A Holiday Funny

 

And as cute as this is, there is some truth in what the kitty says.

Take care, stay safe, and be kind.  Life is still good.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I like to hang our cards on ribbons on the doors.  We have three doors decorated now and enjoy all the cards.  

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and safe holiday!

Another New Decoration!

 

Before leaving on their Christmas trip, Jacquie and Jordan snuck over one evening in the dark and put the Christmas gnome on our porch.  Thank you!  He has joined Willa, that Pam sent a couple months ago.  

Les and I are okayish.  It was 19 degrees this morning and the sun is out.  I have no plans for any outside work today.

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.  Life is still good.  Be kind.  And God Bless America!

We're Still Here!

 

It's been too long since I've posted.  We're okayish, it's just that I've been busy and things have been happening.  And I have only so much energy and time.

Les has had several doctor appointments, one of those was up at UVA.  They just wanted to check him again.  And there was a dermatology biopsy that was negative.  So basically, nothing new, just taking care of things.

The last I posted I said it was cold.  It was!  Then it warmed up into the low-70's for a few days.  And now it is COLD.  I'm not sure it got above 30 today.  If it's going to snow here, it needs to get on with it.  On December 26th, I am always ready for warm Spring weather!  That hardly ever happens, but I can dream.  My joints just don't like the cold.

I've just been taking care of things, doing some baking, doing errands, shopping for January family events.  Trying to keep up with whatever needs doing around the house and the yard.  Our guys are going to have to come at least one more time for leaf cleanup.  Our leaves are finally down, as well as the neighbor's pin oak leaves that seem to fall into our yard.

Les' Dad made the Santa years ago for us.  He has come out every Christmas and is a favorite.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Be kind.  And God Bless America!

Mr. Gnome's Garden

Just sharing another picture.

It's still cold here.  The wind chill this morning when I got up was 17.  Yesterday's high gusty wind blew some of the outside decorations around.  Those are all fixed up now.  As I write this it is up to 32 and I  think that is it for the day's weather.  BRRRR!

I spent time at Best Buy this morning getting a new protective screen for my phone.  I had tried Verizon first a couple days ago, but none of their stores had any or could help.  Nice young Geek Squad man helped me this morning, so all is good now.  There were a couple other things I wanted to check out while there, but I discovered Best Buy is severely low staffed and I gave up for now.

I hope to get some cookies made this weekend.  I have all the supplies, just need to have time to do it.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Be kind.  And God Bless America!

Update

 

The blog site had some issues, so I didn't get to post pictures when I had planned.  But it's working today, so here is what I've been doing.  I spent the weekend decorating the trees and cleaning.  This first picture is our dining room.  

Here is the living room.  

The week has been busy with lots of small jobs to get done, and a couple appointments.

It has been cold here, one morning it was in the teens.  It's a little warmer today and it's 40 right now, but the gusty wind makes it feel colder.  And that wind has also brought down a large limb in the backyard.  Sadly, it is NOT the broken one that has been hanging down over the patio for a few months.  Things are not looking too good for that tree.  When we had it checked in the Summer, the tree man told us to just let it be and see if it recovered and grew leaves next Spring. Told us something has been affecting Ash trees.   We'll see, but I don't have good thoughts about it at this point.

Today was filled with work here around the house, and a Commissary trip.  

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Be kind.  God Bless America!  Life is still good.

Been Busy

Pictures can tell some of what I've been doing.  But here is a short rundown of the last few days. 

Thanksgiving was nice.  We had a nice dinner and visit.  Jacquie and Jordan came on Friday and helped move our Christmas trees out of the closet and get them set up.  I told everyone I would decorate them this weekend.  And here are some pictures of what I've been working on.

I took the picture before I had the new red bows I made on the posts. 
You can see Willa has a good seat there.

Quackers is all ready for Christmas, too.

The cardinals are some of our older decorations.  The short one was my Mom's.

The far back of the yard needed something, so these guys have a new spot.
I can see them from my recliner. 😊

Since Les has told me to sit and rest, tonight is going to be a pizza night.  I will work on the large tree tomorrow.  Take care of yourselves and stay safe.

Be kind.  God Bless America. Life is good.

Hey!

 

I'm posting this for Les. 💕 A favorite restaurant has little silverware wrappers.  I liked this one!  It sums things up.

It's been cool and windy here.  Right now it is sunny and in the 60's.  Our guys came Friday evening to remove leaves and mow.  The yard is looking pretty good.  And there are still plenty of leaves on the trees.

The new dishwasher is a learning experience.  I know I can do it, and am figuring things out.

Jacquie brought our turkey over this afternoon so it can thaw out.  She has a large freezer, so when I find one I like, it goes to her for a while.  She says they are doing okay at her house.  She also took a couple things we don't need any longer and will find new homes for them.  We had a nice visit.

There are a couple appointments this coming week.  I have a hair one, and the sprinkler system guy will be here on Wednesday to shut down the system for the Winter.  And, of course, once Thanksgiving has passed, the decorating for Christmas will begin! 🎄

FYI, we are at a stage of life where we have a spreadsheet list of "guys" to call. 😊

Take care of yourselves.  Be kind.  And God Bless America!

Well!

Time just flies by, some of it good, some not so.  But I'll start with the good.

Pam came to stay with us for a couple days.  It was great to have her here.  We had a nice visit.  Jacquie came over one of the days and we did some cleaning out of things in the garage, and they tackled a couple other chores around here for us.  And we appreciate them both for doing it!

Then on to getting a new dishwasher.  While Pam was replacing a screw on the bottom front plate of the dishwasher, she discovered there was water under it.  It had not run out on the floor, so we had no idea there was a leak.  I got a repairman scheduled and he checked it all out and gave us the estimate for replacing a couple large parts.  He was very hesitant to tell us the price and he offered suggestions.  We went to Lowes that afternoon and bought a new dishwasher instead of doing the expensive repairs.  It was delivered and installed yesterday.  I intend to use it for the first time this evening.

And I also scheduled a plumber to come fix one of the toilets that was flushing all wonky.  That is now fixed, too.

I've been working on washing windows, and doing some touch up painting, errands,  getting supplies for Thanksgiving, finishing the Christmas shopping, and working on the cards.  It seems like every time I cross something off the "To-Do" list, I also write something else on it. 😊

But life is still good.  Take care of yourselves.  Be gentle and be kind.  And God Bless America.

Finnigan is doing solo guard duty.

Hi

 

It's Thursday already.  I've been busy doing all sorts of things and errands.  Our weather is warm again, right now it's 82 and 62% humidity.  Does not feel like November.  The A/C is on again. 

I have gotten the Thanksgiving decorations set out here and there.  I enjoy them.  The turkey is in Jacquie's freezer.  I'll bring it home on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and give it a chance to thaw out in the refrigerator.  Fingers are crossed that everyone will be well and we can have dinner. 😊

I've been working on Christmas shopping.  That has led to sorting and wrapping.  It's all about done.  I have checked over our address list and gotten our cards out.  Haven't gone any further with those.  Christmas trees and decorations will get started the day after Thanksgiving.  I have lined up Jacquie and Jordan to come put the trees together. 🎄 None of us go shopping on the day after Thanksgiving.  We all like to avoid crowds.  

I went to the Hallmark store and saw a "dust catcher" sign that made me laugh.  It said "We are all merry, but some are not so bright."  True. 😊  I did not buy it.

Life is still good.  Take care of yourselves.  And God Bless America!

Just Taking Care of Things

I have been crossing things off my "To-Do" list.  The small black Halloween kitty was put away with the other Halloween decorations inside and out.  And I got the Turkey out.  The pumpkins stay put until the day after Thanksgiving, they get eaten, or they start to rot.  Trust me, all of those things have happened in past years.

In case anyone is wondering, I do not decorate with lovely colored dried corn. I would like to, but I got tired of going around the yard and putting it back after the squirrels carried the ears around and had snacks. They just couldn't wait until after Thanksgiving when I cleaned things up. 😊  I guess they knew I was going to give it to them anyway and leave it by the bird feeder for them.

I have put away other yard art that we have, but have not put out the Christmas things.  As you can see in this picture, leaves are falling down.  There are trees in our area with pretty leaf colors.  In our yard, they are a dried yellowish brown and falling down or they are still green.

I have also painted  the garage step, the front door step, and the board under the back door.  And I finally worked up the courage to patch the garage floor coating where a small area had worn off.  So far, so good on that!

My body clock has not adjusted to time change yet, and I've been awake around 5:00 a.m.  This morning I was at the laundromat at 7:00 a.m. when they opened to wash our king size Anniversary quilt that Pam made.  Our washer just does not handle that well, so I go wash it and bring it home to dry.  It is all done now and carefully put away until January.  The Christmas quilt and pillow covers are on the bed now.

Les and I are doing okayish.  Life is still good.  Take care of yourselves.

And God Bless America!

Twenty-Five Years and a Day Ago

Thank you, God.  I really am blessed.  

I don't have really clear memories of the accident, but I am very grateful to be here.  I am also grateful that baby Jordan was not still in the car with me.  And while I am talking about gratitude, I need to mention the talented EMTs and the helicopter pilot who rescued me when that eighteen-wheeler crushed my car and shut down the Interstate.

Over the last few years, it seems like we have had a lot of doctors' appointments.  At one of those appointments, I was sitting in the waiting room with another lady who was also waiting on her husband while tests were being done.  She started up a conversation that led to how we try to care for those we love.  And then she told some of her history.  In the course of the conversation of life events, I told her about the accident.  And right away she looked at me and said "And now, you know why God saved you then; to be here to help your husband."  I usually do not question God, and maybe that is the reason I am here, and I am trying.  I wish there was more I could do.

But for now, life goes on, I am grateful to be here.  There is hardly a day that I don't ache or hurt somewhere, and family still occasionally jokes about the flat spot on my head from the concussion and fracture.  And then we all laugh. I believe if I don't keep moving, I won't be able to, so here I am.

Life is good, appreciate it.  Take care of yourselves. 

P.S.  I was not allowed to go see the car after I got out of the hospital, but Les took this picture.  Like I said, I am blessed.

P.P.S. An on the topic of "not allowed", I am not allowed to talk about the doctor who for three months told me my broken knee was just bruised and it healed badly.  While I can not tell anyone his name, I can tell you his defense was that he was not trained to read x-rays.  And obviously he couldn't read the radiology report either.  I try not to dwell on that.  But most of those aches and hurt I mentioned are in that leg, even though my knee was replaced.

Morgenmuffle!

Just thought this was cute!

I hope everyone is well and staying safe.

Our weather has been cool, warm, and is now cool again.  Not much leaf color around us so far.  Although we do have yellowish brown leaves coming down in the yard.  But most of the trees around us are still full of green leaves.

Jadzia, our TLX, is now back home; all fixed up.  I asked if there were any special things I should know and was told she will run smoother and quieter.  She does.  

I've been working on keeping up with things, starting some Christmas shopping, and taking care of errands.

Les is is doing alright.  Our girls and families are doing okay.

Life is still good.  Stay safe.  God Bless America!

Just Some Updates

 

I hope everyone is well and taking care of themselves!

We have had some cooler weather.  I can now sit in the evenings and share my quilt with Finnigan. 😊

Our HVAC system had its Fall checkup last week and all is well and working fine.  And now today it is 74 degrees and sunny.

I have done some cleaning and other household chores.  Also did a bunch of yard work.  I had to wait until the grass was mowed and our guys came last week to mow and trim.  There is still more yard cleanup to do, but I got a lot done on Saturday.  Mostly just cleanup of "stuff" and weeding. 

Today our TLX went to Acura for some recall work and might be there several days.  I also had my eye appointment.  All good, but there is a slight change in my vision in my left eye.  My doctor told me I could have a prescription for bifocals if I wanted to go back to wearing glasses.  I opted to wait on that and he said to let him know.

I've done a little Christmas shopping online and at least have a start with that. 🎄  

Les is doing alright, nothing new.

Stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

A Visitor!

Yesterday afternoon I was taking a break, sitting and reading.  Les was on the computer.  Finnigan was napping.  I heard a tapping noise and took a look around.  This is what I saw at the back door.

So, of course, I grabbed my phone and started taking pictures.  The lovely turkey stayed in our yard for quite a while.  

She spent some time on both sides of our fence, sitting up there and walking along the top sides of the fence.  And there was a lot of walking and pecking around in the yard.  I think she was eating the little acorns all over our yard from our neighbor's tree.  I hope she is safe somewhere now.  There was no sign of her this morning.

Stay safe.  Life is still good.  God Bless America!

Favorite Older Picture

This picture was taken several years ago at Sunny Slope Farm Market in Ohio.  That is an Amish store that sells fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, meats, and cheeses. We were there buying Trail Bologna and this lovely arrangement was in their parking lot.  You can also see the fog behind the display.  I remember it was a cool Fall day.

Les and I are okayish here.  It's cooled off and the A/C is turned off.  Windows have been opened a little bit.  

I've been trying to keep up with things.  I seem to make progress with my list and then something else pops up, but all is okay.  And I've decided things can wait if I don't feel like doing them right away. 😊

I hope everyone is well and taking care of themselves.  Stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Some Days Are Like This

 

Take care of yourselves.

Just Some Pictures

 

If you look closely at Mr. Gnome's garden, you will see he has two little ghost visitors.  And he has set the table for them, too!

We are okayish here.  The weather has gotten a little cooler and I turned the A/C off and opened a couple windows yesterday.  It was 48 this morning when we got up!

Our new microwave was delivered and installed today; seems nice.  Still reading and learning about it.  The old one died.  When it did, we checked the manual to troubleshoot.  It said to unplug and then plug it back in.  That did nothing, so we went and bought a new one. 

Take care and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Hey

I've been trying to keep up with things while dealing with Shingles. Chicken Pox was the only childhood disease that I had.  When Jacquie was a baby and getting her vaccinations, I had to get them all, too.  Anyway, that virus that causes Chicken Pox also causes Shingles and that virus stays in our bodies forever.  I had a case of Shingles years ago, before a vaccine was available.  It was not great.  

When Shingrix became available, Les and I got that vaccine.  I was diagnosed last Monday with Shingles again.  Prescribed an Anti-viral medication, and told to be careful and take care of myself.  Just so you are aware, stress can activate the virus and cause Shingles.

This second time was not as bad.  I had red spots, but not the nasty Chicken Pox-like-blisters.  I did have some short bursts of pulsing pain, but they were quick and didn't last.  So I can confirm that the Shingrix vaccine works, and the Anti-viral meds definitely help.  I am doing much better.

I was just out doing a little yard clean up.  We've stayed off of it since the aeration and seeding. The guys are supposed to start mowing again this week. And there were some bits that needed to be picked up. Mostly those bits were clusters of acorns and leaves from our neighbor's pin oak tree, and some other branches that had fallen on shrubs and in the grass.

Here are two pictures I took today. I love taking pictures of morning skies. I also like our blooming Azalea!

Take care and stay safe. Life is still good. And God Bless America!n

Just Posing

 

Finnigan looked like he was waiting for me to take his picture, so I did.  He's doing alright, adjusting to his new food, still a little clingy, and I think he misses Angus.  We do, too.

It's cloudy, hot, and humid here today.  Some wind and rain from Helene are in the forecast for tomorrow.  Good luck to all who are in her path.  Looks like a bad one.

I've been working on a few odds and ends and taking care of "stuff".  Have had to spend too much time making phone calls.  I have to say, it takes FOREVER to actually get to a human person answering the phone!  But I did and I think things are done.  Verizon is scheduled to come next week to replace our equipment.  One of the cable boxes died.  I tried to get a replacement at the local store. They couldn't find one anywhere.  I was told Verizon is in the process of replacing older equipment - that is ours - with newer, better pieces.  Then I had to get our TLX scheduled for some recall work.  That will be done in October.  There has been a problem with the dealers getting the parts for the work.  We were told if the car actually just stopped working to have it towed to them.  So far, so good, and no issues, but I want it fixed!  

New shows are starting and that is nice.  We are just finishing watching the "Good Witch" series, on NetFlix.  We both have new books to read.

I hope everyone is well and staying safe.  Life is still good.  God Bless America!

Just Another Pretty Sky

I took this picture several days ago.  Today is gray, cloudy, and wet.  But that is okay.  It will help the new seed to sprout that the yard guys put down after aerating yesterday.  The sprinkler system is set up to run every day, too, to keep the seed moist.

I don't plan on any major yard work for a couple weeks unless there is an "emergency".  And that means in case the broken limb finally lets go and falls down on the patio.  It's on the Ash tree.  The tree guy looked at the tree when he was here removing the dead tree by the fence a couple months ago.  He told us there is something attacking Ash trees in the area, but a lot of them recover.  So it was decided we would not do anything about the tree at that time.  We're hoping next Spring it gets lots of new green leaves.  This broken limb is a recent thing and I have no idea what happened to it.  I just know we aren't going to spend big bucks to have it removed from the tree.  We will be patient and wait for it to fall down! 

Les had his annual eye appointment yesterday.  All okay except he needs to have a corrective laser procedure for scar tissue from cataract surgery a few years ago.  That happens, in case you didn't know.  I have had the same procedure twice.  

Today I had my annual mammogram.  The appointment was at 8:00.  I received the results by 9:00.  All okay and next year's appointment is scheduled.

Tomorrow we are getting our senior flu vaccines. 

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Doves

I have no idea what they were lined up waiting for!  The feeder was full and I always sprinkle some on the ground in case they show up.  I took this picture from the office window before several days of rain and wind started.

Fall officially starts tomorrow morning and I am ready for cooler weather.  It probably won't get all that much cooler, but it's nice to think about.  Our Virginia Green guys will be coming on Monday to aerate, seed, and fertilize.  For several weeks we will try to stay off of the yard as much as possible so the seed can sprout.  I have already informed our mowing guys that they won't be mowing.

I've been keeping up with things pretty well. Most of the bigger projects on my "to-do" list have been done.  A couple are on-going.  I still have some touch up painting to do outside, hence my wish for cooler weather.  

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  God Bless America!  Life is still good.

Backyard Art That Makes Me Happy

 

I took these pictures before the recent wind and rain started.  They make me smile.  I know they are hard to see, but if you look close in front of St. Francis, you can see two little chipmunk statues.

The rain is pretty much done now and the wind is down to a slight breeze.  It's very wet out in the yard;  too wet for doing any cleanup of the bits that have blown down.  

Take care and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

A Small Helper

 

We've had some windy days here in advance of the rainy weather we are now having.  I took this picture a couple days ago.  Our neighbor has a huge pin oak tree that drops clusters of little acorns into our yard every time there is a breeze.  The other day it dropped many.  And this little squirrel helped do cleanup, with Finnigan supervising.

Finnigan needed a new distraction.  He misses Angus as much as we do.  Finn has been pretty clingy, but he is doing okay.  Les and I are doing a little better.  We really miss Angus but we know he isn't in pain any longer.  We also know that the doctors did everything they could for him.

Having said all that, there were a couple rough weeks here what with Les in the hospital, going to follow-up appointments and other appointments, then  saying good-bye to Angus.  But we are doing okay.  We got our Covid boosters and will get our flu vaccines next week.

We needed to get our yard ready for aeration and seeding, etc. and had to mark all the sprinkler heads.  Les stayed by the control panel and turned each zone on one at a time.  I went around and stuck the flags in.  Then came in a showered and dried off. Needless to say, this is a wet  job!  We had bits and pieces picked up and all was ready.  Then the wind and rain started.  We have no idea when this week the guys are coming to do the work.  But it's as ready as it is going to get.

Please take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  God Bless America!

Good-Bye Sweet Boy

We loved you and we miss you.  This is a very sad day.

Mr. Gnome Is Ready for Fall, Too

 

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. 

In my last post I said I was going to be getting out our Fall decorations last weekend.  That did not actually happen until a couple days ago.  All last weekend was spent in the hospital.  Les started feeling bad Friday night and we went right to the ER as his doctor had instructed us.  He was admitted and didn't come home until Sunday evening.   I was there early and spent the days with him.  It was another infection.  When these start, they rapidly drain his strength.  As soon as the antibiotics start working he slowly gets better.  He does what he can.  We've been going to follow-up appointments and rechecks.  So far, so good.

I've been working on keeping up with things. I think I would do better if I slept better.  But that's the way it is.

It's sunny and cooler today.  If this keeps up, I just might get a little yardwork done this week. I have signed us up with our mowing/trimming guys to get the leaves cleaned up later this Fall.  And our Virginia Green guys will be doing aerating, seeding, and fertilizing soon.  Hopefully, the grass will start to look better.  This has been a rough year for grass, trees, and other plants.

I have scheduled our new Covid boosters for this week.  And Les has another Orthopedic appointment.  I will be scheduling our Flu vaccines in a couple weeks. 

Take care and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Like I've Said, I Am Ready for Fall

After all the cleaning that I did after our new siding work was finished, I had told myself I would not be doing "Fall cleaning" this year.  I was wrong.  There were things that just simply needed to be worked on  and cleaned. So, I have been scrubbing, cleaning, and doing all sorts of chores and jobs around here.  There are still a couple smaller jobs to do, but for the most part, the big stuff is all done.

And then it will be on to work in the yard.  I've kept up with that pretty well, but there are a few things that I'd like to get done before the Fall  aeration and seeding.  When that is done, we should try to stay off of the grass while the seeds sprout and grow, so I don't want to be out there messing things up.  We still have a broken limb that is hanging down on our Ash tree.  Every morning when I look out, I expect it to be down and ready to be cleaned up.  But so far, it is just hanging on.  

Next weekend I will be getting out the ceramic pumpkins - not jack-o-lanterns - and our other Fall decorations.  I am ready to do that!  I enjoy them and they make me happy.  And.... Fall colors were always some of my Mom's favorites;  all the browns, and oranges, and yellows.  So there's some happy memories with the decorations.  

I took this picture the other evening of a beautiful evening sky.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is good.  And God Bless America!

Please Keep Them Safe

School starts tomorrow for our two youngest granddaughters.  This is the first year they will be in different schools as C starts Middle School, and E will be in third grade.  Please plan your driving times and remember to stop for the busses.  Watch for all the children who will be either excited or unsure of where they should go. I hope everyone has a great first day!

E made this picture for a calendar that she made for us and it is the perfect picture for the this post! 💕

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Nature!

I had my annual Dermatology checkup this morning.  When I parked the car, this is what greeted me.

Just wandering around, and finding goodies in the grass.  I waited my turn to use the sidewalk and finally got inside.

When I was done, they were still out there and busy.  I walked between them and they were not disturbed at all.

The appointment went well and I go back in a year.

Stay safe and take care of yourselves.  Life is still good.  God Bless America!

Bath Time in the Sun

 

Finnigan was enjoying a post breakfast bath.

I hope everyone is doing well.  Les and I are okayish. 

The weather is a bit nicer here right now and not quite so hot.  Things are still blooming in the yard.  I noticed this morning that the Liriope just started to bloom.  The Geraniums are still pretty and there are some Azaleas blooming.  

Around now is when I usually start to think about starting Christmas shopping.  I can't get motivated about that this year, but I am looking forward to getting out our Fall decorations.  First part of September I will be working on those.  Please note that I said "Fall", not "Halloween" decorations. 😀 The Today Show had a large report this morning on how it is now "Augtober" and so many folks are decorating for Halloween already and having special parties.  They also mentioned Pumpkin Spice is now available in many places.  So if you like that, enjoy!  I will not be having any, tried it once and that was enough.

We've had several appointments recently and so far, so good.  There's a couple more next week, too.  And our painter guy, Jeff, should be coming in the next couple days to paint our garage door for us.

Take care of yourselves.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Pretty Early Morning Sky

 

Rainbow!

 

So, TS Debby has come and gone. We lucked out in our immediate area.  At the beginning of Debby's movement we got at least three inches of rain.  During a dry period, I went out and looked at our rain gauge, emptied it, and picked up some sticks and branches.

One evening we had a couple short showers while the sun was shining and I got this picture.  Beautiful!

We did get wind and more branches and bits down that had to be cleaned up.  But as I said, no more serious rainfall.  Other areas were not as fortunate and had severe flooding and damage, along with tornadoes.  For now, it's just wait and see what Ernesto does.

Take care and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Miss You, Mom

 

Mom was a strong, capable, hard-working lady.  Someone took this picture of her way before I came along.  But it shows how she just got things done.  It was going to be chicken dinner that day.  I never saw her with an ax, but I totally believe this.  She did teach me to shoot a gun.  And she made sure I could ride a horse.  I have no idea who that friend was that had a farm with horses, but she made sure I could do it.  I can gladly tell you I have never had an urgent need to jump on a horse and take off.  And honestly, that is totally out of the question now.

I was raised to just put on a smile and get to it when something had to be done, or gotten through.  I admit that the full force of this came to me later rather than sooner.  But I've always known it and done my best.  I hope she knows I am still trying and that I miss her.  Sending up love, Mom.........and trying to smile. 💕

Be Kind

 

Just a thought.  Kindness is always a good idea.  

The other morning as I was doing the "morning stuff", I looked out the back window and saw a healthy looking raccoon having breakfast at our bird feeder.  I wasn't quick enough to get a picture, but she ate and then went up a tree.

Take care of yourselves and God Bless America!

More Wildlife

 

I looked out the back door and saw this little guy on the door mat yesterday.  First one I've seen with such a bright blue tail!  Later I saw the one that lives under the front step, but didn't have my phone with me to take a picture. He has stripes and is bigger.

We had some strong wind last evening, and the power briefly went out.  We didn't get any rain right here in our area, but some areas got a lot.  I had to go out and do more yard cleanup this morning.  Branches and bits were blown down.  Furniture and small tables moved around.  It's all cleaned up now, but I was not planning to be doing yard work today!  It's hot and humid, and right now the heat index is 103. 

Speaking of weather....we're watching to see what tropical storm/potential hurricane Debby is going to do. Looks like Florida is going to get hit with her. Then we'll see where she is headed.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Bunny

 

I hope everyone is doing well and staying relatively cool.  It's hot and humid here as I write this, and the heat index is 105 and rising.  Unless there is an emergency, I am in for the rest of the day!  

This little bunny is living in our yard.  I've seen him under Azaleas, and under the shrubs in front of the porch.  The other evening he was right outside by the side window.  So, of course, I had to take a picture.  I'm not sure, but I am guessing he lives under our shed.

As you can see, our grass is suffering a bit.  In another month or so, aerating and seeding, etc. will be done and it should get better.  There's been a lot of foot and equipment traffic on the grass with the siding replacement work, other repairs, and tree removal.  Combined with very little rain for quite a while and our sprinkler system not being turned on when it should have been, the grass sort of "gave up" and turned brown in lots of spots.  But it will get better.

Les had an appointment for lab work this morning and then we went to breakfast and got Starbucks on the way home.  

Life is still good.  Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  And God Bless America!

How I Spent Last Saturday Morning

 

I should have taken a "before" picture, but honestly, I didn't think of that.  But here are the pictures of the finished clean-up, trimming, and pruning work.  I think it looks a lot better.

Les and I are okayish here.  There is a chance of rain almost every day for the next week or so.  The temperature is rising and the reports say heat indexes of 100 or more again.  So I can tell you now that the rest of the backyard work won't be getting done for a bit.

This morning was my first visit to the lab at our new doctor's office.  It was the best lab visit I've ever had!  I was told to check in at 8:00 and was there a few minutes before.  The nice receptionist got me checked in and asked if I knew the way to the lab.  I told her it was my first time there.  She came around the desk and took me back.  The tech was working on one patient when I got there, and I was soon called back.  Very nice tech!  and very good!  I thought she was getting things ready and when I looked she was labeling the tubes.  I hadn't even felt anything.  And I have no bruise this time.  I see Dr. Jones next week.

Since I had fasted for the lab work, I stopped at Starbucks on the way home and got my coffee and got muffins. Les had made his coffee here and I had made his breakfast burrito before I left.

I'm doing some odds and ends and maybe a couple errands today.  We'll see about that.  I am also reading a good book, so that will be on my list, too. 😊

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Morning Sky

 

I took this picture a couple days ago.  We had had rain for several days and it was dry when we got up that morning.  I went to Starbucks and got us coffee and muffins.  I thought the sky was pretty, so while stopped at the red light I took the picture.

We're okayish and I am trying to keep up with things.  We had an even bigger limb fall down from one of our other trees.  That required cleanup as soon as it was dry enough to be out there working.  Jacquie and Jordan came a couple days later and hauled the big pieces and bags of "stuff" to the dump.  

I spent another morning trimming the shrubs in front of the porch.  Also did a little other pruning and tidying up.  Looks better now.  I will post a picture later in another post.

I go for lab work tomorrow morning.  Since I have to fast for it, I will stop at Starbucks on the way home.  Les goes for his lab work Thursday morning.  We both see our doctor next week for annual visits.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  God Bless America!

Hey!

 

Picture from ICANHAZCHEESEBURGER.COM

Things are calmer here today.  It's still hot and humid, but we've had some rain.  It's been in the forecasts quite often but has been missing us most of the time.  The last several days we've gotten a couple inches.  The plants and shrubs are looking a bit "happier".  The sprinkler system has been running as scheduled, but it can only do so much, it's just not the same as rain.

Angus and Finnigan are both doing better.  Finnigan is having no problems with me putting his medicine in his food in the mornings.  Angus has been on daily steroids and has been doing better and eating well.  Their doctor called me yesterday and Angus is now going to be given the steroids every other day and I'll let her know how that does for him.

I've been trying to keep up with things and doing some little "odds and ends" jobs.  You know, the kind of little things that don't take long, but keep getting put off.  The bigger jobs on my list are waiting until it's cooler and until some other things are moved.

I had not planned to do yard work today.  Remember we had a tree taken down a couple weeks ago?  A couple days after that I had noticed a bare branch from that tree hanging on one of our other trees.  Just stuck there.  It came down last night.  It was much bigger than I had thought.  It landed on the Hydrangeas and bird feeder. And all sorts of little bits of it had broken off.  After breakfast, I decided to get out there and pick stuff up before it got hotter and before the predicted rain gets here this afternoon.  I now have two large bags of stuff and a large limb I couldn't break up. (I had cut off all the smaller parts of the limb and bagged them)  While I was out, I pulled a couple weeds and did a bit of pruning, too. 

I am now inside, showered and shampooed.  The heat index is up to 99 and rising.  I have no other outside plans for the day!

Tomorrow Les has the other part of his MRIs.  There was a mix-up with the paperwork and he had one MRI last Saturday.  The other is tomorrow.  It's probably a good thing that happened, since for the two of the MRIs to be done would have been a pretty long time for him to be in the machine........even if it is an open one.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Sigh

It's been a while since I've posted.  Lots going on and I've been exhausted. Here is the run down.

On July 3rd our air conditioner stopped working.  The day before a holiday and when the temperatures are near 100 is not a good time for that.  I called right away and the service call was scheduled for the 5th.  He got here late in the day, and he got it fixed.  We have an annual contract and the man who came was the one who had just done the check-up a couple months ago, so he knew our system.  It was terribly hot and uncomfortable, but cooled off enough at night so we did get some rest.  We had all the ceiling fans on and the windows open.  I adjusted window treatments according to where the sun was shining in.  We survived and the system is working fine.

In my previous post I mentioned Finnigan going in for testing.  He has been diagnosed with kidney disease.  He has daily medicine I mix into his food in the mornings. We have to monitor their meal because Angus is not supposed to have any of the medicine.  While we are adjusting to this, Angus became ill and I had to take him in for tests and to receive fluids. That was three days in a row. He was given a couple injections of antibiotic and steroid and is doing better than he was.  The tests showed inflammation, but so far no idea of the cause or exactly what.   

I had also mentioned that the sprinkler system tech was coming; he did.  And when he checked the system, that sprinkler head that had been hidden worked just fine.  He told me I did a good job finding it and loosening it!

Les saw his Neurologist and she has ordered another  MRI.  That is in the process of getting scheduled. 

I have had a very itchy rash.  It reminds me of one that I had years ago when Les was being sent to Thailand for a year.  My doctor said that was from stress.  I figure this time it is either stress or from the extreme heat. 😊  It is slowly getting better.

Our weather is still extremely hot.  The forecast for the week calls for heat indexes of up to 111 degrees.  It has rained some but seems  to miss our area quite often.  We have gotten some, but could use more.  Needless to say, I am not going out to do any yard work when it is this hot.

While the A/C was out and the windows open, and before they started feeling bad, Angus and Finnigan enjoyed having open windows where they could sit and watch the birds and squirrels.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  God Bless America.