Photo via Robert Bennett – LinkedIn
Filed under Awe-Inspiring Photography, R.J. Bennett, Seasons
“Dandelion Wishes” -Dick van Dujin Photography via Penny Yaffe Krakow
About 20 minutes ago the sky was really dark, even though it was about 9:30 a.m. It looked like we were in for quite a storm. Now it’s gray and sprinkling, but it looks like the ‘storm’ blew past us. Whew!
Things are pretty much back to normal again after my glorious marathon birthday celebration, although my husband surprised me after errands yesterday by taking me to The Dari to share a seafood platter for lunch! I’m am TOTALLY spoiled at this point, have a big head – since my family and friends made me feel so special – and have become insufferable. I have a bathroom to scrub upstairs today, so that should bring me down to Earth a bit. :0)
Seriously – (and I’m going to show my advanced age now) – I have felt like the winner on the old “Queen for a Day” cheesy TV program from a hundred years or so ago where some woman was showered with wonderful things from friends, family, and the show, making her, her family, and ME cry. I just searched and found an actual show from 1963 on YouTube
So now I’m concentrating on getting back to my normal, happy self after a tear-worthy celebration that I’m still alive, kicking, and still hard to live with.
As fears concerning the coronavirus rise, I want to share some facts from the CDC website that are helping ME keep things in perspective so far – As of today, March 11th, there are 1016 confirmed cases and 31 deaths in the United States. The numbers will continue to rise, adding to the tension. ALSO, though, according to the CDC website, so far in 2020, there have been 34,000+ cases and 20,000+ deaths from the REGULAR STRAIN OF THE FLU.
The cautions to prevent infections for both are the same. People 60 and over, particularly those with underlying health conditions, should avoid large crowds as much as possible. We should all wash our hands and try not to touch our faces. (Not touching my face is apparently a HUGE one for me. I never realized how MUCH I scratch my face, pull on my nose, rub my eyes, etc. I saw a picture of a man wearing one of the huge plastic collars they put on animals that keep them from licking a wound, suggesting that might be a good thing to use. :0) I may actually have to DO that – or wear mittens.
What I’m saying doesn’t ally all the fear, but hopefully it brings some perspective. Hopefully the FDA won’t throw up all the roadblocks they normally do, causing horrible delays in getting a possible vaccine to the public. Maybe there will be a waiver one can sign in order to get the possible protection. One can hope. If you are in the risk group, as my husband and I are, pay attention and be smart.
I’ll share some pics I took of the garden with you as soon as the battery on my camera charges up again. I am on the ‘sealing stage’ on a new design of wooden earrings. I’ll share some pics of those, too, if possible, later today.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Twisted Copper Creations
The sun is trying to come out, but it’s mostly smothered by lots and lots of gray clouds. The temperature is 49 and it’s NOT raining, so I’m declaring it’s a nice day. My husband and I are getting ready to leave for errands, and I’ll try to get pics of my garden to share with you when we get back.
Things are getting back to normal around here after my lovely multi-day birthday celebration. I’m on the verge of having a big head and becoming insufferable, so it’s a good thing that I have a chores list as long as my arm today. :0)
I’ve told you before that our son lives and works in Thailand. He is looking now to change from renting an apartment in town to finding a house in the country. He wants to be able to create music loudly without bothering anyone. Trying to play with earphones on all the time wears on your soul, so I’m hoping he finds a good place soon. He would like to find one by the end of April. Fingers crossed.
I hope that YOU are having a good day, too.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
US News Money – US News & World Report
Our day started with our semi-annual dental cleaning. Not really the way I would CHOOSE to spend the morning of my actual birthday, but it’s important and was right down the road from Red Lobster, where we enjoyed my birthday lunch together today. The good news is – no oral cancer (my mom died of this) and no cavities or problems. The surprising news – the bill I thought was fully paid for my husband’s implant in November and crown in February was NOT paid in full – only the first part. So today was much more expensive than we thought it would be. It’s paid now, so that is behind us.
Driving out of the parking lot proved to be quite hair-raising. My husband almost pulled out in front of a car that was almost right upon us. We both managed to avoid the problem, but it really got our attention. WHEW!
Lunch at Red Lobster was glorious. We both enjoyed the special biscuits they’re famous for. I had lobster tail and broccoli. My husband had fish and chips. He had an apple crisp with ice cream for dessert. I had chocolate ‘wave’ cake.
“When I grow up I want to be an old woman.” — Michelle Shocked
“Wisdom is the reward for surviving our own stupidity.” — Brian Rathbone
I brought home a biscuit plus most of the cake to enjoy later. I DO enjoy a birthday marathon…
“It is lovely to meet an old person whose face is deeply lined, a face that has been deeply inhabited, to look in the eyes and find light there.” — John O-Donohue
We had left the house at 10:00. We didn’t get home until almost 3:00. We were both pooped, so I texted our good friends that we weren’t going to go bowling tonight. I sat down with a cup of coffee in my chair in the living room. The next thing I knew, it was 5:00.
6IEE
“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”~ Sophia Loren
We will eat some dinner in a few minutes, but I have had a truly wonderful celebration of another year added to my tally.
“As long as I am breathing, in my eyes, I am just beginning.” — Criss Jami
Filed under aging, Cause for Celebration, Pampering, quality of life
Professor’s House
I’ve had two sessions up in my art room this afternoon making some new designs in earrings. They are all drying now, but I’ve had a great time getting paint all over me and everything else, experimenting with some new techniques. I hope to show them to you tomorrow.
I’ve also spent some time outside. It has been a gorgeous, sunshine-y day here. It’s still 62 degrees now. I went out to the garden to check my sweet veggies plants.
The weather website for us is predicting 100% chance of rain tomorrow, so these guys will get a nice drink.
I saw yet another sign of spring today –
Our tulip tree is starting to bloom!
This has pretty much been the perfect day. I hope that you have had a wonderful day, too.
Filed under playing in my art room, quality of life, Seasons
Cartoons by Ron Leishman
When you are my age, the more celebration the better. (I will be 73 on Monday, March 9th.)
My friends at Lunch Bunch made me feel really special yesterday and I’m still grinning.
When we walked into the Pizza Barn, this was one of the things on the table –
I put them in the center of our dining table so that my husband and I can enjoy them together. The first thing he said at breakfast this morning was, “These are lovely.”
Spring-Scented candle and holder. I wish you could smell this!
Ceramic OWL candle or tealight holder. This has a peach and mango candle. Delicious!
Kitchen towels with attitude!
And beautiful birthday cards.
TWO pieces of chocolate sheet cake with chocolate frosting.
My lunch was free.
Conversation, laughter, and hugs from long-time friends. (we have been meeting every Friday for Lunch Bunch for almost 19 years now – a true gift.)
My husband and I indulged in hot dogs with BUNS and Fritos last night for dinner – I haven’t had those – or the cake – in over a year now.
And Monday my husband is taking me for a lobster tail lunch at Red Lobster – a celebration of another year of life, PLUS having over 1400 subscribers to my blog now.
“I’ve enjoyed every age I’ve been and each has had its own individual merit. Every laugh line, every scar, is a badge I wear to show I’ve been present, the inner rings of my personal tree trunk that I display proudly for all to see. Nowadays, I don’t want a “perfect” face and body; I want to wear the life I’ve lived.” — Pat Benatar
Judge Lynn Toler via TinyBuddha.com via Desiree Angelique Hackett
I’m having trouble getting much done today.
My husband came into our office this morning and told me he was going to watch “Joker” – and asked if I wanted to see it. I changed my plans and we watched it. When it was over, I felt exhausted. It is a really powerful movie. I can certainly see why Joaquin Phoenix won the Oscar for Best Actor. He created an unforgettable character. I won’t say I ‘enjoyed’ the movie. The character was too strong and there was too much violence for me. I’m glad we saw it.
There are three actors in particular that my husband and I discussed once we finished the movie. We consider them absolutely superlative actors. I’m speaking of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Daniel Day-Lewis and Joaquin Phoenix. I would also include some others, but their names don’t come to mind right now. We are in awe of their talent, but many times won’t watch their performances because we don’t like their choices of films or characters. I hope my explanation makes sense.
After the movie, it was time for lunch. Then we got caught up in the news with the important breaking news events.
I have just now finished listing my newest earrings on ArtFire and Etsy, and the day is almost gone for regular working purposes. I want to thank those who reached out and gave me their feedback on the new layered earrings. I have more ideas swirling around in my brain now that won’t quit until I can make time to get up to my art room again.
When I took Molly out this morning, I thought we had a turtle in the front yard – one of those with a shell like a metal helmet. As we got closer, the ‘helmet’ moved. I saw it was a large field rat. UGH. I steered Molly away from the area to do her business while our ‘Hunter Cat Smoke’ decided a delightful game of ‘Cat & Mouse’ would be fun. I just hope she leaves him and his parts out in the woods, rather than bringing assorted parts to the welcome mat in our garage.
I hope that YOU have all YOUR ducks in a row today. If not, we’ll just punt…
Filed under Book - Movie - TV Reviews, Family, Thoughts on a ________
I made these today. I would very much appreciate your feedback. Would you wear these? Suggestions?
Thanks.
Filed under Uncategorized
Kelly Armitage Commissioned Pet Portraits
Gary Wing Commissioned Pet Portraits
Filed under drawings, Gary Wing, Kelly Armitage
Chanse Hart via Bethany Kerr
I’ve been having fun this afternoon playing in my art room.
I’m working on a suggestion regarding earring designs from my friend/sister-in-law, and have 3 pairs in the works. I’m also having fun painting a gourd. I can only do a little bit at a time, waiting for things to dry in-between steps, but it’s really good to spend time up there again.
I went up there today with the idea I would clean things up a bit and ended up with paint all over me and new, fun projects instead…. :0)
Filed under Lewis Art, playing in my art room
Carol Auclair Daly
Isn’t this wonderful? I don’t know who actually sewed this, but I WANT IT!
I’ve been feeling a bit down this morning for no good reason. I took a walk around the yard and immediately felt my spirits lifting.
This afternoon, my husband walked with me while I took Amber out to the garden and around the yard, training her to walk with the no-pull leash/collar combination, and even HE was remarking how lush our daffodils look right now!
If YOU’RE feeling down, come visit!
Clive Staples Lewis from RaiseYourMind.com
Filed under aging, Attitude, Changes, Good Thoughts
Kanno Hisao
Leonid Afremov- “Winter Walk” via Roger Ach
Melody Rowlette Miracle via Penny Yaffe Krakow
Stefano Ronchi via Digital Photo Academy
Filed under Seasons
Joanna Brandt
We got our Internet upgrade via CenturyLink – speed up from 6 bps to 41 – a significant difference. My husband worked with the tech to get the new double lines run outside and then the new modem installed and tested while I made sure that our dogs stayed out of the way – and away from each other. I’ll let you know what I think after I get a chance to test it some.
The other big thing for the day was scrubbing our master bathroom. This consists of a double lavatory with counter top, a whirlpool tub, a walk-in shower, toilet, floors and rugs. It took me a couple of hours, but things are significantly better in there now. My husband will see it when we go up to bed tonight…
He took Amber to Yeagers and got some weed killer for the lawn. Right now it looks like we need to mow, but all is weeds that have spurted up. We’re hoping that the weed killer he just spread will do the same good it did last year. We’ll both sleep well tonight after our various forms of exercise today.
Even though it’s too early to say this, as far as I’m concerned my work is done today.
Cindy Basnett Thurman
Via J. Robert Bennett – LinkedIn
So far, today is a waiting day.
We are supposed to receive a call from the techs at CenturyLink today (between 9 and 5) before they come to the house to install equipment that will give us faster Internet. Since we live in the sticks and have to be grateful for whatever we can get, we are hopeful that this might be a good bridge between what we have now and the fiber optic service that is supposed to be offered sometime at the end of this year or the beginning of next. I don’t know anything about technology, but my husband will ask several pertinent questions before we allow them to begin. Our son has described our Internet as ‘swimming through peanut butter,’ so fingers are crossed that we are actually able to get better service.
123RF.com
Our weather is fabulous today – sunshine-y and a high of 64 this afternoon! I’m going to go out and visit my veggie plants and encourage them to do well. We have a lot of weeds in our yard now, making it look like we ought to be mowing. We tried a bag of weed killer granules last year that seemed to make a big difference, so we’ll get more this year as soon as we can leave the house and spread it as soon as possible.
I’m sad to tell you that I lost my smallest goldfish a couple of days ago. He had an equilibrium problem, and would often float, looking like he was gone, then ‘come back to life’ when I tapped on the glass and start swimming again. This time he didn’t. So now there are two – one goldfish that has increased in size from about one inch long when I bought him to about 4 inches long now, and the other is a white goldfish with a spot on his ‘head.’ I cleaned out their tank again a couple of days ago, when the smaller goldfish died. So far, they seem happy with the clean tank with different decorations. Fingers crossed all is good for them.
My big ‘plan’ for the day is to clean our master bath today. It was on my list for yesterday, but my time and energy were snafued. I’m going to see what I can do on it as soon as I finish writing to you.
Such an exciting day – MAYBE faster Internet – MAYBE a clean bathroom upstairs – and MAYBE bowling with friends tonight.
I hope that YOUR Monday is a fun one.
Today was spring-like, but grim and gray. When I walked around in the yard though, after we got home from errands, I couldn’t help but grab my camera and try to capture the richness of our yard right now.
There is still the hole in the middle of the yard where we had to dig up a large part of it to find the leaking water pipe. I told you we managed to roll the rock over the edge of the world, but the hole remains. It now has some dark potting soil, but it’s still an eyesore and will be until we are confident the mower won’t sink down into the hole, and the grass once again covers the area. Even with that, the daffodils take my breath away.
Each year I did up some of the bulbs and plant them in another spot. I’ve done this for several years now, so clumps of daffodils are blooming all over the front yard and we now have a couple of clumps in the back. (The one above is “Debbye” in full bloom now.)
Big happy daffodils in several different shades of yellow and styles, all living together. Long stalks heavy greenery, bringing up my spirits.
These are beside the well house. We have dug them up twice, thinking we got them all, and yet they continue to bloom year after year.
Filed under Gardening, Mother Nature, quality of life, Seasons
I have to tell you that, since I bought a calendar that is supposed to help support the firefighters in Australia, my year has been considerably brighter. Of course, I made the donation out of the goodness of my heart – NOT because there are gorgeous guys with puppies looking out at me each month…. :0)
2020 is shaping up to be a beautiful year. Let’s review –
This is Nathan and George – They were on the cover of the calendar. I keep trying to read the words across his gorgeous chest – Nathan’s, not George’s…..
January was Ben and Nullah.
February has been Tuva and Milo.
And today we start March 2020 with Lloyd and Ollie.
My husband has remarked a couple of times about these men. I continue to point out that buying the calendar helped the firefighters. He KNOWS I love dogs, and the gorgeous guys are just an extra…..
Happy March!
*If you want your own calendar, this year or next year, the URL is http://www.australianfirefigherscalendar.com
Filed under giving
creativeartworksblog 