What a Morning

I haven't been keeping up with my blog but thought I needed some time off.  A short vacation from the keys was needed since the hands haven't wanted to cooperate.

I jumped out of bed this morning with the crazy tune, Play That Funky Music, going around and around in my head.  I don't know where that came from but it certainly isn't my kind of music.  I must have heard it on TV last night while listening to a list of the oldies.  My idea of the oldies is A Summer Place, Theme from Moulin Rouge and so on.  I love the Canadian Tenors and The Three Tenors.  Now that's music and they have voices worth listening to.  I know, I'm an old fart, but where on earth did I come up with Play That Funky Music?  At least it got me out of bed because I couldn't just lay there with that darn song going through my brain.  What made matters worse was I knew the words to it!  I must have regressed during the night's sleep.

Oh well, I could think of worse things to happen.  Like me deleting all my photos so I didn't have anything special to post to my blog.  My spoiled cat will have to do.  She's pretty special though.  She lets me know when I need to go to bed nights by gently pawing my arm and then she follows right behind me.  She also  makes sure I wake up every morning by walking up and down the length of my body.  I'd really like to sleep later than 5:00 a.m. but that seems to be her choice, not mine.  Usually it's to let me know that the feral cat is outside on the patio waiting to be fed. Oh such a life.

Hubby is sleeping and my dishes await.  I didn't feel like doing them last night and thought what the heck, it's not as if I have a great social life so why not just leave them and watch a great TV show?  I'd just wash them and there would be others to replace them.  The TV program won out and this morning I can't even remember what it was.  I hope my day goes better.

You all have fun today, it's Saturday!

Hugs

Yesterday

I took pictures yesterday while walking down my driveway just to see what I could spy to snap a picture of and loved this one especially.  It was later in the day so the color of the sky is beautiful and the contrast of the Hemlock branch shows the pure loveliness of it,  dark against light, and why I was so taken with this particular picture.

I didn't get a thing done that I had planned on.  I started reading a book while hubby was sleeping so it was very quiet in the house and he slept past noon.  We had company show up at 3:30 and we sat and drank iced tea at the patio table and just took in the beautiful cool day and the slight breeze.  It was wonderful.  After company left, I came in and got my book and went outside to read it at the table.  I was well into the book and didn't want to put it down.  It was so exciting that I fell asleep, book in hand and no inkling of just when I conked out.

It was a perfect day, no hurrying to go anywhere, just enjoying the patio and watching the chipmunks and listening to the soft cooing of the mourning doves.  That alone was enough to send me off to dreamland.  I came inside as it was getting dusk and started something simple for supper.  Hubby called me to the door and said, "Look up."  Okay, I looked up but couldn't see anything.  Then I spotted them, my two owls sitting on a branch and outlined against the darkening sky.  The smaller one flew down and landed just above my head.  He kept making these little mewling sounds and turning his head in a circular motion.  I did the same in return for as long as my neck allowed.  I kept talking to him and he stayed right there, almost too close for comfort.  I thought he might fly down and get caught in my hair.  They were amazing and I finally came back inside.  I don't know how long they perched there but it was a gift to end my day.  I have a feeling this will not be the last of them.

This morning the pest control man is here to spray outside for those large black ants and also the carpenter bees.  The ants just give me the creeps because they are all outside the the door and when opened, they scramble to get inside.  Every year we have a problem with them for a short while and then they cease.

This afternoon is a trip to the doctor and after that lunch somewhere with AC and no loud music blaring. I usually get a sandwich and end up giving the other half to hubby. It never fails now when you go to a nice restaurant, the music is so loud you can't talk with one another.  I'll ask that they turn it down since it's more for the wait staff than the customers.  There's nothing worse than trying to eat and digest your meal with the thump, thump, thumping of the bass turned to full volume.  I feel as if I must eat to the beat!

It's so pretty out again today and I hope it stays on the cool side.  By cool I mean less than 80 degrees.  If I could order my weather it would be a perfect 72 with a nice breeze.  I don't want much, just perfect weather so I can be outside and enjoy the summer.  We either have cold or hotter than hell here.

This is another picture I took yesterday.  It was flying all over the place and each time it landed, it wasn't long enough to snap the photo.  Yesterday was definitely a dragonfly day, much to my delight.  Here he finally landed on the stone wall and I had the lens already adjusted to the perfect setting in order to get him.  I never knew there were so many different kinds of dragonflies.  I remember when I was young my mom used to tell me if I didn't stop talking all the time, the sewing needles would sew my lips shut.  I didn't know that dragonflies were the same as sewing needles.  That shut me up when I was outside, for a little while anyway.  I never considered myself a chatterbox but I'll have to check with my aunt about that.

That's it for today, have places to go and things to do.  Hubby drives so I don't have to worry about getting a parking place at the doctor's.  I just don't parallel park anymore and never liked it to begin with.

Have a nice day and appreciate all you have.

Hugs

When Will This Heat Wave Cease?

All my flowers are now zilch to I bought out some lilys that were given to me by a friend, and took a snap or two of them.  They really cheer up this page don't they?

I took the weekend off due to the heat and all my problems with the computer.  The same applies to today.  It must be all the air conditioners and fans running to make this heat bearable.  Strange, I don't remember minding the heat that much when just a girl, but I had the river to keep me busy and I could jump in and out of the water at whim.

So far the weekend consisted of me watching TV and cooking when I absolutely had to.  Hubby was okay with that but complains that nothing tasted the same.  Well of course not, you take out the salt, the spices with salt added and the high fat mozzarella cheese and naturally the flavor is not the same. All in all though, I thought the substitutions were fairly good and I enjoyed it.  I did make extra for today thank goodness.  I'm already like a wet noodle.  I'll try making it another way to see if he likes that one better.  He never complains, just puts that, "It doesn't taste the same as you used to make."  Teeth grit...

I need to go out and shop today instead of letting hubby go.  I only need three items and hubby went out for those yesterday.  He came home with a large bag of Salt and Pepper potato chips, ice cream, large rolls and a loaf of bread.  Also mixed candy, strawberry cheesecake, etc.  Yes, I will go myself and the bill will be cheaper.  I can get in and get out in just a few minutes because I know where things are in the store.  Hubby likes to make a day of it.  I guess once retired, it's something to do with his day, and since he never went with me and the three kids when I really needed him, there's a lot of new things for him to discover.  I don't blame him, it's just when waiting for the ingredients to finish the meal in order to get it cooked, 3 hours is a long time to wait.  I did fall asleep while waiting though so it worked out for me too

I just opened the patio door and found it to be much less muggy than the previous week.  Last night was bad and I didn't sleep much at all.  So today my tail is dragging and if I put my dishes away and reload the machine, I'll be doing something. Now that's an accomplishment.  I washed the floor a day or two ago and my back is still angry with me.

All the kids went camping for the week but came home every day over the 3 day weekend.  New tent never got sprayed to keep it dry in case of rain and of course it rained all weekend off and on.  Today starts a new week so I hope they make out okay. The sun is out so as to help with drying out the tent.  I know they will need more ice and expect a call at anytime.  I'm making large ice cubes as fast as the fridge can do so and bagging them. 

Our skunks came back, strutting their stuff along the rock wall.  Momma, and her three young ones.  Hubby saw them and called me so I got to see them all together, following in formation like good little troops.  They make it worthwhile for me when I see something cute like that.  Nature is full of surprises.

I haven't seen the owls again so guess they have moved on to better hunting grounds.

That's it for now.  The mind is just not clicking today so while hubby sleeps, I'm going to go back and take a nap.  It's early yet.

Have a great day and make it special.

Hugs

Boat For Sale!

This is the infamous boat that my hubby bought two years ago and spent months refurbishing it to the great state it is now in.

There had been no discussion about buying a boat, he just lugged it home one day and end of discussion. I shake my head a lot sometimes.  We live in the woods and there are no marinas near here.  To launch this beauty is an act of congress.  First you have to find a place to launch it and wait in line for ages while other boaters launch theirs.  Each time the boys tried to go out in it, they gave up waiting.  Twice they actually managed to find a place in Groton, and happily launched it, expecting a great day of fishing after all their work of getting the boat free from the trucks hitch while others honked horns at them to hurry.  Upon getting free from the dock, they enthusiastically were on their way.  Lunches packed and cold drinks in the cooler, it was going to be a great day with dad.

After about an hour, hubby didn't feel so well (he's been in the Navy and on ships for 6 years), so the boys carefully watched him thinking it was his heart.  They couldn't believe it when he leaned over the boat and let go!  Surprise, the poor man was seasick.  Hey, no bait they had something better.  Not funny but gee whiz, they never expected that.  Old Dad told them to go ahead, he would be okay in a few minutes.  The few minutes went by and his face was looking green so the boys turned the boat around and got their dad back to the boat launch to bring him home.

Weeks later, thinking that day was just a fluke and due to the heat, they got their dad a special hat and motion sickness medicine.  Then they all started out again on a day of cool breezes with cloudy skies.  Load the boat, arrive at boat launch, get the boat in water and away they go.  It didn't take long for them to realize that it just wasn't going to happen.  Dad was upchucking again and told them he was sorry to ruin another day of trying to go fishing with them and to bring him back to shore.

The boat has sat for the past summer and now hubby realizes it just isn't his cup of tea.  So, the boat, motor and trailer sit at the end of our driveway with newly made For Sale signs on it.  It's a beautiful lawn ornament.  Just think, if it doesn't get sold, I can fill it with petunias next year and have them drape over the sides adding colorful beauty and maybe catching some attention.  Hubby is now concentrating on building a nice deck and maybe next year we will have a pool.  Maybe this year if we vote for the blow up pool that is easily taken down at the end of the summer.  Son is seriously thinking of this.  We already went the other route and we were the ones cleaning it every day.

Now the sons just drive to a fishing spot and fish till their hearts content.  They are 'catch and release fishermen', they just do it for the relaxation and have no intention of bringing any fish home.  Neither of them like fish.  Can you imagine that after reading all this???

Have a great day people, I'm running errands while it's cool out.  The sun will soon be up and the heat will descent upon us again.  Oh well, I'll not complain.

Hugs

Breezy, Cool, and Beautiful So Far

I've been trying for the past half hour to insert this last picture of my morning glories to my blog page.  The hot, burning days have wiped out my vines and no matter how much I babied them, the day after day brutal heat burned them mercilessly.  But I have these few pictures to remember and enjoy their lasting beauty.

I don't know about you but I have received some mighty strange mail recently.  One was an invitation from a funeral parlor inviting me to a showing and pre-planning with refreshments to boot.  You can bet I turned that down.  Next came a last minute opportunity to buy insurance so as not to leave a burden on my children for funeral expenses.  Would you believe there was also a flier with caskets in a paper that we don't usually get telling us the price of the cheapest caskets and up.  I vouch for the $299 one.  I bet it's made of pressed paper.  All the better to be absorbed into the earth.  My owls also brought a message.  I thought they were my guides, not so I'm informed.  An owl visiting is a messenger of death.  Okay, enough of that.  Nobody is going to scare me to death.  I'll go on my own terms if possible.  All these things coming one after the other and also the commercials on television.  Enough is enough.

Hubby and I were talking about what we'd like to do for our big 50 anniversary and thought a ride on the Essex train for a two hour excursion through beautiful Connecticut in October would be perfect.  Olde Thyme's Restaurant would serve a gourmet meal in the splendor of an old dinner coach.  I like that idea.  With our luck it would be full of noisy children so that puts a damper on it for me.  In my head I'm picturing an elegant coach with a quiet dinner for two.  Keep thinking about it, and put things in perspective and in a positive light.  It just might be surprisingly nice.

Or we could go to our beloved Vermont for a long weekend and really enjoy ourselves.  Hubby calls it a miniature West Virginia and we have gone every year since my mom and dad took us on a trip with them for their anniversary.  It was beautiful and mom and I loved all the little craft shops, and beautiful baskets.  After all these years though, I've had my fill of crafts and baskets.  I've been giving them away for ages.  A house can only hold so much and right now we need room for us to walk in.  I can no longer navigate the beautiful treasures set out here and there.  My staggering wreaks damage so to protect myself, I'm parting with them to people who love them and I have an affection for.

It gives me so much satisfaction to be the giver of something very dear to me and see another receive joy from the giving.  I was a Seraphim angel collector but am now parting with some of them, something I never thought I would do.  Angels surround us in every room except the den  with the owl pictures, and the bathroom of course.  I didn't quite think the bathroom was the place for them.  A picture maybe but not the real article.

My kitchen garden window is filled with crystals, coral from Florida which I bought since you are not allowed to gather coral from the ocean.  I agree with the reasoning behind that rule. I also have gem stones still in the formations from the earth and they glitter when the light hits them just so.  Not like the jewelry which has been cut and polished, just the real thing in their actual element.  Odd little shells and pieces of sea glass collected in a bottle. Beautiful colored and shaped rocks from out west which I had to hide in the drawers of the RVso hubby wouldn't  realize I was on the rock bit again. He even helped me when he came across one he knew I would love. These are my treasures and I watch them radiate their beauty everyday in the light of the sun.   Mm, these are the best treasures, gifts from our Mother Earth. 

Of course we all know our real treasures are our loved ones and we must remind them daily of our love for them.  Treasures are what you find you joy in. Our mates, parents, children and grandchildren,  and also our memories of those no longer with us physically.

Have a great day and enjoy your treasures daily.  

Hugs

Don't Let the Little Things Get You

It's strange how some of life's most beautiful moments can be ruined by the thorns of life.  Evidently someone doesn't like my blog and instead of just not reading it, has responded with little nasty remarks.  I take it in stride and just remember the porcupine who always has to send out a barb to ruin somethings or some one's day.  I consider him to be a porcupine and that said, will continue on with my blog.

I spent this morning out taking pictures of the most mundane things.  On the forest floor there is all kinds of beautiful moss growing and yes, I did take a picture.  Also of two ant hills that look monstrous to me and I wondered if it was really ants or those ground wasps.  I wasn't taking any chances since I did destroy one of them with my big feet and felt a quick getaway was the answer.

The ground there was so thickly carpeted with dead leaves that my foot sank and kept right on going deeper as I realized I was in a hole.  All in all, I found everything fresh and interesting after the soaking rain of yesterday.  I spied a bench around the fire pit and sat for a few minutes just enjoying the scent of the woods and pines.  I really miss the camping we did years ago with our three young sons.  Hubby was born 100 years too late because he built us a little tree fort and also made a sink for me between the tree branches with a hose to drain the water for washing my hair.  Of course we had to haul hugs containers of water because I needed to clean up every day and made the boys do the same.  "Oh mom, we don't wash or brush our teeth on a camping trip.  Nobody does."  Well, I had news for them, we DO.  Three little boys playing in the woods can get might grubby and their sweaty little heads made my nose itch so it was shaved heads and washing with a wash cloth for them.

I really miss those days of  adventure and discovery.  Everything was such a 

 delight to them and even now, they are fishermen, (they catch and let loose), and they enjoy the woods as much now as they did then.  They were so easily pleased and the fighting among them quieted when out in the woods.  They listened to the critters at night and would ask what that noise was.  They learned quite a bit about nature from their nature nut mom.

Of course there were emergency runs to the nearest hospital when we accidentally disturbed a hornets nest and they quickly embedded themselves in the head of my youngest who was only two years old.  We just left everything, hopped in the car and headed for the Emergency Room.  When we were stopped by a state trooper, he could see the crown of bees on the little guy's head and told us to follow him to the hospital and don't worry about the speed.  He would clear the way for us.  It was heart breaking to see them pull out the hornets one by one and the little trickles of blood left behind.  When all had been removed, the doctor gave us medication and earlier had given him a shot in case he was allergic to bees.  He was not the same little guy who had happily left with us for our 'adventure.'

We were all so wiped out after that experience, we just kept on driving home, leaving all our camping equipment there.  Hubby went back a few days later and gathered up what was left after some serious looting by someone needing equipment.  Well, at that point we just said they were welcome to it.

It's funny how I started out having no idea what to write about and the memories just overtook me.  Sometimes our memories are the best part of our lives later in life. Our little guy is no longer with us so my memories are all I have left of him.  Such sweet and funny memories they are.

Have a great day and make some memories to fall back on later.

Hugs

It's Sunday and My Day of Rest

Yes, more owls.  I just wanted to show off this pretty little guy who seems to blend right into those tree limbs.  It's a favorite of mine because of the coloring or less so, of the branches as the light hits them.

Last night my guys went to the Thompson Speedway and I had so many plans.  I did manage to strip my bed and wash the linens.  Then back down to dry them, that way getting some of exercises done and out of the way.  I find that rocking in a rocking chair really gives the legs and feet a workout so that's something I can easily manage.  Heck I could just rock for hours outside and spy something interesting to catch with the camera.  This morning I caught a beautiful dragonfly.  I hope it comes out nice.

And then I could cheat and go to a nursery and take pictures of the flowers there.  With my allergies I don't think that idea is up to snuff for me.  Mine are all dying from the heat wave but a few are really trying to hang in there.

Oops, I meant to insert a flower but this got in my way.  Isn't he a prize?  Take heart, I only have about 8 or 9 more. LOL.  Notice the darkness of the photo and yet the lichen still shows up on the tree.  I think this is my favorite even though it isn't very clear.  Santa, I need a new camera!

Well, I just finished washing my kitchen floor a few minutes ago with the help of the walls and chairs, counters to hold onto for balance.  I am now going to get dressed and head for the stores to buy bird feed and one of those Swiffer wet mops.  It has to be easier than the way I do it.

You all have a wonderful summer day in this 90 degree and above heat.

Hugs

Excitement, Excitement! Finally, My Dream Has Come True

I  just can't believe it and neither will you.  Yesterday hubby was working on my hideaway and he stopped to catch his breath when he saw these large wings swoop over him.  It was an owl and it landed on a tree branch right outside my bedroom window.

I was still buried inside matching medicare bills to the actual doctor bills when I heard a rapping on the front door.  Now we never use that door because of the steps so I thought it was a salesman or the Jehovah Witnesses, but they know to come to my back door so I didn't know whether to get up and answer it or not.  Next the door bell kept ringing so I thought it was an emergency.  As I started down the stairs, I could see hubby's face peering in.  I opened the door and he told me to grab my camera quick and quietly slide the back patio door open.  He'd come in by then and he slid the door while I, with camera in hand, slowly moved onto the landing.  He told me to look to my left at the tree across from my bedroom and I nearly fell over I was so excited.  I ventured further out onto the patio and quietly walked up to it very slowly, talking quietly to it.  It didn't move, just stared at me.

I took as many pictures as I could in case this was my only chance to catch my dream on film.  When I put them on my computer screen I was beside myself.  Such beautiful birds and quite attentive to their  whereabouts.  I was amazed that it didn't fly off when I approached the tree to get a better photo.  I was in a great mood all day, just couldn't stop the adrenalin rush yet couldn't sit still and concentrate on anything else.

This morning as I sat down to write my blog, the cat came running to me, extremely agitated.  I asked her, "Do you want to eat?"  She ran like a hellion to the patio door and stood against it until I followed her.  Oh my Lord, another owl and then two!  When I went outside with my camera I walked slowly to the owl in the tree, believing the other owl flew off in order to draw my attention away from it. I thought perhaps it was its mate, it looked to big to be a baby owl.

While I stood and took pictures both upright and from the ground where I had fallen, I got some brilliant shots.  All the while cussing out my camera for not having telephoto lens.  I did the best I could though.  Here is proof.

I have always believed that an owl was my guide and have collected them for years.  This little guy is looking in son's canoe to find what is good to eat.  He had left some bait inside and this critter's eyes spied it from above.  I find it somehow strange that he perched near the name of the boat Guide.

Eagle eyes sat and staked out his territory. And this time I caught him with his eyes open and alert.  I just can't tell you what a thrill this morning has been.  To have owls show up this close and come back again, it's too much to believe.  Thirty three years here and now this.  I think it means something.  What do you think??

I just can't think of anything to say except WOW!  Hubby will have to nail my feet to the floor to keep me grounded.  You're going to get so sick of seeing my owl pictures but I'll try not to bore you with them.  Oh how I wish I had a better camera and was steadier on my feet.  You can't imagine how many photos I took in order to get some good shots.  It was all worth it though, skinned elbows and a hard land on the hip, yep, it was worth it.  Don't you agree?

Well, today is day hubby and son Jon are going to Thompson Speedway to watch the races.  They're both excited because every time son comes for a visit, he and his dad go to the races every week and sometimes twice.  It's the only chance hubby gets to go so I'm happy for him. He has so little pleasure in these later years.  You'll never hear him complain though.

Okay, my day has been made now so it's time to zoom down and tend to the dishes in the sink.  Shucks, I'm on such a high and this gal doesn't do drugs!

I hope you all have an exhilarating day and a beautiful weekend.

Hugs

Nothing Exciting Going On Here

I hope things have calmed down for awhile.  I find that it is a chore to write everyday so will take a day off once in awhile without feeling guilty.

At present I'm almost through with all the paper work that's accumulated over the past six months.  I just get caught up and then the table is covered again.  I need some tips on organization and bad!  Putting things on Free cycle seems to help also.  All the craft supplies have just got to go.  Paints, markers, colored paper, etc. I've given to the gal who does activities at the library.  And I have plenty more to go around.

My little hideaway under the trees has been discovered and last night visitors of my son came up so I didn't go out for the cool night air and peace and quiet.  Peace and quiet is something they haven't learned about yet.  They talk so loud I can hear them in the house.  When you work around loud machines all day you tend to become a bit deaf.  If my two sons and hubby start talking in the house, I have to leave the room.  Hubby is deaf in one ear and can't hear out of the other so it sounds like shouting to me.

One son and hubby love the auto races so this weekend they are going to Thompson.  Now that's one quiet night I can count on.  I went with them once and once only.  The soot, oil fumes, and noise plus the rowdy crowd was enough for me.  It left an impression I will never forget.  Of course we were right by the pits so I got the full effect, language and everything.  Climbing those bleachers was also a balancing act.  Naturally they like to sit at the very top.  When you have to make it to the ladies room, just forget it and hold it until you get home.  By then the bladder is ready to burst.  No thank you, it's the guys night out and they really look forward to it.  I do too, a good book or movie on TV and I'm happy.

Last night I went down to the garage to make hubby come in.  He'd been working out in that muggy heat all day and it was late so I put my foot down.  On the way up to the house he spied the skunk on the patio and stopped dead in his tracks.  I held his hand and just told him to make a lot of noise walking and talking and the little guy would scoot away.  He did but hubby had to get his flashlight when safely inside and check to make sure the critter was truly gone.  Skunks and snakes do him in and I can't figure him out.  We live in the woods for Pete's sake and those critters come with the territory.

I picked my first cucumbers yesterday.  Little guys about 4 inches long.  I guess it's time to feed them weekly so I can get bigger veggies.  The yellow squash look like little lanterns and the zucchini are just starting to shape up.  Oh thrill, goodbye to flowers from now on except for my morning glories, and hello to veggies growing in large pots.  Much more exciting and we can eat them!

Well gotta go now.  It's time to take care of my babies out there and see if it helps them to grow better.  Poor little things, I didn't know they had to be fed every week.  I bought the vegetable food so will faithfully care for them.  Next year I'll add tomatoes and a huge pot of different herbs.  They smell so good and every once in awhile I can smell the thyme and rosemary that I stuck in with my flowers.  Pretty greenery and I can use them in cooking.

You all have a good day. 

Hugs

Up Early, A Rough Night

I borrowed this picture from the webb.  It is so beautiful and I needed something cheery to get me in the mood this morning.

Yesterday's trip to doctor, etc. wore hubby and I out.  We came home after spending almost three hours in that heat getting in and out of car doors which just helped to exhaust us.  The AC doesn't work well in that old car anymore.  You never realize just how many times you do that when running errands and shopping until you get home and pass out. I woke up at 6:30 and had to check the microwave to see if it was p.m. or a.m.  I thought we had fallen asleep in our chairs and slept through the night.  What a strange feeling and even more so when you can't make out whether it's morning or evening.  Of course the pouring rain made it look darker than usual at that time but still, to wake up suddenly and not know which is which is a bit of a puzzle.

This morning it is still drizzling and we have to go to the dentist.  NOT ME!  If it were, I wouldn't be cheerful at all.  This time it's our son's turn. 

I wish just once I could sleep through the night.  The pain in the legs and calves wakes me up mighty quick.  Then I have to rub the muscles until they let loose and I can walk freely again.  Getting up so quickly and bracing myself against the wall while I do the tip toe exercise is quite the ouch factor.  By the time the muscles have loosened, I'm too awake to be able to go back to bed and sleep.  I guess that's the plan for now.  It's a good thing I fall asleep during the daytime but that's when I should be moving, not sleeping.

I suggested we put up a badminton set when I was sitting on the deck two nights ago.  Whatever was I thinking?  I can barely walk yet I expected to bounce around chasing a ping pong ball?  Son says its a good idea too so at least I can sit and watch them.  I could just stand out of the way and pick up the missed ones but knowing me, I'd bend over and end on my head.  It happens you know.  The body just keeps right on going wherever the head is pointing.  It's slow motion and must look pretty funny.  Oh well, at least its a soft landing.

Nothing much happening lately other than life.  With hubby busy and this heat, nobody feels like jumping in the hot car just for fun.  The beaches are all packed and I'm not a sun bunny anyway but I would like to set up a chair by the water just to smell that salt sea air and inhale the early morning mist.  Those days of just hopping in my car and taking drives on my own are over.  I'd leave early in the morning and walk on the hard packed sand as far as I could.  Then would find a dry place to sit and just relax.  I'd be home before hubby even woke up. 

It's nice and quiet outside but also very wet.  I think I will take a very thick beach towel and go out side and sit.  It should smell nice after all the rain and there certainly isn't any sun to worry about.  This is my favorite time of the day, watching everything come to life.  The birds aren't even out and about yet.  But they don't have a microwave to tell them it's morning. Smile!

Maybe now our heat wave has come to an end.  I haven't seen the weather report and take each day as it comes, but have to admit I'm sick of it.  If I wanted that kind of heat I'd move to Florida.  Ugh, my least favorite state just because of stifling heat and something being in bloom all year round to keep my allergies in full swing.  It reminds me of a large swamp and even though I love the trees draped in Spanish moss, I realize that such beauty also is a killer of the trees.  I did love riding in the pontoon boats in the Everglades though.  Beautiful, exciting, and full of surprises. I take that back about hating Florida, the sunsets are beautiful and I loved the evenings and those little lizards crawling all over the place.  They didn't creep me out but some of the people at the beach in the evenings did.

Sorry I got off track and slammed Florida.  It really is the state I like least but Kansas and those endless miles of wheat made me feel as if we were driving in a maze.  Our RV days are over but there are so many lovely memories of beautiful fishing streams we drove by and all the different colored rocks that the water showed to advantage. We'd always make a plan and then dump it to head for the mountains.  Too beautiful to describe.  God's art.

I guess I'd better quit for today, my eyes feel like they have grit in them.  All the fans blowing most likely.  Helps to spread the dust around... If I've made mistakes, well just ignore them.  I'm too tired to go through this and everything looks fuzzy anyway.

Have a good day and enjoy whatever it is that catches your fancy.

Hugs

Hubby Surprised Me!

Last night I took a walk outside to see what my hubby was up to and got the surprise of my life.  While I've been in the house reading these past hot sweltering days, he's been outside building me a deck!  I couldn't believe it when I saw it.  It's under the trees and high up from the ground, it's like having a tree house but not quite. 

While sitting on the little benches he made, we talked about things we haven't mentioned to one another in ages.  It was just to nice to have a conversation.  Of course we kept getting pinged on the head by the tiny acorns falling but I can put up with that.  This fall though it will be a tad harder and we might need hard hats.

Now to find a little round patio table to put out there with a few chairs. I'll see what FreeCycle has to offer.  He's built seating all around but my butt needs something soft.  So the chair will be nice.  I'm just so surprised and amazed that this has been going on.  No wonder he was making all those trips to Home Depot.  What a sweet hubby, but I already knew that.  That's why I married him after all.

This won't be long because I have a doctor's appointment at noon with the foot doctor.  Oh how I hate having someone mess around with my feet.  Even though he's a doctor, I don't quite trust him.  He's a tad rough and I sit there with my face scrunched up when he goes for the instruments.  I'd rather do it myself but can't quite keep that leg up anymore.  I'll be cutting and then the leg slips down and it goes like that until I finally am done and give up for the time being.  And to think I used to be able to get those legs up around my neck when younger.  Those days are gone forever.

I put nuts along the wall outside and hubby just opened the door and chased the squirrels away from the bird feeders.  I guess they don't like salted mixed nuts.  Oh well, I tried to share.  Once it rains they will gobble them up in nothing flat.
I must be going so I'm not late.  Another hot sunny day so you know I will go and get right back.  Shopping for groceries first and them home.

I hope you all have a wonderful day today.  It's breezy here so tonight when I go out on my little deck, I will just soak in the fresh air and the rustling of the leaves above me.  And I'll remember not to put my head back and try to talk.  I might end up with a mouthful of baby acorns.

Hugs

Ooops, Missed a Day

Ferns, I just love them.  I went for a short walk up in back of the house and found this cluster of rich green ferns.  Notice all the dead leaves which is the normal ground cover all year long.  You have to know that we are surrounded by trees.

Yesterday I got side tracked by a good book, Still Alice, a novel by Lisa Genova.  It is about Alzheimers and sheds a new light on the illness and the lives it effects.  It was done with love and the characters handle their mother,s illness with caring, love and attentiveness.  I just couldn't put it down and read for almost nine hours.  Hubby was out in the garage and making trips to Home Depot so I was on my own.  With supper already made and in the fridge, I had the freedom to do what I love best.

Do you remember me writing about my dream of having an owl alight on my patio chair for a visit with me?  Last night hubby came busting in the house saying, "Honey, you'll never guess what I just saw."  Then he proceeded to tell me about a huge owl out back that swooped over him and he was so excited.  The wing span amazed him as did the white under the wings.  Of course I was a bit jealous not to have seen such a beautiful creature.  Tonight I'll dose myself with Off and set a chair out in the clearing in the woods to watch for him. I'll need a  bright flashlight to find my way back, that's for sure.

Today it looks like rain and I'm so hoping it will finally happen.  We need the water for the flowers and grass.  It's been threatening rain for the past week but it just goes right past us. Our yearly Agricultural Fair was this weekend and everybody piled in the cars and went.  I was home alone again, so watched a great movie on TV.  I have no idea what the name of it is anymore.  I'll think of it after I've written my blog.  That's the way it goes...  I couldn't go to the fair because the grounds are uneven and with holes from the hooves of the animals.  I love the cows and those big brown eyes.  They are beautiful, period.  I could go during the day when I would be able to see where I'm walking, but the nighttime and lights and music is what I enjoy most so I choose to forgo the fair.  It makes it easier for hubby also and he gets to enjoy the different booths and foods without having to worry about me and my falling.  I'm such a klutz!  He nick named me 'Grace'.

Wouldn't you know it, the sun just came out.  I know it won't stay because it's fickle but I'll take whatever the day brings.  Hopefully we'll go for a ride later and I'll take my camera with me, just in case.  A good walk around the stores with a basket for balance and I'm a happy camper.  At least I get some exercise and can sit and watch the people when I get tired and need a break.  The tourists have descended upon Rhode Island in droves and the outfits they choose to shop in are unbelievable.  It just amazes me and I wonder if they have a full length mirror to check themselves out before leaving the house, beach house, etc. Oh mercy me!

I guess I'd best quit for today and get my dishes started and turn on the fans before it turns hot.  It's Monday and another week of appointments and grocery shopping.  I could live on just watermelon alone. We've gone through 2 of them this week and just yesterday hubby bought another.  He says when he comes in out of the heat the watermelon cools him off and they are so sweet at this time of year.  Me, I've got expensive tastes, big dark cherries, sweet and juicy.  My favorite fruit along with watermelon.  No, I'm not southern.

You all have a good day today.

Hugs

Another Day That Keeps Me Guessing

Good morning,
I woke up bright and early and fully intended to write my blog.  My good intentions were there but while sitting up to type I just had a fog wash over me and I couldn't think what the heck I was doing so gave up the ghost and went back to bed.  I was falling asleep sitting up and that was a good enough sign for me.  I just woke up a few minutes ago and it is now almost noon. What a strange feeling.

The picture of the Swallowtail I borrowed from a friend because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hold the camera still in order to get one of my own that had alighted on my butterfly bush.  Either that or it was teasing me.  Oh but how beautiful they are and the beauty of those wings couldn't be caught by an artist.  Only the camera could do it justice.

Hubby told me two visitors came last night and egged him on to a fight.  Not really, just two raccoons trying to raid the metal garbage cans with lids held tight with bungee cords.  He said they weren't about to give up and it ended with a chase.  And here I was sleeping and missing all the action.  We've also acquired an opossum, ugly but a good mama to her little ones so I can't fault her because of her looks.  I'm not a beauty either but I'm a good mama and grand mama too.  Like the song says, Everything is Beautiful, In Its Own Way.

So far this morning I've accomplished loading the dishwasher.  I hate that job and trying to put things into the darn machine on the bottom shelf is a tough act for my back.  I wish women would get involved in the designing of things we use everyday and believe it would make it much easier on our lower backs.  I have to sit down to rest after fighting that machine.  My daughter-in-law would love it, she hates doing dishes by hand.  I love it because the warm soapy water makes my hands feel better and helps the arthritis.

To think I am here complaining about washing dishes when I used to make balloon animals and flowers when I was doing the Clowning ten or more years ago.  Yep, I went to Clown College and loved it.  My favorite thing to do was story time with the little ones.  And yes, making the special balloon items they asked for.  The boys always wanted swords and hats, the girls, poodle dogs and cute hats with little birds in them or swans.  I gave all my supplies away but still have a bag of special balloons in my freezer, just in case mind you.

Before that I baked and designed wedding cakes.  I loved the work but didn't like the delivery.  I live on back winding roads and trying to get a 4 tier wedding cake to Mystic was a real pain in the butt.  I had to lay in the back of the station wagon while hubby drove in order to hold the tiers in place.  Then when we got to where the reception was being held, would assemble the tiers and put the last minute touches on the cakes. Hubby would work out in the garage to make me a turntable to decorate with so I could just spin the cakes around with no stopping to find where I left off.  It was just one continual design all around the cakes.  I just gave away all my supplies last week via Free Cycle. Now I have to get rid of my craft supplies and all my paints and brushes.  Every time something leaves, a little bit of me goes with it.

The sun just came out and it is so light and bright in here suddenly. What a change!  I know better than to think it will stay this way, after all, it is Connecticut.  We are known for the changeable weather.  Now if only it would start pouring I would be happy.  Everything needs water out there and I won't hose it down due to short water supply.  We have a well so we aren't involved in that but know from past experiences that our well will only give us running water for a half hour.  Then we know to turn it off in order to have enough for washing clothes, showers, dishes.  We try to do that at night and first thing mornings.  However, since I slept the morning away, the dishes will wait until tonight.  Besides, they are used to my ways and have naps in the sink for a day or two before I get the energy to do them.

It's time to go tackle my kitchen table again.  All that sorting and filing we just didn't get around to yesterday afternoon.  If I do it a little at a time and throw the darn junk mail aways as soon as it arrives, it will be much easier to keep up.  I'd like to bunch it all up and send it to the company that sent us the largest return prepaid envelope.  Do you think they'd get the message?

I guess it's quitting time on the old computer for today.  Tonight I'll play a game for a little while until I get bored and then read my book.  So goodbye for now.

Have a special day today whether it's sunny or pouring down rain.  No matter what the weather, it's always the perfect time to read a good book.

Have fun and remember to count your blessings.

Hugs

Not Much of a Blog Today I'm Afraid

This won't be much of a blog today due to teaching hubby how to help with bills.  After a bad start and some frustration, we settled on me writing out the check and him posting it in the check book.  They don't give me enough space for the entries.  I'd give him the check and he'd put it and the statement in the envelope.  Once we got into a rhythm it went much better.  He just ran them to the post office to mail them and to buy more stamps.

Wow, has the pile on the table ever gone down.  If we work together this afternoon it will actually be a table we can all sit at and eat our meals together.  I really hate paperwork and now we have to sort and I'll file because I don't want him to have to deal with that. 

I used this baby picture because I love it so.  It moves its eyes and changes expression but that won't happen here.  She's a little cutie patootie.  Sure beats a picture of our bills piled up on the table.

We are supposed to get rain and I had my fingers crossed for the flowers and lawn's sake but the sun is shining brightly and the temp is climbing.  That's Connecticut weather though.  Wait 10 minutes and it will change again.

I think I'm going to get dressed in something really cool and go out to the large Wal-Mart store.  I enjoy pushing an empty basket all around the store a few times and then when I'm pooped out I start throwing the groceries we need in it.  That way I kills two birds with one stone, my exercise and my grocery shopping.

Hubby just got back home and brought me my lunch.  What a sweeties, Fish and chips from the restaurant downtown.

You all have a great day.  I'm counting on it.

Hugs

Good News, Bad News

Aha, I finally learned how to get my pictures out of the Kodak file and onto my blog.  I made copies and filed them under My Pictures.  Now isn't that simple yet my mind didn't grasp it until just the other day.  Yes, you can teach old dogs new tricks.

Yesterday I leaned my diagnosis and what to expect in the future.  It's not good news but I'm glad I finally know what is going on with my crazy body and the reason for all my falling.  I have Sensorimotor polyneuropathy, moderate to marked in severity.  The nerves in my body are covered with myelin coating as is everybody's.  The problem is, my myelin coating is becoming unraveled, exposing the nerves and the nerves can die off.  I have lost quite a bit of muscle mass in my arms and legs, and my body seems to want to cave in so I feel as though my top half is melting into my hip area.  There is no cure, it gets progressively worse, just a wasting away of my body until I become dependent on others at the later stages.

My doctor wants me to go to a hospital in Boston to be tested to see how far this has gone, what to expect and my time in order to settle things here.  Believe me, I'm not going to take this sitting down.  At least not until I have to.  In the mean time, I'm going to enjoy each day and raise hell if I feel like it.  Now at least people will know I'm not drunk, never have been and never will be.  I'll miss my speech when that time comes but hubby will get a rest from my nagging.  See, there are good and bad with this disease.  But while I can make my wishes known, I'll make them loud and clear!  I am lion, hear me roar...

Today is going to be another hot one and there is little I can do about it.  I have an appointment at the bank at two but really don't want to go out in the stifling heat.  I went to the doctor yesterday and it was all I could do to just get in and out of the car.  I was going for a loan today but now I don't think that's such a good idea. 

On a happy note, we had some rain yesterday, not much but enough to perk up the flowers a bit.  I went out and tried to use the hose to water them but gave up the battle after getting tripped up twice.  I can't chance falling on the concrete patio.  Hubby can't lift me and he gets so worried when I do something like that.  Hungarian logic here.  It just hasn't sunk in yet, losing weight is from losing muscle mass.

The skunks are nightly visitors now and each son and hubby have a very bright flashlight to use when going out and back and forth to the garage.  I can't help it, they have never bothered me and I am not afraid of them.  As a matter of fact, I am accused of bringing them here with my love of critters, especially wildlife.  My dream is to have an owl come and light upon the back of  my lawn chair.  I love owls and my den is covered with limited editions of famous wildlife photographers and painters art work. It is my favorite room and my sanctuary even though small, I feel blessed among such beautiful pictures.

My son asked me if I would like to take a cruise while able and I would, but know hubby couldn't and wouldn't make it. He is presently trying to sell a nice boat and motor with the trailer.  After buying it and working so hard to bring it to it's glory, he went out on the water only to get sea sick.  Not once but twice.  The kids said they didn't really need bait for the fishing, Dad's upchucking was enough.  And to think he used to be in the Navy and on ships for 6 years.

  To be honest, I'd rather be alone in a pine forest just to smell the heavenly scent of pine and nap a little.  The last time I did that was in Colorado and I woke up to find three deer checking me out from behind the Aspen trees.  To say I was delighted is an understatement.  I should carry a sketch pad when I do things like that.  I'm no artist but at least I could try.

 I would like to make it to New Mexico to see my brother's place one last time but have difficulty breathing there.  It never used to bother me but we tried a few years ago and I was miserable.  It's so beautiful there with the mountains, and the sunsets are pure beauty in the highest sense of the word.  I so loved going there in the RV and staying a month while hubby worked with Reid and I read to my hearts content.  I used to make Reid's runs to the hardware store from Chama, New Mexico to just over the Colorado Border in a lovely town full of hot springs.  The drive was heaven, a road and I do mean road which took me through Indian Reservation land with  nothing to enjoy but mountains and pure blue skies with  the most gorgeous cloud formations.  I did get caught up in one of their flash floods and just made it past where the road caved in.  Thank God I was on the way back to the ranch. I had to stop for about 15 minutes until it was over.  I have never seen such a heavy rain in all my life. You know, I made at least 6 trips and never met another car and just once a very old truck.  The road was known for washouts but I didn't know it then.

The cats need my attention and I feel like sitting in the shade with a book and a breeze.  I don't think that's possible with the humidity but I said I feel like, not I'm going to.

You all have a nice day and stay cool.  Drink lots of water and have some quiet time with loved ones tonight.

Hugs

I've Had An Unusual Night

My Lovely Blue and White Morning Glory

I got up this morning for the 3rd time and lo and behold, hubby was just going to bed.  It was only 3 a.m., but I thought this is the third time I've gotten up and couldn't go back to sleep so best strike while the iron was hot.  In other words, I would load my latest pictures taken yesterday onto my computer.  This one I had to take no matter how I was feeling but couldn't focus it for some reason.  Then I realized I had to take my sunglasses off.  Duh!  I had my backside propped against my car so I could look up and started snapping away.  To say I'm pleased with my picture is an understatement.  And I didn't fall down. Surprise, surprise.  I'm getting smarter in my old age or else the brain matter is rejuvenating.

Did you ever have a day when you felt as though you were in a fog and everything was in slow motion?  Well everything I did yesterday was in slow motion.  The heat was so bad that I was just a small mound of melted jello.  And the news says we are to have this hellish heat up through Friday.  I know where I'll be today, tomorrow, Thursday and Friday also.  I've got plenty of books to choose from so this will be my reading week.  Usually I can go through a book a day when I get up to snuff.  I love to read and this week is a good excuse for it.  Now if we had a good air conditioner which cooled the whole house I'd be in hog heaven.  Next year we will cut a large hole in the living room wall and put the largest air conditioner we can afford there.  Just the thought makes me flinch a little bit.  Son Mike and hubby are going to do it.  Out with the hutch and in with the AC.  Yes, it sounds great.  Maybe we can do it this year in the Fall.  Going to the bank with all our saved up change and bet we will have half the cost of the AC already.  I'm planning!

I feel so badly for my son Mike having to go to work in a sweat shop.  We bought him a large, metal, heavy duty fan which they love in his shop. It's like being in a wind tunnel since it puts out so much cool air  and it's so powerful.  Unfortunately it doesn't help him any because he is on the machines.  Standing all day as a machinist has to be hard on the back and legs, and he jumps from machine to machine, checking to see if they are on target.  He really is good at his job too and like me, a perfectionist which only allows the superiors to take advantage.  You know what I mean, I left my job and they hired two to replace me.  That should tell you something.  I guess that's the way it goes when you are good natured and pitch in to help everybody else when they need it.  Not like the Divas who think a job is only the one listed in their outdated job description.

If I could I would love to be at work again.  I miss the fun of being with other people and brightening the day for somebody.  I worked with engineers and they were a fun bunch.  Of course each one thought his work was of the utmost importance while I, in turn, prioritized them my own way.  They all were finished before the deadline and if they happened to bring me a candy bar back from lunch, well his was finished just a wee bit sooner than expected.  Not that I took bribes (wink), it's just that chocolate gave me more energy and kept me sweet instead of itchy with a capital B. Ah, the years of change and hot flashes and the daily trips to the freezer to cool myself off.  When one of the fellows would make a wise crack I'd just say I was checking on whether or not we needed ice cream.  That only lasted so long.  I did make it 8 years though and I fondly look back at those good old days.  It certainly taught me what I was made of.  Oh if they could see me now...

If I could only run again, and skip and play jump rope.  Man lady, I think you've flipped your cork.  Just ruminating, just ruminating.  I'm still with it after all.  Just wishing for the ability, not saying I'd actually do it.  Stretching exercises are my limit but I can bend over and touch my hands to the floor and that's something to brag about.  Well isn't it?! Stretching does that for me.  I can remember when I could take my leg and bring it up back and touch my head.  Of course I wouldn't want to do that now.  And sit and bring both legs up around my neck.  I was like a pretzel but not anymore.  If only I could keep my balance.  I don't like my hubby saying I'm unbalanced! It doesn't sound like a loving statement to me.  He can't even bend down to touch his knees. The belly gets in his way.  Oh enough of this picking on him, but it's true.  He says it's from all my good cooking.  See, I even get blamed for that.

It was 75 degrees when I got up at three and I bet it's gone up since then.  Maybe I should just go back to bed and start this day all over again.  I feel so accomplished.  Pictures loaded and my blog written.  And this morning I knew what I was doing without all the mistakes and frustration.  I shouldn't say that, this isn't over yet.  I still have to check spelling and change things around.  Better to not mess with it, you'll forgive spelling or a missed word or two won't you?

I pray that you will all have a good day, your tempers will stay even, you'll keep cool, and whatever you do today will bring you joy.

Hugs

A Gorgeous Day (Smile)

It's a stunner outside right now but I fear later we'll be melting in our sandals/sneakers.  Yesterday was just too much for me.  Three days with a migraine left me pretty unappreciative of the sunny days and I prayed for rain just to end all the brightness.  I tried to get on the computer but the screen was just too white.   The TV made too much movement and to put it in one sentence, I was miserable.

This morning I woke up feeling better and thought I would tackle this beast (the computer), easier said than done.  I still couldn't post a picture and kept getting the girl on the beach.  I tried every which way I could to get the darn thing to post and ended up with this one.  It's pretty in a bright sort of way, but when I took the picture, it was for the lichen on the rock.  I know, I'm weird.  I'm just fascinated by all the different types of moss or lichen growing on the rocks and trees in my yard.  I have difficulty with the trees because I have to look up to take the picture.  Then I end up on my butt so I'm playing it safe with the rock.

I'm so glad the lumbar puncture is over and done with.  Except for the wicked headache that persists, I'm doing alright.  They say it effects different people in different ways.  Headache is not unusual but since I get migraines, this is par for the course.

Yesterday was the family picnic, everybody on her side was here plus son Jon and his friend Scotty.  I was smart, I stayed inside out of the heat and bright light.  It was so nice and quiet.  That's unusual for here on a weekend, believe me.  Usually it's the banging out a fender, grinding, cutting metal or replacing brakes or tie rods on the cars.  If they aren't our cars, they're some friend's or classmate's of my grandson.

I don't know how the print came out like this but I got tired of fighting the picture and although I set the alignment for left side, I got centered and I'm kind of liking it.  And this red ink which I thought I would never use just seemed to go well with the picture.  I never choose the lighter shades because it is so hard for me to read so I just figure others must have the same problem.

The same has been going on here late afternoons, early evenings.  Hubby looks outside and then looks closer to each side of the porch.  The Visitors come often now and there are three of them so far.  I don't spend my time looking out anymore and with the headaches, haven't been sitting out on the patio with a book.  As soon as the pain in back of my eyes dulls, I will get out there later in the day and enjoy the coolness and any breeze the Good Lord sends my way I will be thankful for.  I don't see that for today but you never know.

I realize that I am fast becoming a hermit.  I've finally come to the point where I know that I'm not young anymore and all my good friends except for two are all gone to their home above.  It's a sad thing to think about.  I guess I just have to make friends with younger people.  I can keep up with them unless they run!  If they craft then I'll be in 7th heaven.  I have so many supplies I suppose I could pick one of my favorites and teach here.  Silk flower arranging, stamp art and cards, and maybe I'll set up my painting and become a Grandma Moses.  If the elephants can throw paint on a canvas and the artists who set up their paint splattered canvases behind a jet warming up and call it art, I guess I might have a bit of talent in me.  I just have to have some faith in myself.  Now if I had a trunk, it would  be easy.  I can throw paint with the best of them and then use my hair dryer on cool to whizz it around on the canvas.  My mom didn't raise a dummy!

I guess I've rambled on enough for today.  Soon Jon will be up and wanting to use the computer.  That gets to me at times.  Now i have to share with three people and hubby just plays Free Cell and Solitaire for hours on end.  This morning I got up at 4 o'clock and he was still playing on the 'puter and watching John Wayne movies.  Another day of that and I'll scream.  Enough is enough.  John Wayne and war movies!  Shooter up movies for sure.

I hope you all have a beautiful day today.  The last day of a long weekend unless you are lucky enough to also be on vacation.

Bless you all, and don't forget to give a hug.  It means so much and takes so very little effort.

Hugs

Breezy, Cool and Invigorating

It's so cool this morning that I had to shut the living room window as the breeze was just too cold on me sitting here at the computer.

I guess there won't be many beach goers today because if it's too cool here, it definitely will be cold at the beach and the breeze will make it even colder.  It is the perfect day for walking along the water's edge, picking up shells washed upon the shore or just for a healthy brisk walk.  I'd most likely wear a heavy jacket with a hood.  I always end up with ear aches.

I was out dead heading my flowers this morning and noticed how quiet it was.  The birds, usually quite vocal at this time of morning are evidently hiding except for the noisy woodpecker working at the trees.  He must have found a bounty of insects at the rate he is going.  There might also be a hawk or two in the trees above, and the birds would definitely stay away in that situation.  Ever since I saw one scoop down and lift an injured bird from my patio, I  am on watch most days when it' seems quiet beyond the norm.

Last night we opened our back door to let in the evening coolness and breeze but caught just a slight scent of you know who.  Something must have startled him so we closed the door and enjoyed the breeze from the living room window.  Perfect I thought, so grabbed the chair nearest the lovely swaying green of the sighing trees and read my book.  Even with hubby watching his war movies (3) one after the other, I continued to read.  One book down and another to go.

Tomorrow I won't be blogging nor Saturday most likely.  I go in for my lumbar puncture at 7:15 and know what to expect but don't know how much it will hurt.  I can put up with pain, it's just the thought of a needle in my spine removing spinal fluid.  I pray I won't have a coughing fit at the time.  I was told to take a pain pill before going in and I'm definitely going to do that.  We have a picnic planned for Sunday and I'm hoping I won't be an invalid.  Daughter in law can do most everything since she's small and mighty.  She is so fast, I could never keep up with her.  I've been told so many stories and wish they would keep them to themselves.  It's like the pregnancy stories one hears when newly pregnant with first child.  I remember them well.

The chair and sunny rays are calling to me.  Another book to read and pure quiet.  I can even hear the fridge running and the quiet whirring of the fan overhead in the kitchen.  It will either lull me back to sleep or let me get quite far in my book.  Darn, I have errands to run today and just want to laze around today instead.  Hmmm, maybe I should get them to just put my Vitamins in the mail to me.  It sounds as if I really NEED them doesn't it?  Lazy gal, didn't get much sleep last night.  I was up sick from eating a healthy can of Amy's black bean and lentil soup.  ACK, got a third of it down and it was back up in minutes. So much for healthy organic soups. I won't try that again.

Well, it's time to call this quits and get on with my reading.  No more noisy TV blaring commercials at me.  I swear, some days I want to just shoot the darn thing!

Have a wonderful day all.

Hugs