A Day Full Of Goodies

June 8, 2018

Good morning.  It's looking great outside my door.  The sun is shining and the temperature is 60F degrees.  In just a couple of hours the temp will rise to close to eighty degrees.  Awesome!  Today is definitely a porch day. 

Yesterday was full of all sorts of good stuff.  Deanne came by and brought two new awards to show me.  A couple nights ago, there was a large awards event held at the high school Theatre Arts building.  Jasmine was presented with two really special awards.  One was the Dominie award which only goes to Seniors who Excell in the theatre program.

The other award that Jazzy received was the Richard Rosen Gift Of Laughter Award.   I don't know all of the history behind this award, but it started thirty years ago, and is only given to one person each year.  So, in thirty years, only twenty nine other persons have ever been given this award.  Now Jazzy is the thirtieth person.  The head director of their theatre, Mr. Hogan, was one of the other twenty nine people who received the award, and he had the honor of presenting it to Jazzy.

Jazzy also received a Recognition Award this past week from the Brockton School Committee for her performance in Suite Surrender, which was one of the fourteen shows selected to compete at the New England Drama Festival State Finals, and won accolades at all three levels of competition.  Way to go, Jazzy!

Later in the afternoon, I got two packages in the mail.  Woo Hoo!  I love packages!  Of course, these were things that I had ordered.  One package was clothing, and the other was some things that I had ordered from a gadget catalogue.  One of the items in the box was a "Cat and Bird Prickler."

This photo shows two of these pricklers, one on top of the other.  One side has inch long prickles, and the other side has prickles about a quarter of an inch long.  Right now, I'm using the shorter side.  The household cats just love jumping up on the pantry counter and chewing on my plants.  I'm hoping that the pricklers will discourage them from hopping up there anymore.  They won't hurt the cats and supposedly they work well.

On another happy note, Audrey sent me some photos of her newest project.  Her granddaughter Alena collects owls, so Audrey is going to make her a bed doll, using one of her owls.  This photo shows the owl and the yarns that Audrey is going to use to make the dress. 

This next photo shows an idea of what the dress will look like when it is finished and on the owl.  Gosh, this is so cute!  I'll have to have Audrey send me a photo of the finished project.

Last night I treated Pogo and me to Chinese take out for supper.  I bought an extra container of the pork lo mein so that we could have some today too. This morning Pogo had a plate of it, and he's such a happy little camper now. 

Well, now that I've done a bit of bragging and chewed your ear off, I'll take my cup out to the kitchen and get a coffee refill.  Then I think Pogo and I will go out on the porch.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.

How Does He Do That?

June 7, 2018

Good morning.  Well, the sun is shining again and the temps have gone up a few degrees.  We should make it into the high sixties today.  A super step in the right direction!  I seem to have picked up a slight chill in these old bones, and I'm needing the warmer temps to chase it away.

Yesterday was rather quiet here.  I washed some dishes, displaced a few dust bunnies, watered the plants, etc.  Nothing exceptional.  But I'm not complaining.  It's rather nice not to have to worry about getting things done all the time.  I do wish my energy level was a bit higher though. 

DIL Janet came by after work yesterday.  We had a nice visit, although I've developed a really bad habit.  Every now and then I nod off to sleep for a little bit.  Janet's a sweetie though, she just crochets and waits for me to open my eyes again.  Then we chat on as though nothing happened.  I may have to take a nap earlier in the day when she is coming by.  I love my visits with her, and I feel bad about nodding off. 

This morning, I came across a new scrap store.  I checked it out, and they have some really nice scrap kits.  The prices are reasonable so I bought a few kits.  If you'd like to check it out, they are called "Dance In The Rain Scraps."

Today I have some photos of my plants.  I have two on my bottom step as a welcome.  These are the Coreopsis and the White Petunias.  They are sort of a cheerful "Hello" to anyone coming by. 

We had to cut down the huge rose bush that is by the laundry room door because it was getting so unruly.  Plus a lot of the wood stems on it were actually dead.  Already, I miss it but there seems to be some new growth coming up from the ground around it.  One shoot from it already took hold a few years ago and is looking really great this year. 

Here is the new bush now, and a close up of the little white flowers.  It's hard to believe that this used to be a gorgeous yellow rose.  But the root plant is also beautiful.

One of the new plants, the Double Impatiens, is one I haven't seen before, and it is simply gorgeous!  I think it's time to re-pot it and put it on the porch so that I can enjoy looking at it all the time. 

Ooo-wee!  The mail just came, and in it was an envelope from Omaha Steaks advertising their new $19.99 sale.  The last time I bought some $19.99 sale items, Pogo and I pigged out on pot roast and corned beef with cabbage.  I can't wait to see what's on sale now. 

Speaking of Pogo, my little doggie is oh so unique!  I have never met a dog who could pee underneath his pee pads.  But my Pogo can!  I check his pee pads frequently so that I can change them when he uses them, but sometimes they stay dry for a long time.  I have learned now to look under the pee pad, just in case.  And yup, so many times, there's a puddle underneath the pad.  Now I ask you, How does he do that??  Hmmmm?

Well, my coffee mug is empty, and Deanne just texted me to say that she will be here in a little while for a visit.  I guess it's time for me to get busy here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Where Did Our Sunshine Go?

June 6, 2018

Good morning.  It's gray and damp outside and fifty three degrees.  There are good sized puddles everywhere.  The last weather report that I listened to said that today would be sunny and close to seventy degrees.  I guess Mother Nature wasn't listening.  Or maybe she's saving the good weather for later today?

Well, yesterday was a busy day for me.  However, as I sit here typing, I can't think of anything that I actually did.  Other than wash a few dishes, make a few phone calls, and make a couple new quick pages, nothing is really coming to mind.  Well, I did go outside and tend to the plants on the porch and in the greenhouse.  That's something.

I guess I'll have to start carrying a pad of paper and a pen so that I can write down the things that I do each day.  Hmmm, that could prove to be very interesting.  When I think of all the things I used to do on any given day compared to what I do now, I'm amazed at how much I've slowed down. 

I found an adorable image on a friend's blog, and just had to borrow it to share here.  It just seems so very appropriate, not just for the weather but for life in general.  I just love how the little doggie is also wearing a rain slicker. 

Yesterday I did go online and order some new yarn.  I also bought a new pattern for crocheted hand towels.  They are made with cotton yarn, so of course, I ordered some of this yarn too.  I haven't crocheted any towels before, so I thought this might be a fun project.

Here's a photo of the Cranberry afghan that I finished.  Now that it's done, I really like it. 

This is the month when JTV (Jewelry Television) has it's inventory clearance sales, so I try to watch for a little while each day.  I'm looking for something specific for a birthday gift.  So far, I haven't found it, but I'm sure I will if I'm persistent.  (tee hee hee, that's not such a tough thing to do!)

I dug out some pretty pink yarn that I bought a while ago.  It was on sale for such a great price that I just couldn't resist it.  Then I went through my yarn stash to see if I had anything to put with it for an afghan.  This will be for my oldest great granddaughter, and her favorite colors are pink, blue, purple and black.  Woo Hoo!  I found exactly what I was looking for.  This variegated yarn has most of her favorite colors in it and it matches the pink yarn.  What do you think?

So now when I get tired of working on the baby afghan, I can work on the pink afghan.  I can't wait to get a few more rows on the pink one so that I can see how the variegated yarn looks with it (after it is crocheted). 

Goodness, I do believe the sun just might make an appearance soon.  It's getting a bit brighter outside.  I guess by tomorrow the temps should be getting back into the seventies.  Gosh, I hope so.  Pogo and I are wanting to spend some time out on the porch.  I have a lot of planting stuff out there and it all needs to be put away.  I think I'll put it all in a box and set it under the bottom shelf in the greenhouse.  For now.  Later it can all be put away in the shed.

Later  today, DIL Janet should be coming by after work.  I'll have to think of something tasty for our supper.  Her favorite is Stouffer's macaroni and cheese, so maybe we'll have that.  I just happen to have some in my freezer. 

Today I have a quick page for all you folks born in June.  This one features pearls, your birthstone.  I hope you like it.

Here's your download link:
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Now I'm going to have a cup of coffee, my first one this morning, and do a bit of blog reading.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Creative Changes

June 5, 2018

Good morning.  The rain has stopped and the sun is shining.  Temps are warming up today to the high sixties.  Yes, yes, yes!  I could use a big dose of warm (not scalding) sunshine.  I missed being able to sit out on the porch yesterday.  It was too damp and cool to be out there.

Yesterday was rather quiet around here.  Aside from a couple of small household chores, I mostly spent time playing on my laptop.  Yup, I got lost in making new quick pages.  Plus, I picked up a few new scrap kits. 

I guess I'm just awful picky.  I can spend an hour or two on just one quick page.  I get an idea in my head, and I don't stop until the page is what I had in mind.  Sometimes I spend a lot of time making a brand new element from existing elements. 

When I look back at quick pages I made in my early scrapping days, I see a really big difference.  In the beginning, I made a page you could use to display a photo in.  Now I like to have my page tell a story or at least set a mood.  If there is any special type of page someone would like, please let me know and I'll see what I can come up with.

Well, last night I did finish the Cranberry afghan.  Later today, I'll take a photo of it to share.  I'm going to place a yarn order today, and in the meanwhile, I'll work on the new afghan.  I'm in no rush to get these afghans finished.  I would like to have one ready before Christmas for my oldest great grandchild.  First, I have to decide on which colors to use for it. 

Today I have a couple photos of the plants in the green house.  First is the peppers.  They are really doing well.  Next is the strawberry plant.  It seems to enjoy the warmth inside the greenhouse.

The nice weather has brought out all the hornets and other flying insects.  They can stay outdoors, just not around me.  I bought a bug stick and hung it on my porch to keep the hornets away from my door.   I have another one to hang indoors for any flying pests that manage to get in the door.

In a little while, I need to go outside and open the door on the greenhouse.  The plants will probably be wanting a drink of water, and I'll be putting a couple of them back on my steps.  I put them in the greenhouse the other night because the night time temps got rather cold. 

Now I think it's time to wash the breakfast dishes and get busy around here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle

June 4, 2018

Good morning.  My goodness, today is feeling more like April than June.  Tis gray and wet here.  The temperature is 51 degrees, and it's supposed to rain all day.  On the positive side, my grass is growing leaps and bounds.  Plus, the driveway is a completely "nature made" huge bird bath, and the leaves on the trees out front are thick and lush. 

Yesterday turned out to be quite nice.  In the morning, I went to the market and picked up some groceries.  While I was there, I found some boxes that I will be needing soon, so I got a few of them.  I've stopped setting aside boxes that are good for mailing, but these are small and flat and won't take up any room. 

Once the groceries were all put away, I went outside to take a few photos of some of the flowers that are blooming.  I love looking out and seeing bits of color everywhere popping up from the greenery.  Here are just a few of the blossoms. 

A lot of my beautiful iris plants are so tall and top heavy that they fall over.  I will have to get some sticks to tie them to so that they can stand up.  Hopefully, then I'll be able to get a few photos of them to share. 

Last night I crocheted for a while on the Cranberry afghan.  I thought I only had about four more rows to go, but it really needed six more rows.  Now it only needs two more rows and it will be finished.  I think I'll do that tonight so that I can put this afghan away.  I'll take a photo first to share here.  It really is quite pretty.

For supper last night, Pogo and I pigged out on Top Sirloin steaks.  Yum, yum, yum!  My little fellow licked his plate clean.  I don't usually buy these, but they were part of the package that I had ordered from Omaha Steaks.  So far, we are enjoying everything from that order. 

A few days ago, I sprayed Pogo's bed on the porch and the rug on the porch floor with the Wondercide.  Then I put some of it on Pogo.  For him, I mostly sprayed the stuff on my hand, then rubbed it onto him.  He's tiny, and I did not want to saturate him with it.  So far, it seems to be helping.  For anyone wanting to try the Wondercide, I might suggest getting a smaller bottle than the 32oz. size at first.  At least until you know that it is working for you. 

I have friends in Texas, and they are trying to cope with wicked high temperatures.  I can't wiggle my nose and change the weather for them, but I'm praying for some cooler temps for them.  Speaking of wiggling my nose, wouldn't it be nice to be able to do that?  Oh, the fun I could have!

Some folks just went by out front, walking their little dog.  Both people had jackets with hoods on, and the little dog had nothing on.  If I could wiggle my nose and change this, I would take the coats off both people so that they would get drenched, and I would put a raincoat and little boots on the doggie.  Some people are just so thoughtless!

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Rather Cool Weather Coming Our Way

June 3, 2018

Good morning.  The sun is shining, but the temps have dropped a bit.  It's fifty five degrees now, but it's only supposed to get up to about sixty degrees today.  We have a few rather cool days coming up, plus a bit of rain the next couple of days. 

I've been thinking about going to the market to do a bit of grocery shopping and I think today might be the best day for me to go.  I don't relish going out shopping on a rainy day.  To be honest, I don't relish going grocery shopping at all, but it's a "must do."

Well, it's been quite a weekend so far.  Jazzy's big day was yesterday.  She graduated from high school, so now the last of my grandchildren has grown up.  Here's a photo of Jazzy and one of her best friends, Cole.  They've been friends since kindergarten.  Congratulations and best wishes to both of them.

Yesterday was a warm day, so I decided to put my new fan in the window.  Hmmm, I should have check the weather for the next few days first.  I'll probably have to take the fan out and wait a few days before putting it back in the window. 

I also did a bit of re-potting, and planted some petunia plants in my small kiln by the shed.  Joe cut down the wisteria vine by the shed.  (I asked him to)  It was getting unruly and taking over my little garden and crawling all through the Japanese Red Maple tree.  I will go online and order a different type of vine to replace it.

Last night, I was looking for something at Amazon, and I came across a set of coffee mugs that I've been admiring for quite a long time.  I never ordered them because I don't really need more coffee mugs.  However, last night I decided "why not?"  So I put them in my (online) shopping cart.  Now I have to decide whether or not I want to buy them.  Aren't they pretty?

Today I'll have to look through my other mugs to see which ones I can part with.  Years ago, I had a large collection of mugs.  Alas, the day came when I had to get rid of a lot of them.  Now I must do it again. 

I've still got about four more rows to go to finish the Cranberry afghan, but I decided to start a new one.  I'll still work on the Cranberry afghan, but the lighter colors on the new one are easier for me to work with.  The colors are Raindrops and Goldfish (variegated). 

I still have a couple more doll dresses to make but first I have to order some new yarn.  I have specific colors in mind for them.  This new afghan will keep me busy.  I have noticed that I'm slowing down quite a bit.  I think my days of crocheting a new afghan every few weeks are over.  Sigh, the joys of getting older

Today I have a new quick page for you.  This one has a rather nostalgic look to it.  I used Kyra's kit "Lifetime Moments". 

Here is your download link:
Expired

Now I think I'll do a bit of blog reading before I leave to go grocery shopping.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Graduation And A New Car - Woo Hoo!

June 1, 2018

Good morning, and oh what a wonderful morning it is!  The weather is nice, temps in the seventies with a bit of a breeze.  The sun pops in and out, and the porch is calling out to me and Pogo.  It's also the beginning of a brand new month.  Happy June!  Here's the June page from my calendar.

Gosh, this is an exciting week for us.  Jazzy's senior prom was a few days ago, and tomorrow she graduates from high school.  Lordy, how the time has flown by.  The school colors are red and black, and Jazzy is wearing the red gown.  Here's her graduation photo.  Contratulations Jasmine.  I'm so very proud of you.

A couple days ago, Deanne stopped by and gave me more good news.  Kevin works hard as an electrician, goes to school and saves his money.  This week he went out and bought himself a brand new car.  Wowsie!  Congratulations Kevin.  I wish you much happiness and good luck with your new car.  Here's a photo of Kevin with his new car.

Gosh, be still my little heart!  How much more good news can I stand?  Well, let's see.  Jazzy's high school has been nominated for quite a lot of the awards for the Spring musical drama.  My plants are doing really well in the greenhouse, and Pogo and I wake up every morning eager to start another day.

Speaking of my handsome Pogo.  I have a new photo that I took yesterday while we were sitting out on the porch.  He was in the chair next to me, and he looked up just as I touched the shutter button on my phone.  Woo Hoo!  Now isn't this just the cutest little fellow around?

Yesterday, the new sale flyer for Ocean State Job Lot came in the mail.  I noticed it had an interesting new fan on sale.  This one had dual controls, three speeds and a thermostat.  And it was only $32.  It's time to put the air conditioner in the window, but I'm hesitant to do it.  The window is right behind my lounge chair, and if I'm in the chair, I can't run the A/C. 

So, I'm thinking that maybe this fan might be just what I'm looking for.  It won't bother me to run it while I'm in my lounge chair, and it has a thermostat so I can set it for a cool temperature.  Well, at least that's what I'm thinking.  I gave some money to Joe and he went to the store and got me the fan.  Today I'm going to try putting it in the window.  I'll let you know how it works out.  Here's a photo of the fan.

I also ripped a nice little hole in my hand yesterday trying to get my porch door to shut tight.  I have an electric cord running out there in case I need it.  Unfortunately, it prevents the door from shutting tightly at the bottom corner.  So I gave the doorknob a good tug, and ouch!  The knob came off in my hand and there was a big cut near the knuckle on my index finger. 

I cleaned and covered my cut, and waited for Joe to come back from the store.  I showed him the knob and asked if he could put a new knob on the door if I bought one.  After checking the knob and the door, he said that it was not broken.  With the right amount of pressure, the knob can be pulled out of the door.  After fiddling with the knob for a bit, Joe fixed it.  Phew!  It looks like I'm an accident waiting to happen!

Today I think I'll try to carry another bag full of "toss and throw" stuff out to the recycle bin, then I'll take my little laptop out to the porch and maybe make some new quick pages.  Yup, that sounds like a good plan.  First, I want to do a bit of blog reading.  On that happy note, I'll take my leave.

So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.