Normalcy Is Returning, Slowly But Surely

June 8, 2015

Good morning.  I'm starting a bit later this morning than I have been lately.  But that's okay.  It might just mean that my sleeping habits are trying to get back into a normal routine.  Hmmm, I wonder what normal is anymore? 

Last evening, I got comfy in my lounge chair, picked up my crocheting, and got ready to enjoy some TV.  Well, that was the plan.  I woke up a little after midnight.  So much for plans.  haha.  Unfortunately, I woke up hungry.  This part is not so good.  I don't really want to gain back the three pounds that I was able to lose.  So I treated myself to a bottle of water and some cottage cheese.  After my snack and doing a bit of crocheting, I was able to go back to sleep for the rest of the night. 

As promised, I have a photo of the two latest lapghans, the Paddy Green one and the Buff one.  I used a color called Mexicana for the accent color. 

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, and Pogo and I took a ride to daughter Deanne's house for a nice visit with everyone and to give Kevin his graduation gift.  Pogo, of course, was in seventh heaven because he got to spend some play time with their little doggie, Sassy. 

While I was there, I got a couple more photos to share from Kevin's senior prom and his graduation.   This first photo shows Kevin (second from left) and his girlfriend, and a couple of their friends.  Gosh, they all look so grown up and beautiful!!

This next photo shows Kevin, with his proud Mom and Dad, right after the graduation ceremony.  This was such a wjonderfully exciting day for everyone.

Things are quieting down again now.  The kids will be planning a big combination graduation/birthday party next month for Kevin; and, daughter Deanne will be having a birthday coming up soon too.  (just a few weeks)   It looks like it's going to be a fun, busy summer.

Today I think I'll put in another load of laundry.  While that is washing, maybe I'll try to extricate a few of these dust bunnies.  I didn't mind them setting up housekeeping on the TV console.  But last evening, I found one of them trying to set up camp on my lounge chair, and this just will not do!!  I have a hand-held vacuum, and I think I'll give it a workout today.

The Buff colored lapghan that I was working on is almost finished, just about eleven more rows.  So today I'll be picking out another new color to work with.  I'm thinking maybe a yellow or a red.  Hmmm, such decisions!

Well, that's about all the news for today.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a magnificent day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh, What A Beautiful Weekend!!

June 7, 2015

Good morning.  It's only 7 a.m., but it's already looking to be a really nice day.  The Weather Channel says we'll get up to about 71F degrees today, and warmer all week up into the mid 80'sF.  Gosh, that sounds super to my little ears.  Now that I'm working my way back into "Humandon", I can use all the nice weather that Mother Nature has.

Yesterday was a super day around these parts.  My youngest grandson Kevin graduated from high school!!   This is the tiny two pounder who came into the world with so many challenges to face as he grew into the handsome young man he is today.  I have a couple photos to share that proud mama Deanne sent me via cell phone.  Congratulations, Kevin!!!

This first photo is Kevin's graduation present, his very own car.  The second photo is our proud Mama Deanne, and Kevin.

Unfortunately, I could not attend the graduation ceremony, but I'll get to visit today for a while with everyone.  Hopefully, I'll get some more photos to share.   We are all so very proud of Kevin.  He has worked and played hard for seventeen years, and today starts a new journey in his life.  College is next.   To my kids, Deanne and Eddie, you did a super job raising this fabulous young man.

I'm back to enjoying my morning coffee now.  Of course, my taste buds are still working on getting back to normal.  But I imagine that will all work out soon.  I've been switching my meal times around a bit.  I no longer have set things to be eaten at certain meals.  If I want a sandwich for breakfast or supper, that's what I have.  Sometimes Pogo and I have supper between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. and lunch food for breakfast or regular supper time.   I actually think I like this better.

Did any of you get to watch the Triple Crown race yesterday?  Gosh, I fell asleep for a little nap and missed the whole thing.  My horse won!!!  American Pharoah just could not be beat!!!  Sorry, I did not have any money bets placed, but that's okay.  It was great just to watch the re-run of the race on the news later. 

Today I have a couple more photos from my garden to share.  This first photo is a regular Iris, and the second photo is one of my prized beauty irises. 

Something has been nibbling on a lot of my plants, and I'm not too happy about that.  I did find one guilty critter.  I'm going to have to call a landscaper/gardener to find out what to do to stop this feeding frenzy. 

Last evening, I did a bit more crocheting, and finished the Paddy Green lapghan, and started working on a Buff colored one.  I'll have photos to share tomorrow. 

A few years ago, my orthopedic doctor suggested that I invest in a Rhoomba to do my vacuuming.  This is one of the activities that I have trouble doing.  I don't know why, but I suppose it has to do with how one has to hold or move the body.  Anyway, I never did get me one of these gadgets, but now I'm giving it some serious thought.  So that will be my new research project. 

I got up rather early this morning, and made a big pot of macaroni salad, which is already in the refrigerator getting nice and cold.  I bagged up all the trash, and gathered up my recycles, and put them out in the laundry room for Joe.  He will take them outside to the barrels later.

From watching the Weather Channel, I've picked up a couple of great tips for making safe insect repellents.  If you have a campfire, use your spices.  Sprinkle some sage or oregano on the fire.  Insects do not like the smell of these spices.  For your body, fill a jar with baby oil, and put cloves in it.  Now you have a wonderful smelling, safe bug repellent.  Enjoy!!

Well, that's about all my news for this morning.  Now I'm going to head over to the refrigerator to see what's tasty for breakfast.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wow! Human Day #3. I Think I Just Might Finally Make It!!

June 5, 2015

Good morning.  "Human Day" number three!!!  I got all comfy in my lounge chair last evening to watch some TV, and fell asleep.  Around two thirty a.m. I woke up.  Well, that was refreshing!   Seeing as how I was wide awake, I decided to crochet for a while on the Paddy Green lapghan.  

Yesterday was a lovely day, and Pogo and I took advantage of the nice weather.  We went to the Post Office to mail off a couple of boxes, and then stopped by the bank.  The bills got to be paid no matter how you feel.  On the way home, we stopped by McDonalds for our regular order, a double hamburger plain for Pogo, and an ice coffee for me.   It was a nice little outing for both of us. 

When we got home, Pogo and I took a walk around the yard to see which plants might be blooming.  Oh my, some of them are just gorgeous.  I took quite a few photos with my phone, and I'll be sharing them here once I have cropped them. 

Today I have photos of my Rhododendrons.  These blooms don't last very long, but they surely are beautiful.  This first photo is the white bush, which is just starting to blossom.

And this is the rosy lavender bush, along with a close-up shot of one of the blooms.   Next year, I would like to find an orange azalea bush to  compliment these bushes.   One of my neighbors has one, and it is simply gorgeous.

I'll have more photos for you on Sunday's post.  Later this afternoon, after Joe gets home from work, we are going food shopping.  Today we will shop at Market Basket for some of the items that we cannot get at Walmart.  I, for one, need to get another big bag of peanuts for my birds and small critters.  So far, I can only find these at Market Basket.

I also have to look for another squirrel feeder.  We used to have one hanging on one of the trees, but I guess all that snow we had ate the feeder.  We have not found it anywhere.  I think when we get a new feeder, we'll nail it to the tree trunk. 

It's early yet, only 6:50 a.m., and it's 50F degrees, working towards 71F degrees.  Today will be a combination of sunny and cloudy, with some rain expected later today.   I can see some branches flapping around a bit outside my window, so I guess we'll have a breeze too.

This morning, I had a cup of coffee and a peanut butter sandwich.  The peanut butter tasted super, but the coffee isn't tasting like it used to.  Don't get me wrong, it tasted okay, just not the way I remember it tasting.  So, I think I'll make me another cup, and try again.  With all the meds I've been taking lately, a lot of things don't taste the same anymore.

If this "human day" continues, I think I'll give the vacuum cleaner a run about the house tomorrow.  I'm trying not to over-do, but there is so much in need of work around here.  I'll be busy till next Winter trying to catch up on any of it.  In between crocheting, that is. 

 Well, I think I've about gabbed your ears off, so I'll take my leave here.  Y'all be safe and have a wonderful weekend. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Another "Human" Day

June 4, 2015

Good morning.  It's 8:25 a.m., and I've been up for a few hours.  Last night was not such a sleepy night.  I did, however, nap a while, awake for a while, etc.  So I guess I'll be okay for the most part.  Today I am still feeling a bit human, and that is definitely a good sign. 

The coughing/choking up stuff has not stopped, bit I have hopes that it will stop at some point.  See?  I'm trying to keep a positive thought about it.  It's been a bit cool bere.  Mid 40's during the night, and now we are finally up to about 56F degrees.  I had the heat on for overnight, but I just shut it off. 

I was not able to get out to find a place where I could take photos of the Strawberry Full Moon.  I had hoped to do this, but it was not to be.  So now I'll look forward to the next big moon.  It was raining here anyway, so it probably wasn't visible anywhere nearby. 

Well, I've already accomplished something this morning.  I have my supper for tonight and tomorrow already baked.  It's a four cheese lasagna, and once it is cooled I'll cut and wrap it, and put it in the refrigerator.  I figured as long as I was up and awake, I might as well get the cooking out of the way.  I'm hoping to take a ride to the Post Office this morning and get a couple of boxes mailed off.  They have been sitting here just waiting to be mailed out.  This is also a great excuse to take Pogo for a ride in the car. 

One box will be for daughter Audrey (this box has been waiting for about three weeks to be mailed out), and the other box is more lapghans for MS.  Next I will concentrate on making a box of lapghans for veterans.  (I actually have a couple of them already finished.)

Are any of you doll collectors?  My collection isn't huge, but it is beautiful.  However, I stopped buying any new dolls a while ago.  But every now and then, along comes a new doll that has me drooling over it.   A while ago, I came across an ad for the new Princess Charlotte Baby Doll.  I believe this one is from Ashton Drake, and oh my, she's simply gorgeous!

I was very good though, and did not buy the doll.  I've reached a time in my life where I need to cut way back on collecting things.  But I can still enjoy looking at all the beautiful new dolls, and drooling just a little.  I have a pocket full of tissues, so I'm all set.

Speaking of tissues, I think the tissue companies should be sending me stock certificates in their companies for buying so much of their product these past couple of months.  I've gone through at least twenty five large boxes of tissues so far.   Replacement boxes are on my shopping list every week.  Hmmm, it's a nice thought anyway.

Joe is beginning to feel better.  Whatever he caught, it has lasted much longer than he thought it would.  But he is back to work and says that he feels a lot better.   Dwarf Helen had a medical procedure done on one of her hands this week, and will be laid up for a few days.   Thank goodness all the other dwarfs appear to be healthy. 

Well, that's all my news for this morning.  So till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a beautiful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh Wow, My Dust Bunnies Are Huge!

June 3, 2015

Good afternoon.  Did you think maybe I slept in a bit late this morning?  Well, you're right!  I got up earlier to tend to Pogo and went right back to sleep.  It felt good!  Of course, it puts me behind on everything else, but that's okay.  I sure needed that sleep.

Well yesterday I had another doctor appointment.  More x-rays were taken, and the doctor said that there was no more pneumonia.  He put me on more prednisone for a few more days, and if I don't feel better, I'm to go back. 

However, after all that wonderful sleep, I actually feel sort of human again today.  At least for now.  So I'll go slow and only do a few things.  I don't want to lose that human feeling.  When I first got up, the sun was actually shining.  Now it is quite cloudy.  I may open the door for a while anyway.  Pogo keeps looking so longingly at the door, and I know he misses having it open. 

The dust bunnies are getting huge, and have run rampant here.  If I can keep this human feeling, I'll soon get after those bunnies one spot at a time.  During this whole time, I've only been keeping up with the dishes, the trash, some laundry and Pogo's patch.  Oh my gosh, I have so much to catch up on!

Today I have a couple more interesting ideas (that I borrowed from the web)  to share with you.   This first image shows how to install a regular coat rack low down on the wall to store shoes safely off the floor.  I think this is an awesome idea!  

 

This next image shows how to use a rubber band to rescue a stripped screw.   I happen to be very good at stripping screws, so this tip can be very useful.

Well, that's about all my news for today.  Now I need to go check on the mail.  Before I go, I want to thank each of you for your wonderful thoughts and caring.  It sure does keep a smile on my face and it helps with the healing.  I'm so blessed to have you all for friends.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Rain, Rain, It's Okay To Go Away

June 2, 2015

Good morning from soggy New England.  This rain is supposed to let up by early evening today.  I hope so, because now I'm ready for more sunshine.  It got so cool here last night that I had to put the heat back on in the house.  I do not want all the dwarfs getting sick because of this cold.

My eyes are bleary this morning, as I did not get any sleep during the night.   So, in a little while, I'm going to crawl back under my warm covers and try for a nap.  I need to be alert for my appointment this afternoon. 

Lately, I 've been attempting to work on a blue lapghan, but it just doesn't seem to want to be made just now.  Every two or three rows that I put on, I have to rip out the same amount of rows.  I finally put it down, and started another one using a Paddy Green yarn.  We'll see how this one goes.

Today I have a couple more images to share that I borrowed from the web.  This first one is so very true for a lot of us.  Well, at least for me.  I'm sorry it isn't very clear, but it is readable.

All these years, I've been setting the scale on the floor, and then standing on it.  Silly me!!!

This next image shows how to create a thrifty watering can by puncturing holes in the cap on an empty milk (or water) bottle.  I've tried this one, and it works pretty good.

This last image is a chicken run, and is usually attached to a small coop.   I never realized how small these things are.  They measure 28" high, 45" wide and 26" deep.  If you go online, you can see them pictured with a flock of chickens inside.  Check these measurements on your ruler.  I don't know about you, but this seems too small an area for even one chicken. 

 

After seeing this, it puts a bigger impact on the meaning of "free range" chickens.   How can anyone really justify cramming several chickens into such a tiny space and then feeling good about themself?  

 

Ah well, that's my tiny rant for today.  I saw on the news this morning the unveiling of a magazine cover featuring Caitlin Jenner.  I have one word for it.  WOW!!!   She looked absolutely gorgeous!

 

Now I'm going to see if I can get in a little nap before it's time to get ready for my appointment this afternoon.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a fantabulous day.

 

Hugs, Edna B.

I'm Hanging In There

June 1, 2015

Good morning.  Sorry about no post yesterday, but this weekend had no "feel good" days in it.  This morning, I called and made another appointment with the doctor for tomorrow afternoon.    Sooner or later, he should be able to come up with something to get rid of whatever this is that is keeping me down for so long. 

Well, May was a beautiful month, and now it's June already.  Here in New England, we are starting this new month with showers.  Lots of showers to help get us out of the "moderate drought" stage.  You would think that with all the snow we got this winter, we'd have plenty of water.  This was all explained on the Weather Channel, but somehow it hasn't penetrated my brain yet.  I can be a little slow on some things.  Here's the June page from my calendar.

This morning I'm doing some laundry.  I've let it pile up, but now I'm running out of jammies.  I've been living in my jammies, but my jammy drawer is just about empty.  Only one more nightie left in it.  

I'm in week nine of whatever it is that I have, and I'm not one bit happy about it.  I have so much to do, and not one shred of energy to do it with.   Thank goodness for Pogo.  I have to cook meals for him, so adding a little more food for me is easy.  If he didn't need to eat, I'd stick to crackers and water or ginger ale.  

The first six weeks, my appetite was much better, but these past few weeks, my appetite is not so good.  Of course, the plus is that I lost three pounds.  Imagine, just three pounds!!  Ah well, I guess I have to be thankful to lose them and not put them on. 

I found this adorable image on the web and borrowed it to share with you.  Now tell me, honestly, I'm not the only person this refers to, am I?

 I also have an adorable photo of Pogo in his car seat, that I took last week when we were able to get out for a little while.   Isn't he just the cutest?  He was so thrilled at being out riding in the car that he didn't even mind me taking a photo of him.

There's not lots of news here, and the laundry is calling me.  Tis time to put it in the dryer and start a second load of wash.  So, on that note I'll take my leave.  Till tomorrow, Y'all be safe and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.