April Is Quietly Slipping By

April 29, 2016

Good morning.  The sun peeks in and out, and the temperature is 46F degrees.  Later today it will get up to the mid 50's.  It's a good day to get out and do errands.  At least that's what Pogo and I have planned. 

I guess I'm just not a very good cake baker.  Pogo was not very impressed with the cake that I made.  Needless to say, he did not eat any of it.  I'll offer it to him again today, but I don't think things will change.  Sad to say, the cake did not look or smell like a juicy hamburger or a steak.  Hmmm, there's a lesson here for me to learn for next year.

However, my little guy had a really nice day, and would like to thank everyone for the birthday wishes.   Here's a Birthday scrap page that our friend Beth made for him.  We love it Beth.  Thank you so much.

Yesterday, the Lawn Doctor came to spray the trees and yard for ticks.  By the next visit, they will be spraying for mosquitos too.  I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy my yard without getting bit by insects. 

Have you noticed how quickly this month has flown by?  In two days, it will be Mother's Day.  It just seems to be too early for May to arrive.  Ah well, I guess Mother Nature doesn't think so.  My tiny lilac bush might even bloom.  I noticed teeny little buds on it a few days ago. 

I need to go shrub shopping soon.  We used to have beautiful tall, thick hedges along the whole front of the yard.  Over the years the hedges have become seedy, and a lot of them have been broken down.  Every year I want to replace them, but I just never seem to get it done.  This year I have this project at the top of my "house to do" list. 

On a happy note, daughter Audrey sent me a couple new photos of her granddaughter, Alena.  Here, she is showing how beautiful she is in her Auntie Bea's cowgirl hat. 

 

In this photo, she is practicing making her letters.  And she's only three years old!  We're all very proud of her.

Well, the morning is quickly flying by and I really should get busy and chase a few bunnies.  After the mail comes, Pogo and I want to go out for a little while.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POGO

April 28, 2016

Good morning.  It's a beautiful sunny day here in my little part of New England.  It's a bit cool at the moment, but the temps will get to around 60F degrees later today.  Can't complain about that!

Yesterday was a busy day, starting when the big trucks started coming into my driveway.  (It's more like a parking lot)  One truck had a bucket on it, and the other truck was towing a wood chipper behind it.  They were here to trim away some dead limbs from my Japanese Red Maple and one of the big Norwegian Spruce trees.

I took some photos (you know me, I take photos of everything) to share.  It was really quite fascinating to watch these fellows work.  As you can see, the sun was very bright, so it was a challenge finding a spot to stand to take photos.

While they were here, they even cut down an old overgrown shrub that I wanted cut down.  When they were done working, they cleaned everything up.  I would definitely hire them again.

Well, today is my Pogo's big day!  Happy Birthday Pogo.  I'm wishing you many more happy years so that I can keep on spoiling you and showering you with love.  You have brought much joy into my life and I am ever so thankful for that.

I made the birthday cake yesterday because I wasn't sure if I would be home long enough today to make it.  Today I will frost it, and later we will have a little party for my special guy.  I doubt if Pogo will eat the cake, but we'll see.  Sassy isn't quite so picky, so we'll send most of the cake over for her to enjoy.

It's hard to decide what sort of presents to get for Pogo (sorry, but I've enjoyed spoiling him) so I think I'll make him an appointment for a pedicure and maybe have his face and hair trimmed a bit.  Here's a photo I just took of Pogo.  He's sitting right here next to me.  As you can see, he has the afghans all scrunched up to just the right amount of comfy.  Except for a bit of gray hair creeping in, you would not guess that he is ten.

We were hoping to go visit with Aunt Lucy today, but things have come up, so we'll see about going over the weekend.  Aunt Lucy loves to bird watch, so I've had one of my robin photos done up on canvas for her.  I'm hoping that she will like it.

Before I finish this post, I have a quick page for you.  Maybe you can use it for one of your Mother's Day photos. 

Here is your download link: 
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That's my news for today.  Now it is time for me to do a few chores around here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Big Day For Pogo Tomorrow

April 27, 2016

Good morning.  Well, I had to put the heat back on last night.  The temperature went down to 34F degrees.  Just a tad bit too cool.  The days are warming up a bit, but the nights will be quite cool all week. 

Yesterday morning, Pogo and I went out to do a couple errands.  We thought we might beat the rain, but Mother Nature had other ideas.  It was sprinkling when we got outside; and when we got to the Post Office the heavens opened up and the rain was really pouring.  I left Pogo in the car while I ran in to mail a letter, and then we headed back home.  I tucked him under my jacket while we went from the car to the house .  So I got a little wet, but Pogo stayed dry.

Today I dug into my photo archives for some photos of a goose family.  I took these photos at our park in mid-April, 2012.    This first one shows the new goslings.  Mom and Dad are always nearby to keep watch over their flock.

There was another large beautiful bird staying close to this family while they were in the water.  While Dad was busy chasing off other geese, this beautiful swan stayed close by Mom and the babies to help keep the family safe.

I think it's awesome how animals instinctively help one another even if they are different.  We humans have a lot to learn from our birds and animals.

Tomorrow is Pogo's birthday, and I bought a peanut butter flavored mix to make his cake.  It comes with yogurt frosting too.  I was going to make it tomorrow, but we're thinking about going to visit Aunt Lucy tomorrow, so I think I'll make the cake today. 

I don't know if Pogo will eat it, but we'll send half of the cake home to Sassy.  (Dee and Eddie's little dog)  Sassy will definitely enjoy it.  Meanwhile, my little Pogo will be turning ten years old.  Just don't tell him that.  He thinks he is still a puppy!!  Wow, you should see him when he does his "Happy Dance." 

I see the mail carrier coming and he is carrying boxes.  Woo Hoo!  I love getting packages in the mail.  That's the best part of mail order.  You know I have to stop and see what is in those boxes. 

***Oh wow, all the yarn I had ordered is here, along with a couple of gifts for the gift drawer.  There's also a new book to read, "The Book of Random Oddities."  Oh gosh, now I know what I'll be doing this afternoon. (after I bake the cake, of course) If you guessed reading the new book, you guessed right!!  I love books.

Well, there's a lot of stuff now that has to be put away, so I'll take my leave here.  I do have a new quick page for you but I have to upload it and get a link for you.  I'll post it here tomorrow.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Cute Projects To Sew

April 26, 2016

Good morning.  Today is overcast with temps in the mid 40's.  Not a bad day to do a couple errands.  I think Pogo and I will go out early so that we can be home before it decides to rain. 

Yesterday I did not get much done in the way of chores.  A friend was in need of help, and that took up most of the day.  I slept pretty good last night though, and hopefully my friend is feeling a bit better now.

I got an email saying that the yarn that I ordered has been shipped.  Woo Hoo!  I think I'll try working on that Cozy Cocoon cardigan in between afghans. I found a couple cute projects that some of you might want to try. This first one is a "tee shirt" dress.  It's made from either two or three tee shirts.  With a little imagination, there are so many cute ways to make this dress.

The other item that I found is a "tank top" broomstick dress.  Pick your favorite color tank top, and use your imagination to make a really pretty skirt bottom.  Such simple ways to make a really pretty summer wardrobe.

There's really not much going on here right now.  I think today will be an easy, lazy day.  When we get back from doing our errands, I think maybe I'll wash a couple of Pogo's blankets and maybe chase a few dust bunnies.  Then I have to decide on a couple things about the new porch and make a call to the contractor.  It's time to get that project started.

Now I'm going to finish my coffee and get ready to go out.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Seems We've Run Out Of American Workers

April 25, 2016

Good morning.  It's gray and cloudy outside at the moment, although the weather man says it isn't going to rain until tonight.  Hmmm.  The temperature today will be warm, reaching up into the upper 60's.  This whole week, the nights will be quite cool with temps mostly in the 30's.  Tomorrow's day time temp is supposed to drop about 22 degrees.  Ouch!!

Yesterday, we went outside to find a spot to put the new rose bush, and Joe planted it and the tulip plants.  He wasn't feeling so good, so we'll pick an afternoon during the week to start cleaning out the gardens. 

After the planting was done it was time to do a couple loads of laundry.  One day this week, I'll put all of Pogo's blankets (the ones he is using) into the wash.  He loves clean smelling blankets.  But then, don't we all?

Today I want to talk about an article in this weekend's newspaper about seasonal workers.  First, here is the image and title for the article.

The seasonal workers whose absence is hurting these businesses don't even live in this country.  These workers are waiting for visas so that they can come here and work and send money home to their families.  Excuse me, but don't we have any folks of our own in need of work?  With the exceptionally high number of people receiving aid, a lot of them could be filling these jobs.

The article says that these same workers have been coming here for years to work these jobs. It goes on to say that employers must demonstrate they have a seasonal need, cannot find American workers for specific jobs and will pay foreign workers prevailing wages so their presence doesn't undercut the pay of American workers.

According to Laurie Flanagan, a co-chairman of the H-2B Workforce Coalition in Washington, "there is no other way to find legal seasonal workers.  This delay in processing the visas is frustrating for employers who are committed to having a legal, documented workforce.  They're having to put off business."

I guess the part that bothers me the most is allowing visas for workers to come in and do these jobs when we already have so many people here out of work.  We are being forced to house, feed and support a lot of people already here.  Why not put them to work instead and let them earn their own way?  They can be trained for these jobs the same way the other workers were once trained. 

Pay is obviously not the issue here, according to the article.  Where are these "outside" folks being put up to live?  Who is paying for that?  We have a lot of people needing a place to live and a job to support themselves.  Give all this space and work to them. 

I don't know.  I'm scratching my head trying to figure out the logic in all of this.  I watch so many people working wicked hard to make ends meet, and yet we are insisting that we need to bring in outsiders to fill our jobs.  Come on, America.  Get real!!

Okay, that's my band box statement for the day.  You know, some days I don't even open the newspaper for fear that I might find another article like this one.  It gets me riled up and ruins the whole day.  It's so much easier to turn on the TV and watch Sponge Bob Square Pants or Thomas The Train Engine. 

I found an rather interesting image on the web that I thought I would share with you.  It's a chart that shows you what to use to remove certain stains.  I hope you find it helpful.

Now it's time for me to do a few things around here.  I think maybe I'll run the vacuum around for a bit.  The dust bunnies are getting out of hand.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Do Our Votes Count?

April 24, 2016

Good morning.  It's a little cooler this morning, but it's still nice.  The sun is shining and in a few hours the temperature will get up to around 60F degrees.  I'll take it!    I was hoping to sleep in a bit late this morning, but Pogo had other ideas. 

Somehow he always knows when Joe is up, and promptly at 7 a.m. Pogo was out at my pantry door barking to let Joe know that it was time for turkey treats.  A minute or so later, Joe opened my door and let Pogo out into the house to have his turkey.  Unfortunately, unless I get up and go out there to stand by him, Pogo will just stay by my door and continue barking.  So of course I had to get up.  (groan, groan.  The things we do for our fur babies!)

There is an article in the magazine section of today's newspaper about Electoral votes and whether or not our votes count.  (newspaper is The Patriot Ledger)

People should really look into this and learn how this system actually works.  We are brought up to believe that it is a privilege to be able to vote, yet according to this system of the Electoral College, our votes really don't count toward electing a president and vice president. 

One would think that electoral votes would go to the candidate with the most popular votes, but it does not always work that way.  This whole system can be quite confusing, so it would behoove folks to study it and learn more about it.  In today's system, the individual parties put a lot of pressure on these electors to make sure they vote the way the party wants them to. 

This system may have worked many many years ago, but I think it has become antiquated.  I've seen how a candidate can win the majority of the popular vote (that's our votes!) and still lose the election because the electors did not vote for him.  Maybe it's time for us folks to decide on what we think is a fair system and make changes.  What do you think?  I mean, if our votes are not going to count, why are we voting???

Just so you know, I still plan to vote.  I keep hoping that things will work out and that "we the people" will get what we vote for.

Now that Spring is here, there is a whole new insect population visiting our yards and gardens.  I found this image on the web and thought I would share it with you.  Yesterday, there was a huge bumble bee flying around in my little garden.  It was quite busy checking out the new blossoms. 

However, you should know the difference between Wasps and Honey Bees.  The honey bee is very good for the garden and will not bother you.  But, if you mess with the wasp, it will leave you with a nasty reminder not to bother it again.

Yesterday, I did not do much of anything except try to nap as much as possible.  For some reason, I was very tired and really did not know why.  Thank goodness, today is much better.  I have laundry to do, and I want to find a good place for our new rose plant so that Joe can plant it.  I think I'll have him plant my newest tulip plants too.  Their blossoms have gone by, but they will come up beautifully again next year.

I will finish my coffee now and get started on this gorgeous new day.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Have You Kissed Your Fur Baby Lately?

April 22, 2016

Good morning.  Tis another beautiful day here in my little part of New England.  The sun is shining, there is a soft breeze, and the temperature is already 69F degrees.  The weather man says that today will be really super with temps reaching up to the high 70's.  I'm sure we're in for a series of cooler days soon, but I'm loving it while it's so nice.

Well, yesterday Pogo and I did not get to do our errands.  By the time I did a few things and got myself ready to go out, it was too late.  Joe would be home soon, and Pogo does not like to miss his turkey treat.  So we will make another attempt today. 

While looking for something on the web last evening, I came across this really cute pattern for a crocheted cardigan.  It's called "Cozy Cocoon Cardigan" and I think I'd like to try making it.  Isn't this cute?

I've been working on two different afghans lately, and when they are finished I'll only have one more to make before Christmas.  It will be fun to work on a different project in between all the afghans.

A couple days ago, I ordered a couple new batches of yarn.  One batch for me, and the other batch for my grandson Kevin's girlfriend.  She has recently learned to crochet and is making a blanket.  I love to see our young kids learning hand crafts, especially when they really enjoy it. 

My phone just rang again a few times but I did not answer it.  For over a year now, I've been getting tons of phone calls from all over the country.  I don't recognize the numbers and on the few times that I tried to answer there was no one on the other end.  I also get bombarded with phone calls from every fund raiser out there.  Now I don't answer any calls unless I know the caller.  This is one time when I really do appreciate modern technology, "Caller ID."

As you all know, I love animals.  I think we need some new laws - strong ones - to punish anyone who abuses animals.  I don't mean the slap on the hand type of law.  I mean a stiff fine and jail or prison time.  All our animals are precious and we need to treat them all that way.  I thought I'd share this image that I borrowed from the web.

There's really not much news for today so I think I'll take my leave here.  I really do want to get out to the Post Office to mail a couple of boxes.  Before I go, here's another image I borrowed from the web.  This goes for kitty cats and other pets too.

Now I think I'll finish my coffee and catch up on a bit of my blog reading.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.