Daily Notes on a Much Cooler Day in Maine. Monday, July 21st.

1. My 'road" where I am walking.  Is titled a Drive.   The nice smooth paving is due entirely to my husband. He went to EVERY Town Council Meeting for MONTHS and raised his hand and commented on the fact that our street had never gotten its final paving... it was lumpy and crumbling etc.  Difficult for the Town Plow to clear of snow and ice without also removing some asphalt..   It's now smooth and nice.  And easy for me to walk on.

2. Walking every day is not a new thing...it's just something I haven't done since Riley (my black lab) got too old to walk and I stopped the daily walk....before/after Riley I walked with Janet...and now...I haven't walked at all.  It was a bit uncomfortable at first but now....body memory is coming back.  Or developing.  

3. We had a very rapidly developing storm yesterday and got quite a bit of HEAVY rain.  I will wait and see if it was enough to make my yellowing lawn turn green.  I have no affection for yellowing lawns.

4. I have to figure out what to watch during the daytime hours.  Bones is okay for one or two episodes but after that I get pretty annoyed by Bone's whiny voice. Law and Order is only on after 11pm and if I try and record episodes I get something else--EVERY TIME.  Reading...well my eyes get tired faster these days.  Sewing has been the best choice....I can almost do that with out paying attention.  Fabric selection is the most intensive part. And not really THAT intensive as I am a Colorist by Nature so....I make choices pretty quickly.  I have wanted to do books on CD but have failed miserably in ordering them from my Library.  And I think I might actually fall asleep listening to them if I'm not actively doing something while listening like running my sewing machine etc..  I haven't used the sewing machine for much of anything recently other than repairs to my old pants..or tucks to make the waist smaller.

5. I have enough fabric (NOT always THE fabric I WANT these days) to last the rest of my Life and beyond. And that's a good thing are there are ZERO places to buy new fabric...I could try on line shopping...sigh. We both know that will never happen.

6. Today I will be making (boiling) four ears of corn...looking forward to lunch. I could Make the Southern Fried Corn recipe from the NYT's but I lack roasted red peppers.   I think the peppers are necessary to the success of the recipe..  On last Friday's shopping I purchased a few extra things....of interest so I would have interest in making LUNCH.  Shrimp and Asparagus.  Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes.  Corn.   The Shrimp and Asparagus was fine but not as interesting as I had expected.  I possibly would have enjoyed an ice cold Shrimp Cocktail much more.  

7. So today I will be using a good portion of the last of the colorful stripe fabric....Watching something on TV.  Reading... and Walking...and perhaps closing (resting) my eyes and just BEING ALIVE.

Daily Notes- Sunday, July 20th. Sunshine , Breezy and 71 degrees at 9am.

In Progress.  Of considering the way to go forward. (or backward)....in Cloth and Life.

I'm thinking that the other multi colored stripe will work better  (the one inside the lime green). And possibly more lime green.  I have been known to un-sew an entire block because one fabric just doesn't work as I thought it would.  It's always the right thing to do- Un-sew. Start over.

I wish I could Un-Sew and Do Over my Life ..."Start Over" making different choices. Perhaps even be happy. I know EXACTLY WHAT I WOULD NOT DO AGAIN.  Number one- NOT get married.

1. Only two "walks" to the corner and back and less swelling in my legs and ankles.  I was needing more "circulation" I guess???  will continue and possibly some day cross the road for a longer walk?  Or just walk my street twice. But that is weeks or months away.

2. NYT sent me a recipe for a Very Simple Blueberry Cornmeal Cake this morning.  Square pan....I started reading the comments...no one EVER likes the recipes as printed.  NO ONE.  I have a bag of frozen Maine Wild Blueberries in the freezer and cornmeal in a jar in the cupboard.  This is do-able.  With what I have ... no changes to the recipe.  In Future- I will store the cornmeal in the freezer...plenty of open space in there these days.

3. Son and Daughter took the convertible sports car out for lunch...yesterday.  Daughter looked like it had been "too much" for her.   I went once....and had great difficulty getting up and out of the car..... like getting up from the ground that day I fell just after husband died.......I was sure I would be crumpled on the street until I died.  Or in that car....forever.

4. I am reading Center's  Love Haters, again.  7 day Library Loan this time..  I want to go to the bookstores to see if either of the two stores have this book in stock....it's going slower this time and I stopped for awhile and just sat and cried....I'm crying now.....I am fine but for some reason, I am crying.  I cried, as usual at the end of Nora Goes Off Script.  I think there are other books in my bookcase that make me cry every time. I think both are by Center-  The Bodyguard and the RomCommers.  Bet Me by Cruisie also makes me cry.  Every time.  Jane....that one does me in also at the end.  Perhaps I just need to cry?

5. The Soulmate Equation...  that one...wow. Breaks my heart every single time.

6. Today is Pizza Sunday but Formula One is still on vacation, I think. so I can "do my own things" today. Which is breakfast, Sunday Paper, sudoko puzzle and walk to end of the street and back...and then  Love Haters and tears......which is just fine...there is always a happy ending to look forward to.. and being rescued by a helicopter and The Swimmer.

 

Daily Notes- Saturday, July 19th. Windows open over night with temps in low 60's. Wonderful.

Made this one while watching MSNBC yesterday....fascinating watching things fall apart politically.  It needs some spray starch and a hot iron.  I might do more of these as I like the fabrics quite a bit.

1. I got  a 20 ounce package of frozen Mango yesterday at grocery so the "soft serve" experiment will happen..  NYT sent me a salad recipe....I read the comments...hilariously, every comment was about what they didn't use from the recipe.  

2. I have begun a new to ME routine....a walk from the front door to the end of the street and back. Yesterday my lunch buddy was out watering things and I stopped to chat...that won't be part of the routine. Eventually, if I don't trip and fall etc-- (I will take my phone from now on)...........I might cross the road and walk that neighborhood as well.   It was the walk Riley and I did in his first year.  Not too short and not too long of a walk...for a new puppy and now, an old woman.  Up until yesterday my only exercise was covering and uncovering the ornamental planters (and Swiffering the kitchen floor).  The walk is a big change.  When I feel "in shape" I will attempt dragging out the Central Vac Hose.  That's a workout!!!!

3. My Fabric ROOM IS FULL OF COLOR and PATTERN sorted tubs- due to my daughter doing the sorting.  Some tubs are now off the shelving- the blue and green ones on the floor as I needed Son to lift them off the shelving....LOTS of fabric.

4. The Abundance of Fabric has turned out to be a 'very good thing" as there are NO MORE FABRIC SHOPS anywhere... that I am aware of.....and I tended to buy the LOUD FABRIC (a comment from fellow quilters who preferred the muted shades and patterns of the 1800's.). 

5. If you see something you like....and want...and I don't have plans for it or a short supply- I would be happy to share.

6. I also bought MEALS so I will be having protein and carbs along with my usual vegetables.  Today Shrimp and Asparagus.  Yesterday I had vegetable sushi.   Tomorrow Sunday Pizza and salad.  Monday Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  Tuesday The Big Salad and Leftover Pizza.  Wednesday the Toasted Cheese Sandwich with Pickles or Baked Beans.  Rice and Peas or Frozen Meatballs on Thursday.  Batting Clean Up before Friday shopping.

7. Well, I need to make myself some breakfast, read the morning paper, try my hand at the Daily Suduko and once my blood sugar and blood pressure have stabilized - go for my walk.  Feels good to have "plans".

 

Daily Notes- Friday July 18th. Sunshine and a Strong Breeze today in Maine. Grass Cutting.

 I found this one in the "finished" box and made another yesterday while watching Epstein News with same fabrics but different center yesterday.  Looks like a Party.  Larger than the others I've had here on the posts. 

1. I watched the news yesterday....it felt like a mistake but I couldn't stop. Like driving by an accident and knowing you will be sorry you looked.  I was. Sorry. I looked.  And listened. 

2. I usually watch the cable shows with 3 digit numbers but nothing there so traveled to the four digit stations...most are the same only a better image...did find some Bones episodes on a strange channel. Mystery I think but that might have been some other day.  I NEED to have my Son choose a new cable package.  Husband picked this one and it's Sports Heavy...why he chose it is a mystery as he mostly watched Wipe Out or the show with the pet cameras.   Never even once watched "Sports".

I have been watching European Soccer, Tennis and Formula One Racing.  I like Rugby also.

3.  I think there is a fly in here.. why they like to come bother me is a mystery.  They fly past me until I get the swatter and kill them.  

4.  Today is Grocery and Library.   I need a few things.  Milk.  Yogurt.  Toasting Bread.  Salad. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam....that I add to my plain vanilla yogurt (and bran buds).  Ice cream bars made with yogurt.

5. I began the day with a shower- a mistake as I hadn't eaten anything And my blood pressure tanks on morning showers...but my hair is nice and clean as is the rest of me.  Clean clothes also.  Instead of a faded men's work shirt I have on a pink and white  striped shirt.  Sleeves rolled to the elbow.  I do not pop the collars on my shirts. Not that much difference between this shirt and the men's work shirts.

6. I have been thinking...more often.....about painting- watercolors....I might have subconsciously thought to SAVE painting for the End of Life Years.  Grandma Moses style.  Anyway, it's come to mind that Time is running out out and I still haven't gone full speed into painting.....and Antiques Roadshow always has great old paintings.....that wouldn't be that difficult to try. Keep the hand sewing for late afternoon and evening.

7. Strong Winds outside I had to go rescue a few things flying past the window.   

Daily Notes on a Cloudy July Morning here in Maine. 72 degrees and 94 percent humidity. UGH!!!

 I didn't understand this sign when I first saw it....but then it made sense and I laughed.  

I watched news yesterday.  My Goodness.  Really....to think Epstein would be the last straw?  For the Republican Herd.  Slowly They Turned.........

1. Thursday....not much going on here..Summer takes a lot out of me...I've just been sitting on the couch reading or watching Bones.  One ice cream bar left in the freezer....for today.  

2. Dark and a bit humid today so the AC units will get turned on later. It might rain....I have wanted it to rain for weeks now.   Scratching a mosquito bite on my left wrist.

3. Reading one of my favorite books- I have it in Trade Paper but reading the Hardback Library copy. Nora Goes Off Script.  It's interesting to read a book I have read so many many times and get a new take on the plot...because I can 'see" the future.  The hardback has larger print.  I don't have to work as hard to read the words........

4. Not going to be 80 this year- going to be 79.  I did some MATH.  Laughing.

5. For some odd reason I am wanting to be 80.

6. Medicare Enrollment and my landline phone is ringing and I answer and hang up.  I have a delightful Medicare Advantage Plan that has exceeded ALL expectations....they even sent me a credit card to use for vitamins, eyeglasses etc.  I put the card thru the shredder.  I shred any new credit cards that come in the mail.  

7.  I have a half gallon of lemonade in the fridge....a new bottle...So I will be hydrated today with tea and lemonade.  I have lots of crispy cereal flakes for breakfast.  Ice Cold Red Sweet Cherries for Couch Snacking as I read or watch Bones.  I'd give anything for a few Law and Order episodes.

8. I hand sewed a round of strips on another square...green.  Contemplating a visit to the sewing room shelving units for fabric choices.  I also have to decide how large the squares GET before I start sewing them together.   If I sew them together.  And if they need to have an unrelated border between blocks. For Law and Order..

Daily Notes on Wednesday July 16th. I went directly to reading and the talking on the phone after breakfast..

 One of the irritating feeds sent this image this morning...at one time I had roses growing here....I do love them and the fragrance some of the older ones have.  Deer think roses are salad. I have deer.  No roses.

Nothing to watch on tv and am reading Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander...  British author.  Meredith hasn't left her house in quite a few years....does open the windows.......mentions ordering anything and everything and it arrives on her doorstep. Jigsaw puzzles.   The flowers up top are reminding me of the lines of words in this book.  Same sad but content feeling.  Yesterday's book was read to the end and shall remain nameless and forgotten... Tech Millenials...(spelling) so so boring and they whine......endlessly. 

Would any of us sleep on the floor of a basement on a foam mattress for a full year?????  And take cabs and buy takeout food with credit cards and drink in bars?   I can't believe it.  And have graduated with honors from prestigious universities?????  

1. AC units running on these absurdly HOT days here in Maine.  Heat is set to break at any time now (and it never rained). I am still wearing a long sleeve cotton men's work shirt...my uniform.  Still wearing the raspberry pink cropped pants....now washed and dried-.  I did laundry. Washed the shirt as well.  I feel "stuffy" but not hot and not sweating.  Perhaps I am not working at normal speeds???? Old person speed..

2. Had to walk into the "possible" ankle twisting area to turn on the outside hose...to fill the watering bottles. No injury to report.  Filled the watering bottles, watered and then filled them a second time..

3. My Master Garden Pal called and we had a long chat...she wants me to get out and buy myself a fresh Lobster Roll Sandwich... I do love them.  She is busy weeding her vegetable garden. I used to have one of those....vegetable garden.  Loved it.  Green beans, zucchini, pickling cucumbers. tiny carrots., tomatoes.

4.  I could be watching Bones but...I've run out of interest and it's the one where they find a body in an airplane oven while traveling to Japan.  She HAS to do Scientific Things with items gotten from the passengers....So Clever!!! So Boring.  Once was more than enough.

5. No Tennis.

6. It might be time to have some lunch....take care- will write tomorrow...

Daily Notes for Tuesday, July 15th..... Sunshine, Humidity & Heat.

 Television has been dismal.  This block was made yeas ago.  Got that last border recently or NOT..  I audition additional borders all the time...none has brought me "joy" as yet.  That very dark fabric is actually what I should be adding to the edge.  Same width.   The pile next to me on the Ottoman- all look great but not sewed as yet.  And, as things go these days...are very strange indeed.  Like me.

1. I had ONE of my four chocolate covered yogurt ice cream bars...yesterday.... as a reward for making it thru the day..  I should ask any Readers in my age group- close to 80- if they feel this way also?  Making it thru another day....cause to celebrate.  Gin and Tonic with lots of LIME and ICE or Ice Cream Bars.

2. Continuing to not watch news on TV and only read what makes it into the morning newspaper. And Not Much makes it into my Morning Newspaper.  Thank Goodness. Not even the Stock Market anymore.

3. I had the remainder of the baked chicken salad. For lunch. Yesterday. And a bowl of ice cold sweet cherries later in the day.......minus the yogurt. 

4. My son carried the packed box of Hummel figures down from the attic and I have my favorites on the cabinet I asked he and his sister to carry into my bedroom.  I look at the Hummel figures as I go into the bathroom and as I pass by going out into the hallway. I can see them from my bed as well.  I started collecting them even before we moved to Germany.  I have two large dolls as well...the boy and girl... I often wonder what Antiques Roadshow would value them at?????  Everyone got a cold bath. to remove dust.

5.  Watched part of the PBS Marcella program....I want to try that Tomato Sauce.

6. Have had to get up to answer the phone twice while typing this...Medicare phone calls...I hang up.  

Morning Notes on Monday July 14th. 7 am...I am not a Morning Person.

Mango Soft Serve.

20 ounces of frozen mango (or any other frozen fruit), One can of sweetened condensed milk  (14 ounces), plus 2 Tablespoons of Vodka if you want and own a bottle.   Into the blender stopping to push things into the blades until smooth - 1 to 2 minutes...ready to eat immediately or scoop into container and freeze. NYT.  I have frozen fruit (not mango) in the freezer and a can of condensed milk on the counter...and a Vita Mix.

1. Mangos are in the supermarket fresh fruit section in my area...so fresh ones peeled and cut up and frozen BEFORE making this.  MY VitaMix loves making ice cream.  Leave the Vita running long enough and you make hot soup.  Very Hot Soup.  An amazing machine.  My first and only purchase while watching an info commercial on  TV. (late at night).   

2. I admit to NOT having used it in quite a LONG TIME.  I used it to make rice flour from regular white rice while on my crazy diet.  Because I had an awful rash (everywhere) that would NOT go away so I had to detox........no wheat, no eggs, no sugar, no dairy.  The statin drugs didn't knock it back...not at all.

3. I have not done so many things in Quite a Long Time...I feel like I suffered from dementia along side my husband.  I think that might be a problem for most caretakers...and we don't even realize it's happening to us. Also not being hydrated....anytime I walk past the sink, I make myself a glass of water and drink it.

4. Finished reading Elinor Lipman's Ms. Demeanor.. Helps to be in a better frame of mind...Enjoyed it very much.  Another British book about a Library and a Mystery is going back with only 40 pages read... I didn't like ANY of the characters.......

5. Cloudy today here in Maine- would be a delight if it actually rained.

6. Sunday Pizza was a delight as usual.  I had one slice with a big mixed greens salad. Today it's Vanilla Yogurt, Bran Buds and pitted Sweet Cherries.  Yummy.  And water...I am needing to drink water today.

 7.Yesterday's tennis was quite good.  Sunday pizza was also quite good.

Daily Notes- Sunday, July 13th....Sunshine and Cool here in Maine.

 My Office.

I tried getting this on the page for quite awhile- this might be a repeat...I'm OLD and FORGETFULL. this is my desktop with desktop. I'm sitting in front of it right now typing this....to YOU.

1.Watching Tennis- Sinner....I like the Italian Guy.   I tried to like tennis (in college)  but I am slow to respond to the ball. So I wasn't any good at it. I could have tried learning to bounce the ball on the racket... well. while I was typing Sinner WON.

2. Things did not go well with the wonderful woman doing my weeding...we decided (she decided) to just stop.....not a conversation we should have had before I had any breakfast....blood sugar was low and all I wanted to do was sit down on the couch. and not faint.....not have a landscaping chat....about weeds and mulch.  I also have the huge Grass Mowing Bill to deal with.

3. Pizza Today as it's Sunday...I will also be having a Big Salad.  I do love a big salad.

4. But right now- the couch and today's book Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman.  I've tried to read this book before but perhaps I am in the right frame of mind this time?????  I read one of her other books and enjoyed it very much.  A few weeks ago.

5. There are a few empty spots in the big ornamental container and I am thinking a nice Dill Herb in that spot or something from the grocery store to fill in.  Best thing about the dill.... the yellow flowers.

Daily Notes for Saturday July 12th. A Damp (hopefully) Cloudy Day here in Maine- finally!!!!!

 I began here and then went off to have breakfast and read the newspaper.... Now I am back.  Only two more of the Orphan Blocks left to show you.......I have been reading and watching Tennis on these muggy Summer Days. And the pile of strips etc are sitting to my left side waiting for their chances to become a block....as I go along the block pieces get weirder and weirder. And I do NOT go down to the Quilt Room Boxes to pull more fabric.

1. I figured out what went wrong with the images thing...and now they work and I still can't see how or why they stopped.

2. I've decided Newspaper Headlines are okay to read but whatever follows the headline is Not okay to read.

3. I am still waiting for promised rain.  We have cloudy skies....so maybe?????

4. I did not watch the Presidential Press Conference on the Texas floods...it was Not in my Best Mental Health Interests to do so.

5.  Tennis yesterday with Sinner winning was interesting.  The entire stretch of matches etc has been very strange as all the top seeds lost in the first round of matches.  It's like Tennis has Given Up. Is it the grass?

6.  I am watching episodes of Bones --Season Three makes one cringe. ...OMG. With Bones and Booth both saying how "great looking and hot" they themselves are.....they were not then nor are they either thing going forward....Bones is just a character I put up with but have NEVER liked.  Booth says he is good at his job but I see little proof.  He was the same with Buffy. Little to NO improvement.

7. If Law and Order was on (it isn't)....I'd drop Bones completely. I'd drop everything for Law and Order- which is now on only after 11pm.  And I am asleep them and if I record...I get something recorded that is NOT Law and Order......every single time.   So I plan to READ today and hope for RAIN.

Daily Notes for Friday, July 11th.....Clouds and Humidity

 I figured it out....it wasn't Google (cookies) it was Joanne. Duh.............

1. Weather which I already did up top.  73 degrees in the house.

2. Taking the bag with picked chicken bones out to the garage... garbage bag. (something to commit to doing today)

3. Yesterday I stopped watching mindless TV and read a book.  (one thing I did well yesterday)

4. (one thing I could have done better)- find additional books at the Library.  BUT I will be reading out of my home bookcase which is a very good thing.  I felt a bit "out of it" at the Library.....still do here at home.  Like I need a nap....

5. Something bringing me joy....I stuck some fake (artificial) flowers in the large outdoor planter to fill an empty space.  Son will find this to be unexplainable. Grocery didn't have any LIVE plants (with flowers) for sale today. A. fellow shopper, had a lovely green pepper plant she was buying.  I keep forgetting summer has two more months...

6. What I am reading....Book 3 in Clayborn's Luck Series... this one titled....Best of Luck.  Book 2 is not available in any Maine Library.  Daughter is on the hunt. The first book Beginner's Luck was very good- not great but very good.  I'd be happy to have the three in my bookcase.

7.  I was looking for something like the Trader Joe's cereal I bought a few weeks ago...turns out I bought a different variety of the SAME BRAND of flakes....at my local grocery....next time I'll get the variety I bought at Trader Joes.   They are very very crisp and chewy.  I had the identical ones in my hands and put them back....duh!!!!  Heritage Flakes.  I bought the MultiBran Flakes.   I do like a thick Flake..

Thursday July 10th... Cloudy with a small chance of rain.......I really want it to rain

 We are still unable, here in my desktop- to install images onto the page.....I see other people posting images so, even though my Son says it's Not, I think it might be my desktop that refuses to accept images. I drag them over like always and they disappear.  And this desktop is NEW.

1. I keep trying.  Now the weather..some indications of precipitation over night. Vague ones.

2. A Crow left me a well picked over half ear of sweet corn this morning on my front steps. Could also have been a Chipmunk.  Crows are more meticulous.  Larger brain.

3. Son and daughter moved one of  Maine Summer Camp Dormitory (from the 50's or earlier) Bureaus out of my bedroom and replaced it with one of the very first pieces of antique furniture husband and I bought after moving from college to Georgia in 1969.  I like looking at this old wooden object with it's curved backboard and arms at each side..  I would add a photo but...can't.  I had it in the kitchen at the first apartment....to hold things in the very tiny kitchen space.  Later, weeks or months, husband's cousin brought over the Rattan Round dining table and chairs....I look at that table every day as it is by the front window here in the living room with different very lovely cherry wood chairs we had custom made in Maine.The rattan ones (taller) are around the table where I eat breakfast and read the newspaper.... that table is old also and German or possibly some other nationality..

4. The other Camp Dresser is on my side of the Ethan Allen High Poster Bed.... holding my underwear. The large black metal Monk sits on top. I saw him the day he arrived at the greenhouse in the gift shop.. I bought him that day and had one of the guys carry him out to my car. It felt like we had been together in another Life.

5.  I have a few cherries left to eat today- with yogurt (maybe- probably).  Another Toasted sandwich with  last of the American Cheese and pickle chips. Grocery Shopping tomorrow. I need to remember mouthwash, milk and shredded wheat.  Also bread and American Cheese.

6. This should have arrived higher up in the post...but I used my Swiffer and some Bona Spray Wood Cleaner to do the kitchen dining room floors..they were filthy.  They get swept (and occasionally vacumed) but sweeping doesn't "clean" anything.  Sigh.  I had to stop when my breathing got difficult  Or I would have continued into the front hallway.  Maybe later.........today.

7. Library Tomorrow.  I am starting my last Library book in a few minutes.  Best of Luck. Clayborn. Have asked daughter to find all three of the Luck books for my bookcase.  The middle one is listed as "lost".....and NO other library in Maine has a copy of Luck of the Draw.  Beginner's Luck was a delight. Daughter loves a difficult "Book Hunt" more than anything. She was here yesterday and looks exhausted.

Daily Notes for Wednesday July 9th. Clouds and chance of rain.

 Today is a Bad Day for Google....Son thinks....I can't move images over to the desktop.

1. I know they aren't Earth Shattering images that I put here but I do like sharing my work or just images that I like.... I was doing images of cloth squares I am making from the tumble of scraps on the ottoman....I started a new one yesterday...off the grid.  Using what was on the ottoman next to me....not "looking" for matching anything in the tubs next to the couch..  I even colored a blank strip with colored pencil.  Because I needed least a few to actually "match".  Being Virgo is a real trial.

2. Cloudy outside and perhaps we'll see some rain... the weather channel has been promising rain for a few days now.  And it hasn't rained. They are also promising flash floods.  Which I am happy to skip as the water table is still pretty close to the surface of my back lawn.. when we moved here any hole my husband dug filled with water.  As he was digging the supports for my fenced vegetable garden.

3. I woke up to very very itchy arms as the red circles on my arms decided to ITCH again. I've stopped thinking they are mosquito bites and now have to admit they are Brown Tail Moth.  Things that float in the air and attach to moist skin.  You touch or rub them and a very itchy rash happens as the thin threads embed themselves in your skin.  Usually very hot water deadens the itch....for a few hours.

4. I also put on a fresh workshirt as the other might have had Moth Hairs on the surface.

5. I keep trying to insert an image....not happening.

6.  Yesterday (and today's) book is Beginner's Luck by Kate Clayborn.  A series about three friends who buy a lottery ticket and win.  Three Books. So far, I am enjoying book one.  The win allows Kit in Book One to work on the very very old house in very very bad condition.....that she has purchased.  2017. I have book two and need to order book three.

7. The Guy in the book is a recruiter and he is trying to get her to interview with a company in Texas.....she is working in the research labs of an underfunded college on the East Coast.  And she is happy there- fixing all the broken old equipment. The Guy is in Town to care for his dad who fell and broke his leg.   Gosh, I've written a book report.

8.  With number 8 I will let you all go for the day...Let's hope it does RAIN here in MAINE and the fertilizer the Tru Green guy put down gets soaked into the soil beneath my less than great looking grass... it will be a quiet day on this Dead End Street.......as usual...but the "New People" across the street might be doing something interesting????????  Yesterday they stood on the driveway staring into their garage......and I watched them DO just that....for a while and then I started making cloth squares out of scrap cloth and reading the book.  BONES wasn't on...hope it's on today.  Now, oatmeal and the paper.

Daily Notes- Tuesday July 8th... Clouds and Hoping For Rain.

1. The ottoman next to my couch...has always been where I keep all my sewing etc supplies.  My reading glasses are to the far right edge south of the Kleenex.   Tru Green came to MY house yesterday- got the right house this time---and applied fertilizer-- I am hoping it rains.... to water it in.

 2. A real estate agent called yesterday to ask if I was interested in selling my house...now or next year.  I said no but am not reconsidering my reply.  I did see myself living in a much smaller one floor house.....intown within walking distance to Grocery, Library and Restaurants on the newly installed flat smooth sidewalks......  Doctor would necessitate a taxi. Or ambulance.

3. The remainder of the book title is Botanical- it's a coloring book (right of the pin cushion)..  My coloring pencils are back and over to the far left.  Next to my left elbow

 4. Sky has darkened.

5. I was very very disturbed by the camp flooding and loss of life in Texas.  As a Scout Leader....I know how that must have felt for the persons in charge.....My eyes are filling with tears just thinking about it. The news (CNN) comments by the man who shall not be named were horrible, unkind and just plain thoughtless.  I shut the tv off....started hand sewing to calm myself.

6.. The cherries I purchased last week have ripened in the fridge...I had a large bowl of them yesterday and look forward to another today.  Possibly pitted and halved with yogurt and bran buds.

7.  My daily problem with itchy red spots on my arms continues...I have decided it's from the netting I put over my annuals out front...which by the way look AMAZING.  I am now going to have a glass of water, sit on the couch close my eyes and think pleasant thoughts....and hope it rains. Waters the fertilizer into the lawn.

8. Thank you for all the replies to 'who is reading" some names are new to me and others old friends. Welcome. To all of you....

Thank you for the comments- replies.... Now that I "know " you are out there- I will write....

Daily notes for Monday July 7th. Sunshine here in Maine....74 degrees at 9am

 I was tempted on this one to travel to the Quilt Room and use the cutting table....to make straight sides. and then I thought-why???   You will see it here (only because a few of you asked) and then..no one but me will see it........ever again 

1. I showered with hot water this morning as the itch on my arms was getting intense.....I think it's going away and it blooms into red swollen spots yet again. I have pink Calomine lotion on my arms now.  Hoping the itch stops.... the spots dry up.

2. A NYT recipe for Protein Bars was full of sugar and negative comments (at the end of the recipe there were 96 negative comments mostly regarding a negative amount of "protein".).  This is the lesser amount on a Sunday NYT's recipe. Usually we hit three digits pretty fast.  Do this, don't do that. Sub this and then this..... it goes on and on.  

3. There was only one NYT's recipe that I actually made- a Vegetable Bean Soup... I used some of the yes comments and all of the no comments to provide myself with a very good soup.  

4. The Calomine is working the ratio of itch has decreased.

5. I am also tempted- if you actually get down here to numeral 5 and IF anyone actually reads this post. To stop publishing these posts.  I will still type them each morning but will hit print instead of publish. I might need to actually send a copy to each of my adult children as proof of Life.  I might send one to Connie.  Because she actually might read the Daily Notes.

6. It seems useless to keep pretending anyone comes here to read this...

Daily Notes- Sunday, July 6th. Sunshine.84 degrees.

 Last set of borders (and everything else) was a bit off...laughing.   I do like it though. Tiny label says Block Party

1. Slept well I think, but my neck is a bit stiff...and I seem to have gotten some ITCH on my neck as well...sigh.  I had Shredded Wheat for breakfast followed by Open Wheel Racing in the Rain somewhere in Europe.  Very very exciting as they slipped and slid into each other.  Not many finished.

2. I have itchy spots on my neck and right arm AGAIN today....The Cortisone-10 works- eventually-- to make the spots stop itching.

3. Pizza later today.  With a Big Salad. (for me)

4. Not much else going on here.

5. I'm days behind on my desk calendar (drawing or pasting art on it.). The last thing I did was on the 2nd day.  I have to look for some art.

6. Will finish A Fall of Marigolds today.  I have a Hallmark Christmas Movie on the tv right now but intend to move on to Soccer as soon as I hit publish.  Not ready for Hallmark or Christmas.

7. Wimbleton is a real SNOOZE this year. And that's all I have for you today.  What's happening with you???

Saturday, July 5th. Cooler over night- Good Sleeping.

 Number three block.  Will be getting two more sets of borders...still pretty small. I did find more of the gray fabric but perhaps not enough for four borders.  We'll see.

1. Windows open last night so I got to hear the small amount of neighborhood fireworks. We did find the flag so it was on the front porch to celebrate the holiday.

2.  Unwrapped the two planters this morning and the smaller one needed watering.  The tall annual in the center of the larger planter is having trouble....perhaps too much water settling in the center of the container? The smaller things around the edges are doing very well.

3. Sports News: I have two  British Soccer games set to record this afternoon.  Tennis has been disappointing for me and almost everyone else?  Two Soccer players died in a car crash yesterday.  Brothers.

4. Picking up SIX Library books today...when the Library opens.

5.  Pizza and Open Wheel Racing tomorrow.

6.  Have 100 plus pages to read in A Fall of Marigolds.  Susan Meissner.  The Brooklyn Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and 9/11

Happy 4th of July..... It rained quite a bit yesterday but today is breezy with sunshine. It even rained with the Sun shining.

I started this and then it was time to go to the grocery store.....which was very crowded...

1. I have strawberries in the freezer.  Berries my friend Patty and I hand picked on a lovely June day. I thawed some to go into the homemade rhubarb mix for my yogurt and Bran Buds (regular lunch item).  

2. Library was closed- I must have mis-read the news on the Library site- Son says we'll stop in tomorrow if I need books.. We did drop off the books I had finished reading.  I find I am enjoying reading books from the shelves here at home.  

3. Books that are like old friends on the shelf at home... if the type is large enough for my 78 year old EYES.  Some type has so little ink that I cannot read the words.  I tried large print...too large. My brain couldn't track the words.  I was exhausted after one page.  I have stacks of books I can no longer read because of tiny print or faded ink.

4. Son found me a package of Baked Chicken Breasts at the store today that I shredded with a fork.  Added honey and mayo and will be enjoying it after it has gotten cold.  I also got some Romaine Hearts for a Salad......Yogurt with Fruit.... Chicken with Honey and..... Toasted Cheese with Pickles.  My Summer Menu.  The Frozen Yogurt Bars I like- not available....the guy stocking the ice cream bars told me.....when I asked.  Bummer.

5.  The Jeep being hauled away (we donated it) was like the "end" in some way..... perhaps because it was parked out front and we saw it everyday.....now we don't ...see it.  I had a difficult night.  And that was difficult to type. I recall horrifying drives in the Jeep when husband didn't know where he was going......and I had to calmly coach him into getting us turned around and heading the right way in the right lanes etc. And finally not driving at all.  Things I prefer to have forgotten. He was very stubborn.

6. I was going to get some string and try and put the American Flag out front on the porch...I think I used to use hooks but not a clue where they are.  Son brought the flag down from the Attic.

7.  My clothes are getting looser...I don't know how or why....things that never buttoned- do now. I am eating as much and as often as I always did.  Perhaps it's just Old Age. I still look the same.

8. There is a fly in here.... where do they come from??????

9. I am going to change out of this very stiff (go out in public) shirt and put on something soft (and old)..... and watch some Women's Soccer.  And have another decaf coffee.  Perhaps close my eyes and nap...wouldn't that be a gift......to treasure?

Daily Notes- Thursday July 3rd. Sunshine but Cooler than yesterday.

 Another small piece.   None of these were ever going to get any larger or become "something". They were just ways to stay occupied on long dull endless days.  So many of those.

1. Yesterday's book was Elinor Lipman's Every Tom, Dick & Harry.   I enjoyed reading it from first page to last... yesterday.  TV didn't have anything interesting (as usual) so sewing and reading were the activities of the day.  Mostly reading.

2. AC window units are off (were on yesterday) and at 8:23 am, light sunshine and no breeze. 71 degrees with 80% humidity- on the little machine but I was out uncovering my ornamentals and it wasn't humid at all.  I would appreciate a nice cool shady day.  But I see the Sun shining.... Summer Rain would be nice.

3. Husband's Jeep was picked up and taken away yesterday afternoon.  Goodwill will have it auctioned off and the proceeds will be our donation to them.  We can cross that off the "to do" list. 

4. Just going out to uncover the plants and I feel itchy.  My arms are covered in small red bumps that itch. And today my neck also feels like that.   And it's only the very beginning of Summer. 

5. I continue to have a hard time finding clothing to wear each morning. End up wearing the same two outfits...one on me and one in the wash basket.  Short sleeve cotton tee shirt, cropped lightweight cotton pants, work shirt  with sleeves rolled up.  Work shirt is very old...but still in good condition...faded.  I keep the two DebL dyed ones for special occasions- like grocery shopping and the library. The plain ones are house shirts. I think I got them at a chain store that is no longer in business in Auburn....it was across the road from a Mexican restaurant husband and I visited. Also no longer in business.  I am also no longer in business.

6.  I will be having Shredded Wheat for breakfast today-  and instant coffee.  The newspaper is waiting for me on the table.  I'm thinking about a Toasted Cheese Sandwich for mid-day. With pickles. Perhaps a frozen yogurt bar later in the afternoon while watching Women's Soccer.  And those are the actual HIGHLIGHTS of my day.  I will have to raid my bookcase to find something to read. 

7. And it's ONLY 9 am.........

Wednesday, July 2nd. Muggy and Damp at 7am. Why am I awake?????

 I took pictures of all the squares for your enjoyment.  Some of the work is okay and others are not.  I tend to work with a handful of cloth strips that may or may not work well with each other..but have a color in common....always have done that.   I have ten to show you.  So ten posts. That top left corner needs a small patch to even up.. this is not one of the the more interesting squares..

After having the Gee's Bend books here in the house..... on the table...I can see the influence the images have had on me.   Use what you have.   If a strip of cloth isn't long enough add a piece of something else...but don't go looking for anything that matches.  I need to do some work on the left top corner. Even things up.  How it got called PATCH work.

1. Itching again this morning....Took a Hot Shower before bed and washed any irritating things off my skin. But feel itchy.  Lots of red bumps... perhaps my shirt has moth hairs on the inside???

2.  Memory problems yesterday regarding some project Son and I were working on. I got confused. And then felt "less than" the rest of the day. Not a great feeling.

3. I'm still watching World Cup Soccer.  Antiques Roadshow. Bones.  Never watch news. Tried watching a movie but...just didn't want to.....Law and Order isn't on ANY channel I get.....so very sad.

4. Finally finished the book I have been reading.  Have new ones on the shelf but actually not much interest.  That worries me as I have always loved reading.  Not much interest in anything.  (I know what that means so don't think I am not aware)

5. My arms are dotted with red blotches from bites and brown tail itches.  Miserable. Yesterday they were fine  And the only thing I do outside is put netting on my ornamental containers in the late afternoon and take it off in the morning. My clothing must have the itchy hairs on them.  

6. The weather- it looks like it might have rained overnight or early this morning.  High humidity at 7am so the day, here in Maine, is going to be miserable.  I am almost out of lemonade.  So will be drinking Sweet Tea.  The boiler is working for some reason- making hot water?????

7. Cold cereal today.  Coffee with the Suduko puzzle.  Then the couch and me sitting there the remainder of the day... keeping myself company..... I wish I was a person who knew how to nap during the day. My husband could fall asleep anywhere and at any time. I never could...still can't.

Tuesday July First- Cloudy with a really good chance of humidity.

 Finished and Not...... in the same pile.  Of cloth strips.  I sewed two entire squares together yesterday- without trimming them square.  They are not square or rectangular...they sort of tilt. Like me. 

1.I learned something from the Gee's Bend Quilt Books....I ran out of one fabric- nothing in any of the color sorted scrap fabric boxes to match what I had used for three side strips-   so I sewed the leftover stub to another fabric scrap in sort of the same color family  and then sewed it onto the square....  it looked fine. It actually made the square more interesting.

2. Weather is working on being cloudy and HUMID today in Maine...unless a breeze off the Ocean changes things up.  Not counting on that happening but some rain would be nice. Increase the mosquito population.  Not serious....

3. I finally dealt with the Brown Tail Moth Blisters on my arm...... extremely hot water....Nothing is itchy. I had forgotten that simple remedy. Very Hot Water.  ... and the red bumps are flat not raised welts.  Fantastic.  The itch is actually from the hairs the moth leaves on our skin....I think I get them putting the covers on the ornamentals out front and then uncovering them in the morning.  Otherwise Deer eat all the flowers.

4. I ACTUALLY watched an episode of Bones I had NEVER seen before...I might have actually watched more than one but I was sewing and not paying complete attention to the tv....

5. Goodwill called for the VIN number of the Jeep.  I was asleep and then the nice lady said she would call back later as I had not one clue as to where to find that info for them...they haven't called back. I have the vin number on an index card next to the phone.  Black sharpie in big letters and numbers.

6. July has never been my favorite month... but, honestly each of the other summer months have not been my favorites either depending on what's happening.  Or NOT happening.  

7. The Homemade Frozen Strawberries and Rhubarb Jam- while a bit too runny- tasted really wonderful with the vanilla yogurt and Bran Buds.  I could have cooked it longer to get it thicker...but it was an "experiment" and a "learning experience".  No recipe to follow.

8.  We have a family birthday this month and the next two months....perhaps one of those events will benefit from a birthday cake.????????