Tag Archives: latest painted sketch

Tuesday, 1-27-2026

Bryan Hansel – Substack

I want to go wherever this is!!!!

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We just got back from meeting my husband, his nurse, and his main doctor at the hospital for a routine visit. The doctor was happy that Harvey was alert and seemed happier. We talked about the possibility of removing the nasal feeding tube. His nurse said that, though he was able to eat and drink without choking, he wasn’t eating enough. We asked Harvey was HE wanted to do, since this isn’t about US. He said the tube wasn’t bothering him a lot, so we decided to leave it in for now. I encouraged him to eat small bowls of whatever the rest of the people at the nursing home were being served and he agreed to try. I also talked to the nurse, asking her to keep the amount small at first, so he wasn’t overwhelmed. We’ll see how it goes.

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This is the latest painted sketch.

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Kinship-Pexels-Rodnae-Productions

I’m planning to do an extra long session with the exercises with the water bottles for my arms today, along with some other extraneous exercises, to make up for the fact that we opted out of going to the gym this morning so as to be able to eat breakfast and get to the hospital on time. I’ll also make a point of climbing up the stairs to my place at least once.

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I hope that those of you in the path of the winter storm still have power, and are staying dry and warm. I’m thinking of you

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Sunday, 1-18-2026

Latest painted sketch

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I had a really nice, busy afternoon yesterday. My son came to my place 3 different times – once to bring me an iced mocha – YUM! – and twice more to bring packages. It was like Christmas here! 🎄

The first package was the glass print of my dolphins jigsaw puzzle. It’s now sitting on my ‘statement shelf’ in my living area, where I keep things that mean the world to me now.

I have 2 other glass prints of finished jigsaw puzzles –

I call this puzzle, “Fantasy.”

“Owls”

The glass print of the painting my dad painted of me when I was about 6, saying it captured my “personality.” – (Brian had this made as a condo-warming present for me when I first moved in – making me feel my dad is here, too.)

And this is a framed print of a painting in a Christmas card sent to me by Jon Alston from the States.

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The third time Brian came to my place yesterday afternoon was to bring me the door wreath and holder we ordered when I took down my Christmas wreath.

This will stay up all the time the Christmas wreath is stored. I haven’t seen any other door decorations in the condo building. I wanted something welcoming, that made me happy each time I came back. This colorful basket of flowers does that for me. The holder makes it a bit harder to work the lock on my door, but I don’t care. The extra ‘oomph’ it takes to lock or unlock it is well overcome by the joy the wreath brings me. 😁

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Being the pampered retired lady I am, I’m looking forward to writing a couple more blog posts and then spending the rest of the afternoon bouncing between doing more sketches, working on my turtle jigsaw puzzle, reading, listening to music, doing a session of water bottle exercises for my arms, and maybe even watching a movie…

I’m going to throw open my windows because it’s up to 75 now. I LOVE how light and airy my place is with the sunshine coming in all the windows!

MAKE this a happy day!

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Thursday 1-15-2026

This is my latest painted sketch.

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Water is Life 🦅

“Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth.

This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.”

Lao Tzu

Tracy Chrest – @tracychrest989204 on Substack

I love both the quote and the glorious photo Tracy chose to illustrate it.

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Freepik

I’m having a free day today. I have my laundry drying out on the balcony, have changed the sheets on my bed and gathered trash to get ready for my housekeeper tomorrow. I’m doing exercises for my arms and back with water bottles today, plus walking down the stairs in the building. Not sure about ‘up’ yet. Isn’t it wonderful that I have a choice? 😋

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I hope that your day is full of smiles and maybe a giggle or two…🤭

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Saturday, January 10, 2026

Best Friends Animal Society

I have finally hit another milestone in my two years of efforts to lose the lard. As of this morning, I am down 90 pounds, to 115. My goal is to lose another 5, to give myself a good maintenance range to stay in the rest of my life, concentrating on exercising to continue to build muscle, stamina, flexibility, and balance.

I have a routine follow up doctor’s appointment next month, and I’ll see what she has to say about where I am at that time and what goals I should set.

In the meantime, I’m doing the following –

  • walking on the treadmill one mile every day, trying to continue to retrain my brain and body to improve my balance. I’m now walking without holding on, concentrating on relaxing while I’m walking, increasing the speed and the incline % as I can.
  • On alternate days, I’m either doing a half hour or so of yoga stretches (including sit ups, a plank, and a ‘reach-up-stretch-and-then-bend-over-to-try-to-touch-my-toes’ several times). My plank is pathetic so far, but I’m working on it – OR I do half an hour or so of arm exercises with water bottles (also including the reach up and then bend over with the bottles.)
  • Next week I’m planning to add stairs to the mix. I’ll start by walking down 5 flights of stairs – carefully, so as not to fall on my head and break all my bones. Then I’ll mix that with trying to see how many flights I can walk UP…. (Balance, stamina, and breath control, as well as building some muscle.)

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Drawing – Bird- latest painted sketch.

This morning we visited my husband, Harvey, in the nursing home. So far, all is going well with the new nurse. Her name is Khun Archiang (pronounced, “Coon-ah-chi-ahng”) She is very sweet and seems to be doing a good job of taking care of Harvey.

He was still asking us to find his jeans and shoes so he could make a break for it, but we distracted him by talking about taking a wheel chair ride this afternoon to see the doggies and ‘take in some rays’. It is getting harder and harder for the staff to get him into the wheelchair, so the trips outside are getting fewer.

He happily ate the pineapple pie Brian brought and drank the no sugar grape drink without problem. He has an appointment later this month with the doctor. We are hoping he will be able to have the nasal feeding tube removed at that time.

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This afternoon, I’ll finish writing my blog posts, probably paint at least one of the remaining two sketches in the old sketchbook, continue working on my jigsaw puzzle, and continue reading my Kindle book. as well as put on my headphones and listen to YouTube music tonight before bed. Such a hard life I lead!

I am full of gratitude for all I have now. Life will always have it’s challenges, it’s hard spots, but ATTITUDE is ALL.

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Sunday, December 28th, 2025

@dailybunnies.bsky.social

We went to see my husband, Harvey, this morning. We had a hard time getting a Grab for the trip to the nursing home because it’s ‘high season’ for tourists now. He was calm, glad to see us, and followed what we were saying. All in all, a good visit.

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This is the latest painting.

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I’m almost finished with my jigsaw puzzle of the dolphins. I’m having to go through and rearrange some areas, but I WILL prevail! 😁

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liftingitalia.com

Our gym is closing starting tomorrow for a week for deep cleaning, maintenance, etc., so Brian and I will walk in a park every morning instead.

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The day got away from me today. I will try to write more tomorrow.

I hope you are doing well.

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Monday, 11-10-2025

Wholesome Memes – @wholesomeMeme.bksy.social

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iStock

As I type, I’m hoping that the handy man for the building can make time to come fix my door. It swells when it’s rainy or there is high humidity, making it really hard to open and close. Lately, it has gotten to the point that at times I CANNOT get out, or can’t get IN again. Thankfully, Brian lives in the same building. I can text him and he comes and helps; or many times, if we’re going somewhere together, he just comes and gets me and then makes sure I’m in again before he leaves me when we get back. The handy man is super busy so fingers are crossed that he can get to me today. If not, I’ll hope for tomorrow…

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Latest painted sketch.

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My work on the dolphin puzzle is going well. I have asked Brian to try to order the turtle puzzle for me again as soon as he can. I would really like to tackle that one after I meet the challenge of this one.

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I have been spending more time on Substack lately and am following several people now. I am finding some wonderful sources for things I love and want to share with you here. You might check out Substack and see if it’s something you enjoy.

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We visited Harvey at the nursing home this morning. He was sleepy and almost completely non-responsive today. He squeezed my hand, but said nothing, even though I talked to him a lot. Disheartening, but he didn’t seem to be hurting.

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I hope your day or evening is one that makes you smile.

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Catch Up

This is the latest painted sketch.

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I got my new puzzle this morning! I think I told you of my disappointment that the order of the turtle puzzle was canceled. I had to choose another one. This is the one I chose –

I’m happy with this one. I love dolphins, and this one has some turtles, and various colored fish, lots of underwater action, plus underwater plants. I’ve decided that when I get halfway finished with this one (see my new confidence?) I’m going to try to order the turtle again…

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Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the Philippines and Vietnam in the past few days, causing deaths and destruction. It’s on its way HERE in Chiang Mai, though it’s supposed to have become a tropical depression once it reaches here today and tomorrow and a bit beyond. “The Rainy Season” ended at the 1st of November, but Mother Nature is still in a snit and showing people who’s in charge. It’s raining today, but so far, I haven’t had any window leaks. I have towels and a bucket ready if that changes. We have dark clouds in the sky and the rains start here in an instant. Sadly, according to my phone weather app, the rain is supposed to continue all through next week, too. Heavy flooding could be a problem here. My window leak concerns seem really petty compared to possible damage to peoples’ homes and businesses….

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Wednesday 11-5-2025

Wholesome Memes – @wholesomememe.bsky.social

We discovered, after a lot of waiting this morning, that because of fraud, the Thai government says banks cannot allow you to add someone else to your bank account. You must open the original account with your name and that of the other person you want on the account. It cannot be amended. You must start over and open another account. 😳

Otherwise, I’m having a very nice day. I’ve been painting my sketches and reading a good book on my Kindle.

Here’s my latest painted sketch.

This is the book I’m reading on my Kindle. Next of Kin, A Rebel Ridge Novel, Book 1, by Sharon Sala. This author was recommended by my friend, Marsha, and I’m hooked. The story is compelling, the action is thrilling, the characters intelligent, real, and I’m caring about them. I will definitely read more when I finish the current book.

Alexas_Fotos – Pixabay

It’s supposed to start raining around 3 this afternoon. I have the towels on my drying rack inside with the fan blowing on them, trying to dry them out as much as possible before we get more rain. It looks like maybe one more week of this and THEN “The Rainy Season” will come to an end this year…

I hope you’re having an enjoyable day.

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Monday, October 13, 2025

Tina Ann

I had to opt out of going to see Harvey with Brian this morning. My system was backed up. I had a bad bout and texted Brian I wouldn’t be able to go. I went back to sleep after all was over and slept until about 2pm. I still feel a bit weak, but MUCH better after the extra sleep.

Brian’s report on Harvey was pretty good. Harvey still had the nasal tube in (plus a bag on his right hand to keep him from pulling it out). The nurse brought cake for him to eat, and he was able to eat that. Brian said he looked better. He ‘responded’ when Brian talked, but didn’t ‘answer’ much at all. He was concerned that I wasn’t there, but calmed down when Brian explained it wasn’t anything serious. So. Good visit today. 😁

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Our ‘grandson’ (we were adopted by Brian’s friends and have been named honorary ‘grandparents’ as they welcome us to Thailand) had a 4th birthday. We were in the ER with Harvey, so couldn’t go to the festivities. Brian sent him a big picture book about spiders. Our grandson LOVED it. His parents were kind and sent Brian a picture plus a video showing him opening and then looking at the book with great interest!

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This is my latest painted sketch

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I hope you have a happy day. I hope some of you have Columbus Day off from work.

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Odds n’ Ends 10-8-2025

This is the haircut I got today. I got him to give me a good cut for my recalcitrant hair, blow it dry, and NOT put any sprays or goop on me!

Latest painted sketch.

This is the jigsaw puzzle I’m working on. I think it’s gorgeous, but it does have a LOT of black on either side, across the bottom, and in the middle, making it hard to figure out what I’m working on.

Here’s what I’ve done so far. I’m going really slowly, but I don’t get any prizes for doing this quickly. 🤪 I’m having a good time.

We had a hard rain storm necessitating rolled up towels in the window sills and my bucket again this week, but I have all the towels dry now, ready to go into action again. The rainy season supposedly ends the first of November. I’ll be happy to see this season go. The building is supposed to be painted on the exterior in November or so, with repairs done to the outside, so I’m hoping my problem will get solved then.

I’m hoping you’re having a good day wherever you are and that things are going well.

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Happy Monday 10-6-2025

Tina Ann

This is our reminder to make time for fun every day, making ourselves part of our priority list.

I’ve had a good day. I had my workout at the gym. Brian complimented me, saying I’m steadier on my feet, more agile, and he worries about me less. A SHOWER of compliments from my son!

I just got back from getting a mani/pedi. I’m having this done every two months. It gives me something to look forward to, and having professionals take care of my hands and feet is a healthy addition to my taking care of myself. The ‘polish’ is my FUN part. Brian has been goading me to paint my toenails and fingernails ‘cyan.’ I actually had to look it up, but it’s a range of shades of aqua.

Scheme Color

I’ve ignored his request up until today. Since he has introduced me to the whole idea of mani/pedis, found a place to get the service, and actually sits there and waits while I get it done, I figured today was the day.

When he saw my fingernails, his grin filled his whole face. He said, “All RIGHT!!! I’m not sure I actually LIKE this color, but his reaction is certainly worth spending two months with it. 😄. We followed this with a stop for chocolate – icing on the cake of the nice morning.

When I was coming back from breakfast with Brian, I met the cleaning lady who has been so, so nice to me. She was by herself, so I motioned for her to follow me out to sit on the bench in the foyer type area that is on each floor. (Happily, I remembered to turn my hand down and make a clawing motion, rather than the normal, “Come here” gesture, so I didn’t insult her suggesting she was an animal.)

She put down all her stuff and I got out the earrings I’ve been carrying around. I showed her, pointed to her ears. She looked really surprised, but I made as sure as I could that the earrings were for her. Her face split with a grin and she put them in her ears as we sat there. She stood up, did a little dance, and I helped her put her mask on again. I don’t think she got the idea that I painted the earrings, but the delight in her eyes showed she liked them.

I got home from our morning and quickly moved to the balcony to get my laundry in. Everything was completely dry with the exception of my socks, which were ALMOST dry. I brought everything in and was closing the balcony door when the rain started. WHEW!

It was a hard rain, so it wasn’t long before I needed to roll up towels to put on the window sills to contain the leakage. I have my bucket there to wring out the towels when needed.

Here’s my latest painted sketch. I love Halloween, and will see what I can find regarding creative costumes for kids plus wonderful jack-o-lanterns to share with you.

Have a fun day!

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