Blog Post #2600

September 30, 2015

Good morning from my soggy part of New England.   During the night, the rain started getting heavier, and now we have a huge puddle at the end of the driveway.   I guess it will be raining for a few days, but as long as it doesn't get really heavy we'll be okay.  We've been having a drought in this part of the country, so hopefully this rain will fill up our reservoirs and ponds. 

Starting tomorrow, our temperatures are going to be dropping to the 50's and 60's during the day, and the 40's at night.  Goodness, I may have to dig out my warm sweats if this keeps up.  It makes me sad to have to put away my summer tops and bermuda shorts.  Maybe I'll keep them out a bit longer. 

Today will be a short post, because soon I have to leave for my doctor appointment.  But this is the post #2600, and I have another freebie for you.  It's a whimsical QP featuring an adorable little character named Lola.  (She is from a series of kits by Freda Fredericksson)

Here is your download link:
Expired

DIL Janet will be coming by later after work, and I had thought I would make a beef stew.  I do have all the ingredients, but I don't know if I have enough time to make it today.  I'm going to be busy right up until around 2 p.m.  Hmmm, we'll see. 

I came across another cute crochet pattern that I might try once all my other projects are finished.  This one is called the "Princess Diana Crochet Hat" and would look really nice in the Spring.

Well, time is flying and I need to start getting dressed.  Before I go, let me share a rather unique new diet that I found while surfing the web.  It does look like it could have some possibilities.  haha.

Well, that's it for this morning.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay dry and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A New England Weather Type Day

September 29, 2015

Good morning.  Tis another glorious day here in my little part of New England.  If you live in this part of the country, enjoy it,  The rain is supposed to start here tonight and last through next weekend.  The new storm coming up the coast may even prolong the rainy spell. 

Oh dear, I have to go out at least twice in this weather.  Tomorrow I have a doctor appointment (check up) and the next day there is the food shopping.   The temperatures will be much lower too: fifteen to twenty degrees cooler.  Ah well, it is what it is.

Today is day #2 of my celebration week, and here is your freebie #2.  I hope you can use it.

And here is your download link:
Expired

Yesterday, I got a nice spurt of energy and decided to clear up some of the papers and odds and ends that have been gathering on my coffee table, where I keep my laptop.  I spent almost two hours going through, and cleaning up - now don't laugh! - one messy pile of stuff.  

You have to understand, this time included copying some information on scraps of paper over to where it should have been put in the first place.  I even managed to throw out a few items from this pile of stuff.  Mind you, just a few.  The sad part is that I was so engrossed in cleaning up this messy pile, that I totally forget about doing the laundry.  I'll have to do that today. 

Today I also have to make a new list of my medications to take with me tomorrow when I see my doctor for a regular check up.  I'm not sure why he needs this list.  All this information is in his computer system. 

I just went outside to put a bill in the mailbox, and guess what?  Everything is wet!  I guess we won't have to wait until tonight for the rain to begin.   Ah well, you know they say.  Here in New England, if you don't like the weather just wait a little bit and it will change.  (now the sun is coming out too!)

On a more serious note, I found this image on the web.  The orange ribbon stands for being against animal cruelty.  Folks, our animals are so very precious.  Please stand up to help stop the cruelty and unthinkable abuse that some of them are enduring every single day.  I thank you, and our animals thank you.

Well, there's not much more news for today, and I really should get busy and start the laundry.   Before I go, here's a brain teaser puzzle for you. (found on the web)   Have fun!

I'm off now to get this new day started.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh, What A Beautiful Day!

September 28, 2015

Good morning.  It's a beautiful day here in my little part of New England.  It's 62F degrees right now, and headed for 81F degrees in a few hours.  Oh my, just wonderful!  Tomorrow is supposed to be another day like today, then we'll fall back down to the 50's and 60's for the rest of the week.  Plus there is supposed to be a lot of rain coming this week. (Tuesday night through Saturday night)

I'm watching the Weather Channel, and the lady meteorologist has just said "So what is it about all this never ending wet forecast for the Northeast?"  Now I ask, what is it that she smokes or partakes of that makes her think that we have been inundated with rain?  Last I heard, we have not had much rain at all here in the Northeast.  Hmmmm.  I must have missed something.

Last night, I put a few more rows on the Frosty Green afghan, so now I have only twenty one more rows to go to finish it.  Yeah!  One by one, I'm finishing off all my "started but not finished" projects. 

Yesterday I said that I was working on something special to celebrate this week's blogging milestone.  I've made more freebies, and will post one every day this week.  Here's your first one.  Credits are included on the TOU.

And here is your download link:
Expired

I've been having a lot of fun on my laptop, and it feels good to get back into scrap design.  My only problem is that there are not enough hours in a day once I get started.  Sometimes Pogo has to remind me that is time to stop and cook a meal.  Oh dear, naughty mommy!

Here's another pretty crochet project that I found on the web.  It looks quite similar to the ones that I've been making.  This one is called "Night Garden Shawl."

My pretty plants are mostly finished blooming.  Except for the butterfly bush and some of the roses.  In the next couple of weeks, we'll have to start pruning a few of the plants.  If they are left quite big, the winter snows will break them.  Outside my door, we have these little pretties.  They will be the last to go. 

Well, there's not much more news, so it's time for me to get busy around here.  I have a load of wash waiting to be done.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Now I Know. I Have ADCD!!!!!

September 27, 2015

Good morning.  Oh my gosh, I'm just not ready for the Fall "cool down" temps.  When it drops down to 47F degrees in the evening, I'm wishing the heat were on.  But of course, it's too early to be putting the heat on. 

Right now, it's up to 57F degrees (10"25 a.m.) and will hopefully make it up to around 71F degrees by early afternoon.  At least the sun is shining, so that helps.  It's time to get out all my jeans and sweatshirt jackets and launder them.  The shorts and light blouses will have to be packed away now. 

I'll have to make an appointment this week to have the furnace cleaned out.  Goodness, where has the year gone?  In just three months, we'll be celebrating another new year.  Time is slipping by a bit too quickly for me.

Well, I finally found a name for what is wrong with me.  I have ADCD.  Attention Deficit Cleaning Disorder.  Phew!  That's a relief!  All these years that I've been cleaning and cleaning, while my place never looks like I did anything at all.  Now I know why.  (Image from web)

Yesterday, while looking through one of my catalogues, I found a really pretty necklace that I think I'll try to make.  This afternoon, I'll look up what materials I need for it.  I'm thinking that this might be a great project to work on when I'm in Florida this winter.  This photo isn't great but you can at least see how pretty this is.  I'm not so crazy about the earrings, but I can always make them a bit different.

Oh yuck yuck!  I just took a sip of my coffee, and it has turned into iced coffee.  Phooey!  Now I'll have to make me a new "hot" cup of coffee.  This is just one of the reasons I don't like the cold.  I like to take my time and enjoy my "hot" coffee.

This week is a sort of special milestone in my blogging life.  Wednesday, I will post my 2600th blog post.  Gosh, I never thought when I started this blog that I'd still be posting almost daily this many years later.  I'm working on some extra freebies for this week to celebrate.

That's about all my news for this morning.  Before I go, I thought I'd share this cute Minion image with you.  I had no trouble at all reading this.  Lots of print looks strange to me, but I've learned to adapt and translate.

I'm off now.  So, till tomorrow, I hope Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Gorgeous Blood Moon Coming This Weekend

September 25, 2015

Good morning.  My goodness, it is really cool this morning.  It's 7:15 a.m., and the temperature is 56F degrees and cloudy.  I don't think it's supposed to get out of the 60's all day today.  Of course, that's according to the weather report on my phone.  On TV, the Weather Channel, says it is 47F degrees right now, and that it will get up to 70F later today.  Hmmm, such a big difference.

This morning, Pogo and I will take a ride to the Post Office to mail a couple of boxes.  I would have done this yesterday, but I had to go to the supermarket too, and they won't Pogo come in to the store.  So I decided we'd do the Post Office today so that Pogo could get out for a ride.  The Post Office that I go to loves to see Pogo.

Yesterday morning, the fellow from Window World checked out the exterior door that I'm wanting to replace.  He did not think we could find the exact door to replace it, but we got a nice surprise when we looked through his catalogue.  They did have this door, so I had him give me estimates for this door and one that only has glass on the upper half of the door.  (My door is mostly all glass.) 

Oh my gosh, it's a good thing I was sitting down when he gave me the $ figures.  Before I could place the order and pay the deposit, I first had to check which bills were coming due.  (taxes and such)  
It takes ten weeks to get the door once it has been ordered, so I will call him back later today to see when he can come back to take measurements and put in an order for my door.

There will be another huge gorgeous moon this weekend, so I borrowed this image from the web to share with you.   If you want to take photos, it's all happening this Sunday night, September 27.  I hope you all get some great photos.

Does anyone remember the old Polaroid cameras, and the set of fancy filters that you could buy for them?  I was one of those folks who just had to have these filters, and I had a wonderful time with them.   This "oldie" photo (early 80's, I think) was taken with one of those filters.  The pretty young ladies are my daughters Deanne and Kerri.  They were both at our store helping with the classes.  In the background, you can see some of the shelves filled with greenware.  (It was a ceramics store.)

For those of you who enjoy taking photos with your smart phone, there are some super new lenses out that you might want to have a look at.  They are called "Moment Lenses" and they fit both Apple and Android phones.  The web site is:  http://momentlens.co/.  I'll be interested in your thoughts about these new lenses.

A couple days ago, after I set a pile of newly washed towels and fuzzy blankets on the end of the sofa, my little guy just could not resist scrunching everything into a nice comfy pile to lay on. 

As I sit here typing, he has just finished scrunching his blankets into a nice big pile, and has crawled inside them.  He's all curled up into a tiny ball with his face pushed into the fuzzy blanket.  This is how he likes to sleep.   If you can't find him here, just follow the yellow arrow.  That's the top of his head sticking out. 

This afternoon, I think I'll work some more on the Frosty Green afghan.  I only have thirty more rows to go and it will be finished.  These cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to sit and crochet. 

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

Hugs, Edna B.

A Nice Surprise In The Mail

September 24, 2015

Good morning.  Well, this was another 5 a.m. breakfast morning for my little guy.  However, I must say that it is good to get up early some days.  I can take my time reading my emails while I watch the news on TV and enjoy a cup of coffee.

I have to say that the news gets a bit annoying after a while.  It seems that every thirty minutes, the same stories get repeated.  So, I often switch the news off, and put the shopping channel on.  Today, though, starting at 9 a.m., the Blue Blood marathon will be on all day.  It's all repeats, but very enjoyable.  So that's what I'll be watching.

I was clearing out a junk drawer the other day, and I came across another blast from the past.  Do any of you remember these?    Hmmm, maybe there was a Rambo movie out back then?

I also have another photo memory from the past to share.  Because I have my blog printed as books, I thought it would be good to have some of these photos sprinkled throughout the books.  This photo was taken back in the mid 70's.  Daughter Audrey spent a whole summer in Sweden and Norway.  While in Norway, her friend's sister, who worked in a recording studio, took the girls on a tour of the studio while a popular singing group was making a recording.  The happy girl with the big smile (3rd from right) is Audrey, sitting with the group that was making the recording.

I find that a lot of the old photos are fading and scratched.  By putting some of them in my blog books, I can save them for future generations.   The old Polaroid photos are in the worst condition.  Unfortunately, way back when we took these photos, we did not realize how much they would deteriorate over time. 

While Audrey was picking up a few groceries at her local supermarket last week, she came across this item and scooped it up right away.  There were just two of them left and she took them both.  Deanne and I are big time Red Sox fans, so Audrey packaged them up and mailed them to me.

Yup!!  Boston Red Sox peanuts grown at Hampton Farms in Virginia.  Suffolk, VA. is the peanut capitol.  You just don't usually find Red Sox labels that far south.   Deanne and I are going to enjoy these, Audrey.  Thank you from both of us.

In a couple hours, a person from the window company (Window World) will be here to look at one of my exterior doors and give me an estimate to replace it.  I'll be interested in seeing the different types of doors that he has to offer.  I'd like to stay as close in design to the door that is being replaced.

Pretty soon, I have to replace the vanity in the upstairs bathroom.  This was one of the projects that was started earlier this year, but never finished.  So, I guess that's our next project.  I'd like to have it finished before the end of October. 

Some time over the winter, I may even re-do the floor tiles in my bathroom.  I've already bought a couple of new scatter rugs for my bathroom.  Pogo likes to go in there and have a nap on the scatter rug by the tub.

It looks like it will be a busy winter here.  Once I get past the gift wrapping, package mailing, and one or two household projects, it will be time to start working on the taxes again.  Yeesh!!!  That's the one thing I just don't look forward to. 

Today is cloudy and cool so far.  The temperature will probably only get up to about 71F degrees today, but the sun is supposed to be out for most of the day.  This afternoon should be a really nice Fall day.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

It's A Perfect Day To Just Be Happy

September 23, 2015

Good morning on this first day of Fall.  The sun is shining, and it is 62F degrees.  In a few hours, we'll get up to about 72F degrees, so it's going to a splendid day here in New England.  Here's an adorable picture I borrowed from the web.  It says it all.

I got up a bit later this morning than I had planned.  Around 4:45 this morning, my little guy decided that he was hungry and wanted to eat.  So, he kept barking at me until I got up and made him a plate of food.  By the time I was able to go back to sleep, there was no way I would be getting up at eight o'clock as planned.  Oh well, no biggie.

This morning, I found a beautiful surprise in my e-mail box.  My friend Kyra made me a scrap page featuring my favorite photo of Michael.  My goodness, what a wonderful way to start my day.   Thank you so much Kyra.  I just love it.

Aside from washing a few dishes and playing on the computer, I've been sitting here trying to figure out what I did yesterday that kept me so busy all afternoon and evening.  Sad to say, I haven't been able to come up with anything so far.  However, I really was busy.  This retirement thing seems to have it's own sense of time. 

Later today, DIL Janet will be coming by, so I need to buckle down and get a few things done today before I declare play time.  I also have to figure out what we'll have for supper.  This won't be too difficult because we like a lot of different things.   The hard part will be figuring what to make for Mr. Pogo's supper.

I'm not sure what I did to annoy the doggie gods, but finding tasty things for my little guy is quite a challenge some days.  I wonder, do you suppose dentures would help?  If Pogo had some teeth, he could eat most anything.  Hmmm, such a nice thought, but he has no jaw to hold the teeth in.  Ah well, at least the challenge keeps my brain in tip top shape trying to come up with tempting menus.

One of the things that I did yesterday was to work on my QP's.   I'm trying to make enough of them in case a week comes by that I'm not up to playing on my laptop.   So far, my folder is looking nice and fat. 

Speaking of QP's, here is a preview of this week's freebie.  It's a bit whimsical.  I hope you can use it. 

Here is your download link:
Expired

I think this afternoon, I might work on a couple of scrap challenges for the Wilma4Ever forum.   They have monthly blog trains, and I thought I might enjoy participating.  It's fun and it's good for my brain. 

Well, time is flying, and I really need to do a few things around here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a splendid day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Fourteen Hours Till Autumn!

September 22, 2015

Good afternoon on this last day of summer.  I know I'm late getting here, but it was rather chilly this morning and I did not want to come out from under my covers.  Pogo was in no hurry either.  He was inside his little quilted doggy house, wearing a sweater and curled up in a fuzzy blanket. 

It has been quite amazing how the seasons are changing so abruptly.  Three nights ago, I had two fans on, and fresh air coming in through the screen door as Pogo and I got comfy on top of our blankets.  Two nights ago, we closed the door early and had just one fan on.  Last night, the door was closed and the fan was shut off. 

The nights are definitely getting very cool here in New England.  The days are cooling down too.  The weather forecaster says that it will only be about 50F degrees when we wake up tomorrow morning.  Daytime temps for the next seven days is expected to be in the upper 60's and low 70's.  In less than fourteen hours it will be Autumn!

My daughter Deanne's phone crashed again.  Sad to say, that means she has lost most all of her photos.  At the Apple store, she was told that she should have backed her photos up to the cloud.  She replied that Apple would not let her use the cloud.  As a matter of fact, other customers in line at the store also said that they were denied the use of the cloud on their Apple phones. 

I have a lot of her photos on my phone, so I'm happy to share whatever I have.  Unfortunately, her phone does not have a slot for a memory card.  I would think that with all the new phone technology, every smart phone would have a slot for a memory card.  I have an Android phone (Samsung S5) and a 64 GB memory card in the card slot.  

I guess that all the smart phones come with a certain amount of cloud storage space.  But once that is full, you have to buy more space.   Considering what these phones cost, ($600 - $900) I don't think it's right to charge us more money for extra cloud storage. 

On the news, a little while ago, they were talking about a new drug that fights infections, and could be very good for AID's patients.  Unfortunately, the cost will be prohibitive.  Around $50 per pill.  The manufacturer says that the high cost will help to fund more research for better drugs to fight infections. 

I don't know how other folks feel, but I can't justify the high price of drugs.  Especially when these very same drugs will be sent to other countries and given out at very low or no cost.   How is this fair to any of us?  We pay for the drug research, then we pay an arm and a leg to buy the drug for ourselves while others can have it for free.  Either something is wrong with my thinking, or something is wrong with this scenario.  Hmmm?

A couple days ago, I got a piece of mail asking for a donation for a worthy cause.  The note had a shiny new nickel glued to it.  It mentioned that they would appreciate your donation, along with returning the nickel because they really needed it.  I guess I'm wondering why they sent out all those thousands of nickels anyway if they really needed them. 

The note also mentioned that 80% of the money would go directly to programs.  That means that 20% must be for administrative costs.  So how much of the money that the programs receive is also for administrative costs to run these programs?   That seems like an awful lot of administrative cost.  I'm thinking that maybe all the cost of running these programs should be coming out of the original 20% set aside for administrative costs, and the remaining 80% should go directly to the beneficiaries of these programs.  Hmmm?

Gosh, I'm being such a crab today.  Anyway, I have sent a donation because I believe that the beneficiaries of this funding are worthy of our help.  I have to admit though, that my favorite charities are the ones that help animals.  Makes me think that I was probably an animal in one of my past lives.  You think so?

 Today, I have a couple more old photos to share.  I came across this envelope full of stamps that I've been saving since my younger days.  Have a look at these.  Anyone remember saving these and redeeming them for free gifts?

My other old photo shows the first ceramic doll that I made.   I had a ceramic shop, and we had some classes on doll making.  I've kept my doll all these years.  She's not perfect, but she's mine.   Her head, arms and legs are ceramic, (which we all made and painted our own doll parts) and she has a cloth body.  Her baby outfit is a size three months.

I also went online and downloaded a picture of that new thumbdrive that I wrote about yesterday.  I am quite anxious to try it.

I just got a phone call from my daughter Dee Dee.  She had to take Kevin to the doctor this morning to see if he had pneumonia.  So far, he does not, but now he has to have several new tests done.  I feel so bad for him.  It doesn't matter how rotten he feels, he doesn't let it stop him from playing baseball.  You just gotta love this young man.

Well, it's getting late, and I have lots of things to do here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Taking A Walk Through Memory Lane

September 21, 2015

Good morning.  My but it is really cool this morning, and I guess the whole day is going to be on the cool side.  It's 61F degrees, and headed for only around 67 degrees.   Tomorrow is supposed to get back up into the 70's.  Gosh, I hope so.  It's so early to be this cool all day.

I need to clear something up.  The reason I mentioned I might need to use my walker when walking distances is not because I hurt my either of my legs.  I have asthma/copd, and this makes walking very difficult most of the time.   I hope I didn't confuse anyone.  Physically, I'm okay. 

As for getting a scooter, I have looked into it.  I would be wanting one that is collapsible so that I could put it into the trunk of my car.  Getting it in and out of the trunk may take some doing, but I'll worry about that if and when I get a scooter. 

I am a very stubborn and independent person.  I've been like this my whole life.  So this scooter thing is as much scary as it is helpful.  I'm just not ready to admit that this breathing thing is wreaking havoc on my independence.  I've always had to be the strong one, and I'm not willing to give that up just yet.  (But a scooter does sound nice.)

Last night I was going through some old photos, and I picked out a couple that are my favorites to share.  Some years ago, my mother in law was tossing out a huge box of photos (she wasn't very sentimental, I guess) and I salvaged a few of them.  This photo is my Michael, taken while he was on leave during the Korean War.  (according to the notes on the back of the photo)   Oh my, be still my heart!  He looks so handsome!

This next photo is me and four of my children, taken October, 1988.  One of them had been among the missing for nearly thirteen years, and now she was home.  It was a very emotional and happy time for all of us.  (I'm the one in the blue tee shirt)

Hmmmmm,  memories!  You know, I start going through some of these photos, and before I know it, hours have flown by.  Each photo is a memory, and I enjoy re-living the moments when each one was taken.   Gosh, I get so soppy sometimes!!

A little while ago, I called my life insurance company to find out why I don't have my bill yet.  I pay this annually, and I have not received a bill yet.  The nice lady on the phone said she would send one out right away.  The mail carrier just showed up, and guess what was in with my mail?  Yup, there was my insurance bill.  Now that's what I call fabulous service!!!

Last night, I ordered an item from Amazon, using my tablet.  While I was looking around at what new items they were offering, I came across a new type of thumbdrive.  One end of it connects to your smart phone or tablet, and the other end connects to your USB port on your pc or laptop.  Prices ranged from about $4,50 to $6.25.  Of course I had to order one for me to try.  I'll post how it works after I try it out.

Well, I'm running out of morning, and I have a few things to do here before we have our lunch.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Arctic Summer Sea Ice Is Quickly Becoming Passe'

September 20, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining and there is a nice breeze.  It's a beautiful day here in my little part of New England.   Yesterdays scrimmage baseball game got changed to today, but I doubt if Pogo and I will be able to make it.  The walk from the parking lot to the game field may be a bit too far for me to walk. 

I may have to dig out my walker so that I don't miss all Kevin's games.  I got the walker a while ago when I broke my foot.  It came in quite handy when Eddie had his knee surgery, and now I may need it to go to games.

Last evening, I took a photo of the Claret afghan before I packed it up.  The colors are really quite pretty in an old fashioned sort of way. 

Next, I took out another pretty afghan that I've been working on in between projects. This one is called "Frosty Green" and is also quite pretty.  I'll take a photo later today.  I'll switch back and forth between this afghan and the baby blanket that I've started.  Busy hands are happy hands.

The other day when I pulled into the driveway, this little bird was happily feeding on the birdseed that was on the ground.  He was in no hurry to move, even when I was getting out of my car. IN fact, he was looking at me as though I was bothering him.  So, I grabbed my camera and took a few photos.

There was an article in this past Wednesday's newspaper about Artic sea ice.  It said that the summer Artic sea ice shrank to it fourth lowest level on record this month, dispelling faint hopes of a recovery,  according to federal scientists. 

With human-caused warming continuing, computer simulations show on average that around the year 2040, sea ice will disappear from the Artic during some summers.   Keep it up, humans, and you may not get to enjoy the next century on this planet.   (Newspaper - Patriot Ledger)

This past Friday afternoon, I started working on a QP for this week's freebie.  I got so wrapped up in what I was doing, that several hours flew by.  I even forgot to stop and make supper for Pogo and me.  Needless to say, our dinner was a bit late that night.  But I did have fun playing on my laptop. 

Yesterday, I started listening to some of my music that is stored on my laptop, and again time started slipping quickly by.  I have to say, this retirement thing can certainly be lots of fun.  I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, for as long as I want, without worrying about being up too late.

Well, there are dishes in the sink calling to me.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Congratulations Kevin!!

September 18, 2015

Good morning.  The sun is shining and it is 70F degrees.  Gorgeous!!  In a few hours, it will be back in the 80's, but for now it is just delightful.

Yesterday, Pogo and I met our new tax accountant.  He seems to be a fair and very smart man, and we had a very good meeting.  Afterwards, we stopped at the hardware store to pick up some more birdseed.   Then we rode around for a while, just enjoying the beautiful weather.  Pogo was enjoying himself by hanging his nose out the car window to catch the wind on his face.  It feels good to ride like the big dogs!

While we were at our meeting, I realized that I had forgotten to mail out my quarterly taxes that were due earlier this month.  As soon as we got home, I wrote out checks for the Feds and the State, and we went to the Post Office to mail them right out.   Phew!  Now I'm all set until January, when they are due again.

I received an email from Beth with a scrap layout that she made, using my recent QP freebie.  This is really pretty Beth.  I love your editing. 

Well, I have some more good news.  Grandson Kevin tried out for, and made, his college baseball team.   Congratulations Kevin!  Tomorrow they have a scrimmage game with another local college, and Pogo and I are hoping to be able to go see the game. 

While I was out taking photos of our roses, I noticed that we had a roof top garden that was growing quite well.  Unfortunately, it's beginning to lift some of the roof tiles.  Hmmm, I wonder how this got up there anyway!  SIL Eddie said that he would come by soon and remove the plants (and roots) from the roof.

While I was taking a few photos from this side of the house, my little guy was watching me from his door.  On days when there is a really nice breeze, Pogo actually takes naps right in front of the door.  As you can see, Pogo is overdue for a hair cut.  I think we'll make him an appointment for this upcoming week.

Last night, I cooked pork chops glazed with a mixture of orange marmalade and orange juice.  Even though Pogo did not enjoy this, I did.  I cooked it on the induction burner.  Next time, I'll try making it in the pressure cooker. 

Well, it's time for me to get busy around here.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a beautiful weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Yeah, We're Going Out Today!!

September 17, 2015

Good morning.  It's a little after 8 a.m. and the weather is just gorgeous right now.  It will climb into the 80's in a few hours, but right now it's really nice.  I'm watching a tiny titmouse enjoying the peanut butter bread outside in the treat box.  What a nice way to start my day.

Well yesterday, Pogo and I did not make it out to the park because we had to wait for the Pest Control guys to show up.  It's good that they came too, because they found one of Fat Rat's relatives in one of the bait boxes.  Not the Fat Rat though.  This chubby little critter is pretty smart about evading the bait boxes.   (so far) 

There's been a lot of talk on TV about the Muslim student who made a clock and took it to school to show to his teacher.   Because it resembled a safety threat, the police were called and the student was arrested.  First, I don't think he should have taken this in to the school without first getting permission from the school.  Also, had he been something other than Muslim, I believe the teacher still would have called in the authorities.  This is not a race/religious incident.  There have been too many school bombings not to take something like this seriously.  If you have other views on this topic, I'd love to hear them.

A while ago, I found the prettiest set of cooking pans.  After much thought, I ordered a set of them for myself.  Well, they arrived yesterday, and oh my are they ever so pretty!!  Now I can't wait to cook something in them.  I am not great in the kitchen, so I think these pretty pans will make cooking a bit more fun.  

I did take a few photos of the blooms still growing in my garden.  Here's a photo of some of the red "Knock Off" roses.  These are very hardy and will continue to bloom till the end of Fall.

Well, it's after 9 a.m. and I really must get dressed.  Pogo and I have an appointment with my new tax accountant in just a little while.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Finding My Way Back To Scrapping

September 16, 2015

Good morning.  It's beautiful outside but I haven't made it over to the door yet to open it.  I just wanted to keep on sleeping this morning.  Last night, I sat down at my laptop to look through some of my scrapping stuff, and the next thing I knew it was 2 a.m.

Gosh, going through all this stuff was like spending the evening with old friends.  I guess I'm missing all the fun of scrapping, designing, and being a member of scrap forums.   And I miss doing the challenges.  My favorite challenge was one where we had to design book covers, and write the story line for the book.  Here's a cover I made for a "romance" book.

This challenge was such fun, and it kept our creativity level high for both writing and design.  Is it any wonder I enjoyed it so?  

I also re-visited one of the forums where I used to be an active member to check out their current monthly challenges.  I found a few that I like, so that will keep me busy for a while.  Plus, they have a monthly blog train that I might try. 

While I was there, I also bought a few new scrap kits.  Gosh, there were so many beautiful scrap supplies, it's no wonder I was up so late.  If you want to have a look, this forum is called "Wilma4Ever".    Check it out.  It's a fun forum, and their designers are awesome.

One of the new kits that I bought was "Autumn Welcome" by Bella Caribena.  The colors are gorgeous, so I used this kit to make today's QP.  I hope you can use.

Here is your download link:
Expired

DIL Janet just called to say that she cannot come by tonight because she has a wake to go to.  Hmmm, I was going to try a recipe for orange glazed pork chops.  Well, I guess I'll make it anyway and freeze half of it. 

If you're into politics, be sure to watch the Republican debate on TV tonight.  I doubt if I'll be watching, because I'm not into "mud slinging."   If the candidates would stick to issues only, I'd be more interested  in watching the debates.  I am offended by all the dirty laundry that is aired.  None of us has a completely clean personal slate.  I would just like to hear what the candidates have to say about how they can help solve our country's problems.

I've already picked the person I'll be voting for.  And, I'm not a Republican or a Democrat.  I don't believe in "parties."  I believe in being able to vote for the person(s) that I feel is best for the job.  Being a member of a "party" means that I have to vote for someone that other politicians have decided should get the job.  Hmmm, nuff said. 
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Well, it's getting close to lunch time here, so I'm going to head for the kitchen to see what's for my little guy's lunch.  (and some for me too!)  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy Rosh Hashanah

September 15, 2015

Good afternoon.  Sorry I'm so late but I got a very late start today.  After a sleepless night, I finally dozed off around 4 a.m.   Even Pogo slept late today.  I got up just in time to see the mailman bring today's mail.  As for the weather, it is just delightful today.  Sunny, with a light breeze, and temps working up towards 82F degrees. 

So far, I have accomplished a few things.  Plus, I called my new accountant and made an appointment to meet with him this Thursday.  My regular accountant, and friend, has finally had to retire due to bad health. 

For all my Jewish friends and family, shana tovah u'metukah.  This evening ends the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, New Year 5776.   I miss celebrating the holidays with my Michael, and our good friends Rhoda and Marshall.  Rhoda, I hope the new year is good for you and Marshall.

I've been watching the news as they show the devastation from the fires in California and the flash flooding in Arizona.  Sad to say, I'm convinced that all these horrible happenings and severe storms are our new way of life.   I had thought that this severe weather was mostly happening only here in the United States, but it is happening round the world. 

Yesterday, I ordered a couple more holiday gifts, and then last evening, I crocheted a bit on the Claret afghan.  I think I only have six more rows to go before it is finished.   My gift list is full of check marks, and it feels good to be a bit ahead of myself. 

I'm watching a few little birds enjoying the peanut butter bread treat that I put out last yesterday.  There is a chickadee, a woodpecker and a sparrow having lunch together.  They are just the cutest little birds.  Hmmm, I wonder why humans can't get along like this.

Gosh, I just went to answer the door, and forgot all about this post.  Yeesh!!  I must be losing my mind.   I am so sorry.  I'll post a brain teaser puzzle for you and take my leave here.  There are fourteen horses hidden in this picture.  Good luck.

I think I'll see about some lunch for Pogo and me.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Is Your Fur Baby House Shopping?

September 14, 2015

Good morning.  Brrrrr, it's rather chilly this morning.  So far, we're up 55F degrees, and headed to a more comfortable 72F degrees.   Aside from that, the sun is shining and it is rather pretty outside.  You can certainly tell that Autumn is only a week away.

Well, my famous beef stew was well received by the dwarfs.  They had it for supper last evening, and they liked it.  That made me feel a little better about my cooking fiasco.   Have no fear though, I will try it again.  It's such a pretty cooking pot that I just can't give up on it.

Well I just called the pest control guy, and he says they will be back tomorrow.  Our Fat Rat is still living rather well in our yard, and has built himself another condo in a different spot.   This is one very smart rat!!

Remember the Doggie RV's I posted last week?  Well I did a bit of research, and these are rather pricey.  The basic price starts at $800, and goes up depending on what type of interior or exterior finishing you might want.

Well that was enough for me to discourage Pogo from wanting one of these.  However, further research showed that these were not the priciest doggie homes on the market.  Here are a few others that I found.

$7,450.00

 

 $5,500.00

 

$5,500.00

If these are a bit too pricey for your fur babies, then here are a couple more with a smaller price tag.

$628.00

 

$550.00

 

I like these last two the best (of these latest houses) but they are still a bit out of my price range.  Although I suppose if they are heated and weather proofed, then they might be worth the money.  Well, not my money, but someone's!!

Well, I think I'd better get busy here, and maybe start a load of laundry.   I also have to make up some peanut butter rolls to put in my birdie treat holders.  They love this, and it is good for them.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a splendid day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh That Cool Breeze Feels Soooo Good!

September 13, 2015

Good morning.  It's 8 a.m. and the cool breeze coming in through the open door is just heavenly.  The sun isn't out yet so it's a bit cloudy, but the cool air feels just wonderful.  Pogo and I got up early this morning and had our breakfast.  Mmmmm.   Steak and eggs for Pogo, and fried potatoes and scrambled eggs for moi.  Yum!

I'll bet you're wondering how that beef stew came out.  Right?  I was afraid you'd ask.  Well, it only took me close to an hour to figure out how to get the pressure cooker turned on.  I know, sounds like such a simple task, huh?   But I kept reading over the instructions until I finally got it right. 

Once I was ready to cook, I first had to brown the meat.  There is a "Brown" button on the cooker, so I pressed this and waited.  Hmmm,  nothing happened.  Finally I took out the induction burner, placed a frying pan on it, put the meat in and browned it.  Then I dumped all the meat back into the cooker. 

I added the onions, carrots, potatoes, liquids and seasoning and sat back and waited.  Nothing.  After thirty minutes, I realized something wasn't right.  I shut the cooker off.  I read the book again, and turned the cooker back on.  I did this two or three times until I got it right.  Then I sat down, happily awaiting my pot to finish cooking the stew. 

Unfortunately, after a while, the cooker started steaming like an old steam engine.   I grabbed the instruction book to find out what to do.  In the end, I had to shut the cooker off and unplug it.  Once all the steam was gone, I started over.  As soon as the cooker built up some pressure, the steam came pouring out again. 

Okay.  Time to shut everything down and get out a burner and a large pot.  I finished the stew the old fashioned way.  In a large pot on a burner.  So much for me and modern technology.  I did have me a bowl of the stew, and considering all the trouble it was to cook, it didn't taste too bad.  Not my best accomplishment, you understand, but sort of tasty and edible.  I put it all in a huge covered bowl, and the dwarfs can have it for their supper later today.

Tomorrow I will call the manufacturer to find out if (a) I did something wrong, or (b) the steam valve is faulty.   Want to take bets on what their answer will be?  Hmmm?   I'm just thankful I wasn't trying to cook a four pound pot roast.   In a few days, I'll try the pork chop recipe (that I bought all the ingredients for).  Only I'll be cooking it in a pan on a burner.

Well, I may be a bit technically challenged when it comes to all these fabulous new machines and devices, but I must be doing something right..  I got a card in the mail on Friday, that had me walking around for two days with a huge Cheshire cat smile on my face.  Even that wicked pressure cooker couldn't wipe this smile off my face.

I've had plenty of thank you's before, but my youngest grandson, Kevin, took the time to sit down and write his out in a note and mail it.   Kevin, you are such a joy to me.  I love you, and I'm blessed to have you for my grandson.

I've always been a "cheap date."  The littlest things make me the happiest.  A smile, a hug, a wagging tail, a hand written note.   But then, you can't put a price on happiness.   I have been so very blessed, and for this I am grateful.

Well, I've talked your ear off, so before I go, I have another pretty plant to share.  This is called an Angel Orchid (Habenaria Grandifloriformis).  Rather appropriate for today I think.

Now I'm going to enjoy my coffee and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Go Patriots!!

September 11,  2015

Good morning from my drizzly part of the country.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.  The drizzly stuff feels ever so good, and the cool temps that come with it are just fabulous!!  If we can believe the weather forecast, we are in for a whole week of these wonderful temps.  70-83 F degrees.  Gosh, it's going to be rough dealing with this, but we'll definitely do our best.  hahahaha.

Well, all our Patriots fans are surely smiling and happy this morning after last night's win.  I did not watch the game, but most of my friends and family were watching and cheering.   Here's a cute little Minion that I borrowed from the web to share.

Yesterday, we were expecting patches of heavy rain, so Joe and I decided that we'd do our grocery shopping today.  I've finished making my new shopping list, and am looking forward to trying some new recipes.

Well folks, it had to happen.  Sooner or later, someone would come up with an RV special made for our fur babies.  I think these are just awesome!  I haven't shown this picture to Pogo because he'll be wanting one for himself.   How about your fur babies?  Wouldn't they just love to have one too?

I called the window company yesterday and made an appointment for them to come out and measure one of the entrance doors on my house, and show me what doors they have as replacements.  I'm not sure how old our door is, but it's been on the house as long as I can remember.  Unfortunately, time has taken its toll, and now the door needs replacing. 

Next week is tax time again.  Actually, it seems like almost every month (or every other month) is tax time when you own a house.   The property taxes are now payable four times a year, and then there's the utility taxes.  So far, they are still due twice a year.  The good part is that so far, I've been able to keep up with them.  That's a plus.

I finally finished the yellow shawl that I was making.  Now it's on to the Claret afghan.  (the one I keep calling Merlot!)   Once this is finished, I can start something new.  Maybe a wrap?  We'll see.  I did find another rather pretty crocheted blanket pattern.  Maybe I'll start one of these?  This one is called "Unbelievably Easy Crochet Blanket."   If anyone wants any of these patterns that I post, just send me an email.

Daughter Deanne called me last night to say that Jazzy auditioned for a part in "The Christmas Carol" and got the part of "The Ghost Of Christmas Present."   This part is strong in singing and dancing, so I can't wait to see it.   Good luck Jazzy.  I know you'll be a super Christmas Ghost.

Grandson Kevin is also doing great.  He started his first week at college, and is trying out for the baseball team this weekend.   He is studying Criminal Justice, and I almost wish I were going with him.  This is such an interesting field.  Good luck this weekend, Kevin.

Well, that's all my news for now.  So, till Sunday, Y'all be cool, and have a wonderful weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.