Since writing about Pandemic Personalities yesterday and it seems like an ongoing process, a trip to the Publix this morning might be adding to my Pandemic Personality. With this ongoing crisis there seems to be a lot more men grocery shopping these days. Most are pleasant shoppers but there are always a few, in almost every trip to the store that need some grocery shopping etiquette lessons. Even if you don't agree with how the one way aisles are laid out, out of the kindness for others, will you follow directions. Of course I realize men do not ask for directions even with GPS in the car. So these guys just go through the store on their own terms. I watched the other day as a middle aged woman stood her ground at the end of an aisle to block the man and his cart from entering. He was a bit puzzled why she didn't move her cart over even when saying excuse me. She was like the tree planted by the water, she was not going to be moved. Finally he followed her hand as she pointed down to the floor clearly marked...do not enter...X wrong way. It worked, he moved on going up the next aisle so he could come down the one she had blocked. I laughed and she turned to me and said, I'm not getting COVID cause the guy won't follow directions. This morning I encountered a man with his granddaughter. Did not follow the one way aisles and he left his cart in the middle of the aisle while he and granddaughter looked at pasta. That time I was able to get by, even said excuse me, but don't think he heard that. Then and the importance of this aisle is not dimmed, he left his cart in the middle of the entrance of the aisle. Now, I wasn't going to touch the cart and since he wasn't anywhere around, I kind of played bumper cars with his, but gently not with a big shove. My real concern for this guy was not keeping a diligent eye on his granddaughter. Cute, probably around 5 years old and so instead of getting upset with his total lack of shopping etiquette, I was keeping an eye on her for her safety, so no one could just abscond with her.
Another happening at the Publix, I finally picked up some of their fried chicken. People have been telling me how good it is, but these are the same people that tell me how good their cakes are. I have not found their cakes to be all that good but, the fried chicken...yes! Delicious. I was able to get four legs so I would have lunch for two days. On Sunday I thought about going over to KFC or Bojangles but opted for a salad at home. So fried chicken has been on my mind.
The pressure washer guys are here. Our home was looking pretty bad. I think you are supposed to have this done every other year but last year with the back porch being built, we skipped a year. A plus is the windows are getting washed on the outside. Always something I am going to do and then never do it. I will not have to add this to my Pandemic Personality. They did a fabulous job. House looks great. Mike is here and he just cut up the fallen tree and is now mowing. He texted me that there is a wasp nest next to the driveway. Ugh!
*********
In the midst of writing a small thunderstorm stirred, causing Mike to close up shop and we lost our WiFi for a good bit of time. Thus, nothing would be saved if I continued to write. Mike is back this afternoon finishing up weed eating and then he is going to kill the wasp nest.
TJ's announced yesterday they had butterfly bushes in stock for $10.00. So off to Mars Hill this morning to get the plants and they had local corn for sale. I had seen a thing about grilling veggies in the oven, so I picked up a few to give it a try. Then I ran over to Ingles and picked up a few more things.
Yesterday, was a fun package delivery day. A friend sent me a Texas Care Box and it made me so very, very happy. Note to self, forgot to buy sour cream...anyway, lots of fun getting that box. Roy ordered a heavy duty appliance surge protecting plug. We will be ready for when the freezer is ever delivered. Got that installed this morning which means finally I was out in the garage when the refrigerator motor wasn't running so I could unplug and re-plug. I began cleaning out the area where the freezer will be which means other parts of the garage had to be attended to. Lots of rearranging and cleaning. the plus, things that we thought were lost were found yesterday...After beginning and then ending that task when it got too hot, I ate leftovers for lunch and then picked up with the book I am reading, Big Lies in A Small Town. Great plot and it has hooked me from the very beginning.
Well, that's it for now.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Monday, July 27, 2020
A Week or Weak Retrospective
I think I have developed a Pandemic Personality...you know another personality added to the bunch. Pandemic Nancy is a little more organized, a little more domestically leaning, oddly creative and much more germ aware. My brother Doug and I came up with our theory in a three and a half hour phone call this week. He is all about spraying Lysol and I am all about using Clorox wipes.
In the midst of being more organized, before Christmas last year, I desperately searched for the Christmas gift I had bought Doug in May. I felt I had put it in the sideboard in the dinning room, but it twernt there. I was semi cleaning out the closet in the front bedroom when low and behold, I found a white box taped shut. Didn't give it a thought for several days, then decided to open it cause I hadn't a clue what it was...it was Doug's Christmas gift. I called him to let him know that the last part of last year's Christmas would be on the way to him. Doug and I cover all kinds of ground when we talk. Gardens, cooking, COVID-19 and at some point we visit for a little bit of time, our childhood. We are not making excuses for our weaknesses or even being bitter, but trying to understand, which we will not probably understand on this side of heaven and on the other side, we won't care. Doug got two good years with our father and it is hard to reconcile two years out of so many horrible ones. I am coming to terms with how much he hated me and his actions or no actions that came from all that hatred. Doug confirmed what I had thought all along the other night and in all our conversations he hadn't ever told me. Many with the beginnings of dementia have those thoughts of people stealing or taking things, but my father's actions did not have that dementia quality to it. He was such a good liar and so believable. Long story short, he initiated the actions against us, first time letting the story get away from him and being influenced by his posse and the second time, he initiated because he wanted to, it was funny to him, thinking we would be investigated again. Thankfully, my brother was able to stop that second investigation before it even started.
Just finished freezing twelve ears of corn. TJ's has local corn from Mills River and so many have said that it is great corn. So, I've been dreading husking it that is until I Googled a You Tube video that showed the easiest way. Basically, microwave, cut off the end and push the ear out of the rest of the husk...very few strings, not a lot of mess. Got it cut off the ear and put into the freezer.
There is a distant rumble of thunder but so far no rain here. Earlier the thunder was much closer yet the end result was no rain. I keep looking at the dahlias, thinking they need water but after watching some rambunctious cats, I now know the lack of rain look is merely flowers being beaten down by the playfulness in the evenings.
This seemed to be a week to take it easy. Partly, I needed to keep an eye on Buddy. She stopped eating and was lethargic. In the middle of the week she began to eat a few treats and some food I feed the ferals. She is not at full speed but is a little more active in between her naps. She still isn't eating much but giving her a variety of treats has perked her interest. Many times I catch her just staring off into space. It is odd seeing that and I pet her or talk to her to try and bring her out of that state. She has tried to get behind the corner unit but putting large books around the edge has held off her success.
********
Ah, Sunday afternoon. Long nap after lunch because very little sleep last night. Buddy could not settle. We even did the bonus room sleep which usually lulls her but didn't work last night. This morning, I overslept but still got to church early. Pastor Bradley resumed his preaching through Mark and we finished up Mark 5 yesterday. He preached on the woman with the issue of blood, Jarius and his daughter. All three of them in the midst of the crowd had one thing in common, their desperate need for Jesus. It didn't matter if you are a high ranking synagogue official, an unnamed woman with a horrible problem that left her in the state of being ritually unclean for twelve years and then when it came to the daughter, Jesus spoke in such a compassionate voice to her. The little girl get up story has special meaning to me...for many reasons but I clung to that story while going through bilateral knee replacement rehab. Get up, walk around, people are astonished and Jesus says give her something to eat. It is not there but I think the little girl had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fried okra, creamed corn, yeast rolls and coconut cake. Can you tell I haven't been to Blue Rooster lately?
In the midst of being more organized, before Christmas last year, I desperately searched for the Christmas gift I had bought Doug in May. I felt I had put it in the sideboard in the dinning room, but it twernt there. I was semi cleaning out the closet in the front bedroom when low and behold, I found a white box taped shut. Didn't give it a thought for several days, then decided to open it cause I hadn't a clue what it was...it was Doug's Christmas gift. I called him to let him know that the last part of last year's Christmas would be on the way to him. Doug and I cover all kinds of ground when we talk. Gardens, cooking, COVID-19 and at some point we visit for a little bit of time, our childhood. We are not making excuses for our weaknesses or even being bitter, but trying to understand, which we will not probably understand on this side of heaven and on the other side, we won't care. Doug got two good years with our father and it is hard to reconcile two years out of so many horrible ones. I am coming to terms with how much he hated me and his actions or no actions that came from all that hatred. Doug confirmed what I had thought all along the other night and in all our conversations he hadn't ever told me. Many with the beginnings of dementia have those thoughts of people stealing or taking things, but my father's actions did not have that dementia quality to it. He was such a good liar and so believable. Long story short, he initiated the actions against us, first time letting the story get away from him and being influenced by his posse and the second time, he initiated because he wanted to, it was funny to him, thinking we would be investigated again. Thankfully, my brother was able to stop that second investigation before it even started.
Just finished freezing twelve ears of corn. TJ's has local corn from Mills River and so many have said that it is great corn. So, I've been dreading husking it that is until I Googled a You Tube video that showed the easiest way. Basically, microwave, cut off the end and push the ear out of the rest of the husk...very few strings, not a lot of mess. Got it cut off the ear and put into the freezer.
There is a distant rumble of thunder but so far no rain here. Earlier the thunder was much closer yet the end result was no rain. I keep looking at the dahlias, thinking they need water but after watching some rambunctious cats, I now know the lack of rain look is merely flowers being beaten down by the playfulness in the evenings.
This seemed to be a week to take it easy. Partly, I needed to keep an eye on Buddy. She stopped eating and was lethargic. In the middle of the week she began to eat a few treats and some food I feed the ferals. She is not at full speed but is a little more active in between her naps. She still isn't eating much but giving her a variety of treats has perked her interest. Many times I catch her just staring off into space. It is odd seeing that and I pet her or talk to her to try and bring her out of that state. She has tried to get behind the corner unit but putting large books around the edge has held off her success.
********
Ah, Sunday afternoon. Long nap after lunch because very little sleep last night. Buddy could not settle. We even did the bonus room sleep which usually lulls her but didn't work last night. This morning, I overslept but still got to church early. Pastor Bradley resumed his preaching through Mark and we finished up Mark 5 yesterday. He preached on the woman with the issue of blood, Jarius and his daughter. All three of them in the midst of the crowd had one thing in common, their desperate need for Jesus. It didn't matter if you are a high ranking synagogue official, an unnamed woman with a horrible problem that left her in the state of being ritually unclean for twelve years and then when it came to the daughter, Jesus spoke in such a compassionate voice to her. The little girl get up story has special meaning to me...for many reasons but I clung to that story while going through bilateral knee replacement rehab. Get up, walk around, people are astonished and Jesus says give her something to eat. It is not there but I think the little girl had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fried okra, creamed corn, yeast rolls and coconut cake. Can you tell I haven't been to Blue Rooster lately?
Thursday, July 23, 2020
No Lions, No Tigers But There Are Some Bears
When he sensed weakness, but didn't yet know the source, he was like a tracking dog, a bloodhound. A Bible verse comes to mind, seeking whom he might devour. Once he recognized the source, he was relentless. First it began as joking around, at the expense of the weak one. The attack escalated and victory for him came when the victim took it...didn't try to deflect and merely counted off time to wait the attention out or find some reason to escape. Sometimes the perceived weak one, would speak back, directly. Most times it didn't take much for the bloodhound to retreat, but not the kind of retreat that comes to mind. Confrontation, he wasn't afraid of it, he wanted it. Thus everything could escalate. It seemed once he had said everything he wanted to say, he dug in on a nerve to totally "own" the weak one. When he tired of his meanness or perceived he had lost the advantage the bugler in his head sounded retreat. His retreat wasn't peaceful by any means and now in his warped emotional thinking, he was the victim. Most tracking dogs are for search and rescue or to track criminals down and keep a community safe. He was like a bloodhound but his tracking instincts were not for good. Maybe he was a mixed breed bloodhound with a bit of aggressive pit bull dog in the mix. If you found yourself in his presence, the best strategy? Never, ever show any sign of weakness.
The above paragraph is part of a creative writing prompt and today, the prompt was, he was like a ________.
We might be looking at day six of having temps in the 90s. Along with the heat, the humidity has kicked in making any time outdoors difficult. I was out earlier feeding the ferals and coming back into the house, to the welcomed air conditioning was a pleasure. Last night as the rain split to the north and southeast, I got out to water the front flowerbed, plants on the deck and plants in the back. Oh, let us know forget the wildflowers in the side flowerbed. It is a lot of work. The sky was overcast when I began but the sun came out in the midst of the chore. I got hot pretty quickly.
Today on Monday I had Sunday lunch. I cooked the greasy beans all afternoon yesterday. They were definitely lacking something, a little more salt for sure. So I added salt and remembered some spices mixed at the Biltmore for dipping bread in, oil and spices. Those spices were added and boom, the beans were so good. Since I like to eat a large meal at lunch time not so much for supper, I punted the planned meal to today. Delicious! Greasy beans, sliced tomatoes, ham and sweet potatoes. No cornbread but none was needed.
********
Tuesday morning began foggy but it has burned off with the sunshine. The ferals were out waiting this morning for breakfast. The kiddos used the waiting time for playing and it is difficult to get anything done when playtime is on. Even though Punky is around a little more, Boo, her kitten we couldn't rescue, has bonded with Mama Cat. He is out there playing but takes time to go over and sit by her. He doesn't do that for Punky. It feels as if there is a power shift going on in the back and the territory is becoming more of Punky's. So, who knows, it is just fun to watch those kittens play.
The local neighbor association is reporting a lot of bear sightings around us. The ones who have lived around here for a long time seem to think the bears are living by Mountain View Church, in the woods on their property. Those woods come to the edge of our neighbors above us. When I am outside I am keeping an eye open for bears, but no lions or tigers. I once saw a bob cat in the front yard and our neighbors have seen some on their trail cam.
In this social distancing portion of life, with lots of time and projects to keep me occupied, I find a gentle change happening inside. I don't know if it is the effects of this season or if it is a part of me that was kept under wraps for survival sake. Anyway, no matter, a calmer approach to life is healing. The slower pace therapeutic. The unrealistic needs of trying to keep up with whomever we are trying to keep up with don't even register in a top five kind of deal.
The above paragraph is part of a creative writing prompt and today, the prompt was, he was like a ________.
We might be looking at day six of having temps in the 90s. Along with the heat, the humidity has kicked in making any time outdoors difficult. I was out earlier feeding the ferals and coming back into the house, to the welcomed air conditioning was a pleasure. Last night as the rain split to the north and southeast, I got out to water the front flowerbed, plants on the deck and plants in the back. Oh, let us know forget the wildflowers in the side flowerbed. It is a lot of work. The sky was overcast when I began but the sun came out in the midst of the chore. I got hot pretty quickly.
Today on Monday I had Sunday lunch. I cooked the greasy beans all afternoon yesterday. They were definitely lacking something, a little more salt for sure. So I added salt and remembered some spices mixed at the Biltmore for dipping bread in, oil and spices. Those spices were added and boom, the beans were so good. Since I like to eat a large meal at lunch time not so much for supper, I punted the planned meal to today. Delicious! Greasy beans, sliced tomatoes, ham and sweet potatoes. No cornbread but none was needed.
********
Tuesday morning began foggy but it has burned off with the sunshine. The ferals were out waiting this morning for breakfast. The kiddos used the waiting time for playing and it is difficult to get anything done when playtime is on. Even though Punky is around a little more, Boo, her kitten we couldn't rescue, has bonded with Mama Cat. He is out there playing but takes time to go over and sit by her. He doesn't do that for Punky. It feels as if there is a power shift going on in the back and the territory is becoming more of Punky's. So, who knows, it is just fun to watch those kittens play.
The local neighbor association is reporting a lot of bear sightings around us. The ones who have lived around here for a long time seem to think the bears are living by Mountain View Church, in the woods on their property. Those woods come to the edge of our neighbors above us. When I am outside I am keeping an eye open for bears, but no lions or tigers. I once saw a bob cat in the front yard and our neighbors have seen some on their trail cam.
In this social distancing portion of life, with lots of time and projects to keep me occupied, I find a gentle change happening inside. I don't know if it is the effects of this season or if it is a part of me that was kept under wraps for survival sake. Anyway, no matter, a calmer approach to life is healing. The slower pace therapeutic. The unrealistic needs of trying to keep up with whomever we are trying to keep up with don't even register in a top five kind of deal.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Sunday Night, Looking Like Rain
Last Saturday I was trying to decide if I would drive over to TN or if I would stick around the local area. Thinking of more people being out on the weekend and not wanting to be in a crowd decided to do the local thing. Being able to take one of the most beautiful drives to Mars Hill made the decision easy. It was a nice day so the top came down on Mustang Sam and off we went. Had the music turned up a bit and I was singing to some oldies. While enraptured with song, taking in the sunshine, a weird feeling hit my leg. It felt as if something was crawling up the calf of my left leg. First thought that came was of recent FB posts where a snake comes out of the a/c vents or from underneath the dashboard. You know I went right there before looking. Now mind you this is all happening in nano seconds but it felt like a much longer time. Not knowing how I would react if it was a snake, or lizard or spider...I kept my eyes on the road because there are twists and turns, river to one side and smack dab into a mountain on the other...quick glance, much relief, it was a paper towel grazing my leg.
With that could be emergency settled, it was onward to Mars Hill and TJ's. Pulled into the parking lot and saw a sign over a section of the tomatoes, Mr Stripey $3.49 a pound. Went inside, got half runners, berry pepper goat cheese, cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning but before checking out, I asked a question about the Mr Stripey tomatoes. I asked if Mr Stripey was a local farmer, up in the mountains of Madison County that was known for his delicious tomatoes. The lady at the register, mindfully suppressing a laugh, responds...they are a heirloom tomato. On the inside there are stripes of pinks, reds, and green. Behind me I heard a lady murmur..bless her heart. Not to be totally embarrassed I let them know, working on being here five years and lots to learn but being from Texas, never saw a Mr Stripey. So, I bought several. Oh my, what a good tomato! Not as acidic as regular ones, a tad sweeter. Tasted very good with Dukes, salt and white bread.
Last night I sat on the front porch stinging greasy beans. Several soft rumbles of thunder and then a light rain shower reminded me of days gone by sitting on the front porch with Grandma B shelling beans and peas. We sat together on the glider. We talked but I don't remember any particular conversations, but I knew I was loved by her. We did laugh quite a bit and when there was a lull in our conversation, Grandma would say something to the effect, so many cars traveling by, wonder where they are all going?
With feral cats being fed in the backyard the number of flies increase. The past year or so I have put up cylinder fly traps but this year yellow flat sticky fly traps have been added in the garage. Those yellow fly traps catch a whole bunch of those suckers. Sometimes while fixing food the flies being trapped draw my attention. Some land and are able to fly away but many are trapped and sometimes it looks like that scene from Gone With the Wind, where soldiers are lying on the ground, a massive amount and you can see some movement, lots of dummies were used for that scene because there were not enough extras. The extras moved and made the dummies move next to them. Anyway, there on that yellow fly paper of death, many struggle to be free. So many flies...
Buddy had an up and down night thus meaning I had an up and down night too. Very little sleep and around 3:30 am I made the decision to stay home from church. The past few nights have not held much sleep and with my resistance down, I don't want to give COVID-19 an opportunity. It is about 50/50 on mask wearing at church.
While this social distancing time has been spent doing projects, cleaning out drawers, attempting some closets but decided to put those on the if I am really desperate for something to do list, a few negatives have entered the six foot zone. A few weeks ago I wrote about everyone enabling Barney on the Andy Griffith Show. Since that is on in the background many a night, it is looking like I need to find something else or leave the TV off. Maybe I'm getting more like my mom, she didn't like Barney and found him to be a nuisance. But Barney is wearing thin on my nerves. Another nerve getting on thing, social media has been around for a while. If you participate with it by now you know that everyone's life is not peachy keen. So, for those who have to put that in a post, so we won't think that life is nothing but a dream, sha boom, sha boom...just stop it! Give us the grace to know that 99% of us know that social media is used to portray an image and the 1%, they'll think whatever they want to think, so writing that life isn't perfect is so unnecessary. Also, along this line...if you want something, be willing to pay for it, not get it for free. Stuff like, if anyone has free tickets to a Broadway Show, please contact me. Anyone have a cabin we could use or a beach house or a condo or a timeshare? Stop it! Most that are asking can afford to rent or lease or pay...The answers are interesting in response to asking and most are directing the person asking to AirBNB or VRBO. One time when asking for tickets, almost everyone said, go online to the box office.
So, I cannot end this post on a negative note of things getting on my nerves. I started a new book and it is very good Big Lies in a Small Town. After being so discouraged by not finding something to grab my attention, the Upstairs at the White House got me rolling. The memoir I started is okay. Well, that a wrap for this evening. I watered flowers and now it looks like rain. Oh boy, then I won't have to water tomorrow evening.
With that could be emergency settled, it was onward to Mars Hill and TJ's. Pulled into the parking lot and saw a sign over a section of the tomatoes, Mr Stripey $3.49 a pound. Went inside, got half runners, berry pepper goat cheese, cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning but before checking out, I asked a question about the Mr Stripey tomatoes. I asked if Mr Stripey was a local farmer, up in the mountains of Madison County that was known for his delicious tomatoes. The lady at the register, mindfully suppressing a laugh, responds...they are a heirloom tomato. On the inside there are stripes of pinks, reds, and green. Behind me I heard a lady murmur..bless her heart. Not to be totally embarrassed I let them know, working on being here five years and lots to learn but being from Texas, never saw a Mr Stripey. So, I bought several. Oh my, what a good tomato! Not as acidic as regular ones, a tad sweeter. Tasted very good with Dukes, salt and white bread.
Last night I sat on the front porch stinging greasy beans. Several soft rumbles of thunder and then a light rain shower reminded me of days gone by sitting on the front porch with Grandma B shelling beans and peas. We sat together on the glider. We talked but I don't remember any particular conversations, but I knew I was loved by her. We did laugh quite a bit and when there was a lull in our conversation, Grandma would say something to the effect, so many cars traveling by, wonder where they are all going?
With feral cats being fed in the backyard the number of flies increase. The past year or so I have put up cylinder fly traps but this year yellow flat sticky fly traps have been added in the garage. Those yellow fly traps catch a whole bunch of those suckers. Sometimes while fixing food the flies being trapped draw my attention. Some land and are able to fly away but many are trapped and sometimes it looks like that scene from Gone With the Wind, where soldiers are lying on the ground, a massive amount and you can see some movement, lots of dummies were used for that scene because there were not enough extras. The extras moved and made the dummies move next to them. Anyway, there on that yellow fly paper of death, many struggle to be free. So many flies...
Buddy had an up and down night thus meaning I had an up and down night too. Very little sleep and around 3:30 am I made the decision to stay home from church. The past few nights have not held much sleep and with my resistance down, I don't want to give COVID-19 an opportunity. It is about 50/50 on mask wearing at church.
While this social distancing time has been spent doing projects, cleaning out drawers, attempting some closets but decided to put those on the if I am really desperate for something to do list, a few negatives have entered the six foot zone. A few weeks ago I wrote about everyone enabling Barney on the Andy Griffith Show. Since that is on in the background many a night, it is looking like I need to find something else or leave the TV off. Maybe I'm getting more like my mom, she didn't like Barney and found him to be a nuisance. But Barney is wearing thin on my nerves. Another nerve getting on thing, social media has been around for a while. If you participate with it by now you know that everyone's life is not peachy keen. So, for those who have to put that in a post, so we won't think that life is nothing but a dream, sha boom, sha boom...just stop it! Give us the grace to know that 99% of us know that social media is used to portray an image and the 1%, they'll think whatever they want to think, so writing that life isn't perfect is so unnecessary. Also, along this line...if you want something, be willing to pay for it, not get it for free. Stuff like, if anyone has free tickets to a Broadway Show, please contact me. Anyone have a cabin we could use or a beach house or a condo or a timeshare? Stop it! Most that are asking can afford to rent or lease or pay...The answers are interesting in response to asking and most are directing the person asking to AirBNB or VRBO. One time when asking for tickets, almost everyone said, go online to the box office.
So, I cannot end this post on a negative note of things getting on my nerves. I started a new book and it is very good Big Lies in a Small Town. After being so discouraged by not finding something to grab my attention, the Upstairs at the White House got me rolling. The memoir I started is okay. Well, that a wrap for this evening. I watered flowers and now it looks like rain. Oh boy, then I won't have to water tomorrow evening.
Friday, July 17, 2020
Just Some Friday Catch Up
The dilemma each morning now with warmer temps is, go out early and do a few maintenance things in the flower garden or stay inside and begin a blog post. Well, this morning it is obvious the choice I made. The choice came after being outside for just a bit, even in the shade, it didn't take long for me to come back inside. Although I got a hole dug for the climbing rose bush, worked in the quarry to break up some rocks to add to the pathway down to the flower garden and gave a few droopy flowers a little watering. The ferals have scooted off to somewhere cooler than the yard. More power to them.
I read an article yesterday about hanging tough with gardening in July. Weeds, even with the best way possible to keep them at bay and plants that didn't grow according to the plans made in the spring can be frustrating. The encouragement was good because that weariness quickly has been taking over that initial joy, even with flowers blooming and the sunflowers growing strong.
********
It has been several days since writing the above and those paragraphs are relevant this morning. I tried to beat the heat and get out to do a few things like putting the smaller pieces of broken up stones for the pathway in place, feed the birds and chop down some weeds. It didn't take long to abandon ship on those plans. My neighbor and I were talking the other day about keeping up spring motivation into the middle of summer.
This morning I slept in until 8:00 am. Most of that sleep came from my eye exam yesterday which included dilated eyes. Also Buddy had a semi restless night. Her old age is showing again this past week. She will eat treats somewhat and a little food but mainly wants to sleep. At the last vet appointment they told me she is doing good for a fifteen year old cat but to expect the slow down to accelerate a bit. It is tough watching her maneuver her moves . I thought she was a goner last August but she pulled through. Hoping she can do the same this summer.
For a COVID time, this week held what used to be so normal. Hair appointment, trip to the Amish Markets near Johnson City and eye exam. What wasn't back when normal are all the protocols put into place for a safe experience. It is interesting what different businesses feel is important to the whole safe experience. I think the strongest protocols are at the hair salon. Fever check, sign a waiver, just bring in what is needed, no extras. They disinfect used pens, your credit card and constantly ask you to use the hand sanitizer. Got some bad news from the salon, Chloe is moving back to Florida and will be leaving the salon at the end of August. We have such a good relationship in all things hair and life discussions. So, I will only have one more appointment with her. That news took the wind out of my sails, it affected me so much emotionally. After doing the hair thing I went to pick up the paint by number barn quilts over in Madison County. Picked two designs that she puts on the plywood for you, supplies the paint and brushes and instructions. I was in the Mustang for the pick up and the thought crossed my mind that Sam might have some trouble getting up the steep gravel driveway. And yes, there was trouble and a whole lot of spinning going on. I backed down and thought this through, the options that maybe would help. I saw along the left side of the driveway, grass and not so much gravel. So again, revved up Sam, veered to the left and success! If I decide to do more of her things, the truck will be the way to go.
Roy wanted some more extreme queso from the Amish store, so Wednesday I made the trip to TN. Got his queso and a few other fun things. No need for a Kroger stop but I did go back to Academy to get a couple of visors. Stopped for lunch at Carabba's and then made my way home. It was tempting to stop along the way to take some flower pictures but overcame the temptation.
On the way home from the grocery store, thinking about all the changes in the past few months in the big picture as well as on the home front. These are just some random thoughts, in no order and probably of not much importance.
During the safer at home COVID time
Goldfish and Texas Mix, together in a bowl have been the snack during this time.
Ice cream, while always loving it, is the dessert of choice for me these days.
Hamburgers, sloppy joes, pasta dishes and long time favorite or newly married meals have been the choice. Some of it comfort food other, just easy to make.
I discovered gardening.
Several long procrastinated projects have been checked off the list, but there are still so many more awaiting attention.
Like I said, not anything important but I do feel good about how I have spent the days mainly being at home. With this done, think I will make some sloppy joes for lunch and there might be a few frozen fries to add to the mix.
I read an article yesterday about hanging tough with gardening in July. Weeds, even with the best way possible to keep them at bay and plants that didn't grow according to the plans made in the spring can be frustrating. The encouragement was good because that weariness quickly has been taking over that initial joy, even with flowers blooming and the sunflowers growing strong.
********
It has been several days since writing the above and those paragraphs are relevant this morning. I tried to beat the heat and get out to do a few things like putting the smaller pieces of broken up stones for the pathway in place, feed the birds and chop down some weeds. It didn't take long to abandon ship on those plans. My neighbor and I were talking the other day about keeping up spring motivation into the middle of summer.
This morning I slept in until 8:00 am. Most of that sleep came from my eye exam yesterday which included dilated eyes. Also Buddy had a semi restless night. Her old age is showing again this past week. She will eat treats somewhat and a little food but mainly wants to sleep. At the last vet appointment they told me she is doing good for a fifteen year old cat but to expect the slow down to accelerate a bit. It is tough watching her maneuver her moves . I thought she was a goner last August but she pulled through. Hoping she can do the same this summer.
For a COVID time, this week held what used to be so normal. Hair appointment, trip to the Amish Markets near Johnson City and eye exam. What wasn't back when normal are all the protocols put into place for a safe experience. It is interesting what different businesses feel is important to the whole safe experience. I think the strongest protocols are at the hair salon. Fever check, sign a waiver, just bring in what is needed, no extras. They disinfect used pens, your credit card and constantly ask you to use the hand sanitizer. Got some bad news from the salon, Chloe is moving back to Florida and will be leaving the salon at the end of August. We have such a good relationship in all things hair and life discussions. So, I will only have one more appointment with her. That news took the wind out of my sails, it affected me so much emotionally. After doing the hair thing I went to pick up the paint by number barn quilts over in Madison County. Picked two designs that she puts on the plywood for you, supplies the paint and brushes and instructions. I was in the Mustang for the pick up and the thought crossed my mind that Sam might have some trouble getting up the steep gravel driveway. And yes, there was trouble and a whole lot of spinning going on. I backed down and thought this through, the options that maybe would help. I saw along the left side of the driveway, grass and not so much gravel. So again, revved up Sam, veered to the left and success! If I decide to do more of her things, the truck will be the way to go.
Roy wanted some more extreme queso from the Amish store, so Wednesday I made the trip to TN. Got his queso and a few other fun things. No need for a Kroger stop but I did go back to Academy to get a couple of visors. Stopped for lunch at Carabba's and then made my way home. It was tempting to stop along the way to take some flower pictures but overcame the temptation.
On the way home from the grocery store, thinking about all the changes in the past few months in the big picture as well as on the home front. These are just some random thoughts, in no order and probably of not much importance.
During the safer at home COVID time
Goldfish and Texas Mix, together in a bowl have been the snack during this time.
Ice cream, while always loving it, is the dessert of choice for me these days.
Hamburgers, sloppy joes, pasta dishes and long time favorite or newly married meals have been the choice. Some of it comfort food other, just easy to make.
I discovered gardening.
Several long procrastinated projects have been checked off the list, but there are still so many more awaiting attention.
Like I said, not anything important but I do feel good about how I have spent the days mainly being at home. With this done, think I will make some sloppy joes for lunch and there might be a few frozen fries to add to the mix.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Fri-Yay
One of our biggest jobs we tackled on Roy's staycation was pulling out the refrigerator and cleaning and vacuuming the coils. I had done the best I could which had helped the cooling situation but with Roy tackling the big job and his attention to detail, the difference was night and day. Good thing I had bought some small brushes for cleaning metal straws because that got into the nooks and crannys. Recommended to do twice a year and that made Roy so happy, happy, joy, joy.
I have been working on a short story...still too short to write about here. I have taken a few writing courses over the years as well as belonging to a book group that critiqued my writing style. Fiction is not my strong suit, so it is a challenge. It is not a story about cats.
While Roy and I made peach butter and strawberry freezer jam, we realized that the kitchen wasn't meant for two people. Normally, that would be wonderful news to me but here of late, because of the lock down, I find myself preparing meals in the kitchen. Meals that go beyond warming something up in the microwave. We've never had enough counter space nor storage space. We have tossed around the idea of expanding the kitchen and that idea tossed up to number one taking over redoing our en-suite bathroom. Roy watched a lot of Home Town with me and we began to put together ideas of what we would want. One thing we both agree on, is leaving the wall between the kitchen and living room. But we would take the archway out of the now dinning room to open that up. That way we could have a long island for counter space as well as an eat in bar. We have that in our Katy home and we really like that, along with electrical outlets and more storage. So it is good to be thinking on these things.
Another change of heart...well, it isn't that big of change but I ordered some boots to wear when gardening or doing farm work. No farm work in the mix but yesterday as I was slip sliding away while trying to cut down weeds, the thought came to me I should have muck boots or something. So while the color choices weren't that great for my size, found some on sale and ordered them. Why am I humming the Green Acres tune? Not only have I ordered boots but now while on sale, I have ordered two pairs of gardening pants...cool, wicking fabric and lots of pockets and they'll compliment the new boots. I need to talk to Mike the Mower Man. Rumor has it, he has a tiller and there are a couple of flowerbeds dancing around in my head. This much is sure, it is too hot to work outside now. Looking to fall plantings for spring flowers.
Finished Upstairs at the White House and moved right into Lake of the Ozarks, a memoir. Never been there but it reminds me a bit of back in the day Branson. The author worked in the summers at a hotel his aunt and uncle owned. We are probably close to the same age and he grew up in central Illinois. It is a humorous look at a vanishing America, cheap kitschy souvenirs and easily entertained amusements ...but once I got into it, I thought maybe there could be some trigger points from the nightmarish trip and trips to Branson Missouri with my father. Both my brother and I shudder when someone mentions Branson. Oh, my mother was there but it is always the father issue in our most horrible, not beloved but now kind of laughable adventures with father. One Christmas, Dad suggested that we all go to Branson, his treat. My brother and I nervously exchanged glances...we didn't answer right then cause it was presented more as a statement, not a question to us. Doug and I were able to have a short conversation first to affirm that neither one of us wanted to participate and who was going to address this with father. I had the least to lose, so I breached the subject by first telling him what a generous offer but Roy and I would have to decline. You'll understand my next statement by telling this, my father picked hotels that were cheap. He and my mom would sleep in their clothes with their wallets under their pillows. He stacked furniture to barricade the door at night. So, when I told him Roy and I traveled at a different level than he and mom and it just wouldn't work, he took it well but then looked at Doug, uh, same thing... Branson was also a part of the "Big Gulp Trip" that Roy and I took many, many years ago.
I have been working on a short story...still too short to write about here. I have taken a few writing courses over the years as well as belonging to a book group that critiqued my writing style. Fiction is not my strong suit, so it is a challenge. It is not a story about cats.
While Roy and I made peach butter and strawberry freezer jam, we realized that the kitchen wasn't meant for two people. Normally, that would be wonderful news to me but here of late, because of the lock down, I find myself preparing meals in the kitchen. Meals that go beyond warming something up in the microwave. We've never had enough counter space nor storage space. We have tossed around the idea of expanding the kitchen and that idea tossed up to number one taking over redoing our en-suite bathroom. Roy watched a lot of Home Town with me and we began to put together ideas of what we would want. One thing we both agree on, is leaving the wall between the kitchen and living room. But we would take the archway out of the now dinning room to open that up. That way we could have a long island for counter space as well as an eat in bar. We have that in our Katy home and we really like that, along with electrical outlets and more storage. So it is good to be thinking on these things.
Another change of heart...well, it isn't that big of change but I ordered some boots to wear when gardening or doing farm work. No farm work in the mix but yesterday as I was slip sliding away while trying to cut down weeds, the thought came to me I should have muck boots or something. So while the color choices weren't that great for my size, found some on sale and ordered them. Why am I humming the Green Acres tune? Not only have I ordered boots but now while on sale, I have ordered two pairs of gardening pants...cool, wicking fabric and lots of pockets and they'll compliment the new boots. I need to talk to Mike the Mower Man. Rumor has it, he has a tiller and there are a couple of flowerbeds dancing around in my head. This much is sure, it is too hot to work outside now. Looking to fall plantings for spring flowers.
Finished Upstairs at the White House and moved right into Lake of the Ozarks, a memoir. Never been there but it reminds me a bit of back in the day Branson. The author worked in the summers at a hotel his aunt and uncle owned. We are probably close to the same age and he grew up in central Illinois. It is a humorous look at a vanishing America, cheap kitschy souvenirs and easily entertained amusements ...but once I got into it, I thought maybe there could be some trigger points from the nightmarish trip and trips to Branson Missouri with my father. Both my brother and I shudder when someone mentions Branson. Oh, my mother was there but it is always the father issue in our most horrible, not beloved but now kind of laughable adventures with father. One Christmas, Dad suggested that we all go to Branson, his treat. My brother and I nervously exchanged glances...we didn't answer right then cause it was presented more as a statement, not a question to us. Doug and I were able to have a short conversation first to affirm that neither one of us wanted to participate and who was going to address this with father. I had the least to lose, so I breached the subject by first telling him what a generous offer but Roy and I would have to decline. You'll understand my next statement by telling this, my father picked hotels that were cheap. He and my mom would sleep in their clothes with their wallets under their pillows. He stacked furniture to barricade the door at night. So, when I told him Roy and I traveled at a different level than he and mom and it just wouldn't work, he took it well but then looked at Doug, uh, same thing... Branson was also a part of the "Big Gulp Trip" that Roy and I took many, many years ago.
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Fences, Gates, Ferals and Buddy
Once again the liberty of easing into the day is afforded this morning. And once again the forecast is for a rainy afternoon. Yesterday, we received some rain, but I wouldn't categorize the amount as a shower. Buddy has been treated, had her usual lap nap and spent a bit of time on the front porch before heading upstairs. She has changed her first morning spot from the sunny bedroom to the more comfortable bonus room.
We have officially been scheduled for our fence and gate. If they are able to, we will move up in the rotation. I would like to have a fence in the front yard as well but we will maybe wait on that a bit.
Last night I had settled in for the evening after planting a few things in the back and getting them watered. Got a notification from a security camera, looked at the footage and it was Mary Joyce from across the way knocking on the backdoor. Quickly, I called her daughter who lives right behind her and then I went out to look for Mary Joyce. The past few month, dementia is overtaking her and she has never come over this way. I didn't know if she was lost or scared or what. Anyway, she was on the front deck when her daughter arrived and we all visited as if I hadn't called. Bless her and her family as they go through such a difficult time.
**************
Thursday morning early rise with Buddy. Getting up really early is easier than those 2:00-4:00 am kind of nights. Feeling like a nap will be included into today's activities. The morning is starting out foggy...no not me cause I have already had two ginormous cups of coffee. An email on creativity suggested ways to remain creative. One was meet the dawn once a month. Well, that can be checked off the list. I looked out the back window to check on the ferals or to see if the ferals are in the backyard at all. Their silhouette gathered under the fir trees doesn't let me know if we are down a kitten or not. Radley looked sickly again yesterday. Having Mama Cat in the backyard is giving me new insight into her. She has come across as uncaring and inattentive with litters in the past. Several compassionate actions are changing my perception of her. Radley sat in the middle of the yard yesterday. Mama Cat brought food over from a bowl and placed it in front of Rad. Then she sat there keeping company with this little one. A little later Miss Priss came and sat with Radley.
I am almost finished with the book Upstairs at the White House. Mr West served the White House from the Roosevelts to the Nixon years. Such interesting insights to how the house is run and the joys and idiosyncrasies of the various First Ladies. The Kennedy years while short were compelling. Jackie Kennedy got a whole lot done in a little over two years. Last night, even though I told myself I would stop reading at that point...no, I went onto the LBJ years.
We had a good rain shower late yesterday afternoon. Hurrah! I was going to have to water the front flowerbed. In the side flowerbed, I had let some weeds grow thinking they might be wildflowers. Last year I pulled up a bunch of flowers thinking they were weeds. With the soft ground as both a help and hindrance, help to get the plant removed, hindrance standing on an incline of a wet and slimy surface. The roots are unbelievable and one can only spend so much time trying to extract this strong weed from the ground. Last night and this morning I made a small dent into the growth. Tonight, weed cutting and pulling will resume.
A quick feral update...all the kittens are here and accounted for. Yea! Radley looks a little more lively today.
We have officially been scheduled for our fence and gate. If they are able to, we will move up in the rotation. I would like to have a fence in the front yard as well but we will maybe wait on that a bit.
Last night I had settled in for the evening after planting a few things in the back and getting them watered. Got a notification from a security camera, looked at the footage and it was Mary Joyce from across the way knocking on the backdoor. Quickly, I called her daughter who lives right behind her and then I went out to look for Mary Joyce. The past few month, dementia is overtaking her and she has never come over this way. I didn't know if she was lost or scared or what. Anyway, she was on the front deck when her daughter arrived and we all visited as if I hadn't called. Bless her and her family as they go through such a difficult time.
**************
Thursday morning early rise with Buddy. Getting up really early is easier than those 2:00-4:00 am kind of nights. Feeling like a nap will be included into today's activities. The morning is starting out foggy...no not me cause I have already had two ginormous cups of coffee. An email on creativity suggested ways to remain creative. One was meet the dawn once a month. Well, that can be checked off the list. I looked out the back window to check on the ferals or to see if the ferals are in the backyard at all. Their silhouette gathered under the fir trees doesn't let me know if we are down a kitten or not. Radley looked sickly again yesterday. Having Mama Cat in the backyard is giving me new insight into her. She has come across as uncaring and inattentive with litters in the past. Several compassionate actions are changing my perception of her. Radley sat in the middle of the yard yesterday. Mama Cat brought food over from a bowl and placed it in front of Rad. Then she sat there keeping company with this little one. A little later Miss Priss came and sat with Radley.
I am almost finished with the book Upstairs at the White House. Mr West served the White House from the Roosevelts to the Nixon years. Such interesting insights to how the house is run and the joys and idiosyncrasies of the various First Ladies. The Kennedy years while short were compelling. Jackie Kennedy got a whole lot done in a little over two years. Last night, even though I told myself I would stop reading at that point...no, I went onto the LBJ years.
We had a good rain shower late yesterday afternoon. Hurrah! I was going to have to water the front flowerbed. In the side flowerbed, I had let some weeds grow thinking they might be wildflowers. Last year I pulled up a bunch of flowers thinking they were weeds. With the soft ground as both a help and hindrance, help to get the plant removed, hindrance standing on an incline of a wet and slimy surface. The roots are unbelievable and one can only spend so much time trying to extract this strong weed from the ground. Last night and this morning I made a small dent into the growth. Tonight, weed cutting and pulling will resume.
A quick feral update...all the kittens are here and accounted for. Yea! Radley looks a little more lively today.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Our Summer Staycation
It has been a while since writing a blog post. Even in this social distancing season, where time to do those things we've procrastinated continuously has amply served our feelings of accomplishment, there have been other things taking attention. Thus, blog writing takes a backseat, no make that a third row backseat to life. There were things to clean and things to prepare and things to do, but now on this Tuesday morning once again the liberty of easing into the day has arrived. So far, I have given the ferals and Buddy treats, tasted on toast our first attempts of freezer jam and have had a lot of butterscotch toffee flavored coffee. All in all a very fine morning.
Roy's staycation went by too quickly. He was able to get a lot of rest in between all the things we had to do. We got most everything done or at least a beginning to those projects that take time. Roy cleaned the well water filter and got the dryer vent situation taken care of. We finally got the old trash can to the landfill and practiced being ecological by tearing down cardboard boxes and taking those to the landfill as well. The always ongoing, never ending cleaning of the garage got a bit of time and we received a quote for backyard fencing and a gate for the driveway. Roy will get those returned to the fencing company so that we can get on their schedule. The HVAC system was inspected and Mustang Sam went to Jimmy's for an oil change and basic maintenance. I have been thinking about rearranging our bedroom furniture but gee, somehow we ran out of time to get that done.
We finally used our canner for dummies. I bought it four years ago with visions of canning dancing through my head. It just took up a lot of cabinet space, but before making a decision to send it onward for someone else to enjoy, we made peach butter. We waited way to late in the day to begin the process. We made the peach butter in our slow cooker and then used the programmed canning thing to seal and preserve the butter. Next time we need to begin earlier in the day so the peach butter can be thicker. When I said to Roy it is labor and time intensive, I should have been way more specific! I've never canned before but have heard the stories...I don't think he believed me. Nice though, he believes me now. We were able to buy more perennials while they were on sale at Reems Creek. We did some garden work, but not much. We were able to get a few more bags of rubberized mulch to finish out the front flowerbed. May and even into June seemed cooler than normal so garden work wasn't so limited but now that we are in July, the mornings and afternoons are too hot to work. We differ so in our stamina. Many evenings I still have energy to work but Roy has given his all and is ready to crash in front of the TV.
Roy prepared his workspace to be able to work from home if that directive comes again. We ordered a monitor and other computer stuff. I like using this big monitor off the laptop. I ordered and assembled a desk early on in the social distancing season. He was quite happy with the results.
In between all our chores we took a couple of days to take off and enjoy the countryside. We didn't make it to Max Patch but we did get to see some of the countryside around Burnsville and we spent an afternoon in Johnson City. We ate out our first and only meal of staycation, Carabba's. Very well done social distance dining. Sadly, pizza is not included in their COVID-19 menu. Roy was quite shocked and may have not gotten over it, that I cooked all our meals with the exception of biscuit Sunday morning. We tried out the new griller and the hamburgers were delicious! I also introduced Roy to TJ's. He was quite smitten with the veggie and fruit selection but I think his favorite purchase was the cinnamon rolls. Truthfully, I was quite smitten with them as well.
We weren't able to attend our neighbors July 4th party because Roy got word of the very strong discouragement of being in groups from the office. Thus on Sunday morning, our first morning back inside the church, we didn't go. All around us on July 4th night, we had a great firework show. Around here people stop shooting fireworks before midnight which is really wonderful. It was a buck moon and we got some great pictures of it from our driveway. We did make it to several bookstores and I am finally feeling the reading mood hit.
The feral kids have discovered the metal basket on top of the antique baker rack out back. This morning four of them were curled up sleeping. Boo is still skittish around me but he is not running as far. With cat food, any food really, the flies are abundant. My latest interest is watching flies land on the fly paper. Well, interest is too much of a word, but some escape and others don't. I need to put another sticky catcher out back cause that thing is almost filled with flies, wasps and other types of flying bugs.
Well, I should stop here and that's what I'll do....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)