Counting Down To Christmas

The day after Thanksgiving and we are in it now.  Christmas.  The season of "making" which is, I think, much better than the season of spending.

I found (always amazes me what I own) a very pretty floral patterned 1940's table square to use for Thanksgiving Dinner. A deep fuchsia pink on cream.  After I worked harder on clearing off the table than I did on cooking the food. I have been thinking and talking about taking some of the textiles in the hall linen closet to a local store called "Hatch" and selling them (at a very steep discount) for less than I paid for them.  They cut the fabric up and use it to make things they sell.  Old quilts turn into pillow cases or other things.  Old holey cashmere sweaters turn into strange stuffed animals for babies.

I had no recollection of owning this particular tablecloth.  It looked and felt like it  had never been used or laundered. And, as I looked at it--I thought--what a pretty apron this would make.  How happy it would make me to wear it.  Use it.  Enjoy it.  An apron is something I could use.  A tablecloth for a bridge table isn't.

I have been asked to "clean" the greenhouse plants each day I work.  I haven't made any holiday boxes or wreaths on a daily basis.  Just once in a while.  So I pick blossoms off plants--making the plants look "fresher".  I think it makes them happier.  They seem to stand up straighter after I clean them up.  Lots of repotting.  I make each little plant and pot into a little "story".  Some get  moss to cover up the dirt (amaryllis) and others get a light topping of bonsai grit.  Some of the cactus get a mix of three to five tiny pebbles and washed sand on the surface of the soil.  I also get to make Bonsai Dish Gardens.  I love that.  Moss, interesting rocks I find up on the hill where we park our cars, bonsai grit.  Uneven surface, never flat.  A tiny hill.  A path.  A story.  A life.  Making Bonsai is where I often make my best tips.  I would LOVE to work at a place that makes and cares for Bonsai.  It wouldn't even seem like work.  It would just be pure joy and contentment.

Monday I am dividing and repotting African Violets for one of my favorite customers.  Possibly 2 or 3 dozen of them.  She knows how to grown them.  Big, healthy plants and lovely to work with.  The ones she gives me don't live long here.  I think I have too many different things and the Violets are used to undivided attention.

Happy Thanksgiving Dear Readers

This is NOT my table or my turkey.  We'll be roasting and eating just a turkey breast this year.  I won't be doing a whole bird and then taking the legs and thighs to work with me to "gift" to any eager employee wanting leftover food on Friday.  And they do want it.

I don't know what the large dish in the top left holds.  Seems like an enormous amount of mashed potato.  The photo is from Food52.

I have made three separate trips to the grocery store and still am missing parts of recipes.  I give up.
I'll make do or not make it at all.  Or make something entirely "new".

My friend and I are walking together at 11am.  I will bundle up and cover my mouth so I don't breathe in cold air.  I will have my inhaler.  I wish, on days like tomorrow, that we walked in an urban, city environment.  A park or block with a place to stop for a coffee or tea.  But we walk in a residential neighborhood and rarely see any other humans.  They drive.  We walk. We talk.

I may insert the sweet potatoes into the oven before the walk and remove them after the walk.  Peel, split, insert butter and brown sugar.  Then make green bean casserole.  Then roast two fat round acorn squash--candied with butter, maple syrup and sugar.  We like sugar and butter.  I enjoy all the chopping involved in making stuffing.  Onions, celery and parsley from the garden.  More butter.  Some eggs.  Mush it all together and press into another casserole dish.  I'll baste it with the stock I make for the gravy.  I bought two turkey thighs and will roast them with onions, carrots and a few cloves of garlic for the stock.  Then I'll peel and halve the Brussels sprouts and get them prepped for  a pan sautee.  I will also be making cranberry sauce.  With sugar, orange peel and brandy.  French brandy.  Lots of it. Hard to be reminded of any mistakes in the menu if the cranberries have enough  brandy in them.

I'm not making pie.  I will make the Pumpkin Whoopie pies on Friday.  I may regret not making pie. But if that's my only regret--so be it.  Daughter might bring a dessert "experiment" which sounds amazing doesn't it?  Then we'll play the annual Scrabble Game.  This is when I miss having my son with us.  The Scrabble Game.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  It's a Holiday for you but for us...it's G's birthday.  He was born just in time for dinner on Thanksgiving Day.

Poinsettias Arrive @ Work

I spent Monday clearing tables for the truckload of "points" as we call them to arrive on Tuesday, in a heated truck.  These babies don't like the cold.  We have a new variety (for us) that is palest pink and white.  Also a neon pink.

I was busy tagging, wiring a hanging loop and adding bows to 48 swags that arrived after 3 pm on Monday.  We work until 5:30 so I was really trying hard to get them all finished.  Sigh. I was three short of the finish line.  I work best under pressure.

Today I was home so G and I set out after Riley's walk to do errands.  We needed new lights for the outdoor wreaths.  And I am always short on lights by the time I get to the bottom of the 8 foot tree.  so I purchased another 200 light string so the bottom of the tree will be brightly lit up.  G also got his Birthday Gift.  A Keurig.  He is busy making flavored coffee.  Hazelnut and Pumpkin Spice.  The house now smells like hazelnuts.

I held off getting this new machine as there is only so much kitchen counter space in our very large kitchen.  It wasn't built with a coffee maker, Keurig, Vitamix, coffee bean grinder in mind.  Thank goodness I have a stand mixer "barn" in the counter by the stove.  If the carpenter ever decides to re-appear--the new kitchen will have additional counters and "barns" for appliances---and outlets to power them.

We stopped at Joann's to look at buttons and Kona cotton (awful colors) and G expressed interest in a paint by numbers set.  Couldn't find that but did find a color by numbers coloring book.  He's using my Prang pencil set but might go to Staples and buy a set of his own.  He needs more "colors".  I am surprised that he wanted this but he said it would be nice to have something to do when Winter comes.

I also purchased five more bags of old fashioned lemon drops.  There is something soothing and comforting about a nice tart lemon drop.  Especially at work.  And sometimes having the lemon drop in my mouth keeps me from making an unwelcome comment.  Which is a very good thing.  And the lemon drops have kept me from commenting on the national news.  When life gives you lemons--- make them into lemon drops.

Riley continues to improve.  He is standing up for his interests and barking like crazy to go out and terrorize the guys putting up siding next door.  Tearing around shaking his toys.  Feeling much better.
I feel sorry for any truck that (beep beep beep) backs into our driveway.

Riley Update

It snowed overnight--just a little bit--but enough to bring happiness to Riley--he rolled it... I asked him to help scrape snow off my car but he prefers the window and the radiator.

Riley is doing really well on the antibiotic and the antacid.  No gagging.  Eating his meals when served.  Sleeping soundly.  Barking. Having a good long walk in the woods with G everyday. Enjoying Life.

He sees the Vet again in two weeks.  Rest easy.......he's good.

Compost

Riley is not feeling well.  Elevated numbers for his pancreas and liver.  Nausea.  He is taking his medicines and sleeping and is still the happy dog he always is.  Happy to be close by his "people".
Still happy to run off and investigate whatever stinky things the neighbors have tossed into their compost pile.  And they seem to always be tossing terrible things into the compost pile.

Today I have a plan.  I have garlic to plant.  I also have to "heel in" my juvenile grasses into the garden for the winter.  I grew Elijah Blue Grass from seeds last winter in the milk jug experiment. They started out as just a thread of blue green.  A blade of "grass". Now, after two transplanting they are about 3 inches tall and in small clumps.  12.  By next year they should be large enough to go into the landscape border.  But this winter they will be in the vegetable garden.

I also have to add some fertilizer to the garden.  I raked leaves (in the dark) the last time I was out there--before it rained.  Pulled up the pepper plants.  Pulled weeds.  The compost bins are packed. All three of them.  Like money in the bank.  Future Dirt.

My compost piles are full of chopped leaves combined with the last grass clippings.  G has to cut the front lawn once more so we'll collect that grass and add it to the piles.  I also have two piles of leaves by the side of the driveway--composting into leaf mold.  Compost.  It takes awhile. I can wait.

All Winter (and actually 365 days a year) I collect "compostables" in a 2 gallon soup pot on the counter.  Kleenex, paper towels, coffee grounds and filters, the dregs of cereal containers, orange peels, apple cores, vegetable scraps, egg shells--- the container is emptied into the bins at least twice a week.  That's about 5 pounds of wet green waste each time.  Dog hair and dryer lint goes in as well.
The leaves falling off the three Ficus Trees in the kitchen (a change in light and Ficus have to drop all their leaves in a sort of hissy fit) also get swept up into the compost bucket.  Junk mail is shredded and put into the compost.  Cardboard from cereal boxes is opened up and laid flat or if I have time--torn into pieces first.  Worms love cardboard.

We recycle what we can't compost.  Once a month or so we put out a small bag for the "garbage" men.  Things that can't be recycled or composted.  Those bags cost us money--so we wait to make sure they are completely full before setting them out.

But no matter how hard I try there is still too much here in the house.  Time to walk around with a big bag or a box and fill it to take to Goodwill.  My son often laments not teaching us how to use eBay. Some of what we have and don't need is actually valuable--to someone else.

I Am Feeling Lonely.

Now that I am 70, I am thinking about who I wanted to be when I was a child, teenager, young mother etc.  I wanted to be friendly and happy and have friends.  I wanted to have people come over to eat at my table, have a drink in the backyard on lawn chairs, or just call me to talk for over an hour.

While we lived in several places--all that happened and it was lovely.

When we moved to Maine, all that stopped.  Maine tolerates people from "AWAY".  They don't open their arms, homes or families to people from somewhere else.  I've lived here nearly 30 years.  I'm still "from away".  The people I am friends with here in Maine are also from away or have moved away and then come back to Maine.  People who know how hard it is to make new friends in a new home.

I'm thinking about that today.  Sitting here alone.  G is working in his workshop trying to clean up a mess he made before his heart attack.  Almost 3 years ago.  I'm lonely.  I finished the last of the Louise Penny books and have to wait until my name comes up on the reserve list for the last book (the current book).  I was starting to feel like one of the residents of Three Pines as I made my way through 10 books.  Hoping Clara would invite me to the next potluck at her house.  Or that I could drive into Town and stop in at the Used and New Bookstore for tea with Myrna.

One thing I wouldn't be doing is writing this post.  No internet in Three Pines.

While I was looking for something in the spare room--I was thinking about going back in time and reliving my entire life--with the things I know now.  About how I should have done the reading and my homework while in school.  I'm good at that now.  Wasn't then.  Also I would be better at choosing clothing and knowing the importance of a GOOD haircut.  Lord, I went through years of bad haircuts--sometimes cutting it myself with dull scissors.  My dad cut my brothers' hair down in the basement or out in the driveway.  If I had the haircut I have now--my dad could have cut mine as well.  Nice and short.

I sometimes think moving here to Maine was a huge mistake.  Too few people.  The population is exactly 1.2 million for the entire large state of Maine.  Same as it was in 1991 when I moved here. There are small towns or cities with that many people.  I guess that's why it feels lonely.

Thank goodness I have the internet.

My Favorite Things

My Favorite Hummel.  In fact, G purchased this same Hummel three times.  We had a black cat at the time.  And I was often stitching.  I have two others I love.  A guy with a suitcase and umbrella going off to see the World.  G.  And another of a big sister reading to her younger brother.  My children--always so young and sweet.  I saw this image on another blog and had to add it to mine. To be reminded.  I don't often go over to the particular bookshelf where they live.  Perhaps I should move them??  Closer.  Yes, closer to my heart.

The greenhouse Open House is now over.  The poinsettias are in the building.  As are the Christmas cactus. I worked Saturday and made State of Maine wreaths.  Did a double sided wreath making demo.  Answered questions.  Helped.  Finished my second to the last Louise Penny mystery while eating my lunch.  Vanilla yogurt with Texas red grapefruit segments.  Wishing that Noosa sold their vanilla yogurt in quarts.  Or the honey one.  Both super delicious.  I have to make do with less than delicious yogurts that DO come in quarts.  The only Noosa vanilla I can buy is 4 ounces.

Set a large pot of water on the stove.  Added chicken thighs, an onion, a few cloves of garlic, carrots, celery, a few sprigs of parsley, salt, peppercorns and cubes of bouillon.  It's cold and G loves chicken soup.

I read my mystery and ate the last of the Tootsie Rolls.  Thank goodness they are gone. Tonight.  PBS and Corfu, Poldark and then Elementary.

G just called from walking the neighbor's dog.  Super Moon.  Riley can I went out to see it.

Just a comment or two on my "elimination" diet.  The soy and peanuts continue to be allergens (rash).  I do find myself getting a rash on my neck and eyebrows  if I eat "too much" white flour in foods. Small amounts of white flour food--not every day--is okay but when I hit a level that my body thinks is "too much" then the rash begins. Another problem yesterday was acid reflux--it may have been coffee--I made certain NOT to sample from the refreshments table.  I only had that one cup of coffee and some cheese.  But I have had more cheese today--very good cheese--and no problems.  So the type of decaf they served might be too acidic.  I have tried oatmeal on several mornings in the past 60 days.  It doesn't seem like a "friendly food" but I will keep trying.  I try not to be boring about this but though a few Readers might be wondering how things are going.  The Alaway eye drops are wonderful.  Takes the eye itch away--immediately.  Over the counter for anyone with itchy eyes.  In the section of stores that carry contact lenses products.

The "Making" Season

We've started work on Holiday Boxes (greens, berries, pinecones on sticks plus a red bow) at work, had the Saturday wreath making class (I was not there).  Now the real work of Christmas begins.  State of Maine wreaths.  Custom work.  More Holiday Boxes than we think possible.  I'll be going home with pine needles in my shoes, socks and if things go as usual--in my underwear.  How they get in there is a puzzlement to all who work with me.

I like making wreaths from scratch.  Like above.  Just a wire ring.  A pile of clipped greens (anything can be used--just go out and cut----but stay on your own property)  Berries.  Holly doesn't do well with freezing.  Winterberry.  But my favorite is artificial.  I have always been a fan of the mix of real and fake.  Fool the Eye.  I need to look up the French word.

I have the pile of summer linen camp shirts ready to move up into attic storage.  I was reminded of summer days in the garden as I folded them.  How is it possible those days are over and gone?  I am not as romantically involved with corduroy pants and thermal long sleeved tees.

Today I am actually making onion soup.  We had things going on and I never had the "kitchen time" to do the slow cooking of the onions.  Carmelization.

Reading my way through Louise Penny's Gamache Books.  Seven down and into number 8.  Number 9 is waiting on the book table.  I read until 4 am with Bury Your Dead.  There was no where to stop. I had to just stay with it until the end.  I confess I hated the first in the series- Still Life (and find that is true with other Readers).

I think I average 2 days on each book.  Reminds me of the Winter I made my way through Wallander. I read in the rolling office chair in the kitchen--trying to get the young Riley to take a nap.  It worked.  He saw me in the chair and would collapse on his bed and sleep for a few hours--between Winter cold walks.  I could roll over to the fridge for a snack or over to the electric teapot for a fresh cup of tea. He knew I wasn't going anywhere interesting (to him).  Now, just having a book open in my hands is enough to put the dog to sleep.

I am working on the felt hearts (buttonholing around the pieces and edges), still testing ideas for the Bee ornaments--perhaps needing to buy buttons for the eyes.  Perhaps even making a few more Santa coats and hats--- they would be cute on top of a gift wrapped in brown Kraft paper.  But then, so would the Bee.  2016 seems like the Year Of The Bee.

I am wanting to take a private class with a quilt artist--but would need to be taking daily progress photos.  I stopped using my digital (or any other) camera long ago.  I didn't like or find I could use the newest addition of iPhoto on the computer in order to download the pictures.  In fact I don't even know which of the icons is actually the photo button anymore.  So, I have to weigh the "want" for the class over the "do not want" of the camera and all that it entails.   I am constantly reminded that taking pictures was such a joy.  And then it wasn't.  We'll see.  You'll see.

Post Halloween

My boss said I had never looked better.  My customers tried not to make eye contact--one reporting my face paint was "too disturbing".   So, Halloween was a success.

I had the MOST unusual day.  A customer came in with a mini white orchid to be repotted.  She asked if I was "the joanne".  I said yes (why not?).  Asked if I could repot.  I said yes.

While putting the little orchid in it's new pot (nestled into damp sheet moss and bark chips) I discovered I am an "urban legion".  How's that for a story?

My customer and her friend were bowling when the orchid gifting happened.  And the bowler in the next lane (unknown to them) suggested they stop at my place of work and ask for "Joanne" to do the repot.  "She's fantastic" the guy said.  "knows everything about everything and is magical".
 Huh???

I (obviously) didn't disappoint as, while repotting, this customer called her friend on the phone and said "I'm here at the greenhouse and SHE'S REAL!!!!!!"  I guess I was everything the guy described and better.  Now, I'm wondering who the guy is????

Halloween Eve

Tomorrow.  I work tomorrow and everyone (it never works out to be everyone) is supposed to be dressed in costume at work.  I have the painted black shirt and leggings.  Painted by my daughter but the bones of the skeleton were drawn with chalk by me---long ago.  Too scary for the toddlers. So, daughter had to turn the top and leggings inside out.

Yesterday (or was it the day before?) I purchased a tube of white and a tube of black face paint.  So, If I want, I can have a skeleton face as well.  I searched U-Tube for a tutorial on the simplest design. Just white paint around the forehead, around the cheekbones and then the chin.  Some black circle smudging around the eyes, a bit around nostrils and a black line exaggerating the line where the lips meet.  Some lines up and down to look like teeth.  Hopefully, easy to remove in case of an allergic reaction.  But I am rubbing some on the inside of my wrist today.  Waiting 30 minutes.  I should know if it will be a problem.

But.......Nothing scarier looking than a full blown allergic reaction.

G bought a big bag of candy.  Something he would eat in case no one rings the doorbell tomorrow night.

I nearly worked myself into an asthma attack going back and forth from bedroom to attic storage room changing over from Summer to Winter pants.  I still need to remove summer shirts from hangers and take them upstairs.  I stood in the attic room trying on pants.  I was left wondering.  The size 20 felt very baggy (which is something I don't mind).  The 18's are okay but too long--I don't like rolling the pants legs--hate hemming.  The 16's fit really good but for relaxing on the couch--I might want something looser.  Like pajamas.  Somehow all the storage boxes have gotten jumbled.  And since I am the only one going up there to look in the boxes--it was me that jumbled everything up.

I returned all the 12's and 14's to the "too small" box.  

I sitting here in size 16 sage green cord pants.  Feeling pretty good about myself.  Last year at this time I weighed 22 pounds (at least) more than I do now and I could barely bend over to pull on my socks.  I can see the bones in my ankles.  Feel the bones in my knees (no swelling). And feel and see my hip bones.  No inflammation.  No water retention.  No Soy in my diet. Let's be thankful for that.

At my lowest weight in 2007--I was only wearing a few size 12's and mostly size 14.  I just seem to have a large bone structure.

Reading my way through the Louise Penny series of Chief Inspector Gamache books. (Three Pines). Way, way too much time spent detailing meals.  Artery clogging meals.  Lucky for me--none of the foods described appeal to me.  Scrambled eggs with Brie?  GAG.  Eggs Benedict dripping with hollandaise????  Double gag.  I am enjoying tiny shiny skinned clementines right now.  And the Coconut Chocolate Chip Larabar.  $3.71 for a box of 5 at Target.  I have no idea why this one flavor costs less than all the others.  But I bought a bunch to last until December 24th.  My last day at work.

When It Gets Cold Outside---French Onion Soup

I need to go to the store  tomorrow and get a gigantic bag of onions, bread and good cheese.  And make lots of soup.  G and I adore French Onion.  I always think we'll have enough for two meals--and then we eat all of it in one sitting.  I love the crispy bits stuck to the edges of the bowls.

I read on the internet that the onions can be slow cooked in a crockpot instead of on the stove being monitored for hours.  We'll see.

I spent the entire day at work (today) outside in the blustery cold.  Cutting back perennials.  Happens every year.  No one else will do it. Well, they will but not for longer than 10 to 20 minutes. They all stayed inside in the warmth of the cash registers.  I would rather be anywhere but by the cash registers.  But I cut everything back and now it's ready to be sent back to the "mother ship" to hibernate for the winter.

Winter.  It's coming.  The day it rained, our large blue wheelbarrow filled up with rain water that came off the roof (good spot for a rain barrel) and this morning the water inside was frozen.  Ice chunks.  That's a good signal that I need to get into the garden and clean up my messes.  Plant my garlic and the white daffodils I purchased.  I hauled in another million green peppers.  What was I thinking??????

So, my work for the next four days (off) is set.  If it rains--well, I'll just have to cozy up to the sofa and read--all day.  Here's hoping it rains--at least one whole day out of the four.

Biscuits

I used to make a pan of biscuits--like anytime G or I were hungry for a "snack".  He never gained weight--but I did.  This image of biscuits being cut--well, it brings back so many memories.  Of early marriage, small babies and toddlers.  No money.  Love.

I baked biscuits the 6 years we lived in Georgia.  No biscuits were baked in Florida-- and there was no love there either.  I'm not sure any biscuits were baked in Illinois or Germany.  That's twelve full years of no biscuits.  I think I've made biscuits here in Maine.  Well, I should hope so in 25 years. But few and far between.  I've baked more pizza here.  More apple crisp.  Lots more chicken soup.

Today I have been very busy in the kitchen.  A big pan of meatballs was roasted in the oven.  Followed by a large butternut squash in cubes.  Roasting now.  On the stove top, a pan of onions, red and green peppers (the garden is still producing peppers) plus four hot frying peppers.  Nice and brown and delicious looking.  In the freezer, another pan of green peppers freezing solid for future chili making (for me--no one else likes it).  Once the squash is "golden brown and delicious" the cast iron pot filled with meatballs and marinara (Trader Joe's) will go in and cook for an hour. Later, during the football game--I will be making pizza with a sourdough crust.  Pepperoni with mushrooms  and onions.  Some red peppers on my side.

We had big rain last night.  Five inches.  Not enough to do much about the severe drought.  But it was nice to hear it pounding on the roof and windows.

I have book 2 to read.  I like reading books in order.  I also promised a young co-worker to show her the felt bee I am making.  So I need to start in on it.  So much advance time goes into the deciding what to do--and the pattern making---and then it goes pretty quickly.  The first paper bee was too thin and looked more like a Christmas Wasp.  This one I am working on is chubby.  More like a bee.  We'll see--and you will see when it is done.

The oven alarm went off.  Time to check the butternut cubes and then slide the meatballs into the oven.  I still have to vacuum and dust.

Before Winter

We are enjoying a very warm, often sunny, Fall day here in Maine.  G is across the street mowing the grass and picking up leaves on the neighbor's front lawn.  I have today and tomorrow off.

I've already done some laundry.  Watered some plants.  Taken bags of compostable things to the compost pile (which will be filled up with the collected leaves and grass from across the street), I have another 50 pages to read in my book.  The next one is waiting for me at the library.

I had to go into the sewing room again last night during the debate.  Could not listen to any more.  Where has common decency gone?

I eventually managed to get enough squares together to make a rectangle.  So many parts and pieces of this "would be quilt top" are missing.  I was going to just make placemats out of the newly reconstructed top, but now I am seeing it as more of a Frankenstein Monster.  Which could work as "art" in 2016.  By not watching the debates I have created a monster (or Zombie).  Of sorts.  It helps that I used black thread to zigzag the squares together.

I am also quite close to starting in on the 2016 felt Christmas ornament.  The Bee.  I found some beige felt in the felt container (for wings) which was hidden under 10 or more other containers in the attic.  Now I have quite a bit of bland felt.  I do need more felt with vibrant colors--I was on Pinterest.
So many really cute ideas to test drive.  Winter projects.

I am going to be at work on Halloween.  Employees are planning to wear costumes.  I don't have a costume.  Never have had one.  No idea of how to create one.  Any ideas?

I ate Rice Krispie treats (too many) yesterday at work and came home with the skin around my eyes burning and itching.  So much for "dust" being the instigator.  I washed my face and then applied Cortizone 10 for Eczema and it calmed down.  In my hunger and boredom crazed mind-- Rice was a safe food and therefore Rice Krispie Treats were also safe.  Well, there is soy.

Also turns out Zyrtec for allergies = weight gain.  An unpleasant side effect of not sneezing and itching.  Note to self:  Pack an extra big lunch.

Bread--Essential and Singular--Food

I LOVE bread.  I have been having toasted New York Rye (When Pigs Fly) every other morning for breakfast.  Some days my eyebrows itch, somedays they don't.  My asthma doctor says I don't have a food allergy.  That the days my eyebrows itch is a day when I have breathed in dust.

As much as I would LOVE to believe him--- I really don't want to test his theory by eating bread everyday.  That rash is really awful.  I don't like walking around looking like I got a really bad sunburn all around my eyes.  Like red swollen googles.  And it itches.

But.

If I had to give up pasta to have bread in my life---I would.  Right now I have neither.  Just steamed white Jasmine rice.  Rice pasta was very weird.  Rice flour is like eating sand.  So, just rice.

Politics and Football are making me a real nervous wreck these days.  I had to get up at halftime and make G something to eat (pulled pork and shredded cheddar on a flour tortilla--fried in a frying pan till crispy)  and I pulled out some felt hearts I had kitted up for a class years ago and have already completed three.  I have even added the backing and stuffed them.  Hearts with three leaves in the center then topped with two stacked circles.  All the pieces buttonhole stitched in red or gold.  Now that I have found a good green--the next three will have some green buttonholing.  The completed heart is about 6 inches wide and 6 inches tall.  I have a burgundy and cream one but no felt with which to make the backing.

I had three library books.  But I had read two already (long ago) and the third was only a 7 day loan.  Then I had no books.  Today, G went and picked up one book.  And it's one I haven't read.  Hoorah!!!

Still trying to find an allergy doctor.  Most of them are 60 to 90 minutes away on high speed highways like I95.  And most appointments (I can get) are with a Nurse Practitioner.   My experience with NP's is that they like to try and do everything to you.  Whether you need it or not.  They just want to. And they aren't doctors.  I don't mind seeing them for follow up visits--- when a real doctor has seen me and started a treatment plan.  I have one potential doctor.  But I need my primary to make a referral.  So, I'll be on the phone tomorrow.  My Primary may not like this doctor.  We'll see.

The Thread Is Calling Me

I have skeins of beautiful colored threads on the "work" side of the dining room table.  It's getting colder each day and I am ready to settle down to do some stitching.  I have an idea for another Christmas ornament.  A Bee.  Since Bees have become rather important of late.  A Gardener's Tree should have a Bee or two on it.  But that means a trip upstairs to the jumble that is my fabric collection to see if black felt, greenish gold wool and some beige wool exist already--before going shopping.  And I was thinking about making more Santa coats and hats.  To add to Christmas gift packages.  I still have a supply of red and white felt.  And black for the belts.  Perhaps enough black for a few Bees.

I read several blogs where the author/artist is making repetitious lines of patterned thread on a daily basis as a sort of journal.  I have tried this in past years to see what it was like.  It doesn't work for me.  I have to actually be "making" something--otherwise it speaks only of wasting time and materials and I can only do that for a short while before becoming disenchanted.  Never mind that they install these items in shows. I often wonder what the early stitchers (in Time) would think of this?

The things early stitchers made were almost always made for utility.  Now we make things that have no useful life.  Perhaps this trend began with Samplers.  They had no "use" other than to show the skill of the Maker.  And then, of course there were the embroidered collars, cuffs etc of the Kings and Queens.  So, perhaps, the making of things that have no practical use other than to show the skill of the maker is actually part of the history of Stitch.  But long, long strips of the same repeated stitch???
What do you think?

I have an unfinished Charity Quilt that was started with donated blocks during my term as President of my Quilt Chapter.  I was given the blocks (to sew with borders) into a top.  I did that.  then a few volunteers basted the quilt sandwich and even started hand quilting.  Then all work stopped.  And the project was folded into a bag and stored.  I was going to quilt it.  But the donated batting is puffy so not suited to machine quilting.  Then I thought  I would "big stitch" quilt it by hand.  Going along fine until G noticed the four rail fence blocks that looked like swastikas.  I added appliqué to hide the symbol in three but the fourth resolutely stays visible.  No group would be happy to get the quilt for an auction.  So now what do I do with it?  Basted.  One third tightly handquilted.  Sigh.

The Possibility Of Eating Eggs

I need PROTEIN.  My diet is now 95% vegetables, fruits and the smallest amount of wheat and dairy.
I am starting to feel cold all the time (like G) and not very "vigorous" when it comes to doing heavy lifting at work or at home.  G bought me chicken tenders.  They weren't good.  Ham and cheese "roll ups" are okay but if I have them too often--acid reflux.  Actually, anything too often causes acid reflux.  I am such a delicate thing.  LOL

I'm thinking a nice fried egg on top of whatever else I am eating?  Will it be safe????

I have been using up the red peppers from the garden.  Sauteed with onion, kale and some roasted Delicate squash half moons.  Over rice. White rice--brown = acid reflux.  Lunch has been Romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrots and EVOO with Balsamic.  No weight loss.  I am holding steady at the exact same number (over three months now).  So--protein for the "not so interested in meat" person I am.  Can have a Noosa yogurt once or twice in the same week with no problems.  Not two days in a row.  I feel like a science experiment gone wrong.

Now that we are drifting faster and faster into cold weather (G wants the furnace on), I am going to give oatmeal a trial.  If the rash or acid reflux comes back--then I am done with Oatmeal and it's more delicious sister Granola.

Oh--I had a doctor's appointment today--my numbers for the dust?  Off the charts.  REALLY allergic to dust.  My Primary Care doctor looked at the numbers and said "pffft...everyone is bothered by dust".  The Pulmonary Doctor looked and said "we have a real problem here".  I mean, I could actually stop breathing.  For good.  And I would miss writing to all of you!!!  My chest hurts just thinking about it.

And Finally Season Five Of Longmire

I was afraid they were just going to stop making this series.  But it's SO GOOD.  I grew up watching Westerns on my Grandmother's black and white.  Grandma loved Barbara Stanwick.  She was the grand dame of a Western cowboy family.  When my grandmother departed Europe at 16 and arrived in America, not speaking any English, ---well, we never talked about how difficult that was.  But she dove headfirst into "American Ways".  Soap operas and Westerns, once television was invented.

Longmire is something my grandmother would have enjoyed.  Not so much the modern psycho killers but the long stares and few words.

And it's back.  G and I will have to set aside a snowy Winter weekend to binge watch the new season.

Today we are enjoying "some" rain.  Not much, but everything is wet.  On the surface.

Yesterday I watered my green pepper plants (they were looking wilted) using water from the water barrel in the garden, pulled the green bean plants out of the garden, pulled up the bolted lettuces, snapped off a big bunch of kale leaves to cook, wished there were more beets.  I harvested another 10 to 18 peppers.  I sure did have an amazing "pepper" year.  I also picked another cup or two of raspberries.  I now have a full quart in the freezer.  Need to find a whole milk, non-Greek yogurt--that isn't soupy so I can start having fruit and yogurt again for lunch. Especially when red grapefruit from Texas is back in the stores.

It's been too "chilly" to be making smoothies.  But I have so much fruit in the freezer than I need to be making something out of it.  Yes, I do know people drink smoothies year round.  People at work are eating ice cream bars--and we are wearing three layers of clothing.  Not me--but only because soy is listed in the ingredients on each and every bar.

Riley had a dog friend stay with us yesterday.  A one year old.  Riley is exhausted.  He slept in until 9am (usually up at 5am) and then went right back to sleep.  Aine really wore him out.  G and I ended up overfeeding the pup (accidentally).  So, her owner assures us we will be her favorite dog sitters--forever.

Extreme Drought Conditions In Maine.

We are experiencing something for the very first time.  since moving here to Maine in 1991--there has always been enough ground water--due to heavy snowpack in the Winter months.  Last winter was what we Mainers called an "open winter" meaning the ground was bare most of the time.  No snow pack.  And now no water in the many wells that families use.

We have Town water.  But it too, may, at some point, run dry.

G and I are thinking of getting some rain barrels for next year.  Storing rain water that runs off the roof--if and when it rains.  Any readers have experience with rain barrels?

Today was sunny and 72 here in Maine.  There have been enough frosty nights to turn our trees yellow, orange and red.  When the sun shines--it's really amazing.  Everything glowing.  Pumpkins are everywhere as are the Pumpkin Lattes.  The only pumpkin thing I like is pumpkin pie.

My cold is just about gone.  Still coughing and a bit tired but I have the weekend to rest up before next week at work.  I spent time on the couch.  Reading two entire mysteries.  Watching Storage Wars in a sort of "binge".  Watching Project Runway.  Watching Worst Cooks in America.  Love it when their frying pans catch fire.  This week they had to clean and cut up chicken livers to make a ragu sauce.  UGH.  I will NEVER do that.  And I also slept--waking only when the dog pushed his nose into my arm--to wake me up.  Remind me that he hadn't been served his luncheon.

We haven't had a "real" meal in about two weeks.  Since the stuffed cabbage.  G heats up something or makes a sandwich.  I cook rice and eat it with zucchini butter or chopped tomatoes (still have tomatoes) or I have yogurt.  We are both eating Noosa yogurt.  It's not Greek processed so not as acidic.  I just wish it came in a 4 cup container--plain.  There are always new flavors.  Some good--some weird-Peach habanero.

I haven't made any homemade Larabars.  Still trying to figure out which one is my favorite.  The coconut cream pie was very nice as was the chocolate coconut chew--but I think that one may have set off the eczema on my eye brows.  Apple pie is good.  Carrot cake was yummy but today--it just didn't do it for me.  I still haven't tried the Chocolate Brownie.  I may try the Samoa.  That's my favorite Girl Scout cookie.  And it has to be "my favorite" if I make a batch--of 10 or 12.

I Have A Cold

This happens.  When I am away from the public for any extended time and then "re-enter", I pick up all sorts of germs.  There is a "cold" going around where I work (teenagers and college students).  Now I have it.  Stuffy nose, cough, stuffed up head, chills.  If it's the flu--more fool am I.  I refused the flu shot.  But the timing was such--I would be sick anyway.

The Oil Company plumber is downstairs working on the piping to the hall radiator.  We are hoping a change of "venue" for the pipes will result in a warmer hallway.  It's pretty noisy.  So no napping until he is done-- especially when the soldering of the pipes sets off the fire alarm.  That was exciting.

G is going to work.  Riley has had his walk.  I am here with a book to read and Netflix to watch. My rhubarb pie turned out to be very "tart".  Delicious but needing a bit more sugar.  I may just sprinkle the pie with the additional sugar.  And the pie was delightfully ruby red.  So often, rhubarb is green. Turns out the stuff I am growing (finally) is going to be very red.

Well, it's time for more DayQuil.  Every four hours.  And it makes me sleepy.  G promises to remember to buy green NightQuil so I can sleep tonight.

Thinking About Making A Rhubarb Custard Pie

Nice and old fashioned.  And I do enjoy making and rolling out a good pie crust.  I have quite a bit of sliced rhubarb in the porch freezer.  I'm going to get up and take 4 cups of frozen rhubarb out of the freezer--right now--and then come back and tell you about my day yesterday.

Okey dokey.  I had forgotten how good the rhubarb was this year.  Nice and red.  Going to be a wonderful pie.

Yesterday at work, I taught Bulb Planting twice.  I only expected to teach in the morning.  But a bunch of people showed up for the 2 pm "class".  I tried very hard to stay within the one hour timeframe.  But they kept asking questions.  So, we went over in both classes.

Midpoint a woman who had stopped by at the 10by10 Art Sale on Friday to say she was "coming to see me tomorrow at work" stopped in.  Last year I had pruned and sprayed and tried with all my might to save a sickly Hibiscus that was a favorite of her recently deceased husband.  Customers come to me with more than just plants.  Sometimes it weighs heavily on me.  Emotionally.

Well, she did come to the store and asked me to come out to the car to "see" the plant.  Trepidation.  My goodness--I was nervous.  And then we opened the car door and this gloriously leafed out, healthy, Hibiscus greeted me.  I was so happy I teared up.  So did she.  We hugged.  It was just about the nicest thing to happen to me in a long time.  There have been so many "nice" things happening since I came back to work.  I am truly grateful.

My two entries into that 10by10 sale on Friday?  They both sold.  I was gobsmacked with surprise and joy.  All at the same time.  Truly grateful.

Life is good right now.  I wish my eyes would stop watering--but that's small beans as a co-worker often says.  Now--on to the pie crust and the pie.  And the Patriots game at 1 pm.