Tag Archives: errands

September 10, 2025 · 10:44 pm

This ‘n That – 8-11-2025

These are the newest sketches/paintings from my art alcove.

Brian and I will go out for errands soon and then I’ll probably have the afternoon to myself. I plan to do a combination of watching a favorite movie (!) and starting some sketches.

My weather app says, “Rainy conditions will continue all day.” Right now the sun is shining, so I’m taking a chance and my drying rack is out on my balcony. It won’t be the end of the world if it all gets rained on while we’re out.

I felt better today, so I went to the gym and walked my mile NOT touching the handlebars, concentrating on not losing my balance. My ARMS got a bit tired, so I kept changing up whether I swung them down at my sides, up by my waist, or up higher with my fingers closed. Worked pretty well.

I spent much of yesterday afternoon taking in my two pairs of jeans and two pairs of cut-off-exercise jeans. I’m trying to make these last until I get to the weight I want to maintain. THEN I’ll splurge and buy a couple of pairs of jeans that fit well, encouraging me to maintain my weight. The exercise cut-offs don’t matter as long as they stay on. 🤣

Oddly enough, on my list of things I would like to get when we can get to it is a couple of sweatshirts – one to wear, if needed, and one to be in the wash while I use the other. We often go places where we need to wait a long time and they keep the a/c on “KILL.” I get chilled, then downright uncomfortable. I’m taking a suggestion from Brian, who carries a sweatshirt in his carrier for these situations. My light hoodie and jean jacket just aren’t enough.

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August 25, 2025 · 8:54 pm

Tuesday, August 26, 8:38 A.M.

Pinterest – Treadmill – Lazy Dog gif

This morning I changed things up and took our son’s suggestion that I just walk using no incline and NOT gripping the handle bars as I have been doing to make sure I don’t fall.

I used a speed of 3.5 ( my normal walking speed) and just touched the handle bars with my fingertips. They were there if I needed them, but I didn’t have to grab them today. I DID notice that I held myself differently when NOT gripping the handlebars. I had to concentrate a LOT more, and I FELT muscles working in my back, my butt, and the backs of my legs. I may be sore in the morning, and that will show I’m waking up this old body and building new strength. I also am retraining my brain at the same time, so this is a really good change.

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The nursing home texted Brian with a video and some pics of Harvey in the wheelchair outside, getting fresh air and a bit of sunshine yesterday. He also was petting a couple of dogs we hadn’t seen before. The nurse said he didn’t want to give up the squeeze ball we brought him, so she just let me hold it as long as he wanted to. She said she thought it was a great toy for him. 😁

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Today we’re going to run a couple of errands. I’m hoping we don’t drown in the rain and I’m watching the skies to rush to get my laundry in before we go if the rain starts up again. So far, so good.

I hope that you’re finding something today that makes your face crack you’re grinning so hard!

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July 11, 2025 · 9:01 pm

Busy Day

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Yesterday we were gone most of the day so I didn’t have the energy to write any blog posts.

My day started with the treadmill at the gym. I came back, showered, dressed again and had breakfast with Brian.

Then I had my glorious massage with Wey-o. I felt like a limp noodle when she finished with me.

I came home, dressed again for running errands with Brian. We got him a new set of sheets at one place and then went to a store in the large mall where we had found clothes for me before. I bought some shorts with elastic at the waist and the material is light and airy. I also got some tee shirts to go with them, or to just wear any time. Brian got some shorts and tees, too.

We stopped for coffee on the way home. We got home just in time to grab supplies for spending time at the cafe next door to our condo building so we would be out of the way of Khun Nong, my housekeeper, while she performed her miracle in my place.

We got home in time to order and eat some dinner.

By the time I got back to my place the rest of my energy was used up getting tags off my new things and putting them away and prepping for this morning.

This is one of the latest paintings. I found this wonderful image on the net. It is not my design. It’s part of my effort to try to learn to draw what I see better. I loved the drawing when I saw it and wish I knew whose design it was so I could give the artist credit.

Anyway – BUSY – HAPPY day!

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May 2, 2025 · 5:25 am

Mixed Bag Day

This is my teeny tiny kitchen. If you look carefully, you can see my fridge to the left of the green towel under the counter top. Yes, really. Kind of like a campus dorm room fridge. I’m throwing away the cookware that all looks like, as my husband used to describe horses as, “rode hard and put away wet.” I’m tossing two pieces every day or two so that I don’t use more than my share of the floor’s trash service.
I do have a microwave. We need to get glassware, dishes, silverware, and a dish drainer , as well as a skillet and spoon in order for me to do anything that could be called cooking. That’s all right for now, but we should probably cook breakfast ourselves and have dinner delivered, or vice versa when I get set up.

Harvey is getting final tests before discharge. We visited him today, greeted him and kissed him, but he showed no recognition or reaction that we were there. We stayed a while, but couldn’t engage him, so we went to do errands.

We are trying to replace stuff in the condo so that I can enjoy it, plus it’s going to last for when Brian rents the condo out or sells it after we’re gone.

Today we ordered a new bed and a sofa. We will order more as we go.

We ordered Internet service (hooraaaay!) and I got two pairs of exercise shorts and tees for starting at the gym Monday. We ordered a clothes drying rack so I can wear one set while another is drying for the following day. It will also allow me more flexibility, particularly if the laundry is closed for some reason.
A funny/vain thing – I asked Brian to order a makeup mirror because I can see that I HAVE a face in the bathroom and the bedroom, but that’s it.
Lots and lots of details and changes to absorb, but I spend each day fascinated by all the new things I am learning, food I am trying, activities I am participating in, and more.
I will be delighted if Harvey improves to the point he can live with me here and start enjoying the new lifestyle. If it can’t happen, we will make the best of it that we can.

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December 31, 2024 · 8:56 am

New Year’s Eve 2024

Her Zindagl

Happy New Year’s Eve! Whether you have wonderful plans for a big party, a ball drop, fireworks, or will have a quiet celebration at home like us, I wish you a happy day of anticipation of a bright new year. The end of a year should bring shedding of old ‘baggage,’ a lightening of your load, a filling of your spirit. Enjoy remembering the good things about 2024 today, then wish it well and welcome 2025.

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Accountability – If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I’m trying to lose my lard and get stronger and more flexible. I promised to report to you – as a way of trying to keep my goal active and hopefully reachable one day. As of today, I have lost 46 pounds and there are 48 fewer inches of me. I’m yo-yo-ing around in a 3-pound range these past few days, but I’m inching toward my interim goal and hope to meet it soon. The scales still smirk at me most days, but I will win.

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GeniCook

I told you my nice husband got us two rectangular stainless steel containers with glass lids recently. I always try to cook for more than one meal and we store the leftovers in individual portion containers in the freezer. These are large enough to hold TWO portions of the leftovers, so when I cooked recently, I put double portions into the two containers, snapped on the lids, and put them in the freezer. Yesterday I took one out and put it in the regular fridge. Last night I took the lid off, put the container in the microwave with a paper towel over it, closed the door, and held my breath. The food heated up just fine. No explosions or damage to the container or the microwave! I did use my hot pads to remove the container from the microwave. Last night the lid and the container went into the dishwasher. Sparkling clean and ready to use this morning! This is a really nice thing – to be able to use it so it saves us effort and time. I really didn’t believe what they advertised could be true, but I was wrong.

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This is my latest wood burned and hand-painted piece from the art room. I’m delighted to tell you he has been adopted! He will be mailed to his new home today. I couldn’t be happier. It was joyful to make him, and he will live on their front porch, hopefully bring good luck to his new owners for many many years. :0)

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We are running errands on this, the last day of 2024. When we get home, I’ll write more posts for the blog and may even get up to my art room this afternoon.

I wish you a happy day, full of fun, family, and celebration!

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December 20, 2024 · 9:53 am

It’s Friday 12-20-2024

Freepik

It’s cold here (34 degrees F.) but sunshine-y this morning. We will go get groceries some time today and get our mail, but that’s it for errands. I’m hoping for a quiet day. Lots on my to-do list.

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Yesterday my husband had an eye appointment – an annual checkup due to his Type II diabetes (he denies this and describes it only as a ‘sugar problem.’) We had to wait a few minutes to see the doc and my husband was like a cranky 3-year-old. He was threatening to leave in the middle of the appointment. I was embarrassed. We got through it, but I apologized to the doc and the receptionist. It makes me dread future appointments for him. End of rant.

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I did a good job with my new ‘chair-abdomen’ exercises yesterday. SO good that I’m sore today. I think the combo of the exercises with weights, the chair abdomen exercises, and my yoga stretches is a good way to keep this old body moving. It’s like the quote from Helen Hayes is flashing, neon-like in my head, “If you rest, you rust.”

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We’re going to have breakfast for dinner tonight – one of my favorite things. It’s a comfort food type dinner. My husband is determined to learn to cook fried eggs. They are quite interesting-looking (he has real trouble turning them over) but taste wonderful. :0)

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Enjoy your Friday, and I hope your weekend is a good one.

Please remember to stand back and enjoy all the preparations for your holiday. No rush. No worries. It will be wonderful.

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December 19, 2024 · 8:22 am

Thursday 12-19-2024

Freepik

As we begin the countdown to Christmas, the town of Greenwood AR is putting on her fancy clothes. Banners are up on light posts, decorations have been added to Memorial Park in the center of ‘the square’, some lights are up, Santa’s House is receiving children, and more. It’s spirit-lifting.

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I received flowers from my husband yesterday! It has been a while since he’s done that. He used to do it, having them delivered to wherever I was working to make the other women jealous. It was never for an anniversary, birthday, or anything. It was a “just because.” I’m thrilled with the flowers. There are several different kinds in this bouquet. :0)

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I’m hoping for a quiet day. We have errands this afternoon that will keep us busy, so I’ll be extra busy this morning and after we get back, trying to get things done. This is a busy time of the year for everyone, quiet Christmas celebration or large one with big, wonderful family.

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I hope that your plans for the holidays go smoothly. BREATHE. Take one day at a time. Remind yourself that things don’t have to be perfect to be absolutely wonderful. ENJOY.

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December 11, 2024 · 8:54 am

Wednesday 12-11-2024

giphy.gif

This morning I FINALLY met my interim weight loss goal of 45 pounds off. To be honest, I had almost given up, bouncing around with 3 pounds up and almost off over and over again. I had to weigh myself THREE TIMES before I finally was able to believe it. :0) Now I’ve set my next interim goal. Onward and downward! Measurements at the end of December.

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We’re doing several errands this morning, pretty much using up the morning, but after lunch I should have some time to get some things accomplished.

Tales of a Mountain Mama

It’s 32 degrees F. here right now and is only supposed to get to 45 this afternoon. I hate to put the fall behind us. I love to LOOK at pretty snow pictures, but I really prefer the other seasons when I can spend more time outside. If it warms up enough, I really need to blow leaves away from around the front porch and off the sidewalks at the front and back of the house.

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I had a nice chat with our son this morning. (It’s right before bedtime where he is, but we had a few minutes.) He is a bit upset about being 46 this coming Friday. I told him I was SO glad he was in this world and that I was bursting my buttons over what a GOOD man he is. I also reminded him that his parents are both older than dirt, and he has THAT to look forward to. :0)

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I wish you a wonderful Wednesday.

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October 31, 2024 · 9:06 am

Boo! 10-31-2024

RM-Pinterest

MEMORIES – I absolutely love this. I’m going to save it so I can enjoy it again and again. I have wonderful memories of trick-or-treating back in the dark ages when I was young and the world wasn’t as wonky. I would go with a group of my friends. By ourselves. No supervision. Complete freedom. Ahhhh! The good ole’ days. :0)

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LINDA’S CRAFTINESS –

This birdhouse is ready for some birds to move right in and start a family. 3-3/4″ x 5-3/4″ x 3/8″ hand-painted mini notebook with 100 blank pages inside for notes, thoughts, lists. Throw it in your purse, car, gym bag, school bag. Fun Gift. $12.99 – FREE SHIPPING. Lots of different designs – see HERE –HandmadeHavenbyLinda on Etsy.

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We had quite the storm overnight. The thunder woke us up sometime this morning. I was able to go back to sleep. My husband wasn’t, and so got up. He was asleep in his recliner when I came down. The cold front has gone through now, we think the rain has stopped for now, and the high is only supposed to be 68 today.

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I had a good day of exercise yesterday – videos with weights, yoga stretches, and walking. I’m hoping to get it more this afternoon. I’m also scheming about ideas for wood-burned key chain designs. Do you have any ideas for me?

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October 10, 2024 · 9:14 am

Dust 10-10-2024

Angela Bawden-art.com

My SIL’s email this morning ended with, “You come from dust, you return to dust, that’s why I don’t dust.  It could be someone I know.” I absolutely LOVE it.

My good friend Marsha came through Milton just fine. I’m so relieved. She’s annoyed that she did all the work of moving things ‘all for nothing.’ She’s saying that “at least things got dusted well.” I’m delighted and relieved she’s alive to BE annoyed. I’m assuming that my friend, Jeff and his family came through all right, since he lives in the same area as Marsha.

Mother Nature has really shown her ugly side lately. So many good people are dealing with so much loss and devastation. All most of us are able to do is to donate to the groups that are helping directly. It’s so little. :0(

We didn’t get all our errands accomplished yesterday, so we’ll continue today. Mail, post office, Walmart and bank are on the list. I should get the protein drinks I ordered, so hopefully I can get started on drinking one per day as my doc’s APRN suggested. I set up an account and got my new med ordered yesterday, as well. It will take a while to get here, but I’ll start as soon as I receive it. Everything else is “keep on keepin’ on. “

I’m going to try to get outside today to trim up some things in the yard. It looks like we may have come to the end of having to mow and weed whack, although there is something always needing to be trimmed back. Our weather is still doing the transition from summer to fall, with the weather this minute super nice, then a HOT weekend, then a cold front with cooler weather. Roller coaster, but I’m NOT complaining, since there isn’t any severe weather with it.

I hope that things are good where you are. Keep your eyes open and stay safe.

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October 9, 2024 · 9:36 am

Wednesday 10-9-2024

I’m sending hope and good wishes to Florida, hoping that Milton isn’t as bad as forecast. I’m hoping that the responders on the ground can act quickly to help people affected. The two people I know are not in the mandatory evacuation areas, so I’m hoping they’ll be safe.

We have lots of errands this morning, but should be home by lunch time.

The APRN who saw my husband and me at the doc’s office yesterday was pleased with my weight loss efforts. She wants me to drink a protein shake daily, start a new medication and return in three months. Hopefully this combo of losing more weight, the shakes, and the med will result in good improvement in January.

At lunch we discovered our TV channels weren’t coming up. The problem turned out to be a system-wide problem that the TV provider was having, rather than us, particularly. He didn’t know when it would be fixed, so we enjoyed a movie from our collection last night.

Stay safe and well.

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September 21, 2024 · 9:02 am

Saturday 9-21-2024

Berit Hildre-Norway-slideshare.net

I’m more than ready for Monday’s reprieve from the slam-you-in-the-face hot weather we’re still having. Mother Nature is laughing and thumbing her nose at the calendar saying that tomorrow is the first official day of Autumn, and around here, she wins. When I let Amber in yesterday afternoon, the heat took my breath away!

I received the mug I ordered yesterday from the CaDoKoShop on Etsy. I know it shows my age, and a lot of people aren’t old enough to even recognize the card catalogue or know its purpose, but I love it. I’m using it now as I type. :0)

Today I have a haircut. Usually I go by myself, but my husband wants to go today. We’ll get our mail as we go out, and then we’ll hit the Harps (local grocery store) after Michael is finished trying to make me look civilized. That’s it for errands for the day.

At home, I’m doing laundry, paying bills, and figuring out dinner after we fix lunch. I MAY get the 3-D gold paint I ordered, plus the new dog beds today. :0)

The wood slices I got for my wood-burned Christmas ornaments are a challenge. The much-less-processed wood acts differently than the wood I’ve been using. Some of the tips essentially don’t work at all with the slices. I’m having fun figuring out new techniques and choosing tips.

I hope that this is a good Saturday for you.

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September 18, 2024 · 8:38 am

Wednesday 9-18-2024

TomWallArt-Etsy

I’ll have to wait on most of my blog posts because we need to leave to run errands soon.

Monster Cat has taken up residence this morning on the table beside my computer to ‘help’ me write blog posts. She was driving me nuts a second ago rummaging around the feet of my chair. That’s a problem because my chair is on wheels and I really don’t want to run over her little feet. I stopped and very carefully moved the chair – to find one of her little catnip mice. I threw it in the middle of the room and she immediately ran and pounced on it. With her ‘help,’ I MIGHT get THIS post finished before we need to leave.

My second ‘helper’ is Amber. She is trying to guilt me into letting her out again. She’s in a barky frame of mind this morning, though, so I feel it’s rude to let her bother the neighbors. I let her out first thing in the morning while I’m taking care of Monster Cat. She comes in with great enthusiasm, hoping to get a treat. VERY SOON after that, when I’ve finished the morning chores and am at the computer, she comes and sits beside my chair, trying to get me to let her out again. That has already happened this morning, and yet she is doing it again. She only stays out 5 seconds or so, then barks to get back in. I don’t know what her deal is, other than maybe laughing that I’m pretty well trained, for a human.

Yesterday I TRIED to do the video with the stomach exercises. The backs of my legs were so sore, though, I simply couldn’t do it. I gave up, took some Tylenol, and went on to do my yoga stretches (with Monster Cat on the back porch). I’m still sore this morning, but I’ll try to do at least SOME of each of the exercises today and see how it goes. If I can do HALF as many reps as I’m supposed to be doing, that’s more than I HAVE been doing and should be good.

I’ll play in the art room, plus I’m planning to try a chicken recipe for our dinner tonight. I have the recipe, which is low-carb, and then another recipe by the same author for low-carb BBQ sauce. I’ll let you know if these are good.

Enjoy your day.

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August 26, 2024 · 8:48 am

Monday 8-26-2024

Pinterest

I hope you’re having a nice morning. We’re back to our too-hot-regular-summer weather here. Our plants are starting to revive a bit. For quite a while there, it didn’t matter that we were watering every day, even increasing the time on the irrigation system, things were just overwhelmed by the ‘intense heat warnings.’ It’s really nice to be back to ‘regular,’ where the tomatoes have started to ripen again, the elephant ear plants are sprouting new leaves, and lilies and roses are starting to bloom again. Ahhhh.

Big Stock Photo

It’s funny. I’m making progress on cleaning the art room, but the progress so far can only be measured by the fact that I have a 13 gallon trash bag’s worth of things I’ve gathered to throw away this week.

If you walked in there right now, it looks like someone needs to clean and reorganize. But that is better than wondering when the bomb exploded… Each day I’m enjoying doing more on whatever wood-burning piece I’m working on and then zeroing in on a table that needs to be cleaned off, or some things that need to be gathered and stored together somewhere. Something needs to be tossed. Something saved, but not ‘here.’ You get the picture. But it IS getting better daily.

Our only ‘have-to’s today are gathering and driving our trash down for pickup tomorrow and getting our mail. YEA.

I wish you a great day.

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July 1, 2024 · 9:12 am

Monday – July 1st, 2024

Ewa-Hauton – Pinterest

This is the first part of the experiment to try to get tomato suckers going in order to extend the ‘ripe tomatoes’ luxury we’re now enjoying. My sweet cousin/friend Murray suggested that I wait on trying to do this outside, since our weather has been insane (example – today will be 95 with a heat index of up to 109). I found an article that suggested planting the suckers in small pots indoors and then transplanting them outside to the planter in two weeks.

Right now the suckers are looking sad. I don’t know if that’s because of the shock of being cut off from their plant, brought inside where it’s air conditioned, plonked into a pot and watered, or what. If they don’t survive (I’ll give them another day or so to perk up), I’ll end this effort and try it again outside when Mother Nature decides to give us REGULAR too hot weather without all this dangerous heat warning nonsense.

We’re running a bunch of errands today since our generator guy hasn’t contacted me. That will clear the decks for most of the rest of the week so someone will be here if he can come.

I hope that this is a good month for you. Stay cool.

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June 24, 2024 · 9:07 am

Monday 6-24-2024

Free-Spirited Expressions – Priscilla Marie – Pinterest

I’m still limping around a bit after having a Charley Horse this morning about 4am. My sweet husband massaged my calf again when I came downstairs, rubbing some pain cream in. The pain is easing and I’m loosening up some now. I’ll drink more water today and do more mindful stretching in my yoga practice this afternoon.

We’ll do exciting stuff today, such as gathering the trash and driving it down to the bottom of the driveway, getting our mail, and grocery shopping before spending the rest of the day inside, since the temperature is supposed to get to 100 degrees F. today with a heat index of 111. That’s insane.

Thankfully, the programming I did on our two water timers (we now have one of each of the above) for our irrigation system yesterday WORKED, so the planters for the flowers and tomatoes will get the water they need mid-afternoon. If this weather continues, though, I’ll probably lengthen the time of watering from each unit.

Etsy

I’ll work on clearing off my drafting table in my art room this afternoon in preparation for trying out my new wood burning kit. I’m really hopeful that the lighter, different tool design and wire tips will allow me to practice enough to be able to create some things. I have all I need now, except for the skill…. :0)

Stay cool!

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May 14, 2024 · 9:05 am

Tuesday 5-14-2024

Kids & Animals – Andreas Roeth – Pinterest

It’s quite overcast this morning, but it’s not raining. We have a bunch of errands to do today, so I’m hoping the weather holds.

I just looked at the weather forecast for the rest of the week. Friday, the day we’re supposed to get our long-anticipated driveway repair, looks like rain all day long. :0( I HOPE they’re wrong. The driveway guys have already given me Monday as an alternate date, so help is still on the way whenever Mother Nature will cooperate.

We celebrated the cooking of the turkey breast and the new meat slicer with turkey sandwiches last night for dinner. I made my husband’s with bread and mine with zero net carb Mission tortillas. I ALSO used some lettuce from our home-grown head lettuce! The sandwiches tasted really nice.

The refurbishment of the flying pig project (one of our metal critters we made long ago) is ongoing. My husband has agreed (thank goodness) that we can put him on a boulder at the side of the driveway at almost the top and he’ll look as if he’s about to fly off, rather than trying to stand on ladders and hang him from a tree branch again. I’m planning to wheelbarrow him out to the boulder so we can see if he’ll just stand there (he’s really heavy) or if we need to weld pads on the bottom of two of his feet to attach him to the boulder.

He’s been hanging from a really strong line from a tree branch over the driveway for several years. He finally came down in one of the severe storms we had and was lying in the driveway one morning. I’ve had to straighten some of the feathers of his ‘wings,’ pry off one discolored eye (the other one disappeared), wash all the dirt off of him, and am in the process of starting to repaint him. When that is finished, I’ll put new eyes on him.

Even if you’re not lucky enough to share your day with a flying pig, I hope you enjoy it.

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April 7, 2024 · 10:05 am

Sunday Thoughts 4-7-2024

Alberto Guicciardi via @Urbanartist2

Things are starting out quietly here this morning. I actually got some good rest last night, so I’m feeling almost human this morning. My husband is sleeping in.

We plan to run errands today, getting the mail we didn’t yesterday, plus hitting a couple of places for supplies.

Britannica

We will only be going down to the bottom of the driveway tomorrow for mail and to leave our trash for pickup, since our small town expects viewers to arrive for viewing the eclipse. The schools will be closed, too. We have traffic jams twice a day (around schools opening and letting out – hence, the bypass that is being constructed) so – even with the schools closed – if three people come to see the eclipse, we’ll have a mess on our hands… :0)

Our skies are due to be ‘partly cloudy’ which probably means we won’t be able to see much at all here. I’ll be out there with my glasses to see whatever I can see. I have a pair for my husband, too, but he tends to scoff at things such as this, so I don’t know if he’ll join me or not.

Yesterday was a complete wash-out since I had gotten very little sleep. I did a bit in the veggie planters and some cooking, but did not exercise, except to get into and out of my recliner. :0) I’ll make up for that today, doing my yoga and the elliptical.

Have a wonderful Sunday wherever you are today.

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December 27, 2023 · 11:55 am

Good Morning!

cutigers-@cutigs1 on X

We are home from running errands, since we did NOT get the rain and snow showers that were forecast. We used the opportunity to get the mail, drag our trash can back up where it lives, buy $10 worth of lottery tickets (:0) and replenish our groceries. We’re about to eat some lunch.

We have discovered a wonderful thing at the grocery deli. They call them ‘bowls.’ There’s a mashed potato bowl and a mac and cheese bowl. Both are topped with chicken tenders and cheese. My husband prefers the mashed potatoes and I prefer the mac and cheese. We brought those home to enjoy.

The sun is shining right now, though there is still an impressive bank of clouds. I don’t who will be correct in the weather forecasting wars. I really hope my computer, which didn’t mention any precipitation at all, is the one who’s right.

I hope you’re having a wonderful day. I’ll write more later.

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October 25, 2023 · 9:07 am

Wednesday 10-25-2023

Water Works by Sumiyo – Etsy

Good morning! I hope this will be a great day for you.

We’re leaving in just a few minutes for a couple of errands and then plan to have a quiet day after. It rained overnight a bit again and is overcast this morning. The rain is flirting with us so far, rather than giving us the really soaking rain we would welcome, but chances are increasing each day.

Yesterday I thought would be quiet, but we ended up going ahead and shopping at two places for groceries, getting our mail, and then dragging our trash can back up to where it lives after it was EMPTIED by the trash people on the proper day for the first time in three weeks. Being ‘delighted’ that your trash can has been emptied seems like a new low, even for me, but it is what it is. :0) I almost called the nice lady to thank her, but figured she’s probably busy enough without me calling her to waste her time.

I also did a bit of pruning outside, paid our bills, balanced our checkbooks and did a bit of filing. Today I want to do the bookkeeping for September before it’s time for October…

Enjoy your day. I hope the weather is nice where you are and that you have the chance to get outside and enjoy it.

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August 21, 2023 · 9:16 am

WHAT?

As you can see, Fort Smith and Greenwood (and Fayetteville – where my sweet cousin Murray now lives – welcome to AR, Murray! :0) ) are in an ‘excessive heat warning’ today, with ‘feels-like’ temps of between 110-120. UGH.

We’re getting ready to drive our trash down and do some errands before coming home and being inside the rest of the day. Our wonderful bug spray guy (who sprays for everything, including elephants) is due to come this afternoon.

I got started yesterday etching the glassware I’m working on, putting my initials and the year on the bottom of the glasses. I decided that I want a smaller Dremel that has variable speeds and is smaller and lighter in order to hopefully increase my control. I have that ordered, and so will switch to some other things I want to try in my art room until the new one arrives.

Hoping for a quiet, albeit too hot, day. I hope you’re safe and happy wherever you are.

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July 19, 2023 · 9:07 am

Wednesday 7-19-2023

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Digital Mom Blog

SUMMER –

The heat index is forecast to be between 110-114 this afternoon. If anyone is taking a vote, I vote, “No, Thank you.” I’m going to TRY to get my husband to wait until around dinner time to mow, though he was out walking up and down our steep driveway yesterday while I programmed, trying to get our two driveway detectors to work the way they should. I’ve gotten better at grabbing and wetting a washcloth to put on the back of his neck and wipe his face while simultaneously pouring him a cold drink while getting him to his chair before he collapses. He promises to make better decisions, but he lies. While he’s mowing, I’ll check our tomatoes and hopefully spray to kill some weeds.

ERRANDS –

We leave in a bit to –

  • pick up our mail
  • get a haircut for my husband
  • pick up a paper prescription from our doctor at the clinic
  • grocery shop

ART ROOM –

Kiddipedia – Depositphotos

I’m determined to at least get up to my art room today, just to take some time to mess around, if not actually start something.

Enjoy your day.

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July 17, 2023 · 9:59 am

“Monday, Monday”

“Green & White 3-Disc Light-Weight Hand-Painted Wooden Dangle Earrings with Bling” – $13.95 with FREE SHIPPING in the contiguous U.S. – contact me if you have questions at lindawlewis1@gmail.com or use the link to go to HandmadeHavenByLinda on Etsy.

Johnny McClung-Unsplash

Can you see my hair blowing as July whizzes past me? I feel the month has barely started, but it’s over half-way gone! How did THAT happen?

We have our typical exciting day planned – gathering trash and taking it down to the humongous trash can at the bottom of the driveway, then getting the mail and going for groceries. Be still, my heart. :0) We are still having to drive ‘the back way’ to get to town. My husband went to see what progress had been made on the new bridge being built between us and town. He said there was a large concrete pillar in the center of the hole and lots of rebar. It looks like they are doing a much more serious job this time – a total rebuild, rather than a repair.

Vintage Hardware & Lighting

Our “replace-fluorescent-tubes-with-LED-tubes” project throughout the house continues. We have gotten into a “convert-2-fixtures-a-day” mode lately. This leads to much less stressful days and gets the job done eventually. I still resent being forced to do this conversion, but they ‘allowed us’ some 35 years before they decided to change, so I guess we can’t really complain…

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June 26, 2023 · 11:44 am

Monday 6-26-2023

Mark Gray Photography

This man’s photography continues to amaze me.

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We are home from our errands – our trash gathered and left in the humongous container from the trash company. My husband did NOT skid on the gravel today. :0) We got our mail and then drove to town to mail the memory box I sold. Even though it is ONLY 88 right now with a high of ONLY 96 this afternoon, I am grateful for good air conditioning. I have found that as I age, my ‘comfortable’ temperature range narrows considerably.

I will fix lunch soon and then will probably take a nap. (Isn’t my life exciting? – ACTUALLY, one of the best things about being older than dirt is that I can just pretend I’m from Mexico. When I visited there about a hundred years or so ago, everyone took a nap in the afternoon and then started their work day up again, stopping for the day about 9pm. I thought it was civilized then, and I really like it now. :0)

All About Gardening

After my nap I’m planning to do a couple of sessions of yard work. There are MANY things to do. We have the lawn and weed whacking mostly under control now. The weeds and Bermuda grass are trying to take over several flower planters, so I’m going to see if I can do some good out there today.

Hoping for a calm, quiet day and evening. I wish you the same.

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June 16, 2023 · 9:04 am

Severe Weather

Ozark Radio News

Weather across the U.S. may be severe today, so we need to keep a close eye out. I think I read that 50 million people are under threat of severe storms, gusty winds, hail, etc. today.

Unless things turn bad quickly, we’re planning to go ahead to Lunch Bunch this morning and then to pick up a prescription and groceries before coming home. Of course, this is all subject to change if we see flying hairballs.

If we’re lucky enough to have this bad stuff bypass us, I plan to check my tomato plants and harvest the rest of my heads of lettuce this afternoon.

Hopefully, we’ll all come through this threat intact and safe.

Be careful.

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May 30, 2023 · 11:57 am

Tuesday 5-30-2023

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We’ve just returned from doing errands and it’s time for lunch. I wanted to write quickly to let you know I was still alive, just in case you were wondering. :0)

We gathered trash and took it down. We’re a day later than usual due to the holiday. I’m really happy that this company posts their holiday schedule online so I can print it and check to see if we need to do anything differently.

We got our mail and then headed for town. There was a portable electric sign at the church where we turn to get on the main road, but it was turned so it showed down the hill, rather than where we were. It turned out it said, “Road Closed.” Yeah. They are beginning work on the main bridge between us and town. They let us through, and THEN we saw the sign that was on the other end.

We went to the bank and then picked up groceries. My husband was a Marine. “Marine” is synonymous for “stubborn,’ so on the way back, even though I reminded him that we needed to take the longer way around, he didn’t, preferring them to make him turn around, doubling the distance for us to get home. He lucked out and they let us through. He was, of course, smug. We don’t need to go to town again until Lunch Bunch on Friday, so maybe he’ll luck out again. We don’t know whether they are working AROUND the bridge, or ON the bridge, or REPLACING the bridge. I was reminding him that we need to check to see if the sign is still at the church when we’re going to Lunch Bunch Friday.

This morning was a good amount of reaching out for me, and it’s not over yet. :0)

I had my usual communication with my good friend, Marsha, and my SIL, MaryLou, first thing. I had received a text from my ‘cousin-in-law’ and wonderful friend, Murray. She has just moved and I’ll send her a text after lunch.

I checked to see if I had any messages from our son. While I was writing him a quick note, a message popped up from HIM, asking if I wanted to visit on the conference call thingie. We had the nicest visit. I LOVE being able to see his face. He was worried about two things: THING ONE – he was worried that we were upset that it has been so long since he’s been home. I explained to him that knowing he is safe and happy is paramount. Of COURSE I would love to hug his neck, but with the way the world is, the way things can change overnight, we are all better staying where we are. THING TWO – he wanted to be SURE his dad knew how much he loved him, how happy he was that his dad was patient with him, teaching him things that mean so much to him now. He had tears in his eyes when he said this and I promised I would deliver the message. When I did, I told my husband that our son got the dad that my husband deserved, but didn’t get, when HE was growing up.

So I’ve had a beautiful morning, feeling lucky to love so many good people.

I’m going to fix lunch now and then I’ll do some more posts later.

Hope you’re having a terrific Tuesday.

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May 17, 2023 · 10:36 am

Long in the Tooth

DeMilked

We’re home now from –

  • getting blood tests for our routine doctor’s appointment Monday
  • eating breakfast at The Dari
  • filling up a small gas container for the mower
  • getting our mail

I think my husband wore himself out taking care of me while I was sick earlier in the week. He felt weak this morning and is taking a nap now. We’re in for the day and he can rest as much as he needs. I’m feeling almost 100% this morning, so it’s MY turn to take care of HIM. Our dog Amber was especially glad to see me because she smelled the bacon I brought home to her. :0)

Our fluorescent lights are acting up lately. There is one fixture in the kitchen that doesn’t come on until well after the light switch is turned on. We think we need to change the bulbs and then the light will come on brightly. Same thing in our office. We have two fixtures acting wonky. And one in the master bathroom upstairs. We may need to get an electrician out to check the transformers. We used to change this stuff out routinely ourselves, but maybe this needs to go on the ‘get help’ list.

Rain isn’t forecast today, but it’s really cloudy and looks like it could rain any time. We have the doors open for a nice breeze and we’re in for the rest of the day so it might be kind of nice to have a light rain.

I wish you a happy Wednesday.

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May 12, 2023 · 9:03 am

And the Rain Continues

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Today is Lunch Bunch, but my husband and I will probably get stood up, due to various reasons. My husband said it didn’t matter, we’ll go anyway and then get stuff at the store on the way back. There is a 70% chance of rain this morning, this afternoon, and this evening. “Wet” is my natural state much of the day these days, though I try to use an umbrella.

I have one of those nice pop-up ones. That helps some, but it seems I can never get it up and over me before I’m pretty wet. We usually have gusty winds with our rain here, so that is challenging, too. I usually just say, “Okay” (bad words not supplied here), put the umbrella away, and just dry off when I get home.

It’s been so rainy lately that I haven’t been out to check the garden or the tomato plants. Hopefully, there will be a lull in the rain so I can get out and see what’s happening – with fingers crossed.

I hope that your Friday will be a fun one.

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April 28, 2023 · 1:18 pm

The Gang was All There!

The core bunch for Lunch Bunch was there today for the first time in awhile. I commemorated the occasion by taking a couple of pics quickly. This is Patty, Linda, Kay and Bud.

And the gentleman at the far end of the table is my husband, Harvey.

It was good to catch up on things. Patty and her husband will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a trip to Greece soon! I told her that they ‘had a good start now.’ :0) I think that Kay and Bud have been married about as long as we have (54 years in June), and Linda lost her husband, Dick, several years ago now.

We went to the library book sale right after Lunch Bunch and saw another long time good friend, Martha. She was helping her daughter run the sale. I hugged her neck. We agreed that trying to age gracefully was sometimes more of a challenge than either of us could handle, but that the effort was probably character-building.

After a quick trip to Walmart, we’re home for the day. The trip was a bit too long for my husband. He’s resting now and will probably take a nap after he finishes looking at the new magazines he got in the mail.

Beef stew tonight for dinner, a check of the garden stuff, a yoga session, and that’s our day.

I hope you’re having a good one.

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April 7, 2023 · 8:54 am

Fabulous Friday 4-7-2023

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Even after sleeping well last night, I’m struggling to wake up. I just finished a cup of coffee, but it seemingly hasn’t affected me. :0(

I’m looking forward to seeing as many of my Friday Lunch Bunch friends as possible today. Tomorrow is our waitress’ birthday, so I’m taking some hand painted note cards and a birthday card to her. I’m hoping she like them. I’m planning to take some pics if we have a ‘full house’ at lunch because that is happening less and less often. I want to take advantage of the opportunity to capture the joy we feel on meeting each week.

After lunch my husband and I will hit Walmart and the local grocery store for supplies. I’m planning to get out this afternoon and prep the tomato planters so that sometime during the weekend we can go buy some tomato plants.

I’m very thankful we’re not facing any awful weather today. It’s supposed to be sunny and 67 for a high. I’ll sure take that!

Yesterday my husband ‘disappeared’ for a time, scaring my hair off. The Vette was gone from the garage. His phone was in the office. He showed up about half an hour later, having filled up the Vette with gas. I reminded him that it would be really nice if he would let me know where he’s going, and that he take his phone so we can communicate, if needed. I THINK I got through to him.

No big plans for the day. Just enjoying the weather, trying to get a few things done around the house, enjoying our friends, gathering supplies for the next week, and enjoying the fact that we’re still around and able to appreciate all we have.

Happy Friday.

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March 10, 2023 · 9:43 am

Not Old

I’ve had a really nice birthday celebration, and am now ready to put thoughts of how old I am away for another year. Most of the time I don’t even think of it. The main thing is annoyance if I have trouble getting out of my recliner. :0)

We have Lunch Bunch today. I’m hoping we have a full contingent. I haven’t heard from anyone, and usually that means that everyone is planning to come. It will be good to see some much-loved faces, laugh, and share a meal.

There is not much going on here today otherwise. We have some errands to run after Lunch Bunch, but then a quiet day after with lots of sunshine.

I’m going to try to pay attention as we do our errands to see if the places in town are starting to stock spring plants. I’m itching to get our garden started, though it’s a bit early.

Have a wonderful Friday.

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