Daily Notes for Thursday July 23rd. Sunshine here in Maine.

All time favorite.

So. another Sunshine day.   Yesterday I took the clippers to a very large false indigo.  They start out so small and then BOOM they are laying sideways in the lawn.  Just a touch of that indigo blue in the few pods that have broken open... too heavy to hold themselves up.  I cut them at about 8 inches of stem above ground and then carried the 2 or 3 feet of TOP to the compost.   My plan was to cut one clump down each day.   Perhaps that wasn't a great plan.

Today I may clip a few stems with pods peeking open... let them sit in water awhile so I can see if they are full of ANTS before trying to bring them into the house.

Plans are nice things to have...even when they don't work out.  I may shorten the cut and have a few in a vase...I do love indigo blue.  I did have a wide long indigo blue shirt...someone borrowed it...never returned it.   I'd be wearing it....now.

Another book I thought would be great was not...so my Library Return Bag is getting full.

I watched Vintage PBS last night- I watched them cheer as the probe they had launched to Pluto finally arrived and made one orbit around the tiny planet before exiting.  Taking pictures that took so long to finally arrive.  Dark Matter was discussed.  It is now the Big Topic.  I keep these Space adventures recorded.   One Aunt gave my brother and I books one Christmas.  My book was about being a Nurse and his book was about a guy going out into space.   I read my book and then read his book.... kept them both.

Street paving continues...   Son has a note on the back door- Paving-so he reminds himself not to go the "usual" way.  Well, there is the Morning Newspaper to read.... yesterday some guy was setting fires in stairwells....in New York City.  They had him on security cameras but didn't catch him.

Oatmeal or Shredded Wheat this morning??????  And yes, I know it's almost lunch time....which is 2 or 3 pm for me.

 

Daily Notes for Wednesday July 22nd. Clouds, sun and wet sidewalks.

I've never actually worked this way when I paint...though I have always wanted to.... using a knife  to scrape paint over the surface of the canvas.  I have plenty of paint.  I was looking at the work of Bette Ridgeway this morning...I have a framed art quilt (mine) on the wall in my bedroom and taped to it is a magazine photo of one of Bette's art works.  

My eyes go back and forth in the morning while I am waking up..... Bette to Joanne and back.

I am hopeful that at some point something will happen.  I will collect my paint and a pallet knife and stretch a canvas.....hopefully before I am tucked away in Senior Living.  Time is running out.  

Google has just invited me to stir fry my lettuce.

I am up late and haven't eaten breakfast as yet....so I need to do that...low blood sugar isn't my friend. 

Tomorrow I might actually have something interesting to write here.  Could happen.

 

Daily Notes almost a Day LATE!!!!! Tuesday July 21st.

 I don't know how that happened but I think I heard the microwave beep that my breakfast oatmeal was ready to eat... and I never came back.  Sudoko and Jumble took up my time also.

Been watching the Charge Station and NYC something....I've seen them all so many times...I was going to read but that also got waylaid.

I did shred the chicken (already cooked) that I got Grocery shopping and added honey and mayo... it looks like a mess but it tasted fine.  I had a banana, some dark chocolate chips, and bread with peanut butter for mid day food.... I was considering a slice of cold pizza and have a vague memory of actually eating a slice much later in the afternoon..

No reading today...I did select a book.....Romantic Hero by Greenwood. I don't think I will read it. But the hints on the cover are what got me to order it....writer has a  fictional cowboy in her books and suddenly he appears in her living room.  Sounds like fun, Huh??????

It's been a calm day here...I thought we might get some rain but just clouds... grass would have appreciated some rain,  Me too.  Cross the road neighbors have a screen on a front window hanging loose.

Well, hopefully something interesting will happen before I post tomorrow.....

Daily Notes for Monday Monday.......Sunshine here..77 at 11am. I thought today was going to be Friday.

 Lantana.  Here at my house the Deer are using my Weedy Beds as a Salad Bar.  Venturing into the weeds to find the stray cultivated flowers and eating them... chewed off the Lily  buds on all 12 lilies.  One was missed and I should have added a protective cover- before I could- they came back and ate that one also. Was the first time the lilies had set flower buds since they were planted...

Deer NEVER touch the weeds.  If I had lantana they would have eaten it weeks ago.

I am desperate enough to want to contact my cable company for a new choice of stations to watch.  The Bourdain program was on the Cooking channel and I do NOT pay for that channel.  I need an UPGRADE. Son connected himself to Apple TV (upstairs)... so he can watch the car races.  He streams... I cannot stream.. EVER. His said my "equipment" was  "unable to stream"... 

Grass was cut this morning....  Monday..Monday...

Messi wanted one more World Cup but it wasn't to be.   Spain did a great job....deserved the trophy. 

Now I have to find something else sporty to watch all day long........because I have to take breaks in the reading. Yesterday's book was an old favorite... No Judgements..  Meg Cabot.  I have her second book also. No Offense....... there are sections I will skip..... she never wrote a third book with these same characters.  Would have read it if she had

My neck muscles (and bones) are making snap crackle and pop noises.....  Summer is not the time for the heating pad....so more Tylenol.   And the couch.

Daily Notes- Sunday July 19th. We have Sunshine here in Maine. 73 degrees on the front porch. Shade.

 You get a repeat image as I haven't been doing ART..... this is the back side of an index card-  I have the line drawing of a newer one here but haven't colored it in..........yet........ever.......looking right at it.  I saw some art on the wall during a CSI episode and drew it on an index card....I'm really odd aren't I???? Well, it looked like some famous art I studied in college...today I'll color it.

Quite a bit of Sun so I will anticipate the AC unit being turned on eventually today.  I discovered I will NOT be seeing that Anthony Cooking Show any time soon as I do NOT have the Cooking Channel in my line up... It's listed but I don't have it in my "package".    Sigh.  I have considered calling and speaking to a "person" and asking for the expanded package......haven't done it... not a clue as to the phone number.

I've been catching up on very early- CSI episodes.  I missed the first season...and then continued to miss it when they had reruns.  I'm missing episodes all the time...as I continue to be fascinated by Storage Wars. What people put in them and then forget.....  I'm also trying to think if I ever went into one of the shops that sells storage locker finds??????  I did have a passion for  Goodwill Hunting.  Then realized it was more of a mental illness.  And STOPPED.  Daughter has taken me in a few times- but only to look at the books....to fill out my bookcase.  I never leave the shop without one 2 dollar book under my arm. One less book to borrow from the Library.

I plan on reading today...and since it's Sunday, we'll be having Pizza at 4 pm.. There is a Soccer Final at some point in the day. (possibly 4 pm)...I wrote the time down on a scrap of paper but now have no clue as to where the scrap of paper is......I dither around with having a salad with my pizza as not sure of the cleanliness of the salad greens.  Well, I have index cards to color... and The World Cup Soccer to watch.

Spain and Argentina- FOX 3 pm.   If I had to wager-  Spain.  

Dailey Notes for Saturday, July 18th. No Air Moving and Cloudy. 69 degrees in Maine.

 A counter top in my kitchen filled with garden tomatoes was a Wonderful Thing.... years ago. This photo from a cooking site reminded me of that...

Daughter found one book at the Book Sale she went to...well, one book for me... We are still looking for a trade hardback copy of True Love by Jude Devereaux.  Daughter looked tired...

Son has gone out for lunch.  I just finished breakfast oatmeal and my lame try at the Suduko puzzle. Now..reading is on the list.  But before that I would like to ask any of you who enjoy a good book  to try and find a copy of "The Art of Crash Landing" at your local Library.  Published in 2015. Author is Melissa DeCarlo.  At the time it was published it was her only book. Might still be the only book.

I have a strong feeling that I might be the only one checking this book out at my Library along with Anyone But You and The Little Beach Street Bakery.  Daughter went  to an outdoor book sale this morning and found one book for me- more for her.  Most of the Book Cupboard on the right side of the wall  is Summer Book Sale Finds, Goodwill Finds etc.   If I REALLY want a book I ask the Little Bookstore On The Corner in Town to order it for me from wherever they order books.

Took me quite awhile to fall asleep last night and I got up late....My internal "clock" is messed up.

I have red plums on the counter for this week's fruit and....I am strongly tempted to get out paper and the expensive wax crayons from the Art Supply and make some "Still Lives With Fruit". and if they turn out okay have them matted and framed.  Red Plums....

World Cup Soccer continues... 

Daily Notes for a Sunny Friday in Maine.....I was up early and finally felt secure enough for a shower..

 For a few winters I would purchase one of these Poms and paint a portrait of it... the name finally came to me-  but now I can't spell it.  Correctly.   I have a small collection of the drawings- some are actually paintings...  this image got me thinking about doing that work.... again... closer to December.

I have a bag FULL of books to return to the Library (unread) and some to pick up.  At some point this month the construction  (destruction) of the Library Lobby will be finished....soon after that the present director will retire.  I have given up hope that her replacement will be an improvement.

My hair is a bit wild after the shower and shampoo....WIDE...that would be the best description of it....my hair is WIDE. 

Regarding the shower business- the very very last thing I want happening is me falling in the shower and Son having to rescue me....naked and wet....so this morning was a WIN!!!!  

I have decided what to have for my lunches all week....now I can only hope the grocery has the things needed for those lunches.   I have NOT chosen the fruit of the week....yesterday I polished off the last banana.....perhaps oranges. The ones you can peel.  No lettuce....I have an unopened package of romaine in the fridge- not sure I want to try it.

So far....knock wood....no Canadian.Smoke here in Maine... 

Daily Notes- Thursday July 16th. Sunshine comes and goes here in Maine- Ceiling fans going....Rain ???

 Good Morning.... I've had two older gentlemen (possibly younger than I am) come to the door to talk about religion- the Golden Rule. ( I was tempted to bring the President into that convo) We ended up talking about my brother-in -law's chainsaw Black Bear.....  I try to steer any religious conversation in any other direction........the Bear usually works.  It's a very very nice bear.

So...clouds today but no clue as to what happens later in the day.  Rain would be nice.

I am considering the lawn mower in the shed out back- mowing the WEEDS in the flower beds. I know it's an incredilbly BAD idea as there are rocks and things in the beds.... AND....I don't know how to start the darned thing so no worries....it won't happen.  My Master Gardener Beds will continue to look terrible.

Messi was determined to win that match yesterday and he did....Mick and Beckham and a few other famous Brits were in the audience.  England had quite a few opportunities.  They will mull them over until the next World Cup.

I watched PBS yesterday- Black Holes and Gas Giants.  The Cosmos intrigues me.  We do have stardust in our DNA.  I'd like my ashes to go into Space...... there was a small rocket company on the old Navy Base at one time...sending ashes into Space.

I have not finished Crash Landing as yet- the Soccer took up Reading Space.  But I am determined to begin another book today....I'll have 4 or more to pick up at the Library visit tomorrow.  That many going back unread.....seemed interesting when I chose them but not so much when I tried to read them.  I renewed a few....

I'm  still considering watermelon as a snack (fruit) item for next week.....I have the last two hot dogs to polish off today.   And then perhaps something different for next week's late lunches. Perhaps Baked Chicken from the deli- still warm if possible with mayo and honey mixed in....was quite the favorite a few years ago.   Protein....

Well, that does it...my book and then perhaps another Pirate Ship Book....I will continue reading this one because I recall a very pleasant ending (when one seems hard to imagine).......I don't recall what I ordered at the library but I'm sure 50% will be read-able.  A Good Book is actually pretty difficult to find..... also a good friend.

Daily Notes- Wednesday- July 15th. 10:38 am. Moderately Sunny here in Maine and 78 degrees.

 ICE shot and killed a man here in Maine.  His crime- standing next to his car?  Looking a bit dark skinned in Maine? The President of Columbia is calling it what it factually was. MURDER.  Plain and simply Murder. Because white people can do that. Just shoot people who are a different color....

If I recall- these same white folks were Trespassing in America when they arrived.... long ago. As did my grandparents and most likely yours... looking for a More Perfect Union.  Not a bullet.

I am reading a previously read book-   The Art Of Crash Landing.  Author Melissa DeCarlo.  The main character  is a woman living her Life out of a packed full black garbage bag. She finds a "job" at the local library shelf reading (but what she is happy about is an indoor bathroom)...meals are served at the Food Pantry.  She has just recently- in my reading- entered her "maybe" grandmother's home.  She's not sure who she is exactly....been told quite a few lies all her life. 

This book...this story could be playing out just down the road from where I sit typing...we still have the Food Pantry that serves two hot meals a day...we have the Library that used to welcome the homeless. Reading this book again is like Time Traveling back to My Town as it once was......

Yesterday I re-discovered the Ovation Channel in my line up and watched three episodes of Jane Austin. The three sisters were adults and trying to make ends meet...one was printing and selling her books. Every so often a character would turn to the camera and speak directly to whomever was watching.   At the end the surviving sister tossed all of Jane's papers and private letters into the fire... I'd read a book and knew that Jane had requested that in her will.  All her private papers burned.

Today I will be visiting with a now deceased chef.... if I remember I will copy down his written name.  Anthony or Tony......he committed suicide years ago.  Will be nice to see him again.  Three episodes of him traveling around, cooking and talking....a good visit with an old friend.  I can hopefully find a few more episodes..... keep them this time....  I'm old enough that most of my dear friends have already crossed over... perhaps all my old friends.....?   No.

Daily Notes for Tuesday July 14th. Clouds and what looks like Rain happening later today.

 No image today.

Possibly no images this week.   We'll see what happens.

Has gotten so dark in the house I need lights.  - the Lawn Mowing Guys were here early... I'm guessing they read the weather reports.  

I had hot dogs for lunch yesterday....with the new buns...less bun more hot dog.  Perfection.

World Cup Soccer today at some point in Time.   I'm reading a book I think I read a long time ago- A Johanna Lindsey book. "That Perfect Someone"....at one point in Time I read ALL her books. Reading. this one I recall all the others as so many characters are repeated.....one nice young woman has about a dozen brothers (not really)...but quite a few.  They all own big sailing ships and the books that take place on the ships are the ones I actually like... kidnapping etc.  So Very Politically Incorrect.  

I'm going to check my bookcase....at some "Points In Time" my library put so many of the books I enjoyed reading on the Free Books Cart.  And I helped myself ...and added them to my bookcase. My daughter needs to take me to the Library Used Bookshop where they offload books these days.  I'm short a  Devereaux (True Love which I have in a tiny paperback I find it difficult to read).   So I check out the Library Copy when I want to read the full series....

But I have 12 Lindsey in the bookcase.  Summer Reading.  Kidnapped Women on Ships Crossing the Oceans. What was I thinking?????   I was thinking about Summer Reading.......and laughter.

I also have sorted cloth- by color family.....ready to make squares...round and round and round the center square....hand sewing.   That center is usually 1.5 inch on all sides.  I keep going until I get bored.

Oh and I mentioned earlier that the Government wouldn't let Trump use that "new used" plane...I was correct.  Lots of "extra" hidden on the plane....before it was gifted.   

Daily Notes- Monday July 13th. Sunshine here in Maine....81 degrees..'8 big fat black flies squashed so far".

 It's become an Annual "thing"...smashing fat black flies.  Helps that the heat makes them float around real slow...easy enough to smash with the swatter.  while I am moving real slow.

Son has taken up the job of filling the bird baths....rather than worry about me out there falling down and baking in the Sun.  The one under the tree is the most used....sometimes needing to be filled twice in one day.  I might move one of the others near that one- so they have 2 choices.

More blogs are going into security mode.  Passwords etc. When I need that..I will stop. Close up shop and just send groups emails to selected people who read this blog and actually give me their names. Like the Olden Days.  I have NO idea who comes here to read these pitiful words. I do know the ones who comment.

Bills were paid this morning..... Stamped.   I used my newly purchased envelopes.

I have an "easy " recipe for a  Strawberry Spoon Cake.... I don't own any strawberries but do have sweet cherries.   Not interested in turning on the oven again....we had it on for Sunday Pizza. would have ben when I could have doubled down and baked something.  I did not.

The Blue Angels have moved on to the next Air Show.... their exit woke me up....  Yesterday, while filling my bird baths  and standing on the sidewalk one of the planes flew sideways right over my roof (over my head)...close to my roof... Son said he'd seen that the day before and thought it was one of the best things they did.  Could see the pilot's head.

Well, the book I am reading is taking a turn....I might stop and read one of the books on my Library Shelf and then come back to this one...later...much later.... I actually am not fond of the characters.  I own the book so it isn't a problem to let it go and finish it months from now.  

I read thru a very very very long list of books yesterday instead of having breakfast...I have a stack of cards here....will try them from the Library before buying...

Daily Notes- One window AC unit installed. Blue Angels flying overhead on "practice missions'

 I'll do what I can to get you a picture of the Blue Angels flying low over my roof... imagine how loud it all is..  But my "Maine" focus for the day is World Cup Soccer.

I have Hot Dogs for lunch today!!!!!  And Ice Pops....

I wrote all that yesterday and never published..

The Engineer has the Summer Heat thing worked out....windows open at night (here in Maine the ocean cools us off quite a bit at night) and then AC units during the day.--if needed.   Right now I am considering  a long sleeved second layer...no AC needed by this old woman. Cool Old Woman.....laughing.

I have books to read....visit to the Library was productive...yet again my sub conscious mind led me to a shelf with two books I have enjoyed reading years ago....and then another aisle two more books.  The new Fiction and Mystery sections had nothing that interested me.  I started a very NEW book (has a new sticker) that has been on the lists for awhile.  I like the author....book is having a slow start....nut allergies....I am guessing it's a strong plot point...this allergy to nuts...  there is always a medical issue in this author's books.   Abby Jimenez- The Night We Met.

I started this post a day or more ago and I will hit publish....the open windows at night thing that Son suggested is working....cool ocean temps make sleeping comfortable....then the windows get shut for the day time...we haven't needed the window AC unit to be turned on as yet but nice to have a back up plan.

I have to email daughter a few more titles- she is going to a favorite summer book sale today.  Might find me a few things.... well....the soccer was not quite what I wanted to happen.....not quite what fans wanted to happen...  but more today, I think.   Breakfast...newspaper and then couch.... I am enjoying summer...

Daily Notes on Friday July 10th. 78 degrees and low humidity. Clouds are settling in...

Dog Days of Summer..... My horoscope animal is dog.  

Today is more Soccer....  I have book lists here on the desk.... rest of July and ALL of August will be Hotter and my BREATHING more difficult so I need to have things to do that involve nothing more physical than sitting  upright reading a book.   In the past it was Riley under my bare feet and Law and Order episodes.

Now it's World Cup Soccer and Water. (hydration breaks)  I carried the table top fan from my bedroom to the kitchen... but I have no complaints about the heat...we have kept the house at a good level of dry and cool..... I have over filled my desktop calendar and am now a week or more AHEAD of myself....... 

Son filled the birdbaths for me yesterday....it actually was too humid for me to go do that job myself. The one under the Japanese Cherry Tree is the one used most often...shade...,and cool water for a nice splashy bath.   Reminding me of the little injured Puffin in the Beach Street Bakery book....he splashed around in the sink....

Have a massive amount of Antiques Roadshow Episodes to watch.... I always surprise myself that I did forward planning..... and I have selected favorite books from my bookcase for reading today or next week or next month. It's not set in stone.

 Grocery Shopping today....not sure I'm going but did put hot dogs and buns on the grocery list.  And a bottle of pink lemonade.....it's over by the milk cooler.  And I need milk and coffee cream as well.  And Grilled Cheese sandwich bread.    Watermelon always sounds like a good idea but never actually is.  Bananas are a better choice.   

Well, the couch needs me to be sitting on it.... I'm just beginning to got read a book I had been waiting for on the wait list....so far a bit dull.....
 

Daily Notes for Thursday July 9th.... Sunshine and. 82 degrees outside. 67 degrees inside. No AC

I seem to have collected a number of images of colored pencils.  I have a deep respect for colored pencils. They can make a plain boring day turn into a very very exciting day....and I actually enjoy even the sharpening of pencils.    With my European Pencil Sharpener.

I  should investigate an address.... for the best one here in Maine (long drive and so much traffic etc)....and if I am completely honest with you...I have a cupboard filled with "yet to be used" art supplies....and three large soda cups full of colored pencils...  I don't need MORE....I just need to set aside a portion of each day- 30 minutes---and start in on something... 

Shop the closets for Art Supplies..... we even found some in the Attic last winter when daughter was dragging packing boxes downstairs.

I think that will be my Birthday Resolution (in September) for the coming year.  30 Minutes.. each day.  I'll set a timer.  Still can't recall the author or title of the book I want to read.... woman who organizes garage sales, has crying baby to care for and a guy who leaves in a Black Charger... I think the guy who holds the baby and lives on the corner of the street is a lawyer. 

The sun is shining and it's now 83 degrees.  By the time I hit print on this post we'll see how much hotter it gets.  (84 a second ago).  

Read an all time favorite Crusie Book yesterday...... Anyone But You.   I think Bet Me by same author is next up.   I need to OWN a copy of Anyone But You.  Bet Me is a great book.  And has 400 pages. And is in MY BOOKCASE.  Money in the bank....  

That same bird has been flying over to the window and pecking the glass....  I filled the water containers outside in front to the house  for the birds.....they like the shallow dish under the Weeping Cherry Tree best.  Shady.  They take baths there- splashing about which means I need to refill the shallow dish many times.  Reminding me of the in injured Puffin splashing about in a bowl in the Little Beach Street Bakery book.

France is playing Soccer today...I am watching them play Soccer today.  

 

Daily Notes[ Wednesday July 3rd. 73 degrees. Sun for awhile...then clouds.....

 We are going to be having images of  "the tools of the Art Trade". 

As I listen to a  crazy bird trying to mate with his image reflected in my south facing windows.  I have taped sheets of printer paper to the windows in the hopes this moves him on to a more productive bird experience.

Soccer-  I know they are tired....but bad behavior is not the way to go.... fall on the turf and have a hissy fit instead.  Let the Ref come check on you.... other players have been doing that...it's okay.  Someone will even bring you water to drink... while you add "extra time" to the end of the game.........

I have checks to write for two bills.  Oil and cable TV

I wandered into the 4000's on my TV.   Found some interesting things and set them to record. I had no idea I had 4000's.  Vintage Hallmark?????  Perry Mason???? But that wasn't what I set to record...  It will be a surprise.  I don't usually enjoy surprises.  And as backup I have so MANY Soccer Matches.

Perhaps after Soccer.

House is staying nice and cool.... Ceiling fans spinning in a lazy Southern way....Ice pops in the freezer.. I'm taking the pale colored ones and leaving the very bright colored ones for my Son.  I had one chocolate covered yogurt bar...and now have chocolate spots on my clothing....messy Joanne.

Son stopped by the Library after having lunch "out". and brought me some new books....well, I ordered them but they are NEW occupants of the Reading Shelf......I stood in from of the huge cabinet holding books.....and just stared at the contents...... wondering Why I bought those particular books. Some were purchased decades ago and I am NOT that person anymore.

I have a few here ion list that sound familiar... Chemistry of Love.- Wilson.  He's Not my Type by Quinn. Breaking All the Rules by Andrews.   Gonna look them up.....have a nice day- stay cool.

Daily Notes for Tuesday July 7th.... Grass is being mowed....Windows have stayed shut and house is COOL.

I'd like to say these items are in bloom in my garden...they are NOT.  Roses and Peaches do not do well here in Maine..... In Georgia- oh, my yes, and I did enjoy them in my years in Georgia. .. in fact, I loved living in the South.  Making fried chicken and fried yellow squash and onions served with white rice.  Juicy ripe red tomatoes on the side.   Warm peach cobbler for dessert. Wearing Summer dresses.

So here I am as far North of Georgia as I could be...windows shut tight to keep the heat out...we decided to skip the window AC units this year.   So far it's great- but it's the first week of July.

The American Soccer Team was tired......they had nothing left in the tank from the first minutes of last night's match.  I would have liked them to have been wearing (at least) the red and white jersey's...but they did not.

I have books to read.   Some scraps of cloth to sew into something- Deb L says that's the way to begin...and then to embellish with her wonder-filled thread.   This is something I have never done before..... hand sew scraps that don't match etc.  It reminds me of the patches on the large holes in my sweaters....so I CAN do it.

I had a big bowl of salad yesterday.....while watching something on TV... I can't recall what it was.  Or even care what it was.  And it is only the beginning of July and not even August yet.  I wish I had asked for hot dogs and buns when Son went to the grocery store....... or pulled pork......with extra BBQ sauce. JULY FOOD

Son says the guy cutting the grass also cut down the weeds in front of the garage with the weed whacker.  so it looks "taken care of" instead of "vacant lot".  Nice.

This year the lawn has that golf course look....not always what home owners want...but I like it as the lawn isn't FLAT...it has dips and high spots and...curves......  years ago I was tempted to dig a small hole and add a cup and a flag.... in the front lawn.  See if any of the neighbors wanted to try an uphill putt.

In past years the Blue Angels flew over my house..... in formation. and close enough and low enough to see the pilot's head.   Not anymore.......  The Navy Base is now full of "Executive Jets". 

Well, I have to eat breakfast.....get the blood sugar up...  read the paper....etc...."Get On With It". The Summer Heat has just begun...... and the August New York People are a month away from the ocean front rental houses.  That's what's next here in Maine.

I sorted a PILE of small bits of paper with the titles of books and authors yesterday late afternoon.... I have big clip on them and will do some additional work with them- possibly pasting them in my notebook. As a former Library employee- (10 years) I like things in alphabet order.  Not in loose piles of torn paper. But that's how it's rolling- loose torn paper.....

Good Morning... One more blog (that I USED to read) is now password protected.... I see the end of this road fast approaching.

 I do not have the password. Wasn't "invited in".  Pretty soon I will be typing these words and no one will want to read them.....no one will be available to read them....doors shut and locked.

The Sun is shining here in Maine....

I have another bill sitting here in the computer email.  Last time I tried printing an invoice I made like 7 to 20 copies (joke)...somehow.   Son says to tell him when I need an invoice copy to pay the bill and he will make the copies.....two.....one paper copy for my bill drawer and one to send with the payment.   

I slept well...Son has managed the heat being allowed to enter the house VERY WELL.....and last night the air outdoors was cooler than inside so I had two windows open and my "walk about" table sized fan in one of the windows.  Perfect.  Now the windows are closed....no fans....quite lovely in the house.

I did wake up crying...yet again--- I try to manage the worrying but some days......I cry.  I feel deep down that I wasted my life before or am wasting it now.....I recall other opportunities I had that I ignored.  I think this could be a book title "Living Life Backwards".  Sounds familiar so it might already be a book. 

I dug around in the bookcase for a "for certain" good book to read.  Decided on a "for certain" 100 percent library book. Anyone But You.  Crusie.  A small book. (size) but a real favorite of mine.....next up the Little Beach Street Bakery- Colgan... yet again.   I'd like to own copies of both. Someday.

Books two and three in the Lottery Win series...Still do not like them..... but dislike Three LESS than I REALLY DISLIKE Two.   Okay, let's move on..... I have books, I have salad for lunch,  a wedge of pizza from yesterday, the last banana..... lemonade....ice pops if it heats up here in Maine in the afternoon..

The soccer in the rain yesterday...I had to stop watching...just too difficult. You wait your whole career for a chance at the World Cup and......well..... Life happens as you are making different plans...yes????

That's my day....there will be late Lunch and a snack around Dinner Time.  The dark chocolate dots are in the fridge now...less available- they were getting soft in the heat.   I've done too much work on the Desk Calendar  (getting ahead of "Today's Date") so have to find something else to fill my afternoon...I did enjoy coloring the empty spaces though.  A bit too happy.

Good Morning......the Heat Wave has drifted off to somewhere else and we are nice and COOL here in Maine...

Took awhile but I got here with words in the right space.

The Maine Heat Wave has cooled off for the moment.  The sun is shining, the grass is green and the sky is blue.... a month early as Maine is actually best in August....I guess...as that is when all the New Yorkers show up in their expensive cars and clog everything up.

More Soccer today.  I have to check and see what's what.   My Lunch Buddy mentioned (in this morning's email) a few matches I might have missed).  But I'm sure I set all of them to record. Argentina.

The Maine Heat Wave has moved on....cool here in the house and I slept with a window open - very comfortable.  No reading was done yesterday.  I finally recognized a paragraph in the book...everything else was different.  So weird.   Firehouse with the firemen and fire woman eating subs and gossiping. Then I stopped and moved on to something else....page 34.  Book Two in the series is still a complete unknown....

Okay I have plenty of cold vegetables in the fridge for snacks during Soccer.  I do have some (very little) Ranch dressing I can mix with some mayo for a DIP.  IF I have mayo....

I cleaned off two window sills of assorted small items- little trinkets I picked up when I visited the Goodwill.  I don't do that anymore... as I realized I was "self medicating" with trips to Goodwill.  Not saying I'm in the best of "Mental Health" condition.....my son is the first to say I'm not.  But now I realize when I am tipping off the rails of mental health.   I try to make myself say "yes" to stuff...it's hard. No is always easier.........so Soccer, Book, Ice Pop, making Sunday Pizza and eating it with a big salad....

Very FULL Schedule ......I washed my hair yesterday- it's very FULL......I tried to get it under control but gave up...it's gonna do what it's gonna do....big wide shiny WHITE hair.  Got nice curl going as well.
 

Happy July Fourth. Was Sunny and Warm and now is cloudy and very warm. Then SUNNY again.

 I plan to enjoy Soccer and ignore the JERK pretending to be President.  

Son has our FLAG up on the porch.

It's getting hotter every day but the ceiling fans and the cool beverages help cool me down.  I also have a table top fan and move it around the house with me....  I want a shower but have to wait for my blood pressure to level out before entering a space that would be dangerous if I get light headed (there is a chair in the shower). Once was enough.  I sat in the shower chair until I could get up and shut off the water...do not want to do that again,

This Getting Old stuff was going Just Fine until it got hot and humid.  Now it's Sit, Read, Watch Soccer. Son says it's almost over.  We have Ice Pops.  In the Freezer. Son thought it was a weird grocery choice but he is enjoying the dark colored ones while I enjoy the pale colored ones.  

Saving the chocolate covered ice cream bars for a special occasion. Possibly to do with World Cup Soccer.

I ate half the cold grocery store fried chicken bites yesterday and saved the other half for today.   Protein.

I have a long trim board on the bedroom side of the back of the house that has rotted out....needs to be replaced before it gets filled with ants and rodents..   I don't have Repair People.   

As I was considering Repair People I have had working on this house--- I realized they were all named James.   None of the phone numbers I have are "in use".....

I have book two to read today in the Lottery Win Series....I never actually read number two but did read One and Three a few years ago.....the books I have were printed after that and it feels like they were edited heavily before the reprint......the dull stuff was removed.  I was not looking forward to the end of the first book but the re-edit fixed all of the Houston stuff- even a few plot points..  Today is Luck of the Draw.   I never actually read this one....because the intro was so terrible. So dull...So UGH. tomorrow I'll let you know if this book was also edited---after the first publication..

Friday July 3rd. It's HOT here in Maine and we are NOT used to it!!!!!! ZERO Central Air Conditioning.

 Wow, this has been quite a shock....the  heat ...

Library changed its schedule and was NOT open today....so I still have last week's books...and can read them again this week.  I have glasses of water in the fridge getting cold....water from the faucets is definitely NOT cold..... Shipped and the  Little Beach Bakery will be read again.. and again. Both books will be ordered for my personal bookcase......eventually.  Yesterday's book was from the bookcase...one of a group of three books....I'll be reading all three.

Too hot for me to go out shopping so Son said he did his "best" to get me food for the week...I have  so many wonderful salad vegetables to add to my big salad bowls.. "rabbit food"..gonna be a good week.  Hopefully this Heat will move off over the ocean. SOON. Or ocean breezes will come ashore.

We are waiting for daughter to have some time off work to help install the two window AC units.... she is working outside on landscaping so...exhausting.  And exhausted....probably just stands in a cold shower and then falls asleep.   One day after another.

Soccer has been good and it has been bad- a lack of good sportsmanship.....I know you want to win but sending someone to Urgent Care isn't the way to do it.

That's it- I have been in the house all week.......nothing great in emails and nothing interesting in  the mail..other than bills.   I need to hydrate.....take care.

Good Morning Everyone!!!! June 30th. Guys here to do the lawn mowing. 74 degrees and sunshine.

 Cherry Lime Ice Pop.

Do not have any of these in the freezer.   I was never a "great" home made ice pop person.

Soccer is going well...I was sad to see Germany have to move to penalty kicks...never a great thing.

Desk Calendar is full so July will be a fresh page here.  Tomorrow.

I am reading The Little Beach Street Bakery...getting towards the part of the book I don't really enjoy reading.   I might stop.   Start in on one of the other books.

My neck muscles are tense and stiff.  I need to relax and perhaps have some Tylenol......later,,,,, I already had my breakfast Tylenol.   Son says we are buying new window AC units....he better get on it... 75 already and not even 10am.  I have NOT opened any windows....so it's pretty decent in the house and I am....as an old person...running cold these days, so am doing just fine.  This is the one positive side of old age- running cold....other than in the winter.... when I watch the oil tank like a hawk.

Well, I have the last quarter of the Bakery Book to work thru.. then start in on one of the other books. I also plan to watch soccer....and that usually fills the day for me.  Hallmark has been a disappointment and I just can't force myself to watch Law and Order....  So World Cup Soccer for the win, I guess.

New desk calendar sheet tomorrow.... I think,

Daily Notes for a Sunny Monday in Maine.....June 29th.

 Cherry Pie

Well, I didn't make a pie.   I didn't make much of anything.  Yesterday.

Son walked in yesterday and pointed to the front window in the room where I spend my days...outside was a Deer eating my weeds.  Wild Life.  Ticks etc.  Deer wandered off to the next yard and some oak leaves..

The image up top was from a recent search for fresh cherry recipes.  To use up my bag of cherries...I will most likely just eat them cold out of the fridge...as usual.   Soccer is still happening but players look exhausted.

I have started in on an old favorite from the Library .....Little Beach Street Bakery.....she's just moved in....author is Jenny Colgan....the library is tossing old stuff so I might need to try and buy a copy for myself.....first edition 2014.   Might be "out of print" as they say. I may be the only person reading this book.  Once a year or once every two years.

Reading old favorites is very much like a nice visit with an old friend....and most of my old friends are dead. (one moved to Canada).   So...a book.

A renewal notice for my Driver's License.  Last time I had to send away for a NEW copy of my birth certificate... It's always "something" at the DMV. I can't imagine what it's like to work there and drag one's self out of bed, dress, have breakfast and then drive to the DMV...for a full day of whatever comes your way.  And the waiting area is always PACKED.  I don't intend to EVER drive a car again...but do need an ID. I think I have given up on a Passport....lots of places I would like to go but let's be honest here...would I go?????

Amsterdam and the Van Gogh museum.  Paris and the Louvre.  That's about it. Perhaps a British art museum????  Cup of tea.  Scone.

Well, my desk calendar has only a few stamp sized spaces of white... for me to draw and color in. And then a brand NEW sheet of white paper under this keyboard.  My colored pencils are sharpened...ready to roll.  

Daily Notes- Sunday June 28th. Sunshine and Maine is starting to heat up.

 These are actually growing in the garden of one of the Bloggers I read every day.  I look forward t a post image of the buds all open and wonderful.......yes??????

World Cup Soccer is getting very INTENSE.  But the stadiums are still packed with the happiest audiences I have ever seen.  Families.....babies........it's all there-... big smiles.

I have ordered books...from other libraries...  lots of books for August and September... They all have reserves on them so it will be quite a while before ANY of them show up.  But "awhile" will be closer to my birthday...and that's a good thing.  Also closer to October, I fear.

The book I thought was a reprint is actually NEW.  The two cross the street neighbors (all thru school) who are now grown ups......are on a cruise ship with ALL the other neighbors...I don't understand it either. but it must be a destination wedding??????   She's already wearing his clothes.

I am planning on moving a chair over to my bookcase (permanently) and finding another  Romance... which I recall enjoying many many times..... AFTER I read Anyone But You.  And it's my favorite book for 2026.  So far... and it's quite old.  Daughter hasn't found me a copy as yet for the bookcase.

Well I am going looking for a recipe for the cherries I have in the fridge....or else take them out of the fridge and warm them up in hot water.....at 79. (Son says I am NOT 80) cold cherries aren't doing it for me.  But I do like eating them during Soccer Playoff Season. I

I tried once already to get this post to publish but...we will try again.....

Daily Notes- More Sunshine here in Maine....75 degrees but it isn't 12 noon as yet.

You get Vincent today.  One of my favorite paintings.  The Cosmos overhead-- something in Vincent's time we hadn't seen as yet... thru a telescope.  Today's paper had three air (or gas) filled bubble planets.....

My neck bones are cracking.  A very noisy situation.

I stopped watching the Soccer yesterday as it got into the sort of "bad spirited injuries" thing.  Players got removed from the game.  I watched a Hallmark Christmas Movie instead.  It was boring. I might have to try Lifetime Movies again...same actors but SPICY & DARK.  I believe Hallmark and Lifetime use the same sets and actors in Toronto, Canada.  I don't feel comfortable with "people locked in the basement" sort of movies.....So...Soccer.

My new to me book- Shippers by Katherine Center.....first 10 pages in and well, this book is NEW....I checked the print date....but I've read it before. (NO I HAVE"NT)...the wedding dress etc. All very very familiar.  I had really anticipated a new Katherine Center book.  I checked the books in the cupboard....to see if a "coming soon blurb of text" had been given out early...no.  Great heave of disappointment here.

I'll keep reading....got nothing else to read.   Everything is New it was the wedding dress that threw me off.

That's it for today....heating pad, Arnica under my tongue etc etc....  Saturday Cooking Shows...PBS unless they are Fund Raising and then- I move to FOX and Soccer.  Or just turn the tv off and cover my head and try for a nap.  Which we both know is pretty much never going to happen.

 

Daily Notes- Friday, June 26th.. Returned two full heavy bags of Library books- brought home one.

 I got hot and droopy while at the Library- sat down as I was afraid of falling down.  I had eaten. but that must not have been what was wrong....

I have a bag full of Favorite Reads.   It happened serendip--ishly.  I was wandering quite aimlessly (as usual) and found one and then two and then three and then four etc......Like a GIFT.

Thank you to whatever Spirit Guided Me.

We shopped late so Son has gone to eat instead of finding food at the Hot Bar in the grocery store.  I have last week's pot stickers to fry and eat later.

I have Soccer to watch.

I was going to type something more but...I deleted  it.   No image today as I started typing before entering it.  Perhaps tomorrow.  No Romaine lettuce today so they must have watered with poop yet again.

I did get mouthwash.   

Well, Son has left me with  two butt ends of his bread and I will be adding crunchy peanut butter and eating that while finding today's Soccer Match.  My body temp has leveled out.

I was told we are buying NEW Air Conditioners.... right now with ALL windows and doors shut tight and two ceiling fans rotating the air......I am quite comfortable.  I need an additional 8 ounces of cool water and then the couch..and the soccer.  We couldn't find the Arnica tablets.  Sigh.  For the crackling bones in my neck.  That's it for today...  old bones make so MUCH noise if close to the ears.

Again, thank you to the Book Angel watching over me....directing my eyes to the books...

Daily Notes for Thursday, June 25th. Sunshine out the windows...here in Maine- 80 degrees.

My son has noticed I am not in "good condition" today....My neck bones hurt and they are making a clicking noise., I am sort of dizzy and tired. Street work had begun- guys are digging a hole...has to do with the blue paint they sprayed  a few weeks ago on my side of the street.  I am thinking the "new People" across the street from me want something they don't have..?  I don't think these newcomers talk to anyone on the street so we have zero info on them.   

My Lunch buddy at number one says she believes her chimney is capped. but no idea who capped it. So I am back to square one on getting anyone out here to do the WORK.

The text wants to start in the middle yet again...I'm exhausted my neck bones ache and I give up.

Let the damned computer win and I will go sit on the couch and use the heating pad etc...I have melted two Arnica under my tongue and will wait to see if they work.  Son has gone out for lunch... says I look "scattered".....well, I guess I would at my age with no human contact for days at a time.

My only entertainment this Week has been Soccer. All my Library books were bad choices.

My Lunch Buddy has Skunk Scent under her back deck... SO things could be worse.

 

Daily Notes June 24th.-- Missed yesterday....I was trying to print out a bill and ended up with 7 or 8 copies....sigh.

 14 Million Dollars.  Wasted...think of the food that money could have bought for Food Banks around the country... and one man arrested for touching the floating scrap of liner...... You know, Donald....you could have "hot glued" the liner like you did all the fake gold stuff you got at the Dollar Store for the fireplace. At the White (Tacky) House.  Anyone have a countdown app we could use for how many days this guy has left??????  In office. 

My neck bones are snapping....I will be moving to the couch and the heating pad as soon as I hit publish. Stress.

The Soccer is still moving forward....Ronaldo yesterday.......Messi a day or so earlier.....It's a Wonderful Thing.   I have two FULL Library bags to return to the Library.  Some things that I read-- MORE things I refused to read....One had a new sticker on the cover- I'd read it a few years ago (feels like)....still terrible.  A second book was also on the new shelf and I had read it awhile ago- also terrible.   My At Home Bookcase is calling to me-- to re-read some Golden Oldies. Or just close my eyes and sleep.

I won't......I'm interested in the sudden info that Mrs Guthry died the night she was abducted. Possibly after smacking her head on that piece of medical equipment for her pacemaker?????  They did find blood on the machine. On the floor.  Outside the door.  Etc etc etc......  Should have had the ginger haired guy in Miami (TV detective) solve the case.

Well, that's me for today- the pain is getting to me so I will move on to the couch, close my eyes and hope the heating pad relieves some of the bone pain in my neck and shoulder.  Stress....  and later some more soccer.... the games are very good- few goals....no one is getting an easy win.

Daily Notes for Monday June 22nd... Sunshine here in Maine. World Cup Soccer...

 Soccer Spritzers would be welcome today.   Don't they look delicious????? And the straws!!!!!

Found an invoice for the grass cutting in my email.   Twice in May for $170.  My grass looks really really nice.  Zero fertilizer and plenty of rain.....a wellness routine.

I cannot...and I have tried....to get the email invoice to PRINT....the machine does nothing... I will make my own invoice on an index card and mail off a check.

Watching Storage Wars....until Soccer starts.   I think the mess in my attic might equal the mess in one of those lockers.

Well, I'd best get on with things and drink my extra glasses of water.  HYDRATION is my life right now. And World Cup Soccer.......I asked Son to explain "off sides"......who what where and when....... now I have to experience it in live action during a game to see if I really understand it.

I watched some Hallmark yesterday...I'm definitely OVER it.

Daily Notes on another Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Sunday June 21st

 I wish the image was larger....

Well, today is yet another fine Sunday......I slept well and had about an hour before getting out of bed to "Consider Life".....  My mind usually goes to mistakes I've made.. So Many...but that is all water under the bridge as they say......nothing I can ever do to change any of it...the past is rock solid...so instead I sort of wrote a book report on a favorite book...I always felt it was a funny romance  but now at Eighty.....I can see it is a very very difficult book.  The lead character was "othered" by her family.  Left out of the Weekly Sunday Brunch...on purpose.

Well, I won't be reading that book out of bookcase this week.

I have been doing major coloring work on this month's desk calendar...way more than usual.

I was also snacking quite a bit yesterday until I realized I hadn't eaten since breakfast.  Today I will try for an actual meal at lunchtime and then Sunday Pizza.   The Soccer has been quite something.  I have my favorites but that changes over time.....I had set all the remaining games to record but I decided to just "wing" it....as the days go by.  There were too many and it seemed more like a Work Assignment than FUN.

The back yard looks quite lovely and the many different peony flowers make it look even nicer. I don't cut the flowers for the house as they usually have lots of black ants down in the petals.  The Grape Arbor is loaded as is the back fence.  I was down there but failed to check to see if there were grapes.  The Blueberry bushes keep growing and making leaves but their ability to make berries ended decades ago. I keep everything because memories are down there even if the fruit is not.

I have noticed an abundance of Lily of the Valley in the back garden...so daughter has no need to bring me more plants... we can dig them right here at home.  I'd prefer them by the front steps not back in the garden where I hardly ever go anymore.   It WAS such a lovely vegetable garden... WAS.   I can no longer bend and weed...I am old.  I tend a few pots here in the house...flowers not vegetables.

I was tempted by a bouquet last week at the grocery store..... ant free????

Daily Notes for Saturday, June 20th. Breakfast was good...newspaper was thin on interesting things to read.

 Rhubarb Pie....Still haven't made one.  Or found one to BUY.

Shower this morning...I felt stable enough to give it a go.  Some (most) mornings I just look for somewhere to sit down.  Until the blood pressure stabilizes.  Today I took a shower, washed my hair with the good stuff Connie sent me......hair is shiny and fluffy........ I wrapped a towel around the leaking shower head....seemed to work- I didn't see water shooting towards the ceiling. I don't see anyone fixing it either.  I should have spent more time recruiting a Helpful Handy Man......or Woman.

Yesterday I did two loads of laundry..changed the sheets on my bed.  Folded up the down comforter and stored it in the sewing room.  I have a nice king sized quilt on the bed.  Purchased not made... by me.

I do have a king sized quilt, made my me, in the closet.  I am not sure what it still needs but perhaps binding.  I think I machine sewed the binding but now it needs to be turned and folded and hand stitched.  That's the way I roll.  I was working at the Library decades ago when I made that quilt.  Twenty Plus years ago.  Heavy on the Plus.

The Soccer is getting dangerous...wanting to Win makes for dangerous decisions.  Watching makes me get up off the couch looking for snack food.  Which is why having some cloth thing in my hands keeps me out of the snacks.   Though a chopped vegetable salad from the deli is hardly an "snack food"....... even with raisins and seeds.  The cashews...snack. 

Well, I have nothing to do but will see what's going on in Soccer World...then try to see what's what on the Hallmark Channel.  But perhaps I'll skip both and just settle into my BOOK.  And read words.

DailyNotes for Friday, June 19th. Sunshine here in Maine and 74 degrees......It will get warmer as the day goes on.

 Scabiosis.   Pretty in Purple.

Well, I didn't sew anything but I did read quite a few pages in my book and haven't reached half way as yet. I found a rubber band and some bobby pins and got my hair up off my neck...all this while waiting for the "promised" TORNADO to hit Maine...  It did NOT.

Watching Soccer has always gotten me interested in pulling my hair into a top knot.  And it's long enough now to almost STAY in the top knot.  I searched the drawers looking for more hair pins...Grocery will have some.

We have 74 degrees and Sunshine today.  Grocery Shopping in 30 minutes...Son waits for my oatmeal to enter my blood stream and level out.  There is no where to sit down in the grocery store if my blood pressure tanks......... we found that out the hard way. In the first year he was living with me. They have chairs in the Pharmacy...and a doctor.

I have the sheets off my bed and ready for the washing machine...which takes forever so I will be doing that AFTER we get home with groceries.  I rotated the king mattress...meaning I spun it around a half turn to the right.  Top is now bottom...  I used to be able to "flip" the mattress but this new one has only one usable SIDE...so it gets SPUN. Fresh Sheet Day is always a Special Day...for me.

I waited all afternoon for the TORNADO...there was some spotty high wind.  No Tornado. Rain watered the lawn...thank you!!!!  Someday the Lawn Guys will cut the grass........

I have a line up of World Cup Soccer to choose from today...and the last two hot dogs for Luncheon. I need to think about what to buy for next week's lunches.  I can always "fall back" to Grilled Cheese with Pickles".... and cold chicken nuggets.

I may have already written this but yesterday I was thinking about two Hallmark movies I actually wanted to see again...imagine my SURPRISE when they were on the Hallmark channel right then...back to back. I watched them while getting Tornado Alerts.  I then checked  the listings for today and found two more. Back to Back.  And set them to record... It's usually the actors that I like...all the Hallmark Movies are the SAME.  But the actors can turn something Ick into something Okay.  There is one more I like and it has, so far, NOT EVER been on a second time....

Daily Notes- June 18th. Clouds and Rain here in Maine.. Can hear the Rain Pounding down on the roof. We have a Tornado Watch from now until 7 pm.

Oddly enough this one came without a name.

 Well, I was up late reading and then up late getting out of bed...just now at 1:20 finishing up washing my breakfast dishes.  Oatmeal and Coffee.

And yes to Marianne in Germany....I did watch that game...I usually watch two and sometimes three matches.  I love seeing the happy families in the audience...men holding babies etc.  

My neck bones are snapping and crackling as usual...quite noisy.

I had some fabric scraps that went together so I sewed them into rectangles and squares while watching the Soccer.  I even tried out a few soccer hairstyles with my now almost touching my shoulders white puffy hair.  I need to find one of those black bands the guys wear to hold their hair back.

The Guys Who Cut the Grass will not be coming today...but we need the rain.

Tomorrow is Grocery Day.  I can put finished books in the return slot but the Library will be closed. Juneteenth.

The Rain is really coming DOWN now.... I think I will go look for something with long sleeves ....and then settle in to read a very unexpected book.  The author has surprised me.  Booked For The Summer. It reminds me of another book... which I will search for....I hope the Soccer doesn't get rained out.

I also am looking forward to hot dogs for lunch,,,,,  

Daily Notes- Wednesday, June 17th. Some Sunshine and cool temps this morning. No reason to be awake.

 Rothko.  Number Five

I found  some ART so we'll be having that as the week closes on us.  I can see this in cloth....as something I could have around here to bring me JOY.  Visually.

I "noticed" Rothko later in Life but wish I had paid some attention to his work in college- but perhaps he wasn't well known then??? I could do research but actually am not that interested.  I might be interested in making this out of cloth..... just for my own entertainment.

Pollack is also of interest to me... throwing paint at the canvas...or pouring it....

I am up very very early and will regret it as the day goes on and on and on.  I don't have much to occupy myself so will run out of things to do early in the day...... I do have Soccer. And the heating pad for my poor stiff neck muscles.  I can hear the bones...when I move my head.

My neck bones are already painful so I will stop typing and sit with the heating pad and hopefully fall asleep.  The Sun is creeping slowly (on cat paws) into Maine.  The day begins.

Daily Notes for a Cloudy Damp Morning in Maine. June 17th. Awake at 6 am.

 Rhubarb Pie.

I am considering making one.  It's been awhile since I tried baking.  I have rhubarb in the freezer.

Dampness outside.  But the Sun is shining in its mild morning way.  A few streaks of light across the back lawn.  Some shine on the mailbox out front.  Everything is GREEN.

Soccer is all I think about...When will it be on TV....who is playing........Messi yesterday- a Hat Trick. Three goals.

Well, I have breakfast to find and eat....then some meds for the tight muscles in my neck.  Then perhaps resting while looking at the ceiling..... there was no walk to the end of the street yesterday....I doubt there will be one today...

I haven't a clue why I am awake so early....but perhaps because I am hungry?????

Daily Notes for Tuesday, June 16th.....Mix of Sunshine and Dark Clouds here in Maine.

 Strawberry Pretzel Pie.  Not making or eating a slice. But do have frozen berries in the freezer.

The SUN comes and goes as I am typing....My Peonies are in bloom...pink, white and magenta.

I have so MUCH MORE SOCCER to watch today....And additional hot dogs for luncheon. Would be perfect with chips but I didn't buy any. And don't need extra salt holding water in my huge ankles.

I've run out of Tiny Toddler Ice Cream Cups.

My book yesterday was a four out of five- perhaps if I am brutally honest.... a three out of five stars. Either I have matured (gasp) or the author has slacked off.......but I really do appreciate a more robust EDIT.  And why did we need all the cats??????? And FIVE WHOLE MINUTES of Paint Ball???? I wish I recalled the title of book with the Real  Company Outing Paint Ball Fight..... people did visit the ER.

I think a bird just flew into the front windows.... or I suppose it could be the back windows.

Well, World Cup Soccer can't watch itself so I guess I need to get back to it.  Son has just driven off for a nice drive and lunch.    In the low slung sports car****........top down.

***a can get into the car but I can't get OUT of the car.....it's okay to laugh..

Daily Notes on A very nice Monday Morning in Maine. June 15th.

 Zinnias..again.

I have ceiling fans going in dining room and here in the tv side of the living room.  Moving air around. I have more World Cup Soccer recorded...so will watch that and perhaps sew small bits of cloth to other small bits of cloth........ I got up in the middle of the night to search my bookcase for a book I recalled. I used the flash light to find it... then I could go back to sleep.

I was looking for Summer Things in my closet this morning....short sleeved linen shirts.  The camp shirts LLBean made for old time summer campers.  Summer Camps were a good source of income for Mainers Now the shirts are tapered and not SQUARE and I don't find them comfortable in the least.  Even in extra large.  So I wear the old old old ones I found at Goodwill.. But not out of the house.

It might rain today...or has already rained this morning.  The guys will NOT be mowing the grass???? Ah a bit of sunshine breaking thru...things will heat up as there is zero breeze out there.

I was going to check the garage and see if we still owned the lawn mower....but I recall selling it... I recall trying to sell everything run on gasoline so my husband couldn't set himself on fire.

We are getting into the monthly family birthdays.  The family still alive. 

Ah, the Sun is Breaking Thru.... and I need to make oatmeal and eat it....no newspaper as it's Monday. I have to collect the recycling and garbage for tomorrow morning's collection.  Perhaps shred more paper.

If it's not too warm I will try to walk up to the DEAD END SIGN ( entrance to our street) and back.  Once. My Summer Exercise Program.  I feel free to turn back toward home at any point...even if it's only to the end of the driveway.  I know my limits......

Daily Notes from a Sunny Sunday in Maine. June 14th.World Cup Soccer.

 Hockney painting.  Never too late for me to begin.  Painting.

I am submerged in World Cup Soccer.  Son gets the TV going for me and I sit and watch....I have noticed an increasingly amount of bad behavior.  Uncalled for.  Germany is playing today.

Neck Bones making the usual cracking sounds....... they are shouting "we are old bones"

A Surprise Jelly Donut yesterday....the bakery was open when Son walked by and they had two doughnuts. They really are the very most delicious pastries in the World.  Today in Pizza Day.  If it wasn't I'd have Hot Dogs (because it's Hot Dog Week).

Well, I don't have much else to share with you today...

I read ZERO pages in my book yesterday...yes...ZERO Pages.

Take care, let me know how you plan to spend this nice Sunday in June.   

Daily Notes for Saturday, June 13th. Intermittent sunshine. 64 degrees

 Zinnias.

My neck bones are making that clicking sound as I rotate my head.

Watched World Cup yesterday USA won....it was quite exciting.  Stadium was Packed. I got to see Tom Cruise and Beckham several times in the audience.....such a nice difference from all the Politics.

Well, my neck muscles and bones are aching and clicking and want me to be quite on the couch today.   Perhaps with the heating pad like yesterday.   Stored Tension??????

I have nothing more to type so that will be it for the day.   And I am hungry and want to make my daily bowl of oatmeal and read the newspaper headlines.  Have that first glass of water.  Then coffee.

If you are reading this perhaps make a comment to say hello and mention your location. You don't have to give a name etc.   

Daily Notes- Just out of bed and dressed- tendons in my neck are tight and aching... Tension.

 This image has been wanting to be here....the tiny shed out back-- my black lab to the far right.

I hardly see it these days for the trees...I hardly see anything anymore...but I don't feel depressed...I just feel tired. Very very tired.   

After the Wildlife guy was done I walked out to look and saw a singular squirrel sitting on the roof. Looking very sad.  Must have been out on an errand and missed the family being hauled away. I imagined what that must have felt like....for the squirrel.

I miss the person I was when I painted the shed and planted this wonderful garden out front.   You can see the wheelbarrow etc behind the shed.  And, bringing tears to my eyes, Riley and the bed in front, nicely WEEDED. Nothing is weeded now....it's all gone back to wild and weedy.

Today is Library and Grocery Store....I am looking forward to both as last week I didn't go to either...I stayed home....tired.  I haven't ordered any books. But I am sure one or two will be on the hold shelf.    I'll look at the new book shelf.  See what's there.

I watched a World Cup game yesterday.  I watched CSI.  I read my book.  I cut images (for the desk calendar) from a few old magazines.......I did all these things- my usual, and yet it felt like "not enough".

It looks cloudy and damp outside.....I'm going to have my oatmeal and coffee.....read the news...which is totally depressing...put on my socks.  Stand up straight, shoulders back, and get on with things.....not ready to give up yet.  I saw an image of the totally "monster cage fighting" thing in front of the White House. 

I have no words for what that image says about our President.

Daily Notes- Thursday June 11th. Damp, wet Thursday. 69 degrees and 91 % humidity.

 My back yard does NOT look like this.

Well, the Wildlife Specialists arrived this morning and  adult squirrels and infant squirrels were removed from the chimney.  I went out to the street to look at the temporary cap and saw a squirrel sitting on the roof looking at the temporary wire cap.  I called the Chimney Doctor and told him about the clean out and the need for a permanent cap.   He's VERY busy, he says.

Maine....  Love it or leave it.

I tend to love it as it's the craziest, looney place I have ever lived.... I fit here.

Now to secure a permanent chimney CAP!!!!!

Some Generator stuff going on across the street.  

I'm trying to get resettled here as I thought today was Friday...now I have to think about it being Thursday. we are getting rather sort on Lunch supplies....I have only ONE slice of bread so...not a real sandwich. I ate the last banana yesterday so no "daily fruit".

Just finished reading Ten Big Ones.   Seven Foot Tall "Sally" ran over a bunch of real bad guys with the school bus he drives....in a silky red dress and red stilettos.  Our Girl wasn't surprised at all...Morelli and Ranger were stunned and speechless.  Super fun end to the book.  This paragraph doesn't in any way ruin the book or the plot lines of that book for any Readers....trust me...has nothing to do with anything. It's like the surprise little tiny dessert some fancy restaurants bring out after you've paid. Chef's Kiss.  Which I am reading next (today).......

Daily Notes for Wednesday, June 10th. Sunshine and 72 degrees.

 Having some tight neck muscle pain past few days...TENSION.

I have a guy coming to add a screen to the top of the chimney to keep the squirrels out... he's from the Wildlife Specialist Group....so if the squirrels are around he'll collect them.  They were gone yesterday. They don't have a "datebook planner" for visits.

Planter got lots of coverage yesterday on MSNBC.. I was actually left speechless with the coverage Maine was getting yesterday...with ONLY 1.25m in population??????  Of course Susan had so MUCH to do with the present justices sitting on the Court for the rest of their LIVES.  Is it Three Spineless Stooges??????  And counting.  Larry, Moe and Curley.......

Well, I had better things to do....Son has promised to make SURE I vote next time.  I didn't even know we were voting...in June.

My neck is hurting so I am checking out here and moving to the couch, heating pad and my book. Stephanie is staying in Ranger's apartment, using his shower, soap and his shampoo.  Driving his truck.  His guns.  Ten Big Ones.   I've read all these books before and occasionally I recall some plot moves.....not always though. I did want some of the Medicinal Jelly Doughnuts Stephany and Lula were eating. Those two pack away an entire Seven Eleven each book.   

Daily Notes- Tuesday June 9th....Sunshine and 78 degrees here in Maine.

 American Bumble Bee.  (and clover)

Well, I have made a call into Midcoast Wildlife Specialists.  In regard to the squirrels in the chimney. 

I have had ENOUGH.

I left a message...I expect, here in Maine that they are kept very very busy.... we have an abundance of Wild Life.  Some of it scratching around in my chimney. Or even WORSE- behind the drywall. Son pointed that out.  I wish he had NOT done that.

Until they call me back, I will stay calm, finish reading Evanovich's Ten Big Ones. I just got started in this book  (49 pages) yesterday after finishing To The Nines.  I am approaching a tipping point in the books....will I continue reading or give up.... Steph is on her 5th or 10th car.... I never started counting them...They get wrecked, blown up, set on fire, stolen etc etc.  The whole Trenton Police Department shows up when she calls it in. As the cops say to Steph "you never disappoint".......

Brings back solidly GREAT memories of working at the greenhouse...and the wrecks out front on the Bath Road...and the interesting people I met and spoke to while watching the Police and Fire Department clear the wreckage.... No one ever got hurt... couldn't say the same for the vehicles.

CSI has started to seriously BORE me....I think I am going to have to move on to Law and Order.

Seems like an invoice for Oil Delivery has hit my mailbox.....  at this time of year- most of the oil is being used to heat water...for showers.

Well, I have emails...gonna go read them see what's happening.