A glorious morning it is. Ms. Henrietta Turkey is enjoying her breakfast as I write. She was here yesterday for quite a while, wandering off to the woods after she had her fill. It's supposed to be in the upper 70's today...a good time for me to go down to the pond and work on the overflow pipe. This is after the van gets its oil change, etc. I try to take care of my vehicles so they'll last me a while. They're paid for and I could do without a car payment, thank you very much. I don't understand those who have to have a new vehicle every 3 or 4 years. My truck has over 200,000 miles on it and still runs great. Granted there is no longer a working AC, but since I use it for hauling stuff around the place I don't mind. They don't make the model van I drive any more. A shame. It's great for camping and tows like a champ. I'll be sad when it finally gives in (which, if I take care of it shouldn't be for some time yet). I'll be sad when my truck gives in, too.

Thought for today: The most common way people give up their power is thinking they don't have any. - Alice Walker

Have a sun filled day.

To my blogger friends

This morning has been EXTREMELY frustrating. Not only has the internet decided I shouldn't be able to read any blogs without restarting the computer each time I want to read one, but it hasn't let me put in any comments. GRRRRR. So..for those that posted this a.m. I write the following: HJ...sounds like a great dessert but I think I'll pass. I have gone down one jean size and don't wish to go back to the original. Kyddryn...sounds just like him. What on earth was going on? May....don't believe everything you see on the news....it's slanted (of course). The government probably now rules everything. The people have elected a dictator who thinks he can choose anyone to do anything without the congress and pass any law he thinks will benefit him and his.
Enough blather...I have things to do and staying on the internet isn't one of them. If I didn't catch everyone I follow I apologize. Frustration rules at the moment.

Only two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein

It's Monday. Perhaps the most dreaded day of the week by some (especially those who have to work). I know I used to dread it when I worked. Now I don't mind it at all...just another day, a week of doing what I please to look forward to, except for a meeting or two. I'll be finishing up a sewing project today as tomorrow a group of us are going to visit another guild and I really should have something to take and show. If my camera behaves I may even be able to put a picture of it here sometime.
Although the sun shines today I think I'll wait until it gets just a bit warmer to begin any projects outside. Wednesday is supposed to be in the 70's and sunny. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is. I need to get down to the pond to do some work on the overflow pipe and I dislike having to do it in the cold. The water is very cold right now and I end up with icicle hands. While Spring may be here per the calendar, it really isn't weather-wise. I wish it were. We've been getting quite a bit of rain. The ground is saturated and squishes under foot.
Well, I guess I'd best get to it....y'all have a good day.
I leave you with this thought: never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

My daughter is way too kind. I read her blog Shade and Sweetwater this morning and would really like to jump down the neighbors' throats. She and her Someone (especially Someone) have put in a lot of work making garden beds in order to grow vegetables. What has happened is inexcusable. The neighbors' dogs have destroyed weeks of labor in one night. What really pisses me off is that the neighbors' dogs always come over to my daughter's yard and my grandson is scared shitless of them. Were it me I would call Animal Control in a heartbeat. My daughter is much kinder and has talked to them, asking that they keep their dogs in the proper yards. She even explained to them that the gardens were not for fun but for food. I wonder if they really understand and hope that she will call Animal Control if either of the dogs come into her yard again. Maybe we need to look into the possibility of putting in a fence. I'm gonna think on that.
Or maybe Someone can fashion a slingshot. A super soaker squirt gun loaded with vinegar and water would work.
As for me....I slept in this morning. It was great! Since it is rainy outside I'm going to sew today. Working on a wall hanging made with batiks.
Oh, and Ms. Turkey was back again this morning munching on whatever leavings there were under the bird feeders. Mr. Tom was nowhere to be seen. Had to use the BB pistol to scare off the deer who were determined to eat one of my Nandinas to the ground. I don't aim to shoot them just aim somewhere near (usually the ground) to scare them so, no one come back to give me any crap about shooting Bambi, okay? There's plenty of other stuff out there for them to nosh on.
Guess I'd better get a move on. The day is passing by and I have things to do. Y'all have a lazy day.

Sun's out! Yay! And my computer is doing a 3 second delay on me. Don't know why. I type away and nothing shows on the screen for a few seconds and then whammo everything appears at once. What's with that?

Yesterday I sewed up a storm but didn't finish the project. I'll do that tomorrow. Then I had my hair cut. After which it was time to get the mail, read it, moan over the bills, get my knitting stuff together and head out again to join other knitters and enjoy their company. I may just get a few projects finished for next winter.

Ms. Turkey was under the bird feeders again this morning. I need a name for her. She headed back to the woods when the sun started coming up over the trees. Guess she didn't want to be seen. She certainly enjoyed her breakfast, though. Haven't seen the tom again. Either he was successful the first time or he's found someone else.

Okay, gotta go. People coming to pick something up in a few minutes. Meanwhile here's something to think about:

"...every unjustifiable intrusion by the government upon the privacy of the individual, whatever the means employed, must be deemed a violation of the Fourth amendment." Justice Brandeis



Y'all have a great Saturday.

Not much

Have to make this quick as I need to be somewhere in an hour and still haven't done the morning ablution thing. Soooooo....here's something for you to ponder and chew on today:

"We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the gorvernment is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by brute force." -Ayn Rand

Y'all have a thoughtful day.

Short and sweet. That's what it's gonna be today. Well, short anyway. I have to get a move on and load a bunch of stuff in my van for tomorrow's sewing marathon. Today is gallery day, then knitting night (have I bored you yet?). It's supposed to rain which is why I am loading my van with various and sundry sewing paraphernalia this morning while it isn't raining.

I want to share a short prayer with you that an acquaintance of mine wrote.

"Dear Lord, This past year you have taken away my favorite actor - Patrick Swayze, my favorite Angel - Farrah Fawcett, my favorite singer - Michael Jackson and my favorite salesman - Billy Hayes. I just wanted to let you know God, that Barack Obama is my favorite president. Amen"

Let us pray.

Turkeys and squirrels and deer, oh my.

Ever since I have put out I've lost count of how many bird feeders I've had a plethora of animals visit them besides the birds. I'm going to have to find a way to keep the squirrels off the feeders besides shooting at them with a BB gun since that scares everyone else away too. Think I'll get them their own feeder. They are just a bit greedy, though, so I don't think they'll be satisfied. We'll see. The deer don't come by every day. Guess there must be enough to eat elsewhere. I listened for the tom turkey this morning when I woke up but neither he, nor the hen, were to be seen or heard. Guess they're busy doing something else in the woods behind the house. All the critters are busy building nests or shelters or whatever to house their prospective families. I'm waiting for the bluebirds to come back to the bird house on the porch so I can watch them. And it's almost time to put out the hummingbird feeders. Not 'til April, though. And even then I'm cautious. I usually wait until the first hummer hovers in front of the window as if to say, "Put out the feeders, fool." One will actually do that. Either that or buzz me when I go outside. Today would be a great day to get things done outdoors but, alas, there is a meeting which must be attended. After which, a birthday celebration for my daughter's Someone.
Anyone know where the names for the seasons came from? I can guess Spring and Fall but Summer and Winter elude me.
Y'all have a great Springy day.

It must be Spring, regardless of the weather. This morning as I awoke I heard a familiar sound coming from the front yard. I hauled myself out of bed, went to the window and, sure enough, there was a tom turkey struttin' his stuff.....all puffed up and tail feathers fanned out. He'd gobble, gobble, strut, then tail feathers would come down and he'd be back to normal size (which was quite impressive, by the way). He'd find something to eat then it was back to puffing up, fanning tail feathers, gobbling. But where was she? I couldn't see the hen from my bedroom window so I went downstairs to look out the window in the door. Sure enough there she was under the bird feeders noshing away and totally ignoring the tom. I mean she never even lifted her head once when he called. After about 30 minutes she started to meander towards the woods with ol' tom still struttin' his stuff behind her. He finally gave up and just plain ran after her. They disappeared into the woods. I wonder if I'll see them tomorrow morning.
Like I said....it must be Spring.

It's Spring? At least according to the calendar it is as of Saturday. I think the atmosphere is confused, though. It's snowing! I'd rather the snow, however, over the deluge we had last night. My poor daffodils are beaten down and look so sad. The wind blew hard enough that the rain almost reached my front door which is eight feet back under the roof! Only in North Georgia. Spring here is always iffy. Saturday it was in the low 70's and sunny. Now snow. Who knows, tomorrow it mght be in the 70's again. Think I'll try to get some "Spring" cleaning done somewhere in the house.
Have a clear day.

bleh

Bleh...that's what kind of day it is. I have to figure out something to do to stay busy. Oh, there's plenty to do around here, don't get me wrong. It's just I don't feel like doing it. These rainy days are beginning to take their toll on my id, ego, whatever. I need SUN! It felt so good yesterday and I felt so good I cleaned the inside of my van then took it over to the car wash and gave it a good scrubbing and waxing. And, of course, it's raining. Maybe I'll never wash it again. Nah, that won't do any good....it'll rain anyway.
Hmmmmm...perhaps a stroll through the local antique market.....

Have a non-bleh day.

gremlilns

I have gremlins in my computer. Especially when I'm here. I try to put comments at the blogs I follow and it tells me it can't display the page. When I try to go back to the blog I get the same message. Sooooo, I restart the computer and THEN I can leave messages, etc. Jeesh. I swear there are times I'd like to pick this thing up and throw it out the door.
It's a beautiful day and supposed to get fairly warm. My poor van needs a bath so I think I'll give it one once it gets a bit warmer today. Winter crud begone!
Since daughter and J are going to a hockey game tonight I'll be with the Evil Genius. Don't know if I'll spend the night there. Guess it depends on how late the game goes.
Hey, it's Spring! Yay! Now if it would just stay sunny and warm.........

It's Friday

It's Friday and the sun is shining. Supposed to go up to 70 today. Somehow I'm gettin' something done out in the yard, even if it's wrong. Pulling weeds is always a good workout. I won't plant anything yet. It's too early and we could always get another frost. I'd hate to lose my seedlings, even though I started them too early and now have to plant them in larger pots so they will have room for their roots to expand and maybe live long enough for me to plant them outside when the weather is stable enough to do so. I think I have enough sunflowers started to start a bird food company. I don't want to lose those...it's too much fun watching the birds cling to the flowers to get the seeds. I'll refill the squirrel feeder in hopes it will keep them away from the bird feeders. The bb gun is close to the door, just in case they don't behave.
Time for another cuppa then off to get something done.

A gray day, but that's okay. I'll be inside playing with friends.

Have a playful day.

The two bathtubs

Today people are blogging about St. Patrick, so I won't. Rather, I am desperate to know.....what the hell is the meaning of the two bathtubs in the Cialis ad? And why, if the product is meant to help a man be 'ready' would he and his wife/girlfriend/whatever be naked in two separate tubs? I think it would make things a little difficult, don't you? I've tried to find the answer but have been enormously unsuccessful. The Cialis web site doesn't give even a hint. I don't know who the ad agency is that came up with the ad. I wish I did because I would ask why the tubs and ask if I must be really stupid not to be able to figure out the significance. Soooo, if anyone out there in the blue nowhere has an answer, please let me know what it is.

Not much to write about today (not that I EVER have much to write about). I'm up earlier than usual since I have a dentist appointment (just a cleaning) this morning and with the time change I wanted to make sure I was up in time. I HATE the time changes. Yesterday my clock told me that I slept until 9:30. My body said "uh, uh, did not". I know I'll get used to it eventually, but it's the getting used to I don't like.
Looks like the sun is going to be out again today. Since I have guild today also it looks like I won't be getting much done outside. Drat.
Heard birds singing this morning as the sun started to come up. A good sign I'd guess. Spring is close. It has to be!

A day away

Except for going through pictures with daughter and learning how to insert a picture in the blog, yesterday was a day without the computer. I think I could live without it. Come to think of it I DID live without it until my last two years of college and those were the days of "do not fold, bend or staple" the punch card. We've come a long way since then and pretty soon we won't be able to do anything without them. I hope that day doesn't come in my lifetime. Plus, I always ask, "What happens if ALL the computers go down?" I think we've come to depend on them too much. Yes, I love the fact that I can communicate instantly with people who live far away. And it's nice to find others that you haven't seen in decades. I still don't want to depend on it. I know there are people who don't own a computer and won't. I lived without one on a trip and will when I take another trip. Although I do get on in the morning, that's about the only time of day I do. Too many other things to get accomplished.
Speaking of which, I need to get some things done today now that the sun is out.

Tonight we set our clocks ahead one hour. Why? I say leave the clocks alone or, in the alternative, set them in between (30 minutes) and leave them alone for good. This business of changing the time upsets my sleep pattern. I hate waking up to what my body and brain think is 7:30 when the clock now says it's 8:30! Makes me feel like a sluggard. Of course, in the fall, we have to "fall back" an hour which I dislike also. Methinks ol' Ben Franklin did not have such a good idea. What say you?
I'll see you tomorrow an hour later.

Peepers

Last night on my way home from knit night I heard marsh peepers. They were singing loud and clear and I heard them even with the windows closed. There's one particular area that has a concentrated population. This is where I hear them while on the road. I always think Spring is just around the corner when I hear them. I've been proven wrong and we've had freezes afterward but, to me, it's still the first real sign of Spring.
What's the first real sign of Spring to you?

Rain

Rain...what we don't need more of at this time. Later in the spring and summer maybe. It's supposed to do the same thing tomorrow and probably Saturday as well. Drat. Doesn't matter today...I have a meeting to go to. This usually entails buying lunch to take with and sitting there eating while discussing heady matters having to do with the annual arts tour. And because I was informed that I was the representative board member (when did that happen?) by our director at the arts center, I go to the meetings along with another member who just happens to now be the new director (she was co-director before). So why I have to be there is beyond me but I go anyway which makes D happy. I will make sure to take my blankie with me to sit on, though, 'cuz the building and the chairs are ALWAYS cold and there's nothing like a cold butt to keep your mind off the important stuff.
With that thought in mind I'm going to go take a nice hot shower and enjoy another cup of coffee.
Ta

Nothin' special

One of my blogger friends wrote about some of the differences between the North and the South. Although I was born and lived in the North for the first 12 years of my life, then again later, I have as much, if not more, South in my blood. When I moved here I did so to start my life over in a way. I saw this area at its best....in the Spring with dogwoods and azaleas all a'bloom. We still get 4 seasons (mostly) and the winters aren't as long as those up North (ususally). My kids hated it when they moved here way back when but I think they've adjusted. I know my daughter still yearns for snow and cold. If she wants to move back North well...., I'm staying here.
Our form of government in this county is a panel of 5 commissioners. I sometimes go to the meetings mostly for the entertainment value than anything else. Once in a while there will be something interesting on the agenda. Part of the agenda is where the public can sign up to speak. This is often the most entertaining. What gets my knickers in a knot, though, are those people who have moved here from up North or Florida (same thing) who try to tell us how we should do things. My philosophy is: "If you don't like the way we do things, go back to where you came from."
Elder Floridians who move here don't know how to drive up a hill, 'specially on a gravel road, of which we have plenty. The road in our community is gravel and there are potholes to prove what I say. They don't seem to understand that you don't have to gun it halfway up thus spinning your wheels and digging a hole. And heaven help us if there is any snow. If we get snow and I'm out on the road behind one of these people I'm constantly praying and saying "Don't brake!" whenever I see those lights come on.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "Well, up in Michigan we (insert whatever their way of doing things here)..." Frankly I don't care how it's done in Michigan or Wisconsin or wherever. No, we are not totally equipped to clear roads like you 'cuz we don't get as much snow. If we get the occasional ice storm we deal with it as best we can. I will say that our roads are ever in so much better shape than theirs. I always know when I'm back in good ol' Georgia when I feel those smooth roads beneath my wheels.
Probably the most important reason I love living here is the people. When I first thought of moving to where I am now I'd drive up to check up on things while the house was being built and found it amazing how many times I received a friendly wave from other drivers. When I first moved up here from outside Atlanta I found a bag of fresh picked okra at my back door...a gift from my neighbors. I really appreciated the gesture even though I didn't eat okra at the time. (I've since been introduced for good fried okra.) Stewed okra? No way. Fried? Yum. Yes, the people make all the difference in the world. The South has Hospitality with a capital H. And I know that if ever I am in need my neighbors will be there for me. And my friends.
It's raining and there are some things I can do inside. Must go so.....y'all have a purty day.

The sun shineth....temporarily

Arose to sun this morning. It's forecast to rain, though, so I'll enjoy it while I can. Could use a lot more of the sun....the rain can hold off for quite a while. The ground needs to dry out a little. Ah well, can't do anything about it so I'll just go with the flow.
The bird feeders are full and I've shifted them around some. Need to relocate a couple of them. Got a post yesterday for the blue bird house. Now when J comes up I'll get him to dig the hole for it. I'm going to put it where I can see it from the house and enjoy the comings and goings.
Good news re: ankle. No surgery! We're going for a night brace and topical analgesic. Sounds like a plan to me.
I have a couple of friends who could use your positive thoughts and prayers today. One is having an MRI and the other a biopsy. Both of the breast. (I swear it's catching, at five of our guild members had breast cancer.) Maybe it's the HRT...I don't know. I do know that I quit taking it many years ago and have had no bad effects. It just seems that all these ladies had been on HRT for a number of years and there has been research done showing that it is possible that it increases the chances. Our foremothers didn't take HRT and they survived, albeit with hot flashes and such....but they survived without it. Maybe it's time we all quit taking so many drugs just to be comfortable in our "old" age.
It's off to do something....even if it's wrong so y'all have a GOOD day.

'cuz I'm stubborn

Why do I insist on picking up things I shouldn't? 'Cuz I'm stubborn, I guess. I just had to put out the rest of the cracked corn for the deer and wild turkeys. The bag looked only half full, but I do believe there was more. At any rate, I lifted the thing and took it out and scattered the corn around. Didn't realize I shouldn't have done that until yesterday afternoon. Yup...muscle spasm. Can you say ow? So here I sit in my chair with the massage feature hoping to untighten the muscle before I take a nice hot shower. I'd take a nice soak in the tub but am afraid I wouldn't be able to get out.
I did manage to get bird feeders filled. I'm holding off on the finch food since they aren't around yet. Wrens, junkos, jays and cardinals abound. Saw robins yesterday. Someone told me that when you see a bunch of robins it means bad weather. I wonder.
Will be taking landscape timbers down to K's this afternoon so they can frame the veggie garden. No, I'm not loading them into my truck. Some kind young man at Lowe's will do that for me. Speaking of veggies, when we were at the hardware store the other day I decided to buy some herb seeds for my garden space since deer don't like them. I've started them in peat pots out on the enclosed porch along with some hot peppers. The peppers aren't for me since I don't do really spicy hot food. But I sure can pass them on to those who do like such.
Y'all have a spiced up day.....

Bringing it home

One of our local manufacturers has closed its Chinese plant and brought most of the work back here. The plan was to have most of the manufacturing of its product in China and only 80 people working here. Well it has 255 employees and runs 3 shifts now. It learned that there are a lot of difficulties in China. One of the main problems being that there are four manufacturing areas in a huge country and the workers come in by bus or train and live at the factories. Come Chinese New Year they go home and, if the company is lucky, maybe half return. I wonder how many other U.S. companies are having the same problem. A few I'm sure. And what about the investment in equipment? Think the Chinese will allow companies to claim it? Don't think so. I, for one, keep looking for items made in this country and it's getting harder all the time. At least when I buy a pair of jeans, I'll know that the snaps, at least, were probably made here. If you can, BUY AMERICAN.

Wasting my time?

Am I wasting my time with this blog? Maybe, but it gives me the opportunity to vent sometimes. At other times it's just putting down thoughts and feelings. At worst it's boring, at best it's somewhat entertaining. I'm grateful for the few (all 3) followers I have. I did have 4 but guess I bored him to death. It's always a pleasure to see a comment left. That means it was read. Mr. HermitJim I 'specially appreciate you stopping by 'cause I don't get to talk to you as I do the other 2 (they're fambly). Speaking of which, I am meeting them at some time today at the super ACE Hardware and farm store to see what they might need to further their endeavors in growing vegetables in their garden. Let's see.....a few landscape timbers, some soil conditioner, whatever. I read K's blog at http://mainstreamgrn.blogspot.com and really like following the progress of all the little plants and their repurposing of items around the house. Gave me some ideas of my own. But first I need to get my garden in shape. Not for veggies mind you but probably flowers of one kind or another. I can't grow veggies...the deer get them all. They don't like herbs, though, so that's a thought. Nice fresh herbs. I would do my best to make sure not to use pesticides so I could say they're grown organically. You know, I hadn't thought of that before I started writing this. So maybe it's a good thing I take the time with this after all.
Have a warm, productive day, y'all.

It's gonna get warm today....warmer, at least, than it has been. Hooray! The sun is shining and will do so tomorrow according to the weather map. We really don't need any more snow or rain. The ground squooshes under my shoes when I walk outside. All the lakes are now at full pool and the Corps of Engineers has even had to release more water than usual from Lake Lanier which should make the oysters (which, apparently some animal simply can't live without) at the end of the river, IN FLORIDA, very tasty. Two states are still fighting for more of our water. Personally I think people come before oysters, but who am I to fight the environmentalist nazis? Hopefully, though, we are out of the multi-year drought and can look forward to more normal rainfall for the crops this year. I'm looking forward to J's veggies that he is so tenderly starting.
What to do today? Hmmmmmmm......cleaning?, laundry?, sewing,? so many things to do and so little time. I'll figure something out but now it's time for morning ablutions. (No that is NOT a dirty word!)

It's gallery day. Time to spend making something to sell and socialize and gossip with friends. Tonight is knit night. Another group of women getting together to share news (gossip) and ideas.
The sun shines even though it is in the 20's at the moment. I hear birds singing. A good sign I believe. Mayhap Spring is around the corner? Must get bluebird house that a friend gave me for Christmas put up outside. Waiting to see if bluebirds come back to the birdhouse on the porch. It wasn't put there for them, they just decided to use it. Have never seen babies come out of it but I'm not always around to watch. I think I'll put this new one where I can observe it from the porch. I do like watching bird antics.
Y'all have a sunshine kind of day.

The sun shines brightly but it is still cold this morning. Snow is still on the ground although I hear the thoooomp of falling clumps from the trees every now and then. It is supposed to go up into the 40's today so the snow may melt some. I am glad I didn't have to go out last night as the roads were, no doubt, treacherous with frozen slush or melted snow (it went down into the low 20's).

I'm ready for warmer weather, green grass, and leaves on the trees. Crocus are peeking out and hyacinths have begun to emerge their greenery. Some tulip plants are beginning to emerge also. If I decide to plant I will at least wait until after Easter. Too many times have I seen people buying plants when it begins to warm up only to have to go back and buy again after a frost hits. 'Course it all depends on when Easter takes place. This year it's the first Sunday in April so I may just wait until the end of April since I have seen it snow here in that month.

What I really need to do is clean out my garden. And I mean REALLY clean out my garden. I have beaucoup iris that need thinning as well as a ton of lavender. My fig tree has become two fig trees. And the weeds proliferate. I'll get out there when it gets warmer....like in the 60's.

Because it is such a beautiful day I hope you have a beautiful day. (Well, I'd hope you have a beautiful day anyway, you know.)

Snow

It's snowing. I mean it is SNOWING. I had to go out this morning for a stress/echo test so I called the dr.'s office to make sure they were open. Yup. So I warmed up my van and headed out. The roads weren't too bad my way but got worse going into town. And, of course, I got behind someone who doesn't know how to drive in the stuff. I cringed and said not nice words every time I saw the brake lights go on. Luckily nothing bad happened and I got through the test with flying colors (at least I think I did). It's weird watching your own heart beat. But it was strong and nothing looked wrong....at least at first viewing. I'll know once and for all when the report has been sent to my doc. Wow, two new experiences in two days. I have to tell you that neither were stressful although the MRI machine was quite loud. I was, at least, given a headset to block out some of the noise. With the stress test it was a bit strange having all those leads stuck to my body. Then you are wrapped around the waist in an ace bandage so they don't go flopping about while you are on the treadmill.
Watching the snow fall is quite hypnotizing. Peaceful, too. Think I'll watch out the window for a while and see if the deer come back to nosh on the cracked corn or the deer block.
Y'all have a peaceful day.

It's Monday. Need I say anything else?