from their doctors so that they can buy it.  Isn't this amazing?  Before this, only a small percent of our state's population either had a terminal illness or was in dire pain.  Now it appears that most of the state's population falls into one of these two categories.   (Not me, I don't smoke weed.)

Yesterday, I called Pogo's doctor to find out what the correct dosage of children's Benedryl would be to give him.  She told me to give him one half teaspoon (for six pounds).  However, that was more than a dropper full, so I only gave him the dropper full - a little more than 1/4 teaspoon.   Here is a chart that I downloaded from the web in case anyone needs this.

I also squeezed the liquid from several Vitamin E gel tabs into a spoon, and then rubbed this on all the spots that Pogo had been scratching.  Boy oh boy, this was a messy proposition!  All of this seemed to help, so today I'll give him another medicated bath, and later another Vitamin E treatment.

Another image that I borrowed from the web to share has some very good information why we all should be drinking lots of water.   Do check on Google to see if your bottled water is on the list of bad water.  The brand that was named most was Acadia.  But there are several other brands on the list.  Drinking this water can make you very sick.  If you have one of these brands, return them to the store and get a different brand of water.  I only buy Poland Springs spring water for myself and Pogo.

A couple nights ago, I started working on the Country Blue afghan.   This way, I can go back and forth  working on the last two afghans.  After working on so many lapghans, these regular size afghans seem wicked huge. 

Well, that's all my news for this morning.  I want to give DIL Janet a call soon.  She's been sick in bed for the past couple of days.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Getting Ready For Some Severe Weather

June 23, 2015

Good morning.  It's quite nice outside here right now, but it is supposed to change drastically in a few hours.  The weatherman is forecasting some rather nasty storms are due here all afternoon between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.  There is a possibility for heavy winds, hail, tornadoes and power outages.  Gee whiz, I hope not!

I have to keep taking little breaks here because I'm doing laundry.  I just put one load into the dryer, and another into the washer.  Today I'm washing all of Pogo's fuzzy blankets.  And his bed that is on the floor too.  I'm hoping that this will help cut down on his itch. 

Last night, I gave Pogo some children's Benedryl.  I wasn't sure of the dosage, so I only gave him a small one.  Today I will check with his doctor to get the correct dosage.  Later today I'll give him another medicated bath. 

I have something wonderful to share with you this morning.  There was a lovely surprise in my email from my friend Kyra.  She made a gorgeous scrap page featuring Kevin's prom photo.  She used her new kit "Solveig's Song", which you can find on her blog.  We absolutely love it Kyra.  Thank you ever so much.

I've been following the Weather Channel all morning; and watching videos of the devastation from the tornadoes that ripped through the middle of the country overnight.  I think that tornadoes are the worst storms because you don't usually get enough of a warning to get to safety.  Plus, you can't do anything to safeguard your home and property. 

This morning I've borrowed a couple images from the web to share with you.  This first one is a heartbreaker.  Folks, if you see, or hear of, any dog fighting, Please Please Please call the police.  This is absolutely horrifying.  No animal should have to go through this kind of torture.

There is a new "police" program on TV that features programs on dog fighting (and other wicked topics).  Obviously, I won't be watching this program.  I just don't understand why they have to glorify this horrible torture by giving it so much airtime on TV.  I say they should just find these people, take them all out back and shoot them on the spot.  

Can you tell that I have no sympathy for some folks?  Well, you're right!  Some people just do not deserve to breathe the same air as the rest of us.   Nuff said!!

Well, it's time for me to call Pogo's doctor, and the dryer just stopped.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's Summertime Already!

June 22, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining, and it is 66F degrees.  Later today the temps will reach the low 80's.   The weatherman says it will be in the 80's all week, and then Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be in the 70's.  Not too shabby!!

Has anyone besides me noticed how Summer is already here?  I waited all through that very long winter for Spring to arrive, and then spent most of the Springtime sick in bed.  Not fair!!  Now that I'm feeling better, it's already Summer.  Hopefully, Pogo and I will be able to get out more often now.  I'm hoping that we'll even be able to get away for a weekend or two.  We'll see.

Yesterday was a very quiet day for me.  I actually slept a good part of the afternoon.  Gosh, I hope this tiredness doesn't increase each year with age because I'll be comatose by the time I'm 80.  I guess it's time to get back in the habit of drinking my coffee and taking my vitamins each morning. 

It rained all day yesterday, so I did not get out to take more photos.  Instead, I went into my photo archives and pulled out a few photos from this same day in 2012.  These were blooming in my garden three years ago. 

First is the peach rose.  Next is the Japanese Iris, which isn't ready to bloom yet this year.  I think these photos were taken both before and after Joe had watered the garden.

Sometime this morning, a gentleman from the medical supply company will be coming by to do a routine check on the oxygen concentrator.  He called Saturday morning as I was getting ready to leave to do my grocery shopping, to say that he was nearby and wanted to stop by then.  I told him he would have to come back another day.  I'm not hiding anything, but I like more than two or three minutes notice that someone is coming for any maintenance checks.

Well, I think I should get busy here and get dressed before this fellow gets here.  So, on that note I'll take my leave.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy Birthday Gary Jr, And Happy Fathers' Day To Dads Everywhere

June 21, 2015

Good morning.  Tis a bit on the cloudy wet side here in my little part of New England.  But, I'm alive and kicking, so it's another very good day.  Yesterday was my son Gary Jr's birthday.  I wish him much peace and happiness.  Happy Birthday son, I love you.

Today is also a special day for Dads everywhere.  They will need their umbrellas though, when they go outside to cook on the grill.  Right now it is 72F with light rain, but we are expecting thunder storms with some heavy downpours during the day.  So, to Dads everywhere, I wish you a Happy Fathers' Day.

So, what did I do these past couple of days?  Not much!!   When it came time to go grocery shopping on Friday afternoon, I just wasn't feeling up to it.  So, Joe went with me on Saturday, and it made the shopping go much quicker.  We each had a carriage and half of the shopping list.  I haven't got my shopping done this quickly in a long time!!

The official prom photos arrived on Friday, and that evening, Deanne emailed me a copy.  Oh my, be still my heart.  I am so very proud of this young man, my grandson Kevin.  Here's a look at how beautiful he and his girlfriend looked at his prom.

This young man came into the world three months early, weighing only two pounds.  He's smart, and talented, wicked good at basketball and baseball, and will soon be off to college.  He's also a really nice guy.  Is it any wonder this old grandma is beaming proud of him?

A couple nights ago, I started working on the Claret (deep maroon) afghan again.  For two different nights, I worked on the same six rows, putting them on and ripping them out to start over again.  Several times, I set the afghan down and walked away.   The last time I managed to get all six rows back on, I took a good look at the afghan and realized that I had been doing the wrong pattern.  Oh no!!!  So I ripped those rows out again.  I finally got my pattern stitch right, and got the rows back on, plus a few more.  Some days, my brains just don't function properly!!

Today I have a couple more photos from my gardens.  The first photo is one of our pink peonies, and the second photo is the pink  rose tree.

I imagine after the rain has passed, most of our peonies will be gone too.  But oh my, while they are here, they are simply gorgeous!!   I think that next year, I'll have to buy some wire cages to put around the peony plants to help keep them from falling over.  Well, at least I'll look into it.

A couple weeks ago, I bought a couple of squirrel feeders.  Yesterday, I picked up a can of shellac so that we (Joe) can put a finishing coat on them before we put them outdoors with food.  Later today, I'll take some photos of them.

Yesterday afternoon, I gave Pogo a bath with his medicated shampoo because he has been itching ever since he came home from the beauty salon.  I think he must be allergic to whatever shampoo that they use there.  I'll have to remember to ask them not to use it anymore.  Today, he still has a few itches, but not as bad as it was before the bath.  I'm sure after another one or two medicated baths, he will be fine again. 

Well, that's about it for my new this morning.  So till tomorrow, Y'all have a simply fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Warning! I'm Ranting Again.

June 19, 2015

Today I'm on a little rant.  You may want to skip this post and come back on Sunday.  I promise to be in a much nicer mood then.

Good morning.  It's nice outside today.  The temperature is supposed to reach the low 80's, with a chance of showers late in the afternoon or evening. 

Yesterday I went out in the yard for a while, and for goodness sakes!  Not one mosquito bit me!!!  It felt really good.  So I guess the yard treatment really is helping.  I have four more treatments left for this season.  If the treatments work well this summer, I'll definitely renew my contract for next year.

Last evening, I was listening to the news on TV, and really got myself worked up into a tizzy.  They spoke of a little two year old boy who was washed away in the floods in Oklahoma.  Then they said that the president spoke with newscasters about it, and referred to a speech made by Martin Luther King.  Next, they were showing a video of this vintage speech (by MLK). 

Does Mr O really think that civil unrest is the same as being wrenched out of your father's arms and carried away by flood waters?  Is he really that uncaring or stupid?   Mr O, I'm wondering how many water pipelines we could have already built with all the millions of dollars that has been spent for you and/or your family and all the entourage involved to travel several times to different places around the world.   Do you suppose this little boy would be alive today if we had piped most of the flood waters in this area away to another place?

I was reading an article (yesterday) in Reader's Digest about how many people the White House employs.  Did you know that they employ six florists "to create unique arrangements that suit the first family's style"?  How about six butlers who "serve the first family in their private living quarters"?  Here's the topper!   Mr O has three valets who "act as his personal assistants".   Imagine, needing three men to help you put on your pants and shirt.  Makes me realize how amazingly smart I am.  I've been doing this all by myself my whole life!!!!!

Just a little while ago, Michelle Obama was in the news, giving a speech about how a recent shooting is just more devastation caused by guns.   I wonder why she isn't giving speeches about having all motor vehicles banned from our streets and highways.  Does she know how many people are killed every day by automobiles?  

Guns and cars do not kill people.  People kill people.  Maybe if we just enforced our laws, there would be less crime.  Other countries seem to have a handle on how to lower the crime rate, so what is our problem?  Well, for one thing, our laws seem to give the criminals so many rights that it is next to impossible to punish them for their crimes.  In other countries, if you break a law you are punished.  Period!!  Why can't we do this too? 

I have lots more to say on this, but I'm done spouting off for today.  Instead, I'm going to post a few more photos from our gardens.   The first photo shows the roses on the pink rose tree.  The other photos show a peach rose bush and a little white rose bush.

Today I'm waiting for a contractor to come by to give me an estimate for some windows and maybe the porch.  I did not get to go food shopping yesterday, so I'm hoping this fellow shows up before I have to leave to go shopping later this afternoon.  If he doesn't, then I'll make a few more phone calls.

Now I think I should get dressed so that I'm presentable if and when this fellow shows up.  On that note, I'll take my leave.   So till Sunday,  Y'all be safe and have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Yeah !! I Can Flush Again !!

June 18, 2015

Good morning.  It's really nice here this morning.  However, it hasn't been so nice in other parts of the country.  Every time I hear that more rain is headed towards the mid-west and central parts of the country, I worry for the safety of friends living in that area.  My goodness, I don't know how much more rain they can handle.  Every day I say a little prayer that they make it safely through another day. 

Folks, it's not just people who are having a difficult time with these horrible weather patterns.  Our animals are having a hard time coping with all the flooding and chaos, and especially the noise from the thunder and lightning storms.  If you can, try using a "thunder jacket" for your pets.  It helps to keep them calm so that they aren't so frightened. 

Yesterday I got a phone call from the "yard treatment" folks letting me know that they would be out to do my yard today.  Well, about an hour ago they showed up.  I watched (from indoors) as the technician went about spraying the whole yard.  They use an all-natural liquid formulation of 100% organic ingredients that is safe for pets, people, birds, plants, etc.   I'll let you know if this treatment helps with the mosquito problem.

 Later yesterday afternoon, SIL Eddie stopped by and fixed the toilet problem.  Yeaaaaaaaahh!!!!!  I don't have to tell you how wonderful that is!!!   God bless my SIL!!!  It wasn't the funnest job to do, but he kept a smile on his face the whole time. 

DIL Janet could not come by last evening because they added a new member to their family yesterday and she wanted to spend the evening getting acquainted.   I have not been given all the particulars yet, but I do believe it is another kitty.  Janet, I wish you much happiness with your new fur baby.

I had a request to put up a link to receive the blog posts via email.  With a bit of help from a blog friend (thank you Ida), I was able to add the link on the top right side of this page, just beneath my avatar. 

Today I have a couple more photos from our garden.  One is another shot of our huge purple iris, and the other is a peach rose.  The pink rose tree is in full bloom, so I'll try to get photos of that later today.

Later today, when Joe gets home from work, we'll go food shopping.  So, after lunch, I'll get busy and make up my shopping list.   This will be the extent of my excitement for the day.  Woo Hoo!!!

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

Hugs, Edna B.

WE NEED WATER PIPE LINES !!!!!!!!!

June 17, 2015

Good morning.  I've been following the storms on the Weather Channel, and it isn't very pretty.  I have friends in some of those areas that have been flooded, and now they are getting more flooding.  I pray they are all safe, and that the rain stops soon. 

Seems to me that storms and bad weather used to be a "once in a while" thing.  Nowadays, this seems to be the everyday normal in our country.  Almost every day, lives are being lost, livestock is dying, homes are being demolished, and hope for tomorrow is in short supply.  The dollar cost for all of this devastation is in the billions. 

And what is our country's government doing to help?  Nothing.  Instead they continue to send billions of dollars all around the world.  Some of this money is supposedly a loan (that will most likely never be repaid) and the rest is just for free.  SOOOOOO, what is wrong with keeping some of that money and fixing our own country's problems???????

And why aren't we building water pipelines?  I've been spouting off about this idea for years now.  Is our government really all that stupid that they haven't figured out how to do this?  Instead of having so many floods, the water could have been piped to the drier areas to relieve droughts and wildfires.  Is it possible that I am the only dim witted person in this whole country to think that water pipelines could save lives and homes? 

Considering the fact that we are supposed to be building an energy conscious world, why is it okay to destroy our landscape and eco system by building more oil pipelines?   Why could we not build water pipelines instead?   They could be built in a way that does not hurt the land and the people and animals living there. 

Unfortunately, even if the government listened to me and agreed to this, they would need at least fifteen or twenty years to think about it and discuss it in groups before ever putting anything on paper to start it.  I find this mind boggling!!!!!   If my little brain could think it up years ago, one would think that all those little brains in government put together should be able to do me one better. 

Okay, enough band box chat!!  Today I have a few photos from the garden to share with you.   The first two are of my peonies, and the last photo shows the rhododendrons. 

As you can see in the photos, we need to put down some more grass seed.  The lawn on that side of the yard is looking a bit thin in spots.  However, the grass is at the bottom of the maintenance list.  At the top of the list is the plumbing.  The toilet is acting up, not flushing properly.  SIL Eddie will come by to see if he can fix it.  If not, I'll have to call in a plumbing contractor.  Oh the joys of home ownership!!!

Well, I think it's time for me to make some breakfast for my little guy Pogo.  He's been waiting patiently right here by my side.  After that, I have some blog reading to catch up on.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe, and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy Birthday Bob-O-Link!!!

June 16, 2015

Good morning.  Today we're having another cloudy gray day.  It's not raining though.  Actually it's a great day for mosquitoes.  Speaking of mosquitoes, I'm waiting for a crew to come by to give my yard a treatment for keeping the ticks, fleas and mosquitoes away.  I hope they show up and I hope the treatment works.  If they are not here by 4 pm, I'll be on the phone to find out why.

Yesterday, my friend from work came by and we had ourselves a really nice visit.  She used to always drive an old clunker; and I was always telling her it would be cheaper to buy a new car than to keep paying for repairs.  Well, she finally bought herself a nice new car.  Yeahhhhh!!!

I have a photo to share that my daughter Audrey took a few days ago of a huge red sun rising early one morning on her way to work.  The sun appears very bright, but you can see the red outline around it.  Thanks, Audrey.  It's a great shot!

For some reason, I'm getting way behind today.  I seem to be letting myself get constantly side-tracked.  It's not really a big problem, but I don't get much of anything accomplished either.  Ah well, maybe it's just part of aging gracefully?  haha

Yesterday was my grandson Bobby's birthday.  Wow!  He's thirty five years old now.  This is Deanne and Eddie's eldest child, my first grandchild, and he was the gleam and twinkle in Papa's eyes.  (my hubby)   Happy Birthday Bob-O-Link!!   May your future be filled with happiness, good health and prosperity.  I love you.

A few days ago, while I was outside checking on a few plants, Dwarf Helen yelled to me that we had turkeys in the back yard.  I quickly ran indoors to grab my camera, and came back out with hopes of getting some photos.  Unfortunately, the back yard is like a forest, and it wasn't easy to see the turkeys, at least with the camera.  But, I did get one photo that I absolutely love.  Can you find the turkey in this photo?

In all, there were two adult females and a dozen or more little ones.  We had a grand time watching the little ones crawling over and under and around tree trunks and foliage.  Because there was so much foliage, I was not able to get any usable photos of the little ones playing.

As I look out the window, I see that the sun is now shining.    Maybe I can take the camera out and get a few new photos later this afternoon.  The temperature is supposed to be about 82F today, with thunder storms early this evening. 

Well, there's really not much more news so I think I'll meander out to the kitchen to see what's tasty that Pogo and I can have for lunch.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Some Clocks Never Die, They Just Tick Away!!

June 15, 2015

Good morning.  Tis very gray and wet outside today.  We need this rain though.  Our gardens are all doing happy dances this morning.  Speaking of gardens, here is a photo of the Dwarfs' veggie garden.  It is filled with tiny green plants.

Yesterday, Joe planted the rest of the new plants, and now we will have to wait and see how they take.  I bought three of these new plants specifically for shady areas.  Two of the plants were "False Spirea", one white and one pink.  (Astilbe)

The third plant is an "African Daisy" (Ostica Blue Eye).  This is such a pretty daisy with a blue and yellow center.  Have you ever seen anything like this?

Next, I just had to take a photo of this daisy from the back side.  It is sooooo pretty!!!

Let me tell you about a clock that Michael and I bought while on vacation back in the 80's.  I called it my "chicken clock" because one of the many sounds that it made was a rooster crowing on the hour, every hour.  After a very short while, we got tired of listening to this clock and placed it on a shelf way back in the closet.   We never bothered replacing the batteries because we were just going to let the clock die out on it's own. 

Well, it never did quite die out on it's own.  When we moved out of my big house, I put this little clock on top of our refrigerator here and forgot about it.  Well, actually, I should say "tried" to forget about it.  After a while, you don't even hear it talking or crowing anymore.  However, whenever daughter Audrey would come for a visit, she would threaten to kill my little chicken clock.  It drove her nuts!!

Many years have gone by, and this little clock is still hanging in there.  I have to say though, that the sounds that come out of it now are rather strange.  It sort of sounds like the "chicken" is running out of breath.  Short soft squeals have replaced the annoying "time reminders" that used to come from it.  I'm thinking that my little chicken clock may be squeaking it's last chirp by the end of this summer.  And we (I) still have not ever replaced any batteries in it.   How about that!!  (I would open up the back of the clock to see what kind of batteries are in it, but I don't want to kill this little clock before it's time.)

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Getting A Bit Of A Late Start Today

June 14, 2015

Good morning.  Well, it is still morning, even though it will be noon in less than an hour.  I've been up for a while, but I get side tracked so easily.  I've been watching a program on TV called "Say Yes To The Dress" and it is a very interesting and entertaining program.   I love fashion, and it always amazes me at the styles that some women feel the most beautiful in. 

I had thought I might sleep very late this morning, but Pogo had other ideas.  Once he knew that Joe was up and about in the house, he wouldn't stop barking.  He wanted his turkey treat, and he kept barking until I gave in and got up.   I opened the door, and he ran out into the house to get Joe and his turkey treat.  That's my boy!

Yesterday was a great day for photographing all the flowers that are blooming in our gardens.  Here are some of our roses.  Dwarf Helen took these photos with her phone.  Thanks, Helen.  They are so pretty, it makes me wish I had bought a yellow rose bush while we were at the garden center the other day.   Hmmmm.

Today, we have to find a place to plant the new plants that we bought at the garden center.  Before we plant them, I'll take some photos to share here.  One of the plants is a daisy with a blue center.  I've never seen a flower like this one before. 

I'm trying to think of what I may have accomplished yesterday, but nothing is coming to mind. Aside from taking some photos out in the yard, it doesn't look like I did much of anything else.  How can this happen?  Hmmm.

I did finally tell the window guy that I'm not going to be buying those very expensive windows.  I'm going to be looking around for other estimates.  Actually, I have someone coming out next Friday to give me an estimate.  When I asked him why he couldn't come sooner, his answer was "Don't you realize how many other folks are ahead of you?"   Well, duh!!!  No I didn't, and to be honest I really don't care.  I'm only interested in "my" windows.  So I guess I'll be making a few more calls tomorrow. 

My friend from work is coming by tomorrow for a visit.  Gosh, I haven't seen her since before I retired.  This will be such a fun visit.  Plus, she recently bought a new car, so  it will be fun to see that too.   I worked with this girl for many many years, and I have to say that she is the best co-worker anyone could have.  I'm so lucky to have had her for both my co-worker and my friend.

Well that's about all my news for today.  I did not have any breakfast yet, so now I'm thinking that I'll cut up a potato and some green pepper, and fry it all up with a couple of scrambled eggs.  Oh yes, that sounds yummy.  So, on that note I'll take my leave.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

How Quickly My Plans Change

June 12, 2015

Good morning.  It's looking a bit cloudy outside, but then it is early.  Only 7:25 a.m.  I had to set my clock to get up early this morning because Pogo has an 8:30 appointment at the beauty salon.  While he is being bathed and trimmed, Dwarf Helen and I will poke around one of our favorite stores.

Yesterday turned out to be a wasted day as far as any plans were concerned.  I never left the house. First, I started looking up contractors on the web, then I filled out a form to get an estimate on the windows and the porch.  After a couple hours of this, I was just too tired to go out. 

Some days I have the best intentions.  They just don't work out the way I had in mind.  Ah well, it doesn't really matter.  I'll get to what I can when I can.  Like today.  After I pick up Pogo from his appointment, I'm hoping to stop by Jordan's Furniture to have a look at the sofas and lounge chairs.  A lot of what I'm able to do will depend on whether or not I start coughing. 

I have a couple of photos to share this morning.  I took this first photo last year of my neighbor's orange azaleas.  Aren't they just beautiful?

 

This next image was borrowed from the web.  I just thought that with all the hot temperatures we've been having lately, that using the grapes as ice cubes sounds like a winning idea.

Now I really must stop chatting, and start getting dressed.  We have to be leaving for Pogo's appointment in a little while.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Windows Lined With Gold?

June 11. 2015

Good morning.  It's looking a bit cloudy here at the moment, but it's only 8:30 a.m.  It's supposed to get quite warm today.  (about 90)  Right now, it's around 72F with a light breeze.  There are little birds chirping outside my door, so that makes it all feel nice. 

Well, let me tell you what a fiasco yesterday turned out to be.  The window man did show up with a whole car full of samples, and explained all  the window options to me.  The part I couldn't get past was the cost.  Mind you, we were only talking about replacing ten windows.  The cost would be between $14,000 and $19,000 depending on what discounts he could give me.  GULP!!!

The salesman would like to have signed a work contract before leaving here, but I told him I would have to give this some serious thought.  For the record, his windows were fabulous, but just a bit pricey for me.

Meanwhile, I was still waiting for the Building Commissioner to show up.  Well, I waited.  And waited.  Nope, he never showed up, nor did he call to say why he would be a no-show.   Sounds about right for a government worker.  They don't seem to have much respect for the little man's time.

So, today I'm hoping to go to Home Depot to look at their windows, and get some prices.  I'll also price the kitchen cabinets.  Then I want to call a few contractors to see about getting plans and prices for a small porch.  This should be another busy day.

I've slowed down a bit on my crocheting and TV watching.  I mean, I plan on it, and I get all comfy in my chair in the evening.  But then I fall asleep for a few hours and miss whatever program it was that I was wanting to watch.  Thank goodness I know how to set programs up to record. 

Today I have a photo of the pansies that have been planted in my small kiln. The other photo shows the pretty white blossoms on the large rose bush that is just outside my door.

Well, that's my news for this morning.  It's time for me to get dressed so that Pogo and I can go shopping.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a simply beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Decisions, Decisions

June 10, 2015

Good morning.  It's 3:25 a.m., and after tossing and turning for the longest time, I decided it was best to get up and have breakfast and write on my blog.  I can nap later.  I think my problem is that I have just too much on my mind. 

Tuesday was a busy day as far as brain power goes.  I did a lot of research on the web, looking up window installers, and I made several phone calls to get information and set up appointments to get cost estimates.  I have a couple people coming out this afternoon to talk prices.

Next I have to decide how many windows I want to replace this year.  I'm thinking maybe ten windows will be good for this year.  Now I just have to choose which windows will be replaced.  Gosh, decisions, decisions.

I also called Town Hall to see about which permits were needed to build a porch, and what else is involved on the legal end of things.  Needless to say, I was quite discouraged.  Aside for several fees and permits, the town requires a blueprint, plot plans and all sorts of other things.  Building a small porch has now become a huge, very expensive proposition. 

I may decide I don't need the porch after all.   Today, the building commissioner will stop by to let me know whether or not I can build my small porch.   I really don't want him coming by, but I couldn't think of a polite way to tell him that.

Most of this took a toll on my brain power, and left me quite tired.  I did try napping, but that wasn't working out so good.  Thank goodness I was smart enough not to try crocheting. 

The rain that we were expecting in the morning never came our way.  Late in the afternoon, a cloud flew over us and dropped a few raindrops, but that was it.  I imagine though that the rain will catch up with us one of these days.

Some time after nine o'clock last night, there was a three vehicle accident right in front of our house.  Of course, this meant that all the neighbors had to go outside to have a look.  It's funny how human nature is sometimes.  We see an accident, and we have to rush out to have a look. 

Today I have more photos from my garden.  I'll have to take more photos, because the roses are all starting to bloom now, and it's looking quite pretty on that side of the house.

Well, that's about it for today's news.  My eyes are beginning to feel a bit heavy, and I'm thinking that maybe I can try for a nap.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's Going To Be A Busy Summer

June 9, 2015

Good morning.  Today we have clouds, and are expecting a bit of rain.  However, it should turn to sunshine later this afternoon.  Tis a great day to maybe do a couple of household chores.  Note, I said "maybe".  It's also a great day to just play or do crafts or nap.  I prefer one of the latter three ideas.

Now that I'm re-entering the human population, I need to start thinking about which projects to do on the house this summer.  I'm thinking that maybe I'll have some more new windows put in.    Once those are all finished, I'll have to have someone come in and refinish the woodwork around the windows.  Hmmm, lots to think about here.

Today I have photos that I took a few days ago of my peony plants.  Of course, by now the buds are even bigger.  This first photo is the rosy red bush, and the second photo is the white bush.  These are going to be gorgeous once they are ready to bloom.

Yesterday, I finished the Buff lapghan, and started a new one using Cornmeal color yarn.  I was doing pretty good with this new one until I found a boo boo that I had made, and had to rip most of it out and start over.  This is when I set it down and walk away for a while.  I'll give it another try later today.

Pretty soon I'll have to get back to working on my afghans.  I still have two to get done before Christmas.  Speaking of Christmas, it's time to organize my gift drawer and make a list of what still needs to be made or bought before the Winter gets here.  Laugh if you want, but half of the year is already gone by.  It won't take very long for the other half to get here.  (Oh dear, what a terrible thought!)

I'm hoping to go furniture shopping soon too.  We could use a new sofa in the main house, and I could use another chair for my living room.  This should be fun, and I'm definitely looking forward to it.   Today I need to call Town Hall to find out what, if any, permits I need to have my porch built.  It's going to be a busy summer.

Well, I think that's about all my news for this morning.  Pogo is walking back and forth between me and the refrigerator.  I think he's trying to tell me something.  Like maybe he want's his breakfast?  Yup, that's probably it.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.