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!!!
 

 

 
 

 

Happy June!!!

 Things are going  pretty well.   The cleaning gal last week was awesome!  She loaded all the boxes I had packed for the Thrift store into my car and I took them Tuesday.  They unload it there for me so I was able to get rid of a lot!  The only problem is the bridge is out in Ash Flat and won't be rebuilt until October so it takes twice as long to get there and back by taking a detour.

We have had so much rain that my hydrangeas are loving it!  One is as big as a dinner plate!  I don't do anything to the soil but I get the different colors anyway....they're gorgeous!

  

I'm getting ready to have company this Tuesday.  My daughter, Grayson, and Amy's SIL.  Sam can't come as he has to take an EMT exam.  He's a junior in HS but he's been taking EMT classes at the local community college.  He passed the practical exam but now has the written.  He wants to get a job for the summer too.  So, I'm busy but slow as a slug.  The cleaning gal comes tomorrow which will be great.

I feed the birds but all I get are crows, squirrels, raccoons, bluejays, and red headed wood peckers.  The squirrels take over the feeder so there's no room for the birds.  I sprinkle some on the ground trying to cover all the bases.  The deer come at night and clean up the rest...lol!  The hummers are eating/drinking like crazy.  

Well, I'm off to continue cleaning and prepping for company.  Oh, I'm loving my new Shark vacuum too!

Happy Trails!!!
   

I was sick again with a new disease!!!

 This time I had IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)...not fun and very painful but it's over hopefully.  I've never had it before and they say certain foods can trigger it.  I had some brownies which I haven't had in years so I am guessing that might have caused it.  I was napping constantly and could barely get daily chores done.  The back slows me down enough but I will keep rising up to face another day....hopefully.

We have had rain, rain, and more rain and now my porch roof is leaking.  No Memorial day activities around here.  We have storm after storm with strong winds and lightening and thunder.  I enjoy it as long the power stays on. 

I did finish my son's memorial cross  stitch.  The gal had long blonde hair...I changed it as best I could to my gray bun.  I also do not go barefoot or wear dresses but I let that part go as I am no cross stitch designer!  I still need to get it framed.  I thought it was 5 years this July but it will be 6!  I can't seem to keep up with anything.

 

I'm still working on the crochet blanket in the evenings and a few other XS projects and knitting on the 2nd Christmas sock of the pair.  

I hope you are able to enjoy the long weekend.  Here's a little word to the wise..............

Happy Trails!!!

Am I stable now???

 Finally, it seems like I am healing and getting stronger.  I think my back will always hurt after I'm on my feet for not too long but I just sit down and do handwork and rest it.  Once I sit down it stops hurting.  I had my wellness exam and all is excellent...they did blood work, chest X-ray, and EKG.  Considering all that's wrong with me I am really healthy.  He said everyone wishes they had my cholesterol! LOL!  But he said the x-ray showed I have emphysema.  He said he was surprised because I show no symptoms.  I was surprised too as I have no trouble breathing nor do I get out of breath easily.  He said he'll keep an eye on it and to tell him if anything changes but so far so good!

I have been cleaning and organizing but it takes me so long.  I hired a cleaning person to do the cleaning of toilets and tub as I can't get down there anymore not without "pain and suffering"...lol! I'm sure I'll find more for her to do besides that.

I have accomplished some things....I'm back to making my own bread again............

   

 

I finally finished the first of my 2024 Christmas sock and I am now working on sock #2 of the pair.  I'm still getting used to taking photos with my phone....

This week I was able to vacuum and wash the kitchen and laundry room floors with lots of breaks!  I made potato soup, and a Jello cheesecake.  There were lots of other chores like the regular dishes, laundry, errands, etc.  I'm hoping I can get more regular....at least weekly for blogging and daily for reading others blogs.  I'm still reading Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone mysteries.  I think I've read about 16.  I'm way ahead on my Good Reads Challenge of 52 books.  As for T.V. I finished Foyle's War series, and Agatha Raisin, and now I go between Father Brown and Death in Paradise...I love the English programs.

That's all for this week!

happy May!!!
        

and Happy Trails too!!!

Happy Easter!!!

I hope you are all well and rejoicing this Easter Sunday. 

Happy Trails!!!
 

The never ending saga!!!

 Well, just when I thought things were getting back to normal we had 5 days of storms, flood warnings, flash flood warnings and severe thunderstorms and tornado watches.  I don't mind as I don't worry about flooding where I am and we never lost power and I didn't have to go to the basement.  But when I woke up Saturday morning there was no heat and I checked the basement and the sump pump had stopped working and the basement was flooded along with my HVAC!  Ouch!  Of course, no one is open until Monday and tonight it's supposed to get down to freezing and there are frost advisories.  It's been in the 50's but now it's in the 40's and getting colder.  I've been having fires in the fireplace and it keeps the dampness and the chill off but not if we go down to freezing.  Woe is me!  I called the plumber and was able to leave a message so hopefully they will get it first thing Monday morning.  I tried to pick up things in the basement but everything was floating around and I realized that until the water left it was a futile attempt.  There is a drain but it rained all day yesterday and buckets of it!  If they come and fix or replace the sump pump, I still have to get the furnace people in to fix that but by that time it will be in the 70's!  Yep, just cold when I have no heat but once I do it will be 70's next week.

Meanwhile, I did take a photo of my crochet blanket I've been working on in the evenings.....

This is Cherry Heart's solid color Join As You Go blanket.  It is 28 squares across by 24 rows down.  I am on the 5th of the 24 rows.  It is very enjoyable but I only do about 2 squares a night so this is a long term project.  I'm using DK weight yarn and mostly Stylecraft Special DK but you could use whatever yarn you wanted.

Still having power I am able to get things done but keeping a wood fire going takes a lot of my time.

I'm hoping to sew this afternoon...that was my plan yesterday until I realized my predicament! LOL!

I hope you are all safe and well!

Happy Trails!!!

Nice day yesterday but stromy weather ahead!

 It was so nice yesterday and Luther and Shawn came and mowed the lawn for the first time. 

 I got some new sheets and guess who had to be the first to try them out..........

I made lemon bars and finished another book.  I am 8 books ahead of my Good Reads Challenge!  This book I've had for years but I will not read Oprah recommended books.  They are always about sexual assault of some kind and why she would gravitate to those types of books when she was assaulted several times, is beyond me.  It was a family saga and well written but no more Oprah for me! LOL!
 

The woodpecker was all over the bird feeder yesterday.  He came back 3 or 4 times!  There's a smaller downy woodpecker too but this was the big guy.....

The weather radio just went off so I best wrap this up.  We have every kind of warning you can imagine for the next 4 days!  This is a first...I think I should just move to the basement...permanently!  But if the power goes out and we get the predicted 12 inches of rain, I will be knee deep in water when my sump pump doesn't work!

Stay safe everyone!

Happy Trails!!!