Odds and Ends

Today is odds and ends day, i.e. finding Penny’s toys that she hides, a few loads of laundry, etc. I think Penny is happy that I found her toys because she is busy running around playing with them.  Of course, throughout the day she will hide them, and we will have to go searching again.  She is lucky I know most of her hiding places.

I have finished a couple more of the plastic canvas Christmas ornaments also.  I found a few patterns to crochet some ornaments.  That should be interesting, but I am going to give it a try.  I will also be taking a few more pictures of my deck since Kevin did some cleanup.  I figure it will take the rest of the summer to get my front yard back in shape. 

I waited until the shade reached the area in front of my deck and pulled some weeds.  However, it was still so hot I only lasted about a half hour.  I did get another azalea bush uncovered.  Hopefully, I will get the third one uncovered tomorrow night. I actually filled two large garbage bags and one small one. 

I spent this morning (Tuesday) at church with Teresa helping with registration for the folks doing home schooling.  It was an interesting morning.  We have about ten families signed up so far, but we are expecting many more. 

I had noticed Penny spending her time laying on the shelf between the old and new room.  She was watching something very intently, but I really didn’t pay any attention.  After supper Kevin and Renea came over and Kevin noticed ANTS! crawling all over the shelf, floor and wall.  This is what she was watching.  We decided this happened because of Kevin and Ricky moving the dirt when they built my steps.  So, Kevin went outside and sprayed the dirt and around the house and door.  He also spread the ant crystals.  Renea and I went on an ant killing spree in the house.  I couldn’t spray in the house because of Penny.  By bedtime I wasn’t seeing any more ants, and so far this morning I haven’t noticed any.  I sure hope they are gone!  Penny isn’t spending all her time on the shelf now.  She is back to watching the birds. I hope that’s a good sign.

Wednesday was doctor day.  I had my pulmonary/lung function test.  It lasted an hour and a half, and I was worn out when it was over.  Came home and took a nap.  Don’t know the results yet.  Next week I have blood work done and then the next week I go to my primary care doctor to get all the results.  Hope they are good.

Changes to My Deck

 

Yesterday was not a “cleaning” day.  Instead I went to Books-A-Million. Didn’t buy anything.  I was looking for a specific book and they did not have it.  I then went to Hobby Lobby for some ribbon for another project.  Next it was on to Krogers.  By the time I returned home it was time for both Penny and my lunch.  After lunch I put everything away that I purchased, except for the cold items which I put away as soon as I got home. 

In the afternoon I finished a couple more ornaments.  I must say that my tree will be like no other.  Still have quite a few more to do.

Last night we had several really bad storms with a lot of wind, thunder and lightning.  All total in the past two days we have had three inches of rain.  It’s either feast or famine. The next couple of days are supposed to be really hot and no rain. 

I am having some changes made to my deck in front.  Kevin and Ricky are working on it.  They are moving the steps to the side of the deck and putting down a concrete pad so I don’t have to walk through grass to get to my car.  I have been parking my car on the concrete pad we had poured for the motor home so I don’t block the driveway.  Of course, this meant digging up one of the hydrangea bushes and moving a few other containers with plants.  And……some of my rocks have “disappeared.”  When they finish the steps they will remove the ramp.  If the hydrangea bush survives I will plant it where the ramp was located.  They had to remove one set of railing, and will be adding one set. 

 

 

While they were doing this today, I went with the Prime Timers Senior Group from church on a bus trip.  There were 24 of us and Scott did the driving.  We had lunch at Yoder’s Deitsch Haus. It is a Mennonite restaurant, and the food was wunderbaur!  I liked it because you could get a “full” plate or “half” plate.  When I saw the size of the full plate I opted for the half plate.  It as more than enough.  They also had a bakery, but I didn’t buy anything in there. The place was really crowded.  It was a buffet with many choices.  They are open for lunch, then close for two hours and open for supper. The price couldn’t be beat either.  My half plate was $5.00.

After lunch we went to Lane’s Peach Farm.  I bought a small basket of peaches, a loaf of peach bread and a jar of Pecan/Peach Jam which Renea asked me to get for her.  I shared the peaches and the bread with Kevin/Renea and Ricky/Lanora.  No way could I eat that all by myself.  All of us had peach ice cream before we left.  I had mine in a waffle cone.  It was delicious.

When I left for the bus trip I put Penny in charge.  After all, she is my attack cat J  Kevin said she watched them work the whole time they were here.  Now I am getting ready for church, and Kevin is already out there working.  Ricky should be here shortly.  Today they are going to pour the concrete.  I guess I will leave Penny in charge again.

I’m back from church. Had my lunch. The concrete has been poured and it looks good.  Kevin and Ricky are celebrating by having a beer or two. Next is cleanup.

 

House Cleaning And Other Stuff

 

Today starts house cleaning. I have started with the computer/craft/dining room.  I am about half way.  I have made room for Kevin to put together my new tall bookcases.  I have a lot of “stuff” sitting around that needs to be put in the bookcases.

Miss Penny does not like my sweeper.  She runs and hides under the chair in the living room (or any room where I am not).  Rodney never did mind the sweeper.  In fact, Jim used to use one of the attachments to control her shedding.  There is no way Penny would let me do that.  She is also confused with the moving of furniture.

I finished “house cleaning” the computer/craft/dining room.  I am now waiting for Kevin to put together my new bookcases. One is for my paper supplies, etc., and the other is for my craft supplies.  Some of those are actually in the bookcase I already have.  I made a lot of changes in the room.  This morning I found Miss Penny on top of the bookcase.  She has never been there before.

Today is odds and ends day.  I paid some bills and put them in the mailbox, did dishes (which I hate to do and I don’t have a dishwasher unless you count me) emptied the trash, made the bed and did some dusting.  I still plan to run the sweeper in the bedroom and get it organized so I can move around.  Yesterday it was a catch all space while cleaning.

What a morning! I’ve been working on cleaning the bedroom.  Not sure why I started, but I washed the window, and, of course, it came out of the track and I can’t get it back in.  When I tried I caused a picture to fall off the wall.  Luckily it didn’t break.  I went into the kitchen to get a swiffer cloth, and there is Penny on top of the cabinet.  I grabbed my camera, and as soon as she saw me she started coming down.  Then she sat on top of the refrigerator.  I turned my back and heard something break.  She jumped from the refrigerator to the counter and knocked a cup off and broke it.  She ran away, turned, laid down and looked at me.  I didn’t yell or anything, just cleaned it up.  This is a first.  She has never broken anything before, but it probably won’t be the last.

A few pictures of Penny including the one of her coming down off the cabinet and one on the refrigerator.

 

Meanwhile the phone was ringing like crazy and people were leaving me messages.  I called Jana right back (she was one of the messages) I didn’t get an answer.  I think I better quit for the day before anything else happens!

Wednesday was doctor day – the cardiologist.  She informed me that my heart is fine.  A little thickening of the walls because of my high blood pressure.  However, that is being kept under control with meds. She said that the showing of a blockage was a false reading because of the blockage in my left bundle branch.  I don’t have to go back to her for six months.  Next Wednesday I am having a pulmonary/lung function test.  The following week I will be having blood work done to check my thyroid.  The reason for that is because I am always tired.  Maybe I’m just getting old J

Today I am working on my spring/fall cleaning of 2014 again.  The computer/craft/dining room is finished except for the new bookcases which Kevin has to put together.  I can then put supplies in them and that room will be done. The bedroom is finished except for cleaning out the corner where the new shelving will be going, and cleaning out my cupboard.  The living room is finished except for the ceiling fan (which I can’t reach) and the wall clock (which I can’t reach). Kevin will help with both of those.  I also need a light bulb replaced in the ceiling fan. I am getting there slow but sure. I also need to go through my magazines and throw away the old ones.

I’m still waiting for Kevin to put my bookcases together J

OUCH!

Okay, so Monday evening I decided to pull a few weeds in the east rock garden.  Got all set up and had a good start when lo and behold I got stung by a wasp!  Now, I don’t know if you have ever been stung by a wasp, but it sure does HURT.  I even had gloves on and it stung be through the gloves.  I came inside and ran cold water on my finger and then put Neosporin on it.  The wasp did not leave it’s stinger in my finger, so I didn’t have to worry about that.  Now it just itches.  I haven’t pulled any weeds since.  Tonight (Wednesday) is bible study at church so I know I won’t be pulling weeds. 

Yesterday I fixed the ornament I had taken partially apart.  I also made two new ornaments.  So far I have two stars, one cross and one round ornament.  I am making good progress.  They are all plastic canvas.  I still have quite a few to make.  Actually I have now finished all three stars!

I went to Bible study this evening, and did we ever have a storm.  First time I’ve been to church and had a rain delay.  It rained so hard and so loud you could not even talk to the person next to you.  It lasted about 20 minutes, then we were able to finish.  By the time we left the rain was over.  When I arrive home I found that we did not have one drop of rain here.

Thursday I finished two more ornaments.  I’m really making good progress.  Didn’t do too much except dishes and stuff like that.  It’s been really hot so I haven’t been going outside except when necessary.

Russell County does our trash pickup, and now they even furnish our trash cans.  They want everyone to use the same kind, and we only get one.  We are allowed to add one smaller can if necessary.  Anyway, they delivered our new trash cans yesterday.  I am going to leave mine at the top of the driveway.  It is way too big for me to even pull up there, especially once I put trash in there.

This morning I had my yearly GYN checkup.  Afterwards I went to the bank and WalMart. I needed birdseed and a few other odds and ends.  Kevin cut the back grass.  Looks like Kevin and Renea are going to use Rick and Beth’s boat tomorrow.  Not sure what lake they are going to use it on. Ricky and Lanora will probably go with them.  They don’t ask me because they know I don’t like the water or being on the water in this heat.

Kevin and Renea invited me for supper.  Kevin fixed a London broil in the smoker and it was delicious.  Renea fixed baked potatoes, salad and crescent rolls.  She also baked a chocolate cake.  Everything was wonderful. Came home after supper and finished reading my book.  Didn’t do much else.  I was pretty tired.  Miss Penny had me up bright and early.  Also, my doctor appointment was for 9:00 so I had to get up early anyway.  Needless to say, it was an early night.

By the way, I think my finger is finally back to normal after the wasp bite.  I didn’t realize it would take so long.  It was swollen and itched all week.

HOT! HOTTER! HOTEST!

HOT!!!!! The weather stations have been saying upper 90’s but my thermometer says between 105 and 110.  Now that’s hot!  Haven’t been outside to do any more weeding – even in the evening. 

Yesterday (Saturday) Renea and I went to Tigertown to do some shopping.   For those of you who don’t know, Tigertown is a large outdoor shopping mall. It is one of my favorite places to shop. First stop was Petco – I needed cat food and Renea needed dog food.  Next stop was Hobby Lobby.  I have decided to make a few Christmas ornaments so I bought some supplies.  I also bought some material to make a wall hanging for Christmas.  Renea is going to help me get started because it has been years since I have done any sewing with a sewing machine.  I have a portable sewing machine, and since the wall hanging is not going to be quilted I should be okay.  I figure it’s an easy way to start.  I also bought material to make two Christmas pillows for my couch.  Should be a couple of interesting projects.  Last stop was Kroger.  We were going to have a frozen yogurt at Chill’s but they weren’t open yet.

The ornaments I bought supplies for are going to be plastic canvas.  In fact, I made two of them while watching NASCAR last night.  I also plan to make a chain or two for the Christmas tree.  I plan to use leftover yarn for my crocheting projects.  And, yes, I will crochet them.

Kevin mowed my grass yesterday (Saturday) while Renea and I were shopping.  I don’t know how he did it as hot as it was, but I sure do appreciate it.  I know I could not have gotten it done.

Today (Sunday) I went to church then came home and relaxed. After church I gave Linda my money for the Prime Timers fall trip.  Had supper with Kevin and Renea.  Kevin fixed a turkey in the smoker and some corn on the cob on the grill.  Renea fixed baked beans, “little” potatoes, and a brownie cheesecake for desert.  It was awesome,.  Ricky, Lenora and Ryan were also there.  I didn’t stay long after eating because everyone decided to get in the pool and it was too hot to sit on the patio. 

Ryan came over to the house with me.  He has a genealogy project for school and I helped him with that.  He just wanted whatever we could find on the Aker side.  I had a lot of the information, so I printed it for him.  However, I did show him how to do the research.  We had a fun evening.  After he left I took apart one of the ornaments I had made because I didn’t like how it looked.    

I also talked to Brian.  I had a few computer questions.  I find it extremely frustrating that I used to be able to do all this computer stuff and was very knowledgeable about computers, and now I have to ask.  I know the basics, but there have been so many changes and  upgrades that I just have lost track. 

It’s going to be another hot day so I decided to do laundry and get a few things accomplished inside.  I hope to get outside tonight when the shade gets to the front of the house so I can start weeding the other rock garden.  With Kevin’s help I am getting my yard back in shape.

It's All Outside

I’m still watching the birds and THE BULLY is back guarding the hummingbird feeder.  What a guy J  I have four birdfeeders; one for finch food and the other for “regular” birdseed.  The birds are eating the seeds as fast as I can fill the feeders.

Kevin and Renea have a bird nest on their patio with three baby birds.  They do a lot of chirping until mama bird feeds them.  Mama bird gets really nervous when anyone is on the patio.  She doesn’t go to her nest, but she sure does watch.  I don’t know how long it will be before they leave the nest.

Kevin, Renea, Brian and Tracy gave me this swing for my deck for Mother’s Day.  I love it and use it a lot (when it isn’t raining).

 

My hydrangeas are looking good this year, at least the bushes are.  I have one flower on each.

The other day Kevin moved his shed from inside his fence (and next to the pool) to outside the fence.  It really looks nice (and different).

Monday he went to Lowe’s to buy supplies to change the ramp off my deck to steps. 

I actually got a lot done today.  I am starting to feel better so I guess that helps.  I am making great progress on the Althoefer Family Tree book.

I also weeded one-half of the north rock garden.  Looking much better, but still have a lot to do.  It’s a little tough when you sit down to weed, but that’s what I do.  My knees hurt so I can’t kneel, so sitting is my only option.  It works!  Last night I finished weeding the north rock garden.  YEA!  I decided if I wait until evening when there is shade, and I take my time, I can make some progress. Just need to take a few breaks and drink plenty of water.  If all goes well I should be able to mow the grass by this weekend.  You can actually see the plants now.

Miss PIA Penny decided she didn’t like one of the foods that has been her favorite.  She just flat out refused to eat it.  I remember Rodney would do that at times.  Penny kept going to the cupboard where I keep her food so I gave in and gave her something else.  She is scarfing it down!

Went outside for about 20 minutes and filled the birdfeeders, and put roundup on some grass/weeds that I couldn’t pull that is growing between the border rocks.  It was so hot I’m not sure I will go back outside at all today!

Okay, I went back outside after supper when the front had shade.  I fed the bushes in the north rock garden, and then I pulled the weeds out of the pots with the iris.  That’s it!  Done for today.

This and That

Took the wrapping off my wrist and it really looks good.  Just a tiny spot where the doctor made the insertion to do the heart cath and lots of bruising.  Yesterday I went outside and picked up a few twigs and I had to come in and take a nap.  I guess I need a few more days of rest.

I have been doing a lot of reading lately.  I have also been working on the family tree.  I think I have found a few ancestors in Germany.  Need to do a little more research.  I am spending a lot of time trying to organize all of my paperwork to make it easier to read and understand who is who.  Working on the Althoefer’s and Leipnitz’s families right now.

I finally finished the napkin holder I was making with plastic canvas to match the tissue box holder.  They both have turned out really nice.

 

 

I missed the last crochet lesson because I had to go to Ohio so I have been experimenting.  I made a placemat size item for my table on which to put the napkin and tissue box holder.  I used a variegated yarn to match the colors in the napkin and tissue box holders.  It turned out pretty good.  I have also been experimenting with round coasters.  Doing okay I guess.  I am better at squares, but I’ll keep trying.  I am hoping Wanda will give more lessons so I can learn to do better.  Some of my next projects will be Christmas items.  I haven’t given up on the tree skirt, but I may not have it ready until Christmas 2016 J

 

 

Last night (Friday) we had a storm come through that was unbelievable.  It was late and dark, but I would bet it included a “small tornado” if there is such a thing.  It sure did sound like it.  We have tree limbs all over the yard and my furniture on my deck was rearranged.  After talking with my neighbors they said the same thing.  No one had any real damage except the tree limbs, but planters, etc. were turned over.  It was a bit of a mess. 

Kevin is having a cookout at his house today, so I will be heading over there shortly.  I am not going over too early because it is so hot.  Besides I want to stay for a while this evening to watch the fireworks.  The cookout was great. It was a typical fourth of July cookout – hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, etc.  Lanora made a strawberry shortcake that was different than any I had seen before.  It was delicious. Kevin didn’t have a big crowd.  Ricky, Lanora and Philip were there also.  They are my neighbors on the north side.  Everyone spent a lot of time in the pool. 

Then came the storm.  Lightning, thunder and a lot of rain.  I left about 9:30.  They were still debating about the fireworks.  The rain never stopped, but the lightning and thunder went away, so they put on the fireworks after all.  I watched for a while from my deck.  The guys had some really great fireworks and I enjoyed what I saw.  However, I decided to get out of the rain before they were finished.

Had a pretty good night’s sleep.  Still not feeling my best.  Woke up this morning to more rain. Supposed to rain off and on all day today.

Totally Confused!

As I said before I had my stress test which showed blockage.  Therefore, it was decided by the doctors (three of them) that I needed to have a heart cath to see how much blockage I had, and to determine whether or not I needed stints.  Well, on Tuesday I had my heart cath, and believe it or not they DID NOT FIND ANY BLOCKAGE! Which is really good news.  The cardiologist said my heart and arteries were clean.  Okay, so what is going on?  I then spent the next 36 hours sleeping off the medicine they gave me to do the cath.  I was told not to do anything for 72 hours.  I have a few more hours to go.  The cath was done thru my right arm and that arm is black and blue.  I get to take the wrapping off tonight.

Miss Penny was totally confused because I was in bed, and this is not normal.  She kept coming in and trying to play and wake me up.  For a while I closed my bedroom door so she could not get in, and that confused her even more.  She is much happier since I am up and about. 

Not sure what the next step will be.  I have a hunch it will be pulmonary testing since I still am short of breath.  This morning while it was still on the cool side with a little breeze I went outside and picked up twigs which came off the trees when we had our last couple of storms.  I thought I would do this to help Kevin since he plans to mow the grass today.  By next week I should be able to mow grass and start weeding my garden.  I was told to treat my right arm like my wrist was broken.  I picked up the twigs and weeded around my snowball bush and now I am exhausted. 

I filled the birdfeeders before the cath, and am enjoying the birds again.  Penny and I love watching the birds.  I have a lot of finches; purple, yellow, and many cardinals.  Of course, there are a lot of birds I’m not sure about.  I do know the sparrows and bluebirds.  The purple martin house is full.  I am assuming there are a lot of babies because the birds are flying back and forth, and it looks like they are feeding them. 

Penny doesn’t know which window to look out.  Kevin mowed the back grass after he got home from work yesterday, so, of course, she was at the back windows watching him.  She just went from window to window.  Between Kevin and birds she was extremely busy.  This morning he was using the weedeater so she was busy again going from window to window to front storm door.  Kevin isn’t outside right now so she is taking a nap to get ready for the next go round.