A Freebie For You

July 8, 2015

Good morning.  Right now, it's comfy outside.  Not too hot yet, cloudy with a little breeze.  However, soon it will be hot and sticky with possible showers on and off.  The weatherman says that things could get a bit feisty (stormy) between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

I was sort of hoping to go out later today to look at furniture.  DIL Janet may be coming over after work, and I thought that maybe the three of us could go (Pogo too).   One of the furniture stores is having a nice sale on recliners, and this is what I'm looking for.

Last night, I put a couple more rows on the Country Blue afghan.  Now both this one and the Merlot afghan are near the half done mark.  I'd like to finish both of them before the end of August.  I've put the lapghans on hold for a while until these two projects are finished. 

I was hunting around for some new crochet projects to try, and found the pattern for this cute 1920's Gatsby hat.  Depending on the yarn used, this could be a great year round hat.

While I've been busy posting here, it rained a little.  Not enough to make any puddles, but just enough to put drops all over my car.  Hopefully, we're going to get a little more than that.  My flowers and lawn could use a bit of rain.

There's not much news to share today.  It's rather quiet around here during the week when all the dwarfs are at work.  However, I do have a new freebie for you.  Here's a preview, with the download link beneath it.  (link will be up for one week)  As usual, all credits are included in the zip file.  I hope you can use it.  Have fun.

Here's your download link:
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Today I'd like to move a few of the dust bunnies around.  Maybe even toss a few of them out.  Then I want to make a space for a new chair.  I'll also have to shop for a new lamp to have by the new chair. 

Wow, talk about changing weather!!  I just looked up at the door, and the sun is shining.  Well, that's New England for you.  If you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes and it will change. 

My morning TV programs are starting now.  Let's Make A Deal and The Price Is Right.  So, on that note, I'll take my leave.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Such A Beautiful Splash Of Purple

July 7, 2015

Good morning.  It's going to be hot, hot, hot here all week.  There's a tiny breeze this morning, so I opened the door and raised the bottom window on the storm door in order to enjoy that little breeze.  Soon, it will be in the upper 80's, with probably no breeze.

Today the oldest person in the world is celebrating her 116th birthday.  She was born in Alabama in 1899.  Wowee!!  Susannah Mushatt Jones, of Brooklyn, says that the key to longevity is bacon, lots of sleep, love and positive energy.  Congratulations, and Happy Birthday Susannah.

It's been very quiet here at the house.  Everyone is tired from the busy holiday weekend.  Some of the dwarfs went to the nearby Brockton Fair Saturday night, and then stayed to watched the fireworks display.  This is the 140th year the Brockton Fair has been here, and it is the last year it will be here.  It has been something wonderful and fun to look forward to every year, and will be missed.

I do have photos to share of a lovely plant that is flourishing in the little garden by our front door.  Some folks may call this a weed, but weeds are plants, and this one is really pretty.  It is called Creeping Bellflower (Campanula Rapunculoides), and it makes a lovely splash of purple color  by the pink rose tree.

Today, I will see about installing Firefox, so that I can finish making my new blog book.  I started making the book a few days ago, but my browser has been causing a few problems.  I put in a call to Shared Book, and they suggested that I switch my browser to Firefox.

Right now, though, it's time to play with Pogo.  He is crawling all over to me let me know that he wants to play.  So, on that note, I'll take my leave.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wow! What A Talented Squirrel!!

July 6, 2015

Good morning.  It's another pretty day today, with sunshine and temps getting up into the upper eighties.   Oh my gosh, I'm watching the Weather Channel, and they are showing a video of a water skiing squirrel.  He's in a large pool, and having a fantastic time on his little water skis.  Just awesome!  Here's a couple photos that I borrowed from Google.  His name is Twiggy.  Isn't he just adorable!!

 

I wonder how one would go about training a squirrel to do something like this?  Hmmm, do you suppose they could be trained to weed the gardens?  Wouldn't that be something!!  We have a lot of squirrels here, but ours mostly just eat, and try to figure out new ways to get inside the house.

 

I have another cute photo to share.  This is daughter Deanne's little dog Sassy.  She's wearing her patriotic hat and showing off her colors.   You're looking gorgeous Sassy!! 

 

 

Pogo and I didn't do anything exciting over the weekend.  We mostly lazed about, and watched a bit of TV.  Yesterday I watched the movie "Pretty Woman".  It was just as enjoyable this time as it was the first time I watched it.  I also put a couple more rows on the Country Blue afghan, but it's been a bit too warm to crochet during the day. 

 

We are still being invaded by a large flock of black birds who eat up all the bird food.  I'm not really sure how to get these buggers to move on to a new neighborhood.  We may have to stop putting out bird food for a day or two.  I don't really like doing this because all our other little birdies count on having this food.  Maybe I'll google it to see how other folks get rid of these unwanted guests.

 

Today, I think I'll start working on my computer room.  It has become a "catch all" room and I haven't been using it for a couple of years now.  I would like to clear it out.  Then I can have fun figuring out what to do with it. 

 

Ah well, Pogo is barking at someone outside, so I think I'll go have a look.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

 

Hugs, Edna B.

Wow!! What Fabulous Fireworks!!

July 5, 2015

Good morning.  And what a lovely morning it is.  The sun is shining, and all the little birds and critters are happily scooping up all the goodies that we put out for them this morning. 

Well, did everyone get to watch any fireworks displays last night?  Pogo and I decided to watch from the comfort of our living room.  First, we watched the display that Macy's of New York put on from the East River.  Wow, Wow, Wow!!  These were awesome!! 

I took some photos (off the TV) with my cell phone in hopes that some would come out good enough to share.  Here are just a few of my photos.

I think I'll be watching this holiday display every year from now on.  Normally, I watch the Boston fireworks display, which was scheduled to take place shortly after the New York display ended.  I did start to watch the Boston display, but the view was very poor.  Most of what was visible on the TV screen was large dark clouds on the left half of the screen, and a very smoky display on the right side of the screen.

It just wasn't much fun to watch the Boston display, and after a while I shut it off.  Now when I think back, it's possible that it was just the position of the cameraman for the station that I was viewing.  Maybe I should have tried a different Boston TV station.  Oh well, at least I thoroughly enjoyed the New York display.

Yesterday was basically a quiet, lazy day for myself and Pogo.  I had thought I might crochet most of the day to get my Christmas projects closer to being finished, but well, life has a way of changing the best laid plans.  \

Instead, I played around on my laptop most of the afternoon,  and  started working on a few new QP's.   It felt good to be doing this again.  I'll be posting a new freebie during this upcoming week.  Next, I want to get back to taking a new photo every day.  I got away from doing this before I got so sick.   I'm about 90% back to my normal self now, so it's time to get back to the fun things I had been enjoying.

I have not made any special plans for today, however I do think I should start thinking about what's for lunch and supper.  Mr. Pogo is hungry, but has turned up his nose at his breakfast.  He did this all day yesterday too.  Some days, I just don't know what to make for him.  I could cook him a hamburg every day, but he would only eat every other one at best. 

As a matter of fact, if I cook up two hamburgers and save one for the next day, he won't eat the second one.  It's a day old, and he does not want it.   Can you imagine that?  Now where did that come from?    Ah well, I love him anyway.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Happy Fourth of July

 July 3, 2015

Good morning.  This is my second attempt to type this post.  I was busy typing, and Blogger just wiped everything out with no warning at all.  This very frustrating!!!

I've been up since around 3:30 a.m., and have already done a bit of work on my laptop.  Now I think I'll have me a cup of coffee, and check my shopping list.  We did not get to go grocery shopping yesterday, so we are going early this morning. 

There has been a terror threat for Boston, for the Fourth of July Celebration.  I've been watching a video on the news of all the extra security measures being implemented to investigate this threat and to make sure the public will be safe.

Imagine the cost of all this extra security.  Now imagine the cost to the taxpayers of this state to hold the Olympics here.  There is no way we can afford to pay for any of this.  So why is the Olympic committee so hell bent on having the Olympics held here.  Most of the citizens of this state DO NOT want to have them here.  We DO NOT want to have to pay for any of it.  We can't afford our own bills, so what in the world makes anyone think that we should take on this project? 

Also in the news is the little girl whose body was found at Deer Island about a week ago.  No one seems to be able to identify her.  This is so sad.  How can you not know that your child is missing?  Government officials are asking anyone with any information to come forward so that they can give this little girl a name. 

Yesterday, we had a tiny bunny in our yard, happily munching on greenery.  I got my cell phone, but this little kid was just too fast for me.  The best photo I could get was this one taken from the kitchen window.  Unfortunately, The bush outside the window blocked most of my view.

I also found a new crochet pattern online that I'm going to try soon.  It's a rather pretty shawl.

Pogo has run out to the pantry to bark, so that means that Joe is up now.  So, I'll have to go open the pantry door now so that Pogo can go into the house and have his turkey treat. 

I want to wish everyone a safe and Happy Fourth of July.  If you can't get out to watch any local fireworks displays, I'm sure there will be some televised for your area.  I know I'll be watching the Boston celebration on TV.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a wonderful weekend and a safe holiday.

Hugs, Edna B.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEE DEE

July 2, 2015

Good morning on this lovely day here in New England.  And it is lovely!!   It's 71F degrees and sunny.  Later the temperature will get up to the mid 80's.  It looks like the weather will be just fine for all the local parades and fireworks displays that are planned for this weekend. 

Today is also my daughter Deanne's birthday.   Deanne was born on what is the original Independence Day.  She is my middle child, and she's very patriotic   Dee Dee, I wish you a beautiful happy day.  You are such a joy to me and everyone around you.  Happy Birthday Dee Dee.

Yesterday, I managed to accomplish a few things without leaving my seat.  I did a bit of research on-line, and was able to make an appointment for someone to come out in a couple of weeks to give me an estimate for windows.  Construction must be having a real busy season, because any appointments I make are for at least a couple of weeks away.  Hmmmm. Business must be booming!

I also started making my new Blog Book.  I guess I either did a bit too much chatting or I posted too many photos because a book covering six months was going to be too big.  So I will be doing three books this year, one every four months.  This morning, I will call Blog2Share to make sure of this before I actually place my order.

Recently, I decided that I might like to start making QP freebies again.  This was always fun and relaxing for me.  So I made one for the July fourth holiday.  Here's my scrap page featuring Deanne at a local Memorial Day parade. 

 

Here's a preview of your freebie QP.  I hope you can use it.  Next year, I'll try to remember to make one for Canada Day too.

And here is your download link.  I will leave it up for a few days.
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Today I need to make up my grocery list, because we are going shopping when Joe gets home from work this afternoon.  I must remember to pick up a small brush for the shellac so that we can get the other squirrel feeder finished and hung outside.

I think it's also time to start going through my photos from this year to see which ones might be good for next year's calendar.  I also need to go through my "gift" drawer to see what I do and don't have.  Then I can make up my new holiday shopping list.  It may only be July, but the next few months have a way of slipping by quickly.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

A Rainy Start For July

July 1, 2015

Good morning.  Goodness, it is already July!  Most cities and towns across the country are getting ready for their July 4th parades and fireworks displays.  Many folks buy their own fireworks, and have their own private celebrations in their yards.  Please don't do this, as it is very dangerous, and most likely illegal.  Also, you want to be considerate of any war veterans living nearby.  These fireworks could be quite devastating to them.  Pease be considerate.  And safe.  Here's the July page from my calendar.

Well, I don't have to turn on the Weather Channel to see what the weather will be like today.  It's been soggy and gray all morning.  The rain isn't too heavy though, just steady.  It doesn't scare off all the little birds from their feeder.  These little birds are hungry. 

We've been inundated with a whole flock of black birds lately, and they eat all the food that we put out for the other birds.  I don't mind them eating too, but it would be nice if they would share.  It only takes this flock a few minutes to gobble up a whole day's supply of food for all the other little birds.  I won't miss them when they move on to greener pastures.

The squirrels are rather piggy too.  They sit at their feeder until every morsel has been devoured.  At this rate, I'll need to start my own peanut farm.  haha.   I have corn for them as soon as Joe finishes lacquering the other squirrel feeder.   Then we'll go looking for a good place to hang it. 

Today I have photos of a couple of the weird looking mushrooms that grow in my yard beneath the pine trees.  There are quite a few different looking ones, in many colors and shapes.   These two are huge, at least seven inches across the top.

In our local newspaper, there is a column titled "Your Opinion".   Yesterday's opinion was about Hillary Clinton's "good ideas" for voter equality.  This person said that "No, we don't more people voting.  We need more informed, involved and engaged people voting."

His idea is to "stick a short, multiple-choice civics quiz at the top of every ballot.  Let everybody vote, but only count the ballots from the ones who get more questions right than wrong."   YEAH!!!  I think this is a fabulous idea. 

At one of the more recent November elections, I took my ballot and went into a cubby to vote.  However, it was very uncomfortable because there was a party going on in the booth next to me.  There were four or five people squeezed into the booth, all talking and laughing.  When I made a comment about this on my way out, I was informed that one of the many new voting changes was to let some folks take help into the booth with them so that they would understand who and what they were voting for.  I'm sorry.  If you don't know what you are voting for, or what the issues are, stay out of the voting booth.

I also think you should be able to read English and write your own name when you register.  Imagine how many X's were registered to vote.  Was each of them a registerd resident of that city or town?  Were they legal?  And how about all these early voters and the absentee ballots?  Are any of these ever checked for legitimacy?  I don't believe they are. 

I know for a fact that in my town, there is a person who has registered as living at my house - AND THEY DO NOT!!! - and the town lets him vote with an absentee ballot.  I brought this to the clerk's attention, and was told that the only way changes could be made would be if the person involved notified the town of an address change.  I'd like to know what address the town sends this person's absentee ballot to.  Definitely not mine!  Hmmmm.

So tell me, where's the incentive for legal honest citizens to get out and vote?   I've always felt that it is a privilege to be able to vote, but now it is so corrupt that it is difficult sometimes to keep feeling this way.   Whatever happened to being able to vote for the best person for the job?  Now we get to vote for whichever person has the most money and is able to coral the most people to vote for him/her. 

Oh dear, I need to get off this wicked tangent.  I have a lot to say about it, but I'll save it for another day.  Instead, I'm going to watch the shopping channel (HSN).  They have an "all day" craft special, and some of the products are quite interesting.  No, I'm not buying anything, but I do love all the different ideas that they present.

On that note, I'll take my leave.  So till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.