Category Archives: Thoughts on a ________

February 19, 2023 · 10:07 am

It’s Sunday 2-19-2023

Ala Hamdon – 500px Blog

Happy Sunday!

It’s beautiful here in Arkansas today – 50 already and sunny, with a high of 67 forecast. I’ll take it and enjoy every minute!

This has been a productive week for me.

  • I lost 4 pounds this week, although no celebratory balloons yet. This is the loss of pounds I had GAINED over the past two months or so, so until I get into new territory, I’m just quietly pleased I’ve finally come up with an eating plan that seems to be working – at least so far.
  • I finished getting our tax stuff together. I’ll call first thing tomorrow to make sure they are open (President’s Day) before we make the trip to Ft. Smith, but we plan to leave it with our tax guy.
  • I’ve been spending time in my art room, working on a couple of projects and having a good time.
  • I’ve been cleaning some things in the house.

Also, in the “Big Relief” category –

  • My husband has ordered a used PC already assembled, that we hope we can use in the shop. After pricing the parts needed to rebuild one of the computers we had, we found out it was cheaper to do it this way. Hooray!
  • My husband suggested that we could have someone else change out the brake pads in the truck, rather than our trying to do this ourselves. Our appointment is tomorrow at 10:00. Hooray!

I hope today is a good one for you, too.

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February 18, 2023 · 9:19 am

Saturday Morning 2-18-2023

Elephant News

I’ve lost almost 3-1/2 pounds this week. I have found that the ‘big test’ on whether I’m actually hungry or not is when I will eat raw carrots. I like carrots just fine, but I NEVER crave them. The fact that the scales are noticing my efforts is encouraging. So far this week each morning I weigh a bit less. I know this won’t happen every morning, but it’s nice to know it MIGHT. ONE DAY AT A TIME…

I don’t know how long my husband was on Microsoft Chat, but he was still going when I went to bed at 1am this morning. I’m trying to keep Amber quiet so he can get some good rest. The computer rebuild is ongoing. I’m not sure what the status is at this point.

We’re supposed to get to 56 degrees this afternoon. The sun is up there, shining its heart out. A happy-looking day.

My other half requested I make spaghetti today, so I have things together to make that happen later.

A calm, quiet day, I’m hoping.

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February 17, 2023 · 9:03 am

Hooray – It’s Friday 2-17-2023

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Today is Lunch Bunch. I haven’t heard from anyone that they AREN’T coming, so I’m going, hoping to catch up with everyone. These days it’s almost like throwing a bottle in the ocean trying to reach my friends. I can leave a message on Kay’s phone, but Kay says it doesn’t show up. She also says it doesn’t ring, but hasn’t gotten a replacement phone yet. So, unless she answers, I’m not at all confident I can reach her. Linda’s phone message system hasn’t been set up. If she doesn’t answer, I can’t leave a message. Her daughter Patty says she often doesn’t hear the phone because she isn’t wearing her hearing aids. Getting older is SUCH a reminder to keep your sense of humor.

One good thing, my friend Nora has quit her full time job and is writing a children’s book with the idea of self-publishing via the Kindle app. She is a talented artist (pastels), so I don’t wonder that she’ll write well, too. I’m hoping to be able to recommend her book to you one day. In the meantime, I’m hoping she’ll start joining us at Lunch Bunch. She can’t come today, but I’ll text and remind her that this is a standing invitation. :0)

I had a really nice thing happen yesterday. I was getting the mail and a truck went by. We waved, then he stopped and backed up. He told me he loved the mailbox decorations and made it a point to drive by and see what we had up, even though he lives down the road in the other direction. He asked if we used a CNC setup to make them, so he knows his tools. I confirmed that and told him he made my day and that I would tell my husband. He said he’s a handyman! I asked if he had a card and he gave me one. I will keep this with the idea of getting his help in the future. I’ll let you know how he does.

We’re due for nicer and nicer weather the rest of the week. It’s really terrific to see the sunshine and have afternoon temperatures at 50 today and even warmer the rest of the week.

Have a fabulous Friday.

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February 16, 2023 · 9:28 am

Cold, Rainy Thursday 2-16-2023

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I’m about to leave to get a haircut. I look like a dandelion gone to seed. Tuesday Michael, our wonderful hair stylist, got my husband looking all spiffy, with hair, mustache, and beard all trimmed with expertise. I’m hoping he can work a miracle and get me to look as if someone-has-a-plan. :0) My hair is thin, fine, and does absolutely nothing good on its own. Michael has a way of cutting it so that all I have to do is wash it and blow it dry.

I’ll hit the grocery store before coming home, get our mail, and then we can stay inside our warm, dry house the rest of the day. We had quite a storm overnight, but I haven’t seen any damage yet. The biggest thing is that Mother Nature can’t figure out which season we’re having. One day is like spring. Yesterday the high was in the 60s. The cold front came in overnight with the storm and the high will be 41 today. It’s gloomy looking now, with enough wind that the cold blows right through you. I really hurried to feed the cat in the garage this morning.

My husband has now decided to merge the parts of two computers, get a new motherboard, and hope that the rebuild will work so he has a computer in the shop again. Working with him in the office when he’s working on a computer is more challenging that I would like, so I’ll give him the space we will both need.

An example – I’m trying to finish this post before leaving, concentrating on it. Suddenly, there is something in front of my face. It’s my husband, waving a package of AAA batteries, saying, get some of these while you’re out. We discussed the interruption. He said “I could have yelled, “Hey, YOU! Get some batteries!” I told him quietly that if he did that, he wouldn’t be around to NEED the batteries… I’ll be really happy when the computer rebuild is over.

I wish you a warm, dry day wherever you are today. I’m looking forward to cuddling with my cat under my throw after lunch. Amber might join us, too, but it’s a bit difficult to make enough room for me, Abby, and a 95 pound yellow lab…

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February 15, 2023 · 9:01 am

Windy Wednesday 2-15-2023

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I’m still happy that we aren’t snowed or iced in, but we’re facing possible severe weather this afternoon, evening, and overnight, with possible snow flurries tomorrow morning. It’s supposed to be really windy today, too. I would love to have a talk with Mother Nature and see what has her nose out of joint. Maybe I could calm her down.

We’ll need to re-tether our humongous trash can to the pole toward the bottom of the driveway today before gusty winds carry it somewhere else.

I hope that you and your Valentine had a happy day yesterday. Our day was calm and good. My husband and I drove the front half of the truck into our shop and took off the front tires to look at our brakes again. We couldn’t find any problem. My husband shocked me by saying first that we could change the brake pads all around ourselves OR take it to someone to have that done. I jumped on the latter. Once we came back inside I jumped to find someone in Greenwood who could do it for us. We have an appointment for next Monday morning. Hoooraaaaaay! I think yesterday’s session finally got through to him that both of us are a bit long in the tooth to be trying to do the heavy lifting required on some of our projects.

I talked to a really good friend yesterday via email, asking what was going on in her life now. She is now working in Greenwood, rather than Ft. Smith and sounded really happy, with lots of plans for the future. I couldn’t be happier for her and am waiting to hear details in another email. :0)

Enjoy your Wednesday!

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February 14, 2023 · 9:32 am

Thoughts on Tuesday 2-14-2023

Healthline

I received a Jacquie Lawson Valentine’s Day card from one of my long-time close friends this morning. It was a really nice way to start the day. My husband showed his romantic self yesterday while we were at the local grocery, asking, ‘You want flowers or something?” I swoon. :0)

I’ve always thought that Valentine’s Day, at least the way it’s celebrated, is awful. People all over the world, I guess, are pressured into getting ‘something’ for their significant other on a particular day of the year. I think that if you love someone, EVERY day is the time to show how you feel, with a smile, a kiss, a hug, or maybe even a nice gift if you find something you think they will like. When it’s NOT the ‘official’ time to show it, it’s REAL. Happily, my husband and I share this belief and we show each other often – when we’re not contemplating digging a hole in the back yard to stash the body….

It’s raining today, so I’m not looking forward to having to go out in it this morning. My husband has a haircut. I sold some earrings last night on my Etsy site, and so will mail them to my customer today. When we get back, hopefully, our huge trash can will have been emptied and we can pull it partially up the driveway to re-tether it to the pole.

We’ll spend time today with our truck in our shop. It’s making a grinding noise when we put on the brake. When we put the snow tires on, we checked the brake pads as we always do, and all was good. When the grinding noise started, we put the truck in the shop and took the back tires off again to see what problems we could find. We didn’t find anything. Today we’ll check the front again.

I hope that you have a happy Valentine’s Day with the one you love.

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February 13, 2023 · 9:51 am

Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day

Clear Lake, Iowa

I’m cherishing every minute of our bright sunshiny day today, as the rest of the week is forecast to be quite rainy.

The Super Bowl game last night was one of the best I’ve ever seen. Two great teams, no bad sportsmanship, brothers on each team, some truly wonderful plays, strong, tight game until the last minute. Someone had to win. And lose. But I really think both of these teams were winners.

We’ll go out after lunch to take our trash down and do some errands. Just a quiet Monday.

My husband gave up on the shop computer and is now transferring parts that are still good from it into the shell of another one that was extra, hoping that he can build one to go out to the shop. Fingers crossed. He’s not stressed over it, so that’s really, really good.

I’m having fun in my art room the last few days. I’m doing a project where each part needs to dry before I do more, so I spend a small bit of time up there, then come down and read or do something else on my list, then maybe go back up, depending on what stage I’m in. FUN!

I’m on book #40 in re-reading the In Death Series by J.D. Robb. One of the perks of being older than dirt is that I remember many parts of each book that I can enjoy again, but don’t remember many of the details of how the person was caught. Sometimes, I even find things I swear I didn’t read before….hahahahaha

On my ongoing “wish list” I’m including ‘developing an aversion to most food.’ It would be SO much easier to lose the lard if I could ‘forget’ to eat, or just ‘not be hungry,’ so I could eat what was absolutely necessary for nourishment, do my exercise for the day, and concentrate on other things. It’s a thought.

Happy Monday to you.

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February 12, 2023 · 9:09 am

Game On

Sporting News

Will you watch the Super Bowl today? We always do, even though we’re not big football fans. My husband doesn’t care who wins, and I just want a really competitive game where we won’t know who will win until the final nail-biting minutes.

I could never actually ATTEND a game because 1) I change who I’m routing for – switching to root for the one behind, and 2) I’m vocal about it. So fans of either team – or both – would probably want to pummel me. I appreciate expertise in most any form. Playing football well is an art and I love being able to watch the two teams with the best records this season duke it out.

I also love the commercials. My dad had his own one-man advertising agency in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He specialized in radio advertising and billed himself as ‘the 2nd worst radio voice in Tulsa.’ (The 1st was a woman florist who had a really raspy, grating voice.) I grew up admiring his creativity, his ability to make people smirk or laugh while buying his client’s products. He received an award from the Tulsa Chapter American Advertising Federation in 1984, that said, to Jim Wheaton “With admiration and Respect for His Unique Contributions in Advertising to Tulsa and All Other Markets.”

So I appreciate the creative minds that come up with unique commercials that make you laugh or cry while you consider buying the products. Standouts in my mind are the Budweiser Beer Commercials, where I hope the creators have won numerous awards – and I don’t even drink beer…

Here’s hoping we see a lot of skill and heart, a good, competitive game, a good halftime show, and lots of creative commercials.

Enjoy!

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February 11, 2023 · 8:57 am

Sunny Saturday 2-11-2023

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Isn’t this a beautiful photo?

The rain has FINALLY stopped, though we’ll have a rainy week ahead – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and the following Monday if the forecasters are correct. If it’s ONLY rain, I’ll try not to gripe too much. :0)

Unknown

My husband is still trying to fix computer problems. Yesterday he finally got our two office computers to see each other, so now we’re able to share files, access what we need, send things to each other, etc. NICE. He was able to upgrade the operating system on the shop computer, but he is beating his head against the wall trying to get the updates downloaded to it. So that’s the focus today. I’ll do what I need to on mine asap and turn mine off, and we’ll also turn the DirecTV off so that all our rural Internet power can focus on that. Fingers crossed.

While he’s doing that, I’m enjoying time in my art room. I’m trying some new techniques and just generally smiling up there while listening to some music. I’m also on #38, Concealed in Death, on my re-reading of my J.D.Robb/Nora Roberts In Death series collection before diving into the newest paperback, #55, Desperation in Death. The newest book in the series, #56, Encore in Death will be out in hardback at the end of this month, but it’ll be awhile before I can order it in paperback.

Since the sun is shining today, I’ll try to do some walking in the yard this afternoon when it warms up. It’s 35 right now, but it’s supposed to get to 54 this afternoon, I think. It’s been so gloomy lately that it almost hurts to look out the window at the effect of the bright, happy sunshine!

Along with several gazillion others, we will plan to watch the Super Bowl tomorrow. I’m hoping for a really competitive game – a nail-biter to the last minute.

Enjoy your Saturday.

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February 10, 2023 · 8:57 am

Ugh

Weather Station Advisor

Today rain and a possible ‘wintry mix’ is forecast. We’re going to try to go to Lunch Bunch anyway. We want to splurge on a burger. We’ll also get our mail, stop for gas and groceries before coming home. I’m really keeping all appendages crossed that we JUST get a cold rain, rather than being snowed in yet again. It’s really getting old.

On the home front, my husband is still fighting to get the updates on the shop computer. It continues to fail. He’s on chat with Microsoft, but so far, they aren’t able to help. So I do what I need to do first thing in the morning on the computer, then shut it down, plus the TV, so that he has as much download speed as we can gather to try again.

I’m reading, spending time in my art room, cooking, cleaning, etc., all really exciting stuff while the computer fight continues.

I hope that you are doing well and that the weather is treating you right where you are.

Take care.

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February 7, 2023 · 8:43 am

Faith

“Keep your faith in beautiful things;
in the sun when it is hidden,
in the Spring when it is gone.” Roy R. Gibson

Earth.com

Quora

I’m thankful today that the precipitation we’re due to get all day today and tomorrow is JUST rain. No snow, sleet, ice, or severe storms – no flying hair balls – JUST rain.

As soon as it’s time for our mail to have been delivered, we’ll check to see if the trash people have made our trash disappear this week. They didn’t last week, I assume because of the weather. I would imagine that if the school buses can’t make it around up here, neither can the trash trucks, mail delivery, etc. Hopefully, they’ll get it today.

My husband is in a ‘death fight’ with the computer that lives in our shop. I’m not sure WHY it’s a death fight, but he has spent hours and hours putting a new operating system on it, new video card, etc., getting more and more upset because it isn’t working. He plays music on it when he’s working in the shop. Since we haven’t been out there, except to get tools or mailbox decorations, I’m not sure why everything else has taken a back seat to this, but it has made it so that he can’t sleep at night and then sleeps on and off during the day. I’m glad he can get his rest, but I wish he would take a more measured approach to this.

I hope that the weather is not a problem where you are today and that this is a nice Tuesday for you.

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February 6, 2023 · 3:03 pm

Monday is Flying By

This is the flying pig we had hanging from a line up high over one side of the driveway. Since he fell onto the driveway during the recent snow storm, he has been moved to the shop, waiting for some long-needed refurbishment after hanging out in the weather for several years now. He needs new eyes, a total rework of his mouth and nose, and a repaint. I’m dragging my feet a little because I’m trying to find a good time to strongly suggest that we anchor him to a boulder beside the driveway, rather than trying to hang him up again. He’s really heavy, and I don’t want my husband trying to do this when all I can do is stand nearby, holding my breath and worrying trying to be ready to drive him to the ER if the worst happens.

Since I wrote this morning, we took our trash down to the bottom of the driveway. There we found our trash from last week, just as we left it, in the humongous can the company provides. I guess the ice storm made it impossible for them to do their work. We’ll check it tomorrow after the time they normally pick up, and see if it’s still there. If so, I’ll have to call the company. We got our mail, took other mail to leave at the post office, then the bank, then the local grocery where we indulged ourselves by bringing home fish dinners for lunch. Then a nap, and the day is half gone!

We may be the last people on the planet to see this, but the last two evenings we’ve been watching “1883,” the prequel to “Yellowstone.” We moved the last disc for the show to first in our queue last night and hope to be able to watch it very soon.

Another really rich story with strong characters typical of Taylor Sheridan’s work, fleshing out the John Dutton clan. Another thing that was fun, other than seeing Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, plus new to ME actors Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett and others, were the guest stars that just suddenly were there, like Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Taylor Sheridan himself. The quality of the acting is really, really impressive. If you haven’t seen this prequel yet, I highly recommend it. I should have brought more tissues. I can’t stand it when Sam Elliot tears up.

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February 4, 2023 · 10:48 am

It’s Sunny!

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It’s beautifully sunny this morning and the ice is finally thawing! My husband decided yesterday he would drive down the driveway – ‘damn the torpedoes – full speed ahead!’ and get the mail. He actually made it back safely. He did say it was too slick to do anything about the big trash can we’ve left down there since Monday for Tuesday pickup. Since it’s supposed to get to 58 this afternoon, we should get a bunch of thawing today. We’ll plan to get out and replenish supplies tomorrow afternoon.

We’ve spent almost 3 weeks now, supplying one day and then being trapped on top of our ridge line for the following week, one week at a time. I’m hoping that we can just settle down now and have the REGULAR Arkansas winter for at least a bit. I’m still feeling extremely lucky that our systems and back-up systems worked to keep us pretty comfortable through all this. When things dry out enough, we’ll move firewood into the holder in the garage so we’ll have plenty of firewood for more fires, if needed.

My husband didn’t mention any problems getting down or up the driveway yesterday, so I guess that means we didn’t have any more limbs or trees blocking our way due to the ice storm. We’ll still need to neaten up more from the quick and dirty job we did of chain-sawing things down that prevented our passage after the heavy, wet snow brought so many trees and limbs down the week before last. We can do that a bit at a time, though.

The sunshine brings my spirits up after all the cold, cloudy, and grim we’ve had. I’ll take some time and see if I can walk around outside today, smiling up at the sky.

Other than cheering on the beautiful day, I’ll make my husband’s request for chili for dinner tonight and continue working on our tax records. Be still, my heart. :0)

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February 3, 2023 · 9:56 am

Slippin’ and Slidin’

Tenor GIF Keyboard

We’re supposed to get to 50 today, so we’ll finally get some much-needed thawing. Our driveway, of course, will be the last thing to thaw, so I’m hoping that we won’t need to deal with whatever has broken, fallen, or is hanging into the driveway until at least tomorrow.

This looks like snow, but it’s ice – tiny ice pellets now frozen together. You can HEAR Amber run across the yard.

I’m making a point of not trying to have any contact with this stuff. It’s super slippery. Our driveway pad is pretty clear now, but even before you get to the edge of it, there is still pretty thick ice. Mother Nature will need to get serious with the warmer temperatures before we have any chance of even LOOKING at the driveway.

Women’s Health

My BIL and SIL in Charlotte are driving today to get the new furbaby they are adopting. I’m so happy for them, even though they’ll have their hands full with new dog, adapting her to their home and lifestyle, plus teaching her to get along with their cat. Their lives will be richer and they’re excellent rescue parents.

Women’s Health

A shout-out to my dear friend Marsha. We met online almost 20 years ago. She listed her gorgeous pottery on Creative Artworks, my website. We’ve actually met face-to-face only once when my husband and I were in Florida for some reason. She came to our hotel and took me for an amazing afternoon. I think we could have talked forever. I just smiled and smiled. Our friendship has only grown, even though I closed the website down years ago. She changed from pottery to jewelry, excelling at THAT, too. I hope we’ll be friends forever.

Unknown

I hope that your Friday is a nice one, with a fun weekend to follow.

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February 1, 2023 · 10:26 am

Thoughts While Iced In 2-1-2023

We are totally iced in and the temperature is 28 degrees F. The forecast is for yet ANOTHER ice storm from about noon today until noon tomorrow. I just contacted everyone, telling them we won’t be able to make it to Lunch Bunch this Friday. Maybe we’ll thaw out by a WEEK from Friday.

I haven’t even tried to see if we have more limbs and trees down in the driveway. It’s like a skating rink outside. It LOOKS like snow, but it’s little bitty ice pellets. I just let Amber out. She tried to run, but fell down, sliding. I waited about 5 minutes, then went to the garage to call her. She came around the house, ‘running carefully,’ if that’s possible.

I suggested last night to my husband that he NOT put Amber on the leash when he took her for her last outing, worrying that she might pull him just at the wrong time and make him slip and fall on the ice. He actually LISTENED and did what I asked! She took care of everything quickly and both got back inside in one piece.

It’s hard to believe that we are facing yet another ‘significant’ ice storm above what we already have. The good news is that if we live through this, the weather is supposed to improve a LOT with highs in the 40’s, 50’s, and even 60’s by the end of the week! HOORAY!!!!!!!

My husband and I haven’t killed each other yet. He, as usual, does a combination of things that melt my heart and other things that make me want to dig a hole in the back yard to throw him in. For example, last night he said, “Thank you for my life.” He went on to say there is no one in the world he would rather be iced in with. Yeah. NICE.

On the other hand, I heard a crash this morning while I was in the office. I jumped up to find out what had happened, worried that he fell and was hurt. He was sitting at the dining area table, calmly drinking coffee. He had TOSSED the Corelle plate he had been using under the dog gate so that Amber could lick it. THAT’S what I heard. I glared at him, looking at me innocently, explaining that my heart had stopped when I heard the crash. Just another day in the life of the Lewises.

I hope you are safe and warm.

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January 31, 2023 · 9:16 am

Icy!

LoveThisPic

Everything is Winter Wonderland white this morning – covered by ICE this time, rather than snow. Happily, we have public power and so have our regular heat. It’s 21 right now with a wind chill of 13. The high will be 28. 113 closures listed today.

Oddly, the driveway pad is just wet, but I can’t see if there are more limbs and trees down in the driveway yet. I’ll just wait to find that out. Forecast for the day is ‘snow’ from about noon through 6:00. We are well supplied for being stuck up here again. We have a fire ready to light in the fireplace if needed.

Amber is energized in this weather. She runs around like a maniac outside, dancing and smiling as she cavorts. When she comes back inside, she heads for the water dish and then her bed and sleeps until food or outside are offered again.

Abby thinks the dog is a moron. She is sleeping either on the rug beside the fireplace, in the exact middle of the dog bed so Amber gives it a wide berth, or on one of us. She has no interest in the ‘inclement’ weather in the great outdoors.

I hope you are somewhere warm and dry.

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January 30, 2023 · 10:03 am

Winter Redux

Bored Panda

Last Tuesday the snow started here. We had no public power for two and a half days, VERY grateful for our generator and our wood-burning fireplace. We chain-sawed our driveway clear starting on Friday. It took us 6 hours over 2 days, but the driveway is mostly clear now. We replenished supplies yesterday and got 5 days worth of mail from our mailbox at the bottom of the driveway.

Today we’ll try to get our robot (200+ pounds) standing straight again, instead of leaning. (We now have a chain around his neck that is tethered to a tree in front of him and a pole behind him, so he only LEANS instead of plunging head first down the slope to the side of the driveway.) Retrieving him ONCE from the slope was enough for us. :0)

We’re also planning to replace our mailbox decoration this morning. This is one of the Snow-Goons from Calvin & Hobbes.

The winter redux is a forecast of rain/sleet/snow, but mainly ICE this time, starting this afternoon and going through Thursday. The ice accumulations they said would likely cause power outages, etc.

It’s hard to believe that we might be out chain-sawing AGAIN after this, but we have an endless supply of trees on both sides of our driveway – a 650+ foot STEEP driveway from the house down to the road.

We resupplied yesterday, cheering as we went down our driveway and then again when we were able to simply drive up again like real people. :0)

In a minute we’ll gather our trash, drive it down, and drag the big tethered trashcan down to the bottom of the driveway for pickup tomorrow, We’ll get our mail and hopefully get the mailbox decoration changed.

Then we’ll hole in up here and see what Mother Nature brings us next.

Stay warm and safe.

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January 27, 2023 · 9:24 am

It’s Friday 1-27-2023

The Random Vibes

_______________

There is a lot of melting going on, but our driveway will be the last. It still looks like a ski slope. My husband hasn’t seen it yet, and I have to admit I’m dreading it when he does. The branches hanging down are HUGE and definitely too much for the two of us. If I were by myself, I would be calling tree people to come and give me estimates when the driveway is clear, and just wait it out as to getting to town again. I just looked at the forecast and that looks pretty grim – rain this weekend following by ‘wintry mix’ next week. Right now, though, it’s sunny and 33 degrees, with a high of 58 expected. One day at a time.

DIY Value Picture

I’ve told you that the core group of Lunch Bunch is Kay, Linda, Linda’s daughter, Patty, and me. Honorary members are Kay’s husband and mine. Others are also happily welcomed whenever they can come. I had to contact everyone yesterday that we wouldn’t be there today due to being snowed in. I’m not sure if we’ll be able to go NEXT week, either, due to coming weather and/or JUST the driveway blockage. The good news is that Patty has become a grandmother again this past week, making Linda a great-grandmother again! Both Linda and Kay are quite rich in family. It’s wonderful to be able to help them celebrate each new addition.

I hope Friday is a nice one for you, followed by a fabulous weekend.

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January 24, 2023 · 9:48 am

Snowy Tuesday 1-24-2023

Depending on which weather source I look at, a ‘wintry mix’ will start here in half an hour or so, changing to heavy snow at about sunset and then continuing through tomorrow morning. Have I told you that I much prefer LOOKING at other people’s snow, rather than being in it myself?

We will go drive down in about half an hour to hopefully retrieve mail and re-tether our then-empty trash can to the pole beside the driveway. I had traction problems yesterday trying to roll the can down the 25 feet to where we leave the can to be emptied, skidding on the gravel. My husband said he would do this next time. I don’t think I’ll have near as much trouble pulling it back UP the driveway and tethering it. I also bought some waterproof boots with thick tread on the bottom at Walmart yesterday. I’m wearing them now and will try them out on the driveway gravel in a few minutes.

Amazingly, our pest control company called yesterday wanting to come out and spray this afternoon. We agreed that they would call and reschedule if the weather does what is forecast. The schools are letting out early this afternoon, so we’re all pretty sure we’re going to get snowed in.

We are safe and warm, have plenty of food and water, prepared to stay up on top of our ridge line until further notice. Our generator is supposed to do its weekly test run later today. Hopefully, we won’t actually need it for power.

I hope that you are happy, safe, and warm where you are today, and that you do something fun.

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January 23, 2023 · 9:22 am

Thoughts on a Monday 1-23-2023

Pond5

This is not ‘Earth-shaking’ news, I guess, but the customer service/subscriptions department of Hot Rod Magazine is terrific. The kind lady, Barbara Yarde, Customer Service, not only answered my email, but did EXACTLY what I needed – combining the duplicate subscriptions, giving me a new expiration date, and stopping the ‘late notice’ bill that keeps coming. ALMOST makes me want to renew early! :0)

RTE

Our driveway doesn’t look this nice, but you get a good idea of what we’ll be facing – hopefully, with no trees or large branches lying across it – Wednesday morning. We’re supposed to get 5 inches of slushy snow overnight tomorrow, with rain starting tomorrow afternoon and then changing to snow. We’re using today to get prepared, resupplied, etc. so if we’re stuck up here for awhile, we can simply enjoy being snug and cozy.

Wired

I am back in the land of the living today, feeling much better and stronger than I did yesterday. The only leftover is that my chest and back hurt from my ‘activities’ two nights ago. I actually laughed (carefully) when it hurt my back to blow my nose this morning. :0)

I hope that if the weather is threatening you, that you are prepared to ride it out well, and that you have a really nice day today.

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January 21, 2023 · 9:25 am

Sleepy Saturday 1-21-2023

Pixabay

Amber woke us, barking at around 2a.m. Apparently, there was a ‘critter’ in the garage. We talked about it and decided to wait it out, seeing if she would stop. It seemed like forever, but finally she did and we went back to sleep.

My husband started talking to me next. Since I sleep with my head buried in my pillow, I had to sit up to hear what he was saying. He was angry, telling me to ‘stop throwing water on him.’ I questioned him a bit more, finally deciding that he was dreaming and talking in his sleep. I woke him, then tried to go back to sleep.

There was some kind of cold draft, channeling cold air in a steady stream under the covers. I kept changing positions, sides, and covers, trying to get it to stop, but couldn’t. At that point, I got up and went downstairs to read.

I jumped a foot straight up in the air and would have screamed if any sound would come out when I sensed someone suddenly beside me. My husband realized I was downstairs and decided he would join me. I discussed the fact that speaking to me would have been a good thing, rather than simply appearing there in the middle of the night.

We discussed his dream. Apparently, I had been throwing water on him from the dog’s water dish. There was no ‘why’ – or how I was supposed to be doing that when we were upstairs and the dog’s water dish is downstairs. He had the good grace to look a bit sheepish at that point and smile. We went back upstairs about 4.

I’m sitting here typing, with a cup of coffee that I hope will get me started for the day. May your day be better than mine.

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January 20, 2023 · 8:53 am

It’s Friday! 1-20-2023

Apyr

It’s freezing right now, but it’s sunny, and supposed to get to 51 this afternoon, so I have no complaints. It’s also “Lunch Bunch Day,” a chance to visit with my good friends. Kay called, and she’s feeling better, and thought last night that she would be there today. I haven’t heard from anyone else, so I’m hoping we’ll have a full contingent. It’s been 3 weeks since we enjoyed seeing each other.

I’m also planning to do my walking video and do my yoga this afternoon. I’ve stuttered on doing them every day since my arm was hurting, but now, since it’s getting better slowly, I’m going to try to do them daily. Lynn, my wonderful friend/massage therapist and I bonded even more yesterday when we told each other that we resented the fact we weren’t flooded with endorphins and balloons when we exercised, the way some people are. They say, “OOH, I feel so GOOD after I exercise!” Well, WE say, “Bah. Humbug” to that. We just pat ourselves on the head for doing what we know is good for us and go on. I was SO pleased to find someone else who felt the same. I really thought I was the only one. :0)

I hope you have an enjoyable day.

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January 19, 2023 · 9:06 am

Therapeutic Thursday

Daily Paws

I’m leaving in about half an hour to go to my monthly massage, and my body has been looking forward to it. I’m hoping that Lynn can do her magic on my remaining sore areas that mysteriously showed up a couple of weeks ago and make them go away. My soreness has messed up my exercising – some days I don’t do any and other days I push through, thinking it will help. I’m ready for some relief. It would be great to do my walking video and my yoga this afternoon without pain.

A cold front came through overnight and we’re having more typical winter weather for Arkansas for January today. It’s 37 now with a high of 51 expected this afternoon. My husband requested that we have chili mac tonight for dinner, so that’s what we’re doing. :0)

I’m enjoying Memory in Death by J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts now. It’s #22 in the series. I’m really enjoying revisiting the world of Lieutenant Eve Dallas in 2059. #55 – Desperation in Death – in paperback is waiting for me to enjoy when I finish the re-read. Then I’ll have to wait awhile to get the latest – Encore in Death which only comes out in hardback next month. I’m hopeful it will be available in paperback by the end of 2023.

Enjoy your day.

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January 18, 2023 · 9:49 am

Wednesday 1-18-2023

“I’m at that age where my mind still thinks I’m 29; my humor suggests I’m 12 while my body mostly keeps asking if I’m sure I’m not dead yet.”

stanzi11 – Getty Images – iStockphoto

It’s a rainy morning here. Ever since I wrote a post called, “Wet Wednesday,” and Twitter put a warning label on it, thinking it was pornographic, I’ve found myself almost TRYING to think of titles that might garner a warning. They also warned readers about “Horn Tooting”. My responses to them DID result in their taking the warnings off, and I DID suggest that they might READ the posts before warning people about them. hahahahahahaahahahha :0)

I’ve been trying to be quiet because my husband is sleeping in this morning. I waited to let Amber out because it seems that she is unable to go outside without barking loudly to announce her presence to the world. I finally couldn’t put it off any longer and let her out. Amazingly, my husband is still sleeping. The “rainy-ness” of the morning and our ability to shut out the light upstairs make this a really good day to sleep. (He just got up.)

We don’t have any big plans for the day – mainly staying warm and dry. I wish you a happy, fulfilling day.

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January 17, 2023 · 10:18 am

Sleepy Puppy

Tenor

I feel like this sweet puppy, though not nearly as cute. I couldn’t sleep last night, so was downstairs reading for several hours, then tossed and turned. I’m glad I don’t have this problem often. I predict an unproductive day today…

I wish I felt energetic because the weather is stellar – sunny, bright, happy-looking day with a high this afternoon of around 72 here in Arkansas. In January. Unbelievable. :0)

I hope your day is fun.

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January 16, 2023 · 10:07 am

The Art Room Calls

The News-Press

I planned to go up to my art room yesterday, but got distracted by the big pile of folders with tax receipts on the table beside my computer counter. I did the first go-through of the receipts, emptying the folders and putting them in the drawer for the new year. I feel I have a start on things now.

I did my new 10-minute walk video again yesterday created by yes2next – a mother and daughter duo. I found another one by them – a line dance video, that I’ll try when I feel ready. I did careful yoga yesterday, too, trying to stretch out the soreness I’ve been feeling, plus walked around the yard some in the afternoon, though I felt as if the gusty winds would blow me away.

Between have-to’s or shoulds, I’m enjoying re-reading my In Death series collection by J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts. I received the latest paperback in the collection – Desperation in Death – which came out the last day of last month, so I dived into my collection again, to enjoy the gritty, fascinating world before allowing myself to read the latest addition. The collection now has 55 books. Encore in Death, #56, will come out in hardback in February of this year. I’ll preorder the paperback when I can. I’m enjoying re-reading # 20, Survivor in Death, now.

I hope that things are going well for you. I wish you a calm and joy-filled day.

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January 15, 2023 · 10:02 am

Sunny, Bright Sunday 1-15-2023

I found this and walked with them yesterday. I was reminded how much I need this by my hips talking to me a couple of times, but I think this will do me a lot of good. It’s short, gets me moving, and I like this mother and daughter.

I also did a careful, abbreviated version of my yoga practice yesterday for the first time in a couple of weeks. I have no clue why my right upper arm is hurting, but I’ve decided to try to work through it very carefully and see how it goes. ONE DAY AT A TIME.

I’m also being more successful in NOT eating in-between meals. This week has been a good start. If I think I’m hungry, I’m trying to drink some water and see how I feel later. If I’m STILL hungry, I have some dried fruit to eat. 2-1/2 pounds down for the week.

Our weather is nice today, so I’m planning to at least walk around outside this afternoon. It’s hard to believe it’s January. The high will be around 62!

I’m thinking about at least spending some time in my art room today. I have ideas rattling around in my brain during the day, and am dreaming about them at night, so it’s time. :0)

I hope you’re enjoying your Sunday, too.

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January 13, 2023 · 9:14 am

Cold Friday 1-13-2023

Animal Services

It’s 28 degrees F. right now – not really that cold, but the wind is blowing and it FEELS really cold, particularly after the springlike weather we’ve been enjoying. The cold front came through and thankfully the storms didn’t cause any damage here. I’m full of gratitude that we’re good here. My heart goes out to the people suffering from the vagaries of the weather.

Source Unknown

I may actually get up to my art room today. I have some ideas rattling around in my head that I’d like to try. :0)

My husband is a happy camper today. Yesterday he was finally able to delete the program he didn’t want on his computer and replace it with a version (after trying 3 different softwares) that does exactly what he wanted it to do. We are both relieved.

jackandfriends.com

I’m starting to think about plans for the square foot garden in the spring. I’ll get out my diagrams of where things were planted last time and start figuring out what I would like to plant, how many plants, and where to put them. A gardener is always plotting the next planting.

Cesar’s Way

We’re due to meet our friends for Lunch Bunch today. Last week my husband and I were stood up. No one came or called to tell us they weren’t coming. It turned out that all were sick. I’m hoping that everyone is feeling good now and that we’ll see them at lunch today. I’ve tried to call both of them, but neither of them is good about checking their phones…

I hope today is a good one for you.

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January 12, 2023 · 9:46 am

Thursday 1-12-2023

Women’s Health

SHOUT – OUT – Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Haaaaaapy Birrrrrrthdaaaaaay, Dear Lau-fraaaaaaaa-in. Haaaaapy Birrrrrrrthdaaaaay tooooooo yoooooou!

SHOUT – OUT – Kay and Bud – I hope you’re both feeling sassy now.

SHOUT – OUT – ML – Hope you hear something encouraging in your search for a new furry friend soon.

ArtemisFiberArt-Etsy.com

SHOUT – OUT – To those who could use a big hug this morning.

______________________

It’s 42 and quite dark and grim-looking this morning. The cold front and storm came through, but we seem to have come through fine. We’re supposed to be at our high for the day now.

Stay warm and safe.

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January 11, 2023 · 9:43 am

Wednesday 1-11-2023

Gifak.net – Giphy

In the middle of the afternoon I could give this sweet rodent a run for his money on eating. If I, like he, could stick to carrots, that would be good….

A storm with a cold front are coming through tonight to take away the happy springtime weather we’ve been enjoying and bringing back more normal temperatures for January in Arkansas – so a high of about 72 this afternoon and a high in the low 50s for tomorrow – still warm but noticeably cooler.

This poor old body is making a bid to be thrown on top of the heap in the salvage yard lately. I won’t give you a long list of woes, but the latest was this morning with the help of Amber, our dog. I was sitting here typing, and she came over to say, ‘hi.’ I stopped, to turn to pet her, and she flipped my arm up with her nose, making the top of my arm hit the bottom of the countertop my computer sits on. I took off my watch to rub my arm and there is already a small knot coming up, with probable colorful bruise to follow. Hahahaahahaha. My warranty is definitely expired, though I’m hoping to do some yoga this afternoon.

I wish you a very happy day.

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January 10, 2023 · 8:58 am

Tuesday Thoughts 1-10-2023

Pinterest

It’s a nice Tuesday here. We’re actually having ‘spring’ this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon before a cold front brings winter back Wednesday night. It’s sunny and 36 now and is supposed to reach 72 this afternoon – in JANUARY! :0)

Since my Lunch Bunch friend Kay hadn’t answered my phone calls, and my email to her was returned, I got concerned and we stopped at her house at the end of our errands yesterday. She answered the door, thank goodness. She and her husband have been sick, but are finally doing better, she said. When I was sure she was all right, I asked her to please check her phone once a day, just in case someone was trying to reach her. She answered that her phone didn’t work right, but didn’t want to take it anywhere to be looked at. She told me she had stopped using her email address. I pointed out that this left carrier pigeons as the only other way to reach her and she smiled. The important thing is that she’s okay. She may, or may not, remember to call me if she’s not coming to Lunch Bunch in the future…

We really enjoyed a brunch/lunch yesterday at The Waffle House. We tried a Sausage, Egg & Cheese Hashbrown Bowl. I enjoyed watching the chef cook our food. I almost felt we were at Benihana. When we were served, I complimented him. The meal was delicious and a real treat. We’ve only eaten there once before since they opened in Greenwood. (They are pretty expensive and we eat too much.)

I’ve been enjoying watching some demonstration videos of various painting techniques. They are getting me excited about trying something new in my art room. Maybe today.

We only have regular stuff to do today. We’ll leave soon to get our mail, get a haircut for my husband, and pick up our trash can on the way back up the driveway.

Have a fun Tuesday!

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