Hey, I need that lung!

Although the bouts aren't as often, thanks to good cough medicine, I still get 'em and they are just as mean.  I feel like I'm going to cough up a lung once it starts.  Tried a trick a friend told me about and, along with the cough medicine, I only tried to cough one up twice instead of 5 or 6.  The trick?  Rub Vicks on the bottom of your feet instead of on your chest.  Put sock on so you don't get the sheets messy.  I'll do it again tonight and tomorrow night and......  Whatever might work.  Actually since my recliner has become my temporary bed I'm going to put more on after I get off the computer.  I'll let you know.
This all started right after my last post.  Daughter called and asked if I could drive her and her daughter to the pediatrician (whom they had seen just a few days before but who did not issue any prescriptions), because she (daughter) didn't think she could do it.  Now, they had been sick when they came up to celebrate Solstice (see previous post) but for her things has gotten worse.  Apparently they had for Sprout also.  So, okay, I go down and pick them up and off we go.  It's all she can do to get to her van  without stopping every foot to try and breathe.    I'm the one carrying Sprout.  She can't even pick her up.  We wait and wait.  Meanwhile daughter is getting sick to her stomach so I go back with S when her name is called.  K finds us after doing what she needs to do.  Come to find out the poor S has the flu!  and an ear infection!  and I don't remember what else.  She was this sick the week before and they didn't see it?!  Now we're off to drop K off at the ER 'cause by this time it's a miracle she can even breathe.  On the way home I stop and pick S's medications.  By now I'm not feeling so good myself, so when we get back to the house both S and I head for the "lounge" and settle in.  A keeps us company for a while.  Tomorrow I'm to take her to her post-op procedure and we have to leave the house by 6:00 a.m.  Welllllll, guess what?  K's admitted to ICU.  Whoa, we CANNOT take S with us.  K gets hold of J and tells him what's what etc. etc. which does not make him happy when he finds out she was texting him from the hospital and not the house.  At any rate he shows up in the a.m. when he's supposed to and A and I get to the hospital.  While she fills out paperwork I sit and doze, not having gotten much sleep the night before (coughing toddler).  To make a long story just a tad longer I head back to K's and take over toddler care once again.  Meanwhile trying to cough up one of my lungs.  Sometimes we coughed in harmony.  K was discharged later that day.  There was more drama but I won't get into that.  I came home and crashed, literally.  I'm thinking now that perhaps I should have stopped at her hospital ER on the way home (I don't trust ours).  Of course Dr.'s office was closed Wednesday, I found out Thursday they were closed then, also so Friday I just drove over there willing to sit in the waiting room until he could see me.  I was the first one in.  I don't know what I have and neither does he.  It resembles the flu, but isn't.  It resembles bronchitis, but isn't.  So I take the cough medicine and the antibiotic and keep my fingers crossed.  I really need to be well cured of this by Thurs.  I'm going back to my recliner now.  Y'all have a healthy day.

Solstice has come and gone.  It sure would have been nice to see the sun. Because daughter and granddaughter were sick and friend A was recovering from surgery we did not have the big fire.  Didn't even have a fire in the fireplace 'cause is was too hot.  Don't know what daughter and granddaughter have but it seems to have attacked me as well.  I'm trying to cough up my lungs and my skin hurts.  I have to get better so I can take A for her post surgery check up tomorrow.  Daughter is taking granddaughter to ER today (I hope).  Poor thing coughed so hard she couldn't breathe.  Daughter isn't much better.  I know I would rather suffer through waiting in the hospital waiting room than have them there to possibly get something worse.  I think my problem is mostly sinuses and post-nasal drip (you really wanted to know that, right?).  If the sun would come out I'd sure be a happy camper.
Y'all have a very Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring many bright blessings.

We celebrate the winter solstice here in my house.  The tree is trimmed, the mantle decorated, gifts wrapped and stockings hung (for the two kids).  Tomorrow I'll call and try to get a burn permit so we can have our solstice fire to welcome back the sun. Hopefully the wind and rain will cooperate.  We couldn't have our bonfire last year due to wind so we had our ceremony inside with a fire in the fireplace.   I'll be making shepherd's pie and pineapple upside-down cake.  A tradition we've had for a number of years.  My daughter is the one who said that the pineapple resembled the sun.  I usually go to my son's the day after Christmas.  It's a little less chaotic.  And with the new house just getting into shape it may be more chaotic this year.  It's nice that family is close enough that I can celebrate both holidays with them.
Whichever you celebrate I hope that it is wonderful.  Bright blessings to you all.

Progress, I think.

Well, the meringues for the cookie swap are done and waiting for daughter to come get them.  I'll continue to make more since that's what I give out to a bunch of folks.  Somehow a box of chocolates or some such just doesn't say what something homemade does.   At least that's what I think.
The tree has been purchased, along with an extra for daughter to take home.  They're tabletop size.  Perhaps next year when Sprout is a year older (but probably not much wiser) I can have a full sized tree.  The other factor for the table top size is PB.  I think I'm going to have to somehow tie it to the table it's going to be on so PB can't knock it over.  It'll be interesting to see her reaction when I've put on the lights and such.  I wouldn't be surprised if she tries to climb it.  I'll be keeping a spray bottle full of water handy just in case.
Guess I'd better get a move on if I want to get anything done.  Lots still to do.  Y'all have a productive day and remember:  you reap what you sow, so be thoughtful.

It's meringue time

This time of year I spend a lot of time in the kitchen making meringues.  They seem to be very popular with folks and are simple to make.  Just time consuming.  I'd give you the recipe but then I'd have to kill ya.  Just kidding.  I got the recipe from a food magazine the name of which escapes me it was so long ago.  At any rate, I make peppermint and cinnamon meringues.  The cinnamon ones are my idea and have gained popularity.  Daughter takes a bunch of them to a cookie swap she goes to.  I may be mailing some out to an acquaintance in TX. 
Do you have a special something you make this time of year?

Happy Peaceful Thanksgiving and Happy Hanukkah

Today is an unusual one.  It's Thanksgiving.  It's also the first day of Hanukkah.  I don't know if this is a first, but you have to admit it's unusual.  So y'all have a delicious and peaceful Thanksgiving.  To my Jewish friends....Happy Hanukkah.  Bright blessings to all.

Visitor

I've had a friend spend the last couple of days and nights.  She's starting her search for a house as she wants to move up here.  It's been nice having the company.  We were able to talk about things that concerned us but couldn't come up with a legal solution to what we consider a major problem in someone's life.  Unfortunately the problem won't go away.....yet.
Was able to get some sewing done as well as working on Yule and birthday gifts.  All in all it has been a good weekend.
Y'all have a calm day.

PB's bath

Yesterday morning, while I was taking my bath, PB decided to jump up on the edge as she had seen Cleo do.  Unfortunately she over jumped and landed in the water behind my back.  Surprise!!  I whipped my hand around to grab her before she could do too much damage to my back with her claws.  Poor thing didn't know what to do.  I set her down and she ran into my room to the rug and tried to dry herself off.  When I got out of the tub I grabbed her and a towel and dried her off as best I could while she squirmed and tried to get away.  I succeeded in getting her pretty dry, put her down, then let her finish the job while I dried myself off.  I don't think she'll be doing that any time again in the near future, if ever.  Luckily I didn't get but a couple of scratches and they weren't deep.  Her coat was nice and soft, though.
Y'all have a gorgeous day and remember:  Two-faced people make it harder to decide which side to slap.

PB update

I beginning to believe that PB is going to end up three-legged.  The leg that was broken still isn't being used.  Not that that keeps her from tearing around the house or climbing up on my bed.  Both cats sleep on my bed.  Cleo on one side, PB on the other.  Kinda makes it hard to  move.  Unfortunately, PB thinks 3:00 a.m. is the best time to begin to play.  Cleo does not agree and lets her know about it.  Me?  I've learned to roll over and try to go back to sleep.  Sometimes that actually works!  As for the leg, we'll see what the vet says when I take PB in next week for the final vaccinations.
Y'all have a terrific day and remember.....cats were once worshipped as gods and they haven't forgotten.

Update on PB

Although she still isn't using the injured leg as she should, PB gets around just fine.  Every once in a while when she's running the bad leg come down instead of being dragged.  I've been trying to exercise it but she doesn't care for that.  Don't think I'm hurting her, she's just too active to be still to let me do it.  Her appetite is good and she's using her somewhat unusual litter box (disposable aluminum turkey roasting pan).  The hissing at one another has abated.  There's hope yet that they'll get along.  Cleo still spends the night with me on my bed.  This morning PB came upstairs when she heard me stirring.  Didn't hear any growling or hissing. 
Need to get down to the pond and do some work now that the leaves are off the trees.  The pipe, as usual, needs to be cleared.  I should say the cage around the pipe needs clearing.  The water is getting colder and I'm hoping to get the "faucet" opened up so I can drain the pond to below the level of the top of the pipe.  Trying to keep the cage clear in the winter is not fun.  Luckily the sun is out and it's supposed to get into the 60's.  Will wait 'til it gets a little warmer this morning before venturing down there.  It can be quite cool in the shade.
Y'all have a productive day even though it's Monday.  Blessed be.

Yesterday morning, as I was sitting in the tub looking out the window, I watched a leaf fall slowly to the ground.  It had fulfilled it's role for the tree and was now going to become part of the earth.  My thought at that time was that I felt like that leaf.  This is not a good time of year for me.  Darkness comes early, the days are shorter, I have a hard time adjusting to the time change.  There is so much to do around here and I have no one I can depend on to help. I am fortunate, however, to have a few lady friends and yesterday we got together for lunch to celebrate M's birthday.  We knitted afterwards for a while.  My spirits lifted for the time being.
When I came home the newest member of the family, PB, was on the same chair (mine) as when I left.  Uh, oh.  Sure enough, even though I had shown her where the litter box is she didn't use it.  My chair became her pee potty.  Sigh.  Come to find out the vet had suggested she be given her own box which daughter failed to tell me.  I went to the local market and bought a foil turkey roasting pan.  I figured she was used to a foil container in the carrier so maybe.....  It worked.  So far.  So now her food, water and litter box are downstairs and Cleo's are upstairs.  They're still hissing at each other but hopefully that will stop in a week or so.
PB still isn't using the leg that was broken.  I try to position her so she has to put some weight on it.  I do the exercise suggested by the vet.  But, if she ends up using only three legs, so be it.  She's going to be an indoor kitty anyway.  And have a bum leg has not stopped her from running around or climbing.
The weather sucks today and I have nothing on the calendar.  Think I'll do some cleaning upstairs.  Y'all have a _____________day.  (fill in the blank).

Fall (or autumn, if you will) is not my season.  I'm fighting another sinus headache.  the time change doesn't help, either.  My body doesn't know what a clock is.  I'm ready  to go to bed earlier and getting up earlier than I would like.  Wish the PTB would just leave it alone. 
Have a new kitten.  Her name is Peanutbutter but I may call her PB for short.  My daughter found her in her driveway and, apparently, the kitten had been in the engine compartment.  Her right front leg was broken and she had a cut but was otherwise okay.  Many of my dollars later she is out of the splint and living with me after being at my daughter's locked up in a carrier.  Daughter couldn't keep her...she has 4 cats already.  My other cat, Cleo, is just going to have to get used to PB.  Right now they hiss at each other.  PB is on antibiotics.  Giving her the dose is a real adventure.  I have claw marks.  Of course, if the makers of the stuff would make it taste like chicken or tuna instead of bubble gum it might be easier to give it to her.  Had another cat once that I had to give the stuff to.  He ran around the house with pink foam around his mouth as if he were having a fit. Think I'll wear a glove for tonight's dose.
Y'all have an interesting day and remember:  mornings should be moved to a more convenient time of day.

Time change

I do not like time change.  Leave the clocks alone!!  Or split the difference and leave them there.  Twice a year my aging body has to adjust and my sleep pattern gets all fouled up.  Babies don't adjust well either.  Don't know why it's still done. 

A quote

I've been reading the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz.  There are some interesting thoughts and theories his character comes up with.  The following is from "Odd Hours" and says what just might be true today:

"If evil geniuses are so rare, why do so many bad people get away with so many crimes against their fellow citizens and, when they become leaders of nations, against humanity?
Edmund Burke provided the answer in 1795:  The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
.....It is also essential that good men and women not be educated and propagandized into believing that real evil is a myth and that all malevolent behavior is merely the result of a broken family's or failed society's shortcomings, amenable to cure by counseling and by the application of new economic theory."

Gives one something to think about.

What to do....

The  frost is on the ground for the second day in a row.  I have a luncheon to go to.  Our fearless gallery leader will be telling us the latest in the possible passing of the baton of the 501C3 (the gallery we just closed). Meanwhile I have all this time on my hands now that I don't volunteer 3 days a week and there's so much to catch up on here at home I don't really know where to start.  I think the basement is the first place.  But now I have to think about getting ready for a wine festival where daughter and I will be vending next Saturday.  Everything is in boxes, etc. from when I brought it all home from the gallery.  Guess that's what I'll be doing the next few days.  It's only a one day event but hopefully a successful one. Daughter's best friend is even participating and she lives over an hour away.  I can only hope that the weather isn't as chilly as it is right now.  Indian summer would be welcome, at least next Saturday.  And no rain!!  I hate setting up in the rain.
Guess if I'm going to get the soup made for the luncheon I'd better get started.  Y'all have a loverly day and remember:  What doesn't kill you only delays the inevitable.

I hab a code

I hab a code.  By nose is runnig.   I hab a coff, coff.  It's the change in weather.  Had to go down to the pond yesterday.  Luckily the water hasn't gotten code yet.  I need to go buy more tissues.  Maybe the one that kill germs.  Don't worry, you can't get it by reading this.
Hab a good day and remember:  Life is a four-letter word.

Home again

Got back home yesterday morning, took a shower, read my email then got on the road to Road Atlanta for the Petit LeMans.  Spent the day and half the night at the track, came home and crashed. 
It was a great week at the John C. Campbell Folk School.  I took an Appalachian Basket class. 

 

These are what I managed to get done.  My hands still ache but they'll be okay in a day or so.  I'm looking forward to getting next year's catalog to see what other classes will be offered.  Meanwhile I'll practice what I learned.

It's going to be a lazy day today.  I need more sleep.  Y'all have a glorious day.

 

 

 

Closed

Yesterday was the final day at the gallery.  Now the clean up begins.  I'm going over to get what I can fit in the van.  Tomorrow daughter is coming up and we'll hitch up the cargo trailer and go get the big table and chairs.  After she takes the kitty Peanutbutter to the vet to get that broken radius checked out.  Luckily she has a couple of people who are willing to take her (the kitty) after she has healed.  She's a sweet thing and whoever gets her will be pleased.
The last days at the gallery were quite sparse in sales despite that fact that everything was on sale at 30% off.  The people of Helen did not support us, that's for sure.  Nor did our friends and neighbors or folks who had been with us at the other location.  Yes, the economy had something to do with it, also.  But only this last year.  I can't tell you how many times I heard "I'll come over" from people I know but never saw there.  So J and I got tired.  Tired of people not showing up to "play" when they were scheduled.  Granted they were volunteers but it's still disappointing.  Many a day it was just J and me.  Now we don't need to worry about it. Everyone is going his/her own way.  There were talks about getting together every week or once a month at someone's house or studio.  I'll believe it when it happens.
"Nuff said.  Y'all have a really GOOD day and remember:  If it seems too good to be true. it usually is.

Post-quilt show

I got back home Saturday evening after the quilt show.  It was fun but tiring.  Didn't get a chance to wind down until yesterday afternoon 'cause daughter was here with children and friend.  It's great to see them so I didn't get on the 'puter.  Didn't want to be rude, you know.  The show had some beautiful quilts and the winner was awesome.  Red, white and blue with a song stitched along the border (Proud to be an American) on the back.  Even the back of the quilt was show worthy.  There weren't as many vendors it seemed and some of my favorites weren't there.  One, however, was and I will be placing a special order with him.  He has some of the most beautiful batiks! 
Sharing a room with three other women was an experience.  I'm not sure I want to do it again.  Not that we didn't get along.  We got along fine.  It's just the lack of privacy and there was only one bathroom.  I'll be looking into rooms for the March show, but not one for four people.  Next year in September, again at the Galleria, hopefully the hotel right next door will have a block of rooms set aside for the show.  They didn't this year and I wasn't impressed with the one at which we stayed.
Time to catch up with chores.  Y'all have a great day and remember:  you're never too old for nap time.

Going to be at the Georgia Quilt Show the next few days.  Will be sharing a room with three other women.  That should be interesting.  I've already claimed the rollaway bed.  I'll let the other three have fun deciding who's going to share the king-sized bed and who will take the pull out couch bed.  It'll also be interesting to see how we manage to all get ready at the same time in the morning.  I know I have to be at the show at or before 8 a.m. so I may be the first one up.  We'll see.  Luckily I like the other three women otherwise things might be just a bit difficult.  It's going to be a long three days.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Meanwhile remember:  Duct tape has 1,001 uses.  Toilet paper is not one of them. 

Atheists want to take the pledge of allegiance out of the schools because of the words "under God".  Those words were not in the original version of the pledge but were inserted in 1954.  I believe the pledge should be said each and every day.  In order to pacify the atheists just take out those two words.  While some may protest they should stay because we are a "Christian" nation, our diversity and strength should hold us together and we are pledging allegiance to our country, not our religion(s).

I think I've mentioned that the gallery is closing.  At first it was going to be the end of August.  It's now moved to the end of the year.  I don't see why we should stay open.  Our take last month was a whopping $40. I've decided to start bringing supplies home and just sit and knit, kinda like Mme, LeFarge  while waiting for the hoards to buy out the place.  Right.  Jaymi and I are tired of keeping the doors open.  No one wants to take on the responsibility of finding another place nor take charge of running one.  As for me, I'll be glad not to be on a schedule.  I might even be able to get some stuff done around here.  Or travel.
Anyway, y'all have a gorgeous day and remember:  chiggers suck.
 

I'm re-adjusting to eastern time slowly.  The trip to Washington state was a nice getaway, especially the quilt show.  We also went to Port Townsend, a place I would return to and stay for a weekend or two.  The only time it rained was at night.  Apparently there hadn't been any significant rain for two months. I told people that Georgia took it all and would be happy to give it back.  Did some shopping, of course.  Shipped it all back so I wouldn't have to overstuff my backpack.  Pictures, the few I took, are on my phone.  I'll put a couple on sometime.  Meanwhile it's back to reality.  Y'all have a promising day.

Rain, rain

Go away!  My poor driveway has creeks again and the pond....well we won't even go there.   I went there yesterday early afternoon and cleared the cage around the pipe but, alas, will have to do it again when it STOPS RAINING!!  The only good thing I get out of my excursions down to the pond is exercise.  And forget any veggies or fruit.  It's rained so much that everything is just rotting instead of ripening.  I did notice a few figs yesterday and, if the weather would cooperate, might get to pick some before they rot or the birds or squirrels, ants, etc. get them.  Sigh.
Okay, on a funnier note please remember:  Never take a sleeping pill and a laxative at the same time.

By the beach

I just spent glorious days in NC with my brother and his new bride.  They have a condo practically on the beach.  Except for some traffic going by all you could hear was the surf.  D and I walked on the beach both mornings.  The first day we went for 3 miles, the second only 1 1/2 miles.  Yesterday morning when I left my legs were sooooo sore from walking on the sand.  The beach is a sea turtle hatching site and one  hatched the night I got there but we didn't see any of it.  D and my great-niece V went the next night but nothing happened.  There are volunteers that go down every night during hatching season to make sure as many babies as possible get to the sea. They even put up a little fence on each side of the path so the babies won't wander in the wrong direction.  The turtles only started coming ashore to lay their eggs in 2010 (if memory serves correctly).  Seeing my brother, his wife, my niece and her daughter was a delight and I hope to get back there next summer so I can sit on the balcony, drink my coffee and listen to the surf.  And, yes, walk on the sand.

I don't think my daughter likes me very much right now.  You see, I've told her boyfriend he has to find somewhere else to live.  (They live in a house I own and am paying for).  I won't go into detail.  Suffice it to say that I believe it would be best for him to be by himself so he can straighten himself out.  Plus I'm tired of supporting him.   It doesn't mean he can't visit.  I would not deny him access to his daughter. 
So, it's going to be difficult for a while.  I can only hope that she will understand why I made the decision and know that she has family and friends who will help her if needed.

Deep water

The sun shone all day yesterday and it looks like it may do the same today!  Wow!  I went down to the pond knowing that I had my work cut out for me.  I wore my waders and when I got into the pond where I could reach the cage around the overflow pipe, the water was almost to the top on my legs.  That's how much rain we've had.  The two creeks that feed the pond must have really been running.  At any rate, I manage to clear the cage without falling in.  Since I had a meeting to go to I didn't stay to see that the water went down to normal level.  When I got home, however, I walked down to check and could see that it had.  On my way back to the house I noticed a fairly large hole on one side of the path.  I dropped a pebble into it and a lone yellow jacket flew out.  Hmmmm, gasoline time at dusk.  I'll check it today and if that didn't do the trick I'll think of something else.  Do need to buy a new funnel, though.
Well, y'all have a special day and remember:  It's hard to be nostalgic when you can't remember anything.

Sunday is usually a day when I can get things done around the house or outside.  Looks like it'll be inside today as it's raining......again.  The first nice day I'll be down at the pond clearing the cage around the overflow pipe......again.  I've appealed to Mother Nature, letting her know that we really have had a sufficient amount of water from the sky but, alas, she isn't listening.  It's a bit difficult to tend the garden and the weeds are definitely taking over.  I'm beginning to believe Noah may have to start that ark for those who live in low-lying areas.  Fortunately I'm not in a flood plain.  The Chattahoochee river is roaring these day which is good in a way.  Washes all the waste from the tubers downstream.  I certainly wouldn't want to eat any fish caught in it.

The time has come when we have to close the gallery for good.  The man next door wants our space and, since we've had it basically for free for three years, we understand the landlord wanting to make some rent money.  We have to be out by the end of August.  Actually I'm kind of relieved.  It can be tiring to have to be somewhere three days a week then trying to get in all that has to be done outside on whatever leftover days are nice.  And....sales have sucked.  Last week......no sales at all!  People don't go to Helen to look for art.  They go for T-shirts, tattoos, and tubing.  A great number of tourists are motorcyclists.  Don't get me wrong, they spend money....just not on art.  A few of us will get together to "play" at someone's home.  We just haven't ironed that out yet.  In the meantime we carry on.
Y'all have a pleasing day and remember:  what doesn't kill you only delays the inevitable.

The sun

Wow, the sun shines this morning!  It's been a number of days since I have seen it here.  Am having the front stairs repaired and, when I got home from TN on Saturday, there the guys were, in the rain, working away.  They were going to come back yesterday to finish but we had no power so they couldn't cut anything.  The power outage lasted about 4 hours.  About two of those I was down at the pond clearing the pipe.  I had cleared it before I left for TN but knew that it would need to be done again because of the rain.  Sure enough.  I was smart enough to take my waders down.  The water level was about 3 feet above normal.  It took a while but I finally got it clear enough that the water was getting "flushed".  I went back in the afternoon and it was almost at normal level.  Hopefully the rain will stay away for a few days so everything can dry out, including my new stairs.  When all is done we'll have to wait for the wood to dry out before pressure washing (yep), letting it dry again, then sealing.
Y'all have a good day and remember:  It's hard t be nostalgic when you can't remember anything.

Mini vacation

I'm going up to Tennessee to visit some old friends and celebrate the 4th with them.  I don't know how many more times I'll get to do that.  She has incurable cancer and her husband has no short-term memory left.  V will be going in for chemo treatment next month.  This is another of many.  She hopes to outlive her husband but I have my doubts.  Their daughter is a question mark as far as taking care of her dad if V goes first.  I'm thinking the only solution will be to place him somewhere where he'll be well taken care of.  If V goes first I don't think it will be long before J follows.  They've been together almost 60 years.  These days he follows her around like a puppy dog which is irritating to her.  About the only time she has to herself is early in the morning because she gets up so much earlier than he.  His brother is coming for a visit and that will be a big help as he keeps J occupied a lot of the time.  Luckily for V her sister and brother-in-law live next door and they have been of great help.  Daughter lives a number of miles away and works a full-time job, although she visits as often as she can. So I am going to enjoy their company this year and hope that I get to again next year.
Y'all have a safe holiday and remember those who went before us to make it possible.

Waiting

I've saved up enough to get some landscape work done.  Now I'm just waiting for the weather to cooperate.  There are heavy looking clouds in the sky this morning so it may be another day without any work getting done.  Hell, they haven't even started.  Equipment is sitting in the yard making fun of me.   I'm going to work outside today as much as I can tolerate. 
Why do we depend on weather forecasts when, for the most part, they're wrong?  Arrrrgh!!

Catching up

Yesterday was a fairly productive day.  I tried to catch up on things that hadn't been done last week because of dealing with daughter's mechanical problems.  Luckily those were solved, although my checkbook cried a lot, and she was able to journey to Illinois where her band is performing.  I'd explain but you'd be bored to tears.
The pond pipe was cleared.  Some weeding was done.  Gutters somewhat cleaned (need to get longer ladder).  Half of laundry done.  Some weeds killed.  More laundry to do today as well as come cleaning and dusting (ugh).
Y'all have a most pleasant day and remember:  everything seems funnier when you aren't allowed to laugh.

Haven't had anything to say lately.  Life is muddling along as usual.  I could list all my complaints but it wouldn't do anything about them.  So I think I'll just say that I hope everyone has a most pleasant day.

News Flash

NEWS FLASH!


The Earth revolves around the Sun!

This might upset the few out there who still think the world revolves around them.

Last week

Last week's endeavors

It's been made easier to upload pictures so I thought I would show what I made last week.  The one in front is sold already.  I plan to make more as I think the design is quite striking.  Two are going in the other gallery as part of my display.  Hope they sell also.  The one with red and black was the most difficult and would be a challenge to do again.  It is supposed to be square....it is, sort of.  In making baskets, square is difficult for me.  More later....maybe.

Learning

I'll be away starting tomorrow afternoon.  I'm going to be at the William Holland Lapidary School learning some new techniques in basket making.  Yes, I know, the name says lapidary.  Way back when husbands would bring their wives with them and while they took classes in lapidary stuff the wives had nothing to do if they didn't also take a class.  That's where the basket class came in.  It gave the wives a class also.  Anyway, that's where I'll be for the next 6 days so I won't be writing anything.  I'll have my I-pad with me but time will be a factor.  And since Hermit Jim keeps sending nasty weather this way I'm glad I'll be inside (just kidding, Jim).  I keep trying to tell Mama Nature that we really don't need so much rain all at the same time but she's not listening to me.
I have someone coming to house sit and take care of Cleo, my kitteh.  She gets lonesome when I'm gone.
Y'all take care and remember:  Closed minds need closed mouths.

Drat

More rain.  Bleh.

Target practice

We've had a couple of really nice days.  The peas, for the most part, survived the last deluge.  Last week I took a gun safety course and will be going to the local police range today to practice shooting my little .38.  Luckily I have some ammo because it's scarcer than hen's teeth.  I just may have to start gathering more as it becomes available.  I still have some hollow points but will definitely save those to keep in the revolver here.  If I have to shoot somebody I might as well make it count.  Hopefully the weather will hold today since I think the range is outdoors and it isn't pleasant trying to zone in on a target through rain drops.  I'm thinking of buying a .22 since ammo for that caliber seems to be more available.
Y'all have a gorgeous day and remember:  guns don't kill people, people who hold them do.

Waterlogged

It rained.....again...all day yesterday.  We've had about 6 inches so far and it's supposed to rain again today.  Rain, rain, go away!  I did laundry, some sewing, made progress on the basket, succeeded in finally getting one complete pattern done on a shawl I'm knitting, which is a miracle considering it's the first piece I'm following a chart for.  I'm beginning to feel waterlogged.  And I know the pipe in the pond needs clearing but that's going to wait until tomorrow when we're supposed to have sunshine (yay!).
Y'all have a sunshine kind of day and remember:  he who laughs last probably didn't get the joke.

Rain, rain

It's raining.....again.  My driveway hasn't been "fixed" so this rain just adds to the adventure trying to drive in or out.  Whenever I read Hermit Jim's blog and he says it's raining then I can expect rain in about three days.  No one can say we are in a drought.  I'm not getting any yard work done.  It's so dark and gray I don't really feel like doing anything but the laundry won't wait and I have a basket to finish.
It rained yesterday but a friend, my grandson and I went to a local pow-wow anyway.  The rain was on and off, not hard.  Looked at some of the crafts, etc.  My grandson and I danced in the circle when the public was invited.  He found some kids to play with while A and I listened to a young man play flute, then listened to a performance by Women of Heart.  Grand entry brought tears to my eyes...don't know why.
Guess I'd better get a move on.  Laundry doesn't do itself. 
Y'all have a quiet day and stay dry.   

Daughter's coming up today.  She has a dentist appointment.  Have to keep those teeth pearly white and in good shape so she looks as beautiful as she smiles and sings.  She's beautiful anyway but a nice smile always adds something.
It looks to be a pretty day.  Hopefully the sun we've had the last couple of days has dried out the soaked earth.  I don't mind some rain once in a while but 3" at once is a little much.  My driveway's trenches have trenches.  One proceeds very slowly driving in or out.
Y'all have a promising day and remember:  he who dies with the most toys.....is still dead.

Wouldn't you know it?  Yesterday I planted some peas that I started in the house.  That was in the morning.  Then, in the afternoon, it rained.  I mean it RAINED!  I haven't checked the poor pea plants yet but will before I leave.  Poor things were probably beaten to death.  Sigh.  Hopefully the bean seeds stayed in the ground.  Sigh.....again.  And it's supposed to rain again today.....double sigh.
Guess I'll hold off planting anything else.

Thought

I am saddened by what has been transpiring in our country of late.  The hatred and frustration is growing.  The government is eating away at our rights.  The government is sending money that it doesn't have to nations whose people want us dead just because it wants them to "like" us.  Like that's going to happen.  How 'bout we start taking care of our own and letting those that have fought for hundreds of years go on fighting.  Bring our men and women home so we have some kind of defense instead of trying to save the world 'cause that isn't going to happen either.  I wonder how many would be willing to write to their congress person to let him/her know how unhappy they are.
 I'm glad I grew up when I did and can only hope that the future for my grandchildren is better  than now.

Whether the weather

I wish we could have three or four nice days in a row so the ground could dry out a bit.  I would love to be able to start working in the garden, getting it ready for planting.  So far every day that's been decent I've been working.  When I'm home it rains.  Today is supposed to be a nice day and I might be able to get some work done outside after I go to the gallery.  One of the persons who is ordinarily there is in Florida so our fearless leader may be by herself and I don't like that idea.  It's not that we get hordes of people in.  I just don't like her being alone.  So.....another gal is supposed to go in but I'll pop in and stay until she comes (which usually isn't until after lunch).  We also have some people coming in to set up Native American art.  That should be interesting.
Getting back to the garden...I've started some peas and parsnips in the house.  I'll need to get some kind of frame for the peas as these particular ones are climbers.  Think I'll get them in the ground first.  Will also have tomatoes, okra, maybe asparagus.  That's all I can handle.  I'll put some herbs in a different spot.  Since I'm not home every day I'm not sure how things'll go but I'm giving it a try.
Y'all have a productive day and remember:  a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take everything you have.

Easter

Today is a special day to some.  I hope the day brings hope and joy to those who celebrate it.

Wet

Yesterday morning we had rain, then it slacked off.  Last night, however, came the deluge.  It rained hard enough to wake me up.  This morning it slacked off but I'll not be surprised if it starts again during the day.  It certainly looks like it out there.  My driveway has a small river running down it.  Glad I was able to somewhat clear the ditch for runoff.  Guess it'll be a good day to get some sewing done.  I have one project to finish and another to work on as well as laundry to do.  Sigh, it never ends.
I'll have to go down to the pond sometime in the next couple of days to make sure the pipe is clear.  Wish it would warm up.  That water is COLD.
Y'all have a peaceful day and remember:  he who hesitates is sometimes just taking the time to make the right decision.

Found myself.

I was bewildered.  All of a sudden I couldn't get into Blogspot through MSN.  All I'd get is a blank page when I'd try to go to the website.  I finally decided that, since I had installed it, I'd try Google Chrome.  So here I am.  And glad to be here again.  Now I can keep up with my friends in the great "blue nowhere".  Y'all    have a delicious day.

It's cold.  This is the beginning of March and I was so hoping warmer weather would be here by now.  It's in the 20's this morning and yesterday we had snow flurries all day.  At least the sun is shining this morning so maybe it'll warm up.  Because of the cold I don't expect many people to show up for the reception this evening.....sigh.  It looks like it's going to be a struggle to keep the gallery going. If things don't get better in the next four months we may have to close which would be a real bummer.
Y'all have a sunshine kind of day.

I have a cold

I have a chest cold.  Don't know why it's called a cold.  I just know I have one.  It may be the change in temperature from the mid-70's and 80's to the 20's.  It may be that standing in my pond (in my waders) for 2 hours trying to clear the overflow pipe wasn't such a good idea.  The water was ice cold.  Not much I can do about it, I guess, except to try to shorten it's life.  The gallery is re-opening this Thursday and I need to get all my stuff setup.  I went in yesterday with some of it but there's more to go.  I need to gather some quilt pieces to put on the wall to brighten up my space.  Otherwise it looks quite dull.  Lots to do today.  Laundry awaits and so does the paperwork for the Association. 
Y'all have a lovely day and remember:  cold is a four-letter word.

Tax dollars hard at work.

I am the secretary for our landowners association and, as such, have the "pleasure" of filing the tax forms.  Yesterday I went on the internet to download the forms. It has not been made easy to get to them.  You have to know exactly where they are. And the websites have been changed in the last year.  I finally managed to download one but couldn't get the state form to even come up.  So I called to ask to have one sent to me. They don't send out forms anymore I was informed.  They've gone paperless.  The reason I couldn't get the form to come up on the computer was because the system was down.  I told the person on the phone that anyone without a computer would be s.o.l. wouldn't they.  He didn't have an answer.  I'll try again Monday.  Arrrrrrggggh!!!  The Secretary of State site changed also.  What fun I had trying to find the form for our annual registration.  Again.....arrrrrgggghhhh!!!

Sore muscles

I have a few sore muscles this morning.  Yesterday was a day to get some things done.  As I was going out to the mailbox I noticed all the leaves that had accumlated in the ditch along the lower part of my driveway.  Those have now been raked over to the other side of the driveway and the ditch is clear so the water can run freely to the drainage pipe.  Next came the overflow pipe in the pond.  I had to put my waders on for that one.  The water was about 24 inches over the pipe which was covered and blocked by dead water lily leaves and stems and various and sundry other plant life as well as a good sized rock (have to wonder how that got there).  I spent about 30 minutes just getting water flowing through the pipe.  Couldn't reach the debris without freezing my arm so I came up and had lunch. Went back down and worked on getting more holes poked in the debris.  A couple of hours later I decided that I would have to wait until the water had gone down enough for me to get to the debris so I could clear it.  That means I'll have to go down there again today.  And of course it rained last night and may rain again today.  At least I can see the white PVC pipe again from the kitchen.  So, I have a few sore muscles this morning.  Just means I need to get off my butt more and work outside, I guess.  Think I'll wait until it gets a little warmer first.
Y'all have a productive day and remember:  life is a four-letter word.

Home

I'm home!  I'm home to ugly weather.  Can I go again....please?  I'm still hungry for sunshine and warmth. 
I had thought of writing on the trip but, since the cruiseline charged .75 a minute, I decided that was a cost I didn't need.  The first part of the trip was the quilt classes part.  I learned a lot of neat stuff and actually finished a couple of projects.  Hopefully I can take the time to get them made into wall hangings.
The ports we stopped in were great.  I don't need to revisit San Juan.  I've been to some of the ports already so I stayed on board.  Costa Maya was kinda special.  I wasn't planning on going ashore but the cruise line arranged for a special tour for members of the quilting group.  We went to the village of Limones and watched demonstrations of embroidery that the local women did.  They also fed us lunch (tamales) cooked over charcoal.  Their work is lovely and the trip was worth it.  Especially since they gave each of us a piece of embroidery to bring home.
The second half of the trip was relaxing.  I didn't partake of onboard activities but rather knitted or sat on my balcony enjoying the sun and sea.  Right now I just wish the house would quit rocking. 
We did have one scary incident when we went through a squall line.  The winds were around 70 mph and rocked the ship over about 40 degrees.  I heard that trays of glasses, etc. went flying in the dining room and one gentleman had to be rescued on the lido deck when he froze in fright and apparently could have been swept overboard (according to some).  Two young fellows went out and got him.  Overall the seas were a bit rougher than usual so there were a number of passengers who didn't make it to dinner.  The trip home was calmer.
I managed to walk almost every day.  It's difficult to walk when the ship is rockin' and rollin'.  A couple of times I actually made three miles.  Hopefully the walking I did do was enough to keep the pounds off.  I haven't weighed myself yet.  Maybe after my shower this morning.
Y'all have a glorious day.

First day

The first leg of the trip was to Half Moon Cay.  The island is owned by the shipping company and is maintained beautifully.  I didn't go ashore since I have been here before and wanted to get some rest and try to get my back back into place.  I must have tossed when I should have turned or vice versa because when I got up it hurt.  So after breakfast I did my mile walk then settled into one of the deck chairs with a rolled up towel behind my back and snoozed.  When I woke up and got up my back was okay and stayed that way the rest of the day.
Tomorrow is the first class. Don't know if I'll get on the 'puter.  Have to say I'm enjoying the sun and warmth.
Y'all have a good evening......

Well, I made it to Ocala today. The first leg of my trip to Tequesta, FL to stay with my brother for a couple of nights before heading for Ft. Lauderdale and the ship.  It rained the whole way except when I stopped for fuel in Lake Park.  All in all uneventful.  I have enough snacks with me to use for dinner so I don't have to go out in the rain.  I need to eat the cold stuff 'cause I sure can't store it in the van while I'm away.  Not a problem, I happen to really like apple and cheese and grapes.  Healthy, too.  And breakfast is free here.  I think most hotels along the highways offer free breakfasts.  I'm staying at a Hampton Inn.  I looooooove their beds.  They are just so comfortable.  I always get a good night's sleep.
I'm tired so I'm going to have an early night.  Y'all have  peaceful evening and sleep tight.

The trip

Tomorrow morning I begin my trip.  I'll be travelling to Florida and staying with my brother for a couple of nights before heading down to Ft. Lauderdale to board the ship.  While at my brother's I'll be seeing my sister who's coming from Missouri, my ex-stepsister who now lives in Connecticut, and a cousin who now lives in Hawaii.  A mini family reunion that really wasn't planned but just sort of happened.  How cool is that?
Because one has to pay for internet time on board ship I don't know if I'll be doing anything but checking email so I don't have a gazillion spam mails waiting for me when I get home.  I'll have to see what the charges are.  And while I plan on taking pictures those will have to wait until I get back, again because of cost for the time to upload them to the blog.
Today is a final cleaning day.  I don't know about you but when I travel I like to come home to a clean house.  Hopefully my daughter will make sure it stays that way when she and the family come up for her birthday.  Next year I won't be travelling on her birthday.  I'll needto think of something special to do with her since I've missed the last few.
Guess if I'm going to get anything done I'd better get a move on. Y'all have a calm day.

White

The ground is white.  It started snowing off and on yesterday afternoon.  It was still snowing when I went to bed last night and, although I woke to sunshine this morning, it's started to snow again.  I don't have any idea if it's supposed to last....I don't care.  I was here first.  It's always strange to see snow and blue sky.  And now the sun is shining again with snowflakes falling gently from the sky. 
It's cold enough for there to be a skim of ice on the pond.  I'll be going down there before I leave to make sure the pipe is clear.  The water's going to be mighty cold.  Oh well, I'll be in sunshine and warmth soon enough.
Y'all have a good day and....I really don't care who wins the Super Bowl, I won't be watching it.

Took Cleo to the vet yesterday for her final booster shot.  She was very displeased and showed it with two deposits in the carrier, one from each end.  Her ears are clear of mites, thank goodness.  Trying to put drops in is an experience and I learned to have a towel on my clothes so when she shook her head I didn't get stuff all over me.  When we got home I let her out of the carrier outside thinking she might want to be in the fresh air.  Nope....she followed me in and went up to her bed in my room where she stayed for half the day.  When I went to check on her she just gave this look as if to say, "I am not happy with you right now."  Later she came down and asked to go out.  This time she recovered a lot quicker from the trauma.  No more trips, hopefully, until next year. 
Daughter is coming up today.  She has a doctor appointment then we'll have lunch and go shopping.  I do enjoy my Tuesdays with her.  We don't always go out.  Sometimes we just stay here and knit, sew, or watch a movie.  It's nice to have her all to myself sans enfants.
Y'all have a delicious day and remember:  Thank your food before you eat.

At home

Yesterday was a stay at home day.  We had ice and freezing rain and I wasn't going to venture out anywhere.  I've driven in the stuff before but don't if I don't have to.  Wanted to go to daughter's to deliver birthday gift to granddaughter (who is now 2!).  Will go tomorrow instead.  I don't think she'll know the difference.  Anyway, it was a good day to get some knitting and laundry done.  Which I did, in between taking care of my nose which decided it would be a good idea to turn on the faucet in my sinuses.  I do believe I went through a whole box of tissues, maybe more.  I put up with it during the day but decided that Benadryl would be the choice of nighttime products.  I did not want to spend the night with a piece of kleenex wadded up a nostril.  The Benadryl worked beautifully and I got a full night's sleep.
The forecast is for the mid-50's today and I hope it gets that warm.  I want to go to a friend's house to finish the Nantucket basket he taught me to make.  When I get back from my gtrip I may order the supplies needed to make more.  We'll see.
Y'all have a bountiful day and remember:  a government big enough to give you everything is also big enough to take everything.

Daughter day

It's Tuesday, daughter day.  Today I'm going down to pick her up and we're going to THE MALL to paint some pottery (a penguin for granddaughter), have lunch and generally walk around to see what's what in the latest trends of fashion, etc.  Might also go into the Apple store to see if someone can give advice on how to transfer a recorded ring tone.  I seldom go to the mall since I don't care for crowds and really don't see anything I can't live without.  Most of the stuff is made in China and if I can avoid buying stuff made in China I will.  It sure is hard to find anything made in the USA.
Need to get a move on.  Y'all have a gorgeous day and remember:  he who dies with the most toys....is still dead.

What is that?

What is that I see?  OMG it's the sun!  I'm saved!  And my new mattress and boxspring can be delivered dry.  The temperature in the freezing zone but I don't care.  It'll warm up enough later in the day.  The snow missed us but there sure is a lot of frost.  Winter is back .... maybe.  We are supposed to have sunshine for the next few days.  I hope.  I was beginning to wander if I was going to start growing mold.  I can go down to the pond and clear the pipe without fear of becoming waterlogged.  Whoopeee!  The sun is back....long live the sun!

It's wet

Rain. It's been raining steadily for at least the last 36 hours.  I'm tired of listening to it and wish it would stop.  I'm beginning to feel soggy.  Since I don't have a rain gauge I don't don't know how much we've had but I'd venture to guess somewhere around 2 - 3 inches minimum.  I think I'll buy a rain gauge.  I know the pond is full and as soon as the sun shines again I'll go down and clear the pipe.  If the sun ever shines again.  Sigh.
The bright side is that daughter is coming up and we're going to quilt guild.  It's nice to have a day with her sans enfants. 
Y'all have an interesting day.

Learning

It's gray and rainy....a good day to get to know my new computer.  I've had to order some new software since this is an updated version of Windows.  That's okay, it'll be worth it.   I guess most of the day will be figuring out how to install, update, configure, etc.  If I run into a problem I can call the nice young man who transferred all the stuff from my old computer.  He told me I could....honest.  Guess some laundry will get done as well. 
Cleo let me sleep a whole 45 minutes later today.  I still wanted to snuggle under the covers but nooooo.  Meow, meow, meeeeeooooowwww.  So I'm up...just not totally awake yet.
Y'all have a productive day and remember:  dogs have masters, cats have servants.

Something new

Yesterday my daughter and I went to an electronics store and I surprised her by buying her a new computer.  Hers (named Bob) just couldn't do for her anymore.  She writes and needed the space, plus he just wasn't feeling well and had hiccups in his functions periodically.  It's an early birthday present for her.  She's named it Albino Bob as it's white.  I decided to go ahead and get one for myself as well since my old one doesn't have a functioning disk drive anymore and the fan likes to make disturbing noises once in a while.  I've never named my computer before but I decided to name the new one George.  George will be going with me on my trip in February.  I'll be contacting someone today about transferring stuff from the old one to George.  The two computers cost less than I thought they would.  Guess it's because of Windows 8 coming out.  Ours have Windows 7, which is good enough for me. 
Some of us from the gallery are taking our fearless leader out for lunch for her birthday.  She'll be in Texas visiting her sister on the actual date.  Should be a nice break in the day.  It seems a little strange not going in to the gallery but there's so much to do before I leave on my trip that I have the time to get things done.  Just wish the weather wasn't so gray.  A month from now I'll be in sunny Florida visiting with family before heading out to sea.  This trip I'm going to try to keep a journal of sorts so I can share some of my adventures with y'all.
Y'all have a pleasant day and remember:  Not all is as it seems.

Just another day

Okay, so it's now 2013.  Big deal.  To me it's just another day with a different date.  And it's raining.  Daughter is coming up today to help me take my "stuff" out of the gallery.  We're closed for these next two months and I don't want to leave tools or merchandise there.  What I didn't realize was just how much "stuff" I had in there!  So, of course it's raining.  I'll have to maneuver my van up to the front door so we don't get soaked.  As to where I put everything once we get it home is another conundrum.  Guess the tools can go in the shed and the merchandise in the basement. 
Like I said, it's just another day.  Don't know what's going to happen this year but I wouldn't be surprised if the PTB attempt to take away some more of our freedoms.
Y'all have a recuperative day and remember:  a fine is a tax for doing wrong; a tax is a fine for doing well.