Daily Notes- August 16

Tomatoes.   Tomato Sandwiches.   BLT's.  Tomato with fresh mozzarella and basil. And eventually, Fresh Tomato Soup with homemade cheese dumplings.

I really have to find a good loaf of soft squishy bread for a nice juice-sopping sandwich.  The kind where you eat it over the sink as tomato juice runs down your arms.

Phone call from the "way back times"--wow was that unexpected and FUN!  I'd been thinking of Barbara as I went hunting in the Attic.  She was the "giver" of that soft, tender white old fabric I have been using for my squares and my plant based dye-ing.  So, she was on my mind.  We still use the old landline--so she tried that number and was thrilled to get me.  We've now traded email addresses.

What a lovely phone call--

I've been doing laundry most of the morning.  G has been pulling weeds.  For some odd but fortunate reason--he actually enjoys pulling weeds.  Weed pulling is dirty work--- equals laundry.

I pulled the squash vines out of one of the Earth Boxes.  There was nothing much happening and the box looked trashy.  So now the greenery is in the compost pile.  And since I am not making pickles this Summer--no need for zucchini.  If I need any--the grocery has zucchini from a local farm.  The pickling cucumbers are headed for the compost heap if they continue to only make flowers and no cucumbers.  Plenty of bees -so pollination isn't the problem.

I wash and hung my plant based dye fabrics up in the guest bedroom.  When I finish here I am going to iron them and see what I have.  I re-dyed three very pale yellowish pieces right after opening the steamed packages yesterday-- No use for washed out yellow.  The onion skins colored the cloth with deep yellows and oranges.  Some pattern from the skins.  Very nice.  The Purple smoke leaves are again very faint but there is a ghostly shadow there that I like.  I did some red cabbage--for a blue.

Anyway.  The sun is shining.  Humidity in the mid-70% range.

Now--squishy soft bread at the grocery store.

Daily Notes- August 15

My Spirit Animal, I think.   Each time I walk somewhere new--a crow feather appears.  Some large and some very small.   I have them in a majolica cup on the front hall table.  So many. And we have crows under the bird feeders--giving the squirrels some competition.

Yesterday, I was in the raised bed garden. Full of weeds as we rarely go there this summer.  The summer of not being able to breathe.  Reactive asthma changes your Life.  Danger everywhere from the unknown.  What will I react to?

Anyway, back to the garden.  Native elderberry.  Started from tiny seeds last Winter.  Planted in the raised beds when I knew I wouldn't be able to garden down there anymore. In flower. If the plants produce berries I will be in heaven.  We need to make a cloth to cover the tops and wave in the wind-"set our flag" as Grace has said.  So the birds know we want the berries.

 So my vegetable beds now are "training camp" for perennials.  Sunflowers, hollyhocks, arugula gone wild, tiny seedless Concord grapes climbing and tumbling over the arbor, small evergreens, grasses, native bee balm, blueberries, rhubarb fried in the heat,  raspberry bushes cut back early to provide September berries (not June) though we haven't gotten any fruit this Summer.  Birds and chipmunks.

I am now settled down into thinking Nature had a reason for taking all my fruit.  My store cupboard is full of jams and jellies from other years.  G found jars of the Queen of Plum jam I had forgotten. What a happy surprise and so delicious.  I am learning how to be content.

Reading today on plant based dyes--- I am going out to collect the goldenrod flowers.  And more leaves from the purple smoke bush.  And calendula flowers.  And crabapple leaves and tiny apples.
I even have blackberry leaves on my list and false indigo.  We know of sumac but it's always damp and I have read not to cut the flower/seed heads when damp or wet.  But perhaps we will have to?
Eco Printing.  I am thinking I will need to use string to pull it all very tight before heating.  To get more imprint from the leaves.  I am doing all this quite by the seat of my pants.  Trial and error.

And I have three beautiful pieces of cloth from my last Eco Print adventure.  Three out of six.  Really lovely.

Daily Notes - August 14

What not to put in the fridge according to Bon Appetite.com  I knew that eggplant didn't like the chill.  But not that corn didn't like it either.  The corn at my grocery is cold.  And most of the produce at the local organic Farmer's Market is kept very cold.  Even the tomatoes.  The big green leaves are collard greens.  Wishing mine looked like that.

Yesterday--ta da!!!!-- we had Delicious Home GrownTomatoes.  From the garden (and warm and ripened from the Vestibule) sliced along with fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves (from grocery as mine are either not ready or really over ready) and good olive oil and Balsamic vinegar.  A nice crusty baguette.  Life Is Good.  And even better--Riley and I picked about 6 more this morning. Early Girl Bush.  The flavor is just the right mix of acid and sweet.

My green peppers are getting quite large.  I'm waiting to see some "color" other than dark green before picking them.  I have red and golden deep yellow, I think.   I only like them green in chili so just before it gets cold at the end of the growing season I pick the green ones and dice and freeze them for Winter meals.

My surprise package of dyed squares arrived.  I really am stunned.  The fabric itself is so fine and wonderful.  And the colors.  Oh, so divine.  I started right in making, cutting, sewing more squares. Using these new dyed squares and my own plant based dye experiments.  Greens, purples...oh, my.
I think I am setting foot on a good path.  A path that might with hard work and good thinking and planning and some serendipity------could lead me to a good artistic place.

I seem to have misplaced my can of spray starch.

An armful of recently discarded Quilting Arts magazine found on the "take what you want or need" table in the --vestibule--of my library--has given me so much reading, teaching, learning material on dyes, transfers etc onto fabric.  Serendipity yet again.

I am thinking my soon to be attained 72nd birthday in September will be auspicious. Artistically.

Daily Notes- August 13

Ice Cream Days.  We are in the midst of a three or four day "cloudy with a good chance of rain" weather cycle.  House lights need to be on.  Humid outdoors.  One tomato.  No cucumbers. Two crow feathers.  I have collected a jar full this summer   Silky black feathers.  And I see the crows quite often and hear them calling in the trees.

I have errands to run so will be getting out of the house.  Escaping. The walls and ceilings.

Spent yesterday evening on Netflix watching the new season of Father Brown.  Netflix was also "serving up" a nice list of things I had watched in times past.  In case I wanted to watch them again. I checked the list to see if additional material had been added. New stuff. New seasons. No.  I still haven't watched The Crown.  I just wish they had better movies and a new season of Chef's Table.  Most of their list is simply trash. To me.

I imagine Amazon Prime is buying everything good.  I imagine Amazon buying everything.

So--a visit to my old workplace, the library to return a book, and then the grocery for two or three items.  G and Riley are setting out for a walk.  It's cool enough for our old dog (11 years) and he does enjoy it so much.  I can hear him woofing out in the vestibule by the door--ready to get going. Not a bark.  A soft "woof".

Daily Notes- August 12

Goodwill.  Luscious linen shirt.  Just not a good fit.  I may have to stop eating in order to wear it this fall.  Long sleeves.

But right now--"floods" is what I wear most--well, all days.  I called the style "capris".  The picture above is from FLAX.  They send me advertisements. And they refer to the pictured pants as "floods".

Today's pair of capris (on me) is a coral/rose background with white design.  Adventuresome for me.  I am always in solids--no prints.  The shirt is all white.  I am not sure I like the print, but the pants are light and fit well. So, I am giving them a tryout.

Riley and I picked three tomatoes (on the shelf in the vestibule with the others) and one cucumber this morning.  G had watered in the evening and it had rained overnight so I haven't needed to give water today.  Cooler here, damp, no sun. More rain coming in the next few days.

I finished The Woman In The Window.  Quite a trip there at the end.  But very good.

Watched a Hallmark summer movie last night with Catherine Bell.  Wow.  They really pulled her facial skin "tight" and filled her lips and cheeks with something, I guess.  Forgot to do her neck. And the romantic lead was the guy on the Hallmark home and family talk and fashion morning show.  The guy with the volume-less voice.  Really awful.  The tropical island scenery was nice though. Another movie had the CIA contract killer from a really good thriller type television show playing a very uptight relationship blogger.  She looked old but still nice so they pulled her hair forward so mostly she had only eyes, nose and mouth showing and they covered most of that with really big glasses. That movie was great--as she is actually an actress--so, you know, could ACT..

Also watched Nigella cook.  Always fascinating.

August 11- Daily Notes

Eggplant Parm from Bon Appetite this morning.   Oddly enough, it's what we had for supper yesterday.   I managed to get up off the couch (and the Hallmark movie) to pull the salted eggplant slices from the vestibule fridge and set up a flouring, egg wash, breadcrumbs station on the kitchen island.  I skipped the dishes for the flour and breadcrumbs and just made piles on the countertop. It worked better.

After frying the slabs of delicious eggplant--I returned to my movie--with a handful of the smaller pieces of fried eggplant.  Another Prince from some country, his mother, the advisor and the terrible person he is supposed to marry. (there is never a father--The King is always dead) And of course, our Hallmark Charming Commoner.  And the ever present--lie-- that messes everything up.

But back to the eggplant.  I fried it in the ceramic pan I purchased for G at Christmas.  What a dream to cook in.  And one wipe with a paper towel and all the crusty bits are gone.  I simply topped each slice with some marinara and a pile of cheese and baked it till "golden brown and delicious".  Served it with plain pasta.

I had a good sized glass of red wine with our meal.

It was nice.

Daily Notes- August 10

Painted panel of pink squares from Pixbay.

My square is just as random but with summer colors of pale blues, yellows, pinks.  Growing more saturated as I move out into the new squares.   Sunshine today, so far.  Riley and I have to go out to water the Tomato boxes.  About 6 tomatoes out there turning from green to pale red, so far.

I have nothing new to say today.  One of those days.  I woke up tired.

Daily Notes- August 9

Woke to darkness.  Cloudy.  But sunshine now at 11. I think it rained overnight or early this morning.

Riley and I go out to get the paper together.  He rolls in the dew covered grass.  Does his 'business" and I check the vegetable Grow Boxes--water if needed.  Then we come inside and begin the day.

G worked in his workshop yesterday, sanding a cabinet I got from a friend cleaning out her garage. It was dis-assembled into a pile of pieces.  Had no idea of the size (big) and the charm (lots) of the two door cabinet.  One pane of glass was broken.  Yes, glass paned doors.  I intend to paint it with mat white chalk paint.  Black hinges and knobs.

Black and White everything.  So the color of the fabric art is front and center, always.  And the colorful rag rugs on the floors.

A"GIFT" of fabric squares is coming soon to add to my square.  Unexpected and perfect.  From a member of the Twelves. A group that holds a very special place in my heart, always.  I did the best work of my life alongside the Twelve of them.  I am forever trying to get back to that creative "place".

I am reading a book by A.J. Finn--The Woman In The Window.  I worry that it will turn creepy and scare me.  Something I don't really like.  I'm about 25% into it..... ambivalent.

I realized the Queen Of Plums made no plums because I forgot to fertilize her.  I had used those fruit tree spikes last Spring.  And got plums.  I had the spikes.  Just forgot to insert them around the Queen's root base.  Forgive me, oh, my Queen.

Last evening we went to our local Chinese restaurant.  One of the old favorite waitresses.  I asked for a gin and tonic and got one the size of a large coke (she made it that big on purpose).  I finished it.
The food was excellent as always.  G and I shared Orange Beef.  I got all the small bits of orange rind.

Came home and watched a Beach Themed Summer Hallmark movie. Instead the required "snow storm" in the Christmas movies--we had the summer version of a "hurricane" which didn't disturb the rose bushes at all.  Then we watched Rachael Maddow.  Quite the contrast. Glad the G&T was large.

Daily Notes- August 8

Ninety plus degrees here in Maine.  Daily rain.  Never know when it's coming.  Humidity so high your clothing is damp after 5 to 10 minute out watering the Grow Boxes.

I removed leaves from the tomato plants.  Unnecessary leaves (now compost).  So the tomatoes could get direct sun. Two zucchini this morning and one pale pink/green tomato found on the driveway.  Chipmunks. But no bite marks so I brought it into the vestibule (what an old fashioned word) between the house and garage to finish ripening in the vestibule heat.

G wanted to see the new Mission Impossible movie so we went to the 4pm showing.  The over 65 crowd was represented in the dozen or so people in the theater. G enjoyed the movie.  I thought it was too long, too repetitive and way too many scenes on the edge of very tall things giving me vertigo. We exited into a pretty steady rain.  100% humidity.  Summer traffic.

At home we sorted out dinner.  I made myself some thin sliced zucchini pan fried to crispy with some dill sprinkled on at the finish.  I had it with a small portion of pasta.  I plan to have the exact meal again today.  It was that good.

I stitched and stitched on a small cloth.  At the end it was so completely awful I cut it into two and then into the compost bucket.  Nothing to salvage.  Wasted fabric and thread.  I was heart-sick.

I can't find my way.

Today I will machine stitch more squares--or start a new square.  Be content with that.

I drew two more chairs yesterday between watering plants, laundry and the movie.  It was something.

Daily Notes- August 7

Watering.  Giving Water.  All of my old metal cans got leaky bottoms.  Now they just look "cute" but do no actual work.  An old teakettle would be fun if I lived in a very small one person place with a tiny window sill garden.  Watering it with the tea kettle each morning and late afternoon.

Always water twice a day.  After the sun is up and later in the afternoon when the plants want to rest and recuperate.

I have two quarts of "refrigerator pickles" cooling on the stove top.  Refrigerator because you keep them there and not in the cupboard.  I sliced up three locally grown eggplant and salted the slices. Later they will be patted with flour, dipped in egg and then breadcrumbs.  Fried till crisp.  Eaten, by me, just like that.  For G, added cheese and marinara sauce.  Well, for me also.

I think, in New Jersey, they make the fried slices into a fried eggplant sandwich.  At least one New Jersey native I knew in Florida had fried eggplant sandwiches for lunch at work.  I don't think I had ever made eggplant at home at that time in my life. 42 years ago.

Daily Notes- August 6th

All of this is available at the local grocery store right now.  Not in my garden.

My green bean plants look nice and "cute" cause they are only five or 6 inches tall--but all the seeds germinated. I was thinking of green beans in September.  Not August.  No carrots because last year the chipmunks ate the carrot parts under ground and left the carrot tops for me.  I was not amused.

I have enough pickle sized cucumbers to make another jar of refrigerator pickles tomorrow--I had to go out to the grocery for a bundle of dill--what I had planted went to seed.  Another customer said her dill had "burnt up" in the daily heat---90 here in Maine today on the coast and over 100 about 20 minutes drive inland (west).  Humidity is very high.  I am finding I am quite open to having quick conversations with strangers these days.  I smile.  They respond.

I wish I had known to smile in high school and college.  My entire life would have been so much better. So much different.

I was tempted to try a new bread baking recipe for a "honey oat" like the one I bought (home made) in a little Maine Country Store out in Harpswell. When I looked down at the very bottom of the When Pigs Fly Bread rack at the grocery and "what to my wondering eyes did appear"..... but a loaf of honey oat bread.  And it's good.  Moist.  Sweet.  Just what we wanted.  G had it for a lunch sandwich and he never makes a sandwich. Love When Pigs Fly Bread.  They bake it here in Maine. Local Bread.

G and I have taken turns watering the Earth and Grow Boxes today.  Three fill ups.  And the tomato plants in the boxes are at least a foot taller than I am.  It is my sincere hope that they aren't just growing leaves.  The orphan (and planted very late) Romanian tomatoes are in the raised bed garden out back. They went from 6 inches tall to 36 to 48 inches tall since being planted just before World Cup Soccer.  That's quite a growth spurt.  And there are tomatoes (green) but tomatoes all the same.  I told them I was quite proud of them today when I went to check them an secure them further up on their stakes.  I mentioned to the collard greens that I wasn't happy with their lack of growth.  I have looked forward to spring rolls wrapped in collard leaves.  Perhaps next year.

Daily Notes- August 5

From my past.  Painted fabric plus some commercial stuff.  I've shown this before (more than once or twice) but this one always makes me smile.  And I need a smile today.  That scribble of orange.

We've had a great deal of humidity.  Evening and sometimes overnight rain.  It's hard to breathe.
This weekend we ate things that have been in the fridge--waiting.  Some corn I bought.  The crock pot pork in nachos and on tater tots.  Watermelon I peeled and cut into small bit sized wedges.   Cucumbers. Leftover pasta. Leftover grilled kabobs. Leftover rice.  G even found some ice cream in the freezer.  We eat very little in the Summer. No appetite. Small plates.

But we are impatient for ripe tomatoes from the Grow Boxes.  The green ones are getting larger, lighter but still no tinge of pink or red.  Bell peppers the same.  Getting larger.

We watched Star Wars movies last night.  The ones with the new characters and the very old ones. Like Skywalker and Ray.  One that I had recorded and one from Netflix.  Last Jedi stuff.  I am hoping there is another for this Christmas but so far....no news. We scrolled thru Netflix looking for a series to watch. And this is when I wonder why we have Netflix????

Goodwill today but not really excited about it.  Nothing good in the past few weekends.

I added another round of squares to that pieced square I am making.  Adding a few darker colors as it moves outward.  I think there are 100 two inch squares now.  Ten by ten.  After each additional row or two, I take the cloth to the kitchen island (aka: ironing station) and spray with starch and press--and press- and press.  I love ironing.  I iron open all the stems first.  The I run my hands over the sewn top.  Looking at it, thinking what to do next.  Wondering if there is any "story" in the pieces yet.

Jude Hill calls her very large work (pieced white fabric squares) Sanity.  She also wonders about it's "story".  When she figures it out perhaps I will be able to as well. Until then--cutting more squares. And looking for a good pink.  With character.  Though I will settle for a plain one as well.  The blues I painted are very "stormy" or "atmospheric" and feel like summer storms.  I feel like painting more fabric.  Perhaps I will paint a pink.

Daily Notes- August 3

Tower of Tuna Sandwiches (which I love).  But not with the egg.  I am guessing the designer of these sandwiches was building the French version.  Which I can't spell.   I'll stick with crackers.

I got my haircut today.  One week less than usual and still a huge puffball of hair.  And I don't have all that much hair.  I have tiny hairs all over myself.  Heading out to water the Grow Boxes and then into the shower.  Everything looks healthy.  I have eaten about 5 tiny orange Sungold cherry tomatoes.  Some zucchini and cucumbers.  There is a green bell pepper getting to a good size but I like them to ripen--turn red or orange. I am waiting for the larger white Snow White cherry tomatoes.  I loved them last summer.  Wonderful name isn't it?  Size of a golf ball and so sweet.

I have a supermarket watermelon to cut up.  Might make Aqua Fresca.

Stitched more on my little circle piece.  Made some watercolor bubbles in my journal.  Drifted. Watched my recorded Masterpiece Theater adaption of Little Women.  My mother wanted to name me after her favorite character in Little Women.  She got to her fourth choice--Jo-- and my father finally said yes.  I wondered, while watched, what her first choice had been.  I will never know.

Daily Notes-- August 2nd

August Tummy Troubles.  Why?  No reason.  My internal self must not like August heat and humidity.  So, I keep to myself.

86% humidity when we woke at 5:30 am to feed Riley.  Early riser.  It feels like being wrapped in a hot wet wool blanket.  Add tummy trouble and--wow, the perfect day to stay in bed. We had heavy rain overnight.  I got up the second time around 10am.

I worked on a small piece of cloth yesterday.  Traced circles with whatever I had that fit the cloth. Then stitched.  Then went to find another circle, another jar or dish to trace.  After that some X's.  I like them.  X marks the spot.  I try and think of a way to add a crow--my spirit animal.

I, also, in the past two days--added squares to make the total 81 on the little piece of patched squares. I found another pile of orphan squares--in darker tones.  I may or may not stitch them into rows and add to the composition.  The 81 squares look like Summer.  With dark squares all around it may turn Stormy.

I had a bargain from the store in the crock pot over night.  Instead of my usual crock pot pork (onions, cloves and water) I changed it to the additions for my oven pork.  Cider vinegar, cayenne, onion, cloves and brown sugar.  Very tender, moist and now bathing in BBQ sauce and back into the crock pot on low.  Exciting to have food for a few days for $5.

Another two cucumbers from my driveway garden boxes when I watered this morning.  I've eaten most. With salt. But right now I have four and we might have them sliced thin as a side to the pork.  Pickled a bit. Some thin carrot added for crunch.

We continue to wait for tomatoes to ripen-- all are still (and seemingly forever) green.

My iPhone, which I used to take pictures, is now living with our daughter.  So she and her employer can communicate on different job sites.  The problems I had with the iPhone had to do with "delete" not really "deleting" anything till one pushes another button.  Which I never, in three years, done. Three years of email.  Imagine it.  Poor Phone.  No wonder it refused to do anything like send a picture.

Daily Notes--July 31

We moved when I was 9.  I was in a school I loved.  My grandmother and grandfather lived on the second floor of our two family house.  The neighborhood was full of families I had known my entire life.  I was happy.

Then I was not until I got married at 21.  That new house, that new neighborhood, the new families--we just didn't fit.

I went into fifth grade and was assigned the task of drawing an elephant.  I didn't know how.  I didn't know I was an artist at that point in life. Never drawing anything.  Just playing and laughing and getting a very pretty dress to wear on my ninth birthday the year before.

My dad was an unhappy man.  One child was okay.  Four was a nightmare.  So he was usually drunk when he got home from work.  But that day he wasn't and he got out a sheet of newspaper and taught me how to draw an elephant.  Not a small one.  It filled the page.  A big sheet of paper. He drew it.  Then we drew one together and then I drew one by myself.

He didn't get angry or yell or hit.  He and I just drew.  When he thought my drawing was "good enough" I rolled it up to take to school.

My new teacher accused me of copying it.  Yes, they did that sort of shaming back then. 1956.

Forced me to draw it again, in front of the entire-- new to me-- snickering class. Who had know each other for always.  Like I had at the old house..  My old school. But I would hope we never acted that way.  It felt new to me.  And mean.

They stopped snickering and the Teacher was angry that she hadn't gotten the best of me.  I drew a perfect elephant.  Even better than the one I had thought was the best.  I heard my dad's voice as I drew.

Just about the only nice thing I can remember about him in my childhood.  I told him about drawing the elephant as I held his hand as he slipped from life into death about 10 years ago. Even though he wasn't a nice person, he was my dad.  And I wanted him to go into the beyond with a happy, loving story.

Daily Notes- July 30

Suddenly I am seeing watercolor.  On blogs.  Jude has spots of color on her blog with links to another.  Go!!  Look!!!  The Universe Speaks.

I am digging out the paints and brushes.

Clouds and Humidity today. FOUR HOURS of conversation with a fellow employee of the greenhouse on a morning coffee date.   We were both starved for conversation, I guess.

I checked the Earth Boxes this morning when Riley and went out for the newspaper.  Got two cucumbers and one zucchini and about 20 mosquito bites on my ankles.  ITCHY!!!!  Cooked three squash on the grill last night with G's beef kabobs.  In fat thick slices, EVOO and salt and pepper.  Grill marks.  Delicious.  Didn't spiralize yet.

Only one more day of "Daily Notes" and I will have to find something new for August.  Any suggestions of what you might like to see and read about here??????

Daily Notes- July 29

Painting is on my mind these days.  Which is something I always put on the "back burner" of things to work on.  But this Summer there will be no "canning" or "putting up" jams, jelly or pickles in August.  Store bought for us this Winter.

The birds and chipmunks took care of all that.  Neither G or I can find more than one plum on the Queen this Summer.  And no peach harvest.  One peach each on two trees is not a harvest.  My three plants each of zucchini, yellow squash and pickling cucumbers won't amount to anything for the pickling kettle.  But I could get one batch later in August if things go crazy.

I plan to get out my "new from Goodwill" spiralizer" and make some squash zoodles.  Hopefully the green tomatoes (an abundance) will ripen before Christmas??? Certainly the many cherry tomatoes?

I had Tater Tots for the first time in my Life, yesterday.  The extra crunchy ones baked for twice as long as recommended.  I like them.

Well, Time to get ready to go visit Goodwill.  There have been no treasures there for the past few weeks.. I think Visitors from Away have discovered our Goodwill.  I see many piled high shopping carts on the past few Sundays and unfamiliar faces.

A very gracious and lovely Maine woman died ten days ago.  At 97.  I only met her once but found her to be delightful .  Her obituary was one any of us would dream and aspire to having.  A Life well lived.  And she was a quilter.  I hadn't known that about her.

Daily Notes- July 28

The Blood Moon (in other places on Earth but not North America) has gotten me excited about the Moon-- even if we can't see it.  Cloudy skies.

Torrential Rain last night.  No complaints regarding rain.  We are in near drought conditions in Maine--so any rain is good rain.  Not so much for Riley.  He has a rough time with stormy weather.
Sort of panic attacks.

I've been watching Hallmark's Christmas in July movies.  Sappy quite often.  Bad acting quite often. But every once in awhile a real gem.  Making the bad ones...not so awful.

Daily Notes- July 27

Soap Bubble.  But It looks like a Full Moon to me.

Yesterday-- excitement.  The Earth box full of Tomatoes and Pickling Cucumbers fell over backward. It could have been strong winds or Deer.  I'm going with wind, as, once on it's side, the Deer would have eaten every green leaf.   G and I managed to get it upright again--the wheels on the bottom making it even more fun.  Now we have cement blocks behind it.

I have started eating panfried zucchini (because we have it).  I liked it when on the Elimination Diet when that--alone--was my dinner or lunch.  I cooked just two zucchini and I am reminded of using more of them on the diet. I have plenty in the fridge.  Well, three or four more sounds like "plenty" at the beginning of the production weeks.  I am reminded of making zucchini fritters in the summers previous.  And a chocolate zucchini loaf that worked the first two bakings and then never again.  I didn't like either.  I am also just now remembering making a low carb shredded zucchini crust for a "pizza". I also have a new spiralizer ($5 at Goodwill a few months ago) so zucchini "pasta" will be a nice addition to my meal plans.

Low carb was fun for awhile back in the day.  Now, just thinking of the amounts of greasy meats and cheese that I ate makes me sick.  A nice salad sounds much better.  Or fruit which was off the low carb menu.  I did enjoy the blood work scores though.

An an astonishing announcement:  The visit to the Attic today produced no surprise finds.  Nothing.  The Magical Mystery that was the Attic has come to an abrupt full stop.  It even looked like there were fewer containers.  Less of everything.  I did find a quarter yard of the blue spotted batik I was needing, I thought, to add to the 64 squares.  81 squares is sounding better.  I math checked the number with G just now.  The sun is shining, humidity is up.  I'm better off indoors.

Daily Notes- July 26th- Stormy Weather

Big Storm photo via Colin Lacativa

We were promised something like this but it's the weather man and we all know they.....lie?  Well, they embellish to get viewers to freak out.

The house lights are on again.  The tree cutting crew is back next door.  Room for an in ground pool?
Three other homes on the street have in found pools.  All we'd have to do is dig a hole.  We are that close to water level.  Which is why we don't have a basement.

My experiments with plant based dyeing came out better than expected.  The onion skins are the best. Ironed the cloth and it is wonder-filled.  The purple smoke leaves and flowers--very faint and dainty-atmospheric.   The rhubarb--just pink.  The red maple-just pink beige.  And something dyed an acid yellow which I think I will be very fond of as I start using it.  Dandelion?

If it doesn't rain--I will take my pre school painting drop cloth out and paint some fabric in my favorite blues, pinks and perhaps go to the dark side with grey.

Yesterday I "wonky" machine stitched 2.5 inch squares together.  Some squares were hand cut which makes them less than accurate.  Seams are off center.  I love it.  Spent so much time ironing it.  I love ironing patchwork.  Lots of the squares were my hand painted cloth.  And commercial hand dyed. 8 squares by 8 squares.  So approximately 16 by 16.  I am thinking of hand quilting it.  Too small to use as a quilt but a good size to be considered Art in a Frame.

Daily Notes-- July 25

Image is from a magazine I think, years ago.

Over cast.  Clouds with a chance of rain.  I managed to get a few mosquito bites while out checking the cucumber plants for squash bugs--I found one with stripes.  First time, ever.

Very noisy here this morning.  The neighbor on my right (facing street) has a company here to cut down and chip trees.  I don't think any of the trees being cut down are on his property.  Abutting but not belonging to him.  A lawyer.  It's the private property of a local doctor.  The cutting is not being done on the sides of his property that touch ours.  Now---that would be interesting.

I have to go out shopping.  I need mouthwash and bagels.  Two things. Not that I will be coming back home with only TWO things.  And there is a book for G at the library so I want to go pick that up as well.

I did some planting and tinkering in the garden this morning--with bug spray on myself.  I forgot and rubbed my lips with my arm and....well, that was a very bad thing to do.

I have a whole bag of beautiful zucchini right now--most mine and two from yesterday's lunch visit with my friend.  Need to think of something to make.  Use them up.  We don't need pickles.

Daily Notes-- July 24

I saw this on another blog and thought--why not?   That's how it should go...no snags and never running out of thread.

Another cloudy day.  Some rain in the early hours before I was awake.

G and I ate a dozen ears of fresh corn from a local farm.  Delicious.  Just corn for supper. Like in my early days when my dad brought home brown paper bags of roadside corn.  Just picked.  And we boiled them and ate them and were happy it was summer.

G and I have been invited to lunch at 1 pm.  I think we'll go.  He'll say no but I will say yes.

My plant based dyeing was 50% successful.  The onion skins turned a very brilliant yellow and the pattern made by the separate peels is lovely.  The purple smoke leaves and flowers-- very faint and delicate.  Just a suggestion of colors and leaf impressions.  Next time I will use alum to mordant. I have plenty of leaves and flowers for a second try.

I do not like summer days when I need to have the lights turned on in order to see.  Too much like Winter.   Picked four zucchini from the Earth box.  Disturbed a few bees who are always in, under the zucchini leaves.  Picked one baby pickling cucumber.  Ate it seconds later.  Right there in the driveway before breakfast.  Why wait?

Someday--I keep hoping----I will pick a tomato off the many plants that are growing taller and wider by the hour--by the minute out in the Grow boxes.  Loaded with green tomatoes.  I was hoping for a cherry tomato by now.  No luck.   I dream of eating warm tomatoes off the vines in July but it's always late August here in Maine.  Just before Summer is over. Always too late.

Daily Notes- July 23

The blank page.  Being retired is hard.  I can see why retired people fill their days with lectures, trips and classes.  Otherwise, it's all one long period of time and you lose the thread of it.  Forget what day it is, what Time it is, who you are.

We are into our second day without any sun.  It isn't raining but it might at any moment.  The house interior is dark without any lights turned on.  I've read the newspaper and had my breakfast.  G is still sleeping.  I am still on "work time" and wake up early.

I am at a loss for anything to do.  No book to read.  No baby quilt needing to be finished by a deadline.  I do have a box to tape shut and address.  So, that would mean a trip to the post office.

I have nothing to write here.

Daily Notes--July 22

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  My thoughts for today.

We woke up to light sprinkles of rain.  Much needed by the lawn.  The rain moves in gently waves. Less, More and even More. & Nothing. Riley and I got wet walking down the drive for the newspaper.

I purchased "just delivered" corn from the grocery yesterday and we ate it last evening.  I am going back for more. Delicious. And I cut up my mini watermelon and ate chunks of it whilst watching Nigella cook on PBS.  She gets positively "giddy" while cooking.  I also ate one of the red plums I bought.  Very nice.

I didn't manage to get the refrigerator shelving sparkling clean. Yet.  But it's on the "list".

The Post Office is sending me a MESSAGE.  The little Sunday delivery truck keeps dropping off Amazon packages here.  Not mine.  And then I must run down the sidewalk waving my arms, shouting, STOP!, until I get the attention of the post person and give the package back.  Should I get my own Amazon Prime and buy things?  And who will my packages get delivered to???

Not everyone would be so kind as to give the packages back.  Today's package was a book.

I started reading a new Yrsa thriller and it seemed familiar.  When the house owner found the pizza, uneaten, in the garbage can--I remembered.  I had either started reading this at one Time and stopped or perhaps managed to finish.  But I think not.  So that book is going back.  I am waiting for The Child by Fiona Barton to arrive at the library.  Until then........I think I will re-read Wolf Hall.

I like "thriller" but I don't care for "creepy".   Goodwill today.  The corn purchasing.

Daily Notes- July 21

Here it is Saturday.   Picked one very nice zucchini from the Earth Box this morning.  Lots and lots of green tomatoes in the Grow Boxes.  Had to clean out the crisper drawers in the fridge because I went out to get brand new fresh produce.  Last night's dinner was the proof that things in the crisper weren't crisp.  I purchased new bread also.  A do-over of last night's meal is going to happen--today I hope or for sure tomorrow.  And brand new corn just delivered from a local farm this morning.  Dark green husks. We haven't even had the first ear of corn this summer.

Our new toaster oven is making very dark toast right now and we are trying to find the "sweet spot" on the toast dial for the toast color we like.  The new hot water pot arrived and is very stylish.  I haven't used it yet.

I have done VERY POORLY on my promise to eat all the different flavors of ice cream at Cote's this summer.  Cote's never opened this year.  And I have had exactly ONE lobster roll.  I am so disappointed in the way Summer is going.  I haven't even eaten any watermelon.  It's depressing.

I have been making many batches of the kabobs and the kabob marinade.

We have cooked and eaten a few of the mysterious frozen meals in the freezer.  The General Tso's chicken meal was pretty tasty.  20 minutes in the oven and ready to eat.  I am thinking I might buy the Orange Chicken meal by the same company.

Oh...I keep forgetting to mention the green beans seeds have germinated and the plants are now 3 inches tall.  Success.

Daily Notes- July 20th

This is what Summer in July looks like, I think.  All the colors rushing past.  All the days rushing past.

The Grow Boxes are growing.  I "spied with my little eye" a few good small sized zucchini.  Soon. they seem to increase in size overnight.  I was only looking as the zucchini grow box is a "buzz" with bees.  I want them to stay and pollinate.

I need to water them twice a day--or at least prior to the hot mid-day Sun hitting them.  Making the leaves wilt as the plants conserve water.

I am reading a book Connie sent to me--The Widow by Fiona Barton.  Wow.  It was difficult for me to put down.....but I was so sleepy my eyes wouldn't stay open.  After I press publish- I will be reading the last third of the book.  I have already ordered the next book  The Child from library reserve.

I sewed some squares together yesterday but instead of hand sewing I used my sewing machine.  The squares are slightly wonky and quite charming that way.  And the colors--mostly plant dyed by me or painted by me are very summery in pale ocean colors, summery berry colors and pale yellow sunshine--and I added a slim border of green--back side up-so it is also pale and faded.  I am thinking of adding more squares-- enlarging the square I have now.  I haven't been this interested in making something in quite awhile.

I think we'll be having Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella and Basil today for supper.  With toasty French bread to mop up the juices.  I got the tomatoes from the local Farmer's Market in Town.  Expensive.

Daily Notes- July 18th and 19th

Rain most of the day yesterday.  Cold.  Chilly.  We were out driving.
Today more driving but sunshine, muggy heat.  Worried about tomato leaves wilting.

We purchased a new toaster oven (rather than keep trying to clean the old one and failing miserably).  And a new electric pot to heat water for tea.  1.7l.   And it's black.  Not in stock.  Being delivered in 7 days.  Free. The lovely woman who helped us said the management had been shocked at the popularity of the pot.  For college dorms.  We had both been in college when cooking in your room--even toast-- was strictly forbidden. Now they boil water for ramen, I guess.

I wonder what my 18 year old self would have thought of boiling water in my dorm room to cook noodles?  In 1964.  Or my 71 year old self would think if I had to wear a skirt and stockings in order to enter the cafeteria in 2018.

We stopped in to look around at Target.  I needed a new bra.  Everything in our Target has changed. It looks more like World Market.  There were exactly two bras that I was interested in, in my size and they were marked down because they will no longer carry "items like this".  I have no idea where I will purchase any Future under garments that meet my requirements.  These two will have to last forever.  I require simplicity and function over fashion.  And preformed, unbendable cups are not my idea of comfortable.  Like a styrofoam bra.

I am tired.  Had to use the rescue inhaler today--coughing too much.

Daughter came to visit and took home the three foxglove plants I have raised from inch high sprouts. A gift from a customer.  I could never find a spot for them.  She has a bed with two other foxgloves. They'll be happy.  The customer said the flowers would be "absolutely beautiful".  A big selling point for my daughter.

The finished baby quilt was given to the new "mother to be" at her shower on Tuesday.  Delighted with it.  Happiness.

Daily Notes- July 17th

Sometimes--like on humid, overcast days of summer--it's "good enough" to just have a small pile of cotton squares handy to sew into bigger and bigger squares.  I've been following Jude Hill (Spirit Cloth) for a few years now--more so since the Longest Winter of 2017.  Making "components" as Jude calls them--- 1, 2, 3 inch squares.  Three ones equal the 3, etc.  Building blocks.

In the beginning the squares were made into Pages.  The Pages became something else.  All in white or plant based faded colors of brown and yellow.  Sometimes even dirty gray.  And I lost interest in them.  Lost any Focus I might have had to begin with (not much) and then just wandered.

Now, in July--I want the colors of berries, watermelon, peaches and the sea.

Instead of the mat and rotary cutter--I tore the strips for the baby quilt.  The pieces were true and straight of grain.  Today I will tear more summer colored cloth into "components" and start making a Cloth of many colors- all the while thinking about another baby quilt--I enjoyed the making and want to enjoy it all over again.

At Goodwill a pattern for a dollar.  A dress.  A Summer Dress.  Loose and cool and easy.  I am afraid of failure as I have only made two pieces of clothing and that was back in the 1960's.  But I am seriously "considering it".

Daily Notes- July 16th

This photo of blueberries will be the only blueberries I have.  The  bushes were loaded with berries and this morning when I went out to pick---nothing.  The birds came and ate them all.  All.  As in there is nothing left.  I feel like crying.

I have a favorite blueberry cake I like to make.  The batter includes sour cream.

I don't know if I can even finish this post--too many tears.

But, as I tell my gardening classes, gardening isn't for sissies.

Daily Notes-- July 15

Reminded of the sweet afternoons of childhood.  Reading with the breezes ruffling the curtains. I think I was also interested in the google-eye pillows.  As a quilt idea.

The baby quilt is done and sent off to my daughter who is going to the baby shower on Tuesday. Nick of Time, right?  But breaking all the components of the "making" was the key here.  Just enough each day and then I could walk away.  No stress.  Sewing and making should be fun.  Not work.

Final game of the World Cup today.  Then Goodwill.  It's cloudy, muggy and heavy here today. I keep hoping for rain.  Nope.

Have no idea what to make for dinner or supper today.  Possibly a stop at the meat counter at the grocery to see what's on sale.  Or more steak tips in that marinade recipe G likes so much.  I have cherries to eat and a baby watermelon.

I don't do well, eating, in the summer.  Plenty of tummy troubles in the summer.  I am also considering making granola.  I have coconut flakes and jars full of seeds from the elimination diet.  I may need to eliminate more foods from my diet in the summer.  Waiting for zucchini--- I like it sliced and grilled or pan sautéed.  Might have to just start with some from the grocery.  I was eating a big panful every day during the elimination diet.  And the Peach Smoothies.   No dairy and no wheat is best in the summer.  Or I could fall back and make the vegetable soup I had been eating before summer arrived.  Food shouldn't make you feel awful.  But it does.  Sometimes.

Daily Notes- July 14th.

I love this.  The way the blue mixed with the yellow to become green.  MUST PAINT!!! AGAIN.

Last evening I got an email saying the "seeds" were in the tractor bay at work.  Each season the seed company comes in July to take away (or leave for the employees) the "old" seeds and put the "new" seeds in display racks.  So 2018 is done and the racks now hold 2019.

And the employees may take seeds.  Well, I was sorting through the two huge cartons of seeds (tossed in in no particular order) right after Belgium won 3rd place in the World Cup this morning.  I was wanting new packets of herb seeds to fill in my herb garden.  I have two blank spaces.  And I wasn't alone.  The people still working came by to chat.  Such lovely, lovely college students.  I do miss them. But not to dwell as the tears in my eyes will keep me from seeing the keys.  I did finally find a common thyme which is perennial.  I'll start it in a milk jug in February of 2019.  And in the last minutes a large package of basil seeds.   I took all sorts of vegetable seeds for future plantings in summers to come.

During half time I sewed the binding to the quilt and I am planning to watch a few shows on Netflix as I hand sew the binding to the back of the baby quilt.  And then that will be done.  It's cloudy outside and might rain (fingers crossed).

Maine has notified me that my driver's license needs to be renewed.  I'll be sure to bring a good book with me the day I go to Motor Vehicles.

Well, that was it for the day's adventures.  So many happy little bees pollinating the squash and cucumber plants.   I always worry about beneficial insects but it looks like the bees are happy.  I wonder where they have built their hive?  Next month Riley will start playing with grasshoppers on the driveway.  He likes to encourage them to jump.  Sort of like the Pigs Are Popping game only with tiny grasshoppers.

Well, I must start sewing.

Daily Notes- July 13th

Here is a picture of the baby quilt--sent from my husband's phone.  He can send them.  So I may try sending pictures to his phone and then he can send them to mine.  Who knows???   My daughter chose the backing fabric--I had used it on the other quilt years ago for her best friend.  The quilt was well loved.

I selected the "loudest" of the two stripe fabrics for the binding (not sewn as yet).  My "signature" binding is always a stripe.  I started out with it and will continue.   I have it cut, folded in half and pressed.  Ready to sew onto the quilt.  I do have one, new to me, trick for the beginning that ends up being excellent at the end.  So a smart looking finish.  If all goes well.

Little zucchini are growing on the plants in the Earth boxes--I saw many bees under the leaves doing a good job of pollination.  Lots of small green tomatoes in the Grow boxes.   Three to five baby green peppers as well.  The chipmunks dug up some of the green bean seeds.  I pushed them back under the soil.

G and I managed to find a table in Town for a very late lunch.  The Music Theater crowd likes to eat before seeing the program.  Most of them were getting into their theater seats at 1:45 as we were walking into a restaurant.  And lunch is so much less expensive.

Daily Notes: July 12th

What grows in the dark of the Moon?

Today I vacuumed the floors and carpets.  I had enough of dog hair puffs along the baseboards.  And I decided to give it a go as they say and try washing a throw rug in the washer.  Last time--I flooded the bedroom carpet (washer is in master bath).  This time--it has gone well.  Now in the dryer tumbling with the three wool dryer balls.   It will feel good to have the rug between the kitchen and television area--CLEAN. Until Riley or G track in some dirt.

I also.....sigh.....changed the bobbin thread in my sewing machine--which involved breaking the sewing needle and then searching the carpeting for the sharp tip--then dropping it-----then searching again.   Finally thread up top and in bobbin --I held my breath to see if we could stitch.  The Bernina is such a Princess.  Works only if she feels like it.

But.....she felt like it and the last quilting is done, the baby quilt is trimmed and ready for binding.  I used to love making and using binding.  Now, I seem to have forgotten it all.  And I have no idea how to do this.  Well, I can remember cutting strips and sewing them together at an angle so the strips are all straight.  Getting it on the quilt and turning the corner.......not a clue anymore.

I have a new Yrsa Crime/Thriller to read.  I finally got and read book one in the series.  I like Thora, the lawyer who gets asked to investigate crimes.  She isn't at all interested in crimes but does a good job of it--eventually.  What I like most is that every other chapter is about her personal life.  She has just met a German Bank Security person and I know, from reading books further along, that they have some sort of relationship.  I am interested in how they got from meeting to where they were in the first two books I read out of order.

It was that way with the Wallander books as well.  I liked Kurt (at first) and so I read the entire series. By the last few books, Kurt was no longer someone I would like to meet.  The author had Kurt doing stupid, mean things.  Turned out the author was giving Kurt Alzheimer's and putting an end to the series.

G is out in the fenced garden re-arranging the grape vines, watering where the sprinkler doesn't reach and as I saw when I finished the sewing on the baby quilt--pulling the strawberry plants out of the first left side bed.  I get no berries.  The chipmunks eat them all.  So wasted space.  The plants will make good compost.  It's a good day to be out there as it's cloudy --as I typed this the sun came out.

Daily Notes-- July 11th

Come on over--I have room for a few visitors.  And Time to visit!!!

Sprinklers were sprinkling.   The green bean seeds have been planted--yippee!!!  The Hollyhock seedlings also are in the ground--not where I wanted them--but in the ground.  The extra celery starts are in the garden.   The few little basil starts are in the garden.   It's all in.

I also watered the Grow boxes as water in them was low.  In the Earth boxes--no water--and the squash plants were wilted.  They looked fine at 10 am and wilted at 12 noon.  We are seeing some roots in the water in the grow boxes.  Tomato plant roots.  Amazing.  So watering the boxes everyday is now on my list.

Three new books from the library.  Bountiful!!!  Connie the book you loved is here!

Croatia Won their game in extra overtime---their third time with extra overtime.  Their legs must be heavy with exhaustion.  They play again on Sunday--against France.

Last night's Music Theater Production was the kind of extravaganza known as "throw everything on the wall and see what sticks".   I was thinking about taking a nap since--my daughter wasn't a little girl when Beauty and the Beast was a "thing" and I have no grandchildren princesses--and the whole thing is literally a waste of glitter and sparkles as entertainment for adults.   It did seem like women between 25 and 45 found it very exciting.  None of them dressed up in Princess outfits like the 8 to10 year olds.  I found it difficult to follow the story or remember who the characters were--the ones not dressed up like a teapot, clock or candle stick or a Beast with sheep horns on his head.

G and I decided--we are not going to any Future Walt Disney Productions.  I did choose to refuse to see the recent movie.  Last Winter?

Daily Notes--July 10th

Hot again.  In the house trying to quilt the baby gift quilt.  Bobbin tension is not helping today.
World Cup--France wins.  Tomorrow I am helping Croatia mainly because it's closer to where my ancestors come from-- well, the area not the country's name.  Austria-Hungary was a pretty large piece of property in the late 1800's when my grandparents shipped out.

France because I like French things.

Watered.  No green beans seeds planted (again) but I now have the packet right here by the keyboard to remind me.

A/C units are on.  Hot and dry.  No breezes.  ICK.

I had a chopped fruit and vegetable salad for lunch.

Beauty and the Beast musical tonight at the Music Theater in Town.  Until then reading another of Yrsa's very spellbinding thrillers.  Last one was very hard to read.  I had to skip some parts.  I also had to read the end--so I would be prepared.  I knew everyone died--but still.

Daily Notes- July 9

Daily watering is going on.  Transplanted the parsley seedlings to small self watering window boxes last evening. The boxes will sit on the ground on the driveway.  Away from chipmunks.  Hopefully.  Or I will put them on the front porch.  Not the back deck as they have decided to set up housekeeping under the deck.

I watered the porch plants with the hose today instead of hauling water in orange juice jugs.  I like watering with the jugs as I can just quickly pick up a full jug and get water to the plant.  Quickly.  Done. Getting the hose out etc--last year when I did that I tended to water everything and most got over watered.  With the jugs--I tend to give water only where needed.  And I get exercise walking them in to the sink and back out.

Need to plant my green bean seeds today.  After the watering is finished.  AC is back on.  And "hopefully" one of us takes packages to the post office today!!!!

G asked for supper late yesterday and I threw together a pizza.  I had everything needed.  It was good enough.  He enjoyed it and has leftovers for today.  Wants more of the marinaded beef.  So I will mix up the marinade and tuck the beef cubes into it in a bag and then start with the vacuum.  I can see the dust bunnies gathering and growing along the baseboards.  Riley's hair.

Need another box of mushrooms for the future kabobs.

I got a package of these green plastic bags for "better produce storage" at Goodwill.  Months ago.  Now I want more as, guess what?, they actually work.  Produce stays in very good condition for longer than usual.  Which in my case, is good, since I am never sure what days my husband will want to eat.  It's been that way since the heart surgery.  Strange sort of eating disorder.

Sewing machine photo because the other "must do" is to get sewing on the baby quilt.  I got it all planned out in my head last night.  That's the hardest part of making something.  The sewing will all be long seams.  No 2 inch blocks.  Nine sections.  Done and ready to back and quilt.

Daily Notes- July 8th

Found this on Pixby and is there any color combo MORE ME????  Didn't think so.  It's sort of like a really great Weather Map.

Last night's dream--another corker---  Dark hallways.  Open a door and a Chinese delivery guy standing there with a large paper bag.  I take it and close the door.  Suddenly surrounded by small happy Chinese children in happy colored Chinese clothing screaming "Moon Balls".  They took the bag--I grabbed one of the balls--and off they went.  The ball was crispy, deep golden and crunchy.  The center of the ball was empty.  Delicious.   This happened quite a few times.  Until I woke up.

Today I have a few leftover gardening chores.  I've watered the plants outdoors.  I have the sprinkler going for it's daily hour.  I made a quart jar of strong sweet tea for later.  I think it's Time to Vacuum. and I have that Baby Quilt to make before the Baby Shower on July 17th.  Daughter gave me 14 days notice.

Goodwill Time.  Wonder if any Treasures Are Waiting?

Daily Notes: July 7th

Would like to be able to say I was having this for supper.  Hot fudge sauce, pancakes and ice cream. But I don't actually have anything to eat (anything already prepared).  G is eating yesterday's leftovers from Chinese.

It was cooler today so in between the 10am World Cup Match and the start of the 2 pm Match I went out into the garden and planted the long delayed leek seedlings, storage onion seedlings, the last dozen of the cherry tomato seedlings, the dill, the French red marigolds and I added Bumper Crop my favorite top dressing to the soil of everything that looked like it needed a "boost".  Then I watered everything a second time with the sprinkler.  For an hour.

I forgot the green bean seeds.  So I'll get them in tomorrow along with the container of celery seedlings.  I also have some oregano seedlings.  They probably would enjoy being planted as well.

We actually have two windows open and the a/c units off.  A Miracle!!!

G got the grass all mowed and didn't get anymore itchy brown tail moth rash.  Walkers around Town are carrying golf clubs in case they see a rabid fox.  That's the news from here.

Daily Notes July 6

Packages ready for the post office.  Bills Paid.  World Cup watched on FX1--a station way down on the listings.  I don't usually go there.  Maury Povich is holding court on regular Fox.  DNA tests to discover who is the baby daddy.  Crap TV.  Shows like that must make the mostly white audience feel superior.

Isn't this potted dog the cutest.  Makes me want to make one.  I think it must have a really strong armature inside the pots.  Little shards form the ears.

My least favorite bad dream re-appeared.  But I don't think I wrote this particular dream on the paper I gave to the Moon.  So--a note for the next Full Moon.  To take this dream away.  I am lost in a strange area--always dark, not many people or traffic--just alone.  Can't find my money.  Keep searching my pockets and the small carry on luggage I have with me.  No phones anywhere.  And I don't remember numbers.   It goes on and on and on.   I woke up hours late and exhausted.  and....I know this sounds weird...but also scared.  It's a very scary dream.

I know dreams echo what is happening in your awake life.  But I can't think what I feel I lost and can't find?????

So it has been a long day.  I checked my Grow boxes and it looks like the deer did manage to come right up to the boxes and they ate some of the cucumber plants.  I clipped some shade cloth the the backs of the two boxes open to where the deer might walk.  It flaps in the wind. They don't like that.

Lots and lots of baby green tomatoes on the plants.  Stems are as thick as my thumbs.  Been quite a few years since I have grown such sturdy plants.  As a Master Gardener--I think I will have to write a letter to the Grow Box people.  Tell them I am on my way to being a "True Believer" in their system. Never thought I would be saying that as my Earth Box experience has been "not very good".  Last year's peppers in the 2 Earth boxes was a total loss.

Earth boxes are what was sold at my workplace--expensive but the boxes have wheels.  Grow boxes are half the price and no wheels.  I've heard wonderful things regarding Earth boxes from customers.  But G wanted to buy me Grow boxes.  And he was right.  Live and Learn.

Daily Notes- July 5th

Looking for a nice cool shady spot like the one above and the only spot I can find is the house.  With blinds down and closed.  With air-conditioning.  It's like a heavy wet, hot blanket outside.

My remote watering system is working.  I can water what the chipmunks haven't eaten.  Deer fence does nothing to impede the chipmunks.

The three Beach Plums flowered but did not set fruit.  Each of the young peach trees set exactly one peach.  Now, that's double the total of one peach I got last year.  So, Progress.  The blueberries have little green berries.  The heavily pruned and cleared out blackberry patch--looks promising.  Healthy leaves and lots of tiny baby berries (need rain).  The raspberry canes (everywhere) we cut to the ground in April and May are now about 2 to 3 feet tall.  I prefer September raspberries.  No Japanese beetles in September.  My arugula has gone to seed.  The chipmunks have eaten all the parsley.  I have one volunteer bok choy plant.  The celery doesn't seem to interest the chipmunks.

There is nothing to harvest.  Nothing to eat from the garden.  --Well, there is plenty of mint.  Except where I planted it--then there is none.

Read a very very good Scandanavian thriller yesterday-- the Legacy by Yrsa Sigurdardottir.  On my trip to the library today I intend to see what else they have on the shelf by this author.  New to me.
This is the first in a new series with the same characters.  Which is wonderful as I liked the characters.  Another series features Thora so I will look for that as it is to be made into a filmed series. G also needs new books.

I did have my Holiday Hot Dogs but they were pan fried as it seemed silly to go out and get the grill going for a few hot dogs.  We didn't have the Watermelon.  G was trying to get his iPad to work and I was reading.  Right now both G and Riley are sound asleep (11:49 in the morning) behind me.  G on the couch and Riley on the floor next to the couch.  They had their walk early before the real heat arrived.  They will possibly sleep for the next few hours.  Riley is possibly still under the influence of the sedative he got when he started hyperventilating over a few distant rumbles of fireworks last night.  Quite the holiday experience. G just likes to sleep.

Happiness-- Would Be Getting My Hollyhocks Planted

I started some Heritage Hollyhocks back--awhile ago-- and they are ready to go into the garden beds...but it's too hot and humid out there.  And this is a picture from my file--nothing new. The photos do show up--- like 12 hours after I press send.  But by the time the first picture arrived--I had done more stitching.  So, needed a fresh photo.  I can see this being a "thing" of the photo being old news by the time it arrives.

I went to the grocery just awhile ago (and to return books to the library) and Gosh...it's so hot and humid out there.  Like walking around inside a hot pillow.  The grocery store was packed. And one gal decided she was next in line at the deli counter--without a ticket-- the nerve of some people.

I didn't get any books at the library.

G had an email regarding his email account and instead of clicking "okay" he called Comcast.  All they said was "thank God you didn't press"okay""  They checked the security of our account and he still has email and we're buttoned up tight.  Phishing.  Deadly.

World Cup Soccer--missed the morning game but will watch the afternoon matchup.

Riley is not having trouble breathing right now but tomorrow night will be terrible.  The fireworks. He'll panic and hyperventilate and things will be intense.  The Vet gave us something for extreme panic....just incase.

I don't think I will post tomorrow--so Happy Fourth To Everyone.

No Picture

We thought all was working and test images of the bright baby quilt fabric showed up--even today.  But the new picture I sent to my email--well, it's been hours and still nothing.

I may have to reconsider the blog.  As Grace of Windthread would say--without pictures, why bother.

I continue to watch World Cup Soccer and read my books.  The only books I have left are a Scandinavian Thriller and the new Nesbo - MacBeth.  Both dark.  Far different than the light beach romances I have been reading for the last month or more.

I don't know if I am ready for DARK so today I made a new fabric "page" to remind me of June. It turned out better than I expected and I wanted to share that success with you.

My lunch today was good.  A chopped apple, celery, carrot, dried cranberries, and walnut "bowl".  Dressing of olive oil and muscat vinegar.  Salt and pepper.  Sweet was a coconut chocolate chip Larabar.  I need to drink my water.

G has changed out the front door hardware.  To match all the other black doorknobs in the house. It bothered him that the front door didn't match.

My Grow Boxes continue to amaze me.  I have had to add taller sticks (to support) the heavy growth of the tomatoes.  They have nearly doubled in height and width in such a short amount of time (flowers on them but no tomatoes as yet).  The heat (80's) and humidity (high) is helping.  My containers of grocery store annuals (4 to 6 for $2.49) are also amazing.  The blue lobelia is getting ready to tumble over the sides of all three containers.  Never in all my years has this happened.  By now it would have withered and died.  Another amazing thing.

I need to decide where the Comfrey plant is going and get it into the ground.  It gets quite large, so not in the landscape beds.

Happiness-- I did Manage To Get the Picture Here

It has taken quite a bit of trial and error and my entire picture history--all my favorites--are gone.  It's like a massive iPhone failure (to communicate) which has now become --a void on the iMac.  Craptastic as my daughter says.

I had only wanted to send this picture of a stack of fabric to Connie to show her what I am making for my daughter's friend's upcoming baby.  I found the alphabet fabric at Goodwill for two dollars a few weekends ago.  Could it be more perfect?  Don't think so. Today I found a lime green with circles and dots of a darker green.  $3 as I think it might be over 2 yards.  The Alphabet will be the binding.  Going to try to make two baby quilts.  One for Connie and one for the daughter's friend.

I had to use my inhaler at Goodwill.  Air quality is the pits.  We have two A/C units running and it feels good in the house.  The dog isn't panting.  Next 7 or more--  Hot & Humid.  Not good for people or pets with breathing issues.   I closed all the windows and blinds.  Like in the old days of the 1950's when we did that and then all went to spend the day in the chilly damp basement or at the local community swimming pool where everything smelled like bleach.

Well, the dog is barking--someone must be driving down our street.  It's a rare thing and gets Riley stirred up.