Happy Birthday Stephen

July 27, 2013

It's a beautiful day, and I'm hoping that Pogo and I can go outside for a while to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.   Have any of you noticed the date?  It's the 27th already, and July is fast becoming a bygone.  Where is it all going?

Today is also grandson Stephen's birthday.  I'm sure his day will be filled with all sorts of fun things and people.  Stevie, Pogo and I wish you a very Happy Birthday. 

I got to sleep till about 9 a.m. this morning, then Pogo woke me up so that I would let him out into the main house.  He knew that Joe was out there, and he wanted his morning bologna treat.  Joe says that Pogo rules the whole house, and I have to agree with him. 

When I opened my email, I got another wonderful surprise from my friend Kyra.  She made a beautiful scrap page of me and Pogo and Baby Blue Eyes.   Thank you so much Kyra, I just love it!!

Yesterday we had a bit of rain, which sometimes can be a great opportunity for some neat photos.  I took these photos of the branches from the rose bush right outside my door.   It's fun trying to photograph the rain drops.  These are my three favorite shots from yesterday.

This morning, Pogo and I are watching "Bad Dog" on the Animal Channel.   It's a fun and very interesting program.   Some of these pets are really wicked bad!   Some are so bad they are funny.  It's amazing to see what some of these animals do when they are left home alone.  

The one thing I don't see is any of the owners getting a baby sitter for their pets.  I must be really odd because I always get a sitter if I have to leave for more than an hour or two.   Sometimes I even get a sitter for just short times.   I think if I had just a "regular" dog, it might be okay to leave it at home while I'm at work.  Ah well, the good out-weights the bad.

Now it's time to finish washing the dishes and get out in the yard for a little while.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

How About A Naked Romp Through The Jungle?

July 26, 2013

Good morning.  It's rather cool and wet here in New England.  The cool feels nice, and the grass and gardens enjoy the rain.  My bunny family isn't out running around in the yard, so I guess they are not so fond of the rain.  Joe saw at least three baby bunnies playing in the yard a few days ago.  As long they leave the tomatoes alone, they are welcome to stay.

The temps will be back up in the 80's beginning tomorrow, so pretty soon Joe and I can start picking fresh tomatoes from the garden.  Mmmm, mmm, mmm.  We didn't plant any veggies last year, and I missed them.  I'm hoping that next year, we can plant squash and cucumbers again.  It all depends on when the Spring weather begins.

My friend Kyra started my day off with another beautiful layout of my favorite little guy.  Gosh, I could look at his precious mug all day.   He definitely has me mesmerized!

I see from my emails that more and more of our fun forums are disappearing.  Sad to say, the folks who build a these forums don't seem to know why their forums are dying.  It all started when folks started posting their forums, scraps, challenges, etc. on Facebook.  Next, they also had everything posted on Twitter, followed every other new media place that came along. 

Soon, they were moving their forum scrap stores out of the forums and over to places like Etsy.  Freebies and challenges were being posted on all these outside media places instead of in the forum.  So now, technically, there is really no reason to visit the forum anymore.  And, if you are like me, you just don't have time to be funning from Facebook to Tweeter and everywhere else to find what you need or keep up with what is happening.  Hence, interest is lost and the forums die out.  Sad.

Do you like pigs?   My daughter Deanne finds some of the cutest photos of pigs on the internet.  Here's one that I think is adorable.  This little piggy is just loving his nap in the sun.

Does anyone follow all the new reality shows on TV?   I came across one quite by accident, and was really amazed that it was actually being allowed as entertainment on TV.  This one is called "Naked and Afraid" (or vice versa).  Two naked people, one male and one female strangers to each other, are dropped off at some god forsaken jungle somewhere in the world with no clothes, no food and no water.  The challenge is to stay alive for twenty one days. 

Of course, they are accompanied by a camera crew who are all fully clothed.   Now, if the contestants have to be naked, I don't think it's right that the camera crew gets to keep their clothes on.  Actually, I think that the TV stations are stooping pretty low into the garbage can to come up with new ideas for entertaining programs.   If you are interested though, it is on Discovery Channel.

I'm thinking that it's time for this old fuddy duddy to get busy and start another load of laundry.  Till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Cooler Air Feels Sooooooo Good!

July 25, 2013

Good morning.  At the moment, it is in the 60's here, and it feels super!  The royal baby has been given a name, HRH George Alexander Louis, and Pogo gave me a kiss this morning.  So I guess all is well with the world.

Pogo and I got up early this morning to pick up Jasmine and take her to school for her gymnastic classes.  We'll go back in a couple of hours to pick her up.  Then I think we'll spend the afternoon catching up on some sleep.  Last night the air was sticky and I did not get very much sleep. 

Yesterday afternoon, I went out to my garden to get some new photos.  Unfortunately, the stem of one of the tall new lilies had broken so I had to pick the flowers and put them in a vase.  (Actually, it is just one stem with three blossoms.)  What a beauty this lily is.  And the blossoms on it are really huge!   This stem has three blossoms.  The one near my hand is just ONE blossom.  They are so big and really beautiful.

In another part of the garden, Joe and I each have a tomato plant.  These plants are growing fabulously, and have lots of green tomatoes growing.  Oh boy, I feel a bumper crop coming on!

At work, there are a lot more butterflies this year than there were last year.  Also the dragonflies are more plentiful.  Thank goodness for that because it gives me more opportunities to get some great new photos.  Here is one of the butterflies from the Mrs' backyard a couple of days ago.

My butterfly bushes are sprouting lots of blooms now too, so I'm hoping that we get some of these big beautiful butterflies in my yard soon.  Now I have to go set out my clothes for work tonight, and do up a few breakfast dishes. 

 I have slacked off on getting my place cleared out because I haven't really been feeling so hot lately.  It takes me forever to do just a little bit.   I think once my stress level is back in check, things will get back to normal.  Well, at least I hope so.  Now I'm off to play in the kitchen sink.  Till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Fabulous Way To Start The Day

July 24, 2013

Good morning.  Early this morning when I looked at my  email, I found the most wonderful surprise.  Kyra has sent me another fabulous layout.  This one gave me giggles and smiles, and now that I'm home (from work) I'm still smiling.   Have a lookee and smile with me.

Is this not the cutest little guy?  I am ever so thankful that Pogo is in my life.  The joy that he brings me is priceless.  Kyra girl, Pogo and I thank you.  This is such a gorgeous scrap page. 

This morning, there was no one to sit with Pogo when Joe had to leave for work, so he put Pogo into my apartment to wait for me.  I had left the pantry light on so it would not be so dark.  When I got home a couple of hours later, my Pogo was so happy.  He ran around and danced and gave me kisses.  Boy oh boy, what a great way to start my day. 

So let's make this a Pogo day.  Here's another scrapbook page that Kyra has made, and a close up shot that I took of Pogo two days ago.  He really is ready for another hair cut.  His hair is getting thick and wavy and the short hair feels good in this heat.

By now, everyone has heard that the Royal Baby was born Monday afternoon,  and is already at home with his Mom and Dad.  I wish Prince William and Kate much happiness and many blessings with their new son.  I got this photo from the web.  This tiny new heir to the throne is adorable.

It must be an awesome feeling to know that the tiny son you have just given birth to will grow up to be King.  It boggles my mind.   Well, now I'm off to get started on this new day.  There's lots to do here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A New Future King Is Born

Good morning.  The wait is over.  Kate and Will have a baby boy.  Soon, I hope, they will announce the new baby's name.  I think this is so exciting.  I watched (on TV)  when Queen Elizabeth was crowned Queen,  when Prince Charles and Diana were married, as Prince William romped on the castle grounds as a small boy, as William and Kate were married, and now as a new future king is born  and soon to be presented to the world.   Awesome!

Another story in the news is about the medical college that is accepting undocumented students.  They showed a student (brought here from Mexico as a child) who says he just wants the same opportunities as everyone else.  He has been here most of his life enjoying the "good life" AND YET HE IS STILL NOT A CITIZEN!  He did not say he was going to become one, either.

All these years and he (and his family) couldn't find the time to become citizens.  WHY?  I think all children should have the opportunity to follow their dreams, but let's be fair.  In order to enjoy the privileges that Americans work hard for, I think immigrants should become citizens.  This young person is being given a seat in college that I'm sure could have been filled by an American Citizen.

The "officials" say that we have a shortage of qualified college students to fill the jobs that America needs filled.  WELL, HELLO!  Make college more affordable, and the country will be overrun with "qualified" young adults!!!!!   College tuitions have been priced right out of most of our children's hopes and dreams.  There is no need for this, and it should be unacceptable to all of us.

Okey dokey.  The decision makers are never going to ask for my opinion, so my rant is over.  How about some photos.  Yesterday (while at work) I noticed through the window what appeared to be a dragonfly on a branch, so I grabbed my camera and went out to get some photos.  Well, surprise, surprise.  It was not a dragonfly.  Instead, I got these photos.

Wow, talk about being in the right place at the right time.   You just never know what sort of opportunity will pop up.   I really do not like bugs, but they always seem to present me with some very interesting photos.

Well, now it's time to see what's for lunch, and maybe do another load of laundry.  I need to call Big Brother, Big Sister and apologize for not putting their bag of donated goods outside this morning.  I had the bad ready, but forget to put it out.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a marvelous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

"Operation Smile"

July 22, 2013

Good morning.  Well, I'm back at work again.  There was a death in my friend's family, so I am covering for her today, tomorrow night and Thursday night.  Today, I had to bring Pogo with me.  Of course, he is not complaining.  In fact, he's quite happy to be here with me. 

Like the rest of the world, I have the news station on to hear any news about the royal baby's birth.  It's such an exciting day.  Princess Diana would have been so proud.  The newscaster is forecasting that the baby will be a girl, and will be named Victoria.  Hmmmm, we'll just have to wait and see.

Very early this morning, I watched an infomercial on TV about "Operation Smile".  It's a group of volunteer doctors and other medical personnel who volunteer their time and expertise to help children around the globe who are born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate. 

The cost for these operations is $240 per child, and the key words are "around the globe".  I think this is a wonderful thing for these medical people to be doing.  However, isn't our country part of this globe too?  And how come this country is not listed on their Medical Mission Schedule?  (Their schedule lists Central America, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.)   Aren't there children born in this country with this same medical problem?  And how come our children can't have the same medical care for the same $240 per child?

If our children could have this same medical care for this same price, I'll bet that most folks would gladly give enough money to  help them all.  If we all could give the $240, there would be no sick children left in our country.  Alas, this will never happen because this same care is only afforded to our children at astronomical costs, which of course, most of us cannot afford.  Sad, sad, sad.

It was nice and cool earlier this morning, but now it is getting warmer and muggier.  Pogo doesn't seem to care though.  I just took him outside for a little bit, and he is itching to get back outside again.  Well, he will have to wait a while. 

I did not have a chance to work on an orange photo for today, but I do have a couple of nice ones to share with you.  This first is one of my roses, and the second one is part of a new fairy village in my yard. 

The Royal Baby has not been born yet, and I must get back to work here.  The Mrs will be wanting her lunch soon.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Woo Hoo! The Internet Is Back!

July 21, 2013

Good morning.  Today the weatherman is promising us a welcoming break in the heat.  That means that I will have a chance to play with the sun roof on my car on the way home this morning.  By the way, I've decided to change her name to "Baby Blue Eyes".   Every time I look out the side window, the color blue looking back at me is the same beautiful color as many of my loved one's eyes. 

I'm actually one of the few in the family who did not get the baby blue eyes.  Mine are hazel, and depending on what colors I wear, my eyes can be green, gold or hazel.  These eyes have been passed on to two of my children. 

Yesterday I was feeling quite crappy.  The tension has been high in the house all week, and I have been tired from all the work.  Most of the dwarfs have been very good, but a few have been like unruly children. 

However, when I opened my email yesterday, I found a wonderful gift that really brightened my day.  Kyra had made me another gorgeous scrapbook layout.  This one features Mr Blue Eyes himself.  My friend, I thank you so much.

I also have a photo to share that I took at our local park.  This is one of the tiny little islands that is scattered on the pond.  It looks so peaceful, with just enough room on it to set up a tent and a little clothes line.  Doesn't this look like a great place to spend a vacation?

As you can see, the internet is back on at work.  Thank goodness!  WiFi withdrawal is no fun at all.   Now it's time to check on the Mrs again before I pack up my things and head on home.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.