Old Man Winter, "It's Time To Leave!!"

March 30, 2016

My goodness, I'm having all sorts of problems this morning trying to type this post.  First, Blogger would not open, then it jammed my computer.  Eventually, I had to shut down the computer and wait a while before trying again.  It seems to be working okay now.

It's sunny here in New England and the temps are in the mid 40's.  It should be warming up to the mid 50's by early afternoon.  It feels like Spring!!  We do, however, have a heavy wind warning for tomorrow.  Well, we'll deal with that when it gets here.

Yesterday, while SIL Eddie was upstairs installing a new bathroom cabinet, I ran out to do a few errands.  While I was shopping, I picked up some really pretty outfits for my daughter Laura Jean.  Today I will have a look at "Buck & Buck's latest catalogue to see if there is anything there that Laura can use.  They have some nice things.

As for the bathroom cabinet, it looks great!!  Thanks Eddie.  What would I do without you?  Now we just need to shop for a new wall mirror for over the sink and a new light.  Maybe we'll pick up some new tile for the floor too. 

Also yesterday, my new planters arrived.  Now I can't wait to get them set up and filled with dirt so that they are ready for new plants.  A couple more weeks should do it, I hope. 

I found an interesting image on the web and thought I would share it here.  The weather has been really weird this past year.  This image shows how different some of the temps have been.  Wow!  Talk about strange!!

There's also been a lot more problems with pollen and asthma.  I think it's because the strange weather and temps have affected Mother Nature too.  Gosh, poor Maxine!!  I know just how she feels.

You're not going to believe this, but the Weather Channel just said that we will be having snow next Tuesday.  Huh???  We don't really need more snow.  Not now!!  It's time for digging in the dirt and raking up dead leaves.  Someone please tell Old Man Winter to go away!!! 

SIL Eddie just called to say that he will be here shortly to help me hang the new curtains.  I guess I'd best go get dressed.  I think I look adorable in my jammies, but he might not agree.  So, till  tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B. 

Happy Birthday Janet

March 29, 2016

Good morning.  My goodness, the month of March is slipping away quickly.  There's only a couple more days and we'll be welcoming in a new month.  It's cloudy today, but the temps are in the mid 40's.  A good day for doing errands.

SIL Eddie might be coming by later this morning to install the new cabinet in the upstairs bathroom.  Once I know he is all set, I'll run out for a bit to do my errands.  Wow, I just changed the TV station to the Weather Channel and they are showing another winter storm dumping lots of snow on the Mid-west states.  I guess Mother Nature just isn't ready to let go of winter.

Today is DIL Janet's birthday.  Pogo and I are wishing her a beautiful day full of happiness.  She'll be coming by tomorrow after work, so I'll have to think about what I can make us for supper.  Hmmm, maybe we'll do take out.  We both love pizza and Chinese food so maybe we'll have one of these.

Today I have a photo of my handsome little guy all snuggled into his new "camo" fuzzy blanket.  It doesn't take much to make Pogo happy, especially if it's soft and fuzzy.

It's time to start thinking of what new plants to buy for the garden.  Here is an image (that I borrowed from the web) showing some plants that mosquitos do not like.  You might also want to plant some of these in large pots on your porch.

Well that's about all my news for this morning.  It's time now for me to get dressed.  SIL Eddie just called to say that he is on his way over here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Meet "Peep"

March 28, 2016

Good morning.  Pogo and I had a lovely Easter Sunday, and we hope all of you did too.  It was a beautiful day, and Pogo spent a good portion of the day sunbathing in front of his door.  He wasn't thrilled about having to share some of his space with his new Easter Peep that Auntie Dee Dee gave him.  However, as long as it did not move about and annoy him, he would let it be. 

This is Pogo's new Easter Peep.  Isn't it adorable?  It squeaks when you press the eyes.  Pogo does not play with toys, but he finds a place to set each one of them and checks them periodically.  He has decided that Peep will sit on the roof of his little cloth house. 

Deanne also brought two beautiful orange tulip plants for me.  Oh my, they are ever so pretty!!  Just about all the tulips and daffodils in my little gardens were gifts from her.  Here's a photo of my pretty new plants.

Today will be a quiet day for Pogo and me.  It's raining, and the weatherman says it will rain most all day and part of the night.  It seems that the April showers are a tad bit early this year.  I guess we'll just wait till tomorrow to go out and do our errands.  It's supposed to be a bit warmer and sunny by then. 

Over the weekend, I finished the Medium Rose afghan, and started working on the Café Latte afghan.  I've slowed down a lot with my crocheting, but at this rate, I should have no problem finishing at least five afghans before next Christmas. 

I'll call JoAnn's Fabric Store later today to get a schedule of all upcoming sewing classes and the requirements for joining them.  It's been quite a while since I've used a sewing machine and I could use a refresher course. 

Last evening, while talking with daughter Audrey on the phone, we started making plans to go on a nature trip next summer to photograph birds and wildlife.  This sounds like a lot of fun, and I'll be able to take Pogo with me.

Now I need to take a walk out front and put my bills in the mail box.  My breathing isn't so good today, so after that little walk I'll be needing a short rest.  Some days the short walk does not bother me at all, and other days it is really a chore.  (but one that I'm grateful to be able to do)

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

Hugs, Edna B.

HAPPY EASTER

March 27, 2016

Good afternoon.  My goodness the day has got away from me.  I got up early this morning to do my "Easter Bunny" chores.  The dwarfs would be very disappointed if the Easter Bunny did not leave them each a little basket.  Pogo got a new fuzzy blanket from the Easter Bunny.  Goodness knows he does not need another fuzzy blanket, but he does love them so.

It's a beautiful sunny day here in New England.  Temps will make it into the mid 40's, so that's pretty nice.  Yesterday, I finally got to do a few errands, and Joe and I did our grocery shopping.  Next, I must do some birthday shopping, and buy some pretty new Spring and Summer clothes for my daughter Laura Jean.

Everyone is busy today with their families, so I will make this a short post.  Because it is Easter Sunday, I have another QP for you.  Zlata is being very playful while her friend Toto looks a bit concerned for her.  Have fun with it.

Here is your download link:
Expired

So, till tomorrow, Pogo and I wish Y'all a beautiful Easter Sunday.

Hugs, Edna B.

"Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail, Hopping Down The Bunny Trail"

March 25, 2016

Good morning.  Today is another gray day with a bit of rain expected.  It is supposed to warm up to about 61F degrees later today, so that's a plus.  My plants are loving it.  Yesterday, I took a photo of the daffodil that is trying so hard to burst into bloom.  It's such a happy sight.

I guess we'll be busy next week cleaning out all the dead leaves and winter debris from the gardens.  We've been holding off on purpose to keep the ground warm for the plants.  Hopefully, we've seen the last of the snow.

Yesterday, I did not go food shopping, so that's on the "to do" list for later this afternoon.  Plus Pogo and I have to go out this morning to drop off some papers at the accountant's office, and then it's on to the Post Office to mail the taxes.  I've been putting this off, but now it really must be done. 

Today I have a couple of fun photos that I took through the window on the plane coming home from Florida.  This first photo is what I like to call "Leaving Orlando at Night."

And this next photo is called "Flying Into Logan Airport (Boston) at Night."

I think that all the lights are beautiful against the pitch black background.  I took a couple photos of the moon too, but they did not come out so good. 

I've been watching the Weather Channel to see what sort of weather we'll have for Easter Sunday.  There are so many children everywhere looking forward to hunting for Easter Eggs, and getting  baskets from the Easter Bunny.  Rain, snow and storms could put a damper on all this fun.  However, the Easter Bunny is quite hardy, and usually manages to find his way through all kinds of weather.

Well, I'm starting to get into my "procrastinate" mood, so I'd best get dressed and go out to do my errands before I talk myself out of it.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Is That A Daffodil I See Blooming In My Garden?

March 24, 2016

Good morning.  It's cloudy this morning and a bit on the cool side.  However, it is supposed to get up into the mid 40's by afternoon.  This is good because one of the daffodils in my little garden is already bursting open into bloom.  That bit of yellow in the garden is such a happy sight.

Yesterday, SIL Eddie and Pogo and I went shopping and purchased the a new cabinet for our upstairs bathroom.  It was too big to put in the car, so the store will hold it until we can come back with a truck.  When we got home from shopping, Eddie brought in the new kitchen cabinet (that was in the trunk of my car) and put it all together.

This, of course, meant that I had to get busy and make a place for the new cabinet in my little kitchen.  Next, I had to find a home for everything that had to be moved to make room for the cabinet.  I'm still working on that.  Here's a picture of what the cabinet looks like. 

Before Eddie went home, he took down my errant living room clock, put new batteries in it and re-set it to the correct time.  Next time he comes over, I'll have him help me hang the new curtains. 

Last evening, DIL Janet came by and brought a big bag of snack goodies with her.  Wow, there were cupcakes, blueberry pastries and chocolate covered whoopie pie Easter eggs.  Hmmm, is she trying to fatten me up?  Actually, she brings extra goodies so that I can share them with the dwarfs. 

I have some new photos to share.  The first one is Jack and Lilah with the Easter Bunny, and the second one is all three kids, Jack, Lilah and Ali.  (all great grandchildren)

SIL Eddie just called.  He picked up the bathroom cabinet and will be by soon to drop it off.  He has a lot to do today so he'll have to come back another day to put it all together.  I think it would be nice if these things came already assembled. 

I just realized that today is food shopping day, so I need to get busy soon and write out my shopping list.  I also have to shop for two birthday gifts because next week is both Scott's and Janet's birthdays.  (my stepson and DIL)

Well, I guess I'd best get busy here.  Time is slipping by and I need to do a few chores.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Getting Anxious To Start New Projects

March 23, 2016

Good morning.  It's going to be warmer here today but it will stay cloudy, gray and wet all day.  I don't know if Pogo and I will go out to do any errands today.  I'm waiting for SIL Eddie to call to let me know if we will meet him today to pick out the new bathroom cabinet.  It will all depend on whether or not his friend with the truck is available. 

Yesterday turned out to be a gorgeous sunny day, and Pogo spent most of it curled up on a blanket in front of the door.  My little guy loves to lay in the sun.  I don't imagine he saw much sunshine when he was living in a cage.

Lately I've been getting anxious to start sewing again.  I pulled a few photos out of my archives that show our Jazzy modeling her new "princess dresses" that I had made for her when she was quite young.  She loved to dress up in ruffles and long dresses. 

DIL Janet might be coming by later this afternoon, so I'll be able to ask her when she'll be ready to sign up for the sewing classes and hopefully, pick out new sewing machines.  This will be something fun to look forward to.

SIL Eddie just called again to say that he was on his way here.  So, it's time for me to get dressed to be ready to go to the store with him.  First, let me post a QP for you.  This one celebrates the beginning of Spring.

Here is your download link::
Expired

Now I really must get busy here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

My Magical Keyboard

March 22, 2016

Good morning.  Would you believe?  I had quite a bit of this post typed, and whoosh!!  All gone!!  I don't know what button my hand probably touched up against, but it's really not very funny.  You know, I've had this laptop for a few years, and there are still a few keys on it that I have no clue what they are for. 

I'm not so good with change or new things that I'm not sure about.  Over the years, I've lost too many things that I could not replace because of computer crashes.  So if I don't know what something does, I don't touch it.  At least, I try not to touch it. 

Sometimes my hand will inadvertently touch something on the keyboard and all my work just vanishes into thin air.  Poof!!  There must be an invisible magician living beneath the keyboard, and   every now and then he does one of his magic tricks just to keep me in line.

Most of yesterday's snow is gone, and hopefully the warmer temps today and tomorrow will melt the rest of it.  I'm hoping to be able to start working in the yard and the garden by the middle of April.  A couple days ago, I ordered a couple veggie patches.  These are for planting my tomatoes and maybe a squash or cucumbers.   Here's a picture of a veggie patch.

I also ordered two plant towers.  These are going to look really nice with colorful flowers planted on them.  Well, at least that's the plan.  My green thumb left me years ago, but I keep trying to grow pretty plants.

SIL Eddie just called to say that he will be going to Home Depot soon to pick up the new cabinet for the upstairs bathroom.  Yeaaah!  After that we can put my new storage cabinet together and maybe put down new tiles in my bathroom.  I also have some new curtains to put up in the living room.  While we're hanging the new curtains, maybe we'll put new batteries in the wall clock.  It will be nice to look up and see the correct time.  Oh my, so much to do!

Well that's about all my news for this morning.  It's time to open the door so that Pogo can see what's happening outside.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs,  Edna B.

What A Difference A Day Makes!!

March 21, 2016

Good morning.  My goodness what a difference a day makes!!  Yesterday we had lots of sunshine, and today everything is covered with snow.  Around 10:30 last evening the snow started coming down, and it's still coming down.  One weather forecaster says that it will stop by noon.  We'll see. 

We're supposed to end up with somewhere between four and eight inches of snow before it's over.  At the moment, we have at least four inches.  I was going to go outside to take photos of my flowers, but the snow is too deep for my flip flops.  Instead, I took a few photos through the kitchen window.

These first two photos were taken yesterday afternoon.  As you can see, this first bud is becoming bright yellow.

These next two photos were taken a little while ago through the kitchen window.   The first photo is that tallest plant with the bright yellow bud.  The second shot is of some tulips. 

Thank goodness we haven't cleared away all the leaves and debris yet.  It will help to keep a lot of the smaller plants from freezing.  (At least I hope so)  There are lots of lilies and iris plants that have come up, and I'm hoping that they will be alright after the snow is gone.  A lot of these plants are already four to six inches tall.

It's 30F degrees right now.  We should be getting up to about 40F degrees this afternoon.  A lot of this snow should start melting then.  Tomorrow will be much warmer, and Wednesday is supposed to hit 61F degrees.  Now that's what I like to see.  Spring sunshine and warmth.

Yesterday I disturbed a few of our dust bunnies before settling down to crochet for a while.  I have about twenty one more rows to go to finish the medium rose afghan.  This is the one I was working on before I went on vacation. 

Mr. Pogo only ate half of his supper last night, and decided to wake me up around 3:15 a.m. this morning because he was hungry.  Unfortunately for him, I pretended not to hear him barking at me.  After a while, he jumped up onto his chair and went to sleep.  I know, bad mommy!  Gosh, today I feel so wicked guilty!!

Today I have no special plans on what to do.  There's plenty to keep me busy.  Before the news that we were expecting all this snow, Pogo and I had planned on going out to do errands today.  Of course, those plans have been changed.  Wednesday is supposed to be really nice so maybe we'll go out then. 

Now I think I'll do a big of blog reading while I finish my coffee.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

HAPPY SPRING!!!

March 20, 2016

Good morning on this sunny morning, and welcome to Spring!!  My absolute favorite season is finally here.  And Old Man Winter is about to do his best to spoil it.  The different weather stations are calling for anywhere from 2 to 8 inches of snow for us starting tonight and not stopping until sometime tomorrow afternoon.  I'm hoping for just a dusting.  (Keep dreaming girlie!)

My daffodils and jonquils are budded and some are almost ready to blossom.  I'm hoping against hope that the snow doesn't kill all the plants.  Here's a photo of just a few of these beautiful little plants.

Friday, Pogo and I went out to do a few errands.  On the way home, I treated us to lunch from McDonalds.  As for the shredding that I wanted to do, well not very much of it got done.  What else is new?  There's an old saying - "The best laid plans of mice and men......."  My mother used to say this.  Now I say it a lot. 

The good news today is that Spring has finally arrived, and pretty soon we'll be able to work in the yard, cleaning up dead leaves and other debris from the winter.  It will be time to put up new garden borders and spruce a few things up with a fresh coat of paint. 

A while ago, I ordered a Mint Julep rose.  Hopefully, that will be arriving in a couple of weeks.  Now I'll have to find a good spot for it in the yard. I also have a few new bulbs that are waiting to be planted.  We just have to get past this last (I hope) snow storm. 

Yesterday, I got an estimate for pruning one of the large pines in my yard.  There are two or three large branches of it hanging over the Japanese Red Maple tree, depriving it of sunlight and space to grow.  Pruning the tree will require using a truck with a bucket lift on it. 

The price was reasonable, so this company will be back in two or three weeks to take care of the tree.  I also learned that my giant pine trees are not pines.  They are Norwegian Spruce.  This explains why they look a bit different from regular pine trees.  Either way, they are truly beautiful.

Today I have a couple more photos taken in Florida.  This first one is Pogo, outside in his stroller getting ready to watch the Disney fireworks display. 

  
And this is one of my favorite shots of the display.  This one has bits of red with gold and white in it.  I tried to get shots of all the beautiful colored bursts, but I was not very successful.  Ah well, there's always next year, and I'll keep on trying.

I'm not making any plans for today.  Whatever chores I can get to will get done.  Maybe I'll even start a new notebook for keeping track of expenses for next year's taxes.  Now that would be a big plus!!

 
Right now I think I'll have a look in the fridge to see what we'll have for breakfast.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous first Day of Spring!

Hugs, Edna B.

Old Man Winter May Still Have A Few Surprises For Us

March 18, 2016

Good morning.  It's a bit cooler today.  Temps are in the mid 40's, and should get up to the mid 50's by this afternoon.  Still quite nice.  However!!!  The Weather Channel says we could be getting snow this weekend.  Oh no!!!  My flowers have lots of buds waiting to bloom.

I'm a bit late this morning because I just did not want to get up.  Mr. Pogo woke me up around 1:30 a.m. wanting the supper that he did not eat earlier.  I'm not sure where he got all these weird eating patterns from.  It must be a hold over from his first six and a half years.  Anyway, by the time I had fed him, it took me a while to get back to sleep.

I did not get to do much of the shredding yesterday, so today I'll try to finish it.  I also need to start making a spot in my little kitchen for the new cabinet.  Last evening, Joe and I picked it up at the store and put it in my car's trunk.  It will have to stay there for a little while until SIL Eddie has time to come over and put it together.

Today I have a couple photos to share.  This first one is my grandson Kevin at Vero Beach, Florida with his baseball teammates.  Kevin is second from the left.  They will be coming home this weekend.

This next photo shows daughter Audrey working at the Taxidermists Convention in North Carolina this past weekend.  She is their secretary/treasurer, and works very hard to make this event a success.  I borrowed the photo from Facebook, so it isn't very sharp.  Audrey is on the woman on the left.

Daughter Deanne started her new job this week, teaching special needs children.  It's not the easiest job, but she has a special gift for working with these children and they adore her.  I guess it's easy to see why I'm so proud of my family.

Well, the morning is ticking away and I need to get a few things done around here.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.  I'll see you in the Spring!!

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy St. Patty's Day

March 17, 2016

Good morning.  It's cloudy right now with temps in the mid 40's.  Later it will warm up to 60F degrees with possible rain showers.  After tomorrow though, the cooler temps will be back with more rain and possible some snow.  This will last through next Tuesday.  Hmmm, I hope this doesn't hurt the flowers that are coming up in my little gardens.

Two hundred years ago today on March 12, 1737, Boston became the first U.S. city to celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, when colonists of Irish descent market the event with a modest parade.  (according to legend at abouteducation.com)  This is the nation's longest running public parade.

***A Bit Of History

On this day in 1776, British forces were forced to evacuate Boston following General George Washington's successful placement of fortifications and cannons on Dorchester Heights, which overlooks the city from the south.

On this day in 1863, Union cavalry attack Confederate cavalry at Kelly's Ford, Virginia.  Although the Yankees were pushed back and failed to take any ground, the engagement proved that the Federal troopers could hold their own against their Rebel counterparts.

Also on this day, in 1905, future president Franklin Delano Roosevelt wed his fifth cousin once removed, Eleanor Roosevelt in New York.
***

This morning I will call Walmart to let them know I will be coming in this afternoon to pick up the cabinet that I ordered.  This way, they should have it ready for me.  SIL Eddie says that he will come by soon and assemble the cabinet for me.  Yeaaah.  This is going to give me so much more space for putting things away and out of sight.

I'm watching one of the shopping channels on TV, and they are showing the cutest cookie jars.  One is a large Easter bunny, and the other is a watering can filled with flowers.  They come shipped with a pound of Pecan Meltaway Cookies.  If my kitchen were bigger, I might be tempted to get one.  Alas, I have no room for anything more in my tiny little kitchen.

As promised, I have another quick page for you today.  This one features Toto, a delightful young man who is offering to share his pot of gold with Mr. Blue Jay.  Have fun with it.

Here is your download link:
Expired

I borrowed an adorable image that I found on the web.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a chance to spend an hour or two with our beloved pets who have passed over the Rainbow Bridge?  Hmmm, just to know that their souls moved on to a happy place?

Well now it is time for me to get busy here.  I think the first thing I'll do is to attack the bag of stuff waiting to be shredded.  This should keep me busy till lunch time.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Lots To Do Today

March 16, 2016

Good morning.  Today is cloudy, but warmer than yesterday.  Temps will get back up into the 50's today and the rain has stopped.  I'll be able to clean out the bird feeder and re-fill it with dry seed.  This will make my little birdies happy.  I'll put out some new peanut butter treats too, and some peanuts for the squirrels.

I've been up a while, but I had a few things to do before sitting down at my laptop.  My front door is open so that I can see when the fuel delivery truck gets here, and my favorite little guy is curled up next to me.  It's a good morning indeed.

You know, I never watch the voting news programs on TV that show us how many votes each contestant got in the different states.  But last night I did.  Mostly I watched to see how Missouri was doing.  Goodness, what a nail biter!!!  In the wee hours of the morning, the officials in that state decided to call it a night and stop counting.  At this point, both parties had virtual ties.  They would be getting back to the counting this morning.  It will be interesting to see how it turns out. 

This morning I got a lovely surprise in my email box.  My friend Beth has made a beautiful scrap layout using yesterday's quick page.  As you can see, she used a QP within a QP.  I love it Beth.  Thank you so much.

I did not get rid of very many dust bunnies yesterday, so I'll have another go at it today.  There's a mountain of catalogues and magazines to go through again, and another bag full of things needing to be shredded.  It looks like a very busy day coming up.

Yesterday, I ordered a new tall storage cabinet for my little kitchen.  It's ready for pickup and I'm hoping that the box will fit in my car.  I'll see if Joe will go with me later or tomorrow to pick it up.  My hands are busy coping with arthritis so I won't be able to do much lifting or carrying anything heavy. 

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day.  Oh wow, I'll have to make another QP for that too.  Hmmm, I'm going to very busy today right up until bedtime.  I think DIL Janet might be coming by after work today too.  I haven't a clue what we'll have for supper.  Yup, very busy.

Ah well, I do have another QP for you for today.  My little friend, Zlata, is down in the dumps about something, and her animal friends are trying to figure out how to cheer her up.

Here's your download link:
Expired

Now I think it's time for me to get busy.  Today is one of those "so much to do, so little time" days.  It's a good thing I'm retired.  (I have a lot more time to do a lot less!)  haha.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Do You Think Our Votes Really Count?

March 15, 2016

Good morning.  This morning the temps are in the 40's and it is cloudy and wet outside.  The forecast for today is rain.  There are a lot of buds on green stems in my little gardens, so I'm sure they will welcome a bit of water.

Today I want to talk about the violence that is following the GOP debates and the Trump rallies.  I am so tired of hearing the media place the blame on Trump's followers.  The real blame goes to the news media for the outrageous way they have been trying to shove their opinions down our throats and take away our right to choose a candidate for ourselves. 

The rest of the Republican party also shares the blame.  I am ashamed of the way elected government officials have been trying to tell us who we can and cannot vote for.  They want what they want, and they do not want us to have a choice in the selection of eligible candidates. 

The news media should be ashamed of the way they have been reporting and misconstruing many events, which has actually encouraged violence.  They are not supposed to be biased, but they are.  They are supposed to report the news, not invent the news and smother us with their biases.  It's time the news media started sticking to reporting what is really being said and done.

Regardless of which candidate you are voting for, you and I are supposed to have the right to be able to listen to the candidates and make our own decisions.  Myself, I would like to see all the name calling and bashing being stopped.  I would like to be able to listen to the different candidates' views on important issues. 

On the other hand, there has been some chatter on different news programs or talk shows about Ms. Clinton's legal issues and whether or not she will be held responsible for any of the laws she has broken.  These stories, of course, have been quickly shoved under a rug.  WHY? 

If any of the Republican candidates (or even Bernie Sanders) were facing these severe issues, they'd have been banned from running for office.  Other good men, in other presidential races in the past, have been disqualified from running for office for much lesser offenses.

So let me ask, why does the government have such huge rights that they can pick and choose who they want in an office, and we don't really have a say in the matter.  Supposedly, these people in office are elected by us, and are supposed to be seeing that our wants and needs are taken care of.  That means backing us in our choices of candidates.

It's too bad we can't fire them (elected officials) all and start over.  Supposedly we actually can do this, but I doubt if any of us would be allowed to follow through with this right.  Little by little, we are being stripped of all our rights.  I want our right to listen and choose for ourselves given back to us.

Sorry folks, but I just had to get all of this off my chest.  I am totally disgusted with most of the news media and today's government.  Some honesty and fairness would be oh so refreshing.  I've been thinking for a long time that our voting system is useless.  That our votes have no meaning and do not count.  That government officials have already made their choices as to who and what we will have to abide by. 

Yes, I still go to the polls and vote, but do you suppose any of my votes ever counted?   The last two times I went to vote during presidential elections, I was flabbergasted and disgusted at a lot of what I saw happening and being allowed at the polls.  This only reassured my thoughts on whether or not my vote was important enough for me to go to the polls and vote.

Yes, I will go again to the polls this year.  I was taught that voting was a right and a privilege.  It would be nice though to be able to think that my vote is needed.

Okay!!  Nuff said!!  For being so polite by letting me vent, I have a freebie for you.  Later today, I'll be working on another one, hopefully for tomorrow's post.  Today's QP is very "Springy" and happy.

Here is your download link:
Expired

I also have a couple more photos of the hot air balloons that we saw in Florida.  It was awesome to be able to sit on our porch and enjoy a cup of coffee while we watched these magnificent balloons go by in the sky overhead. 

Today, I must call the fuel company to order a delivery for tomorrow.  I also have to be on the alert for a package being delivered.  Yesterday, I spoke with my SIL Eddie about doing some renovation work on our upstairs bathroom.  So, some time soon he will be coming by to put in a new vanity and whatever else the room needs. 

Maybe I'll have him do my bathroom floor too.  I've had the new tiles for quite a while.  It just hasn't been a priority.  I also need to go to the bank this week.  I'm thinking of changing an account to another bank.  I'm not happy with the service at the current bank this account is at. 

Maybe later I will put a few more rows on the Honeydew green afghan.  It only needs about seven more rows to be finished.  My hands have been giving me a bit of grief so I've not been rushing to finish this project. 

Well that's about it for today.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Very Busy Day Today

March 14, 2016

Good afternoon.  Gosh I'm very late today with my posting.  It's been a hectic morning with lots to do and not enough time.   There was a mountain of mail waiting for me when I got home.  Lots and lots of bills wanting to be paid all at once and right away!!

A very important package that I was waiting for never got delivered because no one was here to sign for it when it arrived.  There was an orange slip left asking someone to call for a re-delivery.  No one called.   This morning I called and arranged for the package to be delivered tomorrow.  One down, and tons to go. 

I paid a pile of bills, and left another big pile to pay another day.  My taxes were prepared and sent to me.  OH WOW!  Not a very good surprise for me.  I thought I was in pretty good shape and all set here, but oh no.   The taxes were much higher, and I have to pay more.  It's a good thing all of this came in after I left for Florida.  As long as I did not know about it, I was able to have a good time on vacation.

Enough already of the gloomy stuff.  Pogo woke me up a little after 5 a.m. this morning wanting his breakfast.  His tummy must have been grumbling because he kept barking at me until I got up and cooked him some hamburger.   I figured as long as I was up I may as well have something to eat too so I had me a bowl of pineapple chunks.  Mmmm, very tasty!

We went back to bed after eating, and I got to sleep until 10 a.m.  I would have liked to keep right on sleeping but there was this huge stack of mail needing my attention.  Ah well, time to start my day.  After tending to the bills and making some phone calls, I decided to take a break and make some lunch and visit here on my blog for a while. 

I tried uploading a quick page to MediaFire so that I could post it here but alas, MediaFire was down making some repairs.  Sorry about that.  Hopefully, I'll be able to upload later.

Yesterday, I managed to do a load of laundry (all the clothes in my suitcase) and put everything away.  I was busy most of the day, but I can't really think what it was that I was so busy with.  Hmmm, I think my brains have gone back to Florida without me.

Today I have more photos from Florida.  This first one is a cute little squirrel who was sitting on a fence enjoying some tasty treats that he had found.

This next photo is one of the hedges planted on the grounds at our timeshare.  A lot of these bushes have little flowers and this one had the prettiest rosy red berries.

Here is one of the many palm trees growing everywhere.  I thought the trunk had quite an interesting texture so I took a close up photo of it.  It sort of looks like old weathered barn wood.

 Well, I still have a lot of the mail to go through, and it's time for me to get back to work here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Home At Last

March 13, 2016

Good morning.  Pogo and I are back home now  Oh my such a day we had yesterday.  It started off pretty good.  Our driver from the rental car company came to pick us up and got us to the airport on time.  We made it to our gate just fine to wait for our plane.

That's when the fun started.  After waiting for quite a while, I finally asked if they had changed the gate for our departure, or what.  I was then informed that my flight was delayed for approximately four hours.  Hmmm, I wonder why they did not send me an email earlier to inform me. 

I felt so bad for Pogo because it was going to be an extra long day for him with no chance to go potty.  I did take him to the ladies room and put down a pee pad in the handicap stall, but it was so noisy that he could not do anything. 

Of course, on the plus side, he charmed all the passengers waiting for planes, and those arriving on incoming flights at our gate.  He even had airport employees and flight attendants coming by to see the "adorable little dog at Gate 3."

Eventually, three hours later, we were able to board our plane and take off for Boston.  During the flight, Pogo lays down in his little carrier and takes a nap.  As soon as we got to Boston, I took Pogo out of his carrier (I only put him in it while we are on the plane), and he began charming everyone around us again.  During the whole trip, everyone commented on how well behaved my little Pogo was.  Of course, I beamed like any proud mama.

Deanne, Eddie and Jazzy came to pick us up.  Boy oh boy, was Pogo ever so glad to see his absolute favorite person (besides me).  He couldn't wait for Auntie Dee to pick him up and give him cuddles.  When we got to our house, the first thing Pogo did was to make a dash for a patch of grass.  Oooooh, that really felt good!!!

Today, I have a lot of unpacking to do.  For some reason, I cannot get my emails to come in, so I will have to spend a while trying to figure that out.   My computer guru, Wayne, has retired, so I am at a total loss when it comes to fixing things on my laptop. 

All my clocks are showing different times.  The one on the cable box is the only one with the correct time.  The kitchen clock only needs to be reset (I can change this one), but the batteries in the living room clock are struggling to stay alive, and I have no idea which time zone this clock is running on.  I cannot reach it, so I'll just ignore it until the next time SIL Eddie comes by.

Pogo has been missing his turkey treats this whole past week.  He will only take them from Joe, so this morning he went dashing out to the main house to find Joe.  Now that he has had his treats, Pogo is napping happily on his chair.

I have some photos to share this morning.  Here's a photo of Pogo resting on the sofa in Florida as he waits for me to finish typing a blog post.

 

And this is how I would start my morning - a cup of coffee, check the emails (if possible) and post on blog.  After that, my time was Pogo's.

There weren't as many beautiful blooms around this year because everything had been heavily pruned.  However, this one beautiful bush was even prettier this year than last year.  I don't know what it is called, but it is a show stopper.  This photo only shows one of the two gorgeous bushes.

Well, that's my news for this morning.  I have lots to do now.  My suitcase is sitting on the living room floor just waiting for me to unpack it.  Oh joy, oh joy.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDDIE

March 12, 2016

Good morning.  Alas, this is our last morning here in beautiful Florida.  After lunch today, Pogo and I will be picked up and taken to the airport.  Next stop, Boston, Massachusetts.  Deanne and Eddie will be waiting at the airport to pick us up and take us home. 

By the way, today is SIL Eddie's birthday.  I had ordered a birthday present for him before I left to come down here, and hopefully it has arrived.  Eddie, I hope your day is fun and filled with happiness.  Happy Birthday Eddie.

Yesterday I was busy packing things away in our suitcase.  It's a good thing I was able to send things home in Joe's carry on because now there is room in my suitcase for the afghan that I've been working on.   I only have thirteen more rows to go and it will be finished.  Woo Hoo!

Today I have some photos of trees to share.  This first photo is a set of young palm trees whose roots have wrapped around a larger palm tree, and two of the smaller trees are growing from the trunk of the larger tree.   I've made a close up to show the tangling of the roots.

There is another fascinating tree not far from our unit.  This one looks as if several young saplings were twisted together before being planted.  I don't know what kind of tree this is, but it is rather interesting.  Again, I've made a close up to show how the trunks are intertwined.

Today Pogo and I will mostly relax (what else is new?) and make sure we are leaving everything clean and tidy.  In a little while, we will take the trash down to the dumpster.  I'll take my camera with us.  Who knows?  Maybe we'll run into a fascinating bird or something!!  Hmmm, not likely.

Last night, there were quite a lot of folks outside with us as we watched the fireworks display.  The land on the other side of us is being developed, so we probably won't be able to see any fireworks next year.  That makes this year's showing a special treat. 

Well now I think I should wash our breakfast dishes and then get rid of the trash.  Then we'll sit out on the porch for one last time.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Enjoying Our Last Full Day Here

March 11, 2016

Good morning.  I'm sorry I could not post yesterday, but the internet here went out Wednesday afternoon, and was not repaired until last evening.  I was not the happiest little camper around here.  So I rested a lot and crocheted.. I only have twenty five more rows to go for the afghan to be finished. 

Wednesday Pogo and I went to the flea market to do a bit of browsing and shopping.  On the way home, we stopped at a Walgreen's to get bread and ice cream.  Next we stopped at the gas station to fill up the gas tank on our rental car.  Then we headed back to our condo to have lunch. 

It was when I decided to check my emails that I discovered that the internet was out.  I get a lot of emails so if I don't check them every day, they get out of hand.  Oh boy, I would have a lot of work to do when the internet was working again.

Daughter Deanne called me yesterday to let me know that my grandson Kevin was on a plane to Orlando with his college baseball team.  When they get here, they will travel another hour and a half by bus to their destination.  Kevin is not feeling very well, and the heat here will raise havoc with his breathing.  However, even if he were all tied up in casts, he would be out on the field playing with his team.  I hope he starts to feel better because they have several baseball games scheduled.  Good luck Kevin.  My prayers are with you.

Today I have some photos of one of the hot air balloons that we were watching one  morning last week.  I love this little camera and its 50x zoom. 

As I sit here typing, Pogo is curled up on the chair next to me having a nap.  He has finished his breakfast, checked out all the children and adults walking by on their way to the pool, and now it is time for a little rest. 

Today is our last full day here.  Tonight I will pack our suitcase, and then tomorrow after breakfast, I'll check once more to make sure we haven't forgotten anything.  I'd really like to put my little screened porch in my suitcase, but alas it can't be done. 

Tomorrow afternoon, the fellow from the car rental company will come by to pick us up and take us back to the airport.  We only have one more night to watch the fireworks display.  Did I mention that they are from Disney World?  Our property backs up to Disney, so we get to see all the fireworks that make it up over the tops of the trees.

Well that's about all my news for now.  I'll post again in the morning.  So, till then, Y'all have a splendid day.

Hugs, Edna B.