October Notes- Tuesday the 15th. Sunshine here in Maine. 45 degrees. Again.

 Heather.   Trying to do some housekeeping in the picture files.

I woke up.... made a call to the Oil Company first thing even before breakfast or the paper (on hold for quite a bit of the phone call) regarding Propane for the new- (I am hopeful) generator in January....I now..have a date, a name and a time.....  more than I had the last time.  I'd like to get this show on the road.  Then I had my breakfast and read the paper...got one number on the daily Sudoko.  One.  I try not to use the Sudoko as a guide to how the day will go.  But....one number...pathetic.

I have a book for you- Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford.  Don't all scream at once now- but it's NOT A ROM COM.... A very sweet story of a woman making the best of a raw deal as a teenager.....a woman who likes to bake and fills out an application for Britain Bakes- aka the Great British Baking Show.  I went into this book with a lack of enthusiasm but by the end....gosh.

The Birding Book could have been as good but the author went in for some of the raunchiest sex- I wanted to scrub my eyes..... and it actually ruined the book for me.  Yes....I like romance.  Not this.  Birding with Benefits is not going on my home bookshelf.

I haven't selected a book for today as yet....put extra sugar in my tea...needing a boost.  I am considering a load of laundry...I haven't run out of underwear yet, but the basket is full.

I might sort out the left side of the paperwork dresser drawer (in the dining room)- husband's side...and make use of the entire large wide drawer for "Bookkeeping"- bills, records, taxes etc.....all divided up.  Not one huge pile. Like I have now over on my side.

I haven't started in on the home made onion soup as yet...perhaps today...it feels like a Soup Day. I hope the Sun is shining where you are .....  and now- to make my second cup of hot sweet tea.... and get on with it.

October 14th. A cloudy Morning. 45 degrees- I slept until 10am.

 No notes on the what or where of this image....Others come to the desktop space with notes.

Yesterday (and today)'s book is Birding With Benefits. by Sarah Dubb.  It's been enjoyable up until the last 10 or so pages (I read before bed) sigh  when it sort of went off the rails.....I mean these are both two very shy people....I don't think they would behave as depicted in the last three pages I just was forced to read.  The Benefits segment of the relationship.   Bizarre.

I watched football...son didn't....we made pizza.  It was wonderful.  I am thinking about the first weeks with my son and I making Sunday Pizza....we tried a variety of toppings...now we are sort of in a rut... so, we need more topping to choose from... onion and pepperoni is not enough.  I hadn't purchased a red bell pepper last Friday...we had been adding that.  

I am sitting here typing BEFORE eating breakfast and my Son just mentioned I should eat first and then as I type while my blood pressure will be leveling out (going up)......so a short post so I can eat my breakfast...... perhaps eventually things here will be....as he wants them to be....but I often find the things I do and say..... odd....and I am the one doing and saying.....so I don't know if things can or will improve...

I am singularly complicated......now..where did I leave my socks??????

Another Chilly October Morning- Sunday the 13th. Short Power Outage. Minutes not hours.

 David Hockney Pop Art.

So...the power went out this morning or overnight...we had a great deal of wind.  Son said he was very happy to hear the blower on the heating system making noise.... I slept thru the excitement. Had to reboot the computer....Always fun to see if I remember the log in.....

I read a book yesterday- ...I had thought it was one I had started and not enjoyed but...it was one I had enjoyed reading and I enjoyed it yet again.  What You Save In A Fire.  K. Center. Same author as The Bodyguard and the Rom-Commers.  There are more- Just have to find them.

Today's book is Not The Girl You Marry.  Role swapped How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days. We'll see. I have ten more books so if today's doesn't catch me right away- I'll move on.

Pizza on deck for  Football Sunday.  I watch the games- my Son does not.  I also read while watching the games.  Daughter did laundry and now Son is doing laundry....I have a basket full myself.  Daughter's washer is fixed but now her drains are clogged.  It's a very old house.

Trying to turn over a New Leaf.  Pay bills as they arrive not wait until I have three or four and then write checks.  I liked the old way very very much- this new way seems.... sigh.

The deer have come each evening and eaten parts (foliage) of the Ornamental Planters...Last night my Son reports they finished off the large one.  I am not in the mood today to empty, sift artificial soil, and carry the planters back to the side yard.  I'll think about it tomorrow... (Gone with the Wind)

Wow my neck is feeling chilly....Winter, is coming....sigh. Even with the Sun.

In the paper, a family looking for their Wife/Mother find her pocket book in the mud but not her......she was swept away in the hurricane flooding.  Heartbreaking.

Another Saturday Morning.... October 12th. Sunshine and 59 degrees. Left over hurricane wind in Maine.

 I selected this image, blind from the desktop, not knowing what would show up.....

I finished watching all the recorded PBS  Van der Valk series in my TiVo file.  Another two episode one will record this Sunday and next.   I am going to move onto another recorded series. I think a dark Police Procedural...if and when I recall the name I will let you know.  

I believe I had three meals yesterday- well, I ate three times.  Nothing was on a plate or in a bowl. I didn't sit at the table for any but breakfast which was actually in a bowl- Shredded wheat biscuits and milk. Took me a minute to recall the bowl, milk and table.   

I have some dumpling like things in the freezer I need to crisp up in the frying pan- now that I have a working stove....I have suggested Chinese takeout but...nothing happened.

Very slow start today.....I am sorting thru lots of emotions....like waves of memories and stuff...like the junk that washes on to the shore out of the ocean.   One book was great, the seocnd- 10 pages in I said- stop-- and then I went to bed-  today I will select something else and I may just watch the Saturday Cooking Show on PBS.  I have recorded old vintage Julia Child Baking Shows.... and like I said I need to clear out the TiVo recordings.  Before I buy a new one.

Windy today.  Things blowing around out there.  Really strong wind.

Daily Notes- on a Sunshiny October Friday....grass has been mowed- hope some of the acorns got sucked into the mower.

 Buck Bank Hill by Andrew Gifford- Coming out of a Shadow Images.

Reading the morning paper.....Living thru the Republican spin on FEMA.  Smoke, Shadows and Lies. Someone named Margery was quoted as saying the hurricane never happened. Next up- the Earth is flat and we might slide off the edges........ send money......  

Reading Katherine Center's The Bodyguard.  I might just start over and read it twice.  Then read the next book- the Rom-Commers yet again.  Two of last week's picks are going back unread- first 20 pages- no go. I will also check the shelves to see if there are others....she has written quite a few books.

Groceries and Library today.  Big Excitement.

I haven't cooked or baked anything....I have eaten almost everything in the fridge that was mine... The cough syrup has helped tremendously to stop the dry cough..... my hands keep typing couch.  Not cough.

So...Life goes on.  No to the propane people showing up. sigh. I need to call on Monday.

My tea is warm not hot so I'd best take my vitamins....before I forget.  90% of my morning pills are vitamins... plus my tiny statin and a Tylenol.  I doubt the statin even registers......the Tylenol...not sure it has any affect on the old thigh bone and joints..which ache most days now that I am officially OLD. I walk like I need a support system to make sure I don't fall down.  My thigh bone injury predates my Son by 7 months. and here we are together... my painful unstable thigh bone and my middle aged son.

For years and years I identified the injury as my hip...it was ALWAYS my thigh bone. My new- really abrupt doctor corrected me on my first actual visit.  Showed me the X-Ray... went back to typing and we didn't say anything else to each other....until the nurses came to give me shots and take me down to the lab..for bloodwork....then I went home.

Yep...I have to finally admit to Old Age.  Plan out the movements of getting into and out of my very tall poster bed without face planting.  I usually just fold and roll. Hope my feet touch first not my face.

That's it for today....I have on a linen shirt (over a long sleeved thermal) not the usual sweater and I am feeling a chill.  The wool sweater belonged to my husband and he never wore it...his other sweaters are cotton....useless. Going to Goodwill.

A sunny Thursday in October....50 degrees.

 New artist. Andrew Grifford Coming Out of a Shadow.  A series I will have here.

So..I got a call at around 3 pm from my Master Gardener Classmate.....a lecture at the library on drying food for storage.... dehydrating. 6 pm.  We sliced apples while listening to the speaker.  There was a raffle of sorts for the big dehydrator...my Classmate- a very charming woman- won... Neither of us could lift the thing. Let alone carry to the car....

The largest takeaway here.....she invited me and I said yes.  I can't believe it either.

I haven't turned on the TV as yet to see what happened in Florida.  The newspaper is here but would not have overnight news.  

Son is feeling cold and wants more heat.

I haven't made soup as yet.  I was reading a book- The Marrying Game by Kate Saunders.  Sort of Pride and Prejudice.  I think I wrote Little Women yesterday- I was wrong.  Actually very modern take on Pride and Prejudice.  I have a few others in my bookcase... I tend to collect them.  There is a series about a family of decendents of a Raja that I love reading and re- reading..... I should do that again.  I had read the Marrying Kind before....years ago I think but recalled some of it towards the end.

While at the Library I returned books and picked up two reserves that had arrived...

I ate the cut off ends of the apples my Master Gardener Classmate was cutting into slices.  I was nervous the entire time she had a knife in hand.  She's a nurse so would be expert at blood stoppage. And the knife wasn't sharp enough to cut smoothly.  I seemed like the only one not wearing yoga clothing..even the men.  Which of these people doesn't belong here........ Also I hadn't brought a sports water bottle with me.   I always feel so very strange. Here.  There.  Like a visitor from another World. Even Here.

October 9th- a Wednesday. Sunshine and 45 degrees outside.

 Overnight Oats.   Never, never have tried this (and don't plan to).  But I have lots of jars just like these.

The Angry Soccer Guy book- Well, Sunshine Met Grumpy ended and then there were a few pages after to tell what happened one year later.  An odd ending, not great but still fine.  This author seems to have written other books so today I will go hunting in the Maine Cat. I wonder about the missing year.

I turned up the heat to 65 (from the overnight 62).....my cough seems much "less" and I feel fine- the blue syrup does the job.  My Landscaper worked on pressure washing the sidewalks and then weeded the left side bed....not much left there as it has turned out all the "green" stuff is weeds not actual "plants"....and it rained so the fertilizer the Tru Green guy sprinkled has now been activated... quite a turn around.

Trees being taken down across from me-number 11.  My landscaper walked over to talk to My tree guy...said lots of trees....he is also set to work next door...more trees.

My lawn is covered in acorns...and I am worried about people I know (and love) in Florida..... Tampa Bay.  They also have a home in North Carolina....sigh.

I have not chosen a book for today as yet.  I have quite a few on the shelf.  Waiting.

I need to put on my socks....ankles are chilly.

Not sure about breakfast cereal.....cold or hot... one banana left and three pears.  Enough ham and cheese for a roll up today and tomorrow?  Maybe only today.  I might have to invent something for Thursday. There is always peanut butter or just butter.  New supplies on Friday Grocery Day.

I had the Progresso Split Pea Soup yesterday for mid-day meal....the peas were sort of crunchy.  I am NOT trying any more Progresso Soup....I will have to actually make soup.   Like two Winters ago when I made soup quite often.  Today I might actually try a can of the Wendy's chili my daughter bought me...She bought a lot of it....I don't know....I just don't know. It might be good.

That's it for here...I need to put on my socks as my ankles are cold....the Sun is shining...I have to decide on Halloween Candy...something I like...since we get maybe three trick or treaters on this street. No longer teen agers living here and stopping by.  I have to choose a book for today.  Mystery or Romance.

Daily Notes- on October 8th. Sunshine here in Maine. Rained most of yesterday.

 Onion soup- still on my mind.

Yesterday and today's book... "when Grumpy met Sunshine" by Charlotte Stein.  Retired British Soccer Star needs a ghost writer for his autobiography.  He's really really angry...she is, as he says, "dressed like a large (plus sized) cupcake".  I am less than half way in...they argue about every single thing. Loving every minute of it.  She signed him up for online shopping..Amazon I think...he didn't have a TV. Or anything else in his huge empty house. He seems to be following her around....... he is famous as a foul mouthed angry soccer star who doesn't talk very much. Other than the swearing. Very inventive swearing. And according to the ghost writer- makes a fine cuppa tea.

I have every item for the Onion Soup... in the pantry..... that could even possibly be used to make "Onion Soup" out on the counter. Ready to Rock and Roll as they say.  Not ever sure who "they is"......but we'll just roll with it.  Quote marks because it would be imposter onion soup at best or worst.

The internet says I should do the sliced onions in the oven with butter until deeply brown....then proceed with broth etc.  I also have Lipton Onion Soup Mix... as to wine....I believe there is a bottle someone gave me...somewhere... a nice white....I only buy myself red.  I successfully baked a cake so browning onions in the oven should do okay unless I walk away land leave the stove untended..  You'll get an update tomorrow...I might have NOT made soup.

One thing you can depend on- I am unreliable...100%.

I am in something of a Sad Space right now.....realizing I am old.  Realizing HOW OLD..  Time is running out. In that context even the promise of Onion Soup does nothing to cheer me up. Hardly anything is cheering me up.....Even my TiVo is close to it's Use By expiration date.  As am I.  Might have 8 more years.  Match my dad. Who lived longest so far. In my genetic family.

I think I slept well last night.....no coughing until morning.....The blue cough syrup works wonders. The garbage truck has come and gone..... Tuesday's high point unless the Propane People show up.  Getting a whole house generator is a slow as molasses enterprise.  Propane comes first. 

My front sidewalks and porch are being bleached and power washed.....I found my husband's power washer (now that I know what one looks like) in the back shed......Never been used?  There are some other things in the shed as well....I don't know what they are. Yet.  We had generator gas that she is using. Left over generator gas with Stabelizer.

Well, that's it for today- I managed to write an essay it looks like....

what would it be like to just sit here for a hour a day and just type......whatever comes to mind...and then at the end of the month read it all...it would sort of be like this........

Monday Post- October 7th. Raining here in Maine...all day.

 Not that we are eating anything like this....but not a bad idea.  Been awhile since we had Chinese.

Slow wake up for the internet here...could be the rain... any thing can interfere with transmission lines these days.

I am sitting here in the half light, I didn't turn on the lamp behind me...with my lukewarm breakfast tea and my small dish of Daily Vitamins.  Which I just swallowed.   I am also sneezing.  House Air. Dry.

The newly weeded bed in front of the porch is filling with rain water.  My son and daughter took the window AC units out....daughter came to do laundry and have Sunday Pizza with us.  Family. Nice to have them both here. And the pizza was perfect, yet again.

I am coughing....congestion.(not as much as yesterday)  Productive coughing which is always better than non-productive.  I had this last Winter and perhaps the Winter before as well......indoor dry air.  I need to ask my Son to go get me some cough medicine and/or cough and cold capsules.....I used the capsules last year at this time... but it's raining. I would also like him to pick up my library books.....it's a long ways to next Friday...but it's raining.  Time on the couch sneezing and coughing- best to just sit and read.  I used to use the time to hand sew....but that was long ago, it seems.  Dog and I watched Law and Order.  I miss him today.

I managed to work my way thru another 3 or 4 hours of PBS Amsterdam crime drama.  Emptying the TiVo one day at a time.  I missed most of the football games.  I checked in later in the day... not a great year for football. Washington...I would watch those games but not here in Maine.  Perhaps if the scores are always 30 something to almost nothing...we'll see some of them here in Maine??? Don't count on it. We sure aren't watching the Patriots.  They should just stop playing and try again next year. Team traded away any players that had monetary value in the off season it seems.  I see them doing a great job on other teams.

That's about it for today...I am thinking-- considering---trying to make some onion soup for today...I have dry onion soup mix and a basket of nice onions....Not the right cheese or bread for croutons.  I just feel like Onion Soup...Very comforting.  I will ask the internet for help with a recipe.

 

October Days- No sunshine as yet and 52 degrees and cloudy here in Maine.

 The tree across the street has colored and is dropping leaves... my trees are still green and dropping acorns.  No idea as yet if it is a mast year- the amount to acorns foretells the winter here in Maine. The guy with my leaf and acorn blower has not come by and taken care of things....I think he is having a bad year or he is waiting for the majority of stuff to land on the lawn before coming by.  Most likely waiting.

I am about to switch from Bran Flakes to hot oatmeal for breakfast....  depending on the temperature outdoors.  I also might go further and have Cream of Wheat.....my actual favorite cold weather cereal topped with butter, sugar and cinnamon like my grandmother fixed it for me as a single digit small child.

The things we hold dear in our hearts....

I have a new book to read.  I have a lap sized down comforter to keep me warm as I read.  I have on smart wool socks.....and a very nice cashmere men's sweater (Goodwill).   Football later in the day- I lose track of the when of the games.  I (for sure) will ignore the Patriots game.  They have lost most of the offensive line to injury. Any quarterback they find to play- will get slaughtered.  And yes, I have been watching the Sports Show..... it is very very bad.  Hockey seems like a possibility but they are having Goalie contract issues.  Boston Teams are not in a happy place this year.

The light here in Maine is not conducive to taking pictures of mended sweaters but I promise to get that done. Once the Sun returns...I love my mended sweaters...one has, possibly, more mending than original sweater at this point.

I watched four two hour episodes of Van derValt  (spelling might be off) on Masterpiece yesterday. My Tivo is going to be upgraded soon and I will lose what I have recorded... so I am watching them one more time...and also the new season which has just begun.  I visited Amsterdam once, I believe....with my husband when he was working there...early in his European travel career.  I recall standing on the beach looking at the vast ocean as the waves hit the shore and the clouds swirled overhead..  It was my very first European trip...

My daughter should be coming over to do laundry.  We are having pizza for sure...I can count on that.

So...Bran Flakes, Shredded Wheat OR Oatmeal......big decisions.

October Notes- Saturday the 5th. Quiet here in Maine. Clouds and 66 degrees

 Sourdough Bagels.

I was considering buying bagels yesterday when we visited the grocery store.  But I wanted this kind of bagel and not the soft ones the grocery bakery makes and sells.  I wanted the New York Style Bagels I used to get in Florida at this one grocery store.  My Southern friend- visiting- said they were so hard you could break your tooth on them.  Yes.....the way bagels should be.

When I started typing there was no sunshine outside my windows and now- it's everywhere.

I'm dressed for cold weather but- I may have to take the sweater off if it warms up.

My Library email says two more books have arrived for me.  Always the day after my weekly visit. I am reading a book I found a few years ago- perhaps not that long- Crashing the A-List by Summer Heacock.  I recalled all the plot details but not the title or author.  A good book.  I have to check to see if she wrote anything else.  Finding Romance while cleaning out storage lockers.

I have bite sized Shredded Wheat for my breakfast also my very large cup of tea.  With plenty of sugar.  The sun is getting brighter and brighter....going to be a lovely day here in Maine.  I might actually have to remove my sweater.

We got bumped up in the Generator line up....some things are going to be happening...Propane comes first. and then the Electrician doing a new Main Box and then the generator hook up.  January is when they say we will have a working generator. And the lights and heat will stay on...... no matter what. A few houses to go and then the entire street will have whole house generators.  I think only three of us.

Well, I have shredded wheat to eat and the newspaper to read...and perhaps one load of laundry to get going.  I am trying to eat at least two meals a day...plus a snack...I tend to forget to eat...My meals aren't actually meals- more like a Flour Tortilla wrapped around Swiss and Ham.  Or Yogurt and Bran Buds. Or a Banana and some walnuts. 

I wanted a Big Salad...but never actually buy the lettuce.  I do have Bananas and Pears for Fruit. And I have everything needed to make a Pot of Vegetable Soup.....sort of feeling "normal" at the almost one year as a widow marker.  Time went really slow and really fast at the same time.  

October Notes- Friday the 4th. Dismal Day with Dampness.

No idea what this is but I would guess powdered pigment for cloth.  I liked the arrangement and the colors on the mat gray black surface.

I have to eat and then be ready for Library- which doesn't open until 10.  Then grocery.

Generator People called.  We are being moved from March to January.  So I had phone calls to make and Propane to order etc.  He had employees needing work.

Lunch was out by the OCEAN.  So gorgeous on the coast yesterday.  We drove past all the old candy colored cottages on the winding roads, up and down over hills.......Maine as it should be.  As far as one could see- water.

I had French Onion Soup and regaled my neighbor with the saga of the refrigerator. Then I had ice cream with hot fudge sauce.  Lovely afternoon.  Got home to the Generator calls.

The skeleton I mentioned (in yesterday's post) is on the front door- daughter read the post and went shopping.  Plastic not paper but...that's a good thing as I can have it more than the once of paper.  Son says it makes an amusing rattle when the door is opened and shut.  Another good thing.

As for the mended sweaters- no time right now to get images but in the next day or so- I will take photos of the mending...and the yarn used is from Paula in Colorado...the endings of yarn used by her to knit socks. Actual socks.....  The Joy of knowing all of you from these meager little posts.....Friendship, scented shampoo, Jean's needles for the machine so I can mend pants, book recommendations, purple fabric I didn't have in my own fabric collection, hand dyed fabric off the Dye Deck in Georgia.....and so many more that will come to mind as I eat my breakfast and leave the house for Library and Grocery.

So many of you out there......taking care of me.  Thank you for being my Friends.

 

October News- Thursday the 3rd. 54 degrees and 99% humidity. Zero Sunshine.

 I selected a random image-  The Pile for Goodwill.  Pants, puzzles etc.  4 boxes.

I am going to lunch today and am reassessing my clothing choices....54 degrees - I think long pants? Socks?  Sweater?   It might warm up a bit in 3 hours.....or not.  I sort of like what I picked out and am wearing but......might need warmer clothing.... Soon I will be bundling up for Winter.

I need to turn on the houselights..very dark in here.

Yes, I need a sweater and socks and long pants.... my ankles are Cold. Can't wear the lovely red shirt.

Yesterday was nothing much to talk about.  I read my book.  Had a HOT Lunch.  (actually remembered to eat lunch), continued reading my book, Son went out for lunch, came back and I told him a bird had smacked into the window and was dead (unwelcome news).  I also inhaled water and that was unpleasant and is still causing me to cough.  Breathing was a bit of a problem for a few minutes.  Close call? No. Scared me more than anything as I was home alone.

Okay..... on with today- I might change out the Shredded Wheat for a bowl of hot oatmeal.  Change out the pants for corduroy and wool socks....change out the red shirt for something warmer or add a long sleeve thermal shirt under it.  Only ONE sweater is okay to wear out of the house minus a coat.  All the rest are heavily mended.......okay for at home but not public.  

Finding and buying a good sweater is difficult.  Most of the cashmere being sold is thin and has an odd odor.  I don't like either of those things.  My sweaters are heavily mended and ancient.  So thicker and softer and no odor.  The two I have came from a nice shop selling previously owned items. Decades Ago.

All my husband's sweaters were cotton or acrylic......and I don't like any of them.  My favorite sweater is 50% patches....well loved and worn....so breakfast and then out to lunch and then home again to finish my book and begin another.....  and perhaps turn UP the furnace.

Tomorrow is grocery and library day. No one cares what I wear to those two places.  My hair is nice.

October Notes- Wednesday the 2nd. Chilly- Sweater and Thermal Shirt.

 Everyone is getting into the Halloween Spirit... a touch early (Love the Spider)   BUT I just changed clothing and NOW have on a thermal shirt, wool socks and wool sweater.  Second cup of hot tea as well.  I thinking a generous bag of KitKat in case anyone tricks or treats this year.  I like them.  Or Snickers. I would like a life sized cardboard skeleton for the front door- black and white.... reusable.

Wrote a check for the Water Bill.  I am trying to return to my former "Life as a Prompt Bill Payer". I had to check twice to make sure I had the date right for the check......I think this is something that happens when we don't have a daily, weekly, monthly schedule.  Too Loose.  I don't like saying "what day is it".

Noticing the motor sound of the fridge........ louder than usual.  Not really--I am just aware of it more than usual. Could be because the freezer is empty.

Also considering options for lunch today here at home....some leftovers.....a can of soup.....grilled  cheese sandwich.  Extra Pickles. Three choices....

My Gardener was here yesterday and power washed- as much as she was able- the sidewalks and porch- ran out of gasoline.  We have a better set of coverings for the new Hydrangea ...the Deer....have decided to eat their leaves.  TruGreen also arrived and the new hire- very dedicated to doing a perfect job--- explained his day to me...in detail ..to let me know why he was so late...since I didn't know he was coming- hardly could say he was "late".  He asked me to lightly water and I said "no".  So he said okay it will just take longer to green up......it's October....not much of a greening up happening.  I am anticipating snow.  Which we take care of the fertilizer.

Tomorrow lunch with my friend.. she has spent the last weeks filling out college financial aid packages for the colleges her grandson is interested in.   She did this as a profession years ago at a private school where she worked.  But the times and the COST has changed so very much.

That's it for here- I am thinking of coloring another circle.....mandala.  I am also considering the down knee warmer and a book.....or perhaps the knee warmer and a nap.  All excellent choices on a cold day in Maine.

I may raise the temp on the thermostat......it's cold in here.  It's actually "old" in here....

October. Already.....

 I am not quite prepared for October- other than having on warmer clothing and socks.  Today is my second haircut at the new place... I am asking that she remove all the curls.  I prefer a plainer head of hair.

The pictures from the Carolinas.....OMG.  I was having a sort of Mind Fart, I guess, and missed all of this misery until yesterday afternoon.  Watching it on the Weather Channel was horrifying.

I could not insert an image.  The slow breakdown of the systems here continues.

Yesterday the Fridge got worked on.  Water is now shut off to the fridge.  The computer system in the door was partially disabled.  No ice and no water going forward.  Of course neither the manufacturer of the repair person had "'ever seen anything like this".   

Now my hair cut.

September's last day..... sunshine here in Maine. 65 degrees

 My son brought a set of these with him when he moved in...  I told him to go out and buy more. He hasn't as yet.  They are washable glass and the lid clamps on.......

We put the leftover pizza wedges in one (not shown here)..... from the Sunday Pizza. Yesterday's Pizza was good- we are trying out different (new to us) pepperoni as the brand we bought for decades is no longer available.  We have stopped adding toppings to the pizzas......now it's just onion, red bell pepper and pepperoni.  Last year we did mushrooms a few times.  And pineapple.  I liked the pineapple.

I watched the Ravens pick the Buffalo team's bones last night.  The Bills looked stunned. I don't recall how many games I watched yesterday...not all of them but most...while I read a book.  There were games that did not get televised (on my television).....the Patriots game was one of those.  Just means I don't watch those games.

I also colored one of the mandala circles.  It turned out okay. Spent quite a bit of time sharpening pencils... the lead in side kept breaking off.  Usually because the pencils fell on the floor and the lead inside cracked.

Today the Appliance Repair Men are coming to look at the refrigerator.....we have the "button" pushed so NO water is coming into the ice cube maker.....but yesterday, after a week of silence- the fridge decided to start making noise and trying to make ice. Again.  It's really annoying.  If the water stoppage button had NOT been pressed we would have been mopping up lots and lots of water. Ice cold water.

My son did the math and we are paying 50% of what a NEW Fridge would cost to have this one "looked at" because we can't assume they will be able fix it or even figure out what's wrong with it. But we have to pay anyway............ Now a new fridge sounds delightful....but the TWO fridges BEFORE this one  (A TRAGIC SERIES OF FRIDGES)... had to be condemned and carted off.... they could NOT be repaired.  Lowes.  So. I got this one which has no glass doors, no fancy shelving etc....just plain old plain.  Except for the ice maker in the door that dumps ice out the door- so one can get ice and water with out OPENING the door..... Never again.  Well, I doubt any fridge sold today doesn't dispense ice and water... 

Water has always been the disaster that has plagued me. Us. Always water.  Better than Fire or Wind or Locusts. I guess.

Tomorrow is my second haircut appointment at the new place between the Grocery and the Library (a straight line that also includes the post office but NOT the bank--well the bank is in the same parking lot as the grocery store.).....I am asking her to cut with scissors and not the razor.  The razor is best for curly hair......I am OVER having "curly old woman" white hair.  Totally OVER. I see plenty of white hair on older women and it's stylish and not a curl to be seen.... I look like I am wearing a permed dust mop on my head.  So that's it for today....  Ravens-- son says I refer to them as the Saints every single time.

Still September. Sunshine here in Maine .58 degrees 99% humidity

 

It took a bit or wrangling but we have an image here.....there isn't a plate of pasta that I don't love.

I woke up thinking today was Monday.  But it's Sunday.  Sunday Pizza.  Perhaps Formula One Racing. Or it happened already and I missed it again. I'm sure I will watch football.  Eat my corn chips.  Minus salsa and cheese.

I read the Rom-Comers yesterday.   And started a new book after finally opening my can of Cheese Tortellini Soup.  It had a tomato base and plenty of tortellini.....very nice.   Progresso.  Perhaps I spoke of the soup yesterday?  I'm just going to admit to being "forgetful" these days.  I had to check twice to figure out what day it was.  I'm not worried as yet... because I realize that I am forgetting and I did know how to find out what day it was......that's something..

I think when I don't KNOW (I'm forgetting) ...that's when things get serious. Around here.  I intend to read the Rom-Comers  a second time.... gets to be a real tear-jerker at the end- at least for me.  There is a  best friend named Jack and I think he was the main character in a previous book....but not much was said about him....in case we hadn't read that book.  He needs a Bodyguard...in the previous book.  I need to find that one and read it again.

No sweater today and no socks....cross the street new neighbors loaded up their car with sports equipment and drove off..... Maine is quite lovely in the fall so I am sure they are enjoying the outdoors before it gets cold.

Well, I need to find a bowl and some cereal and then read the paper and try the Sudoko.  Yesterday I filled in exactly TWO squares and then nothing.  Really sets the pace for the day- two numbers. One square in the puzzle had no numbers in it...others had one or two.  I need more clues to be successful.

I had a stack of partially filled in newspaper puzzles over to the left at the table...yesterday i plugged in the paper shredder and sent them down the shute.  The  partially filled in puzzles are now gone. Officially.

The book I started yesterday is a Meghan Quinn.  See Me After Class.  Two English Teachers...... this one will follow the path of the last Megan Quinn- but I did manage to get to page 213.  New book today.

September Notes- Saturday.the 28th....sunshine and 64 degrees

 Woodward Point. Maine.  Close by, I think- but I most likely am wrong.

Sunshine today.  I gathered up all my notebooks....the ones I would write in while watching the OLD washing machine. In case it decided to overflow into the bedroom and the new wood floors.  It did happen.

So I had noticed I was running out of underwear......so I put a load of everything- I know-- darks and whites but nothing red or pink-- into the washer and set the timer- my adult children have timed the machine- one hour.......they start a load and go somewhere and come back in an hour and switch to the dryer and then go away again... Free spirits who have never mopped gallons of water off the floors.

I am reading Katherine Center's new book...The Romcomers.  I keep wondering if I have read it before? But I keep on going because..I am not 100% sure.....and it's a good story.  Will she swim in the pool? Now that I am considering the small bits- yes, I have read this before....it's not like I don't read books multiple times in a one month time period.  A really good book deserves multiple readings.

Any other Reader (but me) out there who gets to the last page and turns back to the first page????

I bought the store cooked corn chips....yesterday.  It's a large bag and I was delighted to find the bag I selected to be very very lightly salted.  I had five or six chips.  And stopped. I didn't buy shredded cheese so I won't be melting cheese on each chip....

High Potential on ABC is holding my interest...and I have it set to record all on it's own.  I had to reset the TiVo again...not once a week often but pretty often.....so the buying of a new "current" TiVo is coming up. And...well, once I disconnect it- all the good stuff in the OLD TiVo will be gone. Dozens' of favorite Hallmark and PBS Movies and Series....my very own Cupboard of Love Stories.  Also, so many PBS series episodes.

I told myself I would watch all of it before it had to be shut off.  My only tranquilizer is that Hallmark runs these things over and over and I can hopefully find and record them on the new machine...or my son says- buy the streaming Hallmark option...if I knew what streaming meant.  And where it would happen. I have a feeling it means sitting and watching on a tablet screen.

And I know most of you already DO THAT........and I do know the TV is also a screen....duh!  Feel free to comment on your own viewing choices.  For when I emerge from my CAVE.

September Notes- Friday the 27th. Rain here in Maine past few days- sunshine today. 59 degrees.

 I had one of these typewriters but my nephew did something and broke off an important part and jammed everything - unusable.  He was very young and the typewriter was on the floor.    As much as I like the keyboard here on the desk- I like the clatter of the old typewriter more.  I imagine myself typing..... 

An odd story- I took a typing class in high school... it was a miserable experience and I thought I learned nothing...but years later I sat down and typed...keyboard and computer...later a huge industrial typewriter doing the broadsheets for the club newsletter...never actually realizing I could TYPE.....just doing it...and ALWAYS KNOWING when I hit the wrong key... so the proof reader never found an error.

I never look at the keys.

The Sun is out here in Maine....it had rained here for two days.  And it's not cold but what I call "chilly". A sweater in the house rather than turning up the heat.  My Gardener is taking the day off.

I haven't seen or heard my son as yet.....which is odd.  I have been down here sneezing and coughing and making noise but he still hasn't come down stairs.  I know he was up very late last night  (on California time)..... I hear the shower going.

I am finding the books I selected to be "less than"   Which is disappointing as one can only watch the Weather Channel for so long ..... so ...I watched Hallmark Movies.  Three, I think.  Well, not completely. I can never sit all the way thru without wishing I could edit the movies.  Make them so much better.

My book......I read and then get irritated and stopped and did other things and then came back to it... I gave up on the first book I had started.....and this one...no idea where it's going but it's going there really really slowly.  I'm almost at the 2/3rd's mark.  The Mother's bird pooped on someone's head while the entire family was making lasagna.   Super interesting, hey???? How did it get published????? A romantic comedy and no one has gotten kissed.

In the image up top- I like the quilted patchwork.  I have a bag of squares- I could make a few of these for the table.  The important part at the end- escapes me- the binding. Last time I made potholders I had to look up a tutorial.  I will have to AGAIN.  I used to do the binding on auto-pilot.  What a thing to forget.

Still September... Very dark and wet outside this morning. 60 degrees- 99% humidity.

 Shadowland Autumn Frost Hosta.

I had to compost all my Hosta...as soon as they leaf out and look amazing- the deer would come and eat all the leaves and leave the bare stems.  The first few years, it made me cry.  Then next few it made me mad. And now, well, there will be no more Hosta in my garden beds.

Yesterday, I noticed four deer in the way back yard......one coming up along side the house.  I went and made noise banging on a pot lid.....they ran off showing me their white fluffy tails.  They would be back.

There is one more slice of Birthday Cake- I think the days leading up to a birthday are more exciting than the actual birthday.

I was watching the weather channel with the news and warnings to people in the path of the hurricane- get in the car and get out of here.........reminds me of the east coast of Florida years ago and people trapped in the upper floors of flooded buildings....no way out...no way in.  And the lists of papers you should have in a watertight bag.  I know people in the path...Atlanta.  Family and Friends.  Also people in Florida.

So.....it's dark and raining and I haven't had breakfast or read the latest ridiculous Trump news... I have to say- seeing him in an orange jail jumpsuit would really be amazing.  Minus his hair products. Even better.

So.......I am reading a book and it's about Hockey players...I read one of two of the others...I will not be finishing this one.  Megan Quinn.  For some reason this one doesn't work. For me.

I have other nice books from the Library.  But first.  Breakfast. Newspaper. Pills (mostly vitamins). And then Something..no idea what as yet...... oh and a check on the Weather Channel to see how folks are doing.   Sort of a busy start to a day.....I will be eating soup later for late lunch /early dinner.  I wanted soup yesterday but....didn't get around to it.  Progresso Cheese Tortellini.  Tomato base and some vegetables.  Never had it before.  Will I like it??????

Still September.... Clouds in my Coffee...(Tea) 60 degrees and 80% humidity.

 Some of these screen shots have no ID.  So we both are, will be surprised.  This Winter I think I might use my own photos of things around the house......or my sock choices each morning...my clothing choices are all the same.....same clothing all Winter....only the socks are different.  Well sweater is often red when it isn't dark grey. Hardly interesting.

The Tree Guy showed up yesterday and ground down the tree stops behind the house (and the two peach tree stumps out front) ....preparing for the new Generator and propane tanks.  Next year.  (in an added comment from me- the next door neighbor had him over there this morning doing tree work)......waking me up.  Son mentioned the noise....which I heard as it was right next to our bedroom windows.

I signed a letter requesting snow plowing.... for 2024/25.  Winter...OMG.

I don't have socks on but I think I need to put them on....it's very dark in here and I need lights. Okay- Suited Up for the Weather.....corduroy pants, thermal shirt, smart wool socks.

I visited the Cloth Closet yesterday and selected all the polka dots (large) on white fabrics....and then returned to select all the polka dots (smaller) on co ordinating fabrics.....Not sure as yet what FOR....but...Brain is doing a major sort....

This is the process I go thru when making something (sans pattern)......I forage and then mull it all over until an idea shapes itself.... Not always the idea I use.

I had oatmeal for breakfast....not flakes.  Wool socks mean oatmeal.  October in Maine is usually warm and sunny..... November is NOT.  Usually..but weather isn't as predictable anymore...

Watched some sort of Townie Mystery on FOX- accidentally- yesterday.  And after the episode they had more previews of more such shows- "new" this season.  Not one of the actors was good looking. They all looked messy, overweight and depressed. One was lucky and got on a bus to never come back.

September Notes- Tuesday the 24th. First tries at a post Failed- this one might as well.

 Well, I got the title and the image here.... I wanted to make something like this..I think I might have even cut the tiny squares.  I might have sewn some together....it must be here in the house- somewhere. I moved stuff around in the sewing room- trying to find "floor space" as the room is really full of assorted weird things.... Several down comforters.  Which were easy enough to squeeze into smaller masses and then tie up with long pieces of fabric strips. Lots of those in the Sewing Room. I can see the carpet now. My chair can roll around (wow).  Still a real pig pen but......less.

I found a bunch of white cotton v-neck tee shirts...the kind I wear every day.  Why in the sewing room.. Not a clue... They are now in the laundry basket...might be too small but.... they will be ready to wear if I stop eating again....only way I loose weight....just stop eating.....Not Healthy. So I eat.  A smaller tee (still large) is actually great for sleeping as it doesn't twist around when I do.

I am reading.......the Sun just went away and the house suddenly went dark... I turned on a light.-- I am reading Royally NOT Ready by Meghan Quinn.  It's book one in a series....not sure how many books in the series.  Perhaps two. Yes, two, I have them both.

A young woman is being asked to prepare to become a Royal in a Norwegian sort of country.  Her previous occupation was in Miami wearing a tiny bikini and spraying water on tourists. How you make money doing that is beyond comprehension. Giving out discount coupons?????

So....... I think the guy tutoring her in Royal Behavior is going to self destruct.  Catch on Fire.

After a few chapters I turned on the tv and watched the two Monday Night Football Games.  Washington...who would EVER have thought they would be like this in 2024???????  Fascinating. Just plain Fascinating.  Miami.......OMG. And a former Patriots quarterback isn't helping them. Mac Jones.

Connie, I know how you feel...it's like they can't do anything right.  Bengals.  

So.....I had breakfast, made my bed, took a shower, washed my hair twice.....put on clean clothing.  No socks as yet...but pretty soon..  Checked out the tv listings... Romance with a Twist at 7 on Hallmark ---- but I am recording the English Teacher and High Potential.... also Tracker episodes- the guy is worth looking at.......he rarely speaks.  Reminds me of the Linda Howard books- guys who rarely speak.

That's it for today...Oh...News Flash...my brand new microwave (arrived with the new stove) has some sort of magical thinking thing going on.... you press the fresh vegetable button and it uses a "Sensor" to cook your vegetable to perfection. Just that....choose vegetable and fresh and it starts up and finishes and I had two perfectly "baked" sweet potatoes.... not even 4 minutes....MAGIC.  I don't even know where the sensor is located.  It's a secret. Everything is a secret to me these days.....

Still September. Not even a small breeze this chilly Maine Morning. 52 degrees 97% humidity.

 Leaves will begin turning soon. Everything is still 100% green this morning. And cold.

Football.  I didn't stay to see the final scores- No Monday paper so... no news is good news?

I have on a thermal long sleeved shirt and a sweater- corduroy pants...my socks (SmartWool) are on the desk- ready for me to try and bend over without face planting on the wood floor.  Sock wearing- who knew it could be so dangerous.  I haven't actually face planted...I just think about it.

Temp in the house is 65.  At least that is what the little monitors are reading.  I closed the bedroom windows.  Even with the heavy down comforter- I was cold last night....so I put on bed socks.  You know it's cold when I put on socks to go to bed. I am closing windows.  Also we still have AC units in.

I have to select a book for today. I am considering Little Beach Street Bakery but....it's not definite. I might read the plane crash book again.  I like the characters and sort of miss them....I don't know.

A few of my choices might be returned unread.  It happens when I decide to re-read books.

Today is cold enough to make soup.  Only I didn't buy soup supplies.  I do have canned soup.  And I do have cans of Wendy's Chili.  So...I have a stockpile of food I could heat up.  

I do have onions. Soup always begins with an onion.... I have no celery or carrots. Those are usually in any soup recipe.

We had Sunday pizza and daughter/sister was here doing her laundry....so we fed her.  It was a disconnected "family meal" with each of us eating somewhere alone. An Odd Family Unit. We have  leftover pizza for the week's lunches.  I might have to COOK.  I don't think I remember how to do it. And I don't have much to work with a mostly empty fridge.

The Appliance Store just called.....$200 up front just to drive over here and walk in the door...not even looking at or touching the fridge....And then more charges.....I stopped listening...I know...bad Joanne. I said I would think about it...and call her back...we did get an emailed image from our appliance booklet (I don't recall owning an appliance booklet) showing us where the shut off button was located to turn off the ice maker. And the water.  I am tempted to say more but....that is usually bad luck......

Socks....Breakfast....no newspaper....Monday. Little monitors say it's 66 degrees in the house  (doesn't feel like that)...I'm thinking oatmeal for breakfast....Hot Tea or Coffee.  Definitely happy I chose to pull on my sweater when I got dressed this morning.  Sun is shining. I might be the only one feeling cold. I haven't heard the furnace go one....that isn't a good thing.

September Notes- Sunday the 22nd. cloudy 58 degrees with 80% humidity.

 Some of the roses in my Birthday Bouquet.

The Epic Business of the Ice Maker continues.  We have pushed the button that shuts off  trying  the water but things continue to "happen"-- Like the ice machine motor cycling on and grinding away TRYING to manufacture ice.......I am so used to this reoccurring business that it is just "one of those things" and even though I dislike it as much as my son....I have had years of it.  This is his first experience.

I am hoping a service order was put in at the Appliance Store.  Otherwise I have to call one in.  Again on Monday.

Football today and perhaps get the furnace running- it's a bit chilly in here.  Cold weather seems to have hurried in when I wasn't paying attention....thermal shirts, long pants and a nice wool sweater.  Socks. Usually September is quite warm.  Son could have the upstairs door open which creates a nice "draft".

My Linda Howard book yesterday was about two people in a crashed small plane...survival.   "Up Close and Dangerous"  I might change into a thermal shirt and my red sweater for the day....corduroy pants. Socks.  The sun looks like it is trying to come out.... 

Pizza is out of the fridge and on the counter warming up.....for later in the day.  Racing is over and Football is a few hours away.  We haven't made any plans for what teams to watch.

Sun.  Glowing in the back yard.....  I need a second cup of sweet hot tea....and choose a new book for the day.

September Notes- Saturday September 21.

 Well, we woke up to the freezer part of the refrigerator spewing water and ice all over the floor. I have a washing machine full of soaking wet towels.  This time I am calling the insurance company...

I have called and texted the appliance/service company... but they have only been open 13 minutes and I doubt my email or phone message has been read as yet......the water isn't pouring out right now but then we have zero control over what happens....

I sense FATE has a mean streak.  And if this sort of Domestic Stuff keeps happening...I will be moved to a very nice retirement home sooner than I wanted....at least the garden beds look nice.  The deer did come and eat the third container..... I will be emptying and disposing of the remaining plants this weekend. Or if it rains-- early next week.

I have a pre mixed cocktail in the fridge....in case. Of an emergency needing a strong cocktail.

Now......I am dressed, have on dry slippers, and will be eating my Shredded Wheat breakfast and reading the newspaper.  The repair people will come or not come........I can't manufacture a better solution.

Fate seems to want me to sell my house and move to a retirement community and play bridge. My son says..."you might like it".  And....I might.  Too much has been lost already.......and the house and it's contents are actually "too much" for either of us.

September Notes-Friday, 20th. Cloudy with a good chance for rain.

 The Deer came last night and ate the Abundant Sweet Potato Vine in the largest of my containers out front....they also ate, the driveway side, of the second largest container...they didn't touch the Marigolds.

They also ate the tops off the newly purchased and planted Blue Billow Hydrangea. Well, they ate the leaves and left the bare stems.  My Gardener is working on the bed to the left as I look out the front door. Deer ate ALL the leaves on about a half dozen very very large Hosta.  They came in alongside the house. Usually they tried to knock down the fencing I use. I asked her to pull them out and get rid of them.

Read another Linda Howard.  Going to read it again.  Selected two more. They seem rather old fashioned with the clothing, lipstick etc. But a good solid story.

I lost my umbrella in the Library but someone at the desk had noticed it on the reserve bookcase...And there it was.  I had set it on the shelf while packing the huge number of books I was getting into ny book bag.  And then I guess I walked away.  I managed to remember to get myself a cup of free Library Coffee.

A good time was had by all.

I slept well.  Need to turn on the house lights....make myself some lunch as it's past 2 pm.  I need to eat at regular times to get myself back to NORMAL.  What exactly is normal??????

The guys came and cut the grass.  It has a yellow tinge to it-the grass.  Has been fertilized but hasn't gotten any rain. The Boston Hockey Team is dragging it's feet signing the Goalie.  Swayman.  Gosh--I don't know much about Hockey but I think you need to have a well paid Goalie or just give it up

Still Thursday the 19th.

 I am having one of those Days.......considering myself...as others see me.  I get lost in the translation.

I told my son I was moving storage tubs- I need closet space.  I have the 8 are tubs in husband's closet in the bedroom and my clothes are hanging off the four poster structure.  I need them in the closet.

I like the new placement of the hydrangea.  

I am reading a Linda Howard thriller.  One quarter yet to go.

September Notes- Thursday September 19th. Sunshine.

 Golden Diner Tuna Melt.   Jumbo.  Send one over for lunch today...please.

Yesterday was very very nice- I almost set the stove on fire by walking out to speak to my Gardener while the sugar butter and booze was cooking on the stove (son walked past and saved us).  I hardly cook anymore so...not that much to worry about. I even shocked myself. That was the first time I ever walked away from something cooking on the stove top. First Time. and hopefully the LAST TIME.

Gardener and I are adjusting the Blue Billow Hydrangea.  I recall this happening....alot.  Planting things and then seeing how they look the next day and deciding you must have had a brain fart when you were planting them. I recall the same happening when I moved furniture or purchased new clothing.  Brain Farts all around.

My birthday was very nice.  The Kahlua Bundt Cake was/is quite a delight.  

So..now I am older.

I started today with a nice long hot shower........

Just finished having a long chat with my son.  Living with "other people" after living alone is not easy. It can be very frustrating........we both have different issues.  We talked them out.  I am still in a dangerous place having been the caretaker of a dementia patient.  I am not always making good decisions.  I am not always explaining myself well.  Using my words. I get emotional. I am often in need of just sitting and reading an entire book...and then turning to page one and reading it again......... like a tranquilizer.

So...my last day of one TERRIBLE year in my Life and the first day of the next year of my Life.  That's yesterday and today.......... I am trying to be positive about this new year.  Not cry as much.

Not working so far.......I now have THREE Landscapers in my yard discussing my center island bed. The Hydrangeas have all been removed........a new plan was needed.  My Life and the Hydrangeas.  In Flux.

 

September Notes- Wednesday, September 18th. Sunshine. 73 degrees

 Well, the Boozie Chocolate Bundt Cake is in the oven.  I am sitting down- resting as I got light headed.......too much activity post Bran Flakes.  The sparkling image up top was a Birthday Surprise from a Dear Reader-- thank you!!!!!!!  My Dental Office also sent one but not as Sparkly.  There might be more- but I stopped opening mail.....to answer the door and check on my cake.  And write this post.

I have a short attention span... Shiny Things.........

My Gardener is out digging in the center bed- where we will plant the new Blue Billow Hydrangea. They are not the right thing for the front of the porch as that space gets ZERO SUN.  I can water them without too much work.... until I have to put the hose away for the Winter.  September is usually a warm month. October can be iffy...so I hope it is also warm.

I showed My Gardener the compost bins.....She was thrilled. I also had some bags of soil out back.

We ordered a Whole House Kohler Generator yesterday  Won't arrive until next Spring.  So Winter with the small generator- but please everyone- fingers crossed for a Normal Winter of NO POWER OUTAGES.......Please. Snow and cold is fine...just no power outages.

My son wants to buy me a new TV with a sound bar- so I can hear (and not have the sound up to where he can hear it upstairs. I didn't think it was but old people always think that).....and a new Tivo.  But I would have to give up all my recorded series and movies......they aren't transferable- unless one of you reading this knows different.  I am difficult with new stuff.  Most women I know get very excited about new stuff..... I have panic attacks.  I am trying to get over it.  Work in Progress. (Like Forever)

Sigh.....so there will be cake and ice cream... And a good book to read.  And my feet up on the ottoman.

I tucked some of the already cooked bacon (purchased cooked) into my egg and cheese frozen pita.  A half pita is one serving. And I had two of them as Late Supper last night and then a large glass of water.....I am drinking lots of water.  Hydration is a problem in the Elderly.... so toast my day with a large glass of water Ladies. It's good for you!!!!

September Notes- Tuesday the 17th. 60 degrees and 97% humidity.

 Perhaps the final EYE image.  

I'm trying to do some "cleaning" here in the house and at times, inside my head.  Clutter.  The recycling can for paper etc is full and waiting for the big truck.  The new neighbors have boxes on their side of the street and what looks like two very long curtain poles....if this was a thru street someone would have picked those up.....taken them home.. "Shopping" on garbage night is a tradition.

When I was boxing stuff up for the Attic...I walked the street after dark on Monday and collected all the empty folded Amazon boxes.  A good number every Monday evening.  Now packed and stacked in the Attic with contents written in black Sharpie on each one.  Very Virgo. No guessing what's inside.

I saw my first Hallmark movie with two guys kissing each other.  Trump almost got shot again. I also set FOX's the English Teacher to record episodes.  (what???)

It's been an interesting week. Coloring outside the lines.

A book I had ordered to read- is one I have already read....I got to a point in the plot lines when I was feeling sort of "this feels like I already read this".......and I also realized I had stopped reading it as soon as Amber started painting the roses on the wall. And I remembered Amber and Neil.  On to the next book on the shelf.

Son went out for lunch yesterday and brought home a large bottle of Dawn dish soap.  I was out.  I stopped using the dishwasher years ago and do the small number of daily dishes by hand.  In the sink.  And now I have a YEAR'S WORTH of Dawn...he bought a really BIG bottle.  I poured what I needed into my nearly empty bottle and added water.....it's how I roll.  Recalling a past Life during the Great Depression I think.  I also have a large spool of string.  Several canning jars of assorted sizes and colors of buttons (some inherited from my grandmother).  Needles and heavy thread for sewing Winter coats I think.  I also have boxes of canning jars...just in case...an lids.  During the pandemic lids were difficult to find and purchase.  As was salt, vinegar and sugar.  The basics of Food Storage.

Recently I  started washing and wearing clothing I had saved to cut and use for a quilt... now they fit. So I am wearing the clothing. Several red items- linen pants and shirts. Delightful.

The Whole House Generator People are coming to visit today....we might still have to use the gas powered driveway one until spring or summer of next year.  My timing was off....and I really hope we don't have a repeat of last Winter when the power was off so many many times.

An animal or more than one...took down the back fence and some slate tiles...I have to clean it all up. We also smelled Skunk overnight.  The Joys of Rural Living.

September Notes- Monday the 16th. 66% and 86 humidity. Sunshine. No breezes.

 The second and third of the pale pink roses from the bed by the side of the front porch.  They opened wide in just a few hours in the house.

Sunday Pizza was very good.  I watched two football games.  The Bengals lost in the final minutes due to what was more than likely a mistake made much earlier in the game. WHEN matters in football.

Son and I made the Sunday football Pizza and as usual...it was wonderful. Daughter came over to use our washing machine to clean her work clothes- landscaping clothes.  She looked exhausted. 

Because she was visiting in time for pizza...we invited her to have a slice (or two).  She really could stop by every Sunday for a slice or two. Perhaps she will.

Tom Brady did a much better job of commentating yesterday.  

Hallmark has hit a new low....always at least satisfying to some degree....they have missed that low bar the past two years. I may have to just watch old re-runs of favorites.  Or wait for Christmas- they have slightly better results with Christmas. And I have a stockpile of the good ones to watch if they don't.

All I want for Christmas is a subscription to Netflix.....and possibly Prime.  I know what I would get on Netflix but no clue as to what is on Prime. Anyone out there reading want to share information?????? 

So....do I bake my Birthday cake on Tuesday or Wednesday?????  Boozy Chocolate Bundt for the Win.

September Notes- Sunday, September 15th. Anniversary Day. 62 degrees 94% humidity

 Plum Torte.  I have everything needed to bake this...a pastry reminding me of my grandmother. She had plum trees planted especially for baking Plum Cake and Plum Dumplings.

Yesterday's outing with the Twins and their parents was a Total Delight.  We ate by the water. I ordered the mussels and got a gigantic bowl of them... I got French Fries on the side.  Very Parisian.  A short walk looking at the gorgeous annuals planted in gardens along the street....obviously that Town has a better selection in the Spring.  Way way better. And then, if the day hadn't been wonderful enough.....a bookstore. I had forgotten just how lovely  the towns on the River are- the old houses from the 1700's or earlier- one of the painted chimneys for the Underground Railway on a huge old house.  Next land to the east is Europe.  Sea Captains lived in that Town.

One of the twins ordered the Oysters.  A half dozen.  I worried he would choke when swallowing them.  They were very large and plump.  I watched to make sure he was okay with each one.

Yes, Living The Good Life.  The bookstore was followed by Round Top Ice Cream.  Strawberry Cheesecake (full fat) for me.....no intolerance by my digestive system.  A Fantastic Day All Around.

I will reheat and crisp the French Fries for lunch today.  I will be thinking about that full fat ice cream for a few days.  Giffords.  Perhaps the grocery has a few varieties?????? but I will continue to buy Lactate free milk for my cereal.....cause I really like it.  I am watching Premier League Soccer.  Tottingham v Arsenal. The fans are singing When the Saints Come Marching In.  zero to zero.  I love the singing. Someone scored while I was typing.

Today would have been my Wedding Anniversary- I guess it still is--- but we stopped celebrating (or remembering) the day long long ago.  I don't even want to do the math to find out how many years.  and yes, I might be admitting to being depressed.  About what I have to look forward to....right now I can't think further than the re-crisped French Fries.

September Notes- Saturday the 14th. 70 degrees 80% humidity. Sunshine

 Boeing Boeing Gone.

Eventually.  Would you actually buy a ticket and fly on Boeing??????  Not me. And not into Space, for sure. I wonder if the employees fly Boeing????  Not even a free ride for me.

Sunshine.  I need to go out and water the containers.  Turn on the hose.  Time is running out and soon I will have to empty the containers and haul them back into the backyard.  I am wondering of I will be able to fill and move them next summer.....I wonder about that...what will I still be able to do next year. And will I be living here next summer... I hope I will be.

Son brought down three flat containers of art supplies, paper and projects. I spent a lovely 90 minutes looking and sorting stuff I haven't used in a decade or more.  I was interested in so many things- that I am no longer interested in.

There was a 911 project my quilt group made.  And the letter I wrote and sent with the small signed flags. Sent to Fire and Police Stations.  Saying "thank you".  It was an amazing letter.  I don't think I could write anything like that now.

When I find these things....looking thru boxes.....I hardly recognize myself. Time changes us in ways that are difficult to accept. Circumstance as well.  That changes us most of all.

I have also found two sets of Tarot Cards.  Rider and Morgan Greer.  Both with beautiful images.  Because that is how I roll (possibly not using that word correctly). I had thought I would "read the cards" but I don't seem to have that ability or skill set.  I do live in my imaginary brain.....so I thought I could do it.

I'm going to see if I can order Lady Luck's Map of Las Vegas.-- blurb says it's sort of a "road trip"- If you have read a Road Trip book and enjoyed it- send me the title .....I am on sort of a roll and enjoying the road trip books.  Mrs. Nash's Ashes is a really good road trip book...which I am going to find and buy. The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise was an excellent road trip book I will also be buying.

Something smells funny-- I need to sniff around...

September 13th. Persistent Nitpicking. Groceries.

 

Viburnum Nudum.  I like the berries.

Grass got mowed today.  New plants got watered.  Annual containers got watered.  Birdbaths were empty.  so they got rinsed and filled.   Meaning larger animals are coming to drink.

Library...I found some...hopefully good books.  Time will tell.

I found hangers for all the shirts I washed and dried yesterday.....one I know for sure doesn't fit- the German blouse I wore all the time.....back in the 80's.  I don't think I still own the wool circle skirts I wore with it.  I loved those skirts.  Mid calf length.  A friend made them for me.

I was correct.  On my birthday I will have completed  a year and begin a new one. When we are born we live an entire year before we are One.  I learn or re-learn things on a rotating basis.

I bought things I don't need.... I tend to think I have eaten most of what I buy on Friday's.....I haven't. I am finding spoon sized Shredded Wheat is a better fit as breakfast cereal than the Bran Flakes. I enjoy it with lots of milk.  Lactaid free.  I also bought that brand of ice cream to eat with my birthday cake. Which I will be baking on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Depending on my energy levels.  Boozy Pound Cake.

I read some news....I shouldn't have.  If I could turn back time I would not read it.

Well, since I was so very busy yesterday- I am going to sit on the couch today and read, watch tv and perhaps color another mandala.   It's going to be a good day.

I did not buy more Dark Chocolate.  I think I was eating too much of it.  Even thought it is supposed to be "good for you".

September Notes- Friday, September 13th. sunshine. 66 degrees and humidity.

 Lunch yesterday was fun.  The food was delicious and the company divine.

My cross the street neighbor came over to borrow baking powder.  New Neighbors. Nice. I got a peek at the sleeping one year old grand daughter.  Something I will never have. The grandson is 3. Why they moved to Maine.  Most excellent reason..........

The smoke yesterday was a neighbor burning stuff in his back yard...apologies to Canada.

I had Mussels for lunch (served on pasta-I skipped the gorgonzola cheese).  And chocolate ice cream and a brownie for dessert.  I also had a glass of wine. No supper.

Today is grocery shopping day.....but first the Library.  Most of the books I selected last week.....did not like any of them...I read two from the week before....and I am reading one from two weeks ago- again...makes three times I've read the book.  If I can't find anything this week- I am moving on to my own bookcase. And will read books I have read at least ten times......which is why I buy them.

Well, Life Goes On.  I sorted thru a basket in the sewing room closet.  Seems that at some point I stuffed the basket with linen shirts from my closet.  Nothing wrong with them- perhaps too snug?  anyway- I never did cut them up so yesterday I washed and dried them-- wash taking ONE HOUR--I had no idea....Son times everything.. and now they are on hangers waiting to be worn. Again for the first time.

Generally, the clothing I put on each day (as a widow) is loose.  Not falling off loose but...loose. The shirts especially are wide even when fully buttoned.  I might actually BE wasting away...... I do eat.  Quite a bit. but it's not building up....I am also wearing pants..well, some I never actually fit into until NOW. Red pants.  Cherry red...very very nice pants.  White shirts fully buttoned for the first time EVER.

September Notes- September 12th. sunny here in Maine- 67 with some Canadian Wild Fire smoke.

 out of the Polaris capsule........making history in Space.

Three hydrangea arrived late in the afternoon.  I covered them in netting overnight.  We haven't had many deer visiting but- fresh produce is always a lure.   I gave each a gallon of water this morning.  They look a bit worn out....possibly the ride in the car. Possibly sad no one bought them when they were fresh.  Hurt Feelings.  Tomorrow I will "juice them up with blue water".  Drugs.

We have smoke coming in from Canada....again. All the windows are shut tight.

I finished the second book by Louise Miller who is actually a Boston Pastry Chef.  So the recipes in the books are legit.  I am at loose ends regarding today's book.  I get to pick up new ones tomorrow.  I few of my choices last week are going back unread.   Last Friday was sort of a bummer day for book picking.

I have one request waiting- possibly two depending on the new service's first week.  Like a Shake Down Week.  Get all the kinks out.

I slept...I lay awake this morning with all sorts of thoughts going thru my head......exhausting. I actually would like to wake up to a new reality...like it happens in some of the books I read......that I made different choices and this new reality is actually my Life.  I would be making different choices based on the very poor choices I did make.  I would NOT have married my husband...for sure, I regret that.

One mistake like that and it's a house of cards tipping over......you can never never fix any of it no matter how hard you try.  I am hoping I get a Second Chance in a Second Lifetime- after I die.  Thinking this is what keeps me going......... I don't expect any miracles in the last years of this Life.

Mostly I am un-packing boxes and sending things to Goodwill.  Death Cleaning.