Today Is An Ugh Day

This is a picture of the chicory I mentioned the other day.  It grows high on stalks but this is a baby one. 
Chicory is grown for its roots, ground and roasted, they are added to or substituted for coffee.  Young leaves may be used in a salad or a vegetable.

See, just a little weed growing along side the road and overlooked by most.  Poor little chicory.  It's blossoms have a light sweet scent.  Very pleasant to the senses.

I think we've had enough wind and rain now.  It's wet, windy (strong), and the yellow, orange and brown leaves cover my yard and patio.  They are very slippery to walk on and they are constantly being brought into the house by clinging to wet shoes and boots.  Oh well, that's no big deal.  I've never been a clean house freak,   To be truthful, the leaves covering yard, patio and driveway add a bit of needed color to an otherwise dreary day. I can't believe it's in the 60's.  Do you think we might be headed into an early winter?  Shut my mouth!!

I'm going to leave you with a special quote by Ten Bears, Comanche.

"I was born upon the prairie, where the wind blew free,
   and there was nothing to break the light of the sun.
I was born where everything drew a free breath.
I want to die there, and not within walls."

With that, I wish you a wonderful day.  Make the most of it.

Hugs

What a Great Morning!

It's pouring out, I finished my two cherry cheese cakes and now I can sit down and rest.  I tried to add a caption to this picture but once I did, i couldn't get back to where I needed to write my blog so this will have to do.

This picture came to me in an e-mail this morning and I just fell in love with it.  I hope I'm not breaking any rules by using it.  I have never seen such a friendly blue jay before have you?  Chipmunks yes, but birds no.  Except for that pesty little hummer who thought my red cereal bowl I was eating from while on the patio was a pot of flowers, and he kept sweeping past my cheek.  It sounded like a huge bee and I swatted at it.  It was much faster than I so I didn't hurt him.

I can hear my sons and hubby downstairs on the patio talking away.  I try not to listen but they all talk so loud from working around machinery all their lives.  If it has a plug, makes lots of noise and cuts, welds or other things along those lines, they have done it.  They all like to work with their hands and are not the white collar type at all.  Their dad and I are the same, hated school and remembering all those dates we never use now,  and sentence structure, don't even go there.  My son says I can write and know where to start a paragraph, put commas, and on and on.  I only passed English because I loved to write and was told  by my English teacher that she didn't know how I did it.  Neither do I but I have to put my feelings on paper so this is what I have always done.

The sound of the pouring rain is wonderful.  Even the leaves on the trees are dancing with joy.  I'm glad I chose yesterday to go out and take some pictures of nearby scenery and wildflowers growing alongside the roads.  Chicory, brown eyed susan, Milkweed and Queen Anne's Lace.  All weeds but beautiful to me.  I just wish I could tramp through the swamp land and get the flowers that grow there. That;s never going to happen!

I'm getting the wants, you know what I mean.  With those cheese cakes sitting in the fridge, it calls for some tasting.  Just to see if they came out good.  If I put a finger in for a little bitty taste, the cherries on top would cover it up so they wouldn't know I cheated.  I know I should have given in and licked the bowl!

Well, it's time to get off the computer now and pray this post turns out okay.  There's still that little dot on the screen showing where the caption was supposed to go.  I'll just go with the flow today and take the chance.  At least I wrote  when I wanted to take the day off and sort mail.  Now that's what I call a fun day!  Once a secretary, always a secretary...

You all have a great day and whatever your weather, enjoy it anyway.

Hugs

Whine, Whine, Whine

Good Morning,

So much has happened and so little time to write.

I'm feeling mighty achy after falling yesterday.  Then I went to PT and was told my vertigo which I have been battling for years can be helped by PT.  That's right, it's called B.P.P.V.  In other words, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. It's the degeneration of the salt-like crystals (otoliths) in the utricle which break free and float into or attach to the semicircular canals.  Symptoms include attacks of vertigo with rapid, pitched motion, e.g., rolling in or out of bed or simply looking up. And it can be cured without medication.  Therefore all the falling.  I told people I didn't drink!

Okay, I've been trying to remember all that's happened that matters for the past three days and my mind is a blank.  Not unusual.  However, I do remember last night and the hellacious racket caused by our cat, Alley, and the baby skunk at the back door.  The cat went streaking out of the kitchen and hid somewhere.  I didn't smell the usual scent of trouble so I turned off the TV and watched my hubby sleep. I was content just to watch him. 

This morning I caught a whiff and became instantly awake.  Skunk!  Alley was asleep curled up beside me.  News, she got sprayed last night by the small critter so it wasn't as strong.  She has been licking her tail and hind quarters and I think I'll let her do her own thing.  Maybe this way she will learn.  I couldn't see starting off my day trying to fight a cat who hates water and getting badly clawed up in the end.  She doesn't have it that bad so I can stand her.  The others can't really smell it.  However bed has to be stripped and blanket and sheets washed,  AGAIN.  I just put them on two days ago.

Kert's been shoveling gravel for the driveway and I watch with my heart in my throat.  He pulled a smoothie and used the small home made plow to try to level the pile down  some.  He did a pretty good job too.  The rest he will do today when Jon comes home to help him.  Then he'll order another truck load.
Our flooding rains really did a number on the driveway and the back of the garage was on its way over the embankment.  That has been taken care of.  For now anyway.

I want to go out in my car for a short drive to the bank and stop and take pictures of the wildflowers while I can.  Especially the beautiful powder blue Chicory.  It's what they mix in with the coffee beans to make coffee.  See, you learned something new today.  I took pictures of the small stream with a beautiful tall red flower and caught the reflection of the water by accident.  Most of my pictures are accidents nowadays.  Tremors and my camera isn't tremor proof.  I am paying more attention to my instruction book and discovered I can put it on a certain setting and take 4 pictures in sequence.  I've only had the camera for 3 years now and just had my eyes opened.  When in doubt, read the directions.  How many times in my life have I heard that one?

Well, since I can drive with no problem, I'm going to make my run to the bank and then find something pretty to snap a photo of.  I need new pictures for my blog.

You all have a nice day and since it's the weekend, relax.

Hugs

New Rules Are Driving Me Crazy

I had to use this picture of sunshine on the ferns because it cheers me up and right now I need it.

I tried for two hours to get onto my blog site but they kept telling me I wasn't in their system and needed a Google account.  I tried filling out everything but they didn't like my email address, said it didn't match the sign in address.  Needless to say, I said to heck with it.  After getting all twitterpated, before taking my shower decided just for the he** of it to try  once more and got in with no problem.  They are giving me one heck of a run since they changed things around.  I also found they had put comments to the blogs in the spam file and I had to delete them.  They already had but I had to get all the comments out of the spam box.  Please, no more grand updates to the blogger account or I'm going to just give it all up. I also must find a new word to replace 'heck' as I tend to overuse it.

Last night it was beautiful, left all the windows and doors open for the fresh air.  This morning it is muggy again so the poor little AC in the back bedroom is on and with fans, trying to push some of the cold air my way.

My blogging time has been used up and now must dress and run errands and send package to great granddaughters in Colorado.  Then I have bills to make out and my handwriting has gotten so bad that even I can't read it.

I did manage  to pick two nice cukes and two zucchinis from my potted plants.  It's the only way I can do it to keep the moles from getting to them.  I can't believe how many critters we have here and can watch daily as they make their way to scavenge from the bird feeders to the feral cat's dish.  The little ground squirrels are so cute and quick.

Well, have to run now.

You all have a wonderful day.

Hugs

She's Back...

Well, since this is the first day I'm feeling human again, I thought I would write a little bit and get back in the saddle for a short time.

Illness has favorites but I'd like a little time off to get back on my feet before going around again.  My gram used to tell me when I was young, that I must have done something bad and was being punished for it.  No such thing and I hope nobody else grows up always feeling they must have done something to cause it.  Talk about laying on guilt.

In the two and a half weeks it took me to get over all this, the leaves have changed color and my yard is full of yellow leaves from the birch trees and the red and green of the maples.  Wow, where have I been all this time?  You don't really want to know.  All I know is I now start physical therapy to help with my balance and vertigo.  I'm hoping for the best.

This picture at top was the last of the Mohicans as far as new photos are concerned.  I wasn't able to get out and take new pictures so will have to dig out some of the older ones from Photobucket.  I have many of deer that came to feed during the winter.  Beautiful animals, now we have the skunks to contend with.  Mama and three babies which after all this time are probably not babies any longer. 

As far as excitement, there isn't any except for my fight with the insurance company who won't pay a claim for my hubby's cataract surgery.  Would you believe that after talking with two gals at the hospital and one at the Pfizer supplemental insurance which we pay monthly for, they are still denying the claim.  It seems the hospital put all the right codes in but the supplemental insurance which is refusing claim, listed it as an Infertility Claim!  I will call again today to see if they can get their ducks in order and stop this foolishness. 

I called them while sick and just couldn't handle it.  They have the right coding but someone there was in dire need of a vacation.  How they got Infertility out of cataract surgery is beyond me and their latest letter of denial is going to get a reply that won't please them.  They can easily find out who the dummy was who  handled the claim and hash it over with him/her as to how they goofed up a perfectly legal claim.  This is not the first time either, they did the same thing when he had his first eye done in December only they admitted they made a mistake and it would be taken care of.  Oh well, if this is what I have to look forward to with old age, I'd better get on the ball and keep dates, notes, etc. on all the claims.  At least we can laugh about it.

That's the news so far.  Nothing much but at least I'm trying here.  Hubby will probably appreciate home cooked meals again.  He hasn't complained and what little I did he appreciated.  One night he went out and bought supper and I really loved the side order of fish.  He doesn't like it so I buy a side order instead of with the chips and cole slaw and I get three nice pieces of fish which I can make last me three meals.  Can't pig out with Diabetes now so this is the only way I can get my fish, and it tastes so much better than mine done in the broiler or in the microwave.  I know, fried and breaded but I have to cheat once in awhile.

Okay, my eyes are crossing so will quit for now and go back to bed for a nap.  I say that but I know it won't happen.

Have a nice day and take care of those you love.

Hugs

I should Be In Bed Sleeping

A very early Good Morning to you.

It is pretty dark outside and very quiet.  It is also very quiet in the house at this time and I hear the fridge kicking in to make ice, also the humming of the overhead kitchen fan.  I woke up twice and found I couldn't go back to sleep so took an antihistamine pill for this awful itching from an allergic reaction to a new med for tremors.  I won't be taking any more of them, that's for sure.

I like the fact that there is no TV blaring news of the latest killings, the senseless drunk driver accidents, leaving victims in their wake. It's gotten so I don't turn on the news but flip past it when it comes on.  It makes me too upset and when children are involved, well that brings on anger.  I don't like being an angry person but have reached my limit with our News stations way of repeating the gory details over and over again.  What's with people nowadays?  Have we turned into mindless killing machines.  It seems so lately and I don't want to watch it.  So I pick up a book or go out to the patio just to listen to the birds, and watch my critters.

Yesterday the little owl came back and I took four beautiful snapshots of him.  I got up real close to him and he didn't fly away but chattered when I talked to him gently.  He was probably telling me to 'beat it lady, you're bothering me.'  When I went to load the photos to my computer it wouldn't do so.  Mainly because my battery gave out and when I replaced it, didn't set the date.  They are on my camera but I just can't do anything with them.  I am hoping someone at Wal-Mart's camera department can help me.  They are the best and most clear pictures of owls I've taken yet, so yes, I am a bit upset with myself.

Today is my day to run errands.  Hubby wants to cut down dead tree branches with the new thingamajig he just bought so now it's more of a toy and he is happy to be accomplishing something with all the dead branches on our trees.  Gypsy moths must have gotten to them because the leaves at the tops are all chewed away and look mangy.

Anyway, I can do some little things I enjoy which I can't do with hubby.  He hates to browse and I hate to ask him. I enjoy getting off to myself once in awhile to visit thrift shops, since our social life is doctor's and dentist's visits and lab work.  Today will be a nice change from that.  I get to go to the post office, bank, pharmacy for his prescriptions, and grocery store. Now doesn't that sound like fun?  I'll find something to do to occupy my time.

Gee, now that I have the morning to myself, I don't know what to do first. I think it best that I get showered and dressed first.  I certainly can't go running in my nightgown.  And I must wait until the stores open which will be hours.

You all have a wonderful day.

Hugs

Last Night Was Pretty Special

Thank goodness for the wonderful cool breeze last night and the comfortable temperature.  I was able to turn the AC off completely and open doors and windows.

The picture is of Buddy, my friendly owl.  He now comes often and sits in the branches of the tree outside my bedroom window. He's a pretty neat little fella and I have gotten use to his presence and love his visits.

I stayed up late to watch TV  with hubby last night and finally stumbled into bed about 1:30 a.m.  I was turning down the sheet when I heard the owls calling back and forth to one another.  I must have laid across the bed for an hour or so just listening, it was wonderful.  The cat sat up in the window listening also.  Being and inside cat, she was anxious and wanted to get outside to see what there was to investigate.

I feel sorry for her being in the house all the time, but we tried the outside bit and got tired of dead critters being brought into the house and then barf from whatever she ate of them.  There's nothing worse then getting up in the dark to use the bathroom and stepping in a cold, wet, slippery mess. 

I woke up this morning at 10,  and feel as if I have a hangover.  It's not a good day for the tremors either so this will be short.  Just want to say 'hello' to the new day and say how thankful I am for another day of sunshine.  Am hoping to get outside for a drive to Wal-Mart so I can buy a Swiffer Wet Mop.  I know, my wants aren't much but it makes me happy and will make washing the floor much easier on me.  I also need parts for my Singer sewing machine but just try to find one in our area.  They have one in Old Saybrook and Willimantic.  I shouldn't complain, it would make a nice long drive, just enough for me to say we went on a trip!

Hubby is up now so I will make him a good breakfast.  Usually he sneaks in those darn Pop Tarts if I am typing my blog.  Today the blog can wait until a better day and I can spend some time with him.

You all have a great day and I hope there are nights ahead when you can listen to the owls, and receive the relaxation of having Mother Nature lull you to sleep.

Hugs

Dig In With Gusto!

I think I posted this picture  before but if I could find a picture of a porcupine it would replace the skunk.  Seems Dick, my nemesis, is still reading my blog and sending barbs with no return email address.  That's the cowards way but it takes all kinds to make up this world of ours.  With things much more serious going on, she takes to making digs about our sleeping arrangements, (hubby in the recliner with his C-Pap machine which makes it easier on him to breathe and to watch all his war movies without distressing me), and my making fun of hubby, etc.  Small things amuse small minds.  Just so you know Dick, you are permanently going in the Spam folder.  Rant over.

I noticed when I went to sneak a cup of ice cream for being good yesterday, it was all evened off on top.  Hubby is neat, I'm a slob.  I just dug in and ruined the perfect job he had done to make it nice and even.  He just laughs and if he wants it smoothed over again will do so, but more likely will follow my lead and dig in also.  Especially if there's fudge sauce or caramel going through it.

The same thing with the tooth paste tube.  When we were first married nearly 50 years ago he was in the service.  Tooth paste tube had to be just so.  You couldn't squeeze it from the middle (my style), it had to be smoothed out and turned up on the ends.  Instead of making a big deal of it, I just bought two tubes of toothpaste, different brands, and that solved that problem.  Life is too short to have such mundane things frustrating us.  I did what I thought to be the most simple way of solving what could have rankled our mornings.

For someone who is so neat, he can hardly ever find where he left things.  He hunts and hunts and usually one of the sons comes in with his special coffee cup or flashlight that he left in the garage.  Meanwhile I'm searching for his glasses, book, etc.  The cat can't be blamed for any of this, she is an innocent bystander.  He just does things while thinking of a dozen other things he wants to do and lays items down in the oddest of places.  Come to think of it, I seem to be doing the same thing lately.  Hmmm, too much going on I think?  It certainly can't be age!  It must be contagious.

I have always handled all the bills and taxes because he hates dealing with paperwork.  Since I was a secretary for 28 years, he seemed to think I would take that off his hands.  As messy as I am at home, I can find almost immediately what I'm looking for in all my stashed piles.  If I ever get them all sorted, the roof will probably come down on me.  So we make do and he is happy to let me.  I'm not always happy with the responsibility and have started to show him how to find things I've filed away, just in case.  It goes in one ear and out the other.  His response is usually, "Honey, you'll live longer than I will so you keep  handling it."  Okay, I didn't know I came with a date stamped on me as to when I will die, but he knows so I will continue, keeping extra copies of everything important in a double file so my son can find it when needed.

We all have our weak areas and our strong points.  We know what ours are so we work out fine as a team.  It's not worth arguing about so we made a deal a very long time ago.  If we decided to divorce, whomever chose to leave the marriage had to take the three kids.  I think that is the glue that held us together. Smile.  Actually it was ' learning to give and take and never go to bed angry.' Also hard work and a lot of love which shows in our way with one another.  Our children all grew up loving and able to show it.  We get hugged and kissed no matter who is around.  Affection abounds in our marriage and no matter what comes along, we will face it together.

Have a great day people. Express your love every day in some small way. It counts far more than you realize.  Regrets later are hard to live with.

Hugs