Category Archives: Mother Nature

October 14, 2025 · 6:33 pm

Bucket Brigade

^illustAC

This is a bit of exaggeration, but it was really pouring outside when I woke this morning to get ready to go to the gym. My windows started leaking, so the ‘bucket brigade’ started.

I ended up texting my son that I would be opting out of the workout this morning, having to monitor my leaks. I have rolled up towels all the way across the windows in my main living area, plus in my bedroom right now. I’m seeing which towels need to be wrung out into my bucket every few minutes.

It’s supposed to be nearing the end of the rainy season now. Apparently, Mother Nature hasn’t received the memo yet. It’s really coming down hard. Brian said he wouldn’t go to the gym, either, if the rain continued this hard. So far, he wasn’t having leaks in his place, thank goodness.

When the rainy season is definitely over (sometime in November, I think) work will begin on the exterior of our building. Repairs and repainting will happen then. Resealing my windows from the outside is on that list of things that are due to happen.

I’m hopeful that the NEXT “rainy season” I can just look out and think, “Wow, it’s raining hard,” rather than having to participate in it quite so much…

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October 13, 2025 · 3:45 am

“Sunrise, Sunset”

“Sunrise” – Alan Leightley – @ilovefridaysme.bsky.social

“The darkness is at its deepest, just before sunrise.” – Voltaire

“Sunset” – @sharonwelby.bsky.social

“Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if we were looking through the gates of heaven.” — John Lubbock

“Sunset” – @trigger-bs.bsky.social

“A sunset is the sun’s fiery kiss to the night.” — Crystal Woods

“Sunset” – MedicallyinducedHermit -@m-i-hermit.bsky.social

“Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful, too.” — Beau Taplin

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October 11, 2025 · 10:42 pm

Ah, NATURE

DylanNardini.com

“Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself.” –Henry David Thoreau

@elkep.bsky.social

“There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.” – Ralph Smart

Anschi – @anschiro.bsky.social

“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting—over and over announcing your place in the family of things.” – Mary Oliver

Photography and Art Gallery – @U42-Steve C.co

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” – Vincent van Gogh

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May 26, 2024 · 10:04 am

Typical Sunday?

Wikipedia

I’ve been contacting friends and family to make sure they’re all right, looking at articles on my computer trying to find out the news of the storm system we had last night. It’s ALMOST becoming routine that we’re under a WATCH and then WARNING for thunderstorms, hail, wind, and possible tornadoes. It seems this volatile weather is lasting for a longer time this spring than in the past. Once again, this evening, a cold front is coming through, with possible wind, hail, thunderstorms, and more.

I hate it that the change from winter to glorious spring comes with damage to so many good people. Some people survive (of course, the most important), but have to deal with the loss of their home, car, and even their job in some cases. Just devastating.

I’m SO thankful that we have made it through so far with only some downed branches in the yard and/or driveway. My thoughts are with the people who were not so fortunate recently, and those in harm’s way this afternoon and tonight.

Stay vigilant!

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May 7, 2024 · 10:34 am

Grateful to Make It Through

What is a ‘tornado emergency’?

“Back in 1999, a destructive tornado (eventually rated F5) was bearing down on the Oklahoma City, OK area on May 3rd. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Norman, OK had a Tornado Warning in effect, but felt that it was not enough. They needed to enhance the wording in the warning somehow to catch the attention of people in the path of this monster. That is when the Tornado Emergency was hatched.”

Nikolas Noonan – Unsplash.com

The whole central part of the U.S. was under weather alerts yesterday and all night. This was the first time I have heard the term, “tornado emergency.” I don’t really want to ever hear it again.

We were only under a tornado WATCH here – and we are most of the spring and summer, so I could just keep a watchful eye and ear. I watched a couple of real time weather websites and found out that others around us were really in imminent danger.

It turned out that a small city in Oklahoma – Barnsdall – not far from Tulsa, where I used to live, was hit really hard. Bartlesville, OK had damage, too. One person was killed. I’m still researching to find out more, but that’s what I’ve learned so far.

I checked on ‘my people,’ and all are okay, thank goodness. I haven’t found any damage here, so far. Apparently lots of people north of here are without power.

We’re supposed to have a good day today with another chance of severe weather tomorrow. I would be really happy if things tame down soon.

I hope you are safe.

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April 22, 2024 · 10:02 am

It’s Monday 4-22-2024

6m assets – freepik.com

Happy Earth Day. I hope that the weather is such that you can get outside and enjoy our planet today. In that vein, I wanted to share a magnificent photo by J. Picot via Anthony Sider – @BudgetDude on X – that celebrates our Earth.

J. Picot – Anthony Sider – @BudgetDude On X – such a beautiful planet to save!

Yesterday’s yard project was weeding and pruning the middle 8-foot brick planter in a trio that runs between our front yard and the top of our driveway.

Before
2nd view
After
Another View

Today I’ll tackle the 3rd of the trio of planters, trying to make it look like ‘someone cares’ instead of ‘the people moved away,’ as it looks now.

Enjoy your day.

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April 21, 2024 · 9:34 am

Sunny Sunday 4-21-2024

I’m having a small “moan-and-whine” session over our coming weather. I got outside yesterday when the light rain stopped and managed to weed one brick planter. The weather was PERFECT for weeding – cool with a light breeze and cloudy. Today through Tuesday of next week is supposed to be nice, as well, so I’m really happy about that. I need to spend a lot of time in the yard trying to get things weeded and pruned, plus tending our veggie garden.

Wednesday, though, things fall apart big time. Showers and thunderstorms start then and continue through Sunday, May 5th, with only one day showing sunny. ONE!

UGH. Hopefully this rain won’t be non-stop, and I’ll be able to get out there and get things done in-between, but the forecast as a whole is pretty grim.

I’ll try to work around the weather, getting things as under control as possible. I’m going to walk around the yard now and take some pics to share with you.

Happy Sunny Sunday!

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April 19, 2024 · 10:19 am

End of our Vicarious Vacation

“Beach Sunrise” – MaryLou Lewis

ML is always up even before the crack of dawn. If sunrise came at around 8am, I would be up to greet the day, too… :0)

“A New Day Begins” – MaryLou Lewis

She combines love of sunrises with a good walk, a really good thing I would like to emulate, as well, because I know my body would thank me – eventually.

“Birth of a New Day” – MaryLou Lewis

We have received beautiful sunrises and have gotten to watch some sandpipers skittering around on the sand. Life just couldn’t be much better.

“Nature’s Beauty” – MaryLou Lewis

A beautiful gift from a very nice lady. I hope it was relaxing to HER, as it was to ME. Thanks, ML.

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April 8, 2024 · 2:17 pm

Wow

Country Living Magazine

I’m awe-struck. I’ve never seen a solar eclipse before. I set out two chairs in our back yard and got out our glasses. I decided not to try to take pics. I noticed it was getting darker when I looked out the window toward the front yard, so I grabbed the glasses, yelled at my husband, and headed out the back door. It had already started, with a small chunk out of the bottom right side of the sun.

It was amazing to us that even when the sun went completely dark, it was like dusk in our back yard. We could have seen to drive. We didn’t see the corona around the round sun. Our view was such that the crescent kept getting smaller and smaller and then there was just a bit left at the upper left of the circle. Then it was completely gone.

It was dark for several minutes and then a small bit of light showed to the right side of the moon. It’s still getting lighter as I type, but we saw the magnificence of the whole event. My husband is even mowing again right now, being upset that he missed an area on the first mowing.

ALWAYS in the past, when comets are supposed to be giving a showy, showery display, or the planets are in alignment, or something else wonderful is happening, WE get storms or clouds or flying hairballs – SOMETHING that makes it a non-event here.

Today, when we likely won’t be here anymore for the next one, we got to see it. What a sight!

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January 30, 2024 · 9:14 am

Beautiful Tuesday

Viacheslav Lakobchuk – 123RF.com

Today our weather is absolutely gorgeous. I’m about to go do several errands, and it will be a delight to be outside. It’s 44 right now, and the forecast is for 65 this afternoon. The sun is shining. GORGEOUS!!!!

My husband and I are learning to function on very little sleep at night. We’re lucky to be able to catch cat naps during the day, so things are improving there, as well.

So far, my husband has not tried to do things he shouldn’t, so I’m beginning to think I MIGHT be able to spend some time in my art room this week. I’m going to see if I can find another good video on techniques for wood burning to get the juices flowing. :0)

I hope things are going well for you today.

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January 21, 2024 · 4:03 pm

Oops!

kichigin-freepik.com

Well, it got above freezing. We drove the trash down to the place in the driveway where we have the trash can. I got out and started to roll the trash can down. I immediately started slipping badly. My husband drove on down to get the mail, then stopped to get out to help me, when he saw I was having trouble.

I waited, but he didn’t come. I kept creeping down, inches at a time with the trash can. I finally got down to the street and left the trash can. He had fallen and was trying to get into the truck. He made it back inside the truck just as I made my way over. His left foot had gone out from under him and he fell backwards, hitting his shoulder. He almost couldn’t get into the truck. He insisted he could drive, so we drove down to the church, turned around with lots of pain for his left shoulder, then made it back up the driveway and to the house.

I had him take some aspirin and got him settled in his chair with the heating pad wrapped all around it. I got him a drink. He’s watching TV and I just checked on him. He was holding the heat pad close to his shoulder. He says it feels a bit better.

We should have driven all the way down to the road, then he could have gotten the mail while I tried to walk up for the trash can. Shoulda – woulda – coulda. Now we’re supposed to get an ice storm starting tonight-into-tomorrow. We’ll just stay up here until further notice – until we can get wherever we need to go without getting out of the truck on ice, assuming we can get down the driveway in the first place.

Did I tell you I’m ready for spring?

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January 19, 2024 · 10:14 am

No Lunch Bunch Today

cutigers- @cutigs1 on X

Barn owls are my favorite, and this photo simply takes my breath away.

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We had to call our friends and tell them we would not be able to get to Lunch Bunch today. :0( It’s 11 degrees outside right now and the ‘stuff’ on the driveway is solid and quite slippery. We MAY get above freezing Sunday afternoon.

I’m hoping to see if we can gather and drive our trash down to the bottom of the driveway Sunday afternoon before we’re due for either ‘ice and rain’ OR “5-7 inches of snow” Monday, depending on who you’re listening to or reading. Can we have a third choice, please????

We ARE supposed to get a significant warm-up Tuesday. HOOOORAAAAAY! My goal now is to hold everything together until then. We are still fine up on top of our ridge line. Our water pipes have not burst, we have electricity and heat, food, etc.

I woke up to standing water all over the counter around the double sinks in our bathroom upstairs. I called down to my husband. He came up and said something to the effect that, “that’s the setting where it does that” about the faucet we’ve been leaving dripping in his sink during this cold spell. I’m reading this to mean this has happened sometime in the past and he just didn’t say anything. Anyhow, we can’t get anyone up here now. He helped me sop up the water, throw ruined stuff away, and wipe off and put back the salvageable things. Not a great way to start the day…

My husband is enjoying taping and watching some truly awful movies. He enjoys ‘action’ movies, which HE defines in “body counts – the more dead in the most gruesome ways possible, the better.” Needless to say, I’m enjoying computer time, listening to music, reading, playing some in my art room, etc.

I hope that you’re managing to stay sane, dry, warm, and safe during this active winter.

“Every winter has its spring.” ~ H. Tuttle

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January 18, 2024 · 9:55 am

Thawing a Bit

Montana Roots – @MontanaRoots on X – GEC-YtoakAAMPNl

We’re finally getting a bit of thawing! The schools are still closed, showing our roads are still bad, but we have another good day where we’re above freezing before we have another round of colder tonight and more snow on Monday.

Paul Willson – “Winter Oaks” – @PaulWillson on X

My husband actually drove down the driveway yesterday to get our mail. He said our Blizzaks (snow tires) worked well. I will wait until the driveway looks a bit less like a ski slope and the schools are open before I try it.

Tim Scanlan – “On a Cold and Frosty Morning” – @TScanlanPhoto on X

I pride myself on always showing up – usually a bit early – for appointments. Suffice to say I HATE not being able to get to ones I’ve scheduled because of the weather. I really don’t like to disrupt other people’s schedules because I can’t get down my own driveway – and up again. The fact that the local schools are still closed this time helps a bit.

Paul Willson – “Winters Wonderland” – @PaulWillson on X

I’m ready for spring.

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January 12, 2024 · 1:54 pm

Whine and Cheese

Our snow this morning turned out to be no big deal. Even with the temperature at 26, the breezy winds are causing the snow to break up.

The thing is, the streets are getting colder each day and it’s more likely that the NEXT snow WILL be a problem. Our steep driveway is a problem no matter what. We’ll watch and see how things go this weekend. We may be able to get out tomorrow and get some last-minute goodies that will make our enforced ‘housedom’ more bearable.

We don’t have any appointments until Tuesday, but that’s AFTER we’re supposed to get more snow Sunday and Monday, in particular.

I’m serving ‘whine’ with cheese in case anyone is having a pity party… :0)

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January 12, 2024 · 10:46 am

Ooooh!

Down East Magazine

We’re having what is considered by many (myself included) to be ‘uncivilized’ weather here in Arkansas today – and until further notice.

It’s 24 degrees F. right now. I don’t know what the low was this morning, and it MAY get above freezing today. In fact, we’re supposed to get snow Sunday and Monday, with lows down to -2 one day next week, and only breaking above freezing for highs starting Wednesday or so.

We’re snowed in right now. I had to call my friends and tell them we weren’t coming to Lunch Bunch. Thankfully, we were all in agreement about the insanity of risking falling on our heads. Hopefully, we can meet NEXT Friday. David, the owner of The Pizza Barn where we meet, opens early just for my friend Kay. I called him to let him know we wouldn’t meet today. He said he was glad we weren’t going to risk it.

We’ll stay home in our cozy home, dripping water nightly in the hope that our pipes don’t freeze, and wait this out. I’m more than ready for spring.

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January 10, 2024 · 9:30 am

Perfect Winter

David Sandhum Photography

When we’re snow-packed here, this nice photograph by David Sandum Photography gives you an idea of our driveway AFTER we clean it up from all the branches, limbs, and sometimes, entire trees that fall into it during a winter storm. It is never plowed this nicely, though.

I never thought I would covet things like snow plows or big cutting equipment and the powered cage thingie that some people who work on power lines stand in while working.

Failing that, a nice driveway service of guys who would come and clear things FOR us would really be nice, if I won the lottery…

I really like the LOOK of winter, LOVE the feeling of being inside my own, personal snow globe with huge, fluffy snowflakes falling lushly all around me. I love snow men, snow animals, snow creations of all kinds. I really enjoy watching people ski and snow board, and would enjoy riding in a ski lift basket.

A nice fantasy is a personal chauffeur in a brawny vehicle who LOVED driving in the snow and ice, who could get me wherever I needed to go with no worry of whether I would get there in one piece or not.

Top that off with comfort food, a heating pad in my chair with my throw over me, hot chocolate or coffee on my warmer beside me, a fire in the fireplace, music, a good book, and you have my idea of the perfect winter season.

What did I leave out? :0)

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January 9, 2024 · 9:30 am

Brrr!

USA Today

Isn’t this child the cutest thing? I melted when I found this picture.

It’s 32 here with snow showers forecast by the locals through 6pm this evening. There is frost on the ground, but the concrete and our driveway are clear at the moment.

We’ll be leaving in a bit to drive to Ft. Smith for our semi-annual dental cleaning. This is already a thing I dread, not even THINKING about the snow showers. Right now I’m TRYING not to freak out that my husband might insist on driving the Vette (rather than the truck with the snow tires.) I’ve stressed that the locals say the next wave of weather is supposed to happen while we are in Ft. Smith, maybe causing a bit of trouble for our way home, and then getting back up our driveway. Fingers crossed he’ll be reasonable.

It’s been a long time since I needed to worry about winter shoes. I have several pairs of boots, but they are mainly decorative, rather than for seriously cold or wet weather. I got a pair out this morning, put them on, and then started making our bed. I found a chunk of black ‘stuff’ on the carpet. Then I noticed my left boot seemed to be ‘sticking’ to the carpet as I moved. It turned out the whole sole of the left boot was crumbling! I’ve never had that happen before. There was nothing to do but throw out the boots and grab a second pair. I’m thankful I HAD a second pair! My husband insisted I also have a pair of Herman Survivors, and they are still in my closet. They weigh a TON, and make my ankles and legs hurt when I wear them. It would need to be so cold outside that no one in their right mind would GO out in order for me to wear them. The ones I have on are mainly ‘hiking’ boots, I guess, but they’re much lighter weight and have rubber soles for the wet. Even if we have to walk up the steep driveway (650+ feet) when we get home, I should be fine. I have a warm coat, hat, and gloves, as well.

I wish I looked HALF as cute in my gear as the child at the top of this post. :0)

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December 25, 2023 · 11:04 pm

Beautiful

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Filed under Blog Repost - Wonderful Posts, holidays, Mother Nature, Seasons, snow people, video

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November 30, 2023 · 10:00 am

“Splattering of Showers…”

Jack Yeargle – Pinterest

Our weather forecast is for showers this morning, “splattering of showers” this afternoon, and heavy thunderstorms this evening. I’m really glad our plumber and his helper don’t have to get under our house or up on the roof for the ‘chimney’ for the tankless water heater installation today.

It’s 50 degrees F., so not cold, but it seemed like a good idea to start a crock pot full of chili for tonight. I just finished doing that. I only forgot we didn’t have water ONCE – pretty good for me, since I usually clean things as I go, putting the rinsed things in the dishwasher…

I’ve paid bills and gotten organized to balance checkbooks and do my spreadsheet bookkeeping later. I’m going to finish up at the computer and then go up to my art room soon.

I hope the weather isn’t messing up your plans for the day.

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November 20, 2023 · 11:59 am

Thunderstorms and Hair Balls

500px.com

It was raining when we got up this morning. Raining when we went out for errands, and raining a bit ago when we drove our trash down to the bottom of the driveway. The forecast is for “Scattered (80%) showers and thunder – the top threats are pockets of damaging hail and gusty winds.” Sounds like the perfect day to stay inside, safe and warm.

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August 20, 2023 · 10:04 am

Sunday 8-20-2023

Greenwood is just southeast of Fort Smith, Arkansas – just above the “Feels Like 110-115” part of the image. (High of 106 this afternoon). It’s always hot in the summer, but I don’t remember having so many days of ‘excessive heat warnings.’ I think that’s new, and I really don’t consider it a good thing. I’m always griping about the weather, it seems, but Mother Nature just can’t seem to get her head on straight. Thank goodness we’re spoiled by not having to be outside for work and having good air conditioning!

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LesterLousDesigns-Etsy

Yesterday I finally finished liquid etching the stencils on the glassware I’m working on in my art room. The etching worked, but I’m pretty disappointed at how delicate and faint the etching is, even though I left the medium on as long as they said was the LONGEST time to leave it on.

Today I’m going to start experimenting, using my Dremel tool. I’m going to see if I can add names to the glassware with the tool. I’ll keep adding and adjusting to see what I can make of this. This will be a long, slow process. I’ll take my time and just enjoy. (Actually, this is the part I enjoy the most. What I WANTED didn’t happen. Now I’m free to ‘play.’ If something fun comes of it, good. If not, I can always pitch these and start over with something else. :0) )

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Red and White 3 Disc Light-Weight Hand-Painted Wooden Dangle Earrings with Bling – Length: 2.5 Inches; Width: 1.2 Inches – $13.95 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S. HandmadeHavenByLindaonEtsy

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Shout-out to Mary Lou – just thought of you when I saw this –

hahahahahahahaah

Hope you have a FUN Sunday.

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August 4, 2023 · 12:10 pm

Trip to Town

Unsplash-Monika Batich-Getty Images-iStockphoto

We had a good time at Lunch Bunch. Kay and Bud were there. Bud seemed touched that we remembered his birthday with a card. He said one of his thermometers read 116 yesterday. Our shop thermometer read 110, and the one under the deck roof showed 108. UGH. It’s ‘only’ 97 right now, but we’re under both a ‘Heat Advisory’ AND an “Excessive Heat Warning.” Not sure why we rate both, but it does get your attention.

Dreamstime.com

We’re still having to drive miles out of our way to get to and from town since the bridge between us and Greenwood was taken out completely and is being replaced. We drove past our driveway on the way home so we could go check out the progress.

This stock photo gives you an idea of what is going on, but our road is completely closed off. There is a HUGE hole where the old bridge was taken out and they are working on a 3rd of 3 humongous concrete supports that go all the way across the road from one side to the other. There is a big tractor/digger/crane beside the hole which is dug far down below where the old bridge was. I’m not sure what happens after they get that 3rd support poured. I don’t have a clue how they will go across from one support to the next – in line with the road… I’ll try to take some pics next time we go.

We’re home for the day now and I’ll start my projects for the day as soon as I finish this. Stay cool and hydrated.

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August 2, 2023 · 9:16 am

Too Hot to Handle

Digital Mom Blog

Actual temperature forecast to be 104 today. I have no idea what the “feels like” temperature will be. All I know is that IT’S TOO HOT! I’m eagerly awaiting the possibility of rain late this weekend or early next week.

We’re leaving for errands in a few minutes. When we get back, we’re in for the day.

I finished my spraying for weeds yesterday. I’ll give it a few days and then see where I need to treat again. My husband is smiling at the turning-brown-and-crunchy grass.

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Yesterday I cleaned up and reorganized the dining area. Today I’ll tackle what we call the ‘go-out table,’ a catch-all for many of the things we should have been putting where they belong, but landed there because we were too lazy.

As you can see, the baskets are full-to-overflowing and things are getting ready to topple off the table. Hopefully, I can remedy that today.

I hope you have a calm, quiet day, insulated against weather extremes, with a hug or two to help you through.

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July 31, 2023 · 10:03 am

Strength Sapped

lolcuteanimals.tumblr.com

Pinterest.gif

I’m feeling good that I finished weeding the rock beds along the front and back of the house yesterday. I also sprayed Killzall (a product recommended to me by my good friend Cathy) to try to keep the weeds from sprouting right up again.

I’m planning to mix up another 2-gallon container and start making my way around the house spraying the areas my husband can’t get to when he mows. I’m stiff and sore from my efforts over the past two days, so this is all I’ll do outside today and then try to get in a session of ‘old-lady-yoga-stretching’ this afternoon.

Our heat index for the next several days is all the way up to 115. (Only 105 today). I shouldn’t gripe – the actual temperatures have been like this, and higher, in Phoenix for a LONG time now.

Pinterest

I looked on my weather website the morning and saw this beautiful symbol! If it is to be believed, we have a good chance of rain starting Sunday!!!!!!! This old lady will be outside dancing in it if it’s true. :0)

I hope that you are having nice weather where you are today. If not, I hope that you can protect yourself from whatever excess you’re enduring from Mother Nature.

Enjoy your day.

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July 6, 2023 · 10:05 am

Thursday Thoughts 7-6-23

Giphy

WEATHER

It’s 77 degrees F., dark and rainy here right now. We have the doors open to welcome the cool breezes. We’re not supposed to be threatened by flying hair balls, so we can simply relax and enjoy the rain. AHHHHHH :0)

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LOOK WHAT I DID!

Painted Container with Lid – Hand-Painted, One of a Kind – Glass – “Stained Glass” – $41.99 with FREE SHIPPING in the contiguous U.S. – lindawlewis1@gmail.com for more information. HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy.

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ART ROOM

Pixabay

I’m starting to dream about the Christmas presents I want to make for my friends this year. I’m thinking of etching some glassware with initials plus some other decorative stencils with some free-form dremel additions in-between. I have no idea, really, how to do this, but I’m having a great time in my dreams… :0)

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Yesterday’s harvest

My main spring garden was a complete bust this year due to the wonky weather. The spinach turned yellow and the lettuce started bolting way too soon. I’ll get that cleared out in time. Meanwhile, the tomatoes are doing well.

I hope you’re enjoying your Thursday.

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June 24, 2023 · 9:25 am

Heat Index of WHAT?!

Adobe

Summer became official last Wednesday and it’s already pushing the boundaries of the season.

We’re going to try to cook out for the first time for the summer this evening. The heat index today is going to be 108. GREAT. We may end up eating at midnight.

Meanwhile, after we finish our errands this morning, I’m going to TRY to get some things done outside. I need to –

  • check for ripe tomatoes
  • finish weed whacking
  • and continue cleaning out my spring garden

I know I’ll check the tomatoes, but am not sure what else on that list will actually get done. If I DO continue out there, it will be really short sessions followed by longer resting periods and lots and lots of water.

I AM looking forward to cooking out, though, even if it’s really hot. We have a rope of LED lights around the deck cover and they give it a festive air. I can put my feet up, enjoy a drink, play with our animals, and enjoy talking with my husband while the charcoals get ready and then we cook. Tonight we have steaks – a splurge we haven’t done since last year.

I’m having to watch my husband carefully because he doesn’t ‘prepare’ for being outside. I have to TAKE him a hat and sunglasses as he mows, and bring him a cold drink if I can get him to take a break, or when he finishes. He works until he can barely get back in the house. We talk about it rationally, he agrees to try to do better, and then repeats the same behavior. Arrrgh!

He did get the mowing done yesterday, so if he’s out today, it will be puttering, cutting down branches that get in the way of his riding mower.

Be careful wherever you are, making sure that you weather the temperatures as well as possible, and watch for storms popping up that can cause problems.

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June 16, 2023 · 11:52 am

Home in One Piece

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We are home from Lunch Bunch now. We didn’t go anywhere else due to the weather people being right about gusty winds and heavy rain, but thankfully not about the ‘baseball-sized hail.’

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Only Linda and Patty were at Lunch Bunch. Kay and Bud stayed home due to the threat of the hail, but we had a great time.

Patty told us about her anniversary/vacation celebration in Greece and showed us a couple of stunning pictures. We enjoyed good conversation and lots of laughs, and I hugged both of them.

I reminded them that we are set to celebrate Linda’s birthday NEXT Friday, the 23rd, even though her actual birthday is the 29th. (If we waited until the following Friday, we would MISS her birthday – not acceptable.)

I’m glad we got to Lunch Bunch, but I’m happy that we’re home now, just in case the weather guys will be right about the hail…

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June 14, 2023 · 10:52 am

Nice Display!

This is my sister-in-law’s garden in Charlotte. They will be moving at the end of the year, so this is the last spring display they will enjoy. I’m so glad they – and Mother Nature – are cooperating to show them the proper send-off. So colorful and pretty! (If you look carefully above the hummingbird feeder, you can see a hummer!)

Beautiful combination of colors and different shapes. :0) “Happiness in a box.”

Ooooh. Elegant!

Delightful!

THANKS, ML, for allowing me to share these!

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June 3, 2023 · 10:28 am

New Weather Term?

myRepublica-Nagarik Network

This afternoon we’re due for ‘scattered downpours.’ I don’t remember our weather people using this term before. We’ve had scattered showers, heavy rain, and everything up to flying hairballs, but I don’t remember ‘scattered downpours’ – and we only a 40% chance of them. What would a ‘100% chance of scattered downpours’ look like? I think I must be missing something.

My other weather source says absolutely nothing about rain today. I guess that would be ‘REALLY scattered downpours’ in the new weather jargon?”

I’m going to go outside in just a bit to see if I can finish weeding my raised bed square foot garden boxes before whatever rain we’re supposed to get – gets here. I’ll try to get some pictures for you.

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This is the closest pic I was able to find to give you an idea of the bridge that is on the road between our place and town. Our bridge is on a curve in the road. Yesterday when we went to Lunch Bunch there was a cleared area to one side with a dirt ‘road’ that went from one end of the bridge around to the other end – a kind of ‘bypass.’ There were no ‘road closed’ signs and the bridge was passable. I found on the net where there is some kind of grant that will be used for ‘improvements,’ but no other details as to what will happen or when. A mystery.

I hope that your weekend is free of downpours – either ‘scattered’ or ‘un’ and that you find something really fun to do. :0)

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April 25, 2023 · 9:24 am

Tuesday 4-25-2023

April 19, 1968 a tornado ripped through the town of Greenwood, Arkansas and pretty much leveled it, killing 13 people and injuring at least 200 others.

My husband and I moved here in 1987, but there is a definite “before the tornado” and “after the tornado” feeling here. There was a piece on the local news about the 55 year anniversary of that tornado yesterday.

It was an F4 tornado and came up in the middle of the afternoon when school was letting out. In 4 minutes, the town was leveled.

“GREENWOOD, Ark. — On April 19, 1968, one of the deadliest tornadoes to strike Arkansas tore through Greenwood, killing 13 people and injuring more than 200. The tornado was rated an F4. Around 3:15 p.m., the tornado touched down in the southern section of Greenwood for four minutes.”

The town was rebuilt and was totally intact when we moved here in 1987. The people here are resilient, hard-working, with a lot of heart. The square in the center of town was pretty much wiped off the map, but once again has a charm that drew me the minute I saw it. It reminds me of Nevada, Missouri, where my mom’s parents lived. I visited in the summers and could walk to the square and ‘shop,’ just like a real person, rather than having to wait on someone to take me somewhere. I could walk to the library, buy a cherry coke from the counter in the local drug store, window shop, and more. I have wonderful memories of that time.

KFSM

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April 16, 2023 · 9:31 am

Oh, Happy Day!

We were due for severe weather with large hail yesterday afternoon through the evening. I debated how best to try to protect my young plants and decided clothes-pinning sheets above and around the plants was best, though if we did, indeed, get baseball-sized hail as one of the forecasts said, nothing would save them.

I found some plastic deep trays in the shop and put them on top of each of the sprinklers in the planter boxes here. Then I spread the sheet and clothes-pinned them around the legs of the box supports.

The plants came through fine. My husband estimated that the hail we received was about 1/2 inch – 5/8 inch. It was making so much noise during the worst of it that we couldn’t hear each other talk. We were standing together with the back door open, looking out through the screened porch. It was pretty impressive.

Above is one of the best head lettuce plants we have. Isn’t it pretty?

And this is one of the best spinach plants. I need to get out and trim off some broken or dead plant parts, plus do a bit of weeding, but I’m SO happy that they came through what could have been devastation just fine.

The tomato plants made it through, too. I wrapped the sheets around the supports and clothes-pinned the sheets as tightly as possible. This is the smaller, square planter. There are four tomato plants here. They should perk up a bit more now that the sheet is off and they can be in the sunshine.

This is the second tomato planter. There are six plants here. I clothes-pinned one king-sized sheet over the whole support system here and then tightened the edges around the bottom as much as I could.

Here’s a close up of one of the tomato plants. I can’t wait until we have ripe tomatoes to cut up for lunches and dinners!

It’ll take quite a bit of the day to get the 6 sheets washed, dried, and stored in the bag in the shop waiting for next time.

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