Oldies But Goodies

July 11, 2017

Good morning (for about ten more minutes!).  Goodness, Pogo and I were up really early this morning because he was hungry.  I did find-a-word puzzles for a little while and then we went back to bed.  When I finally got up to stay, I had a few things to do here before I could even sit down at my laptop. 

I'm trying to work up the energy to go grocery shopping.  We haven't run out of food but I really should go today.  However, if I don't make it, well then I'll just go tomorrow.  No biggie.  I guess that's one of the perks of being retired.  Not being rushed.

Yesterday, I did spend quite a bit of time on my "clean out" project.  Sad to say, most of my time was spent looking through old pattern books that I uncovered in a bottom desk drawer.  Among these patterns was a lot of crochet doll patterns.  I took a few photos of these pattern books so that I might share them with you.  If you see any that you like, let me know (email me at pogosma@gmail.com) or leave a comment here and I'll try to copy the patterns for you.

This pattern book is for toilet tissue covers.  I took photos of both the front and back covers.

I did find a pattern for a July doll, but I missed copying a part of the instructions so I'll re-photo it and post it later.  I do believe some or all of these patterns are for both standing dolls and bed dolls.  I'm sure you can also use a top from one pattern and the bottom from another (if you know how) to make a completely new pattern.   At any rate, they are all certainly beautiful and would make nice gifts.

There were a lot of other patterns (mostly ones that I zeroxed years ago) but I haven't gone through all of them yet.  **in case you don't remember, a zerox machine was a copy machine way back when. 

This morning, on the Jewelry Television channel, they are showcasing Southwest Style jewelry.  Some of this jewelry is downright gorgeous!  No, I'm not shopping, but it is soooo interesting to watch. 

I'm thinking that I really should get dressed and attempt to do my shopping while the temperature is still comfortable.  On that happy note, I think I'll get going.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Uncovering Buried Treasure

July 10, 2017

Good morning.  And wowie, what a gorgeous day it is!  The sun is shining, there's a nice breeze and temps are working their way up to the upper eighties.  Just a perfect summer day.  I love it! 

Well, I did not get to go grocery shopping again, but that's okay.  I'm going tomorrow and Dwarf Helen says she will go with me.  Instead, I spent some time cleaning out the computer room.  Actually, I should call it the "catch all" room.  It's a slow process because everything I pick up leads me somewhere else.

I did, however, uncover a pile of photos and spent some time going through them and reliving some wonderful memories.  I copied a few of the photos to share here once they are cropped. 

Folks, you're not going to believe this but my TV is rebooting again!!!!!  I hope I'm not going to have go through this mess all over again.  Aye yi yi !

While going through things yesterday, I uncovered an old, but much loved issue of a magazine and I decided not to toss it out.  Instead, I started looking through it and got excited about a new project that I might try later this year.  (Can't tell you about it now, just in case I don't get to do it.)

This issue was a Special Premier issue magazine for Computer and Photo Crafting.  (Issue Number 1, 2000)    Sad to say, I was never able to get a subscription, and I was never able to find another issue.  This is the magazine where I got the instructions for making my photo dolls (many years ago). 

So, yesterday, I spent several hours looking up and calling (or trying to) the magazine and many of the web sites and blogs that are advertised in the magazine.  Would you believe that none of any of the places that I called are still in existence? 

I'm not sure why the magazine stopped publishing.  It is chock full of wonderful craft ideas.  As far as I know, this was the only issue to be published.  If any of you is interested, you can still find a used copy on Amazon.  I wouldn't wait very long, as I only found three or four copies available.

I have an updated photo of "Chia Donald" for you.  There's lots more green showing now. 

Every now and then, I try putting a few more rows on the scarlet scarf and hat set, but the going is really slow.  The yarn I'm using (Brand name is Big Twist)  keeps splitting and I have to keep ripping out work and doing it over.  The splits are sometimes hard to see until you get way past them.  I doubt I'll be buying this brand of yarn again anytime soon.

 Today will be more like yesterday.  I'll spend a few hours in the computer room, and a few hours out on the porch with Pogo.  In between maybe I'll wash a few dishes or chase a few dust bunnies around.  Well, at least that's the plan. 

I'm still waiting for the contractor to get back to me about when they can start the repair work on the driveway.  I guess they aren't in much of a hurry for new business.  I've just left another message on their answering machine.  Supposedly they have a secretary, but she never answers the phone in person.  Hmmm, strange!

Before I take my leave, let me share a photo of my welcome planter that sits out in the yard to welcome my company.  It's beginning to fade a bit, but it is still pretty.

That's all my news for today.  It's time to get busy around here now.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have an awesome day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A New QP For You

July 9, 2017

Good morning.  It's 8:35 a.m. and already it's looking gorgeous outside.  Pogo and I will definitely have to spend some time on the porch before I get back to my cleaning chores. 

Boy oh boy, Friday was a really hectic day.  After the whole cable box saga, it was almost exciting to be able to watch a whole program on the TV.  (I don't want to say exciting or you'll probably think I'm a bit nuts.)   It's really amazing how dependent we become on some of the new technology that has come along. 

As I mentioned Friday, the new fridge was due to be delivered between 5 and 7 p.m.  Well, surprise, surprise, when a strange fellow showed up at my door at 4:30 wanting to bring the new fridge in here.  We all thought we had a little bit of a wait yet, so we were all caught off guard.  However, I pointed this fellow to the right door; and by 5 p.m, the new fridge was already installed, the old fridge had been taken away, and the delivery folks were on their way to another customer. 

Yesterday, Pogo and I mostly just relaxed.  I decided not to go shopping, and instead had myself a nice little nap instead.  Later, I started on a big clean-out project in the computer room.  This room has been storing tons of paperwork, records, etc.  Now I'm going through everything and making three piles.  One for trash, one for recycle and one for shredder.  This should keep me busy for quite a while.

I have a couple photos to share that Joe took on one his recent trips to the park.  I have never come across a Heron any time I've been to the park.  Great catch, Joe.

I also have an update Chia Donald.  (My nickname for the Donald Trump Chia plant)  He's beginning to grow a green crop of hair, although the top of his head seems to be getting a very late start.  Hopefully, the rest of the little seeds will sprout soon.  This photo was taken yesterday.

Last evening, I went into some of my old scrap resources to find a bit of inspiration for the new quick page.  I hope you like it.

Here is your download link:
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Now I'm gong to spend some time on the porch with Pogo.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Finally, The Right Cable Guy For The Job

July 7, 2017

Good morning.  Tis a bit on the gray side today and hopefully, we'll get us some rain.  The lawns and gardens are needing a good dose of water.  There's no one around anymore to help with watering the lawn and the plants, so some rain every two or three days is a blessing.  Speaking of plants, Joe took this photo of some of our lilies.

Well, the broken cable box saga continues.  Oh yes, the cable guy showed up yesterday on time.  And yes, he seemed to know what he was doing.  He took his time to make sure everything was all set before leaving.  His last words to me were "It will probably still keep on doing the same thing for another hour or two, but if it lasts more than two hours, call the office and someone will come back."  (Does this seem right to you?????.  Shouldn't the problem be solved by now???)

He was right.  The new box kept on doing what the broken box had been doing.  I waited out the two hours (it kept on doing it) and then called the cable company.  Alas, because it was after 12 noon, there was no way they could send someone back out to my house the same day.  Friday morning between 9 and 12 noon was the best they could do.

Woops!  Cable guy is here.  Be back when he's finished doing his magic!!

It's many hours later, but WOO HOO!!!  WOO HOO!!  It only took five hours and fifteen minutes to finally get the problem fixed.  The you man who came today was excellent!  He noticed that all the cable lines coming into the house were really old and needed to be replaced.  He ran new a line into the house and a brand new line out to the telephone pole.  Then he called for a bucket truck to come out and connect the new line to the cable connector at the top of the telephone pole. 

For some of the line replacement, he had to climb beneath the hedge outside my window to run the new line into the house.  For the new outdoor line, he had to climb up on the porch roof to connect and run the new line. 

The rain started shortly after he got here this morning, and needless to say, the poor kid got soaked.  After a couple of hours, I made him a hot cup of coffee and a chocolate cake to warm him up.  Before he left, I gave him a clean dry tee shirt to change into once he was ready to leave here.  He did not want to take it but I insisted.  I really did not want to see him getting sick from wearing wet clothes all day. 

Well, now the TV has been on for more than half an hour and it is still on.  Woo Hoo!  Now I just have to wait for Sears to get here later today (between 5 pm and 7 pm) with the new refrigerator.  Who knows?  Maybe I can do a bit of grocery shopping tomorrow.  We'll see.  Here's a photo of the new fridge.

 
I don't have a new quick page for today, but I promise to make one for Sunday.  On that happy note, I'm now going to scrounge up a speck of lunch for Pogo and me.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have an awesome weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

My Little Lion King Now Thinks He's A Dobie!

July 6, 2017

Good morning.  Woo Hoo!  Today I get my TV programs back because today I get a new cable box.  It's going to be so great to be able to watch a whole program again instead of just snippets of it. 

Okay, so you ask -- why do I even bother to watch the snippets of a program?  Why not just shut the TV off?  Well, I'll tell you.  It's company.  The noise from the TV sort of makes the place seem normal.  If I go out and leave Pogo at home, I always leave the TV on so that he does not feel as though he is completely alone.  It sort of works for us.

Yesterday was quite the busy day.  Pogo and I sat out on the porch for a while, then we came inside to do a few small chores.  I got a bit of crocheting done before it was time to leave for Pogo's appointment at the beauty salon.  I did promise to take a "before" and "after" photo of my handsome little guy.  Here is his "before" photo.

The photo was taken yesterday morning while we were relaxing out on the porch.  Later, after I picked Pogo up at the salon, he looked so different.  It was a complaint change from my little Lion King to a tiny Doberman.  (That's what he thinks he is sometimes.)  Here's his "after" photo.

When we got home from the salon, DIL Janet was already here so we all went to Wendy's to pick up some tasty take-out for supper.  Then we went back home and had our supper out on the porch.  Oh my, it was lovely!  There was a nice breeze so it was quite comfortable. 

Afterwards, Janet and I sat and chatted while we crocheted until it started to get dark.  Then we moved back indoors and tried to guess the outcomes of a couple of programs on the Investigative Discovery channel.  It was a different evening, but a fun one.

Today, sometime between 12 noon and 2 pm, the cable company will be coming by to install a new cable box.  Then sometime later today or tonight, Sears should be calling to let me know what time they are coming with the new refrigerator tomorrow. 

Other than my breathing problems, I do think I'm finally beginning to get myself back to normal.  It's been a long road this time.  Somehow, each year's bout with the colds and/or pneumonia seems to take a bit longer to heal than the year before.  Ah well, at least I'm still here to complain about it!  haha.

Well, I have a couple chores to finish before the cable guy gets here.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have an awesome day.

Hugs, Edna B.

An Update On My Chia Donald Plant

July 5, 2017

Good morning.  I decided I may as well get up instead of sleeping in very late like I wanted to do.  My Pogo was patiently waiting for his breakfast, and to be honest, I could use a cup of coffee.  For some reason, sleep did not come easily last night. 

My TV still only does re-booting all day.  However, I do get to watch snips and pieces of my programs.  The picture shuts off for about four or five minutes, then comes back on just in time for me to watch all the commercials.  Then I get to see about one or two minutes of my program before the TV goes off and starts the re-boot thing again. 

In a way, one might say that this helps to keep the creative side of my mind working.  I keep creating new scenarios about the program that I am attempting to watch.  In the end, I don't always get to find out if I guessed the right ending.  Ah well, I suppose it's better than no TV.

I'm halfway through the Scarlet hat and scarf set.  When I finish this set, I'll  take photos of both sets, the Light Teal and the Scarlet.  Here's a photo of the Scarlet yarn.

By now, you might be wondering how my Donald Trump chia plant is doing.  Yesterday, I took a few photos to show it's progress.  It's taking a bit longer than I thought it would.  But as long as it keeps showing some progress, I'll be happy with it.

Sad to say, it doesn't exactly look exciting to me.  But there are some new little squiggles showing up all over it so I guess soon they will all turn to green stuff.  We'll see.  This is my first Chia plant.

Later this afternoon, Pogo has an appointment at the beauty salon.  After that, he won't be looking so much like a tiny Lion King.  Hmmm, maybe I should take one more photo of him before he goes to his appointment.  You know, sort of like a "before" and then an "after."

There are a few dishes in the sink waiting for me to wash them, and then it will be time to head out to the porch for a while.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

HAPPY JULY FOURTH

July 4, 2017

Good morning.  It's nice outside at the moment, but soon it will be quite warm again.  Ah, but that's what summer is.  Hot, hot, hot.  We don't seem to be getting much rain lately, so hopefully we'll get some soon.

Well, yesterday was a day from hell.  Over the course of the day, I made several calls to the cable company, who in turn tried to fix my problem with the cable from over the phone.  Sad to say, nothing at all seemed to help.  I will need a new cable box.  However, no one can come out here with a new box until Thursday afternoon. 

So now there's my problem.  I'm addicted to TV.  All I can watch now is a few minutes, then the screen freezes.  Next it says it is going to reboot itself, please be patient.  This whole process takes a few minutes, and does not go back to the part of the program that I was watching.  Ah well, I suppose that bits and pieces are better than no TV at all. 

Did everyone enjoy a parade and maybe a local fireworks display?  Pogo and I stayed at home, but we heard the fireworks around 9:30 p.m.  After that, it was fairly quiet around here.  Mostly, I just crocheted until my eyes finally got tired. 

Well, I have an estimate for the driveway repairs, but it presents a whole new problem.  The contractor says that no one can drive on it for at least five to seven days.  This, of course, is a huge problem.  I can't ask anyone to park out on the street, and I can't ask them not to go to work.  Except for my car, the other vehicles are in and out of here at least twice a day.

I guess I'll have to make some more phone calls to find a way to make the repairs and still let cars in and out of here.  I've never heard of this particular problem before.  (about not being able to drive on the new stuff for so many days.)  Ah well, this can be today's project. Or maybe tomorrow's project.  I doubt if any companies are open today to take my call.

Here's an interesting image that I borrowed from the web.  It was made to help you understand the meaning of all the different symbols that are on your automobile's dashboard. (or wherever)  I think I like the Quishy Doofers one the best.

Well, I've finished my nebulizer meds, so I think Pogo and I will go out on the porch for a while before it gets too hot.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.