Happy Birthday Mac!

February 26, 2017

Good morning.  It's not even five a.m., but I feel as though I've been up for hours.  I fell asleep early last evening, so naturally I woke up in the wee hours.  However, I've been using this quiet time to get a few things done. 

I've caught up on my blog reading, and sorted through a pile of junk mail.  Soon, I'll put together a load of laundry, make breakfast and put a few more things in our suitcase.  Golly, it seems there's so much still to do and so little time left to do it in.  Ah well, if it doesn't get done, too bad Harry!

I'll bet you haven't heard that saying in a while!  I remember hearing it (too bad, Harry) a lot when I was a kid growing up.  It's amazing how some words and phrases go by the wayside as the years go by, and new words and phrases come into play.  I guess that's called progress.

Today is crunch time.  It's my last chance to pack and re-pack the suitcase.  You know I'm going to forget something, but hopefully it won't be anything very important.  SIL Eddie will be here early tomorrow morning to pick us up and take us to the airport.  I'll look like I'm travelling with an entourage with all my stuff.  But really, I'm only packing one suitcase.  However, I do have Pogo's carrycase, Pogo's stroller and my tote bag (which also acts as my purse).  Oh, and of course, Pogo.

While Pogo and I were outside yesterday, I took some photos of all the little green plants that are pushing up through the ground and the dead leaves.  They look so hopeful, but I'm hoping that they don't get hurt by the cold weather still to come.  Doesn't this make you feel like Spring is right around the corner?

I seem to be very forgetful lately.  So before my mind leaves me again, let me wish my SIL Mac (Audrey's hubby) a very happy birthday.  Today he celebrates the Big Five O!  Hmmm, I wonder how it would feel to be that young again?  Only for a short while, of course.  Mac, I hope your special day is just awesome!  Happy Birthday!

Last evening, I finished the Aran hat and scarf set.  Well, all I had left to do was to cut and put on the fringe.   Here's a photo of the finished set.

 
I haven't decided which color I'll work on next, but as soon as I choose one, I'll pop the yarn into my suitcase.  Gotta keep these hands working!  Seriously, with a little help from Advil,  it really does keep my hands in working order. 

Well, now I think I'll make a fresh cup of coffee, and start crossing things off my "Don't Forget" list.  Amazing, every time I cross an item off the list, I seem to add another one to it.  Folks, I won't be able to blog tomorrow morning unless I get up in the wee hours again.   But I will be back again on Tuesday.  God willing.  So till then, Y'all have fantabulous days. 

Hugs, Edna B.

So Much To Do, So Little Time!

February 24, 2017

Good morning.  Ah, tis another gorgeous day here in my little part of New England.  The sun is shining and temps will be in the low sixties today.  This is my idea of a perfect February day.  I'm sure that Mother Nature will come along soon and kick me in the patootie with a wake up call.  But for now, I'm enjoying this splendid weather. 

I won't gab your ear off today because there is so much to do in so little time.  Any unfinished errands must be done today or not at all.  I cancelled our afternoon appointment at the shooting range (to be rescheduled later) in lieu of a nice sit-down visit with daughter Deanne.  This will give us a chance to move some of the photos on her cell phone over to a thumb drive. 

Yesterday was another of those days where I just couldn't get out of my own way.  For some reason, I was tired and not up to accomplishing much of anything.  Today I feel much perkier.  Last night, I did finish the "Aran" scarf and start on the matching hat.  I want to finish this set before I leave.

Instead of making another quick page for this week, I decided to re-post an old kit that might be nice for Spring photos.  This one is called "Spring Sunshine."

Here are your download links:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/teowdvxq1v0e7av/EB_-_Spring_Sunshine_1A.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/file/pw7p3wpn66r6279/EB_-_Spring_Sunshine_1B.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/file/nof6dc7il4s6g26/EB_-_Spring_Sunshine_1C.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/file/qqwnyz7x1oqv86a/EB_-_Spring_Sunshine_2A.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/file/gh6v1jc6y0sjgl8/EB_-_Spring_Sunshine_2B.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/file/chfdfkomff5b9h5/EB_-_Spring_Sunshine_2C.zip

Now I have a couple phone calls to make before getting dressed to go out.  I also have to package up the doggie booties that I bought for Pogo and return them because I can't get them on Pogo's feet.    Next I have to put a belated (it will be belated by the time it gets to him) birthday card in the mail.

Well, that's my news for today.  Now I'm off to get things done.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Just Twenty Four Days Till Spring!

February 23, 2017

Good morning.  Wowsie!  Today is going to be even more gorgeous than yesterday.  The weatherman says we should hit 60F degrees today.  Oh, be still my little heart!!  I just know that Spring is right around the corner. 

I've been noticing for a while now, that little by little the days are getting longer.  This is definitely a sign that Spring is on her way.  After Pogo and I get back from our vacation, it will be time to uncover the porch screens and to plant some seeds in little grow pots.  I'll get the green house set up too.  I'm getting excited now.

Yesterday, I dropped Pogo off with the groomer, and then went shopping at one of the dollar stores.  I wanted to pick up a couple word puzzle books and a couple other small things.  My breathing wasn't great so I was walking slow and taking my time.  When I finished there, I stopped by the Post Office to buy some stamps, and then went to pick up Pogo.  I never did make it to the pet supply store.  So, maybe we'll try to do that today.

My little guy is looking rather dapper today.  I tried to take photos of him when we got home yesterday, but he was not having anything to do with it.  This is the best photo I was able to get of Pogo.  He wouldn't pick his head all the way up and I had to be really quick to get any photo at all.  He can be very stubborn when he wants to.

One of our cats, Blackie, is the same way around the camera.  I tried taking photos of him too, but he just wouldn't look up at me.  This was the best one I got of him.

DIL Janet could not come by last evening because she was home sick in bed.  I missed our evening of fun and conversation, but I appreciate that she did not want to possibly make me sick too.  Gosh, that's the last thing I would need right about now. 

Today, I need to call our Florida resort and let them know that daughter Audrey will be arriving ahead of me, and that an oxygen concentrator will be dropped off at the office for me.  Then I will need to call the woman who arranged for my rental car to make sure that everything is all set. 

Now I think I should get dressed and do a few things around here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Pogo Gets All Spiffied Up For Our Trip

February 22, 2017

Good morning.  Today's temps are rather nice.  Mid forties this morning and low fifties this afternoon.  The sun is shining with intermittent clouds.  Not too hard to take!  I know it can't last forever, but I'm enjoying it while we have it.

This afternoon, Pogo has an appointment at the beauty salon.  My little lion king will lose his shaggy mane for a much sleeker look.   Here's his lion king look.

And here's his sleeker look.  This photo was taken a few years ago while we were in Florida.  His Auntie Audrey is holding him.

The last time we visited the Pet Supply store, we picked up a few new shirts for Pogo.  However, they don't fit and will have to be returned.  It's hard to buy him clothes without trying them on in the store.  No two manufacturers use the same sizing guide for making the clothes. 

They do however, all use the same size chart.  So a size small is never the same size as a size small in another brand.  Mediums are all different sizes too.  Considering how many folks buy these items, one would think that a uniform sizing guide would be mandated.

Maybe I'll return the shirts while Pogo is being groomed.  While I'm there, I can pick up a few more small cans of doggie food.  I like to keep a small supply on hand in case I can't get out.  Maybe I'll take one of Pogo's old shirts with me to measure a new shirt to.  Hmmm, it's a thought.

Now it's time for me to do a few things around here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Wonders Of Modern Technology

February 21, 2017

Good morning.  Tis sunny with the temperature at 38F degrees.  Today will climb to the mid 40's.  For ten days in a row, our temps are supposed to be between 42 and 62 degrees.  I can definitely handle this!!  Only six more days, and Pogo and I will be in warm, sunny Florida.  Yes, yes, yes!!

It seems like I'm keeping busy these days, yet I don't seem to be accomplishing all that much.  I wonder, do all retirees find this to be true?  The tiniest of projects seems to take up most of my time.  I mean, this new phone is wonderful (I guess), but it does not come with a manual to tell you what is what and how it works.

It only took me about two hours and finally some help from my daughter Deanne to figure out how to save some photos that she had sent to me from her phone.  She even had to help me figure out how to answer my phone when it rang.  First, I had to make sure the sound was on, and up high enough for me to hear.  Next, it took a while to figure out how to find the speaker. 

Every little icon is a whole new adventure.  Do you know what is sad?  Any child could probably pick up this phone and figure it all out in just a very short time.  Don't misunderstand me.  I'm not saying that my mind has gotten feeble with old age.  I guess I'm saying that as we age, our brains  are not adjusting as quickly to these new age technological wonders.

I suppose I could always go to Walmart and buy myself a Trac Phone.  No fuss, no muss.  Just poke some buttons, make a call.  Poke another button, end the call.  Obviously, this would be easier, but then I would not have all these brain teasing hours of adventures.

Today, I'm waiting for the mailman to bring me a package.  I ordered a set of lenses to use with my new phone, and I'm anxious to try them out.  So far, this phone seems to take nice photos, but the new lenses are supposed to make the photos even better.  We'll see.

Right now, Pogo is busy at the door, barking at the big blue trucks out front, as they pick up the trash.  He takes his job as my protector very seriously.  Today he will get an extra treat.  First the mail man will be coming by.  Pogo loves to bark at our mailman.  After that, we'll be getting a fuel oil delivery.  Pogo also loves to bark ferociously at the driver of the oil truck. 

Today I'll share a couple more of those wonderful pictures that my friend sent to me recently.  Do you think you'd like to have a turn on this swing? 

 

Well, now I must get busy and wash our breakfast dishes, and maybe even push around a few dust bunnies.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have an awesome day!

 

Hugs, Edna B.

Wow, Perfect Timing!

February 20, 2017

Good morning.  Well, the sun is shining and temps are in the high 30's.  We should see it warm up to around 41 or 42 degrees.  It's definitely a "keeper" winter day.  Most of the snow has melted.  It's only all around the edges of the yard now, at least in the driveway. 

I realize that when I say "driveway" most folks think of an area big enough to park one or two cars.  So, one day last week, I took a few photos and sewed them all together to see if I could give you an idea of the size of our driveway.  This photo shows most of the driveway.  I took it while standing on the porch by the main entrance to the house..

A couple nights ago, I finished the Gold hat and scarf set.  Now I'm working on an "Aran" set.  This color is an off white.  I think I'll toss a couple skeins of yarn into my suitcase to make a couple new sets while I'm in Florida.  Here's a photo of the Gold set

I also want to pack some beads and a few supplies so that us "girls" can make something pretty while we're there.  Daughter Audrey and Miss Beth (from Texas) will be joining Pogo and me in Florida.  If I have enough supplies, this is one pretty set that we can maybe work on.

Or maybe a bracelet.  These are fun and easy to make.   This bracelet was made for a super patriotic, sports loving daughter. 

Well, yesterday I had planned on dragging out the suitcase and getting started on packing it.  I did not.  haha.  But I did set up a box to put things in that I want to put in the suitcase.  These are the little things that I would probably forget to take with me.  I pretty much know which clothes I will pack.  I'm taking a couple cans of doggie food for Pogo to tide him over until we can get to the pet supply store to buy him more food. 

Now, for that strange title to this post.  Last night, I was talking to my daughter Deanne (on the phone) and she was telling me how Eddie's cell phone died.  It just stopped working!  So today, he was going to be going shopping to buy himself a new phone.  (they did not know about my new phone yet)  Talk about perfect timing!!   I told her that if he wanted it, Eddie could have my old phone.  In our family, we recycle and share. 

So, last night, I proceeded to erase a lot of personal items from that phone.  Things like messages, phone calls from two years, and contacts.  So now, the phone should be almost like new.  Eddie will be coming by sometime today to pick it up. 

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh, What A Beautiful Day!!

February 19, 2017

Good morning.  Tis sunny and 42F degrees.  Yes, yes, yes!!   Now this is what I call a perfect winter day!  It's supposed to get up to about 51 degrees later today.  And bless my soul, all the nasty ice in the driveway is melting away.  Oh, be still my heart!

I just looked up the ten day weather forecast for our area, and if the predictions are correct, The weather will hold out so that Pogo and I can get on that plane to Florida next week.  Oh gosh, it's only a week away.  So much to do!  So little time!

Well, let me say that yesterday was not only a productive day, but it was an expensive day.  Pogo and I went to the bank, then headed to the Pet Supply store to buy a bag of doggie food.  (a couple different flavors)  Then we went to Best Buy to find out how to get a program to keep viruses out of my phone. 

That did not turn out so good, but we did meet some new folks, and get sweet talked into upgrading my cell phone.  In all honesty, it wasn't so very hard to talk me into a new phone.  I ended up buying the Samsung Galaxy S7.  We were there for hours because I had the sales agent transfer everything from my old phone to my new phone. 

Finally though, the battery on the new phone ran down (they are not fully charged)  and there was still one whole section in my old phone to be transferred.  So I had the agent write out the directions on paper so that I could hopefully do it by myself when I got home.  First, I had to charge the new phone's battery, then I successfully transferred the rest of the data by myself. 

I did learn one very important lesson yesterday.  It does no good to have your only list of passwords safely tucked away in your laptop.  It never fails, when you least expect it, you are going to need to know those passwords, and you won't be able to remember them.  I guess I'll have to print out a list on paper and keep it in my wallet.. 

I dug into my archives to find some of my favorite fun photos of one of our squirrels. I took these a few years ago.  These squirrels may be pesky, but they are still adorable and fun to watch.

Well, I think I should get busy here and bring out my suitcase so that I can practice packing in everything that I'll need and want to take with us.  (and stay within the weight limits)  Before I go, I do have a quick page for you.  I hope you love nature.

Here's your download link:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/vnl2n0ms2cqr30z/EB_-_QP_2017_-_09.zip

Now I'm off to start another happy, busy day.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have an awesome day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Call Me "Side-Tracked" Sally

February 17, 2017

Good morning.  It's cold, but the sun is shining.  There's still snow everywhere, so we really could use a couple of warm days to melt a lot of it.  I suppose when Summer gets here, I'll be wanting a few cooler days.  I remember that as a child, I loved the cold and snow of Winter and the heat of Summer.  Time and age have changed how I feel about the different weather seasons. 

Today's post is taking me quite a while to type because I keep getting side-tracked.  First, the mailman came by and I went out to get the mail.  Once I got settled again at my laptop, one of my little birdies came to sit on my porch gate to let me know that he and his friends were hungry.  So, I put together some food for them and took it outside. 

I have to apologize to you for not having a quick page this week.  I was too busy earlier to work in Photoshop, but when I did sit down to make a page, it disappeared when it was almost finished.  I don't know what happened to it.  I could understand if I had made it in Google (which you can't) but I was working in Photoshop.  Ah well, I promise to make you two quick pages for next week to make up for it.  Thank you for your patience.

Yesterday, I was really busy all day, but I haven't exactly figured out yet what it was that kept me so busy.  I did pay some bills, but I forgot to put them out for the mailman.  I did take Pogo outside for his potty run (after Joe got home from work and shoveled us a path).  But past that, I can't think of a darn thing that I did.  Ah well, it's not important.

I have to share a really funny photo that I borrowed from the web.  I like to call this "persistent optimism."

One of these days, I need to take my phone to Best Buy and see about buying a new program for getting rid of viruses.  Lately, I 've been getting messages on my phone telling me that it is infected and I need to click on a button and fix it "right now."  Of course, being wary of messages from unkowns, I do not click on the button.  Instead, I shut my phone off.    Maybe I can do this while Pogo is at the beauty salon next week. 

I keep all my photos (on my phone) on a media card, at least I try to.  But I think it's time to back them all up on my computer again.  One can't be too careful.  I've known too many folks who have lost all their photos because they were not backed up.

Lately I don't get out often, especially to take photos, but when it rains I can go outside and get photos of raindrops on the bush next to my door.  I took these photos a few days ago.  In the first photo, the raindrops are beginning to freeze.  But all the drops have beautiful patterns or reflections.

I was hoping to get out to the bank today, but I'm not sure if I will.  Tomorrow is supposed to be a much warmer day, so maybe I'll go then.  Right now, there's still too much ice on the ground in my driveway.  I'll put out a bit of ice melt and see how much ice it gets rid of.

For now, it's time to make some lunch.  Pogo is being very patient waiting for his food, but now he's giving me his best "starved" look, as he sits by the refrigerator.  Gosh, he knows just how to push my buttons!!  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous week.

Hugs, Edna B.

Are You Kidding? More Snow?

February 16, 2017

Good morning.  Well, such a surprise I got last night.  I did not bother to watch the weather forecast, so when the big snowflakes started falling last night, I was not expecting any more snow.  This morning, everything is covered with several inches of snow.  (Winter storm "Pluto".)  The weather man says that we can expect a few more inches of snow sometime today.  Gosh almighty, I can hardly wait!!

DIL Janet came by last evening after work, and brought me some awesome notebooks.  She says she has more that she'll bring by next week.  Wowee!  A way to my heart is paper.  I love paper.  Don't ask me why.  It probably has something to do with a past life of mine.  Many eons ago, paper used to be legal tender (money).  Unfortunately, my new paper is white.  (not green)  But I will still enjoy it.

About the only interesting stuff happening yesterday was what the mailman brought.  I had ordered a case of doggie food for Pogo and that arrived.  He also brought a package of tiny boots that I had ordered.  These tiny boots are size XXXS.  You would think that they would fit Pogo's little feet.  Well, so far, I can't even get them on him. 

The soles of the boots are a bit stiff and the leg opening is a bit tight.  I'm afraid of breaking his little legs trying to stuff his feet into the boots.  I will try again today.  If they don't fit easily, I'll send them back.  As you can see here, Pogo isn't one bit interested in these new boots.  Not one bit!!

Today, I want to finish up the tax stuff that I did not do yesterday.  Then I may even attempt to pack my suitcase a bit early to make sure it is not going to be over stuffed or too heavy.  If it is, I will need to pack a small box and mail it to myself at the Florida condo. 

I also need to go online to see if there is a pet store near our condo (in Florida) that sells the doggie food that Pogo eats.  I may have to pack a can or two in my suitcase to hold us over until I can buy more there, or Pogo may have to eat hamburgers again. 

A friend sent me some really interesting pictures, and I'll share a few here with you.  I think the "glow in the dark" trees could be rather useful.

Well, now I think I need to get busy here before I get side-tracked.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Feeling A Bit Perkier Today

February 15, 2017

Good morning.  Tis cloudy and cold this morning.  It's just 28F degrees, but it may work up to around 40 degrees later today.  I guess it's a good day to be indoors working on finishing up my  tax stuff.  Yesterday, I did get a lot done, but there's still a bit left to do.  I'm feeling better about it now though.

Later today I'll have to start my "count down" list of things to do before Pogo and I leave for vacation.  There are lists of phone numbers to type, and reminders to not forget to water the plants, feed the birds and check the water in the bird bath.  I also need to make up a box for all my mail to go in. 

By next weekend, I'll be packing my suitcase for real to make sure everything fits.  Hopefully, all the bills coming due will come in before I leave, and I think I'll call the fuel company and have them make a delivery before I leave.  I don't want to have any worries on my mind during my vacation.

Last evening, Deanne, Eddie, Jazzy and Kevin took Janicee out to dinner for her birthday.  They had a great time, and Deanne sent me some photos from her phone that I'll share here.  The first one is the birthday girl, Janicee.  Next is a photo of her and Kevin, and then a photo of all three kids; Janicee, Kevin and Jazzy.  Gosh, I am so very blessed!

Last night, Pogo and I turned in really early.  After supper, I did a couple jig saw puzzles on my laptop, then it was nite nite time.  The downside of going to bed so early is, of course, being wide awake in he middle of the night.  But the stress of dealing with the tax stuff makes me really tired.  I have never figured out what it is about the tax stuff that freaks me out so much.  I just don't like dealing with it at all.  However, once it is all finished, I feel really good.

Yesterday afternoon, I put in a call to my accountant to ask a few questions about which categories to put a few items in, and once I get all my columns added up, I can call him again to make an appointment to bring everything to him.  Woo Hoo!!  I'm actually going to make it!!

Gosh, I sound coo coo, right?  Now there's a word you don't hear very much any more.  I just looked it up on Google, and it has several meanings.  Coo coo means "crazy", or it can mean "cool", or it can be something you can cook and eat.  I thought it only meant crazy.  Hmmm, I learn something new every day. 

Goodness, I almost forgot.  I have to call Pogo's groomer to see if she can fit him in before we leave.  He likes to look spiffy when we go away.  Can you blame him?   Ah well, it's almost breakfast time, so I'll take my leave now and go feed my little guy.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy Birthday Janicee! Happy Valentine's Day!

February 14, 2017

Good morning.  The sun is shining, and it is not snowing.  How about that!!!  Oh yeah, I know we have more coming, but it is so nice to look out and not see the white stuff falling.  That makes two days in a row.  Woo Hoo!!

Today is Valentine's Day.  Here's hoping you all get lots of fun valentines.  Today is also our Janicee's birthday.  She's eighteen today!!  Janicee, Pogo and I wish you a fantabulously Happy Birthday.  May all your dreams come true Sweetie.  We love you.

Well, yesterday was not my funnest day, because I spent several hours working on my tax receipts.  I stopped when Deanne and Eddie got here.  Eddie had picked up parts to fix the upstairs toilet.  Thank goodness, these new parts did the trick.  Thank you Eddie.  All the dwarfs thank you too. 

In between things, I put a load of towels in the washer.  Little by little, I'm getting a few things done.  I still have another stack of receipts to go through so that's my project for today.  It would be so nice if I could at least get all my figures logged onto my work pages.  Then I could call the accountant to make my appointment to go see him with all this stuff. 

Last night, I feel asleep really early, around ten o'clock I think.  Of course, that meant that I'd be awake in the middle of the night and I would not be getting back to sleep.  So, I crocheted a few rows on the gold scarf and did a couple crossword puzzles while watching re-runs of Law & Order, Criminal Intent and CSI till the sun came up.

Last evening, I received a couple photos of two of my great grandchildren.  They show baby Alima reading her new book to her big brother Jack.  Gosh, she is just the cutest!  Randi, thanks so much for the photos.

So, now I think I'd best get to working on those receipts before I get distracted.  Before I go, I have a Valentine for all of you.  Pogo and I wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day.

So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Spring Is Coming! Spring Is Coming! (Feels Good To Say It)

February 13, 2017

Good morning.  Gosh, I must have been tired last evening, because I feel asleep before ten o'clock and slept late this morning.  I must say though, that I feel much better for all that sleep.  Gosh, it snowed off and on all day yesterday and all last night.  Sometime during the wee hours of morning the snow let up here.  Everything is all covered up again.  Aye yi, yi,yi, yi!

Yesterday morning, Joe found an old shovel in the shed and used it and the snow blower to clean up the yard.  If you look outside now, you would never guess the snow had been all cleaned up.  Twice!!  I keep telling myself that Spring will be here in just a few weeks. 

Yesterday, Deanne and Eddie went shopping at Home Depot and picked up two heavy duty snow shovels for me.  These were already put to good use this morning.  Anyone wanting to drive out of here had to shovel a bit first. 

I know I shouldn't complain.  (but that's what a crabby old lady does!)  So many folks across the whole country are trying to deal with really horrible weather conditions.  In some places, two feet or more of snow has fallen.  Other places are dealing with flooding.  In all of this, we still have areas dealing with severe drought.  My heart goes out to all the folks trying to cope with all the severe weather.

For years I've been saying that we need water pipe lines (not more oil pipelines) so that we can pipe all the excess water to areas that are needing it.  Areas with two or more feet of snow could load that snow onto freight trains and ship it to areas needing it for water.  The billions of dollars being spent on oil pipelines would more than pay for all this re-routing of resources.  Think of all the lives and homes and animals that could be saved. 

Guess what tomorrow is folks.  It's a day for lovers.  It's a day to send Valentines to all our friends and loved ones.  Pogo and I got a beautiful Valentine.  It's beautiful Beth.  We love it, thank you so much.

Yesterday afternoon, I did some laundry.  There's more though so I'll have to finish it up today.  After that, I'll be setting some things aside that will be going in my suitcase.  It's getting time to start being ready for D-Day.  The day Pogo and I leave for Florida.  Wow, just two weeks!!

Well, I have a mean stack of receipts sitting here next to me and I really have to buckle down and finish going through them.  Once they are all finished, I'll feel like a heavy weight has been lifted off me.  So, on that happy note, I'll take my leave.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Enough Already!! No More Snow!!

February 12, 2017

Good morning.  Would you believe?  Another snow storm is here!!  This one is named "Orson."  I already don't like him.  It snowed yesterday, dumping another load of snow here, and it started again this morning.  The storm warning is on until Monday night, 8 p.m., and we're expecting probably another foot of snow.  We're also expecting batches of rain in between all this snow.  Yuk!  Yuk!

My last two snow shovels were broken during Friday's snow cleanup.  We are down to just a couple of smaller shovels that will have to do until I can get out to pick up new shovels.  Deanne and Eddie are going to try to get out today and pick me up a couple of new snow shovels. 

These past couple of days though, have been rather depressing.  I did not have to go out, but knowing that I couldn't get out if I had wanted to is not a good feeling.  It leaves one feeling rather helpless.  My car sits right in front of my porch, but I can't make it down the steps and over to my car because of the snow.  Unless someone else cleans the snow off the top of my car, I wouldn't be able to drive it on the roads anyway.  So I guess now you know why I don't love the snow.

Well, I made the phone call to arrange for a rental car for when I'm in Florida, and guess what?  The company I use went out of business.  Well how about that!!  Thankfully, I did have the phone number for the woman who used to make all my rental car arrangements, and she said that she would try to find me a new company. 

My arrangement was that they would pick me up at the airport and take me to my condo, and then pick me up later and take me back to the airport.  Since my hubby passed on, I don't like to be driving alone on the airport road where all the rental car places are situated.  Hence, my pickup and drop off arrangements.

Well, last evening, she called me with my new car arrangement.  Goodness, what a blessing this lady is.  She went over and above what I would have expected from anyone.  Once I get down to Florida, I'll have to send her some flowers. 

Last evening, I finished the hat to match the "Butterfly" scarf.  It's rather pretty, I think. 

I have two more scarves that need a hat but first I have to see if I have enough matching yarn, or if I need to buy more.  In the meanwhile, I've started a really pretty "Gold" scarf.  I photographed the pattern, which I'll post here for you.  Let me know if it is readable.  You can always make it larger once you've downloaded it.

You'll note on Page 04, that I've circled the first "ch 3".  I used a "ch 2 loosely" instead so that the edges would look better.  But, you can do this your preferred way.  The little book that this pattern is in can be found at Walmart.  It's called "Hats & Scarves for the Family" and is published  by Leisure Arts.  It also includes links to video tutorials to show how the patterns and stitches are worked.  Here's a photo of the book cover.

Well, now I think it's time for a nice hot cup of cocoa.  It helps to make the snow look less depressing.  So till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.  Here's hoping you're not snowed in too.  (unless you really want the snow!)

Hugs, Edna B.

p.s.  The snow outside has been cleared up again.  Joe just finished shoveling (with a smaller shovel) and snow blowing it to the sides of the yard.  However, the snow is still falling and it will all be back soon.  Ah, the joys of winter!

Looks Like A Winter Wonderland

February 10, 2017

Good morning.  Oh golly, it's c-c-c-cold!!!  Only 16F degrees!!  Aha!  But the sun is shining.  No, it is not making it feel warmer.  We are buried in  more than a foot of snow.  I went out on my porch to take some photos, but first I had to sweep the snow off the porch.  By then, my hands were frozen!  So I did not take any photos.  Sorry. 

One of the dwarfs, James, is outside shoveling.  So far, he has about half the driveway done.  My car is still buried, but he will get to it as soon as he makes it over to my part of the driveway.  I was going to start the car's engine and let it run for a while to melt some of the snow off it, but the remote starter doesn't seem to want to work.  I'll try it again in a while.

Yesterday was quite the day.  First the snow started late and light, but soon the wind started getting brisker and the snow got heavier.  Pretty soon it looked like a heavy fog outside.  The snow kept piling up, and did not stop here until around nine thirty last evening. 

I had made plans to have a plow come here and clean out the whole driveway, but no one had cleaned off and moved their cars by the time the guy was ready to come here so he decided not to come at all.  Today the snow is a bit more difficult to shovel up because it froze overnight.  For all that this snow might be pretty, it is more a nuisance to me.  It was pretty coming down, and it will be even prettier when it is all gone. 

You know what's even sadder?  There's two or three more days coming up with snow in the forecast.  Oh dear.  Florida sounds like Paradise to me!!!

Last evening I finished the Flamingo hat and took a photo of the whole set before I packed it away with the other sets.  It really is a beautiful color.

Before I put out the light to nod off, I started the next hat.  This one will match the "Butterfly" scarf.  After that, I think there are still two more hats to go before I can start on a new color.  Slowly, I'm getting there. 

Today I have a new quick page for you.  This one features Lola enjoying her box of Valentine chocolates.  Yum! Yum!  Have fun with it.

Here's your download link:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/umlts1bqcmcoq3b/EB_-_QP_2017_-_08.zip

Now I need to wash the breakfast dishes and sit down with another stack of receipts.  Oh joy, oh joy!  So till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Storm Niko Is Here!!

February 9, 2017

Good morning.  My goodness, the white stuff is blowing every which way outside my door.  The snow did not start during the night like the forecast called for.  This morning it started out as a light snowfall, but then WHAMMO!!  The wind picked up and the snow started coming down at a pretty good clip. 

I dug a photo out of my archives to show the weather one year ago on February 5, 2016.  It pretty much looks a lot like today.

It's looking like a white-out outside my door.  You can probably guess that I'm already not very crazy about it.  Two hours ago, my car was light blue.  Now it is totally covered with white.  In a few hours, it will just be a large white lump parked in front of my porch.

The snow flakes that are falling are still quite fine, but I imagine they'll get much bigger in a very short while.  This storm, Niko, is supposed to dump quite a lot of snow here.  We should have more than a foot of it before it is over.  According to the forecast, we have more snow coming in a few days. 

A gust of wind just blew here and it's blowing pine needles from my tall trees all the way over to my car.  (wind gusts are around 40 MPH)

When the weather is nasty like this, we put a lot of bird seed under my car so that all the little birdies don't go hungry.

We have lots of snow plows going up and down the streets now.  Here's one of the smaller ones going by our house.  Pogo is busy working overtime barking at all the commotion. 

Every now and then, the wind gusts and you almost can't see through the white outside.  It looks like we're in a heavy fog.  The weather forecaster says the snow will be getting much heavier in a little while. 

I did not make it out yesterday to do any shopping.  SIL Eddie stopped at the market on his way home from work and picked up milk and water for me.  DIL Janet called me when she got off work to ask what else she could pick up for me on her way here.  While she was at the market, she also picked up Valentine candy for us to munch on.  I have to say, we did an awesome job on the chocolates!!

On to yesterday's news, I was watching a video of the tornado damage in New Orleans.  The newsman was talking out it and pointed to the remnants of what used to be a house.  His words were "as you can see, SOME of the damage was very significant." 

Now I ask you, what exactly does "some" and "significant" mean?  There were only a few shattered boards still standing.  The whole area (looked like the whole neighborhood) was totally demolished.  To me it looked as if ALL the damage was ENORMOUSLY significant.

Yesterday I did call to hire someone to come in with a snow plow to clear out most of the driveway.  The guy said he would wait until we had at least six inches of snow before he called to let me know when he will be coming.  I'm thinking though that he won't be coming here until late in the afternoon.

The snow is picking up now, and it is looking like a blizzard outside.  Hopefully, with the wind blowing like it is, there won't be too much snow piling up on my roofs.  Ah well, what will be, will be. 

Now I think I'm going to make a fresh cup of coffee and work on my tax receipts for a while.  Oh yes, there is still quite a bit of work to go before I have all my tax stuff done.  Yuk! Yuk!  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a super day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Maybe Some Warm Temps Today?

February 8, 2017

Good morning.  Tis early and I've been up for a while.  I woke up around three this morning, and could not get back to sleep.  So I got up, made some coffee and breakfast.  Pogo doesn't want his food just yet so I've put it in the fridge. 

Today is supposed to be really warm (in the fifties) and tomorrow we're supposed to have a wicked snow storm so I guess I'd better do a bit of grocery shopping this morning.  I don't really need much, just milk and a few other things, but I don't know when I'll get out again so I'll do it today. 

I had a couple questions regarding where the health gadgets that I mentioned yesterday can be found.  I would guess that most pharmacies or Walmarts carry them.  However, I found them both on Amazon.  The pulse oximeter cost starts at around $14 and up.  The cost of the wrist blood pressure monitor averages between $20 and $25.  These prices are on Amazon. 

The new hat that I'm working on (to match the Flamingo scarf) is more than half done and is quite pretty.  I took a photo of the orchid set before I put it in a zip lock baggie.  It fits perfectly in the gallon size.

When I was picking up food for Pogo this week, I found a couple other choices from Blue Buffalo that I thought he might like and I bought a couple of them.  Needless to say, "when will I ever learn?"  Obviously, Pogo was not very happy about this and refused to eat them.  I'm not going to complain though because I'm happy that he's finally eating doggie food. 

Gosh, I think I need to do some laundry later today.  I haven't done any in a while and now I'm running out of things.  Even Pogo has a pretty good sized bundle of shirts and sweaters that need to be washed.  Actually, I have a lot to do before Pogo and I leave for Florida, and time just seems to keep flying by before I get anything done. 

I have purposely not been posting about a lot of news items because I get so upset about all the stupidity and lawlessness that is running rampant in this country and I don't want to post any of that crap on my blog.  I've even cut back on the amount of time I spend checking out stuff posted on Facebook. 

I can ignore a lot of the hateful posts, but when I see people that I know posting a lot of it, that really hurts.  We are all entitle to our own beliefs, but to be constantly spewing hatred is just not right and it makes me very uncomfortable.  So if you notice that I don't ever comment on remarks that some folks may have made public, please understand why.

Now I need to make a grocery list, and maybe do a couple things around here before I go to the market.  Today I also need to reorganize the shelves where I store all my pots and pans.  They seem to be getting a bit crowded.  I'm hoping to get a bunch of energy once the sun is shining.  Hmmm, it's not shining yet, but I have hope that it will be soon.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Keep A Check On Your Health

February 7, 2017

Good morning.  (for five more minutes, then it will be noon)  I'm getting a late start today because I really had to go out and do a few errands.  Pogo only had the one can of doggie food, and he would not eat it.  I tried feeding it to him several times, but he refused it.  I also had run out of bird food.  As long as I was out, I went to the bank too so that the bills could be paid. 

I have my own pulse oximeter, and I check my oxygen saturation level frequently.  This little gadget measures the oxygen carried in the body, plus the pulse rate.

 

 

An oxygen saturation reading of 95% or more is normal, and 92% or less suggests a low blood oxygen level.  A pulse rate of 60-80 is normal for adults.  As soon as I start to do something, my oxygen level drops dramatically into the low 80's and my pulse rate climbs up into the 90's.   

 

At the doctor's office, one sits for a while in the waiting room, and your breathing returns to normal (if was not normal when you got there.)  Then the nurse puts this little gadget on your finger and usually gets a fairly normal reading.  At least that's what happens when I go to the doctor.  So starting today, I'm keeping a little journal of my readings and what I'm doing at the time. 

 

By the way, if you have any kind of respiratory illness, or COPD, this is a great little gadget to keep handy.  Another item to keep on hand is a wrist blood pressure monitor.  Both items are easy to use and give accurate readings. 

 

Well, that's enough of my rambling for today.  I think I'll make some lunch and maybe a nice hot cup of coffee.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

 

Hugs, Edna B.

Wow! What An Amazing Super Bow Game!!

February 6, 2017

Good morning.  Wowee!!  Did you watch the Super Bow Game last night?  Are these New England Patriots amazing?  Or what? 

I tuned in to the game on TV right after the half time entertainment.  We were losing 28 - 3.  Oh dear, this does not look so good.  All of a sudden this magnificent team was infused with new life.  On they went, all the way to the first tied score ever in a Super Bowl game, and then on to win.  Woo Hoo!!

I am not a football fan, nor do I watch the games.  BUT!  This game was special. Every one in my family is a die hard Patriots fan.  So of course, I had to watch this game.  I'm not into the hallaballoo that is called half time entertainment, so I waited till the third quarter to start watching. 

Even Pogo watched the game.  Dressed in his jammies and curled up on his favorite fuzzy blanket, he settled in to watch the game.  He barked at the TV a few times during the game, but all in all I really do think he enjoyed it.

Needless to say, this was an amazing game!  I must admit that several times I had to sit up straight and watch the re-play closely to make sure that I had seen what I thought I had seen.  This one was definitely a nail biter.  Especially the last two (and a half) quarters.

I also put a few rows on the orchid hat.  Maybe tonight I'll finish it.  Maybe I'll work next on a hat to match one of the other finished scarves.  Actually, I think I should get all the matching hats finished before I move on to a new color. 

Well, I slept late this morning, and now it's getting close to lunch time.  My little guy is patiently waiting for something to eat.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.