Where To Begin?

It has been almost a month since I have updated my blog, and a lot has happened.  First I would like to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.  May all of you have a blessed, healthy, and prosperous new year.

Jana and I both were sick for most of the month of December.  Not sure what we had but it sure took a long time to get better.  We didn’t get to do much shopping.  It was a good thing we had all of our Christmas shopping finished.  We had our Christmas decorations up before Christmas so that was a plus.

Jana and I spent Christmas Eve together here at my house.  We exchanged our presents.  We laughed and cried.  It was a good evening.  Christmas Day was spent with Kevin, Renea, Stephanie and Ryan.  Kevin and Renea had a wonderful dinner for all of us.  Ryan didn’t stay very long because he was sick.  We exchanged presents before dinner.  Kevin’s family and Brian’s family gave me the lights and everything needed to install them for the front of my driveway.  They probably won’t be installed until the weather improves.

I guess most of you have heard about all the rain and tornadoes we have been having.  We are fortunate that we haven’t had the flooding and tornadoes that hit in other parts of the country, but we have had enough.  We have had a lot of flooding.  In fact, Jana and I didn’t get to church on Christmas Eve for the communion service where I attend; nor did we get to Mass on Christmas Day.  This was because of the flooding.  We had ten inches of rain over those two days.  We have been referring to my front yard as Lake Aker.  Yesterday we had almost three more inches of rain along with tornado warnings.  We spent some time with Kevin and Renea to be on the safe side. More flooding. Today the sun is shining, but rain is supposed to arrive tonight – strong storms again!  We did get to Mass on Saturday and church on Sunday.

I bought another shed.  Kevin put it up right next to my other one.  This is one of those “tough” sheds made by Rubbermaid.  It has a ten year warranty so it should last a while.  I will be using it to store items in so Kevin doesn’t have to put them in his attic.

I am getting a little better with Windows 10.  I have been reading the book of instructions that I bought, and have been experimenting with it.  It sure is different than what I am used to.  I have been taking pictures of my decorations, etc. and I have been able to download them to my computer.  I have figured out how to print them.  However, I have been having trouble learning how to resize, crop, etc.  Once I learn how to do that I will post some pictures.

For those of you who don’t know, Jana’s dog, Smoky, has cancer.  She was give two to four months before Jana left Cincinnati to stay with me.  So far she is doing okay.  We can see some changes with her breathing, but other than that she seems to be doing okay.  Her and Penny are still doing great.  They do their touching of noses every morning and sometimes other times during the day.  When Jana takes Smoky out for a walk. Penny watches her from the window or door.  And…..Smoky is still very protective of Penny.  If Jana or I correct Penny (and she does need correction) Smoky barks at us.  In fact, she has gotten between me and Penny when I got after her for messing with the Christmas tree.  Penny has gotten very brazen.  I have a tendency to shake my finger at her when I correct her, and she now hits at my finger with her paw.  I really need to stop laughing when she does this J

Yesterday Penny was laying on the dining room floor waiting for her lunchtime treats, and Smoky was standing in such a way that her tail was above Penny.  Of course, she was wagging her tail and Penny thought that was fun.  She was batting it with her paws, and we don’t think Smoky even realized it.  We had a good laugh.  They have been entertaining us in one way or another every day.  Love those girls!

What a Week!

What a week it has been!  First I got sick.  It started Saturday before last and still hanging on.  I think it is just a miserable head cold, but I sure have been coughing, sneezing and all that good stuff.  It has now been over a week.  Of course, several days ago Jana started and now she is as miserable as I was last week.  We are tired of being in the house, but we don’t want to go anywhere to share this misery.  We didn’t even go to church this weekend.  Renea made our favorite “hillbilly lasagna” yesterday for supper and brought some to us.  Sure did taste good.  She even included garlic bread.

The cow has been back.  Kevin and Renea have seen it.  I just have cow patties in my back yard – large cow patties.  I don’t know if it is the cow or deer, but something has been knocking down my birdfeeders in the back yard.  They have completely destroyed one of the feeders and ate all the feed.  The finch feeder is still okay and they have not been able to get the seed out of it.  I guess I will take them down for now.  The animal(s) seem to stay in the back yard.  They are not bothering the ones in the front yard.

Jana and I have finished decorating.  We have been taking pictures.  If I ever figure out how to use the picture program on my new computer I will put some on my blog.  I am really happy with how my tree looks with my home made ornaments.  We decided to hang our stockings on the railing between the dining room and living room.  Miss Penny thought that was wonderful.  When Jana first hung them she tied the yarn in a bow.  Immediately Penny figured out how to untie the bow and the stockings fell to the floor.  She was so proud J.  Jana then tied the yarn in a knot and she hasn’t been able to do anything about that.  Of course, my stocking has a yarn ball on the top (santa’s hat) and she has been pulling that apart.

Penny and Smoky are doing just fine.  I had mentioned that Smoky barks at Jana and me if we correct Penny when she does something she shouldn’t.  The other day I tried to move Penny from under Jana’s Christmas tree because she was chewing on the branches.  Smoky got between me and Penny and started barking.  Penny just looked at me as if to say HA!

The weather has been so nice the past couple of days that we have some of our neighbors riding their horses down the road.  Smoky has been busy keeping any eye on them and barking at them as if to say don’t come in this yard!

Neither Jana nor I have been able to get a picture of Smoky and Penny touching noses, but they still do it every morning.  They spend a lot of time together.  Penny has started checking out Smoky’s tail.  We guess it is because Smoky is always checking Penny’s butt so Penny is trying to figure out why. 

Hopefully, in the next few days we will be feeling good enough to get out of the house and go shopping.  We are both getting cabin fever.  I opened all the windows both yesterday and today.  We have also been spraying with Lysol. 

Miss Penny and Miss Smoky

I decided it was time to let you know how these two are doing.  They have definitely bonded.

When Smoky first arrived Jana and I were a nervous wreck about how they were going to get along.  We tried to keep them apart because we were worried one of them would get hurt. After a few days we decided to just let them do their thing.  And do their thing they did!!!!

 Penny has the run of the house and she has found several ways to tease Smoky.  One of her favorite ways is when she gets on top of the bookcases and looks down at her.  Smoky sits and looks at her as if to say, how can I join her.  Penny looks at her like ha ha you can't reach me. 

Whenever Penny is in a position where Smoky can smell her butt Penny takes off like a shot.  Smoky is so used to dogs that she thinks Penny should let her smell her butt.  Penny does not like that. 

At night when we go to bed we put a gate across the entrance from the living room to the dining room to keep them from pestering each other all night long.  That seems to be working out okay.  Penny does goes visit Jana and Smoky during the night, but Smoky just keeps sleeping.  Jana is getting used to Penny walking across her.  The couch is a hide-a-bed so whether it is open or closed, and whether Jana is sleeping or sitting on the couch, if Penny wants to get to the other side she just walks across Jana.  She also gets on top of the bookcase next to the couch and jumps down on Jana.  Scares her half to death, but she is getting used to it (Jana that is).

In the morning Penny comes out to greet Smoky.  They always touch noses as if to say good morning and maybe it means giving a kiss.  We have been trying to get a picture but haven't had any luck.

Another reason we keep Smoky in the living room at night, and when we leave the house, is because she eats Penny's food.  Penny doesn't eat Smoky's food because she doesn't give her a chance.  However, Penny is fascinated with Smoky's water bowl.  We think she can see herself in the water because she puts her paw in it.

When Jana takes Smoky for her "walk" outside, Penny sits at a window and watches her.  When Smoky is on her chain outside Penny also sits at a window and watches her. 

Yesterday I put up my Christmas tree.  Of course, Penny has been fascinated with the tree  She has tried to climb it.  She has batted the ornaments around.  She chews on the branches.  Jana bought a small tree that she put up with some of her ornaments.  Penny has also been checking out her tree the same as mine.  The interesting part is, when I get after Penny for doing what she does to either tree Smoky barks at me as if to say I shouldn't holler at Penny.  She has become her protector.  In fact, one time I got after Penny and Smoky barked at Jana.

Needless to say we have been having fun with both of them.  They are doing so well together.  We have had many laughs.  I am waiting for the day when they snuggle.  I'm sure that will happen at some point.  They are getting closer.

I am also happy that Jana and Penny are getting along so well.  You never know with cats, but she has accepted Jana being here.  She has even snuggled with her.

Busy Week

I just posted what I had written last week when Jana arrived and now I will try and catch up a little.  We have been busy, busy, busy :)

Saturday I went with Jana to Mass at St. Patrick's.  After that we went to Zaxby's for supper.  She had never eaten there, and she really enjoyed it.  Sunday she went to church service with me.  I wasn't too sure how she would feel about it because it is so different.  However, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that she really enjoyed the service.  I introduced her to a lot of people, and I am sure she will not remember any of their names.  After church we came home and tried to watch the NASCAR race in Arizona.  We didn't really get to see much of it because of the rain delays.  We went to bed before it was over.

Monday I called Scott who I use when I need work on my furnace or air conditioner.  He came over and found the problem.  Seems it was a relay in the furnace which needed to be replaced.  Everything is fine now.  Of course, it warmed up and we haven't used the furnace since.

We have been out and about every day this week except today which is Friday.  We have been to Tigertown, Kroger, WalMart, etc. etc. etc.  Yesterday Renea, Jana and I went to IHop for breakfast then to SAM'S.  Today we decided we would have a day of rest.  So, I am getting a few things accomplished around the house.

We also went to Office Max and I picked up my new computer.  I am gradually learning Windows 10.  It sure is different.  I was still using Windows 7.  I still have plenty to do insofar as getting my programs up and running and documents copied.  I am taking my time.

We had about an inch and half of rain on Wednesday.  We were very fortunate not to have any severe weather.

Brian and Kevin came home today.  They had an awesome time.  Brian will be leaving in the morning to head for home.

I also went to the eye doctor this week.  No cataract  surgery yet.  My prescription changed but not enough to get new glasses.  Will do that next year.  Have a floatie in my left eye but they don't do anything about that.  I also have a freckle in my left eye.  Now I have never heard of that, but Dr. Nix said it is more common than you think.  They took pictures of that eye and will be watching it closely.  It is on my cornea.  Worries me somewhat.

I am thinking about getting a second opinion about my lungs.  My breathing is not getting better, and the lung doctor I went to cannot find anything even after he told me I had emphysema and my lungs were getting smaller.  Not sure what is going on.

I have many stories of Penny and Smoky, but that will be a separate post.

Jana Has Arrived!

Jana and Smoky have arrived.  In fact, they arrived  day early.  I am so glad they are here.  It's been a few interesting days with Penny and Smoky.  They are starting to do better, but I will not leave them together when we leave the house.  Penny has finally stopped hissing at Smoky.  However, she still arches her back and her hair raises along her back and tail.  Smoky "talks" to her and barks.  At first Penny would run and hide in my bedroom.  Now she just stares at her.  They are moving a little closer together.  Penny has now ventured out into the dining room and a couple of times in the living room.  Smoky wants to smell Penny's butt like dogs do to each other, but Penny isn't having any of that.  Today Penny climbed her way to the top of one of my tall bookcases, and Smoky sat looking up at her.  It looked like she was thinking - how do I get up there?  It's going to be a fun couple of months.

Brian brought Jana and Smoky to Alabama.  Now Brian and Kevin are on a "man trip."  They are fishing, eating and drinking.  Not necessarily in that order.  They informed us that they would be living off the land.  Renea had so much confidence in that idea that she went to the grocery and filled the camper with food.  So far, they fixed grilled salmon for supper last night.  Now we know that they caught that salmon at Lake Eufaula :)

I have been researching computers since mine is going kaput.  Looks like I will have to get Windows 10 and learn how to use it.  I want an HP laptop, and found the one I want at Office Max.

I'm also having a furnace problem.  It comes on just fine at the temperature that I set.  However, it does not shut off.  It just keeps running anywhere between 10 and 20 degrees above where I set it.  I will be calling the furnace guy on Monday.  Meanwhile I just turned it off.  I don't want to take any chances.

Halloween and Dahlonegha

It’s been a catchup kind of day.  I have changed the bedclothes, did two loads of laundry, dusted, fed me breakfast and lunch, fed Penny breakfast and lunch, played with Penny, talked to Jana twice on the phone,  and read Donna’s blog.  I also sprayed roundup on the weeds around the birdbath (I can do that now since I pulled the worst of them), sprayed roundup in a couple of other areas also, put the hummingbird feeders in  the shed, and filled the bird feeders.  The birds are eating from the feeders in the backyard but not the front.  I even put fresh seed in the front feeders.  Not sure what is going on there.  Now it is time for a break until I decide what to do next.

This afternoon was not quite as ambitious.  I took out the trash (I think there is a song that mentions that), brought in the mail, fixed both mine and Penny’s supper and did dishes.  Also sprayed some more roundup on the weeds.  I’m done for today.

Surprise – I had my first trick or treaters here tonight.  Kevin and Renea had a Halloween party so they all came over and knocked on my door.  Of course, they took pictures.  When I get a copy I will post it. 

Today is paperwork day, such as balancing my checkbook.  It won’t take all day.  Maybe I will work on some of my craft projects.

Monday morning we had more than five inches of rain.  I know this because my rain gauge holds five inches of rain and it overflowed.  Anyway, because the roads were so bad and we had flash flooding I cancelled my eye doctor appointment.  It is now rescheduled for when Jana comes down.

At some point on this same day one of those lady bug/beetles got into the house.  I wish I had a moving camera to film Penny.  She was absolutely beside herself chasing it.  She was jumping in the air, jumping on top of furniture and spent a lot of time staring at the ceiling or wherever it would land.  She definitely entertained me!

Tuesday I ran a couple of errands.  One of the places I stopped was Petco where I bought Penny food and a new toy.  The new toy lasted about five minutes and she was no longer interested.  I thought she would really enjoy it because it was something Rodney played with and enjoyed.  So much for what I think J

 Also did my laundry.  I leave on Friday for the annual Prime Timers (seniors) trip.  This year we are going to Dahlonega, GA.  Last weather report says it is going to rain all three days.  We will see.  I hope not.

 Kevin and Renea will be taking care of Penny for me so I don’t have to put her in a kennel.  I am sure she will do fine.

Had a real nice time in Dahlonega, GA.  However, it did rain the whole time.  We were in a large cabin with eight bedrooms.  I shared a room with two other ladies.  I did have my own bed.  The place was beautiful.  I assume that you know that Dahlonega is in the mountains.  We arrived on Friday afternoon and left on Sunday morning.  Our meals (breakfast and supper) were included.  The place where we ate was right across from our cabin.  Meals were served buffet style.  Good food.  Nice variety. 

We were supposed to go to Amicalola Falls on Saturday and have a picnic lunch along with a hike to the falls.  Since it was raining we had our picnic lunch at the cabin.  We did take a trip to an apple farm.  I didn’t buy anything, but others did.  Friday evening and Saturday afternoon we played games or just sat around talking.  Later Saturday we watched the Auburn and Alabama football games.  They both won.  In this area you are a fan of one or the other.  I don’t think anyone watches the NFL. 

Renea had taken me to the church on Friday so I didn’t have to leave my car.  Kevin and Renea picked me up on Sunday when I returned.  I was so tired, I didn’t even go to their house for supper.  I was in bed by nine o’clock.

Penny was really glad to see me.  Followed me everywhere for two days.

Miscellaneous Stuff

It’s been a catchup kind of day.  I have changed the bedclothes, did two loads of laundry, dusted, fed me breakfast and lunch, fed Penny breakfast and lunch, played with Penny, talked to Jana twice on the phone,  and read Donna’s blog.  I also sprayed roundup on the weeds around the birdbath (I can do that now since I pulled the worst of them), sprayed roundup in a couple of other areas also, put the hummingbird feeders in  the shed, and filled the bird feeders.  The birds are eating from the feeders in the backyard but not the front.  I even put fresh seed in the front feeders.  Not sure what is going on there.  Now it is time for a break until I decide what to do next.

This afternoon was not quite as ambitious.  I took out the trash (I think there is a song that mentions that), brought in the mail, fixed both mine and Penny’s supper and did dishes.  Also sprayed some more roundup on the weeds.  I’m done for today.

Surprise – I had my first trick or treaters here tonight.  Kevin and Renea had a Halloween party so they all came over and knocked on my door.  Of course, they took pictures.  When I get a copy I will post it. 

Today is paperwork day, such as balancing my checkbook.  It won’t take all day.  Maybe I will work on some of my craft projects.

Monday morning we had more than five inches of rain.  I know this because my rain gauge holds five inches of rain and it overflowed.  Anyway, because the roads were so bad and we had flash flooding I cancelled my eye doctor appointment.  It is now rescheduled for when Jana comes down.

At some point on this same day one of those lady bug/beetles got into the house.  I wish I had a moving camera to film Penny.  She was absolutely beside herself chasing it.  She was jumping in the air, jumping on top of furniture and spent a lot of time staring at the ceiling or wherever it would land.  She definitely entertained me!

Tuesday I ran a couple of errands.  One of the places I stopped was Petco where I bought Penny food and a new toy.  The new toy lasted about five minutes and she was no longer interested.  I thought she would really enjoy it because it was something Rodney played with and enjoyed.  So much for what I think J

 Also did my laundry.  I leave on Friday for the annual Prime Timers (seniors) trip.  This year we are going to Dahlonega, GA.  Last weather report says it is going to rain all three days.  We will see.  I hope not.

 Kevin and Renea will be taking care of Penny for me so I don’t have to put her in a kennel.  I am sure she will do fine.

New Round of Doctors

I just spent most of my day wrapping Christmas presents.  I am finished except for the dogs J  I decided to wrap all the presents for Brian’s family so he could take them home with him after he brings Jana to Alabama.  Of course, I had to wrap Jana’s presents since she will be here.  As for Kevin’s family, since I had purchased their presents I decided I might as well wrap their’s also.

Next on my list was getting the plastic canvas pieces ready for the new chain for the Christmas tree.  I will now start working on that.

I sure wish I felt better.  It’s just been one of those days.  I have not been sleeping well.  I have an appointment with the pulmonary doctor next week.  I hope he can help me.  I think part of my problem is my sinuses. 

I just finished the website for Landmark Academy.  Of course, I couldn’t get that name because there are many facilities with that name.  So I improvised.  Anyway, I had to do this on a free site which always makes it difficult because you cannot always do what you want.  I did the best I could.

Renea is doing much better now.  Most of the swelling has gone down and her black eye has cleared up.  She is even talking normal now.  Her biggest problem now is eating – she is still on soft foods.

I haven’t done much the past few days.  My fibromyalgia and arthritis has been really bad. I keep moving but the pain is bad.  I know it is something I have to live with so I try not to complain, but some days I just can’t help it.  I have tried many meds but none of them help.

Tuesday was see the pulmonary doctor.  When my primary care doctor set up the appointment I recognized the doctor’s name as the same one who treated Jim.  In fact, when Dr. Patel walked into the office he did a double take looking at me and asked if I had been there before.  He said he thought he knew me.  When I told him who I was and that I had been there many times with Jim, he said he remembered. 

Anyway, after spend an hour and a half with him and his nurse he decided to have me get a CT scan of my lungs.  He said my lungs were too small and very restricted.  Meaning I have trouble breathing in and out (I knew that).  I have done a lot of research since that appointment and I think I have figured out what he meant.  My appointment for the CT scan in next Wednesday afternoon.  He said he doesn’t want to make any decisions on what to do  until after he sees the CT scan.  He has read all the reports from my previous tests. 

Next week will be busy.  I have an eye doctor appointment on Monday morning.  My left eye is really starting to bother me.  I have an appointment for my blood work on Wednesday morning, then the CT scan in the afternoon.  Of course, my doctor appointment to get the results for the blood work won’t be until the following Wednesday morning, and then my appointment with Dr. Patel to get the results of the CT scan will be that same Wednesday in the afternoon. 

Meanwhile I am just going about my everyday stuff.  Wednesday I went to WalMart in Phenix City.  Thursday I went to Tigertown.  Stopped at Lowe’s for a LED lightbulb for my ceiling fan in the dining room, then stopped at Books A Million (BAM) and bought a couple of books, next it was on to Hobby Lobby for supplies to make a tree topped for my Christmas tree, and finished up going to Kroger for a few groceries.  Today I am doing a few loads of laundry, dusting, and just doing a few odds and ends.  I did watch the debate Wednesday night.  What a mess!

Spent a Lot of Time at Tigertown

I spent most of Friday with Renea at the dentist.  She had all of her upper teeth pulled and most of her bottom teeth.  They left a couple on the bottom so her bottom partial would fit better rather than give her a full bottom.  The worst part was several of her upper teeth roots were wrapped into her sinuses.  When they took them out they found she had an infection.  The dentist had to put antibiotics directly into that area before she did the stitching.  Her two hour surgery took four hours.  While she was having surgery I went to Kroger and had her prescriptions filled.  Needless to say, when finished her face was swollen and she was in plenty of pain.  When we arrived at her house she took one of her pain pills (that was interesting trying to swallow) and laid on the couch.  I stayed with her until Kevin got home.  He brought supper for him and me.  After that I came home. 

Saturday morning Kevin came over to my house and said Renea was able to eat a little yogurt.  He said she was still swollen.  The dentist called last night and said she would have pain for a few days.  Kevin came over a second time and finished he to do list that I had for him.  He is planning to fix fish for supper and has invited me.  Renea doesn’t eat fish so this would be a good time to have it. 

I have been working on the website for Landmark Academy.  Made real good progress today.  Hopefully I will be able to publish it this coming week.

I took down the hummingbird feeders since I have seen any hummingbirds for over a week now.

This past week when I was working on my Christmas tree skirt I kept thinking that something was not working right with the sewing machine. So, I checked the book of instructions and everything seemed okay.  But I noticed there was still something wrong.  So, I finally got out the DVD with a video of the instructions.  I found the problem.  It seems I have a quick set bobbin and I was missing a step.  It sure would have been easier with a “normal” bobbin.  Now I can finish the tree skirt.

This morning (Monday) Penny and I made a trip to the vet.  She was the pet of the day today and was given a couple of treats which she would not eat.  Her name and picture was on display on the counter.  She now weighs eight pounds.  The vet said that is probably all she will/should weigh.  She will not be a big cat.  Her annual physical went just fine.  She received three shots; rabies, distemper and leukemia.  She also had her back nails trimmed.  She was really good.  She didn’t give them any trouble when they checked her, gave her the shots or trimmed her toenails.  She was given a couple of treats afterwards but she didn’t eat them either. 

After arriving home I took Renea back to the dentist.  She had to have her stitches checked and her upper plate removed.  She has a black eye from her surgery on Friday, and Kevin and I told her she looks like a chipmunk with her face so swollen.  Everything is fine.  The dentist gave her a prescription for stronger pain meds.  She goes back on Thursday for a filling and cleaning.  She is not allowed to drive because of the meds she is taking, so I will take her on Thursday.

Today is Tuesday and it is another beautiful day in Alabama.  The past week has been just perfect; 40’s at night and upper 60’s and low 70’s during the day with plenty of sunshine!

Since I have been doing so much running the past few days I decided I better get some stuff done inside.  I am doing laundry, doing dishes, balancing the checkbook, paid a few bills, changed the furnace filter, and anything else I can think of. 

The red maple tree leaves have changed to a beautiful red.  The peach tree and tulip poplar trees have all lost their leaves.  The weeping willow tree has done the same.  All the other trees are still green.  The pecans are starting to ripen and fall, but I don’t think we are going to have a very good crop this year.

Penny is back to herself.  When we came home from the vet yesterday she just laid around and wanted some lovin’.  This morning she is back to running around the house, checking out the squirrels and all her other “duties.”  She is a busy kitty.

I finally finished the Christmas tree skirt.  I’m really pleased with it.  Now my next sewing project is the Christmas pillows.  I am also going to make another chain for the tree.  However, this will be totally different than the first one. 

A Couple of Gotcha Days

Since I have not been writing on my blog every day I will just update y’all as to what I have been doing the past couple of days.

First of all, today, Monday, is Miss Penny’s Gotcha Day.  One year ago today Miss Penny was rescued from PAWS and become a member of our family.  She has been a joy.  She is also a little s**t.  She still loves to climb.  I find her on top of just about everything I own.  She can’t get on the wall bird cages now because I took them off the wall.  She still climbs on top of the television and watches it upside down.  I have not been able to break her habit of doing that.  The water squirt bottle doesn’t help because she thinks I am playing with her.  As you can tell she is spoiled rotten, but I wouldn’t want her any other way. 

I have finished my Christmas ornaments.  I have cut my material for my Christmas pillows.  I have cut the material for my tree skirt and pinned it together.  I also purchased material for an autumn hanging. 

Yesterday we celebrated my birthday at Kevin and Renea’s.  Ryan and Stephanie were also there along with all four dogs.  Such a mad house!  Anyway, supper was great and so was my birthday cake.  My family, including Brian’s family, gave me a purple martin house.  It is one of those consisting of gourds.  Now I have to decide where to put it.

Today I mowed my front grass.  A couple of days ago I finished weeding the area around my birdbath.  It sure looks good.  Now I have to buy more rocks for around the birdbath and the deck. 

Kevin spent the past couple of days working on clearing the woods of weeds, vines and dead trees.  It is really looking good.  We figure we will all be dead before he finishes.  He is finding a real assortment of trees; oak, walnut, hickory, birch, and a lot of magnolia.  There are several pine trees that look terrible so he is cutting them down.  The people that owned this property before us used this area for a dump and he is finding all types of “stuff” including tires, fencing, railroad ties and just plain old junk.  Renea noticed a rather large nest in the arm of one of the trees.  Since we have hawks in the woods we think maybe it belongs to them.

The weather has been gorgeous; lows in the 50’s at night and highs in the upper 70’s and low 80’s during the day.  Perfect!

I haven’t been doing much outside.  I have been getting my house ready for Jana.  I am making room for her and Smoky.  We are going to be packed in here, but that’s okay. 

I have been working on my Christmas tree skirt.  It is almost finished.  I think I am doing something wrong with the bobbin on my sewing machine.  I need to review the CD they sent me with instructions.  I have read the book and I just can’t quite figure out what I need to do.  I thought I understood it, but I cannot put it into practice. 

I have also been working on the website for Landmark Academy.  This is slow going because I am using a free site and it won’t let me do what I want.  I will succeed!

Plenty of Work Accomplished

Today is laundry day, so that is what I am doing!  I also went thru a few books and put more of them into the half price books box and saved a few others.  I finished all except two of my “ball” ornaments.  Hopefully, I will finish them tomorrow.  I also have to start on several ornaments I am making for gifts.  And…..I still haven’t started Lanora’s napkin holder or my Christmas napkin holder. Not enough hours in the day.

I am back to working in my yard.  This morning I worked for an hour pulling the weeds/grass around the birdbath.  What a mess.  The weeds/grass are taller than the birdbath.  The job wouldn’t be so bad except there are some type of thorny vines growing among the weeds.  I only finished about 1/5^th of the mess and that filled a large garbage bag.  It is hot out there now so I will get a few things accomplished inside.  I did notice that the red maple tree is turning red for the fall.  It looks really pretty.  The peach tree has lost almost all of it’s leaves.  I guess fall is on the way.  Yea!

I completed the ornaments I was making for Christmas presents.

Good Morning.  It’s another beautiful day in Alabama.  Finished most of my indoor work including going thru two more shelves of books.  Finished that project.  I then headed outside to work on weeding the birdbath area.  I am almost half way.  From the front you can see the birdbath and St. Frances of Assisi statue.  I filled another garbage bag.  It is now getting hot and the breeze is starting to die down so I thought I better come in.  I also noticed that the Bradford Pear tree leaves are starting to turn.  Those trees are really pretty in the fall.  From my back window I can see that a few of the trees in the woods behind my house are starting to turn.

Filled the bird feeders except the hummingbird feeders.  They apparently have headed further south for the winter since I have not seen them in over a week.  Only had one around last week and now he is gone.

Miss Penny is not happy with me.  She does not like when I put her monthly dose of medicine on the back of her neck to protect her from fleas, etc.  I know it doesn’t hurt, but she still does not like it.  In fact, she knows when it is time and she hides.  She even will not eat her treats when I try to coax her, but she will eat them after I apply the meds.

It’s a new day, and I didn’t do any weeding out by the birdbath this morning.  Instead I headed to Tigertown.  First stop was Books A Million (a/k/a BAM – I had a coupon) where I purchased several Christmas presents.  Then it was on to PETCO (another coupon) where I bought a “puppy” crate for Penny.  Next was Hobby Lobby (another coupon) where I bought some material.  Then to Kroger for a few items, and needless to say I used my Kroger card. 

Now I have to get started on sewing some of this material I have purchased.  I have all of these ideas.

The reason for the “puppy” crate for Penny is because when Jana comes to visit she will be bringing her dog (Smoky) with her.  Now, Smoky is old and laid back but we don’t know how Penny and her will get along.  Smoky is not used to cats and Penny has never seen a dog this big.  The crate is a precautionary item for when Jana and I go running errands, etc.  We may not need it, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

This evening I cut the material to make my Christmas pillows.  I also started cutting the material to make my Christmas tree skirt.  While I was doing this Penny checked out her crate.  I have just let it sit in the dining room, and she went into it on her own.  She actually laid down and took a short nap.  That’s progress!

Three hours and three large garbage bags of weeds and grass and I am half finished with the area around the birdbath. 

YEA!  It is Saturday and I have finished weeding around the birdbath.

 

A Busy Week

Miss Penny sure has been busy this morning.  She has been guarding the house from the squirrels that are hiding pecans in the yard.  She has been running from window to window to door.  I know I can count on her to keep an eye on the squirrels and birds J

Yesterday I drove to WalMart in Opelika to pick up the ottomans that I ordered.  I had looked at ottomans on a lot of different websites and these were the only ones that were in the color range I was looking for.  Besides I did not want any print because of the chairs and room size rug. I also didn’t want buttons on them because of Penny.  I didn’t want leather or faux leather because of Penny.  So, anyway, I picked them up yesterday.  They were not exactly the color I wanted.  The website said khaki but they are much lighter.  But that’s okay.  They will be fine.

The reason I bought them is because I do not have a recliner since I bought my chairs and love seat.  The chairs do recline a little and the foot piece the comes up is very minimal.  Jana needs to prop her feet up so I knew I needed to do something before she arrived.  This was my choice.

This morning I am cleaning, and Penny just loves it when I run the sweeper.  She has spent most of the morning on top of my high bookcases.  She lays up there and watches.  I’m not sure if she is hiding or waiting to pounce in case I need protection.  Anyway, room one is finished and she is not off the bookcase and smelling everything. 

Another room is finished so Penny and I are going to rest.  Also finished two loads of laundry and changed my bed.  It’s been a busy day.  Even Penny is worn out from watching.  I didn’t really take a nap.  Instead I worked on my garland I am crocheting for my Christmas tree. 

It is now Saturday afternoon and I tired!  I just finished cleaning my living room which included moving ALL the furniture and completely rearranging the room.  I even moved one piece of furniture from my bedroom (night stand) to the living room to be used as an end table.  I also moved another piece of furniture into the dining room, then moved the dining room table to another spot in the dining room.  Miss Penny is totally confused.

Didn’t do a lot today.  Was sore from moving all that furniture yesterday.  I paid some bills and not much more.  Went to Kevin and Renea’s for supper.  Kevin smoked a pork butt, and Renea made macaroni salad, beans and slaw.  Cake for desert.  I came home with leftover pork and some leftover hillbilly lasagna.  I’m all set for a couple of days.  Watched the NASCAR race.  Started it at home finished it with K and R.  Came home and watched the end of the Packers/49ers game.  Packers won!

 

Not much of anything

 

Well, it’s another cloudy misty day. Supposed to have quite a bit of rain over the next couple of days.  That’s okay because we really need it.  However, I have noticed we are having a second growing season.  I have flowers on my weeping cherry tree and new leaves on my tulip poplar trees.  And, of course, the grass is growing.  In fact, Kevin is mowing our back yards as I type.  I am not helping with the grass mowing today because I am having a slight problem with vertigo.  Not sure what caused that but I sure don’t like it. 

Feeling a little better so I went to Kevin and Renea’s for supper.  We had pork loin with apple stuffing and pineapple upside down cake for desert.  All of it was awesome!

Renea’s new fall napkin holder.

 

This afternoon while I was watching the race I finished my fall napkin holder.  Another project I can check off my list.  I did each side differently.

The last few days have not been very productive.  I had a bad case of vertigo.  Needless to say, I didn’t get very much accomplished.  However, yesterday afternoon I started feeling better and today I seem to be fine.  I still have a headache and a floaty in my left eye, but no more dizziness.  So, this morning I headed to Tigertown and went to Office Depot, Books A Million, Petco, Hobby Lobby and Kroger.  This evening I plan to go to Bible Study at church.

Ornaments #4

This should be my last posting of ornaments for a while.  These are a sample of my plastic canvas ornaments.

 

 

Ornaments #3

A few more samples of the ornaments I have been making.  FYI - these are plastic.  I have made sure that nothing I make is glass and/or breakable.  I had my front door open when I took the pictures and that is why there is a reflection on the side of each ornament.

 

 

Almost finished.  Maybe one more.

Ornaments #2

 

The following ornaments are all made with yarn.  No pattern.  I just have a lot of yarn and decided to use it like this.  I actually made six of the balls; each one a different color. 

 

 

 

This star ornament was an impulse.  I saw the star at Hobby Lobby and thought I could fill it with yarn and see how it looks.  I only made one of these for me, but my neighbor asked me to make one of these for her so I did.

This ornament was purchased in a package of small picture frames.  I decided to do this instead of putting a picture in it.  There are three other frames; round, square and rectangle.  Not sure what I will do with them.

Check back, there is more to come.

Busy Inside

 

It’s a rainy day today, and I feel miserable.  Penny and I are going to have a lazy day. And we did!  I did not get anything accomplished.

Sure hope today is a better day.  I really have a lot to do.  Will let you know how it goes.  Finished a couple more ornaments and Penny’s Christmas stocking.  Did some research for Christmas presents.  Sent a couple of emails.  Called ALFA and got my home owners insurance straightened out.  Visited with Kevin and Renea this evening.  And did a few of my regular chores.  I am definitely feeling better.

Good Morning!  Another misty/rainy day.  Just walked up to the mailbox and it is starting to rain.  I had planned to mow some grass today but I don’t think that is going to happen.  I probably need to start working on Lanora’s napkin holder, but I just not sure I feel like it right now.  Maybe later today.  Not sure what I feel like doing – I’m in one of those moods.  Oh well, that will change.  I’m like the weather – wait five minutes and I will change my mind.

Okay, we had rain off and on today.  So, I worked on cutting the plastic canvas so I could start Lanora’s napkin holder and my “fall” napkin holder.  Not a hard job, but time consuming. When I walked up to the mailbox this afternoon I noticed that the red spider lilies were starting to bloom. They are scattered around the yard, just one here and there.  They are really unique and pretty.  One year I dug them up and transplanted them so they would grow in a group.  They never did grow, so now I leave them alone and just enjoy them wherever they grow.  They don’t last long.

 

 

 

This evening I saw a rainbow in the east, and when I got my camera and went out on the deck I could see a second rainbow.  The second one was very faint, but it was there.  It was beautiful. 

Watched some television and worked on my napkin holder.  I still have time to do Lanora’s.

I have been informed by Kevin and Renea that the deer are back and they have been eating the leaves on my weeping willow tree.  They have also eaten leaves off Kevin’s fruit trees.  They may be cute, but I wish they would eat something else!

Looks like we are in for a bit more rain.  Not good for the fibromyalgia.  I try to just keep moving and have been taking plenty of extra strength Tylenol.  It helps some.  Anyway, according to the weather report we have a chance of rain every day thru next week.  I heard that September and October are the driest months here.  However, no one told the rainmaker J  I shouldn’t complain because we really do need the rain.

I have been working on my fall napkin holder.  I have one more panel to do then I can put it together.  Hopefully, I will get it finished this weekend.  I won’t be doing much else. I plan on watching the truck and Xfinity races today, so I can work on them while the races are on.

Had supper with Kevin and Renea – chicken pot pie and corn bread YUM!  Afterwards I came home and watched some college football.  Yep, I watched college football.  It’s what you do here in Alabama.  Anyway, when the Xfinity race came on I switched to that.  It was a good race.  Those young guys were actually racing and trying to win.  However, that caused a few accidents, cautions and at least one red flag.  I went to bed a little after 10:30 because the race was just a little over half way, and I was tired.  While watching the race I finished the panels for my napkin holder.  Now I just have to put it together.

Ornaments #1

I have been asked by several friends to post some pictures of the items I have been making, namely my Christmas ornaments.  I will do so using several blogs.  Just remember PLEASE that I have just started doing crafts and I am still learning. 

The following are the bead ornaments.  They were kits and I made several of each.

Catchin Up

It’s catch up time.  This blog will be a little different.  I had gotten into the habit of writing something every day.  However, I haven’t done that for a while.  So, I will try to get caught up and start all over again.

It’s actually be a busy week.  I finished Renea’s napkin holder and it turned out really nice.  I have also made a few more ornaments.  Renea came over and we made my winter wall hanging.  I really do like it.  I have decided to make three more – one for each season.  Renea brought Lanora over so she could look at some of my ornaments and items I make with plastic canvas.  She has asked me to make her a napkin holder – one for every day use.  She picked out her colors now I have to decide on a design.  I still have a few things to make for Christmas.  Not necessarily ornaments but some other items.  I want to make a runner for my table and a chain for the tree.  I still have my pillows to make and a tree skirt.  Busy Busy Busy

We now have another puppy in the family.  Ryan got a dog from Animal Ark which is a no kill shelter in Columbus, GA.  She is adorable.  She is nine weeks old and is part black lab and sharpie.  She is going to be a big dog.  He brought her over to Kevin and Renea’s on Sunday when he came for supper.  Stephanie brought Copper.  Ryan’s dog’s name is Ashes because she is mostly black with a few sprinkles of brown.  Anyway she held her own with the “big” dogs.  Lola’s motherly instincts came out.  Her and ashes just stayed together.  Whatever Lola did Ashes tried to do EXCEPT for the swimming pool. Lola does not get into the swimming pool except at the steps to take a drink of water.  Ryan put Ashes in the water and she wasn’t at all afraid.  However, we knew she would go into the water on her own – we just knew it.  So, Ryan took off his shoes and socks so he could go in and get her just in case.  Well, she went to the other side of the pool, jumped in and swam across the pool.  She came out of there just as proud as could be.  In fact, she did it again.  No fear.  How awesome!  As soon as I get a decent picture of her, I will post it.

I have a couple of projects to do for Landmark Academy.  I am researching Pumpkin Patches.  They all seem to be at least an hour’s drive from here.  I am researching Petting Zoos, they also are at least an hour’s drive.  Most of them are included in regular zoos and expensive.  I am also going to set up a website as soon as I decide what service to use.  I want to use one that is free.  I have narrowed it down to four.

That’s about it.  I’m sure you don’t want to hear about me cleaning house and doing laundry.  I also did some yard work, but it got really hot and humid again.  I will be glad when fall arrives!