Happy Independence Day!

Be kind and stay safe!  As you have your parties and gatherings, remember the many people who have served our country and paid, sometimes with their lives, for us to have this freedom.

God Bless America!

Hey

After a long stretch of extreme heat and humidity with no rain, today we have a little break.  There was a bit of rain during the night and it was only 77 when we got up.  All the days with a heat index at 100 or higher were brutal.  Needless to say, I did not do any yard work.  The weather forecast does say more rain later today.

But early this morning with it cooler, cloudy, and a breeze, I got out and did a little work out there.  The heat has been really hard on the blooming shrubs and other plants.  They did get watered some, but it's just not the same.  The blooms on the Hydrangea bushes looked like they had been burnt.  I dead-headed all of those.  I am hoping the little buds I saw on the stems will continue to grow.  The Day Lilies are about done except for some lovely yellow ones still blooming, so I took care of those, too.  By the time I finished with all that and cleaning up, it was getting hotter and I came inside.

We've had repairs on our sprinkler system and it now seems to be better.  None of the repairs or work by the landscaper have been done yet.  I was very careful walking around out in the yard trying to avoid the holes and trenches caused by the tree work.

However...... The front is doing pretty well and here's a picture of the new little Liriope blooming.  The new small shrubs are doing well, too.

And here's a picture of the morning sky.

Life is still good.  Be kind.  God Bless America!

Just One Thing After Another

I hope everyone is well and taking care of themselves.  Good luck staying cool!  The heat index here has been 112 and is supposed to be this way until sometime next week.

So...... our tree work was rescheduled a couple more times.  Here is how it went when it finally did happen.

A company that we have had do work for us before is who we called.  They have a great reputation and have always done great work and been considerate and careful.  This time though, the scheduler said they were short staffed and he was getting people in from somewhere else.  I am pretty sure we got some of those guys.  They started cutting the limbs off the trees and just dropped them down.  Dropped one on a smaller young tree and damaged it.  Dropped another on an Encore Azalea and broke out the entire middle section.  Then, instead of roping sections, cutting the trunk, and lowering the sections carefully, they just cut the trees off about knee high and dropped them. That shook and rattled the house.  The yard has trenches and holes all over.  Some are a foot deep.  They crushed a sprinkler head and damaged the system.  I have left messages saying I wanted the owner to come and see the damage because I am sure he does not know how the new people are leaving things on his customers' properties.  So far I have not heard from anyone.  I am writing a letter.

I have already had our sprinkler company owner here replacing the crushed sprinkler and checking the system.  That is back up and running.  He took pictures of the damage to our yard and said to include a copy of his invoice with the bill we will get from the tree company and deduct that amount.

Then our landscaping "guy" came and looked at the damage and was also shocked.  He said his company can fix things, and also said to make a copy of his invoice to include.  Les and I went and paid the deposit on the the landscaping work/repair this morning and we will get a call to let us know when the people will come.

There was a lot more clean-up to do, even though the tree crew were supposed to leave things clean and tidy.  So I did some cleanup and have been working a little bit at a time on weeding and pruning out in the yard.  And then we got this oven of heat here and outside work is done for me for now.  The heat seems to be burning up the blooms on some of the shrubs.  They are getting water, but the heat is just too much.

Finnigan had some medical issues and I had to rush him to the clinic one morning.  He is doing better, but does not care for the adjustments to his food. He tells us frequently. 😀 He will have a recheck in a couple weeks.

Les and I are okayish.  He does what he can.  I don't sleep well, but am up and functioning.  Life is still good!

Take care.  God Bless America.  And be kind!

I LOVE YOU, HONEY

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life and my best friend.  It's been a great 58 years, and I am looking forward to many more. 💕

Then

Just a few years ago.

All my love, G.  XOXO

Just Updates

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.  On that topic, I saw that there is a new Covid variant and the booster will be available in the Fall.  Our doctor says we should get boosters every six months, so that will work out about right for timing.

Our tree removal work was rescheduled again.  It is now supposed to happen this Friday.  I will let the landscaper know if it actually happens this time, and he will come and see exactly what we need in the back yard.

The HVAC is being worked on as I am tying this.  Will be nice, even though it's expensive, to get this done.  Although it hasn't been bad having the windows open.  The weather has been unusually nice for this time of year here.

Les had a Neurology check-up appointment this morning.  Doctor says no major changes and to see her again in a year, sooner if needed.

The painter - who is the step-son of our regular painter guy, Jeff - came Saturday morning and took care of the porch rail and spindles.  He did a very good job and Jeff has trained him well. 

The yard guys came and mowed, edged, and trimmed.  Hydrangeas are blooming and lovely.  The Geraniums on the porch are beautiful, too. This picture shows our white Hydrangeas and a little of the blooming Mimosa tree, too.

The HVAC is all fixed and running!  Good timing, too, since it's supposed to get hotter the next few days.

Take care of yourselves and be kind.  Life is still good.  God Bless America!

Visitors

I  hope everyone is having a peaceful day.  Stay safe and be kind.

Les and I are okayish.  It rained during the night and is supposed to rain some more today and pretty much all week.  It's cool and gray.  

The painting that was going to happen this morning on the porch rail didn't happen because it is too wet.  We're aiming for Saturday now.

I took this picture a while ago but never got it posted due to "stuff" happening.  I love our wildlife!

And last evening I took this picture, first bunny of the Summer!

I have no other news, no plans for today.  God Bless America!

Hello

Well, it's been another busy week for us.  It actually started on Friday, the 16th, about 1:30 a.m. when our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors went off.  Some very nice fire persons came and checked everything and tested for everything and they determined that one of our detectors had "malfunctioned".  They uninstalled that one and stuck a temporary one up in that location.  I called the electricians we use, and they came on Tuesday morning to install two new hardwired detectors.  They tested those and we're all good to go again.

We also had our quarterly pest control visit, and our annual termite inspection.  All good with those.  

Our sprinkler system man came and fixed zone 5 that wasn't running right.  That's the one that waters the side yard and our beautiful colored Hydrangeas.  I had been watering by hand when needed on those, so I am glad that is all running properly now.

The tree removals didn't happen due to wind and rain that day.  The crew is rescheduled for June 2nd.  Of course, this meant that the rest of the backyard landscaping and new mulch had to be postponed again.  

I did get to the garden center and get the Geraniums for the porch pots.  They are lovely!

Also, someone came to re-repair our fence gate.  When I first reported a problem, a different man came and supposedly fixed it.  He didn't.  It still would  not close easily and latch.  Bill, who came and fixed it, said to just call him directly if anything goes wrong with it again.  It is fine now.

My appointment with my orthopedic doctor went okay.  X-rays were done, he said my knee is good.  I have arthritis in my hip - we already knew that.  He gave me a steroid injection and that has helped.  

Les is doing okayish. I am trying to keep up with things. Life is still good.

Please stay safe and be kind.  Remember why we have Memorial Day.  And God Bless America.

  

Hey!

I hope everyone is feeling well and staying safe.  Take care of yourselves!

Les and I are okayish.  Although I probably overdid some outside work on Sunday and have had extra aches and joint pain.  Just to be sure nothing is seriously wrong though, I am seeing my orthopedic doctor tomorrow.

Les had a doctor's appointment last week.  So far, so good.  Goes back in a month for that issue.

This week we've had a plumbing inspector come to do the back-flow prevention inspection on our irrigation system that has to be done every year.  That went okay and is all paid for for another year.  

I had a hair trim, and that feels and looks better.

The weather is a bit back and forth.  Today is humid, in the 80's, and the A/C is on.  After it rained most of the day, we had a long thunderstorm late yesterday,  The yard is wet, but I stepped out to look at the rain gauge and we had a bit over 4".

Next week will be busy.  We have our quarterly pest control visit on Monday.  Wednesday the two infected trees are supposed to be removed and things cleaned up.  Then on Thursday, our landscape guy is supposed to come to look and see what we need to add to the work that is "on hold" because of the trees.  I will be so glad when this all done.  I still need to go to the garden center and get geraniums for the porch pots. But with the rainy weather this week, it was just too messy to be wandering around there.  (speaking from experience) 😊

I'm just posting this picture because I really like it.  Good memories. 💕

Be kind.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Hey!

My mental "to-do" list includes doing better at posting.  So, here it is!

Today, morning stuff was done.  Then I went to Starbucks and got us coffee and muffins.  We ate breakfast and watched a movie. Then I got ready and went outside to work a little bit.

We had the house power washed a month or so ago.  But the pollen this year has been especially thick and sticky, and some areas needed to be cleaned up.  Our new siding is great, just hose it off and it's clean.  So I got the hose and got busy.  Sprayed everything and it looks much better.  It made yellow rivers flowing down the walls in some spots.  

Of course, I got pretty wet doing that, so when I finished I came in and showered and shampooed.  Then started some laundry.

It's 85 and sunny.  Sunday and Monday are supposed to be raining.

While I was outside I took a picture of one of our lovely Azaleas.  This one is right by the corner of the garage.  

Our Azaleas all seem to bloom at different times.  The ones in the backyard are winding down for now, but most of those will bloom again.  The Hydrangeas have many blossom buds growing and they will start to bloom soon.

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

I Am Still Here

There are many days when I run out of time and energy.  But we are still here.  And we are okayish, dealing with some medical issues, but okayish.  Accept and adapt.

So, here are some updates since that last post. 😊

The new shrubs and Liriope are doing well and are growing, the Azalea bush is blooming, and the necessary repairs have been done to the porch railing.  That can be painted later this month.  Pressure treated wood has to "age" before painting.

The agents from the Department of Agriculture came along with the Arborist and they inspected the trees, took pictures, etc.  They all agreed that yes, the Emerald Ash Borers have infested the Ash trees.  They were all going to get together and decide how best to dispose of the trees and grindings.  The trees' removal is scheduled for later this month.

In the meantime, I have been working on keeping the mulched areas as clear of weeds as I can.  When the trees are gone, our landscaping  people will come and make sure holes are filled in,  remove one dead, very old small Azalea that I can't get out, and then put down new mulch.

While our guy was here working on the porch rail, he also did caulking and some repair around the garage door, and put a new weather strip on our front door.

I have tackled a few smaller inside projects and have a few more to do.  

Our yard guys have been here regularly and mowed, edged, and trimmed.  The grass is green and growing.  Hopefully, it won't get too damaged with the tree removal work.

Life is still good, although some days seem better than others.  Be kind, and stay safe.

God Bless America!

Some Progress

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.

Yesterday the landscaping men showed up and took care of the front area.  The old dying shrubs and the old Liriope were all dug out, the area cleared.  Then new shrubs were planted and some new Liriope.  Then new Cedar mulch went down and it smells great.  Some very minor trimming was done to our large Azalea bush.  It is actually starting to bloom now.

Jacquie posted online and the old Liriope plants found a new home.  So all is well there.

However, all the work in the backyard is on hold for now.  We found out that the infested trees can not be removed until an agent from the Department of Agriculture comes and inspects and takes samples.  The removals are currently scheduled for May 21st.  When that is all finished, then the work in the back can happen.  Both those trees are in mulched areas that need work.

Les and I got our Covid boosters yesterday and so far, so good.  No nasty side effects.

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

A Public Service Announcement

I could spend a couple paragraphs here telling you about things I've been working on and what's going on here.  But instead, I will let you know of an issue. 

Last Spring one of our large trees in the backyard came out in full leaf.  In a matter of weeks, it dropped all those leaves and it looked like Fall in our backyard.  Over the year it dropped several large limbs and other branches and bits. We had been told by the man who came to cut down a smaller dead tree last Summer to watch it over the Winter and it might come back.  It did not.  This Spring, there is no sign of any leaf buds, so I called an Arborist.  He came this past week.  Took one look and said he was sorry.

The tree is infested with Emerald Ash Borers.  These things are being tracked by a national agency and he said it had to be reported.  And the tree had to be removed.  He also looked at another tree that we did not know was an Ash tree, and it also is infested and has to be removed.  Sad.  No date yet on when the people will come to cut the trees down.  

I was told to inform the HOA and let them know the EABs were in the area.  I did that.  And we received an approval letter for the removal from the HOA, even though I told them it didn't matter, the trees had to go. But it is official now. 

The other landscaping work that was to happen in the backyard is now on hold until the tree work is finished.  The work in front of the porch will happen soon I am told.  I hope so.

Nasty looking bug, isn't it?

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

Hey!

I did  not mention in my last post that while washing the windows, there was an "incident".  The very first window I was cleaning had issues and the lower section slipped out of the frame.  I tried to get it back in place, but could not.  I called our Handyman friend and he came by and put it back.  Some work will be done on that window in the near future.  For now it is secure.

Fortunately, it was one of the warmer days here, so it was fine having that window open.  Finnigan was especially happy about that.  Les took this picture.

I am taking today as a slow day and not doing much.  The last couple days I did work in the yard and got some things cleaned up and looking better.  No word yet on when the major work is going to happen with the landscapers.

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

It's Been a While

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

I've been taking care of projects around here, and I have people lined up to take care of the things I can not handle or do.  

Power washing of the house was done last week.  Looks very nice.  That meant I could clean windows, so now they look better.  The same day, but later, our sprinkler system guy came and did the Spring turn on service and checked the system.  He made a couple repairs, so we are good to go when we're ready to turn the system on.  We haven't done that yet.  Right before that day we had three inches of rain, so the ground was pretty soggy.  

I got our porch pansies and got those potted.  They are lovely and make me happy.

The last couple days I have done some cleanup work in the yard.  Marlowe's We Care Landscaping will be working on the mulched area in front of the porch.  The shrubs there are the originals from when we built in 1995.  And honestly, they are looking sad.  So those and the aging Liriope will all be replaced and the area cleaned up.  The first thing I told them was that the large Azalea will be staying!  We've paid the deposit and are waiting to hear when the work will be done.  They will also put down new mulch around the patio.  

New mulch for other areas is waiting until we see if we need to have the Ash tree removed.  

And we will have someone coming to repair a porch rail section.  And he'll replace the weather strip on the bottom of the front door.

Hopefully this week, I will get a few errands done, get a trip to the Commissary done, and get the cars cleaned.  I did get the car mats out of the attic and down to the garage so those can be swapped out when the cars are cleaned.  We use the Weather Tech ones in the Winter.

So that is how things are here.  Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Be kind.  And God Bless America.  Life is good.

Remember to Change Your Clocks

Spring forward tonight!

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

Hey

Well.....  We did have more snow and ice, and I do mean MORE.  It took a while for it all to melt and go away.

Les is doing alright, and he'll be doing his exercises on his own now.  I think the discharge nurse comes next week.  

I battled severe bronchitis for at least three weeks, but that is pretty much all better now.  Although I am on antibiotics again for another eye infection.  My eye doc said, "well, we need to have more antibiotics for longer this time".  I am doing okay.

I am just trying to keep up with things; some days are easier than others. Jacquie went with me to buy a new washer.  That should be delivered tomorrow.  Les and I got our tax form info filled out and took that to the new accountant.  We have not heard anything from them yet. 

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

Spring Is Not Here Yet

We have more snow.  Serious snow.  I think we got around seven or eight inches.  Schools, businesses, etc. closed.  Some are just starting to reopen today.  

When I got up the first morning, our driveway and front walk were completely cleared.  MANY thanks to our very nice neighbor!  I know it was him because the only foot prints were from his house across the street to our side.  There were no tire tracks out there either.

Les and I are okayish.  The nurse and the Physical Therapist both came early Wednesday morning before the snow started. He is doing what he can.

We've been reading and watching some favorite shows.  I am feeling better, not great yet, but better, and have been doing some little extra odds and ends.

The downed limb, branches, and "stuff" that came down are all still out there in the yard.  It's all covered up with snow right now.

I need to refill the bird feeder soon.  There have been lots of visitors.  Finnigan almost wore himself out looking out the window watching!  This picture was taken shortly after the snow started.

Took this picture yesterday.

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

No, We Have Not Fallen Off Earth

It's been a month since I've posted anything.  Lots going on.  Lack of time and energy.

Les fell twice and injured his back.  He fell because he had no strength due to another infection.  I called 911 and the EMTs were here quickly.  The hospital was a mess though.  It was so very crowded that Les was on a stretcher in the ER hallway all day.  Eventually he was admitted but we had to wait until there was a room for them to take him to.  After a couple days he was discharged, and we have had home health nurses, physical therapists, and an occupational therapist coming several times a week. Also had several doctor appointments and follow-up appointments. He is slowly getting a bit better, and still using the walker.

Shortly after getting him home, I got sick.  Our PCP wasn't available and I saw a PA who told me I had a virus after she tested me for Covid and Flu.  Those were both negative.  Told me to use Sudafed and Tylenol and I'd be better in three or four days.  I wasn't.  So I went to Med Express and was told I had acute bronchitis.  First thing they did was give me a steroid injection, then a thirty minute breathing treatment, then a chest x-ray.  It is now week three.  I have finished the steroid prescription, the antibiotics, and am still using the inhaler.  I am getting better, but still coughing more than I would like.

And that all explains why there have been no posts. I am helping Les as much as he needs and trying to get better.  Everything else is just not getting done.

Our weather has been cold, gray, and wet.  Although we did have a touch of snow again yesterday.

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.  Life is still good.  I am still ready for Spring.  And God Bless America!

Hey!

 

It snowed again here.  I have said before that I am ready for Spring.  Not that the snow isn't lovely, but I'm ready.  Les and I have not been out in it.  I ventured out and used our snow shovel to make a small path down the driveway to our mailbox.  Our driveway is mostly in the shade this time of year and this snow was wet and heavy.  I pushed the shovel and then tilted the snow onto the grass a little bit at a time.  Later that day, I heard noise outside and looked out and our neighbor was shoveling our driveway.  I went out and thanked him.  He said when he had gotten home he saw my path and thought that that just wasn't right.  We appreciated him very much!

So in other news, we bought a new coffee maker.  Works great!  It was delivered on Saturday.  

And Finnigan got a new box!

The weather forecast says we might get up to 50 today.  If so, some more snow will melt.  And there is a chance of flurries this evening. ❄

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

Hey!

So, I mentioned the possibility of snow in my last post.  This picture shows what we got.

I took this picture about 10:00 p.m. that night.  It has been very cold here all week and some of this snow is still on the mulch area across the back of the yard.  And now we are under a "Winter storm warning" and the forecast says up to 5" might happen.  We hope not, and don't expect that much right here.  But we will see.  In any event, Les and I don't have any plans to go out anywhere.

The week has been busy with appointments, some just recheck and follow-ups, and others not.  Turns out I have an infected eyelid gland.  I have antibiotic pills and eye drops, and use a warm compress on my eye.  It doesn't hurt as much today.

Other than going to appointments, I've been keeping up with things pretty well.  I went to the Commissary and stocked up.  Caught up on a bunch of desk stuff.

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

HA!!

 

I thought this was funny.  But actually, I have done all sorts of things today.

Our area is under a "Winter weather advisory" now.  Hard to tell right now what we will be getting, but whatever we get, we're ready.  The forecast says, "rain, snow, maybe a mix, ice, wind", etc.  I was out and the deicer has already been put down on the main roads.  

Wherever you are, stay safe.  The Littles are hoping for a snow day for the first day back to school.  

I've just been taking care of things and catching up on some small projects.  Been cleaning some things out.  Future errands include going to the laundromat to wash our king size quilt and dropping off a donation at DAV. 

Take care and be kind.  Life is still good.  And God Bless America!

Just a Funny, Makes Me Smile

 

Happy New Year!

 

I hope you are all well.  Take care of yourselves.

Les and I are doing okay.  We took our large Christmas tree apart on Sunday and packed it up.  Everything is all un-decorated and put away.  I'm working on some cleaning projects this week.

Our "guys" came a few days ago and cleaned up leaves again, mowed, edged, and trimmed.  Since then we have had some windy days and leaves have blown in from somewhere.  I am hoping they blow back out.

It is cold again here and getting colder by the weekend.

Jacquie and family are back from Illinois.  They had a good time, stopped at a couple fun places along the way to Chris' Mom's house.  It's now back to work for Jacquie and Jordan and back to school for the Littles next week.

Pam says they are doing okay there. Pam is busy with lots of projects.

Les and I had our traditional snacks last evening and we watched "Wicked".  I loved it!  And then we were in bed and I was asleep about 10:30.  If there were any fireworks around at midnight, we didn't hear them. 🎆

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