Rain and More Rain

It rained yesterday, is raining today, will rain some more tomorrow and might have snow with it.  Swell.  That sums up the weather report for our area.  It is also cooler and not getting out of the low 40's.

So, inside projects it is!  I'm taking a break from some desk work right now.  Had some bookkeeping and filing to do, too.  We might go to the "Y" after lunch.  Les and I both have some good books to read.  Obviously, there is no golf being played.  😊

Yesterday we went to the Celebration of Life service for Rev. Michael Christensen.  I worked with him as his secretary for over ten years.  He was a good man, and he is gone way too soon.  It was a nice service full of good memories.

We are still waiting for the final estimate on the kitchen work.  I hope it's a good one, and I hope it comes in soon.  The other contractor told us to look at Restorationhardware.com to get ideas on cabinet hardware.  I have looked.  The idea I have gotten is that I need to actually see the hardware  and hold them in my hands to decide.  We'll see about this.

Regardless of the kitchen project getting done or not, I am in the mood to clean out.  Look out girls, you will both be getting boxes.  😊  I am holding off starting that project until we make a decision and until I get some boxes.

So, as I've said many times before, life is good, stay safe, and God Bless America!

Disappointment

This is what disappointment looks like when you want seconds on kitty treats and are told "no".  Usually we give in and give them a couple more little treats, but I had just cleaned things up after someone had an upset tummy.  Cecil was still hopeful and stayed put in his "treat space".

But life is good!  Stay safe!

Mr. Gnome's Garden

Mr. Gnome has decided he has had enough of Winter weather.  He - and the rest of us - know that according to the calendar it is still Winter for a couple months.  But he says he is done with it!  (Aren't we all??!!)  He has cleaned  up all the snow in his garden and is coaxing some flowers along to brighten his spirits.  Please notice that a very nice person has brought him some refreshments!  He says to stay safe and have a good day!

We Are More Optimistic

It is a lovely day here, mid-50's and sunny.  Les is playing golf.  I've been doing odds and ends and "morning stuff".  Next project is hemming some jeans.  But first an update!

We have met with the other two contractors for the kitchen project.  We like them both and they each gave us some great information and ideas.  We have the estimate from one of them already and it is much better than those first two.  BTW, we have already talked to the first two and told them "no, thank you".  We did not ask them, "are you crazy with that amount??!!"  We should have the other estimate the first part of the week and then we will have to decide what we're doing.

In other news, I finally got Kirk to the car wash!  He looks so much better.  Spock needs to go, too. but we'll wait until after the next three days of rain - possibly snow on that third day.

I had a nice birthday.  Thanks to everyone for the good wishes!

Pam is busy as always and says everyone is doing well at her house.  The kids are busy with school and projects.

Jacquie's busy as usual, too.  All are well right now.  New semester has started for Jordan and classes are going well.

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Unbelievable!

I have mentioned that Les and I are thinking about doing a couple upgrades in our kitchen.  We built our home in 1995.  Maybe ten years ago we replaced all the appliances and got new counter tops.  The floors were done a few years later.  The cabinets are showing a bit of age and we thought if they were replaced we should probably do a new countertop with a backsplash.  This is not an extensive gut and re-build project.  We don't want any changes to electrical or plumbing, and cabinets stay in the same footprint.  It all sounds simple to us.

We are in the process of talking to contractors and getting estimates.  We are fully aware that prices and costs have gone up over the years.  We know how much we paid for the total gut and re-build on our master bath and that is the only big re-do we have done.  That was a tear down all the way to the studs.

Having said all this, the estimates we have gotten so far are totally outrageous.  The first one was a shocker and the second one was even worse,  The woman left the house when we were done meeting and Les and I just looked at each other and laughed.  We have two more to meet with and there is one that we contacted that has not responded.

It's really a good thing that I don't get as stressed as I used to before 1999.  I'd probably be in a hospital somewhere over all this!  My sweet sister-in-law suggests that we just close the kitchen and use the money to eat out all the time!

Les and I agree that we will not pay this much for the project.  As he so simply put it, "that's more than we paid for our first home!"

I'll keep you posted.  Right now I am waiting for the plumber to arrive because last night I discovered our master bath toilet is leaking!  The fun never ends.

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Hair

A dear friend pointed out that she had looked for a picture after I mentioned finding a new lady to do my hair.  So here is a picture!  I am quite happy with it.  As you all know, the big test for any new haircut is what it looks like after you wash it yourself.  They can always make it look fine when you leave a shop, but sometimes when you do it yourself  bad things happen.  😊  This time, I  have a great, comfortable cut.

My "selfies" don't ever come out quite right, so I resorted to using the mirror.  For anyone wondering, I shampoo, condition, do some finger brushing, and let it air dry with a tiny touch of mousse.

Life is good!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Finally!

Well, there has finally been a golf day here!  It seems like it's been weeks since the guys got to play.  The weather has not cooperated.  And finally after the last round of snow and ice, things were melting.  Of course, not fast enough, and it had still been cold enough to not melt in the shady areas.  The course was still closed last Friday.  They were sure they were going to play on Saturday.  Alas!  They got to the course and it was still closed; was planning to re-open in the afternoon.  So the plan was to play on Sunday.  Poor Les started feeling bad Saturday evening and was not able to play.  Fortunately whatever hit him, was quick and he had a rapid recovery and got to play today.  Now he is exhausted.  But it's been a good day!

While he was out, I was very busy here.  It was time to scrub the bathrooms.  The smaller one is no big deal and doesn't take long.  But our large shower takes a while because I need a couple different cleaners that can not mix.  Things were complicated by the fact that a new cleaner I was trying stressed to use gloves.  The combination of gloves, cleaner, and water was slick and I lost my grip on the hand held shower head I was using to rinse things.  This led to my having to wipe off the ceiling  !!  and other areas that didn't need to be wet.  😊  But it's all done now, and everything is cleaned up.  Also cleaned the floors and started laundry.  And then I cleaned the garage floor.  It was a mess from all the gunk falling off the cars with the snow, ice, salt, mud.  The cars need to be cleaned but it is supposed to rain tomorrow, so the car wash is on the list for later in the week.

It's in the upper 60's today and very nice outside.  I noticed leaf buds on the hydrangeas while I was out filling the bird feeder.  I think it's too early for those buds, but nothing I can do about that.  Some major yard clean-up is waiting to be done, but right now the ground is soft and I am tired.  Actually, I am already showered and shampooed and done for the day.  It is a pizza night here.  😊

Stay safe and God Bless America!  Life is Good!

Happy Anniversary, Pam & Garrett!

Love you! XOXO

Happy Birthday, Bloomer!

We love you!  xoxo

And Now, a Beautiful Interpretation of the Movie "Frozen"

(don't worry, this picture was taken before the temperatures really dropped and was just as the snow was starting)

Cutie Girl and Little Miss E both are loving "Frozen" right now.  Little Miss E sings along with Cutie Girl when they watch!  💗  So there is much singing and dancing.

More Winter Weather!

Okay!  Enough!

This picture was taken this morning from our office window.  It started snowing about 1:00 yesterday afternoon.  The closings across the bottom of the TV screen started Tuesday afternoon.  😊  It is obviously still very cold here and in the 20's right now but is supposed to get to around 40 today and warmer for the next few days.  The sun is so bright and shiny that some melting has begun.  Schools and other places are still closed and many roads are still bad but things should improve soon.  Les says we got about 3 1/2".

I have found a new hairdresser earlier in the week that I really like and am currently happy with my hair.  She was very good and I will go back.

We met with one contractor about the work in the kitchen we'd like to get done.  He was very nice and informative.  We were supposed to meet with another yesterday but they rescheduled due to the weather and can't come until next week.  We have narrowed down some of our decisions with just the one conversation with the first contractor, so we are on the way.

I have made it to the "Y" once this week when we both went on Monday.  The pool was closed for a "sanitation situation" so I just did the machines.  Les got there again on Tuesday and then we've stayed in and out of the weather.  We will eventually get back to a normal routine.  And hopefully, the guys will get back to playing golf.  Four of the group showed up at the course to play on Monday, but Les said "nope!" it was going to be too wet and cold.  The weekend looks promising with a forecast of temperatures in the 50's and low 60's.  I know they are all anxious to get back out there!

I've been doing some of the small jobs and chores that build up.  You know, the little things that need to be done, but you just keep putting off.  Pretty much took care of all of those.  There is a big list of bigger chores that need to be done, but they all require a lot warmer weather .  We've both been reading some good books and watching our recorded shows.

So, life remains good!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Oh, My!

I have talked about the ongoing neighborhood issues with the mail carrier.  So far, 2018 is not a good year for him.

First we had the snow and ice days - which were not his fault - but still, we did not get mail.

Then on Wednesday, Les got a message from Amazon saying his package had been delivered around 10:30 a.m.   It was not.  One of us was here all day long, plus we were having a service call around that time and the guy was going in and out.  We would have seen a package.  It showed up on Thursday and had obviously been delivered to the wrong address and had been OPENED!  Les said everything was in the box and seemed okay, but still, big goof for the Post Office.

Then Friday's happenings caused one of my "see something, say something" phone calls.  (I was nice.)  Here is how things went:  Les saw the mail truck going down the other side of the street just as I was going out to roll the dumpsters back into the garage.  Got them both in.  The mail truck was sitting down in the cul-de-sac.  I swept some of the salt and grit out of the garage and off the porch.  Truck still sitting there.  I could see it looked like he was talking on his phone.  Eventually he got to our mailbox and I met him at the end of the driveway.  He handed me a large pile of mail for us plus a box.

So, I brought it all inside and started to open things.  The box is a BD gift for me.  There were a couple catalogs and ads.  And then I got to eleven pieces of mail - some looking like things that were important - that were supposed to go to five different addresses for seven different people.  Now, I admit, it is true that we could have walked around and hand delivered all this, but come on, man!  I don't get paid to do your job.  Plus, it was raining.

Fortunately, I have the phone number of the manager at our Post Office.  I explained the situation.  He sounded disturbed by what I was telling him.  Not too much later, the mail carrier came ringing our doorbell and picked it all up.

I am so glad we have direct deposit now.

Stay safe and God Bless America.  And the Post Office!  (I think they need all the help they can get)

Hey! Just Hey!

Right now, as of a couple minutes ago, the sun is out and it is 68 degrees outside.  Before this, it was dark and raining.  This is just a break, the rain is to restart in a couple hours and then it will get cooler.  The high by Sunday is freakin' 30!

But, life is good.  I've been keeping busy doing chores around the house, reading, and we've watched some of our recorded shows.  I got out and did some errands.  That involved discovering a "new" used book store that I did not know about.  And it was a successful trip; found three books on my list.

Les and I have started planning the work we want done on the kitchen.  Only one contractor so far has responded to his messages and we are meeting with them next week.  I started a file and we are accumulating lists, notes, and other info; mainly on things we want and things I do not want.  😊  In case I have not mentioned this, my personal motto from now on forever is "work smarter and easier, not harder and longer".  So this rules out anything that is going to make more work in any area.  What this boils down to is landscapers don't need to suggest planting something that needs constant attention and contractors don't need to suggest things that need constant upkeep.  I am fine with normal maintenance needs, but just because something is trending and popular does not mean I want it, especially if it involves extra work.

I believe this is coming about because although I have always believed age was just a  number, I am accepting and embracing mine.  If my body worked the way I'd like I'd be rollerskating right now.  But sadly, my joints are done with such activities, so I have adapted and adjusted. 

I've been searching for a new hairdresser.  The one I've been going to was lovely, her shop was beautiful and everyone was friendly.  I have never paid that much for a haircut in my life but figured I was worth it.  Sadly, I never had a perfect haircut there and am not paying that much for something I have to go back and have a do-over for, or work on myself.  So I looked online and read reviews and called one close to us.  I was up front with the lady and told her I had almost 69-year-old silver hair with a mind of its own and I needed a good haircut.  Nothing trendy or a current fad, just a good cut.  She said she could do that.  I will let you know.  I go next Tuesday.

Also, if I start a book and don't care for it, I stop reading it.  And if there are shows on that I don't care for, I don't watch them.  And if I don't care for eating something, I don't.

So, like I said, life is good!  It is now cloudy again and getting darker.  I think the forecast was a bit off on when the rain was supposed to restart.

Stay safe and God Bless America!  Remember to smile!

Still Shoveling in the Gnome Garden!

Mr. Gnome got his decorations put away but the snow is sticking around.  He just keeps shoveling away.  But he has a little guest, a baby lamb!

We Got Above Freezing!

We had a little melting today.  The neighborhood streets are still covered with some packed down snow and ice but there are starting to be small areas where we can actually see the road!  The main roads in the area are clear.  And I still feel cold.  😊

Les and I made it to the "Y" this afternoon.  I got to do my usual things, but it was crowded and Les never did get a treadmill.  He did some other things though.  The crowds will thin down in a few weeks.  There is always a rush of the resolution people at the beginning of the year.

Other than that, it's just been taking care of the usual things.  I did venture out to Kroger on my own to pick up a couple things we needed.  No problems.  I took it slow and remember, I was driving on four brand new tires.

Before the snowstorm started, I had bought a large bunch of bananas.  As we ate some, I discovered this strange little "challenged" banana in the middle of the bunch.  It was hard and very firm.

I cut into it and this is what it looked like.  I have no idea what is going on but we did not eat any of it.

Weird, huh??

Stay safe, stay warm, and God Bless America!

Hurray! The Elusive Bovine Has Been Rescued!

Jacquie saw a notice that the cow in the Poquoson woods had been found.  He is now in a rescue sanctuary and is being taken care of.  He is a young one, they are guessing only about six months old.  I bet his Mama has been looking for him.

That's one worry off the list!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Just Some Random Thoughts

Please keep some good thoughts going for the rogue cow in Poquoson, Virginia.  According to "The Daily Press", there is an "elusive bovine" roaming around in the woods of Poquoson.  No one knows where the heifer is from or how it came to be roaming freely.  The concern has been the recent extremely cold weather and snow.  I have been watching for updates, but so far no one has said anything.  And I am wondering if they could get this close for a picture, why didn't they try to lure the cow to where someone could grab it??  Years ago the girls and I helped Les' Mom chase down a cow through a field.  The girls still talk about it!  First and only time we had that experience.  And that is probably a good thing. 😊  (this is obviously not a current picture, there is no snow and ice)

And speaking of the newspaper.... I really appreciate the fact that we have received the paper every day in the snow and ice.  But I have some issues with the fact that the first snowy morning our paper was just dropped out in the street in front of the house.  We have had multiple issues over the years  with our delivery person.  He claims he never makes a mistake and we - meaning me since I make the calls - are the only customers who ever have any complaints.  This is not true because I have talked with neighbors who have had many issues with him.  He could have at least tossed the paper up the driveway.  BTW, I did not call this time.

I signed up for the "Next Door" program where you get local neighborhood messages. Seemed like a good idea, but I turned off the automatic updates because you all know I. CAN. NOT. STAND. WHINERS!!! I so want to write a message that says "Hey, all you little whiny snowflakes who feel so entitled, you should have read the rules before you moved here.  If you don't like the rules, get out!"  They also should be paying attention to the notices that the City, County, and the Home Owners Association send out.  If they read the paper, kept up with news and read the notices and were not so totally focused on themselves, they would know what was going on!!!  (insert a hallelujah and amen here!)  The recent whining has been because no one has come to take care of them, shovel their snow or clean their streets, or take their trash.  And a couple that are complaining because they think they should have the right to use the golf course for their personal sledding area and snow play.  That is a big "no-no". But I am a nice person and won't send such a message.  I will just think it. 😊  (and post it here; I'm sure none of them read my blog) HA!

And while I'm on a roll here, how about equality?? We saw women reporters calling men "honey" and they were making jokes.  That's not right.  If a man had said what they did he would have been fired before the show was off the air!

Chunks of snow have started sliding off the roof.  Finnigan does not like that.  He is nervous, keeps looking out the window.  He'll move under the bed soon.

Right now it is a sunny 19 degrees with a wind chill of 5.

Stay safe and God Bless America!  I feel much better now!  😊😊😊

Another Cold Day! And More on the Way!

Our oldest furry boy, Cecil, had an appointment for his annual check-up and rabies shot this morning.  We decided to go ahead with that and Les drove us.  There is snow and some ice on the roads but we did fine.  Fortunately, the traffic was light, so not too many people were trying to speed out of it.

Cecil's check-up went okay and we will get his test results in the next few days.  And we now have his rabies certificate for when the city sends us the yearly paperwork to get the furry boys' licenses.

It is still cold. Wind Chill of 13 right now with blindingly bright sunshine.  The snow is still here.  I doubt it goes anywhere anytime soon.

Jacquie sent us a text and the illnesses at her house continue.  She knows to call if we can get things and drop off at her door.  And we're hoping they all get well soon!

Have not heard anything from Pam; she was back to work this week and the kids are still out of school.

So, our day has gone well.  While I had my hands on Cecil he got his nails clipped and he was combed and brushed and all groomed.  He's a good boy once I actually get him.  😊  Angus and Finnigan knew something was going on and they were cautious.  But all is calm now.

We are in for the day and plan to relax and keep warm.  Stay safe, be careful, and God Bless America!

Our evening TV watching mode

Farewell, Winter Storm Grayson!

My last post was the year in review.  Now I will give you this week in review. 😊  It's been a mixed bunch of "stuff" so far.

So, Monday was New Year's Day - parade watching and some football.  All was well.  Tuesday was going well and after lunch we went to the "Y".  On the way home from there, just out on Victory Boulevard, there was "debris" and "stuff" on the road.  We could see the unfortunate guys who packed the pick-up truck poorly pulled off to the side of the road trying to shove other things back on the truck.  Traffic was a bit heavier than normal due to dire storm warnings having been issued.  What was on the road was unavoidable and we ran over some.  In the short time to get into our garage, we had a flat tire.

Now, about the storm warning.... actually a blizzard warning.  Dire forecasts, doom and gloom, snowmageddon.  Make sure you have supplies and medications kind of warnings.  Supposed to start on Wednesday.

Back to the flat tire.  We had an appointment on Wednesday morning to discuss some financial issues so Les was out early checking on this tire.  He got our compressor out and filled the tire with as much air as he could and got it to the tire place near us. We went to our meeting and all is well with that. Then back to the tire place where they rolled the flat tire out to show us the three holes they had found and told us that this tire was doomed.  Yes, that is the word they used.  Then discussion, questions, decisions.  Since Kirk still had his original tires and they were showing some tread wear, we decided to replace all four instead of just two.  So we came home and waited to hear when they were done.  We got Kirk home with his new tires and we settled in to wait for the weather.

It started snowing last evening, snowed all night, and finally stopped a little after 2:00 p.m. this afternoon.  The snow was accompanied by strong winds and cold temperatures.  The last I checked the wind chill listed was 10.  Brrrrr.  BTW, I am achy.  Les went out to clear half the driveway so we could get at least one car out if we needed to.  He measured and says we have a little over four inches of snow, but it's hard to be accurate the way it has blown around. Some areas have gotten a lot more snow, some less.  Everything - schools, businesses, etc. have closed.  We are told to stay off the roads.

So.  Blizzard???  Les and I have been in blizzards when we lived in Colorado.  One notable one was when he was stuck in an airport while TDY and couldn't get home.  I was there in our base housing with two little girls who were fascinated by the water sloshing around in the toilets from the high wind.  The drifts in that blizzard were close to ten feet high.  When we could finally get out after the roads were plowed, it was like driving through tunnels.  Grayson was a big snow storm for this area, but I think the forecasters were stretching it to call it a blizzard.  But, regardless, we are here, housebound.  Which is where we are every time it snows here because the native Virginians do not know how to drive in snow and ice.  The majority of them freely admit it.  The rest think if they drive faster they will get out of it sooner.  Those are the ones we try to avoid.

Les' dental appointment was rescheduled for next week.  Our furry boy, Cecil, is supposed to have his check-up tomorrow and we're deciding on that in the morning.  It is to be COLD into next week.  Obviously there is NO golf.

And here are some pictures!  All taken from inside!

icicles are forming

shrubs at front walk

our backyard

The boys favorite spot to look out.  It's hard to see when the snow is plastered on the window!

Our friends in South Carolina got hit with Grayson, too.  The ones in Summerville, SC, got at least six inches of snow.  And when they moved there they did not take their snow shovel!  Friends in Murrell's Inlet did not get the snow but got plenty of ice.  It was melting off their palm trees this morning.

So, here we are.  I have filled the day with some cleaning and some laundry.  And I caught up on emails.  I have a pot of Mexican chicken soup simmering and need to go check on it now.  Stay safe, stay warm, and God Bless America!