Just Keeping Busy

November 30, 2020

Good morning.  Tis gray today and the temperature will be in the upper fifties.  Around seven tonight and throughout the night, temps will rise to sixty degrees.  Of course, it will be raining and dark outside, and very late.  Most of us will be sleeping and miss the warm temps.  

Yesterday I ordered the buttons for the pocket shawl that I've been working on.  They should be here by Wednesday.  By then the shawl will be finished too and I'll be able to take a photo to share.  Yesterday I finished crocheting the shawl and pinned the pockets in place.  I've sewed around the sides of one of the pockets, and I'll do the other one later today.  

I really like this shawl, so I just might have to make one for myself.  I'll have to take a look through my yarn stash to see what color I may have that will be for my shawl.  That, of course, will be an all day job.  I love all my yarn so it will be very difficult to pick just one color.  Sighhhhhhhhhh.

I haven't read any books lately, so I think I'd like to pick a book to read.  Goodness knows, I have tons of them on my tablet.  But sometimes I just like to hold a paper book in my hands when I read it.  There's a Fern Michaels book peeking out at me from the bookshelf, so maybe I'll pick that one.  

Here's a cute image that I borrowed from the web that speaks to my heart.  You too?  Hmmm?

I also borrowed an image showing a great way to keep babies and toddlers busy.  It involves recycling the tops of the baby wipes containers.  

The first thing on my project list for today is to pay some bills.  Yup, those pesky bills are here again.  Ever notice how they don't ever go on vacation?  Aye yi yi!  Well, I think I'll get them out of the way now so that I can enjoy the rest of my day.  

On that note, I'm gone.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

November 29, 2020

Good morning.  The sun is shining and temps should get up as high as fifty degrees today.  Enjoy it though, because then the storm coming through will be bringing lots of rain (sometimes heavy) and rather frisky winds.  I'm just hoping there won't be any power outages.  

Well, yesterday was a quiet day for me, lazy with a nap or two.  However, in the evening I got a really nice spurt of energy and wrapped and boxed lots of gifts.  All my cards and calendars (except for a handful) are ready to be mailed.  And, I have lots of packages ready to be taken to the Post Office for mailing.

I sure did get a lot done, but I think I've made a bigger mess than I had before.😕   I won't be able to go to the Post Office Monday because of the stormy weather, and maybe even Tuesday.  Hopefully, everything will be mailed out by Wednesday.  

Now I'll have to take a break because there are packages everywhere and I've run out of room to put more of them.  Maybe I'll try to finish the blue pocket shawl today.  I'll have to look around online for some big buttons to put on the pockets.

Recently I bought me a new "find the differences" puzzle book.  This should last me for a while because some of the puzzles are really difficult.  I bought one of the "Find Waldo" puzzle books a while back and it nearly drove me crazy.  I did not do very well finding Waldo or any of the other hidden objects.  

Here are a couple puzzles from my new book.  In the first puzzle, there are 17 differences to be found.  In the second puzzle, there is one bug different from all the rest.  You'll need to download this one and make it larger to find that bug.

While I'm online looking for big buttons, I need to order more packaging tape.  That and my roll of strong duct tape are nearly gone.  These are staples in my house.  How would I ever get along without duct tape?

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

Hugs, Edna B.

SMILE

November 27, 2020

Good morning.  Today is a mix of gray and a bit of sunshine with temps in the mid fifties.  Actually quite nice.  Let's enjoy it because Winter is only a few weeks away.  

Yesterday was a day filled with great food and lots of love.  Joe cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner for everyone in the house to enjoy.  And they did!  Pogo and I had some too, and it was delicious.  Mid afternoon, Kevin and Jazzy came by to bring me a big bag filled with lots of Thanksgiving goodies.  Oh my, there was two whole meals.  Pogo and I had some of this for our supper and oh my, YUM YUM!

Just before the kids showed up, a box from Audrey was delivered.  This contained homemade Cranberry Sauce, Cherry Jam and Cranapple Butter.  Some for me and some for Deanne's family.  Let me tell you, the Cranapple Butter is scrumpdillyicious.  

For my snack last night, I had deviled eggs and celery stuffed with cream cheese and olives.  Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm!  I bet you can't guess what Pogo and I will be having for supper today.  Did you say turkey?  Yup, I'll cut up some turkey and green beans and sprinkle it on Pogo's doggie food.  And I'll have me another turkey dinner with some homemade cranberry sauce.

I was searching for something on the net and came across this beauty.  Do any of you remember wearing these saddle shoes as kids?  Some had brown saddles, others had black saddles.  They were popular when I was in grade school, and here they are today for $60.99.

I guess it's true.  Everything has its day and then comes around again later on.  So where are the maxi dresses?  I'm waiting for some of these because they are so comfortable.  Maybe a couple in warm flannel and a couple in no-iron cotton.  That should hold me for a while.

Here's another image that I found on the web.  I wanted to share it because it really is so very true.  We are what the other person sees and hears when they meet with us.  

I've been playing around on the web all morning and now it's time to do a bit of blog reading.  So, till Sunday, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 November 26, 2020

Good morning.  Happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone.  Celebrating may be different this year, but we can all still be together with our loved ones.  We have phones, tablets and laptops.  We can even video phone.  It's not quite the same, but it can bring us all together in a new way.  For this, we are thankful.

Pogo and I had a quiet, but nice, day yesterday.  I wrote a couple letters and gave them to the mailman.  My Christmas cards had come in the mail the day before.  At least half of them are now ready for a stamp and mailing.  I will wait till the beginning of the new month to mail them.  Later today I'll see about getting the rest of the cards ready for mailing.  (I can't believe I'm really on time this year.)

A couple gifts that I had ordered also arrived in the mail.  I wrapped one of them.  Well, it's a start.  I had ordered a set of wrapping bags from Home Shopping and they also arrived in the mail.  They really are nice, and they make wrapping rather fun.  I may even order another batch of them.

I found a list of foods that your dog can, and can not, have today.  Poor Pogo.  He's very picky and will probably only eat the light meat turkey from the "TO" list.  Hmmm, maybe I can mix some doggie food in with the turkey.  

I did not do any crocheting yesterday, so maybe tonight after supper I'll work on the blue pocket shawl for a while.  I want to finish it because my new yarn order should be here next week and I want to try making those scrubby dish cloths.  

Soon it will be time for dinner so I'll take my leave now and do some blog reading.  Let me leave you with another image borrowed from the web.

Y'all be safe and enjoy your Thanksgiving Day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Day For Memories

 November 25, 2020

Good morning.  Tis cloudy today, but the temperature will reach up to fifty degrees by early afternoon.  Of course, it will drop back down later, but at least we have this nice little break from the cold.  

Thanksgiving pulls up lots of memories of loved ones not here with us.  I've lost many family members, but these three were closest to me.  My hubby Michael - November 2007, my brother Artie - October 2010 and my daughter Kerri - February 2005.  I miss them so, but I am ever so thankful for the time I had with them.  

I spent some time this morning going through old photos and recalling holiday memories of years gone by.   Nice.  

Now I'm going to play with Pogo and think of all that yummy food we're going to eat tomorrow.  So, till then, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

No comments today.

Thank Goodness For Junk Mail. It Keeps Me Busy.

November 24, 2020

Good morning.  The sun is shining and it's 35F degrees.  It may get up to forty degrees before dropping down to freezing early this evening.  You know, I think bears and some other animals have the right idea.  They stockpile some food for the Winter, then pull the door to their den closed and hibernate till Spring.  

Today will be a good day to deal with some junk mail.  I have two big bags of it saved up, so that's going to be my project for today.  I don't really feel like working on anything special so the junk mail will keep me busy.  

I guess I could also round up all the catalogues that have come in these past couple weeks.  There must be at least two bags full of them too.  I get an armful of them every other day or so in the mail.  

I think I'm going to have to go back to sleeping upright in my lounge chair.  I'm not getting very much good sleep lying down.  After just a little while, my breathing starts getting wonky so I have to sit up for a while.  

How about a couple more "Find the Differences" puzzles from Dover?  These are always fun.  Each one has ten differences to find.

I did address a few envelopes, so maybe I'll do a few more later this evening.  With it getting dark so early the nights are really long now.  I wonder if that has anything to do with not sleeping good.  Hmm.  Ah well, I can always take afternoon naps.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Another Good Day Here In My World.

 November 23, 2020

Good morning.  Today is gray and it is supposed to rain most of the day.  Morning temps will get close to sixty degrees and then start falling to the thirties this evening.  That makes this a great day to stay in and crochet and address envelopes.

I've been working on the blue pocket shawl and I'm running out of yarn.  I did put in an order for some more of this yarn plus some for the scrubby dish cloths that I'm going to make.   Here's the scrubby yarn that I ordered.  I'm getting the blue, orange, green and red.

I found another rather pretty shawl pattern.  This one looks really nice for every season.  

Pogo woke me up early this morning, looking for his breakfast.  And he was definitely hungry.  Licked his plate clean!  Once his tummy was full of good food, he went back into his little house and was soon snoring softly.  I was going to enjoy one of my apple turnovers, but now I'll have to wait until Pogo wakes up.  He loves apple turnovers, so he'll be wanting some too.

Law & Order, Criminal Intent is on now for a couple hours so I'm going to watch it.  I enjoy this program.  Even if it is a re-run.  On this happy note, I'll take my leave.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

I'm So Very Proud Of My Children

November 22, 2020

Good morning.  Tis cloudy right now but we should be getting sunshine on and off all day with temps in the mid forties.  Throughout the night, temps should rise just a little and be warmer tomorrow.

This morning I've been watching the Create channel.  It's a variety of all different crafts.  There's oil painting, water color painting, cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, beading, gardening, household fix ups, etc.  Something for everybody.  This is all a part of Rhode Island PBS (TV).  

It's been quiet around here.  The newest dwarf was all moved in on Friday, and the envelopes to my card order arrived yesterday.  The cards will be along soon.  Meanwhile I can get started addressing the envelopes.  

A reader recently asked if any of my daughters also crocheted.  When the kids were growing up, I taught them all (my son included) to knit and crochet, to sew at least straight lines ( to keep their clothes mended), and whatever else I could interest them in.  Together, they all crocheted a beautiful afghan as a Christmas present for my parents, and they crocheted Christmas gifts for their friends.  

They all also worked with me in my ceramic studio and local schools, creating and teaching.  They are all excellent cooks.  (not me, but they are.)  They have all spent some time working in the health field, taking care of people.  I'm  very proud of them.

Yesterday was one of my tired and quiet days.  Today seems a bit perkier.  I worked on the blue pocket shawl on and off the last two days, and I'll work on it for a while today.  Whoever wrote the pattern made a few boo boos.  It's taking more yarn and more rows to make the shawl than the pattern calls for.  No problem, it's still quite pretty.  

I did find a simple pattern online for a scrubby dish cloth that I think I'd like to try.  As soon as I decide what color I want to use, I'll place an order for the scrubby yarn.   I'm leaning toward Fall colors.  Orange, yellow, green.  

Now I want to catch up with some morning blog reading.  Before I leave, let me share these cute T-shirts that I found online.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Getting Into The Spirit

November 20, 2020

Good morning.  It's early so it is still rather gray outside, but the temps are a bit warmer.  It's 46F degrees and will climb to the mid fifties this afternoon with some sunshine.  Sounds good to me!

Yesterday turned out to be a good day.  I managed to get a few gifts wrapped, and three packages ready for mailing.  After wrapping for a while, it was time to stop and pay some bills that need to go out in this morning's mail.  

After supper, I crocheted for a while, adding another twenty rows to the pocket shawl.  My day was busy, and now it was done.  Today I'll try to get another package ready for mailing.  It feels good to be getting some of this done.  I'll be able to take my time addressing envelopes next week.

My cactus plants are starting to bloom now.  I haven't checked them all yet to find out which season cactus they are, but I will soon.  This particular plant is the Thanksgiving Cactus, according to Google, and it's a pale pinkish lilac color.

One of these days, I'm going to order a Christmas Cactus with yellow blossoms.  I saw a picture of one and it was just beautiful.  (photo borrowed from Google)

Ah well, the morning is slipping by and the sun is shining now.  It's time for me to get started on this new day.  Let me leave you with another little Holiday box from Dover.  

I'm off now.  So, till Sunday, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Goodies In The Mail

November 19, 2020

Good morning.  Tis gray and nippy outside so far.  The temperature is 27F degrees, but it might get up to at least forty degrees by early afternoon.  It should warm up a few degrees through the night and into tomorrow.  

The Fed Ex man brought me quite a nice surprise yesterday afternoon.  Two boxes.  One box had some gifts that I had ordered, and the other box held all my new calendars.  Wowsie!  The calendars came two days earlier than expected.  

One more reason to love that Vista Print company.  They are having a great Black Friday sale starting November 27th with up to 60% off everything.  The code to use at checkout is 20BFCM.  The sale runs through December 1st.  

The mailman also brought me a package.  This was a crochet booklet and CD  that I had ordered, called 500+ Crochet Stitches.  I thought it might be interesting, and it is!

I've looked through a lot of the stitch patterns on the CD and some of them are really nice.  I'm hoping to learn some new stitches.  

Today I'm going to be able to wrap and package a few items.  Woo Hoo!  I'd like to get a few boxes out of here by the weekend.  One is already to go, one just needs its label and one is waiting to be packed.  Slowly, I'm getting there.  My cards will be here soon and I can start addressing the envelopes.  I like to send them out the beginning of December.  

On this happy note, I think I'll get started on wrapping and writing labels.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Busy Day Has It's Rewards

 November 18, 2020

Good morning.  Tis 32F degrees and sunny.  We may even get up to 35F degrees this afternoon, but then temps will drop to 29F degrees after supper.  Tis just a wee bit too nippy for this old gal.  Here's a funny for you.  I was poking around on Google and found an article that said that Winter is the shortest season.  Hmmm, I wonder what sort of juice the author of that article had for breakfast.

Well, yesterday I did call the company that supplies my oxygen equipment.  After explaining the problems I've been having with my large concentrator, they said it was an emergency and someone would be out as soon as possible.  I moved the concentrator to the porch right outside my door.  I don't want to be letting anyone indoors. (I'm being careful so I don't catch anything.)  

Sometime after four o'clock, I called the company to see if they were still sending someone out here.  They said he had a long list and would get here as soon as he could.  I then asked them if the man could also check my portable concentrator.  The little window on it keeps saying change cylinders.  ???  They said no, these parts would have to be ordered, and would take at least two weeks to come in.  They would order them and let me know when they come in.

To make a long story short, the fellow finally showed up last night at eight o'clock.  He brought me a new concentrator and took away the old one.  The bottom line???  I've been breathing so much better all last night and this morning.  

Today I have another little box from Dover for you.  This one is a Gingerbread house.  I think if you check around at Dover's website, you can probably find these little boxes for other occasions.

I also worked on my Christmas card yesterday, and woo hoo!  I finished it.  I went online and uploaded my design and ordered my cards.  They gave me a fantastic coupon!  Wow, I love a great bargain!  Folks, if you haven't already ordered your cards, try Vista Print.  I've been using this company for years for all my printing needs and they are great.  I got an email this morning saying that my order has already been processed and shipped.  

Last evening, I ripped out the pocket wrap that I had started and began anew.  Pretty soon I had twenty eight rows done and it was time to call it a night.  Here's a photo of it after just a few rows.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Yesterday, Amazon gave it's employees a take out turkey dinner from Boston Market.  Deanne brought her dinner to me, and Pogo and I had it for supper. Yum Yum!  Thank you Deanne and Amazon.  Today I will cook a pot of spaghetti sauce.  Yup, we're having pasta for supper tonight!  

Well, that's my news for today.  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.

Brrr! Too Cold For Me!

November 17, 2020

Good morning.  Tis a bit nippy this morning with temps in the thirties.  Today we should get up into the low forties with maybe some sunshine.  But tomorrow morning - aha!  When I wake up temps will only be in the twenties.  Brrrr!    

The calendar says that it's not Winter for another five weeks, so I wonder why the wicked cold weather can't wait until then.  Ever notice how Winter comes about a month and a half early and lingers around for a month or more after the season is supposed to end?  Whatever happened to the four season theory?  

Yesterday wasn't a good breathing day so I did not get much accomplished.  However, last evening I did finish up all my little crochet projects.  You know, all the yarn ends that need to be worked in, etc.  I don't normally leave any of the ends for later but this time I did.  Big mistake!  But, they are all done now.  

This morning I have to call the company that supplies my oxygen equipment.  There's been an orange light blinking on the big concentrator since last evening.  Plus an annoying quiet whistle.  I'm using my portable concentrator until someone from the company comes out to fix the big concentrator.

I even started working on a new project.  The wrap with pockets.    I chose a medium blue yarn and did a few rows to see how it would look.  I need to make a few changes to the pattern though, so I'll rip it out later and start over.  I'm adding a few stitches to make it wider.  I'll take a photo after I get a few rows done.

Today I thought I'd share a paper craft from Dover.  It's a little box for holding a small gift.  I'll also post a picture of the cover of the book in case anyone is interested.

There are a couple more little boxes, so I'll post them tomorrow.  These were free downloads from Dover Publishing.  

I'm just waiting for my calendars to get here so that I can start wrapping and labeling a few packages.  Today I'll work on my Christmas card.  I'd like to get it finished and sent off to the printer.

Now it's time for me to do a bit of blog reading before finding some fun mischief to get into.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's Getting Cold, Bring Your Pets Indoors

 November 16, 2020

Good morning.  The sun is shining and the temperature is fifty degrees.  On and off all day we should be having clouds overhead and the temperature will start dropping by mid afternoon.  Tomorrow morning will only be in the thirties.  

Yesterday I dug out my snuggily warm blanket wrap.  I look like a fuzzy lavender blob wearing it, but oh my, it is so warm!  I like this lavender tent.  It's perfect for curling up to watch TV.  Pogo likes to curl up in it too.

Last evening, I finished the crochet project that I was working on and now I just have to sew it together.  I also worked on my Christmas card.  It's about half done.  Maybe later I'll finish it.  Today I'm tired so I'm not sure how much I'll get done.  

I've decided that my next project will be a shawl with pockets.  I just have to decide on the color.  My hands need to keep busy when I'm just sitting watching TV or relaxing.  If I don't have a crochet hook in my hand, I feel like something is amiss.  Strange!

Temps are going to be getting cold now folks, it's time to bring all your pets indoors.  Seriously, if it's too cold for you to stay outside, then it's too cold for your pets.

And don't forget to put a coat or even maybe boots on your doggies when you take them out for a walk.  If it's cold enough for you to wear a coat, then you know your dog needs one too.  The pads on their feet stick to the ice and snow, so try putting boots on them.  After a while, they'll get used to them and than you for them.

Now I think I'll have me a little nap before I start reading blogs.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Want A Special Treat?

 November 15, 2020

Good morning.  Today the sun is shining and temps are in the forties.  Tonight though, between eight p.m. and midnight, temps will be in the high fifties. ???  No problem, we'll take it!  It will most likely be raining then.  Afterwards, temps will drop back down into the lower forties.

When our first grandchildren were little boys (Bobby, JC and Trio), my hubby, Michael, would enjoy having the boys over once a month for the whole weekend.  Boys' weekend, they would call it.  They played on the computer, watched movies, sang songs and danced with the karoake, and made chocolate sherbert.  (This is Michael's original recipe)

The best part of this recipe was the very last ingredient.  Just before pouring the mixture into the trays you would add --- (sssssh!  Don't tell anyone, it's a secret.  Make sure no one is looking.)  a handful of love.  Believe me, it makes it all taste oh so special.  This was the boys favorite part of the whole weekend.  Actually, I think eating the sherbert afterwards was their favorite part.

Well, I'm not getting very far with my wrapping.  Every time I think I'm starting, I somehow get side tracked.  It's simply amazing how my mind works.  Remember that poem:  one two, buckle my shoe, three four, shut the door.  The numbers - that's me on my way to do what I thought I'd do.  The action - that's where I actually end up.  How does picking up an item to wrap have anything to do with chasing down a laptop file?  Or finding name tags have anything to do with checking a batch of junk mail?  

I don't remember being such a scatter brain in my younger days.  I do remember being able to multi task easily all the time.  Now just trying to "one task" seems to be a monumental task.  I get such a feeling of accomplishment when I actually start something and finish it all in the same day.  Must be an old person thing.

While surfing the web some time ago, I came across this very interesting article.  I was not aware of this and I thought I should pass it along to all of you.  The print gets bigger if you click on it.

Sometime today I'm planning on checking all my cactus plants to see what kind they are.  I do believe there are at least two different ones.  Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas?  I'll let you know after I check all their leaves.

Now I'm off to do some blog reading before getting started on this new day.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Cooler Temps Are Back

November 13, 2020

Good morning.  Today is gray, a speck wet and cooler.  Temps are 48F degrees.  I'm not complaining but I do miss the great weather we were treated with here in New England.  I keep thinking "Spring will be here soon."

I've been a busy bee this morning.  I wrote a letter to a friend, chased down some spam email.  It said it was my cable company trying to do updates but it was a fake.  I called the cable company to check it out.  I have several housecoats (dusters) and it's time to wash them all.  I went through all the pockets and came up with a nice tidy sum of money.  I tend to put any change in my pockets.  It means a nice surprise on laundry day.

Last night we welcomed a new dwarf to our house.  It was such a delight chatting with him.  He is to be moved in by next Friday.   Let's hope nothing comes up to change these plans.  It will be nice to have an almost full house again.  

I found an ad online that I thought should be shared.  If you live near a Petco, this could be a handy blessing for you.  Check it out.

Yesterday WalMart delivered my recent order.  It was time to re-stock up on alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.  And lens wipes.  My eyeglasses seem to pick up any bit of lint or whatever that comes by.  I'm always having to clean them.  

While I was out on the porch checking the order, I took this photo of some of the leaves that cover my whole yard.  Raking them up is rather pointless because there are leaves still falling.  I have to say though, they really are very pretty.

The morning is quickly going by and I want to do a bit of blog reading.  So, till Sunday, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Finally!

 November 12, 2020

Good morning.  Temps today will range between the mid sixties and the mid fifties along with the promise of some rain.  It's looking very gray outside my door and things are wet so I guess my phone app is right.

Well, I did it!  I finally finished working on my new calendar and sent it on to the printer.  I even paid extra for a quicker shipping.  I should have my new calendars no later than the end of next week.  Woo Hoo!

Last evening, I even put a few more rows on a crochet project but my hands were hurting  so I had to stop.  I'll pick it up again later today.  First, I want to do some serious wrapping.  I'd like to get a couple of these Christmas boxes out of here by next week.  Actually, I'd like to get them all out of here by the end of the month.  It would be nice not to be rushed in December.  

I still want to try the rock painting.  Once I get my boxes packed and ready to go out, maybe I can pick up my paint brushes.  That would be nice.  I'd also like to make myself a shawl with pockets.  Hmmm, so many fun things to do, so little time.  

Today I thought I'd give you a "Find the Differences" puzzle from Dover.  These are great for keeping the brain working.

I love these puzzles.  So far, I've found four differences.  Hmmm, they're not as easy as they look!  Have fun with this one.

Today I have to watch for the mailman.  Yesterday, we either had a substitute mail carrier who did know where to put the mail or he just did not come here.  I had put out mail to be picked up and last evening I brought it back in.  Hopefully, my regular mailman will be here today.

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

Hugs, Edna 

Here's the answer to today's puzzle.

Celebrating Veterans Day 2020

 November 11, 2020

Good morning.  My phone app says that today is the last of these gorgeous Spring days that we've been enjoying here in New England, so let's enjoy it.  Today is also Veterans Day, a day for honoring all persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  I thank all of you for your service, and may God Bless you.

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day here.  It was a busy day for me so this awesome weather was so appreciated.  We had a new dwarf move in and that kept me busy for most of the morning.  He seems rather nice so I'm hoping that things work out well with him here.

The mailman keeps bringing me birthday cards.  From Blogger friends and their friends.  Wow, this has been a really special birthday year.  I want to share one funny card that DIL Janet gave me.  She gave me two "talking" cards, but this one was really funny.

Each little card "door" opened up with a joke inside.  

Card #1 - Do you know why jungle animals don't play birthday games?  Because one of them is a Cheetah. hahaha.

Card #2 - On my birthday, my stylist said I could have a $10 hair cut or a $12 haircut.  I said what's the difference?  He said $2 bucks!  hahaha.

Card #3 - Your birthday calls for drinks on the house.  You get the drinks and I'll get a ladder.  hahaha.

Card #4 - Do you know why you blow out the birthday candles?  Because the fire extinguisher ruins the cake!  hahaha.

Deanne came by after work yesterday and brought me some Cranberry Bread and Blueberry Bread that she had made.  Oh my, yum  yum!  It was so nice out that Pogo and I stayed out on the porch for quite a while.  Here's a photo of what the maple trees in front of my yard look like.

How can you not smile at a view like this?  As you can see, the Emperor Tree on the right has already lost all of its leaves.  The maples are hanging on for as long as they can.  

Eventually, we had to come back inside so I could finish up a few things that needed to be done.  After supper, I had me a nice nap, then worked on my crocheting when I woke up.  Remember the project that I had to rip out the other night?  Well, I have it all crocheted almost back to the point where I was before.  Later today I'll finish it up.

Now I need to go out and get the mail.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay well and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

No Post Today

 November 10, 2020

Good morning.  There's no post today.  I have a very busy morning and afternoon.  But I'll be back tomorrow.  Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Roses Are Blooming Again

 November 9, 2020

Good morning.  We are still in Spring mode through Thursday, then it's back to the cold temps.  Let's all enjoy this wonderful weather treat while we have it.

Yesterday was such a lovely day.  My DIL Janet came by for a visit, and we were able to sit out on the porch and chat.  Deanne and Eddie also came by for a while.  Pogo was in seventh heaven with all the company.  He's a people doggie, and this homebound stuff has been hard on him.  

Janet brought me the funniest card.  I'll take a photo of it to share with you tomorrow.  It's one of those "talking" cards and it's a real hoot.  She also gave me Amazon gift cards, so I'll be "window shopping" for a while until I decide what to spend them on.  

Has anyone's garden started blooming again?  Deanne's roses are making a comeback.  She took this photo of one of her roses a few days ago.

There's even a little pink rose on my rose tree.  After looking a bit closer, I see a couple more little pink buds.

Today I'd like to finish up with my new calendar.  If I don't finish it soon, it won't be in the mail before Christmas.  So I guess that's my project for today.  After that, I'd best get busy working on my Christmas card.  I like to mail them around the first of December.  

Now I think I'll refill my coffee mug and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Another Wonderful Surprise

 November 8, 2020

Good morning.  The sun is shining and today's temps should reach up into the mid sixties.  I am so loving this burst of Spring weather.  

This weekend's mail brought another wonderful surprise.  It was a Yorkshire Terrier calendar.  All the little doggies are so precious, but at least two of them looked like they could be related to my Pogo.

The first little Yorkie is "March" and the second one is "January."  Aren't they just so precious?  Thank you Anne for my calendar.  I love it!  

So far, my weekend has been rather quiet.  I haven't been doing any crocheting.  Just not in the mood, I guess.  But I'll get back to it soon now.  Well, actually I have to if I want all my holiday projects finished and wrapped.  

Pogo's looking at me rather funny.  I wonder if he's getting hungry for his breakfast.  Lately he's been waiting to eat his breakfast closer to lunch time.  He's been wanting a bit of pasta on his plate with each meal.  Sad to say, I don't have any cooked pasta to put with his breakfast.  Oh well, I'd like a plate full of fried scallops for my breakfast but that's not going to happen either.  (Drats!  My mouth is watering now for those scallops!)

Now I'm heading to the kitchen to make some breakfast.  No, not scallops and pasta.  Boo Hoo.  Today Pogo and I will have to be happy with the regular stuff, doggie food for him and cereal for me.  And we are very thankful for that.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Mailbox Full Of Surprises!

 November 6, 2020

Good morning.  Pogo and I are loving these extra days of beautiful Spring weather.  We have sunshine with a few clouds, and temps in the upper sixties today.  Woo Hoo!

Yesterday's mail brought some delightful surprises.  First package contained a gorgeous Diamond painting (kits sold at Herrschners.com.  My cousin Anita had made this for me.  This is what my Pogo looked like as a young puppy.  Awesome!  (in person, this is framed and a lot brighter)  Anita, thank you so much.  I love it!

Shortly after this arrived, Deanne came by after work and brought me a gift from one of her co-workers.  What a surprise!  I don't know the person, and yet she sent me a gift.  There are so many wonderful folks in this world, and I'm finding all of them.  The gift is great!  I use these small purses to keep my craft tools in, and tis now the season to wear these comfy furry socks.  Thank you, Ma'am.  I'm going to enjoy  these.

Then another package came for me.  This one was a container of the most delicious chocolates from Audrey.  Yum, Yum!  It's no secret that I absolutely love chocolates.  Thank you Audrey.  I was good.  I did not eat them all last evening.  I figure just a few each evening and they'll last longer.  hahaha.  

I feel so pampered.  And Blessed.  And it feels wicked good!  I wish a birthday like this for everyone.  

An ad for a new magazine, Whole Dog Journal, came in the mail a few days ago.  It contained a really good tip about acupressure that every dog owner should know.  It's taught in almost every canine first-aid class. If your dog suffers a seizure or traumatic injury and loses consciousness, this could save your dog's life until you can get veterinary care.

(Simply rest one hand comfortably on your dog, and place your other thumb just above your dog's upper lip, halfway between his nose and mouth and gently apply about 2 pounds of pressure for approximately 30 seconds.  It should help your dog regain consciousness.)

I hope you never need to use this, but if you do, I hope this helps.

I have no special plans for today.  Whatever comes my way, will be.  I seem to accomplish more when I don't make a project list for the day.  My breathing seems to be a bit better today so I'm hopeful that I can get a few things done.  

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Thank You. I Had An Awesome Day!

November 5, 2020

Good morning, and what a pretty morning it is!  The sun is shining and it's already 53F degrees and working towards the low sixties.  Woo Hoo!  Actually, we have about a whole week of awesome temps scheduled for us.  Sounds like some more porch time for Pogo and me.

I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful Birthday wishes.  It was such a fun, special day, and I have some photos to share.  Daughter Deanne came by after work and we had our own little party.  Balloons, beads, funny party hats and a special cake!  (I don't have a mask on because I can barely breathe when I'm wearing one.)

Deanne took video of me opening my special birthday present.  hahahahaha.  It was such fun that we decided  to do it over.  Deanne made a video this time too.  I couldn't decide which video to share, so I'm sharing both of them.  We were on my little porch and you can see (and hear) Pogo too.  You gotta love that silly hat!

You can find these cakes at Sendacake.com.  They sure do liven up a party!

Dinner last evening was great too.  Deanne had made spinach lasagna and brought me over a plateful.  Yum! Yum!  Even Pogo liked it.  Of course, I shared!    The strawberry cake was supposed to be my dessert, but I was full up with lasagna.  But soon it will be time for lunch and guess what I'm having with my lunch!

You know what else was so special yesterday?  I got Birthday wishes from two cousins that I've never even met.  (But I will as soon as I can.)   And I got phone calls and messages from so many of my grandchildren.  I really am Blessed.

I found out that my great grandchildren, Jack and Lilah did not know that they are descendants of the Mayflower pilgrims.  So, I went online and found a copy of our book, 300 Years of Louds In America. (The book was researched and written by a cousin, and published in 1980.)  I bought it and it's being mailed to them.  I just know they are going to enjoy this book.

Now I'm going to watch a re-run of Law & Order Criminal Intent.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

I Voted

 November 4, 2020

Good morning.  Yesterday I voted, and today I turned 81 years young.  Yup, today is my birthday and it's also my daughter Laura Jean's birthday.  She's fifty five today.  This photo (that I've cropped) was taken last November shortly after my 80th birthday.  I looked in the mirror, and I don't really look any different now.

This morning I opened my package that's been sitting here tempting me for days.  Oh my, Kyra, you are a doll.  I don't have anything like these in my doll collection.  These are adorable.  I love them.  Thank you so much.

I took a photo of my new dollies.  The birthday card is behind them.  And look at all that yummy chocolate candy!

My cousin Anita called me to sing Happy Birthday to me.  I have a package from her coming today or tomorrow.  Something is being delivered today from Deanne and Eddie, and another package is coming in a day or two from Audrey.  It's really awesome being so spoiled!  

Last evening, I watched the election results all evening until I finally had to close my eyes and call it a day.  I watched a bit this morning, and I'll wait until later today to watch it again.  

So far today, I've wrapped two gifts and packaged one of them.  Woo Hoo!  There's still quite a ways to go, but at least it's a start.  This post is going to be short because if I wait too long to get back to that wrapping, I won't get there at all. So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!!!!!!

 November 3, 2020

This says it all!  (image borrowed from web)

Good morning.  Tis cloudy at the moment but my phone app says the sun will soon be shining.  Temps are at 37F degrees, but should reach up to 41 degrees soon.  I hope so because today I go to vote.  My daughter Deanne will be picking me up around one o'clock to take me to the polls.  Wish me short lines!  

Today is your last chance to be heard, so everyone - get out and vote!  It's not only a right and a duty, it's a privilege.  So many of our men and women have given their lives so that we may keep this privilege.

Last evening, I had planned to re-make the project that I had to rip out the night before.  However, I just did not feel like crocheting so it did not get done.  Maybe tonight.  Instead, I did a bit of Christmas shopping online.  This was definitely much more fun.  

Except for a few odds and ends, I do think I've finished my Christmas shopping.  At least most of it, anyway.  My biggest chore now is the wrapping and box packing.  Then getting it all to the Post Office.  

I'm always looking for new crochet patterns, and I found this cute cardigan pattern.  It's called the Grace Cardi and it's free online.  The front doesn't close.  It's just a cute little cover up .  I like the skirt too but I did not see a pattern for it.

This morning I'm giving myself a treat.  I'm watching re-runs of Law & Order - Criminal Intent.  I like this version much better than the SVU version.  Benson and Stabler turned me off to that version.  They believe in ruining innocent folks lives first in order to finally get at the truth of a case.  That's a turn off.  I don't like the way they interview either.  Maybe had they toned it down a lot, I might have been able to enjoy their version.

I've been checking out alternatives to cable television.  There's just too much hate and violence for my taste.  And don't forget all those "real housewives" of everywhere.  I ask you, do you really believe this crap?  

That reminds me of a memory from long ago.  I was in my early twenties and I thought I'd like to try living a day as a ritzy housewife. (like the ones in the movies)  I put on a nice dress, jewelry and high heels and tried walking around with a feather duster.  I even broke out a bottle of Southern Comfort to enjoy a few drinkees.  All I remember about that day is that I made sure the kids were okay, and when hubby came home from work, I was totally sotted.  He put me to bed, and I woke up the next morning with a nasty headache.  I learned that it's just not all it's cracked up to be.  (I did not do that again!)

The morning is flitting by and I need to decide what I'll be wearing when I go to vote.  On that note, I'll take my leave.  Just one more reminder folks, GO VOTE!  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.