Say Farewell To July

July 31, 2015

Good morning.  Wow, it's already the last day of July.  Between the heat, my hand, and the speedy passing of time, I don't think I'll have both of these holiday afghans finished by the end of August.  Oh well, I may have to re-set my goal to the end of September.  Hmmm, that'll work.

It's been hot and sticky all night, and I've been dozing off a little here and a little there.  Unfortunately, that had me wide awake at 3 a.m.   So, I've had my breakfast and I'm working on a can of ginger ale.  I thought it best to post my blog now in case I manage to fall asleep again in a while. 

Well, yesterday Pogo and I went to the auto dealership and got a new inspection sticker for the car.  Later in the afternoon, Joe and I went grocery shopping.  Aside from putting things away and cooking supper, that was the extent of my day.  My best laid plans go astray in this wicked heat.

I did spend a little time on the computer last evening to make a new freebie.  So, here is your QP 05.  The background and elements come from my own photographs.  I hope you can use it.

And here is your download link:
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If all goes as planned today, I'd like to take a ride to the park to try out my new lens.  Later in the day, I'd like to take Pogo and go to ocean to see about getting photos of the Blue Moon.   Of course, everything depends on the heat and my breathing.   So we'll see.

I borrowed this wonderful image from the web because I believe the quote is ever so truthful.  I have both, and believe me the diamonds don't give you kisses and snuggle up with you.  Hands down, a dog is more valuable.

In all fairness to my friends and family with cats, (yes, we have two of them)  I also borrowed this next image to share.  A cat can be very soft and cuddly, yet powerful like the lion.

I've been having a problem this year with my (Pogo;s) new storm door.  For some reason, flies love it, and are drawn to the space between the top glass section and the screen.  The flies get in there, and after a while they die.  At last count (yesterday afternoon) there were 27 carcasses between the glass and the screen.  Thank goodness this is only on the top half of the door.

I'll have to see if my SIL Eddie knows what the problem is and maybe he can get the dead flies out of there.  They don't look nice there, and it makes it difficult to take photos through the glass.  Does anyone else have this strange problem?  If so, I'd like to hear how you solved it.

How about another "Weird Job"?   Did you know that in Britain, you can get paid for lying in other people's hotel beds?  How does being a "human bed warmer" sound?  In 2010, a hotel chain launched a unique experience by offering human bed-warming services, according to Reuters.   The news agency reported that willing staffers dress in an "all-in-one fleece sleeper suit" before entering a guest's room to warm his or her bed before the guest's arrival.  Speaking to Reuters, a spokeswoman for the company was quoted as saying that the service was "a bit like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed."

Hmmm, we could have used these bed warmers last winter.  I doubt if anyone would have been complaining about the cold with one of these in their bed. 

Well that's it for my news this morning.  Now I'm going to crawl back into bed and see if maybe I can catch a few more winks.  So, till Sunday, Y'all stay cool and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Catalogues Have The Neatest Stuff!!

July 30, 2015

Good morning.  This has to be a very short post because I want to take my car in to get a new safety sticker.  The one that I have now runs out tomorrow night.  It's really too hot to be out running around but this is something I cannot put off any longer.

I guess the heat is finally getting to Pogo.   Late last evening, just before midnight, he got a case of the squirties.   Earlier, I thought he might not be feeling so good, so I put his large blankets on the floor.  Thank goodness for that!   The blankets can be washed.  It takes a lot of my breath to clean the carpet.

This morning he is in the pantry, barking at whoever is out in the main house.  So as you can see, he is feeling much better now.    Later when we get back home, I have a bit of laundry to do. 

I got a nice surprise in my email the other day.  My friend Beth is now a CT member, and made a scrap page for me with one of her new kits.  This layout features my beloved Tootsie.   Beth, thank you.  This is lovely.  My Tootsie was such a special little dog, and will live in my heart forever.

I also want to share a wonderfully funny tee shirt that I found in one of my catalogues.   When I get a new catalog, the first thing I do is look for the tee shirts.  It's better than reading the Sunday funnies in the newspaper.   My daughter Audrey loves chickens, and I thought this shirt would be so appropriate for her.  haha.

Okay, that's enough of my blabbering.  I really must get dressed and go get my new sticker.  I'll try to have a new freebie for you tomorrow.  So, till then, Y'all stay cool and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Soak Up Some Sun For A Healthier You

July 29, 2015

Good afternoon.  Sleep was sketchy throughout the night, so this morning I slept as late as Pogo would let me.  He's very good that way, and he let's me have the extra winks that I need.  First thing I did when I finally got up was to call the car dealership to make an appointment to bring my car in.  It needs a new sticker by Friday.  Next I fed Pogo, of course.

Where oh where has this whole month of July gone?  While we've all been busy keeping cool and dry, the days have just slipped by.  August will be a busy month too.  Next weekend, Jazzy will be in another "Seussical the Musical" performance.  The next week, one of my programs will be back on TV for a new season, and in two weeks there will be a party to celebrate Kevin's graduation and 18th birthday.  Then it will time to send all the kids back to school. 

Here's a peek at Jazzy's drama group working on "Seussical".  The young lady in the lower right front corner (white shirt) is our Jazzy.

For years now, we've been told that too much sun is not good for us and will cause cancer.  We've been encouraged to slather our bodies with sunscreen.  Now scientists are telling us that we've gone overboard with this, and we're not getting enough sun exposure.  A large percentage of the population now has a Vitamin D deficiency, which is a public health threat. 

The sun is the only reliable way for us to get the Vitamin D that we need, outside of a daily supplement.  There are a lot of studies showing the health advantages of getting more Vitamin D from the sun.  One study in Canada revealed that women who had the most sun exposure as teenagers and young adults reduced their chance of developing breast cancer later in life by almost 70 percent.  So go ahead, soak up some sun rays.  It's good for you.  (info from Enterprise 7/27/15)

Today I have photos of another really interesting plant.   This one is called "Monkey Face Orchid"  (Dracula simia).  If these were in my garden, I'd be inclined to stop and chat with them for a while.  They really look cute and friendly.

Pogo is barking and running back and forth from one door to the other, so I think it's time for me to go check on things here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Want To Be An Ant Vendor?

July 28, 2015

It's another gorgeous morning here in New England.  Pretty soon though, the hot muggies will be back, so I try to take advantage of the cooler early morning hours. 

I've been following (on the news) the story of the two teenage boys who are lost at sea.  I'm hoping they will be found alive real soon.  Many years ago, my cousin, his ten year old son and their dog, along with a neighbor and his ten year old son went out on a boat in a fishing competition and were never seen again.  Only one body was ever recovered that I know of.  The sea is very mysterious.

Part Two - Seven Weird Jobs Around The World

"Have you ever thought about becoming an ant vendor?  There is not that much to say about this weird profession.  You're being paid to sell ants.  There are about 12,000 different species of ants in the world, so selling ants might actually be more complicated than you think."  (Enterprise 7-20-15)

In last night's newspaper in the YOUR OPINION column, they printed a most interesting opinion that I heartily agree with.  It's titled "America Is For Americans".

"America's taxes and social welfare benefits are strictly for our legal citizens, period.  As to the question of whether the State should extend in-state tuition to all, I say No Exceptions.

It has been stated that we are all immigrants, but the beginning immigrants were invited to come here legally through Ellis Island, as my dad did.  These are the ones who built this nation and assimilated into society, while introducing their traditons and learning English.

Illegals are taking advantage of what is already here, trying to better their lives at our expense and the expense is staggering.  We do need to improve our immigration system.  That only means to make it easier for those who respect our laws and are waiting in line to become citizens.

I do feel, for humane reasons, many illegals here for many years may be given a lifetime visa, but no citizenship ever.  It a perk just to be here.  All children born here are allowed citizenship though.  We are the United States Of America, not the world."

Folks, I will help anyone in need, but I should not be expected to neglect my family and friends in order to support the world.  I also believe that if anyone coming here is just here to change our laws, our language, our religious and patriotic beliefs, our holidays and our traditions, they should be turned around and sent back to wherever they came from.  It's one thing to share your traditions with us, it's quite another to expect us to change all our ways to become the way of life you left behind.

Today I have a couple photos that I took last winter in Florida.  I'm not sure of the name of these flowers, but they are beautiful. 

Yesterday, the "under counter" cabinet that I had ordered for my kitchen arrived.  After sweeping and washing the kitchen floor, I set the cabinet in place and proceeded to fill the drawers with all my plastic bowls and lids.   Once that was done, I was ready for another shower.

I also decided to drop the "temporary" asthma med (Symbicort) and go back to my regular med, Advair.   The last time I was on Symbicort, my breathing got constantly worse until I finally had to ask the doctor to put me back on Advair.  This time, the same thing is happening.  I guess I'm just not of those persons who can take Symbicort.

I gave Pogo doggie food for breakfast this morning, and he's not very happy with me.  Ah well, I'll give him his left over supper (steak) for lunch.  Maybe then he'll be happy with me again.  Now I need to get busy and start taping a program on to DVD.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay cool and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy Birthday Stephen

July 27, 2015

Good morning.  Pogo and I got up early today so that we might enjoy the early morning coolness.  Now the sun is shining, and pretty soon the temperature will be getting up into the high 80's.  The weatherman says we have a whole week of 90's coming up.  Oh goodie. 

Today is grandson Stephen's 27th birthday.   He lives in the main part of the house with all the dwarfs.  Happy Birthday Steve.  I hope your day is fabulous. 

Well, yesterday I made a big batch of peanut butter cookies.  Unfortunately, my cookie trays are too big for my oven so I used my pizza pans as cookie pans.  I kept two cookies for myself, and the rest of the cookies got shared and eaten.  Between the dwarfs and my grandchildren, cookies don't last very long around here. This is good because it would be a shame if I had to eat them all by myself.  (really??)

There was an interesting column in the newspaper a couple days ago.  It was titled "Unhappy At Work?  7 weird jobs for you to consider."   The jobs are quite interesting, so over the next few days, I'll explain each one of them.

"In Amsterdam, people fish for bikes full-time.  The Dutch capital is widely known for its elegant canals and the approximately 2 million bicycles pedaled by its residents.  Combined, they result in the necessity for a very special kind of job:  the bike fisherman.

As Public Radio International reported, the workers use hydraulic claws to pull about 15,000 bikes out of the water per year.  They've been doing it since the 1960's, and there is no threat that they'll be out of a job anytime soon.

But why do Dutch people toss their bikes into canals en masse?  There are various explanations, but some argue that it all comes down to history:  Canals in Amsterdam used to be the city's sewage system.

Moreover, bikes are seen as cheap tools of transportation by most people in the Dutch capital, rather than as expensive investments.  None of the bikes that end up at the bottom of Amsterdam's canals is likely to be the newest model."   (copied from the Enterprise dated 7-20-15)

Kyra, if you have any more information about this job, could you share it with us?  Thank you so much.  I'd really like to know more about why the bikes were tossed into the water.  The article did not give a very good explanation. 

Lately, I've been thinking of getting my hair cut.  As it gets longer, it gets thinner.  Hmmm, I'm not sure why this is, but I'm not so crazy about it.  I'm hoping that if I get my hair cut shorter, it will thicken up again.  Speaking of hair cuts, daughter Audrey recently got her hair cut and it looks really nice.  (Photo courtesy of Audrey)

This past weekend, Audrey and Mac (their separation is quite amicable) both attended the Taxidermy Show in North Carolina; and they each entered a piece into competition.    Mac entered a very large black bear bust, and got a second place ribbon.  Audrey entered a piece into the nature crafts category and she, too, got a second place ribbon.  Congratulations Audrey and Mac.  You both did a great job.

Last night, I put a few more rows on the Country Blue afghan.  It's taking me longer to crochet now because my left hand gets quite painful and I have to keep stopping.  However, I am making progress.  There are only twenty three and a half more rows to go to finish this afghan.  Woo Hoo!!

Well I think it's time for me to do a few chores here before it gets too hot.  So till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Anyone Know Where I Can Buy A Small Crane Real Cheap?

July 26, 2015

Good morning.  Oh my, it is such a super morning.  It's gray and cool, in the upper 60's with a teensy breeze.  Mmmmm, feels so good.  I'm sure it will be up in the 80's in a few hours though, so I'm enjoying this. 

Pogo and I got up at 5:30 this morning.  Around 6:15, he heard someone moving about in the main house, so he sat in the pantry watching and listening for Joe to come downstairs to make his coffee.  Once he heard Joe, Pogo started barking until Joe fed him his turkey treat.  It's a wonderful little ritual that Pogo and Joe have. 

I mention the pantry a lot so let me explain.  My pantry is between my apartment and the main house.   It has a wooden exterior door and a screen door.  I only close the wooden door when I leave the house.  The screen door is usually the only door we use.  It keeps Pogo in our apartment, and the kitties in the main house.  It also lets Pogo see and hear what is going on in the main house.

On weekday afternoons, this is where you can find Pogo from around 2 p.m. till Joe gets home from work.  As soon as he sees Joe, he barks until Joe points to the door (meaning that he is going in the house), and then Pogo runs pell mell to the pantry, barking for Joe to open the screen door and give him his turkey treats.

Yesterday afternoon and evening I spent quite a few hours backing up all the files on my laptop.  I have too much stuff on the laptop; so now that it is all backed up on to an exterior drive, I can remove a lot of it from my laptop.  I'll work on some of that later today.

Last evening, I finally got to use the oven that Deanne and Eddie gave me for Christmas.  I did not have an outlet to plug it into, but now I do.  My first meal cooked in the oven was a lasagna.  Mmmm, was it delicious!!  Today I think I'll bake some cookies.  The dwarfs will be happy because they get to eat most of them. 

I finally treated myself to the new lens that I've been wanting for my camera.  I've been debating with myself whether or not I should get it since the lens first came out on the market.  Now my problem is that I need to buy me a crane to hold it up while I'm shooting photos.  Ah well, it's a problem I'll enjoy working on. 

The new lens is a Tamron SP 150-600mm.   Now I can't wait to go to the park and see what kind of bird photos I can get with this new toy.  Here's a photo of my camera before the new lens.

And here's a photo of my camera with the new lens on.  Can you see why I'll be needing that crane?  This new baby is not a lightweight!  I'm looking forward to having some fun with this lens.

Well, I've gnawed on your ear long enough.  Now it's time to wash the breakfast dishes and get a few things done here so that I can play.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Mac 'n Cheese With White Cheddar. YUMMY!!

July 24, 2015

Good morning.  It's only 7 a.m. so it's really nice outside.  I've opened the door so that Pogo and I can enjoy the cool breeze while we have it.   Soon enough the breeze will be gone and the temps will go up into the 80's. 

Well, yesterday I did some laundry, and after Joe got home from work, we went grocery shopping.  In the evening I put a few rows on the afghans, and that was the extent of my day's excitement.  In my younger days, I never would have dreamed how dull I would become in my dotty years.  Ah well, the good thing is that I DO HAVE these dotty years.  For this, I'm thankful.

Today I'm expecting a couple of packages, and I think I'll start recording one of my TV programs on to DVD's for daughter Audrey.  My favorite program, Project Runway" will be starting up again in a few weeks, and I want to clear out space on the DVR so that I can also record this one for Audrey. 

You know, I love macaroni and cheese.  Hmmm, who doesn't?   However, Sam's Club (Walmart brand) has it now with white cheddar cheese (in the frozen food department), and oh my!  It is scrumptious!!  I had some for supper last night, and a small bowl of it for breakfast this morning.  Yum Yum.  If you love mac 'n cheese, do try this.

Today I have a photo of one of the pretty wildflowers that grow in my yard.  This one is called Butter and Eggs or Yellow Toadflax.  (Linaria Vulgaris).  It's such a bright and happy little flower.

I also have a couple images of another plant that looks like something else.  This one is called Dove Orchid (Peristeria Elata).  I think it's amazing how some of these plants really do resemble other things. 

In case you are wondering, I do not spend hours wandering all over the internet looking for all this strange stuff.  My good friend Rhoda sends a lot of it to me.  Thanks, Rhoda.  I enjoy all these wonderful images.

Another thing I want to share is this adorable tee shirt that I found in one of my catalogs.   I live in flip flops (or flip flop type sandals) all year round unless it is just too cold to wear them.  So you can see why I find this tee shirt so humorous. 

Well, time is slipping by quickly.  I stopped typing for a while to play with Pogo.  If I don't stop, he climbs all over me until I give in and play with him.  He's a very manly little fellow.  He knows what he wants, and he wants it when he wants it. haha.  Considering how very shy Pogo was when I first got him three years ago, he's come a long way. 

Now I should get dressed and get started on a few chores.  So, till Sunday, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Pork Lo Mein, Pork Fried Rice And An Eggroll For Breakfast. Yum!!

July 23, 2015

Good morning.  It's early, only 6:13 a.m., so the air outside is really comfortable right now.  I have the door open to let some of that nice cool air in.  Mmmm, that feels so good.

Well, yesterday I got all the new pans and the new orange Ninja blender put away on the new "pullout" shelves.  Let me tell you, those "pullout" shelves really make life a lot easier.  No more bending and reaching way in to find the pan I need. 

I had wanted to put in another smaller cabinet to hold all my plastic bowls, etc.  But yesterday, I got a brainstorm and logged in to Walmart.com and found a cabinet that would suit my needs.  It has three drawers, and will fit nicely into the space where I want to put it.  I also found the two large totes that I've been looking for to store all my yarn and crochet projects, so I ordered them too.

Joe has been wanting a better cell phone, so when he got home from work, we went online to QVC to check out their Tracphones.   We found him a nice one, and ordered it.   I also checked out HSN's  "Today's Special Value".  It was "Sure Fit" non skid furniture covers, so I ordered one for the new sofa in the main house. 

So, as you can see, I had a very busy day shopping.  The nice part is that everything will be delivered right to my door.  So now I can just sit back and wait for the packages to roll in. 

DIL Janet came by after work yesterday afternoon, and treated us to Chinese food for supper.  Mmm, I haven't had any of this in a while, and it tasted soooo good.  I couldn't finish all of mine, so I put it away in the refrigerator.  This morning, I polished it all off for breakfast!  Yum! 

Folks, with all this wicked hot weather we've been having, don't forget that it's also very uncomfortable for your pets and other animals.  One good way to help keep your fur babies cool, it to fill a pliable container with water, add in a few treats and small toys, and freeze it.  Once it is frozen, take it out of the container and set it on the grass (in a shallow pan) for your pet to enjoy.  They'll keep cool while they lick away to reach the toys and treats.  (Beth sent this image found on the web)

I also have a couple images to share that I borrowed from the web.  If this beautiful kitty cat was nearer to where I live, (Kitty is in Texas) I'd have tried to find a way to bring it home.  I guess it's the look in Kitty's eyes that gets to me.

 

Speaking of eyes, how does one ignore these gorgeous eyes?   So, if anyone is feeling a bit depressed and down in the dumps, visit your local animal shelter and adopt a new fur baby.  You'll be so glad you did. 

 

Today's plans are just to do some laundry and make up this week's grocery shopping list.  Later when Joe gets home from work, we'll do our banking chores and pick up some groceries.   If I have time in between, I would like to play with my music machine. 

Well, that's it for today's news.  So till tomorrow, Y'all stay cool and have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A New QP Freebie For You

July 22, 2015

Good morning.  It's a beautiful sunny day here in New England.  I imagine it will be much warmer in a few more hours, but right now it is quite comfortable. 

Yesterday, after work, SIL Eddie came by and finished up my new countertop.  So, today I will wash it all down and begin to put my cooking pans in on the shelves.   After that, I have some boxes and bags standing by waiting to be picked through.  A lot will be recycled or given away.  It's time.

Speaking of recycle, I had to call the waste pickup company yesterday to request another recycle bin.  We have two of these large bins, but they were both full and there were two large plastic bags also full of recycle trash.  Unfortunately, the trash company will only take what is actually inside the bins.  They will not take anything outside the bins.  So, Monday we'll put out three full bins.  Anything that does not fit inside the bins will have to be saved for the next pick up.  (in two weeks)

Oh my, the UPS delivery man just came by and left a box on the front steps.  Of course, I went out to bring the box inside.  It was the Ninja Storm food and drink maker I had ordered.  I bought it to make it easier to cut up Pogo's meat to a teeny weeny size.  This thing should be able to grind his meat up to a "hamburg" like consistency.  I hope so.  Anyway, I can use it for other things too.  Did I mention that it is orange?  That makes it even more fun.

Remember the new background that I posted the other day?  Well, I used it to make a scrap page, and then I made a new QP freebie.  Here's my scrap page.  It features my brother Artie, my hubby Michael and "Charlie".  That monkey went everywhere with Michael.  This photo was taken back in the 80's.   The elements are from Kyra's kit "Time Is Precious".

Here is your QP freebie. 

And here is your download link:
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I also have another strange looking flower to share with you.  This one is called  "The Darth Vader"  (Aristolochia Salvadorensis).  Hmmm, as long as these eyes don't light up at night in the garden, I'd be okay with them.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

A Most Fascinating Little Bird

July 21, 2015

Good morning.  It's cloudy right now, and warm.  But soon the sun will be shining and the temps will be in the 90's.  Our nights have been warm and sticky, but they should start cooling down a bit by tomorrow night. 

I have a funny story to share.  Yesterday, while I was sitting here typing my post, I noticed a little bird sitting one of the recycle bins outside.  Something was definitely capturing his attention because he stayed in that spot for the longest time. 

When my post was finished, the little bird was still sitting in that same spot, so I grabbed my cell phone and took his photo.  Usually any movement near my door will make some of the birds fly away (and then they come back), but not this little bird.  (he's near the bottom right corner of the white trash bag.)

I finally went out to the kitchen in the main house and looked out the window there for a closer view.  Well my goodness, this wasn't a little bird at all.  It was the corner of a black trash bag that was behind the white trash bag.  Well now, that solves the mystery of why the little bird would not move from this spot. 

My new blog book arrived in the mail yesterday.  So I spent the next hour looking through it.  I have to say that I'm really pleased with my collection of blog books.   Here's what the front and back covers look like.

I've been cooking on the new one burner hot plate that I bought last Friday.   I don't want to set up the induction burners until Eddie is finished working on the new counter and cabinet.  He could not come by last evening because there was a family emergency. 

Kevin and Jasmine and two friends were coming home from the beach when an axle on Kevin's car broke.  My grandson stayed calm, and was able to move his car over to the breakdown lane before the axle snapped and his wheel flew across the highway.   None of the kids were hurt, and no one on the highway was injured by the wheel.  

Someone Up There was watching over them.  I am so thankful.  I am also so very proud of my grandson Kevin for staying calm while he maneuvered his car across the highway to safety.

I have a cute photo that I took Saturday of three of my grandchildren.   Shanna was going to a "80's" themed party, and stopped by to pick up her brother, Stephen.   Kevin went out to chat with them for a while, so of course Grandma grabbed her phone to get some photos.  In order, they are Stephen, Shanna and Kevin.  (Shanna and Stephen are two of my son Gary's six children.)

 

Last night, I was able to put a few more rows on the blue afghan, so now it only needs thirty six more rows to be finished.  Yeah!!  I'll be glad when these last two "must finish" afghans are done because the arthritis in my left hand has been acting up a bit lately. 

 

I need to do a bit of research on the antibiotics that I have had to take this past Spring.  Sometimes they can cause swelling or tearing of a tendon, especially if you are over 60 or if you take steroid medication.  (you can read up about this on Google)  

 

In  the past, when I had to take these antibiotics, I had a problem with two of the fingers on my left hand.  They were numb and tingly, and this did not get along so good with the arthritis.  It took two years to clear up.   Now it is back, only a bit more uncomfortable. On my next orthopedic appointment, I'll talk to the doctor about this.

 

Well it's time to pay some bills, so I'll take my leave now.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

 

Hugs, Edna B.

Is Our Weather Norm Changing?

July 20, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining, and there is a slight breeze.  And it is warm!  83F degrees, and headed for 93F degrees.  Tomorrow will also be in the 90's.  Thank goodness for the A/C.  Last night was very warm and humid all through the night.  Hopefully, tonight will be a little cooler.

Yesterday, Eddie and Kevin came by for a while to work on my kitchen project.  It's almost finished now.  Eddie just has to put in one more outlet and bumpers on the backs of the "pull out" drawers under the cabinet.   After that, it will take me a while to figure out how I want to arrange things. 

It's going to be nice to have a little bit of counter space to work on.  My kitchen is very tiny, and was originally designed for a very tall man who did not spend much time cooking.  Therefore, the cabinets are way too high for me to use, and there was hardly any counter space.  I don't care about the cabinets (I have a pantry), but I will enjoy the new counter space.

The new set of pans that I had ordered was delivered yesterday.  I'll wait until the cabinet is finished before unpacking them.  I was going to play with my new music center yesterday, but I figured I should wait until it wasn't quite so busy around here. 

I've been watching the Weather Channel this morning, and this new type of extreme weather is really scary.  Yesterday, flash flooding wiped out a section of an interstate highway.  In another area, it destroyed a home,  killing a woman and two of her children.  I'm hoping that this extreme weather is not going to become our new norm.

As for the politics on TV, I think a law should be passed that would restrict candidates from attacking each other's personal lives.   I think that all candidates should focus only on what they can do to make and keep this country strong.  

I think all candidates should have a reasonably low cap on how much money can be spent on campaigning.   I'm talking thousands of dollars, not millions.  Right now, only the very rich can campaign for the higher government offices.  A low limit on how much could be spent on campaigning would allow so many honest folks to run for office.  It could change the face of politics and corruption.  Who knows?

This morning I was playing around in Photoshop with a photo of rain on my car's windshield (taken three years ago).   Here's the original photo.

Cropped to this.

After adding textures, gradients, color and a filter, it becomes this; a rather pleasant background for a scrap layout. 

I'll make another background soon, and post them as a freebie.  This kind of playing is quite relaxing.  Crocheting is usually very relaxing, but lately it has been too hot and sticky.  Playing with music is also very relaxing for me.  Once I start listening to it, I lose track of time. 

Speaking of time, I need to get busy here and get a few things accomplished.   Then I can play.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Kitchen Project Is Coming Along

July 19, 2015

Good morning.  It's early yet, so the sun is not out yet.  But, the air is cool and feels good.   I've been up since 5:15 am, watching "Christmas In July" on QVC.   I enjoy seeing all the fun new things that are available now for holiday entertaining.  When I was younger, a lot of these things would have been such fun. 

Yesterday was my Michael's and my brother Artie's birthday.  They're not here, but I hope they know that I'm thinking of them.   I miss them, so my memories of this fun day are very precious to me.

Eddie and Kevin came by yesterday afternoon to start work on my kitchen.  They will be back this morning to finish up the job.  After they left last evening, I went to turn on the kitchen light, and guess what?  No light.  No big deal as there is a light over the sink so it's not really too dark. 

Next, I went to cook supper in the microwave for Pogo and me.  Oops!  No microwave either.  Until Eddie gets the new outlets in, there is no electricity in most of the kitchen.  Finally, I got out a long heavy duty extension cord and plugged it in out in the laundry room and ran it into my kitchen.  Now I can use the microwave, or whatever else requires electricity. 

Eddie removed the stove top from the cabinet, and replaced it with a beautiful new countertop.  (I don't have a regular stove.  It's stove top on top of a base cabinet.)   Plus he is building two slide-out drawers inside the cabinet.  This will make it easier for me to get at the pots and pans.  Here's a picture of the base cabinet.  Mine is much darker.

It will be so nice to be able to reach all of pans without crawling around in the bottom of the cabinet to find something.   It will also be great to finally have a nice countertop with outlets and room for my oven.   I usually have to do all my baking in the stove out in the kitchen (in the main house).  Now I'll be able to bake in my own oven.  Woo Hoo.

Today I have more photos of some of the lilies in our garden.  They are just so beautiful.  Gosh, it would be wonderful if they bloomed all summer long.  Ah well, we are enjoying them while they bloom.

God willing and I'm not sick, I would like to get more plants for the garden, and maybe build a patio of sorts with a gazebo so that it would be comfortable to sit out there.  We'll see.  This year I lost all of the Spring, so I'm getting a late start on the yard projects. 

One of the things I did do was to order a large deck box to put the outdoor chair and bench cushions in.   Now I won't have to be bringing the cushions in the house at night and taking them back out the next day.  Here's an image of the deck box (taken from the web).

Well, I think it's time for me to get busy and do a few things before Eddie gets here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

 

Hugs, Edna B.

Pogo Has A Cold, But Is Otherwise Healthy

July 17, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining, and we're back to the warm sticky temps for at least another week.  At the moment though, it is still quite nice outside.  (only 8:15 a.m.)

Yesterday, Pogo saw his doctor to make sure it was just a cold that he has and not the flu.  His doctor said that Pogo's heart and lungs sounded really good, and put him on an antibiotic for ten days to help get rid of the inflammation from his cold.  In a few months, Pogo will go back and get a flu shot. 

We learned that there is a new strain of canine flu going around. So, if any of you have doggies, please do have them vaccinated for the flu.   We all know how horrible we feel when we are sick with the flu, so why not do what we can to help prevent our fur babies from having to go through this too?

I read an article in yesterday's newspaper about how to make trading on Craig's list a lot safer.  Try meeting at your local police station to complete your trades.  The police in a lot of cities and towns are setting aside a safe area in, or just outside, the police station.  There have been quite a few murders this year as deals on Craig's list were being carried out.   So, if you use this online trading place, do encourage your police department to offer a safe trading zone.

Today, my grandson Kevin is coming over to help me in my kitchen.  I have to empty out a storage cabinet where all my pots and pans are kept.  This will be a good time to sort through them and get rid of all  the ones that I do not use anymore.  That means most of them.  SIL Eddie will be putting in a new cabinet and countertop this weekend.  Then I will be switching over to induction cooking.  I already have the burners set aside.  However, I think I'll pick up a small regular hot plate to use until I master how to cook on these new burners. 

Last evening, I ordered a new set of cookware from Amazon to use with my new burners.  Such a flimsy excuse to buy new pans, I know.  But most of my pans are aluminum, and cannot be used for induction cooking. 

Today I have more photos of the lilies in our garden.  Yesterday, I noticed that there were more large buds getting ready to open, so I'll take my camera outside later and get more photos. 

Now I should get dressed and start working in the kitchen before Kevin gets here.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.

The Snow Is Finally Gone!!!

July 16, 2015

Good morning.   Well today is a bit cooler, and I must say that it feels really good.  Temps will be in the mid 70's and tonight is supposed to be around 54 degrees.  Oh, that will feel so good for sleeping.   Then the temps will go back up to hot and sticky for another week.  Ah well, it is summer!

DIL Janet came by yesterday afternoon after work, and we had ourselves a really nice visit.  There was so much to chat about, and the hours just flew by.  Janet is in the process of making some home improvements, and I can't wait to see everything when all the work is finished.  One of her projects is a three season room.  Oh my, that should be fabulous!

I'm watching the Weather Channel, and they are showing photos of the Boston snow piles that have finally melted.  Folks, this is snow from this past February, and it took five months to melt.  Wow!  Now that's a bunch of snow!

Well, today Pogo has an appointment with his doctor.  He has to have his heartworm test (he should be just fine), and I want him checked. It appears, from his symptoms, that he may have a nasty cold.  I'm wondering if it is from the ceiling fan.  My room is not very big, so when the fan is on it blows air down on just about everything in the  room.  With the heat we've been having, the fan is on most of the time.

Today I have more photos of our lilies.   They are all different sizes and colors, and are quite beautiful.

A couple nights ago, I started reading my new book "Memories Of Maggie".  Wow, Martha Raye was an awesome woman!  She started her career when she was three years old, performing with her parents in vaudeville.  At eighteen, she made her Broadway debut, and she entertained our troops through World War II, Korea and Vietnam. 

Somewhere in the book, I read that when they added up all her tine spent with the troops in Vietnam, she was there for at least two years.  Wow!   While other celebrities would entertain in the "safe" areas in Vietnam, Maggie spent her time venturing into all the dangerous little outposts, spreading warmth and love to all our boys.  She was the only entertainer to visit most of these really dangerous places.  No wonder the veterans love her so much!  Folks, if you have a chance, this book is a great read.

Well, that's about all my news for this morning.  I have some blog reading to do while I drink my coffee.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

New Furniture And A QP Freebie

July 15, 2015

Good afternoon.  Sorry about such a late post, but the window man came by this morning to check out my windows and give me a price for either ten or fifteen windows. We had a long, but very productive meeting, and I ordered fifteen new windows.  

In a couple of weeks, another person will be out to re-measure all of the windows to be replaced, and give me a date for the installation.  The whole project should be completed no later than the beginning of September. 

While I was taking this man around the house (inside) to measure the windows, I was making a list of maintenance projects that are needing to be done.  Hmmm, we'll be busy here for a while.  My brother was our handyman, but he's been gone for a while now.  It's time to get me a new handyman.  I'll have to check with Joe to see which projects he can do, then hire outside for the rest of the projects. 

Well, yesterday, the new furniture arrived.  The guys brought it in and set it up.  Then I signed the delivery slip and they left.  It was then that I realized that the sofa and  recliner were okay, but the chair was not the one I had purchased.  I called the store to report this.  The manager arranged for a couple of employees to come by after work to deliver the correct chair and pick up the wrong chair. 

Here's photos of the recliner and the sofa.  Thank goodness I thought to take these photos at the store when I was choosing which items to buy.  They look really nice in the den where the walls are a light lime green and the rug is dark green.  Both pieces are very comfortable, and the dwarfs like them.

One of these days, I'll take new photos of the den but I think I'll wait until after we've repainted it.  That's one of the projects coming up soon.  I just have to go buy the paints. 

Here's an image that I borrowed from the web.  I just thought it was the cutest thing!!!   Imagine this little fellow growing into his harness?   Gosh, he looks so anxious to get started with his training.

Today I have another QP freebie for you.   As usual, credits are listed on the TOU.  I hope you can use it.

Here's your download link:
Expired

Well that's all my news for today.  Pogo has been waiting patiently for his lunch, so I'm off to the kitchen to rustle up some food for my little guy.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.