Hi there.....

So kind of you to stop by....I do enjoy the company.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

The New Year

A new year is coming and I'm not going to be a gloomy Gus about it.  It will be what it will be.  I plan on getting projects done that have been sitting around, traveling, gardening and generally enjoying the fact that I'm still here.  I like my little corner of the world and plan on liking it for a while longer.  I don't expect everything to be hunky-dory, it never is.  What I can do is keep on keeping on and keep my eyes open instead of burying my head in the sand like so many others.  Nor do I need to have a "safe" place like so many do.  I am what I am and that's all that I am said Popeye.  Me, too.
Have a Happy New Year and don't drink and drive.  👍

Thursday, December 29, 2016

A great day.

Yesterday was a mother/daughter day.  Something we don't get much of.  Our friend A watched the Sprout.  We left a little after 9, ran an errand, got some fuel and were on our way.  I mentioned that there was a quilt shop I wanted to visit....they were closed.  I'm going to call them and see if they will honor a coupon I have that said it was good until the end of the year.  They'll be closed until the end of the year.  A disappointment.  So then we decided to go to Alexander's, a store I've heard about but never been.  It took a while to find as it is in the middle of nowhere.  Thank goodness for Google map and direction giving app on the phone.  When we stepped inside we were totally amazed.  This place is humongous!  It just keeps going and going.  You've never seen so many clothes in your life in one store.  Not just clothes, furniture and accessories too!  The store advertises that it has everything under the sun and it just about does.  To use a British term we were gobsmacked.  Did we make any purchases?  Why yes, yes we did.  Two small matching purses for our trip (hers blue, mine red), a blouse for me, a medium sized shoulder purse for her (which is amazing since she hasn't carried one for almost 20 years).  She mentioned that her chiropractor would be happy now that she doesn't carry everything in her pockets.  And a pair of blue (of course) rain boots for her.  Most everything is reasonably priced.  I will be going back and taking friends with me.  Just hope I can find it again :).  On our way to the store we passed an interesting sign for a pharmacy where you could get your meds refilled and stock up on ammo at the same time.
We then came back home after stopping at the gallery to see what's new.  All in all a really nice day.  I hope we can have more of them in the future.  I'm really looking forward to our trip in February.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Fog and Damp

It's been a bit foggy and very damp outside.  Good weather for either sleeping or sewing.  I've been doing both.  I'll be going on a quilt retreat at the end of February and I decided to take only hand work.  Just don't feel like lugging my machine.  Besides, this way I'll get a bunch of stuff finished!  Tomorrow, however, my daughter and I are having a mother/daughter day.  A friend of ours will be watching the Sprout for us as we go explore unknown territory that has a quilt shop.  Grandson is with his dad for the week so A will have her hands full with Sprout.  Usually Buddy can go outside and play with her.  One of the things we're going to explore is a quilt shop (go figure) in Blairsville.  I've never been there before and hope to see if it has some different fabric that those I usually go to.  There's also a department store that people have told me about.  Who knows, we might find something new to wear there.
The rest of the week I'll be sewing or knitting, maybe cleaning (!?) a bit.  New Year's eve will find me at home.  I'm usually in bed well before the new year is rung in.  I don't like crowds and no longer find it necessary to drink excessively just because one year has ended and another begun.  If you celebrate please do so responsibly.
Y'all have a scrumptious day and remember:  normal is just a setting on a dryer.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

I'm back

Well, I'm back from my trip but don't have any pictures in the computer yet.  It was an interesting trip.  My main complaint, though, is that the cabins are way too small for two people who don't sleep in the same bed.  It was difficult to maneuver  around and, since we were on the bottom deck, the floors were quite cold.  If I ever take another river trip it will be in a cabin by myself. Can't say much for Heathrow Airport.  What a muckup it is.  The gates aren't announced until about 40 minutes before the flight so where do you park yourself if you have two or more hours to wait?  And if you are in the wrong spot you just may have to run to the right gate.  Luckily I chose to bite the bullet and go business class.  At least I could wait in a comfortable lounge.  Still, with a lot of time in between flights......
The best part of the trip was when I got to help make a blown glass ornament.  When the gentleman asked for a volunteer no one put their hand up so I did.  I now have a lovely ornament to put on my tree.  He introduced me to Jaegermeister just before making the ornament.  To give me "strength" to blow glass.  I like it and now have a shot before I go to bed.
I'll fill you in on more later.  Right now I have to get ready for the solstice, which is on Wednesday.  the tree is up and the grandchildren decorated it after I put on the lights.  There's baking to do, etc.  HJ a package is on its way to you from K and me.  Hope you enjoy.
'til later...remember - all who wander are not lost.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Whether the weather

We had rain for two days.  Not solid but fairly steady.  And it was warm, almost 70!  Today it's colder again.  I'm hoping the rain reached Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  I also hope that they've caught who set the fires.  I'm wondering if that person or persons  will be charged with murder/homicide since people died as a result of the fires.  Apparently it didn't rain enough to put out the fires totally and there are still some hot spots.  More rain is supposed to be on the way next week.  Some acquaintances of mine live just outside Gatlinburg and had to evacuate.  The news so far is that their home made it through as did they.  After seeing some of the videos of the damage I hope recovery is possible for those who lost so much.  Driving through the Smokies will never be the same.  It's going to take a long time for the forest to recover.  I'll drive through some time in the coming summer on my way to a friend's and may weep at the charred remains of the forest.
On a happier note, I am going on a trip (again).  This time to the Christmas markets in Germany.  I've never been to Germany so it should be interesting.  It's one of those Viking river cruises.  My roommate has signed us up for all the excursions which I may or may not do all of.  I'm definitely taking warm clothing.  Hopefully I'll find some neat gifts to bring back for the family.  Definitely taking warm clothes!
Okay, need t get a move on and do something even if it's wrong.  Y'all have an interesting day and remember:  Even though you try to be nice person, sometimes the mouth doesn't cooperate.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Rain!

We finally have rain!  Woke up in the middle of the night to answer Mother Nature's call and heard rain on the roof.  A good healthy rain.  I am hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that the wildfires north of here are dampened to the point that they are under total control and the firefighters can go home and get some rest. It was still raining when I got up this morning.  We're supposed to get anywhere from 1 - 3 inches.  It won't totally make up for the deficit but it sure will help.  It is supposed to rain today and tomorrow.  Thankfully the rain hasn't been a gully washer so the moisture has a chance of soaking into the ground instead of just running off.
Amazingly the road crews in the Atlanta area have been cleaning out the storm drains of leaves and debris and trimming trees that have limbs hanging out over the roads.  Folks are asked to not throw out trash from their cars (what a sad statement).  Hell, they shouldn't do that anyway!  We don't have as much of that problem up here.
Y'all have a loverly day and you know that voice inside your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't?  I should probably get one of those.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Cold/warm

The weather is crazy.  It goes down into the low 30's high 20's at night and up to the mid 60's during the day.  We haven't had rain in over 40 days and none is in sight.  My sinuses are having conniption fits.  First stuffed up, then clear, then stuffed up.  I should own stock in Kimberly-Clarke for all the Kleenex I buy and use.  Wait..I think I do own some stock. lol
The gallery I play at is having a Mistletoe Market the three days after turkey day and I'm hoping to set rid of...er, I mean sell, a lot of stuff.  It's stuff I've made but wasn't able to sell in the past.  Quite a variety of things actually.  Table runners, scarves, shawls, jewelry.  All priced most reasonably...I hope.
Guess I'd better get a move on and do something....even if it's wrong.  Y'all have a glorious day and remember:  retirement...the hours are great but the pay sucks

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Baby it's cold outside

Last week the temperatures were up in the upper 60's to low 70's.  It was 32 this morning when I let the cat out (who, by the way, turned right round to come back in).  Looks like the growing season is REALLY over.  I'm pretty sure the vegetable stand will be closing any day now.  Two days ago I was laid low by my body, feeling dizzy and really tired.  Slept most of the day.  Yesterday I was fine..  I think it was trying to tell me that the weather was definitely going to change.  Now if we could just get some rain.
Going to try to get stuff priced for the Mistletoe Market at the gallery.  Also making the usual meringues.  They'll keep until I get back and I won't have to worry about doing that before Christmas.  I may even go get my tree tomorrow.  Usually I wait until after Thanksgiving but if the weather holds cold like this it should be fine out on the porch in a bucket of water until I want to put it up.  Just one more thing out of the way.
I'm blessed to have a friend who watches after my kitties while I'm gone.  I watch hers when she's away so it works out well.  This next trip is to Czechoslovakia and Germany.  We'll be meeting with a quilt group in Prague, then boarding the boat in Nuremberg.  The trip ends in Frankfurt where I'll board the plane for home.  Since I've never been to these countries I'm excited to see what they have to offer.  I'm making sure I pack warm clothing 'cause I know it's gonna be cold.
Y'all have a sunshine kinda day and remember:  not all who wander are lost.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Smoke, again.

Woke up to smoke again.  Although they're gaining on containing the fires we're still getting smoke when the wind is in the right direction.  More firefighters from out of state are arriving to help including some from California.  These guys have a lot of experience fighting wildfires and will hopefully help turn things around.  The weather guy says there is a chance of rain along with a temperature drop this weekend.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  We've been without rain for over 30 days.
On another note....will be spending this weekend getting ready for the annual Christmas market at the gallery.  I have to polish jewelry, make out price tags, write up the inventory list.  I'm not selling just jewelry.  Hand knit scarves, shawls, embroidered towels and table runners also make up the inventory.  With the economy being as it is I'm not holding out any hope of huge profits, but anything is better than nothing,  Right?
Y'all have a wonderful weekend and remember:  Criminals obey gun laws like politicians follow their oaths of office.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Smokey sunrise

For the second day in a row I've awakened to a smokey sunrise.  None of the big fires have been totally contained and together have burned almost 20,000 acres.  Unless I have to run errands or such I stay inside.  I can smell it even in the house but it's only slight.  Unfortunately it doesn't look like we're in for any rain this week.  It may sound silly but I went out on the porch and shook my rain rattle quite vigorously.  I know it's going to rain eventually but I wish it were sooner rather than later.

I've been doing a bit of sewing to get ready for the Christmas Market we have at the gallery.  This week and weekend will be deciding what I want to try to sell, pricing and tagging.  Thankfully I don't have to worry about doing the register.  I don't like having to man the register.
I am extremely disappointed in mainstream media.  I haven't seen any coverage of the Native American protest against the oil company trying to put a pipeline on their land.  It is their land!  And they have every right to not want a pipeline on it.  The protesters have been peaceful.  Can't say the same for the cops.  And now a cement truck driver has been shooting into the air threateningly!  Looks like oil has bought the networks.
And what about the angry protesters who have been rioting, etc. because their candidate didn't win.  Talk about a bunch of cry babies.  Just goes to show how spoiled that generation is and how it is distressing to see them....who were all love and peace during the campaign.  The country is in a mess and I, for one, am glad I grew up when I did.  I don't know how much longer I have on this planet but I don't know how long I could stand this craziness if it continues.  May have to become more of a hermit than I already am.
Okay, enough....y'all have a clear day and remember:  If guns kill people, then pencils misspell words, cars make people drive drunk, and spoons make people fat.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Rain, sweet rain

I woke up in the wee hours this morning to answer Mother Nature's call and heard the sweet sound of rain.  Not gully washing rain but soft, gentle rain.  I don't know how long it lasted.  Don't think it was very long since the front steps didn't look too wet.  The sky looks like it's clearing.  Hopefully the rain went North to where all the wildfires are.  Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to clean the gutters that are full of leaves. I was planning on doing that today.  I really need to get that done before real winter sets in.  When I looked out my window I saw a couple of birds finding food in the front gutter.  Every once in a while I can hear them pecking away, getting whatever it is they get.  If it clears up...which it looks like it's going to do...I'll ask a friend to spot me while I climb the ladder.  Don't want to break anything before my trip next month.  The best choice would be to hire someone to do it for me.  I'll give that serious consideration.
Y'all have a bright day and ask yourself.....Why do I have to press 1 for English?  Has America moved?

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Smoke gets in your eyes.

Woke up to the smell of smoke.  There are a number of forest fires burning in North Carolina and north Georgia.  When I look out the window there is a smoky haze.  One of the fires was started by lightning.  The others by careless man.  Well over 7,000 acres have burned and it's been so dry that the fire spreads easily.  We desperately need rain.  And, unfortunately, there are people out there who feel the need to burn leaves, etc.  I'm pretty sure a ban on burning has been issued in my county.  Some people don't believe the rules pertain to them.  I can only hope (and pray) that these fires are contained soon.  Keeping my fingers crossed the wind stays light.
Not much else going on.  Glad all the bruhaha is over.  At least I hope it is.  As for those who stated they would leave the country if Trump was elected, I hope they don't let the door hit them in the ass on the way out.
Y'all have a quiet day and remember: I apologize to anyone I have not yet offended.  Please be patient, I will get to you shortly.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Autumn

Autumn, or fall, is in the air.  This morning was crisp with blue skies as opposed to yesterday which was smoky.  Yesterday I drove north to Franklin, NC to an open house at a quilt shop.  The further north I drove the heavier the smoke.  Someone had to have been careless with a cigarette or was burning and it got out of control.  I can still smell smoke when I open my front door.  We have a severe drought going on so if anyone was burning it had to be without permission.  We are under a ban here in North Georgia.
Autumn is the correct name for this time of year so where did the term Fall came from?  Perhaps because temperatures fall?
I don't mind the cooler weather too much.  What I do mind is the time change.  I wish it were left alone.  Leave it alone or perhaps put it in the middle and leave it alone.  Us older folk don't do well with it.   Babies and animals don't have a clue.  Their schedules don't change.  Seems like just when my body and brain get used to one it gets changed.  This year we were on DST longer than last year.  Does this mean the powers that be are working toward finally leaving it there?  Geeesh.
Y'all have a pretty day and remember:  Lazy is such an ugly word.  I prefer selective participation.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Well, I washed my van the other day.  Thought it might bring rain.  Wrong.  We really do need it.  This whole year has been dry and we were lucky to get any veggies at all.  Wonder if it means we're going to have a wet winter.  I appreciate those of you who are trying to send it my way.  Keep trying, please.
The trip to Sam's yesterday was successful except for one thing they didn't have.  Dried Mandarin Oranges.  My daughter was very disappointed.  The thing about Sam's is.....they buy by the boxcar load and when that runs out it runs out and there's usually no getting "seconds".  I get my paper products there and that's about it.  Paper products (the brands I prefer) are always available.  And cheaper. A lot of the other stuff is not but it's a bother to try to figure it out when there for a purpose.  Of course, there's always that one thing you see that you just have to have.  Usually it's a sweet of some kind.  Of course, the next time you go it won't be there.
Back to the rain...maybe I'll wash my truck.
Y'all have an interesting day and consider:  Common Sense....So rare it's kinda like a superpower.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

We need rain.

Our area is in the extreme drought area on the weather map.  We're about 14" short of normal.  It may (or may not) rain today and, for once, I would welcome it.  Just a gentle rain, not a gully washer.  Gully washers don't do any good as they don't give the water time to soak into the ground.  Last night on the news we were told that we "might" get some showers today.  I'll believe it when it happens.  I may have to shake my rain rattle.  At least now there's no need to water the garden.  The only things that might still be ripening are the pear-shaped tomatoes.  I'll check today and see.
On another front, I'm trying to keep busy so I don't sit and brood.  I hear disturbing things about what's going on in my daughter's home and I don't like it.  I've about reached the end of my rope with the whole thing and I won't be tying a knot to hang on.  I'm tired of the whole mess.  I had hoped that she would open her eyes and see the real person.  Maybe she is beginning to.  I'll find out when she comes up today.
Okay, enough gloom.  Y'all have a delightful day and remember:  VOTE!

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Autumn

I confess that Autumn is not my favorite time of year.  It tells me that winter is coming and I don't like winter.  The days are so short I get up in the dark and night comes all too soon.  I have S.A.D. so winter is especially difficult.  Maybe that's why I take a trip somewhere sunny and warm either in January or February.  It has stayed quite warm much later this year.  Even though the leaves are turning it's been in the 80's most days.  It was already 70 when I got up this morning!  Mind you, I don't mind the warm weather, it's just that it doesn't fit the season.  Of course, seeing Christmas stuff up already doesn't help.  Walmart had stuff up before Labor Day!!  Kinda kills the spirit.
I'm taking a trip to Germany this December.  A river cruise to visit the Christmas Markets.  It will be cold but at least I'll be distracted.  We start in Prague, go to Nuremberg, board the boat, then on to Frankfurt, stopping in a number of ports for the markets.  I'm looking forward to the trip but not the rush for the holiday when I get home.  We celebrate Yule here, which comes on the 21st.  Guess I'll be getting the decorating done before I leave.
Okay, onward and upward.  Y'all have a most pleasant of days and remember:  Critical thinking:  the other National deficit.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Nothing much

The past few days have not been as productive as I would have liked.  It's my own fault.  I try to picture what I'm going to do the next day before I go to sleep.  I think my get up and go got up and went.  I did accomplish a few things and the basement is looking more organized.  I'll be taking a bunch of things to guild meeting today for people to root through and take home.  I'm working on a knitting project but will have to take it to the "knitting" lady for help as I am stuck and this is a project that is quite challenging to me.  She is always ready to help, thank goodness!
The birds, and soon the squirrels, have been having a feast on the berries on the dogwoods.  It's fun to watch them, especially when one of them tugs too hard on a berry and falls off the branch.  A quick recovery is made and the bird just carries on as if it meant to do that.
I have to remove a dead finch from the roof on my back porch.  Sadly, for whatever reason, it flew into a window so hard I thought I branch had fallen on the roof.  Not a chore I look forward to.  When daughter comes up tomorrow I'll have her spot me.  I'm hoping to be able to reach it from inside.  I'm getting to the age where I don't really like going out there anymore.
Guess I'd better get a move on.  Must go see knitting lady before guild in hopes she can help.  Y'all have a loverly day and remember:  Just say "NO" to negativity.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

I wonder

I wonder what it's going to be like when the elections are over.  It isn't going to be pretty either way.  I'm so  tired of all the rhetoric.  I know for whom I'm voting so I didn't watch the debate debacles.   The news is so slanted it's unbelievable .  The only news I actually watch is local and when it goes into the politics I turn off the sound and find something to do.  No one is safe from the rhetoric and it seems as though government want to intrude even further in our lives.  Well, what will be will be and after the elections are over I'll get on with my life as best I can.
Please don't vote just for the sake of voting.  Know the issues and how the candidates plan to handle them.  Ignore the rhetoric.
Y'all have a glorious day and remember:  Is it coincidence that a large group of baboons is called a congress?

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

The Press

I don't believe anything the press puts out these days.  Don't know if any of y'all remember Don Henley's hit "Dirty Laundry" but that's exactly what the news is today.  Is Trump the only man to talk the way he did on that video?  NO!  Any yet, because he is a presidential candidate, it's blown way out of proportion.  And I've read some of the trash that's come out of Hillary's mouth.  I feel sorry for any man that has the job of protecting her.  The news is so slanted I'm surprised it hasn't toppled.  I did not watch the debates (if you want to call them that) because I know for whom I'm voting and nothing either could say would change my mind.  And I find it odd that the "bad" stuff just happens to come out now.
I don't know about you but I'm sick and tired of all this blather.  Wish there was a rewind button to push.
Y'all have a good day and remember:  Car on.  Phone off.

Friday, October 7, 2016

Why is it?

Why is it that on some days you can't get squat done and others find you busy, busy, busy?  Lately that's been happening to me.  I'm hoping that today is one of those where I get SOMETHING accomplished.  I have gone down to the garden and picked tomatoes.  I have done another square for the exchange in December (yes, I'm taking another trip).  It just doesn't seem like I've accomplished much, enough, etc.  Sigh.
Y'all have an exquisite day and remember:  We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Follow-up

My daughter came to the house yesterday after her counseling session so we could discuss why I was so upset by Cynus' post.  She understands why I would be upset and explained that nothing "untoward" (her word) happened.  I won't go into details but suffice it to say that that I am satisfied with her explanation.  She also told me that he slept on the couch the next night.  Today they will be looking for a place for him to stay and he will not be living at the house.  She knows that if they are to work things through he cannot live there.  That he has to work out his issues and she has to work on herself.  Her first priority is the children, then her.  His priority has to be himself.  Perhaps the fact that she is going to be away for about a week will help him focus.
I guess the next time I see something upsetting like that I'll try not to jump to conclusions and get an explanation asap so I don't got through what I did this time. And hopefully he will think twice about how he words his posts.
Y'all have a great day and remember:  Worry gives a small thing a great shadow.  (from a bumper sticker)

Monday, October 3, 2016

Slapped in the face

I have been slapped in the face and punched in the gut by the man who says he loves my daughter.  I told my daughter he was not to be in the house nor was he to stay there.  Last night I saw his post on Facebook stating he was in bed with his arms around my daughter and their daughter.  In other words, he spent the night.  My daughter is coming up for her counseling session this afternoon and she and I are going to have a discussion.  She told everyone before he got out that she's done.  Now she's let him into her bed?!  She's backpedalling as fast as she can and it took so long for her to get where she was before he got out.  I am physically ill and so angry that I could hurt something. I disliked him before, now I dislike him even more.  He knows just what people want to hear and says it so sincerely.  My daughter is not thinking of her children, especially her son who is scared to death of this man who once put his hands around R's throat.  He's told him that when R gets bigger they're going to have to fight.  He expects things to go back the way they were.  Well, if that's what she wants so be it but not with my support.
I know I'm unloading on y'all but I had to get some of the anger out.  Y'all have a better day than me.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

My daughter's "partner" is out of jail.  The relationship is basically over because, hopefully, her eyes are opening to the person he really is.  I told her he is not to live in the house (it's my house) although I will not keep him from visiting his daughter.  J is narcissistic to say the least.  Everything is about him.  For the time he was with my daughter he did, not once, give her any gifts for birthday or christmas nor did he buy his daughter any gifts.  My daughter would put his name on what she had bought.  But if you didn't remember his birthday....whoa!  Whatever the future holds for him will be strictly up to him.  He seems to believe that my daughter will pick up where they left off before he went behind bars.  He's wrong.  Nor will she be doing all the leg and paper work that he needs to do.  I'll be watching.  For his sake I hope he wakes up and takes a positive direction, otherwise I believe he'll end up back behind bars.  Counseling has helped my daughter open her eyes.  I can only hope that her eyes stay open and she finds someone who is worthy of her big heart and generosity.
Y'll have a kind day and remember:  love is a four-letter word.

Friday, September 30, 2016

It's cool

A much cooler morning.  In the 50's.  Had to wear bathrobe and slippers to stay warm.  The sun is shining so it's going to be a beautiful day.  Fridays are the days when I go "play" with friends at a local gallery.  Our main purpose is to greet and assist visitors but we do our "thing" meanwhile.  A new door has been installed to hopefully bring in more people.  It's going to be interesting how we handle that since we usually meet in a room that has a view of the front door.  The new door is on the side of the building which means we are going to have to change where we gather, perhaps.  Today will be our first day with it.  I do not like to be on the front desk, nor do I like handing transactions.  I did it at the gallery I used to be in only out of necessity.  In this one there are enough of us that someone else can do it.
This evening I'm off to Road Atlanta.  There's a big race going on there but that's not why I'm going.  My daughter registers all the workers (who are volunteers, by the way) and has informed me that my presence has been requested by a number of folks I used to work with there.  It's the evening of the worker party.  The workers are fed and prizes are given out.  Everyone gets something.  This is to show appreciation for their being there and enduring the long hours and whatever weather decides to present.  They also get a goodie bag when they register.  I pat myself on the back for starting that way back when the Petit LeMans first ran.  Next year will be the 20th year it runs and, although I don't actively participate (the long hours are too much for this old body) I still help out with the worker goodies by donating some small stuff.  While it will be good to see old friends I'm glad I don't do the work anymore.
Y'all have a loverly day and remember:  Love being older.  Learn something new every day and forget 5 others.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

It's cooler.

It was downright chilly this morning!  Slept with some windows open and needed bathrobe and slippers when I got up.  Hopefully the high temps are mostly behind us now.  It'll get up into the low 80's for the next couple of days at least, then back into the 90's perhaps by the weekend.  Who knows.  As the saying goes, "just wait 5 minutes."  I'm just glad for the cooler days while they're here.
Not much going on in this neck of the woods (HJ, maybe you can tell us where that phrase came from).  The tomatoes are still coming in and I'm going out to the garden this morning to harvest some.      Hoping to find some good recipes for them as I have a LOT of them.  I've put a bunch in the freezer so I'll make a sauce or something with 'em.  My friend D brought me some sauce she made.  Because of the color of the tomatoes it looks kind of funky but tastes yummy.  Perhaps I'll get her recipe and make my own.
Took me a while to go to sleep last night.  Don't know why.  Woke up at the usual time but still feel tired.  Think I'll take me a nap this afternoon.  Going to try to get something done, even if it's wrong.  I suppose I could do some house cleaning .... on the other hand...maybe not.  Well, it's off to the garden.  Y'all have a most pleasant day and remember:  he who dies with the most toys...is still dead.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

It rained yesterday evening.  Boy did it rain!!  It rained so hard the gutters couldn't handle it and the water came off the roof in sheets.  We definitely needed rain but I would rather a gentle one not one where the water is flowing like a river down my driveway.  One good thing is that it cooled it down some.  We've been in the high 80's and low 90's for a long time.  It's been a dry summer so hopefully this fall will be better.
Don't know what I'll get accomplished today.  I hope to dehydrate some apples for the winter even though the market brings in "fresh" ones from somewhere.  My favorite apples at the moment are honey crisp.  I used to like Macintosh but find that the skins are much tougher that I remember and they have become someone mealy.  Golden delicious are the same way.  Arkansas blacks are really nice and crunchy so I may do some of those also.  There's also sewing and knitting and cleaning (which never ends, it seems).  Or maybe just take the day off and laze around.  Nah, I need to do something even if it's wrong.
Y'all have an interesting day and remember:  always give 100% unless you're giving blood.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Going to Sam's

I'm going to Sam's Club today with my daughter to help her stock up on things she needs either food wise or otherwise.  I will probably grab some things for me as well.  The only problem I have with Sam's is that whenever I find something I like the next time I go back it isn't there any more.  Sigh.  Luckily paper towels and toilet paper (the brands I like) are always there.  Some things are better priced there and some things aren't.  Good steaks, though.  One time I scored a box of T-shirt bags.  1,000 in a box!  I use them for cleaning out the kitty box.  I won't have to scrounge plastic grocery bags for almost 3 years!  and they don't have holes in them.
Nights are getting a bit cooler but the days are still quite hot.  Makes me stay inside but at least I'm beginning to get things tidied up.  Probably won't last long.  Early mornings I go to the garden and water the prolific tomatoes and pick the ripe ones.  I don't think as many seeds will be planted next year.  The straw bale garden has certainly produced a lot.  And there are melons growing in the compost pile.  Who knew?
Y'all have a good day and remember:  Socialism is great until you run out of other people's money.

Friday, September 23, 2016

I don't visit here a much as I used to.  Most of those I follow(ed) are not here any more.  Maybe they went to Facebook or Spotify or Twitter.  All I know is that those of you who are still here make me come back.  I haven't anything interesting to say right now.  Politics only make people angry (and with the two candidates rightly so).  At the moment my life is pretty boring, which is fine for me.  I'm trying to get some projects done...sewing, knitting, cleaning.  Nothing exciting. Still don't have pictures from my trip.  Maybe this weekend.  It's still summer weather here.  One of my neighbors is in Vermont...has been for a month now.  He's avoided the hot weather, and I do mean hot.  The garden is still producing tomatoes although I don't know how since we haven't had enough rain.  I'll be going out there this morning to water.  And pick.
Y'all have a cool day day.  And don't get all het up over the politicians.  It will be what it will be.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

I haven't been here in a while.  I had to buy a new computer and am still trying to figure it out.  I bought  Machos software is quite different for me from Microsoft.  Also I went on a two week trip so didn't really think about the internet during that time.  It was a quilting cruise, of course, and we traveled from Amsterdam to England, Scotland, Iceland, and Norway.  I found the ship to be too big. She holds 3,000 passengers.  Too many people.  Too impersonal.  Hopefully I can figure this computer out soon and will be able to be here a bit more.  Meanwhile y'all take care and I'll talk to you again soon.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The manual arrived for my new computer.  It's 2 inches thick.  I also bought the manual for Dummies (since, when it comes to computers, I are one)).  It's all going to have to wait until I get back from my trip.  Yes, another one.  I'm traveling while I still can and seeing some parts of the world I haven't seen.  It's a cruise to England, Scotland, Iceland and Norway.  A quilting cruise where we will have classes while at sea.  I hope to post pictures on Facebook but don't guarantee it.  When I ge back I'll try to post pictures here but, again, don't guarantee it.
Y'all have a grand day.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

New computer

I'm still trying to get used to my new computer.  For years I used computers with Microsoft.  When  I learned that the company was going to stop supporting older versions in hopes that people would download version 10 I decided to switch to Mac.  It's a bit different and it's going to take me a while to get used to it.  So many bells and whistles!  Sure do wish a manual came with it but that would probably be at least 6 inches thick.  Perhaps I could download and print what I need a little at a time.  Meanwhile y'all have a loverly day.

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Absent

Haven't been here for a while as my computer decided to die.  Although I had everything transferred to a small spare that, too, decided it didn't like me anymore.  It hasn't died, yet.  Anyway I decided to get a new computer and had to wait for it to get here (that's another story).  It's good to be back.  I'll get all the old stuff transferred so I have familiar screens.
Y'all have a great day.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

To water or not to water

When I checked the garden day before yesterday the melon plants were looking very sad.  Although I've been trying not to water because of lack of rain and my well having gone dry the last week I went ahead and watered, keeping my fingers crossed that it would revive them and the tomatoes and the peppers.  I didn't water for long and I watered just the veggies.  Looks like it did.  Then, that evening, I got out my rain rattle.  Yesterday we had rain, this morning early we had rain.  We may get more today.  We need it.  I don't know where the water comes from that's in my well.  It's 440 feet down.  They drilled through 400 feet of granite.  The water is sweet (yes, it is) and very refreshing.  Hopefully any rain we get will keep that water flowing and I'll continue to be careful with using it. Meanwhile I'll keep the rain rattle handy.

Saturday, July 2, 2016

The day the well went dry

I think I mentioned this before but....


It has been very hot and dry here.  A friend and I planted a garden.  Said garden is flourishing because it was well watered (no pun intended).  There is also a path going down to an arbor and along both sides are various flowering plants along with some elephant ears and other stuff whose names escape me at the moment.  Anyway, my friend D has been absolutely amazing in tending both, especially when I couldn't.  Since we have not had much rain I decided to get a sprinkler for the flowers, etc.  The vegetable garden is watered with a soaker hose and regular hose.  At any rate, we hadn't had any rain in a couple of weeks so D put out the sprinkler and started watering the flower beds.  When she came in to wash her hands she turned on the water and....nothing.  Uh oh.  The well had gone dry, so to speak.  This is not the first time.  It happened once before about 20 years ago when my son came up with some friends.  Apparently none of them were aware of the fact that my water comes from a well so the water flowed....until it didn't.  My son called in a panic.  Luckily I knew what to do so I told him to go to the basement and trip the circuit breaker for the well, leave it for about 30-45 minutes the turn it back on.  That worked.  It worked this time, too.  Now I am trying to be careful about water use.  Not that easy when you've become comfortable with free flowing water.  I can't afford another well to be drilled.  The gardens may have to suffer a little but I don't want to run out of water again.  The veggies are still doing well, especially those in the straw bales.
I'm thinking about bringing out my rain rattle.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Need rain

We need rain.  A thunderstorm passed through last evening but didn't give up much rain.  It's been very hot and dry.  A friend and I have a garden we're trying to keep going so we were watering every day.  Then there's another area with decorative plants that we're trying to keep going.  Between watering the veggies and flowers (flowers with a sprinkler) my well went dry.  Luckily all I had to do was cut the circuit breaker and wait about 30 minutes.  I had water again.  We're being more careful and I'm not watering outside.  Glad it's only me in the house.  If the house were full we probably would have had to go to extreme water saving.  It's amazing how complacent one can get when it comes to what one considers a never-ending supply of something.  There's always an end but, if one is careful, it will take a very long time.  I certainly don't want to have to have another well drilled.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Blueberries

This morning I am enjoying fresh blueberries on my cereal.  My blueberries off my blueberry bushes.  Yum.

Friday, June 10, 2016

This and that

Here we are almost halfway through the year already!  I believe it when it is said that time goes by faster the older you get.
The garden flourishes, except for the squash.  Don't know what's with them.  Will have beans, tomatoes, peppers and melons before you know it.  The asparagus are doing great.
Have my yearly physical coming up.  Then my daughter's second dentist appointment.  The last for a while I hope.  It's getting expensive.
Already planning what to take on my next trip.  Will try to pare it down.  One suitcase and one carry on.  The trip isn't 'til August but that will be here soon.  Two weeks worth of clothing.  Guess I'll plan on wearing items more than once.
Y'all have a glorious day.





Saturday, May 28, 2016

Class

Starting tomorrow I'll be at the Lapidary School in Young Harris taking a beading class.  I haven't done any serious bead work in a while so I'm going to give it a try again.  Don't know the instructor but, if she is teaching there, she is good.  All the instructors are volunteers.  They love what they do.  They have to, to teach for a week without being paid.  They do make some money by selling the necessary materials for what you are going to make.  I like this school.  It's in the mountains, it's peaceful, and the folks are friendly.   My friend A will be watching my kitties for me and hopefully D will come tend the vegetable garden at least a couple of days.  The beans are close, the tomatoes and peppers are slowly getting there, the melons are growing, the squash might make it if they're kept wet enough and there are a lot of radishes in the fridge.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Meanwhile, y'all have a safe Memorial Day.



Thursday, May 26, 2016

Dear Future President

Dear Future President,
This immigration/emigration thing bothers me.  I have a few ideas I'd like to share  regarding policy for anyone wishing to get into and stay in this country.
1.  They must submit to a thorough background check.


2.  They must prove they have employment.


3.  They must prove they can support themselves for a minimum of 3 years. (I'd go for   five 5 but the liberals are probably screaming unfair at 3)


4.  They will learn English (which should be our national language.)  We should not have to learn another language.


5.  No person guilty of an aggregious felony will ever be considered.


6.  They must follow all of our laws, I don't care what they could get away with in their country.


7.  Should they break any of our laws they will be punished under our legal system
and, if still living at the end of their sentence, they will be deported.


Those are a few.  Given time I could probably come up with more.


Thanks for "listening".


Anyone out there have any other ideas?

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Strep

Didn't know I have it.  After watching granddaughter while daughter was getting a root canal daughter insisted I go to the doctor to get checked out.  I've been feeling under the weather for almost a month and attributed it to pollen/allergies (which I've never had before but this year has been the worst for pollen). Nagging cough, headache, etc. .
So I went and, come to find out, I have strep throat.  Surprise!  You see, I never go to the doctor unless it's REALLY bad or it's time for my 3 month check up.  So now I'm on two more medications for a while.  Still waiting for the results of the chest X-ray.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Yearly health check.

Haven't felt 100% these past few weeks.  I'm tired and, on some days, all I want to do is sleep.  I'm trying to hang on until my yearly physical which is next month.  Being a diabetic I need to keep my A1c within a certain range.  I've also lost weight and have a nagging cough that won't go away.  At first I thought it might be allergies since the pollen count has been pretty much off the charts this year.  And my nose has be quite the runner.  Yesterday I went to the drug store and bought an A1c kit and will test today.  It's usually done every three months but it's been 2 1/2 so it's close enough.  Guess the most troubling thing is the weight loss. By the way, A1c checks blood sugar levels over a 3 month period.  The good range is between 5-7.  If, when I test, the numbers are not good, I'll make an appointment to see the doc before my yearly check up.  Other than that things are good.  The garden has started producing.  Radishes, peas, Swiss chard have already yielded enough to harvest.  Everything else is growing well.  Hopefully this batch of squash will make it and I'm looking forward to the melons.
Y'all have a good day.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Garden

Haven't written anything 'cause there wasn't much to say.  A friend and I are trying straw bale gardening and have other garden beds as well.  It's fairly intense.  No weeding with the bales, but the other beds take some work.  And I've been trying to get the mulched areas in front of the house planted with flowers and herbs.  A lot of weeding has to be done there so mornings when it's cool have taken away 'puter time.  I can only be out there in the earlier hours.  Once the sun comes up over the trees to the East I get too warm.  Then there's the watering.  That takes up quite a bit of time.  Almost two hours.  Getting these things done isn't too hard when D is here, but when she can't come over it takes me a good while.  Not as young as I used to be and all that.  We now have some gorgeous radishes, swiss chard, beets and carrots and green beans and melons coming along nicely.  the tomatoes will take a while but there will be plenty of those.  Hopefully the squash will behave and grow.  I had to put more seeds in as the first batch was nibbled on by something and they weren't getting enough water.  This morning it's only 50 out there so I'd better get a move on and get some weeding done.  Y'all have a perfect day.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Last week

Last Wednesday I drove down to Gwinnett to help a friend unload a van for the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo.  We got there at 9:00 and the person whose van we were going to unload wasn't there yet so we helped unload another van.  Our person showed up so we proceeded to unload that van.  I don't think there was an inch of space that didn't have something in it.  There were a LOT of boxes and wooden crates full of stuff.  I helped until noon, had some lunch, then went to help the Expo crew with their set up.  At 5:00 it was quitting time for me.  I went to the hotel to meet with another friend with whom I was sharing a room.  She was volunteering also and taking classes.  The next two days I was a volunteer "Ambassador".  Which means I directed people to where they needed to go as well as checking in other volunteers.  Saturday my daughter came down and we did some shopping at the mall, had a nice lunch, the went shopping at the Expo.  I had already done some shopping so it was mostly for my daughter.  Happily she didn't spend much of my money :).  We manned our guild booth for a couple of hours, dismantled it and took it to my van.  Daughter went home and I went back in to the Expo to see if I had won anything in the drawing (I didn't).  Then came time for break down.  I helped the Expo folks until 7:00 then went to help my friend break down the booth she worked in.  Last year they were there until about 11:00 and finally had help from one of the Expo folk.  We were allowed to drive the vendor's van in to make it easier to load.  Between the two of us we packed and loaded the van by 9:00.  I know the venue breakdown crew were happy because it meant they got out of there faster.  Needless to say, my friend and I were exhausted and every muscle ached.  My feet were letting me know in no uncertain terms  that they were very unhappy.  Concrete floors are not kind to feet, especially if you have been on the for more than a day.  Yesterday I came home, unpacked, slept.  I still ache but am glad I was able to help a friend.  And we'll probably do it all again next year.  Happily, though, the vendor's husband is supposed to be there.  Isn't it amazing what a couple of women can do?  And we're both over ummmmm 40.

Saturday, March 5, 2016

My day

I'll be going down to my daughter's this afternoon to have dinner with her and a friend.  First, though, I'll stop at Lowe's and buy a number of bags of soil and compost to take to her so she can have her garden.  She plans to use the oh so many pots she has instead of putting the seeds in the ground.  That way will cut down on the weeds.  There is already trellis material up so that won't be a problem for the climbers.
This morning I will work on the quilt that she promised a generous donor (for the band's CD production).  She doesn't have the time (or the inclination?) or she thinks I'll do a better job.  I'll at least get a few rows done before I have to leave.
So, that's my day.  What are you doing?

Monday, February 29, 2016

I'm back

I'm back from my week in Sanibel with my sister.  The week went by too quickly and I wish we were still there.  I think my sister feels the same way.  This is the first time we have spent any time together, just the two of us.  It was great!  We went down to the beach early in the morning to catch low tide.  That way we could find more shells that had been washed up.  Sanibel is famous for shelling.  We both found a lot of shells...so many that we shipped them home in one of the "all you can put in it for one price" boxes.  No way could either of us have brought them all home in our suitcases.  The only down side to the shelling was the chaffing on my feet from sand and water getting into my sandals.  Luckily there are now waterproof bandaids.  I had many on both feet.  The last day I went I decided to tough it out and went barefoot.  Needless to say the bottoms of my feet weren't happy since I don't go barefoot at home.  Also,  I found out that the calves of my legs are way out of shape.  After the first day of walking in the sand they hurt....oh how they hurt.  It wasn't until the last day that I could get up from a chair and walk without groaning.  I know of an exercise that will keep those muscles in tune so I'm going to try to do them every day.  We plan to go back again next year, maybe a little later in the year say, March, when it will hopefully be a bit warmer at sunrise.  It was quite chilly while there especially with the wind.  Also we may stay longer.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all the shells.  I'll thing of something.  I did find something quite interesting....the skeleton of a crucifix fish.  It looks like Jesus on the cross (I kid you not).  And the rattle represents the dice the Romans played with (these are pieces of bone that helped the fish keep its equilibrium).  Anyway, look it up if you want to know more.
Meantime....have a super day.

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Me and George

Me and my friend George on Komodo Island.


There are more pictures but I need to figure out how to download them.  It was quite hot that day 104 so I think George decided it was too hot to move.




Friday, January 22, 2016

Where I've Been

It's been a couple of weeks since I've been online.  I've been away.  In Indonesia on a cruise.  It was nice and hot and humid.  Very hot and humid and, despite the fact that it was during rainy season, very non-rainy.  Yes, I was in Jakarta....but a week before the poo-poo hit the oscillator.  We had to bypass Surabaya because of it.  That was to be our last port of call.  Just as well as the good food and drink finally got to my lower gut.  All in all a great trip and I learned a lot about the art of making batik.  I even brought back some of the instruments used for such.  I tried my hand in Samarang but the results are not good.  Lots of places where the wax blobbed (is that a word?).  Singapore is quite the city/state.  Lots of places to see and two half days are not enough.  Our last night there we did a great tour.  All those lights!  Will tell more about the trip in the future.  Right now I really need to get my nails looked after.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Away

I won't be here for a while.  I'm heading far, far away for a couple of weeks so I won't be reading any of you.  I will have email if you want to keep in touch.  Hope y'all stay healthy while I'm gone.  Blessings..... silvina@aol.com