Tag Archives: Saturday thoughts

December 20, 2025 · 1:57 am

Saturday 12-20-2025 Thoughts

Card – Xmas – Santa & Rudolph

Today when we visited my husband Harvey at the nursing home, he wanted to know if I had brought him an iPhone 17, and then he wanted Brian to go out with him so he could buy Brian a certain kind of motorcycle he had seen on TV… Otherwise, we got the thumbprints we needed for the medical visa renewal, and some pictures of him. We should be able to get everything we need together for the renewal by the middle of next week.

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I’m making some progress on my puzzle. Brian is teasing me about (1) taking a long time to finish it, (2) NOT TAKING LONG ENOUGH to finish it – ‘griping’ about how much money it costs to get the finished puzzle picture printed on glass like the other two I have, and then (3) already having bought me the turtle puzzle I wanted, but couldn’t get, a while back.

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Art – First Cry

I’m splitting my time today between my puzzle and painting another of my sketches. It’s good to have the rest of the day free to do what I’d like to do, not having to rush – just enjoying.

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May this be a reminder not to stress over the holidays. They are different for each of us. Even when things are good, the details can get us overwhelmed, when we should be concentrating on just spending time with those we love; or, if we cannot do that, enjoying the memories we’ve built over the years, making us feel warm inside.

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March 22, 2025 · 4:30 pm

Playing “Find The…”

Vecteezy

Last night I cleaned out my roll top desk. I’ve had it for 1000 years more or less, and have used it for over 37 years here at this house. To say it was more than full of ‘stuff’ is the understatement of the century.

I sorted out the things that might sell in the auction, and got a big leaf bag. Then I got another one, and a third. I filled all three of them with a gazillion pens, markers, colored pencils, do-dads, papers, and more. I finally finished, after spending a couple of hours. Today I oiled the runners for the roll top, and cleaned everything, because the people coming today may decide they want it.

My biggest chore of the day was playing, “Find the…” a never-ending game around here. I told you recently that it seemed like everything was falling apart around here and we had no choice but to buy new. We ended up ordering a new bed and a new refrigerator. Then “I” fell apart, and we’ve hardly used either of our new things.

We would like to get what we paid for through the auction, if possible. I finally found the paperwork and sales receipt showing that the bed is less than a month old. We will leave that in the middle of the stripped bed when we leave. Even harder to find was the sales receipt for the fridge, but I finally came up with it. My husband had started a new refrigerator folder and then put the folder in the wrong place. I now have the sales receipt on the front of the fridge held on by magnets.

One of our neighbors is here now putting a huge CNC set up from the shop on a trailer. His daughter, who is very accomplished and just landed a cushy promotion, is into welding, art work and more, and so was interested in lots of stuff in the shop. We are waiting for them to take pics of some more stuff she would like so our son can try to find a reasonable price for them.

They will be back later this evening to look at more art stuff for Lisa, and pack up my drafting table. They also may be interested in the roll top desk…

To say things are busy is a vast understatement. They are ‘good busy,’ though, with satisfaction that our stuff is going to people who can really use and enjoy it.

It looks like our leaving is becoming imminent. More on that as I know the details.

Hope you’re having a wonderful Saturday.

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March 22, 2025 · 9:39 am

Countdown has Started

Blocks of Life

Our son is working on choosing the best route with the best flight times for our tickets now. We have our passports. It’s real. I’m not sure which is our flight day yet, but it’s imminent. I know we will be here through the 25th, but that’s as much as I know.

The shut-down date for my Etsy site is March 25th, next Tuesday. This is the last call if you would like to order anything before it’s gone.

We have people coming to get things they have bought today, also, in some cases, to choose more. It’s a joy to see people getting things they really like, though it’s pretty exhausting at the same time.

Our son studied my husband’s last blood work and determined the low carb diet we have been eating was good, but that my husband continued to sabotage his health by defiantly continuing to eat carbs in addition during the day. Since we both got the flu, it has sabotaged his efforts so much he has made himself ill and is having trouble gaining strength. Our son got him to promise to give a strict low carb diet, with NO cheating, a try until we leave so we can have some assurance we can make it through the flights without incident. It’s one thing to maybe require a wheelchair. It’s another if you’re throwing up and delirious. My husband made the promise. Yesterday he felt more alert and energetic than he has felt since he got the flu. We all talked about it and we are all encouraged.

Each day we’re tying up more loose ends. Soon we will be on our way to start a brand new life!

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March 15, 2025 · 9:33 am

Saturday 3-15-2025

Karin de Haas via Tammy Baker-Pinterest

It’s been really busy around here. There are SO many details to handle. We are definitely making progress. A suitcase was delivered this morning. We’re going to basically pack my husband’s things in it today to see if the 2nd suitcase we’re ordering should be the same size or maybe a little bit larger. We have the backpacks our son ordered, so we can decide what needs to go in each, like a change of clothes, freshening up supplies, kleenex, tablets and charger cords, etc.

One really worrisome and upsetting thing happened yesterday. I called the vet to make sure all was good about our calling when we were ready to bring our animals and their supplies to the vet clinic, and be sure that people could help us get everything in from the truck. The rug was yanked out from under me.

The receptionist told me they weren’t set up to take our animals. They were happy to help us try to rehome them by putting their pics up on their website and would call us if there was interest, but that was it. I guess I don’t speak English anymore, because I was devastated.

We now have a post in the rehoming – Greenwood section of Facebook, but we haven’t gotten any responses. I’ve texted all of our friends to see if anyone knows anybody who wants a dog or cat and their supplies. We’ll keep adding other options as we think of them. This is a major concern for us. We haven’t told my husband, figuring he doesn’t need the stress, but we won’t be able to keep the secret for long.

Meanwhile, I’ll try to put this out of my mind as we work on getting my husband basically packed for the move.

I wish everyone a really nice Saturday.

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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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July 27, 2024 · 9:04 am

Saturday 7-27-2024

Nora – Pinterest

These are too cute to EAT. I love the creativity some people show with food. Maybe if I find someone who will make things like this for ME, I can lose all the weight I would like because EVERYTHING is simply TOO CUTE TO EAT. :0)

I’m an emotional eater – of course, ANY excuse will do. Yesterday it was because my husband yelled at me – after asking for my help – when I was insisting that he wasn’t giving Microsoft what it was demanding in order to sign in. I left the room, and then proceeded to eat our dinner hot dogs with actual BUNS instead of the Mission tortillas that have no carbs, PLUS I ate potato chips, sabotaging my lose-the-lard efforts for the day.

I’m patting myself on the head a bit this morning that I DID vacuum all the tiled areas on our first floor yesterday – pantry, kitchen, utility room, dining area, walkway to the living room, and two half baths. Today I’ll do the carpeted areas on the first floor, plus our bedroom and master bath upstairs. I’m amazed that Amber isn’t completely bald after vacuuming up the equivalent of at least one dog yesterday.

We had the nicest short rain yesterday afternoon and have a chance for a repeat today. I hope we get it because it looks like we have quite the dry spell after that, with the temperatures soaring again. In a few minutes, I’ll check our tomato plants, fertilize, and see if I can replant any suckers.

I hope that you are able to make today a really nice one.

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May 4, 2024 · 9:49 am

We Needed the Rain, But…

Chaya Boone – Juststartz.com

Yesterday I got lazy, but I’ve been trying to do something in our yard each day. Things are starting to shape up now, but I’m having more and more trouble finding time between rain showers to do much.

I SHOULD have weed whacked yesterday. My husband mowed the yard a couple of days ago, so he’s done his part, but I just couldn’t get motivated. I’ll try to get it done today, though scattered showers are forecast and we are under a flood watch. Adding insult to injury, the forecast is for scattered showers and thunderstorms for the NEXT SIX DAYS!

I’m in the frustrating position of feeling guilty no matter what I’m doing. If I’m outside working in the yard, I feel guilty that I haven’t vacuumed the tiled areas on our first floor. I actually saw a clump of Amber hair floating around yesterday… If I’m inside cleaning or paying bills, I feel guilty because if it’s not raining, I should be outside weeding, pruning, planting things…. THE RESULT – yesterday I read the rest of a book. (I know. I’m a slob.) :0)

SO – when I finish my blog posts for today, I’ll get outside and at least get STARTED weed whacking. I’ll try for two sessions today, plus my yoga stretching this afternoon. I’m also planning to finish off enjoyment of a rotisserie chicken by making chicken salad as part of our dinner tonight.

I hope that your Saturday has both productivity and fun.

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February 24, 2024 · 10:32 am

Saturday Thoughts 2-24-2024

Unsplash

I’m seeing a bit of progress in my efforts to get my act together. In my yoga yesterday, I was able to do 10 reps of my abdominal exercise (started with 5), and will earn star #6 on my week’s calendar on daily practice. (It felt really good just now to replace the words, “try for” with “EARN”.)

Second, I’m getting a good start on limiting my carbs. I’ve lost 2 lbs since I got serious, using MyFitnessPal.com to work out what I’ll eat for the day. I really like this website. I can type in the name of a frozen dinner, for example, such as Lean Cuisine Herb Roasted Chicken, and it has an extensive data base of foods, added to by their membership, so it’s easy to list and find out where it fits in my plan for the day. They have a place where you can list your own recipes and store them. I can ‘play’ with options for each meal, plus snacks, and see before I screw up how it will work, or if I need to choose something else. Really helpful website if you’re trying to lose weight or just make sure that you’re eating the right foods for a health condition, etc.

I made ‘zoodles’ yesterday. This is a staple for low carb foodies, zucchini taking the place of spaghetti and other pastas.

This is my spiralizer. You cut off one end of the zucchini, put it in the “thick” or “thin” end of the spiralizer, then twist the zucchini. Long ‘ribbons’ of zucchini are formed. The end you see to the right is used when the zucchini is too short to hold, but still has some good ribbons left to make.

I can make my own low carb spaghetti sauce, for example, make some spaghetti for my husband, and heat up a serving of zoodles for me, making both of us happy. One zucchini made three 1-cup servings for me. I froze two of them, eating one last night. Today I’ll make some cauli-rice, a substitute for regular rice. These two things are wonderful for me. They taste fine (although I do miss the real things), allowing my husband and me to eat basically the same dinner, making him happy and taking any guilt away from me, allowing me to stay on my low-carb regimen.

SO – feeling as if I’m making a bit of progress, I will continue ‘onward and downward’ hopefully, with more flexibility and a stronger, flatter abdomen. :0)

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January 13, 2024 · 9:50 am

Reprieve

Whew! It’s supposed to get above freezing this afternoon, so we’ll hopefully be able to get down our driveway to pick up two days worth of mail and scoot to the local grocery store for goodies before we get snowed in again.

The forecast is for snow starting tomorrow about noon and continuing through Tuesday morning accompanied by bitter cold temperatures for Arkansas throughout the week. The weather people sound really sure this time. With our driveway, we may be snowed in throughout all of next week. We’ll see.

I don’t mind being ‘snowed in’ so much as no one being able to get up here if we need help. The UPS and Fedex people leave our packages at the bottom of our driveway when it’s CLEAR. Emergency vehicles of any kind wouldn’t have a chance.

I have two people who have kindly offered to sign the petition I started to do away with the rest of this winter and move straight into spring. The petition is here, waiting for more signatures. I don’t know how many we would need in order for something to HAPPEN, but I’m ready. :0)

In the meantime, stay safe, dry, and warm.

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December 16, 2023 · 10:42 am

Drizzly Saturday 12-16-2023

Pinterest

I don’t know who the artist is, but I think this elephant is wonderful.

Lunch Bunch was fun yesterday. Kay and Bud were there, plus their neighbor, Cheryl. We had a good time. I reminded Kay about our gift exchange next Friday, but she acted as though we hadn’t already talked about it and agreed. Our waitress asked me as we left. I told her that I had reminded Kay and would remind Patty and Linda at the first of the week, but that I wasn’t sure of anything anymore…

I didn’t receive my wood burning tool protection stuff I ordered yesterday. Maybe today.

‘Something’ other than birds has been eating our birdseed lately. Last night we caught a possum inside the garage in our humane cage. My husband will take care of this later. This is one thing I’m happy I don’t have to do. We relocate raccoons, but not possums.

Women’s Health

Shout-Out to Marsha, MaryLou, and Bill who are all on the wrong side of Mother Nature’s temper this weekend. I hope you all come through the coming bad weather healthy and happy.

Shout-Out to Cathy, who has health issues she is handling with much more grace than I would. I wish you lots of good rest, feeling better, and good results.

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July 22, 2023 · 10:14 am

Sunny Saturday 7-22-2023

HANDMADEHAVENBYLINDA ON ETSY –

Memory Box – Hand-Painted – “Rooster” – The dimensions of the box are 4.25 inches long, 3.25 inches wide, 2.25 inches deep, and 2.5 inches high. FUN present to give to one of your own children, a grandchild, or fun to give as a birthday present. – $17.95 with FREE SHIPPING to the contiguous U.S.

Questions – lindawlewis1@gmail.com

Link to Rooster Box on Etsy

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As soon as I finish with blog posts, I’m heading outside to see if I can get our back yard weed whacked. I’ll do short sessions with lots of rest and hydrating in-between; but I would like to get that done today. I’ll also check to see if we have tomatoes to bring in. It’s been so hot that most of the garden veggies are gone. When we have heat indices to 115, there is no way to get enough water to garden plants. If you push it, you end up with ‘boiled’ plants, so it’s best to just give it up if we’re having a summer like this.

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Raising Children Network

I’m still dreaming of art projects, but there have just been too many priorities or my energy taps out before I can get upstairs to my art room. Maybe today, if I can finish the back yard….

Hoping for a nice Saturday for all of us.

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July 8, 2023 · 10:09 am

Rainy Saturday 7-8-2023

Chainsaw Art – Unknown Artist – Pinterest

The sky is dark, the doors are open to the breeze, a quiet rain is falling. The washer is running, my husband, dog, and cat are sleeping. A ‘lulling’ kind of day, encouraging laziness.

Freepik

Yesterday Lunch Bunch was a bust. No one was there to meet us, plus the restaurant had a closed sign on it, saying they would be closed from the 5th-10th. My only gripe is a lack of good communication. We skip breakfast on Lunch Bunch days because Kay wants to eat so early, so we ended up running our errands and returning home, THEN fixing a late lunch. No problem, just a bit of aggravation.

EmojiTerra

My husband states he used up all his patience in the Marines – patience for standing in lines, dealing with paperwork, people….. Now we’re dealing with the fact that MY fount of patience with HIS lack of patience is hitting really low levels.

The latest example is dealing with Humana. We’ve tried to insulate ourselves every way possible, but occasionally, they do need to communicate with us. It really gripes my husband that they send him an email, and then make him jump through a bunch of ID hoops before he can find out what they need to know. He’s been ignoring them lately. He yelled at his computer a couple of days ago because they wanted him to sign in again, and then give his birthdate. He figures they KNOW all this stuff. They contacted HIM. He left in a huff and today asked me if I could find out what they want. I’m still trying to get through to them…

Tenor.gif

On the nice side, we have a nice, gentle rain, no flying hairballs, a nice breeze, and no scary things to deal with today. We’ll take that. :0)

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