Lookin' good in the neighborhood!!!

 Hi everyone!  How are you?  Fine I hope.  I am feeling great...the best I've felt in a long time.  I have more energy (they did up my thyroid  medicine which might have something to do with it).  Things are getting done around here finally!  I do have a cleaning gal that really helps me stay on top of things that are hard for me to do such as cleaning tub, toilets, and changing sheets....anything that requires bending over and/or lifting heavy objects. But I'm feeling stronger every day.  PTL!

I've got lots of projects in the works that I want to do or at least plan for.  I'm seriously thinking of getting one of those backup power generators.  If your  power goes out it automatically kicks in.  You don't  have to do anything.  They're expensive but I can't forget the last ice storm we had here and people died.  I don't want to try to mess with a gasoline generator or having to unplug and plug certain things in so I am thinking I might go for it and then no worries, hopefully.  Plus, it is really hard for me to  bring wood in and start the fireplace.  I may change that to propane also. 

 I'm also looking at replacing my front railing with a cable wire railing and I need a new storm door too.  Right now I have an old wobbly rod iron railing....I hate rod iron anything.

and here's the storm door I'm thinking about.....I'd be getting cream or sandstone color.  
 

In addition to all that...I made a hair appointment to get my hair cut and a perm (soft not tight to my head).  I remember when I was hospitalized for diverticulitis, I couldn't fix my hair because I had all this equipment attached to me and since I wear my hair in a bun, I couldn't fix it.  I'm thinking if I ever end up in the hospital, a shorter perm would be easier plus it was hard to put my hair  up when I hurt my back.   We'll see how I like it....it's sort of scary.  I haven't been to a beauty shop in years!  My neighbor goes to the same gal and her hair always looks nice so wish me luck!

Meanwhile, I continue loading the car with more stuff for the thrift store and it's almost ready for another trip.  I cleaned my front door last week, bought filters for furnace and AC which I will  replace this week. I've also finished up some crafting projects..........

a drawstring bag....

I'm going through this book which has 12 projects.....next is pillowcases and with each project you learn a new technique so by the time you finish the book you should have learned a lot about sewing.  

I decided to iron my finished XS projects and hang them from my dad's old pant hangers.....so they won't get buried and I am reminded that I need to get frames for them...

I finished my Sally Spencer sampler.....I love it and I love the colors she chose for it. 

Now that I've finished a few projects, I'll be starting some more.  I'm still working on the BIG blanket, and my second Christmas sock.  I'll be starting a new XS project that I've had plus a small quilt by Kim Diehl.  I'll show you next week and hopefully I can get around to everyone to visit this week!

 

(it's supposed to be you're....did these people not pay attention in school?)

Happy Trails!!! 

               

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

 We've been in the 90's all week with "feel like" temps in the 100's.  I go out early and water and then get back inside the AC.  It doesn't go below the 70's at night and it's hard to get cold water out of the tap.

The cleaning gal didn't show up....some excuse.  I had a doctor appointment this week and all is good!

The frame I ordered for Jim's XS came and "the math whiz" didn't calculate correctly and it is too big!  I like the frame so I'm sure I will be able to use it for something else. 

My mail box was starting to lean and my neighbor friend jury rigged it to be secure for awhile but he said the post is rotten and needs to be replaced which he said he will do when the weather cools off.  What an angel he is!

Yesterday it was 6 years since my son, Jim, died.  Time does make it easier but there are some things in life you never get over.  I'm at peace that he is no longer suffering from his addiction.

Here's a picture when he was probably 3?  He was such a happy child and cute as a bug in a rug.  Those are the memories I cling to.  He would have been 44 this year.

I've been reading more Lorna Landvik books and just love them!  I watch my favorite podcasts and then I've been watching Heart Guy on Acorn t.v. but it's about to wrap up so I need to find another series...any suggestions?  I like lighthearted mysteries and/or drama...nothing too violent or graphic although Heart Guy is a gigolo....a heart doctor that drinks and does drugs and lots of women but it's funny and interesting.  It's from Australia.

I hope you are enjoying your summer and that it isn't too hot where you are.

 

Happy Trails!!! 
  

  

Happy Sunday!!!

 I was sick for 3 days and was in bed all day on the 4th.  I'm fine now.  I am calling them "spells"...like they did in the old days.  I'm fit as a fiddle now.  I finished my 9 boxes #1 and now I am working on 9 Boxes #2 which includes: 1) cleaning - my nightstand (done), 2) finances - checking the bank (done), 3) organizing -  floss (in progress), 4) creating - sewing drawstring bag (in progress), 5) gardening - weeding around lilac bush (in progress), 6) maintenance - order filters for furnace and AC, 7) decorating - porch, 8) learning - basket weaving, (I have the kit), 9) clearing - packing boxes and putting in car (in progress)

I've been working on the heel flap of the 2nd Christmas sock........  

I've also been trying to finish up my Sally Spencer XS.......I just have to go  up the right side... 
 

As for the crocheted blanket....I'm showing it folded here because it is getting big....I have done 7 rows of 28 squares each all connected with join as you go technique.  There is a total of 672 squares in the blanket and I have finished 196 so I have 476  left to go.....no rush and I only attach 1 square and then crochet the next one for the following evening.

 I did make a quote for the needle holder I made but I forgot to take a picture.  A finish!  I also ordered a picture frame and supplies for framing Jim's memorial XS.

I am making progress and staying on top of daily chores which  makes me a happy camper.

Happy Trails!!!
 

             

I'm slower than snail doo-doo!!!

 By the time I take all my pills through out the day and use the "loo" 50 times a day (water pills)....I'm lucky to get anything done!  Remember the 9 boxes?  I couldn't do them in 1 week but I am down to 2 remaining!  Then when they are all done I will refill them with 9 more tasks.

I was bent on doing a final finish on a perforated paper cross stitch needle book and I did but there was a little paper that was supposed to go on it which I either lost or never received in the kit.....

Here's mine and I might have to try and replicate the little quote.........some how.....

I also finished another part of the kit but not final finished.....the cross stitching is done but now I need to make it into a drum which I have never done but I hear that Vonna Pffifer has a great tutorial on how to do it so I'll be getting prepped to do that. I still can't seem to take very good photos with my phone....

I ordered some groceries today and they will be delivered tomorrow around 11:00 a.m.  It's stormed here almost every day and I love it especially when it thunders.  I'm sure July will be a hot one!  I have a new cleaning gal coming Thursday so cross your fingers she will be good and reliable!

What are you doing for the 4th of July?  I'm entertaining me, myself, and I!

 

Happy Trails!!!

 

Treasures!!!

 Things are going good and I had a productive day yesterday and Monday.  Last night Luther came and mowed and it looks so nice.  It is very hot here but I have central air so I am very comfortable.  The cleaning  gal canceled last week and didn't show up today so I think I am done with them.  They are not reliable.

But I did get treasures!  I think it's called "retail therapy".   I got this magazine which I have wanted to try for a long time.  It's beautiful but not sure if I would ever buy again.  I would not do  the crafts as they look tedious....but I will enjoy the one copy I have.

I also purchased an aroma diffuser....it changes colors and came with 8 different essential oils.  I don't really smell it that well.  I may use my essential oils as maybe theirs are diluted?  I am done with candles and wax melties.

I also ordered some of my favorite cookies...........

and these little thingamajigs......for getting your blanket stitches even...who knew?  Each one is a different size..

That's all for today.   I hope tomorrow is more  productive!

 

Happy Trails!!!

Actually, Summer is here as of today!

 I still had lots of catch up to do today.  I've decided to stop feeding the hummers and the birds as my neighbors feed them and I am cutting my workload.  Plus, I get squirrels, raccoons, and chipmunks which is fine but then they chew my railings and get on my roof!   I took down the feeders and dumped the rest of the bird seed.  

While my daughter was here she weeded my flower beds and spread mulch.   It looks so nice.  She did a beautiful job........She also got some flowers and  planted them in the horse trough......

Everything is doing great with all the rain we've had but now it is hot and I will need to water soon.  I just ordered some fertilizer so I will wait and water that in when it comes.

 

The daises are just starting to bloom and will continue until Fall.... 
  

Something was digging under my steps and sidewalk so I stuffed it with stones and bricks....I hope that keeps whatever it is out!

I replaced a burnt out light bulb (ladder involved but I did it), made a grocery list and ordered groceries.  Since the bridge is out on Peace Valley Road that I take to get to Walmart and the detour takes much longer, I am having my groceries delivered.  I get free delivery but the driver gets a good sized tip which he/she deserves.  At this time it is worth it to me.  What ever makes my life easier, at this stage of the game, is my motto.

As you can see from my porch railing, I have lots of outdoor painting to do but I'll have to get up early to beat the heat.  But today was a good day and it's not over!  I hope you're having a nice weekend.

Happy Trails!!!
 
 

Summer is here!!!

It  may not be official yet but the rain  has ended and the sun is out and it will be in the 90's this week here in Arkansas!

I had company last week and it did not bode well with me.  I am not physically or mentally capable of entertaining.....especially not days on end nor with guests that treat me like the hired help.  But I seem to have recovered, although the doc saw me this morning and said the stress is definitely not good for me and I agree! He wants me to call him Monday and let him know how I'm feeling.  I am so blessed to have him as my doctor.  So, now that the entertaining is over with...........I'm going to be following this advice......

Years ago I read a book that talked about balance in your life and she talked about creating 9 boxes....that form a square with 3 on top, 3 in the middle, and 3 on the bottom.  Then you were to fill in the boxes with the most important areas of your life.  Things that if accomplished would keep your life balanced and harmonious.  I did it for years as I had many balls in the air.  Life is much calmer now, in retirement but I'm thinking I will go back to those boxes.  I tend to work on the same areas of  my life but never get to other ones.  It worked before and I'm hoping it will work again so that I can have balance in my elder years.  Right now my 9 boxes consist of the following areas: cleaning, finances, selfcare, creating, gardening, maintenance, decorating, learning, and clearing out.  I will try and touch on each area within each week.  

I'm on my 3rd Lorna Landvik book!  That girl can write!  Really enjoying them. Finishing up watching Doc Martin series and then it will be back to Father Brown.  Have a great weekend!

Happy Trails!!!