Rest In Peace My Friend

May 31, 2020

Good morning.  It's sunny, and according to my phone app temps should stay in the sixties today.  It's a sad day though.  A very good friend of mine passed away a few  days ago.  (May 27)   I didn't check my email yesterday until around nine o'clock last night.  There was a message in it from my friend Rhoda. 

Rhoda and Marshall have been good friends of mine since back in the seventies.  I met them through my late hubby, Michael.  When our grandchildren started coming along, Marshall took over being our Santa Claus every year.  Except for when Christmas Eve fell on a Friday.  Then Marshall would go to Temple and my brother Artie would take over Santa's role. 

As some of the children got a bit older, they were certain that they had figured out that Santa was really Marshall.  Surprise, surprise.  The years that Marshall showed up while Santa was handing out presents to everyone really confused these smarty pants kids.  Hmmm, maybe this really was Santa?

                                                   Mrs. Claus and Santa

                                                       Artie and Santa

                                                      Marshall and Santa

Marshall was a natural entertainer and my hubby's best friend.  May you rest in peace, Marshall.  God Bless you.

Because of Covid-19, there can be no service.  When folks are able to get back together, Rhoda will have a Shiva House. 

Till tomorrow,  Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Pretty New Patterns

May 29, 2020

Good morning.  It's a bit overcast today, and temps are more comfortable.  Yesterday, I uncovered and dusted off the air conditioner.  Last night, I put it on every now and then to keep my place cool enough to sleep.

I even managed to do a load of laundry.  Very slowly, of course.  Every effort I make to do something causes quite a bit of grief to my breathing. It just takes me longer to do things now.  When I think back to how much I could accomplish in any given day just ten years ago, it is mind boggling.  But, as long as I continue to wake up each morning, then slow is beautiful.

Last evening, I bought a new crochet pattern.  It's a shell pattern for a blanket.  I think I might like to try it after I finish a few of my current projects.

Here's another pretty afghan pattern that I found on the web.  I may even have a pattern similar to this in my collection.  I'll have to take a look.

I've been watching  Perry Mason while typing this post.  My goodness, he sure can get feisty when the situation calls for it!  And he's soooo macho when he's yelling at the bad guy!  Swoon, swoon.  Can you picture it?  Short, old, dumpy and wrinkled, swooning over an image on TV.  That should keep you giggling for the rest of the morning.

I thought I might be getting out for a bit today.  I had thought that maybe we could go by the Home Depot garden center so that I could buy a couple new shrubs.  However, daughter says NO STORES!  So that's that.  I'll stay home and let Kevin (or Eddie, whoever shows up) take the car for a little drive.  There's no riding through the park even.  It's closed to vehicles.

Now I think I'll make a cup of tea with a bit of honey in it and do some blog reading.  So, till Sunday, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Thank Goodness For Re-Runs Of Old TV Programs

May 28, 2020

Good morning.  For those of you who may not have seen this notice from Blogger yet, I've copied it to share.  There's more information when you click on the "read more."

In late June, the new Blogger interface will become the default for all users. The legacy interface will still be optionally available. We recommend trying the new interface by clicking “Try the New Blogger” in the left-hand navigation. Please file any critical issues encountered. Read more.

It's overcast today with much more comfortable temps.  The nights are warm though.  I had trouble sleeping and finally had to get up and open the door to let in some of the night breeze.  Eventually I was able to doze off for a while. 

I found out that one of my favorite programs, Law & Order - Criminal Intent, is on mornings Wednesday through Friday.  Today, I put it on as soon as my favorite lawyer program was over.  During some of the commercials, I really need to put a load of laundry into the washing machine.  I've become so lazy these last two months.  My laundry basket is overflowing. 

I borrowed a really cute Aunty Acid cartoon from the web to share with you.  This little lady really has a way with words.

While I was checking over some of my plants, I noticed one plant that I don't recognize.  If anyone knows what this is, please let me know.  Thank you in advance.  There are quite a few of these scattered among the other plants.  I'll look through my herbal book again just in case I missed it.

The mail just came and with it a package that I had ordered to put in my Christmas tote.  Yup, I'm doing my best to make a decent head start on my holiday shopping.  December seems to creep up on us really fast once summer gets here. 

It's really quite nice outside right now.  I think I'll see if I can watch my TV programs on my laptop.  If I can, I'll be able to watch them while I'm out on the porch.  Otherwise, I'll watch TV for a while, then take my crochet stuff out on the porch.  There's such a lovely breeze out there. 

I just went outside and took a new photo of the yellow irises.  They have never looked this good before.  Usually as soon as they start blossoming, they fall over from the weight.  Yellow is such a happy color.

Has anyone tried a producta called Mouse Magic?  It's a pack of natural oil scent packs that trigger a "flee" instinct, and it lasts for thirty days.  If you have, let me know because I'm considering trying it here. 

Now I'm off to do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Too Bad Harry!

May 27, 2020

Good morning.  Temps are going to hit eighty degrees today.  Woo Hoo!  Of course, a high humidity is on its way here too.  We also have some rain headed this way in a couple days.  All the new plants will be happy for a drink.

Yesterday, I no sooner finished typing my blog post and the road service man got here.  He was very friendly and got my car started right away.  The whole thing only took a few minutes.  Until I start driving it again,  I'll need to start it and let it run a few minutes every day.

Have you seen the new message on your blog?  It says that Blogger is changing everyone's blog to a new default look. They say to try it out now to get used to it.  You'll be able to revert back to your regular look for a while, but by the end of July the new change will be in place.

I'm one of those folks that don't do well with change.  I like my old blog look.  I don't want to change it.  But like my mother always used to say, "Too bad Harry!"  I don't have a choice.  The change is coming and that is that!  Blogger says this will make it easier for us to manage our blogs.  I don't recall ever being asked (by Blogger) whether or not I was having difficulty blogging or whether I wanted anything changed.  Did they ask you?  If not, who did they ask?

On the news this morning, they were showing a video of a woman with a dog.  She was screaming at a man and threatening to call the police on him.  They were out walking and I guess the man told the woman to put a leash on her dog.  She did not take this very well. 

While the newscaster was going on and on about what the woman was doing, not once did they mention how she was abusing her dog.  She had her hand around the dog's collar and was pulling the poor dog all over the place.  She raised her arm and the poor dog was choking and could not keep it's feet on the ground.  The dog even tried to lie down on the ground to stop all this but the woman just kept dragging the poor animal around.  You could see the dog was in pain. I could not watch anymore of this and changed the channel.

**Update:  I just called the news station and mentioned how upset I was about all of this.  I was informed that the dog was taken away from the woman and brought to a shelter.  Had I kept on watching this incident I would have heard this.  I'm not sorry that I changed the channel though because I can't stand to see an animal being abused.  I'm glad that the woman can no longer hurt the dog. 

Today I thought I'd share a couple old photos.  My daughter Deanne has been taking care of all my shopping and other errands so that Pogo and I don't come in contact with Covid-19.  She has a full time job and a home and her own family to take care of too.  So today I have a couple of oldie photos of her to share.

This first photo is Deanne having fun in her sleeper blanket.  The second photo is Kerri (left) and Deanne (right).  Kerri was the mischief maker and Deanne was the peace maker.  Two happy little peas in a pod.

Now I'm going to take my little laptop out to the porch and do a bit of blog reading before it gets hot.  Before I go, let me share a photo of my blooming lilacs.  They get prettier every year.

The mail just came and I guess I'll go get that first.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Tis A Gorgeous Day Today

May 26, 2020

Good morning.  Today is supposed to be a beauty as  soon as the fog rolls away.  The sun is shining and temps might get close to eighty degrees.  It's definitely another porch day for Pogo and me.  I took a couple photos yesterday to share.

This first photo is how some of my little solar thingies look now that they are back dancing on the railing.  They are such happy looking little things. 

And this is Pogo looking out over his domain, making sure everything is just fine.  

It was so pretty out there yesterday.  The trees were full of birds singing and chirping away.  I even heard a new one.  I didn't get to see it though.  My car was covered in pollen, so when Joe got home from work, he washed it for me.  Then we tried to start it and discovered the battery was dead.  Joe did try to jump start it, but no soap.  At the moment, I'm in the process of calling the road service  to come out and start the car for me.  Now I just have to wait for their text telling who and when they  will show up.

I borrowed an image from the web because I thought it was important to share it with you.  This is the season when many of our wildlife are having babies and out foraging for food to feed them or looking for safe places to keep them.   Please do not hurt these animals if you see them.  They are not looking to hurt you, they are just trying to keep their babies safe and fed.

This photo shows a mother fox and her babies.  They are only coming closer to residential areas because coyotes are also out looking for food and if they find these babies, they'll kill them.  Please be kind, leave the mother fox and her babies alone and safe.  

I just got a text from the road service.  They'll be here in half an hour or less so I'd best be going.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Memorial Day 2020

May 25, 2020

Good morning.  It's early and still overcast, but the sun should appear sometime this morning, along with warmer temps.  Actually, it's supposed to be super warm all week.  That would certainly be nice but we'll wait and see. 

Today is Memorial Day.  It's a day to remember all the men and women who gave their lives so that we may keep our freedom.  Let us not forget them.  Fly your flags proudly. 

I promised to show you a photo of my yellow irises.  I imagine that once the sun comes out today, that little garden will be full of these beautiful blooms.

Yesterday, Pogo and I went out on the porch for a little while.  I watered my new plants, and Pogo did his best to keep the small critters away from the porch.  He does have a really ferocious bark. hahaha.  One little critter wasn't paying much attention to Pogo though.  This little chipmunk found something tasty to eat and he wasn't leaving until he ate every bit of it.

Do you ever watch "Leave It To Beaver?"  It's on every weekday morning for an hour. (Just before Perry Mason)   I know I enjoyed watching it many years ago, but now I'm enjoying it all over again.  I think it's a great program for parents as well as children. 

Last night I finished the green hat.  Today I'll make the neck warmer to match.  After that, I think I'll make one or two more sets then I'll get started back on my Christmas projects.  I have an idea for another project.  Back in the forties, my Mom used to make pom pom rugs.  When I got into my twenties, I made a few of them too.  Now I think I'd like to make a few more of them.  They really are pretty.  I think it's fun how some things just keep coming around again.

Now I think I'll go watch my TV program.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Awards Galore

May 24, 2020

Good morning.  The sun is shining, but it is a bit cool, only 51F degrees.  Today will only make it up to the mid fifties..  At least it is sunny.  I can feel in my bones that today will be a lazy day.  I need a bit more warmth to get energetic.  I've finished the orange neck warmer set and started another green set.  So I guess that's what I'll be doing today.

I gathered up all the awards that Jazzy got this past week and put them all in one layout.  Top left, the  Massasoit Key Award.  In recognition of your leadership, satisfactory academic progress, and unselfish contribution to this College and the Community of which we are a part, Massasoit Community College bestows its highest honor for service and dedication.  Top center, the Key.

Top right, Massasoit Community College Equity Award.  This is a new award and Jazzy is the only one to get it.  In recognition of your advocacy for equity, diversity, inclusion, and access to serve this College of which we are a part, Massasoit Community College bestows this honor for supporting initiatives to create awareness and educate the College community.

Bottom left, Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Senate Official Citation.  In recognition of your Academic Excellence and Induction Into the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa All-Massachusetts Academic Team.  Bottom right, Letter of Congratulations, and acknowledging regret that he was not able to present the Citation to her in person, from Michael D. Brady, State Senator, 2nd Plymouth and Bristol District.

Yesterday, Deanne and Eddie came by with my grocery shopping.  Woo Hoo!  Now I have a new stock of treats!  This week, the bakery had the apple turnovers that I love.  Yum!  Of course, I had to eat one of them before supper.  I find that my supper goes down much tastier when I eat a treat first.  Don't you? 

The white cotton gloves that I had ordered arrived Friday afternoon.  I tried them out that evening and they worked out very well.  Yesterday, my new blog book came in the mail.  I'll take a photo to share here tomorrow. 

The irises in my little garden are loving this warmer sunshine and are blossoming.  Oh my, they are yellow and oh so pretty.  I'll take a photo this afternoon to share tomorrow.  I'll have to take a walk to the other side of the house to see if any of the irises out there are getting ready to bloom.  If they are, I'll get a few photos.

This weekend there are some marathons on TV so I think I'll be watching them while I crochet.  I think I'll wake Pogo up and let him go out on the porch and bark at a few squirrels before settling down to watch TV.  He needs his exercise too.

Before I do that, let me share a really cute picture that was borrowed from the web.  Sometimes our squirrels come right up to my porch and sit on the top of the gate to let me know that they could use some more food.  This picture reminds me of them.

Now I'm off to make a hot cup of cocoa.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Enjoying The Warm Sun

May 22, 2020

Good morning. Today is sunny and temps are supposed to get up into the upper seventies today.  After that it's supposed to cool down for a couple days before warming up again.  It's weird, but the states north of us are warmer than we are.

Today I have more good news to share.  Our Jazzy has received some awards lately, and we are all so proud of her.  Two from Massasoit Community College, where she has just finished two years, and two from the State Senate.  I'll put together a layout of them to share here on Sunday.

Yesterday, Pogo and I got to sit out on the porch for a little while.  Heaven!  Today, we're looking forward to sitting out there again.  I had planned on taking my crocheting out there with me, but it was  such fun just watching all the Nature around me that I didn't get much done.

Today I think I'll take some junk mail out there with me.  It should be pleasant sorting it while enjoying the fresh air.  All the irises in one of little gardens are getting tall and budding.  With all this sunshine, they should blossom any day now.  This photo was taken a couple days ago.

Audrey has been busy crocheting too.  She just finished this adorable little octopus for a friend's new baby.  This so cute!  Audrey, the baby is going to love it.

It's taking me a while to type this post because my program, Perry Mason, is on TV and I'm trying to watch it while I type.  That's not so easy to do so, I think I'll go watch the rest of the program.  After that, Pogo and I are headed for our porch.

So, till Sunday, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Summer Is Coming. Really?

May 21, 2020

Good morning. Today is sunny and still a bit cool.  Last evening, I had to put the heat back on.  Two nights in a row with temps in the upper thirties and low forties is just too much for me.  I don't want to chance getting a bad cold or pneumonia.  I can turn the heat off when it warms up.

My hand has been feeling a bit better so I was able to do a bit of crocheting last night.  That's a relief. I want to get these neck warmer sets finished so that I can get back to my Christmas projects.  I gave the green set to the mailman a couple days ago when he brought the mail.  It was not a holiday gift and I explained that it was a just because gift that might come in handy next Winter.

Speaking of seasons, the weather forecaster on this morning's news really annoyed me.  She was explaining how the warming temps headed our way was a great way to start this Summer.  Excuse me, but some of us are still waiting for Spring.  And, Summer doesn't start for another month. (on the calendar)  The way the seasons have been going, Spring and Fall only get to last for a couple of weeks.  It's mostly Winter and Summer.

A few days ago, I was watching a program on TV and a book was being mentioned as quite interesting.  After the show ended, I looked the book up online.  I thought I might get a copy of it to read.  Surprise, surprise.  The book's availability and price tag told me that it was not going to happen.  Here's a picture of the book and a listing for it.

In a couple hours, it should be warm enough for Pogo and I to spend some time out on the porch.  I'm thinking that maybe I'll take my crocheting out there with me.  That, and a bottle of root beer, while listening to the birds chirp sounds like a great way to spend some time.

Speaking of birds, a couple days ago, I looked out to see a big fat robin sitting on my porch gate. Shortly after that, a pair of cardinals came and sat nearby on top of the recycle bin for a while.  It  felt sort of like an omen.  Of good things coming.

Here's an image I borrowed from the web.  I had to laugh because it describes my Pogo to a tee.  He doesn't do tricks, or come on command (unless he wants to), or play with his toys.

Pogo spent his first six years in a little cage with no toys, no love, no companionship, and fed whenever.  He was badly neglected, and couldn't even eat much before he was rescued because his mouth was so badly infected.  He required surgery to remove his last few teeth and lower jaw. My little guy doesn't need to do tricks.  I love him dearly for the joy and happiness he gives me.

Now I need to wash a few dishes and gather up the things I want to take out on the porch with me.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Warmer Temps Are Coming, I Think.

May 20, 2020

Good morning. Today is sunny, but it started really cool.  Most of the night and early morning temps were barely above forty degrees.  I know it will warm up as the day goes on, but that doesn't make it any easier to climb out from under the warm covers early in the morning.  So of course I didn't.

Yesterday turned out absolutely lovely.  Even better when the FedEx truck showed up with a package for me.  A Mother's Day gift from my daughter Audrey.  What a lovely surprise. I opened it to find a beautiful solar glass bird that I shall keep on my little porch so that I can look at it all the time.  There was also a set of railing solar lights that I'll ask Eddie or Kevin to set up for me.  Thank you Audrey, I love them.

I set my little bird on the floor by the storm door and took a photo.  Pogo had already given it a "sniff over" and went back to looking out the door.   Don't mind the nose art on the glass door pane.  It's Pogo's, and I'll clean it when the temps get much warmer.

I'm hoping that BIg Brother Big Sister opens up for pickups pretty soon.  I have bags of stuff waiting for them on my little porch.  Some things were stored over the winter on the porch and now I'd like to get them out of there.  I wanted to take a new photo of the porch but I'll wait till most of these things are gone.  Meanwhile, this photo will show how pretty it is out there now that my Japanese Red Maple is filling out with gorgeous red leaves.

For those who don't know, my house is wicked old.  At least 135 years, I guess.  The part I live in used to be the horse barn.  The rest of the house has been turned into a rooming house.  (to help pay for it's upkeep)  This photo only shows part of the driveway.  Imagine shoveling all the snow out of it when Winter comes?  (we do have a snow blower, but some snow has to be shoveled.)

There was a catalogue included in the box that Audrey had sent to me.  In it, I found a really neat feeder for hummingbirds.  When mold builds up inside a hummingbird feeder, it can contaminate the water and kill the birds.  When they go back to feed their baby birds, the babies die too.  This is not funny.

These new feeders are tube-like, and open up to hold a plastic water bottle filled with the liquid for the hummingbird.  The bottle can be rinsed and recycled, and a new bottle of food can be put back inside the feeder.  I'm going to order two of these new feeders and get rid of the old one that I have.

Now I'm going to make myself a cup of hot chocolate to warm me up.  It's not warm enough yet and I don't really want to climb back under my nice warm covers, so I'll just have to settle for the hot chocolate.  hahahahhaha.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Perspective

May 19, 2020

Good morning.  Today I thought I'd share something that a friend sent to me.  I find it rather interesting.

"A matter of perspective, I think."

When you think we have it bad now with all the virus and not knowing what is around the corner...remember this person...

It’s a mess out there now. Hard to discern between what’s a real threat and what is just simple panic and hysteria. For a small amount of perspective at this moment, imagine you were born in 1900.

On your 14th birthday, World War I starts, and ends on your 18th birthday. 22 million people perish in that war. Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it in those two years. Yes, 50 million.

On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops
27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy.  When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet. And don’t try to catch your breath. On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully pulled into WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war.

Smallpox was epidemic until you were in your 40’s, as it killed 300 million people during your lifetime.

At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish. From your birth, until you were 55, you dealt with the fear of polio epidemics each summer. You experience friends and family contracting polio and being paralyzed and/or dying.

At 55 the Vietnam War begins and doesn’t end for 20 years. 4 million people perish in that conflict. During the Cold War, you lived each day with the fear of nuclear annihilation. On your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, almost ended. When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends.

Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How did they endure all of that? When you were a kid in 1985 and didn’t think your 85 year old grandparent understood how hard school was. And how mean that kid in your class was. Yet they survived through everything listed above.

Perspective is an amazing art. Refined and enlightening as time goes on. Let’s try and keep things in perspective. Your parents and/or grandparents were called to endure all of the above – you are called to stay home and sit on your couch.

Till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

p.s.  I'm sending a big thank you to my friend Rhoda.

Still Learning New Words

May 18, 2020

Good morning.  Tis cloudy and the forecast on my weather app has changed.  The rain will  hold off till the end of the week, but the temps will still be a bit cool until Thursday.  Of course, this app isn't right very often.

Late last night I watched Madame Butterfly performed at the Metropolitan Opera (courtesy of Rhode Island PBS TV.  When I was a child, our babysitter took my brother and I to Boston to see a live performance of this. (more than seventy years ago) I remembered most of the storyline, but I still found it enjoyable.

Madame Butterfly is an opera by Puccini (1904) in which a Japanese woman marries an officer in the US Navy called Lieutenant Pinkerton, who later leaves her in Japan and marries another woman in the US. (According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English)

I learned a new word over the weekend.  It's "peripatetic" which means traveling from place to place for relatively short periods.  (Google)

While the kids were here on Saturday, Eddie put my little sign up for me.  I bought it a while ago but never got around to putting it up.  I rather like it. 

My hands are still acting up, mostly my right hand, of course.  Eddie uses a cream that he says does help, so they brought it over for me to try.  I have to say that it does help.  It makes the pain easier to cope with and lasts for a few hours.  It can be applied three or four times a day.  They bought it at CVS Pharmacy.

I ordered some white cotton gloves from Amazon to put on over the hand with the cream.  It seems that every time I put the cream on my hand, I have to use that hand right away to do something that can't wait.  I just hope the gloves fit.  They only came in one size.

Today, once it warms up a bit, I may go out on the porch to clean it a bit.  I promise that once the porch is all nice and clean and set up, I'll take some photos to share.  It's going to be so nice to be able to spend my mornings out there. 

Now I think I'll go to the kitchen and make a nice hot cup of coffee and then do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

I Want Those Warm Temps Back!

May 17, 2020

Good morning.  Today is cloudy with temps in the upper fifties to low sixties.  According to my phone app, the rest of the week should be cloudy and/or rain with day temps in the fifties and night temps in the forties until Thursday.  What happened to Spring?

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, and a busy day.  Eddie, Kevin and Deanne came by to take the screen covers off my little porch.  This is a photo of Eddie and Kevin, taken the night before.

Once the plastic sheet was off the front of the porch, Deanne and I used it to have a long overdue hug.  Awesome sauce!

You just can't believe how dirty the porch is.  I ran a tissue over one of the railings and was surprised at how much dirt was there.  Deanne will be coming back one of these days to help me clean it. Meanwhile, I'll clean off a chair and the table and the floor so that Pogo and I can sit out there whenever it gets warm enough. 

This morning I learned a new crochet stitch on the "knit and crochet" program on TV.  I'm not crazy about the sweater pattern they were featuring, but the stitch was rather pretty.  The overall pattern was very intricate, too much so for me.  In my younger days, this was no problem for me.  However, in my older days, I like to stick to the easy patterns.

Today I need to sit down and pay some bills.  Yuk, yuk.  After that I'll crochet a few more rows on the orange neck warmer.  Gosh, I love the color!  My newest yarn order came Friday afternoon.  I'll have to take photos of the colors because they really are nice.  I'm not sure what I'll make with one of the colors - Fuschia.  I bought it because it is just so pretty.

Now I have to catch up on some blog reading.  Before I go, let me share this awesome picture that Deanne sent to me.  I hope it starts your day with a giggle.  

I'm off now.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe an have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It Feels Like Spring Today

May 15, 2020


Good morning.  Tis sunny and 62F degrees with hopes of getting into the low seventies today.  Of course, we're also expecting rain for a few hours this afternoon.  But, then the sun is supposed to come back out after that.  We'll just have to wait and see.

A reader suggested that I make my comments section a "popup"  I did change the settings so that it will do this.  I hope this makes it easier for you.  Let me know if it works okay.

I often forget that not everyone who stops by to read my blog knows who Jazzy is.  She's my youngest grandchild, and she's been such a blessing to all of us.  I keep a couple of my favorite videos of her singing at the Cabaret on my desktop.  Whenever I need a little boost, I play one.  I'm sure I've posted this video before, but let me share it again.  Jazzy is the girl on the left in the dark dress.

Yesterday, I took Pogo outside for a while and let him walk around the yard for a bit.  He enjoyed being outside.  When we came back indoors, he lay in front of the storm door, soaking up the sun for a while before taking a nap.

Last night I even crocheted a few more rows on the new (orange) neck warmer.  It felt good, but I'm only doing a few rows at a time for now.  Both hands are acting up now, so I can only do a few rows
in the morning or afternoon, and maybe a few more in the evening.  It'll work.

Today I wanted to post a couple images that I borrowed from the web.  These are about our bees. They are so important to us, so I figure we can use all the information we can get about them.

Please keep our bees in mind before you go mowing down all the beautiful dandelions in your lawn.  They are so very important to the bees.

My program "The Waltons" is on now and I'm going to watch it.  So, till Sunday, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Warmer Temps Coming

May 14, 2020


Good morning.  Tis sunny and a bit warmer today.  We should get up into the mid sixties today.  It's certainly welcome after all the cold we've been having.  Before I chat much more, I want to post the results of Jazzy's Covid 19 test.  She is negative!  Awesome sauce!  That is such good news.

Last evening, I did crochet just a bit on a new neck warmer.  Sadly, I only did a few rows before putting it away.  Then I tried a different hemp cream.  This one tended to stay wet on my hand so I put a plastic glove on it so that it wouldn't get anywhere else on me.

After a couple hours, I took the glove off.  Wow!  My hand was drained of all its color.  It wasn't hurting so much, but it looked different than my other hand.  Of course, after a while, all the color came back into my hand.  And my hand was good the rest of the night.

This warmer weather coming our way is also bringing ticks.  I found an interesting article on the web that could help a bit with that.  I never knew that ticks had eggs that looked like this.  So if you see something like this, it should be burned.

I think this afternoon, I just might take Pogo outside and let him walk around the yard for a while.  He's getting tired of being in the house all the time too.  Of course, we'll have to wait until after the "The Waltons."  I watch it most every day on MeTV.

My program is coming on now, but before I go I want to share another image that I borrowed from the web.  It's to remind us all that our pets are family.  They deserve our love and care.

Now I'm off to watch a bit of TV.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Matching Cold Records

May 13, 2020

Good morning.  I'm hoping this cold spell is going to break pretty soon.  The nights are pretty cold.  On the news this morning, it said that we had matched a record for low temps that was set one hundred years ago.  I brought my hanging plant indoors, but the other plant was too heavy for me to pickup.

The sun is shining and today's temps should get up into the mid fifties.  I'd like it better if it were in the mid seventies.  Ah well, at least the sun is shining.

Last night I finished the green neck warmer set but I did not start another set.  For some reason, the arthritis in my right hand has been acting up rather wickedly.  I've been putting the hemp cream on it, but so far it only seems to work for a short while.

Yesterday I finally got to read my February issue of America's 1st. Freedom magazine, and found a really interesting article.  Did you know that nine of our Presidents have been, or are, members of the NRA? They are:  Taft, Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower, J.F. Kennedy, Nixon, George H.W. Bush and Trump.   Several of them were/are lifetime members. George H.W. Bush resigned his    membership in 1995

There were eight republicans and one democrat.  I found this very interesting, considering all the goings on about our 2nd amendment rights and whether or not we should be allowed to keep our arms to protect ourselves.

Today I thought I'd share some photos that I took a few days ago.  This first photo is my lilacs.The second photo is the tiny violets that cover a good portion of my yard.

This next photo is my little guy keeping an eye on me to make sure I don't go anywhere without taking him with me.

I'm not sure what I'll do today.  It all depends on what my right hand will allow.  I can still watch my old TV programs though so I'm good.  Now I must go and bring the mail in.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Have A Peep Or Two

May 12, 2020

Good morning. Today is sunny and cool.  Tis 44F degrees now, working towards the mid fifties. Something tells me that in a few weeks, the warm temps will not only be here but they will go right to hot, hot, hot, and we'll be wanting these cooler temps back.

I realized lately that I forgot to post the May page from my calendar. so I'm posting it now.

Well, I've polished off all my Easter Peeps, almost.  I have one Peep left.  And only half of my chocolate cherries.  Some days my sweet tooth just gets sweeter!

We got plenty of rain yesterday, and more coming this week so I'm hoping that the ponds and reservoirs are full.  We were lucky yesterday.  Some places around here had thunder storms  and hail.  I worry about my car being dented all over if we have a hail storm.  Back in the nineties, we had such a storm and it did quite a number on our cars.

I did not think to go out and take photos of the rain drops on my plants, so I've dug a photo from my archives.  This one was taken in my garden.  There's something beautiful about the tiny crystal beads that rain leaves on all the leaves.

Hopefully this summer I'll be able to take some new rain drop photos when the temps are much warmer.  I have to be careful not to catch a cold while I'm doing this.

I'm almost finished with the green neck warmer set.  I've decided to keep working on these sets for guys because they are working up so quickly.  Later, I can start on the ponchos again.  I already have colors picked out for them.

Now I think I'll have a cup of coffee and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

My Day Was Simply Awesome

May 11, 2020

Good morning.  Tis sunny and 59F degrees.  Shortly though, temps should be dropping a bit and bringing rain.  At least yesterday was nice, even if it was a bit windy.  To start my day, I got to chat with all my kids.

  

Then Deanne and Eddie came by bearing gifts.  Along with a bag full of goodies, they brought me a Tropicana rose bush (orange) which Eddie planted in the garden for me.     

They also brought me a gift from Jazzy.  It's the first one she framed.  Do I feel honored?  You betcha!

Next, DIL Janet came by with another beautiful plant.  Deanne helped her set it up on the wrought iron planter.

It was all so wonderful.  And yes, we kept our distances. 

After everyone left, I snacked on some yellow Peeps and chocolate cherries while I did a couple puzzles on my laptop.  Then Pogo and I topped the day off with a nice nap.  My day was simply awesome. 

I get weekly e-letters from the facility where my youngest daughter Laura Jean lives.  During this whole time that we've all been dealing with Covid-19, not one of the residents at this facility has gotten sick.  Can you believe that?  I am so grateful to these wonderful folks for the loving care that Laura Jean gets.  According to the doctors, many years ago, she wasn't supposed to make it to one year.  She's fifty four now.  God Bless her and her caretakers.

Now I'm off to do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy Mother's Day

May 10, 2020

Good morning.  Today is Mothers' Day, and I'm wishing a beautiful day to all the mothers and fur baby moms everywhere.  It's not very warm today but the sun is shining, so it's a great day to take a walk and enjoy the fresh air.

Most folks won't be able to hug Mom and give her flowers because of the virus, but just hearing your voice on the phone will be so much more enjoyable.  Trust me.  Just hearing your children tell you that  they love you makes your heart smile with pride and happiness.

While we were in Florida back in March, Audrey started working on a Mothers' Day gift for her friend, Miss Bea.  I've been holding these two photos to share with you today.  This shawl is quite lovely, and I'm sure Miss Bea is going to treasure it.

Neither of us had used any of the new yarn cakes so Audrey bought three of them to make this shawl The colors don't repeat exactly like variegated yarn, but they do work up rather pretty.  I'll have to try
it too one of these days. 

The other day when I was walking around my yard to see what is growing, I got a really wonderful surprise.  My Blossoming Cherry Tree was in full bloom.  Wowsie!  What a beautiful sight.  I remember the day when we planted this tree.  It was only as tall as the fence, and quite "twiggy" looking.  But, oh my, just look at it now!

This morning, I'm watching the Rhode Island PBS station.  They've just been showing a beautiful farm of conifers (trees) and how to plan your garden and plant these trees.  This is the same program where I get to watch the oil painting classes and the sewing programs. 

I love these kinds of programs.  A while ago, my friend Kyra sent me some links to some web sites about beautiful gardens.  One of these sites showed how to make new rose plants.  I'm definitely going to try this once it gets warmer and I'm able to get outdoors.   Later, I'll dig out those web addresses to post here for anyone interested.

In a little while, when the temps get up into the mid forties, I'll hang my plant back outside for a few hours.  In a few days, I'll be able to leave it outside all day and night.  Hopefully, that's when the warmer temps will be coming back to stay. 

Now I'm going to refresh my cup of coffee and enjoy some blog reading.  Let me once again wish all you ladies a beautiful Mothers' Day.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.