Daily Notes for Friday August 14th. Sunshine here in Maine....

 I own something that looks like the vase over to the right.... I also have boxes of artificial flowers in the Attic.   I would fill a vase and have it at the end of the Circulation Counter where people retuned books when I worked there.  Nothing that "welcoming" is going on".

I have a very large glass vase on the table in front of the long stretch of windows facing the front porch. Daughter brought down the boxes and I selected flowers.  I made a short but wide arrangement she didn't like but...I stuck to my guns as they say and it's the one on the table.

When Fall arrives I'll ask her to carry the box down again.....I am still not authorized to go up the stairs. And I have no plan to go up when no one is home.   It's the going DOWN that is not in my best interests.

I got up late so Son has gone to lunch and we will do groceries when he gets back.  Time has little relevance  to my Life so....it matters not.

Julie Garwood's  Wired was the perfect book for a middle of August read.... I looked on my Library Shelf and I selected two more.....feels like I gave myself a fantastic gift.  Today it's Ideal Man.  Library is Monday so I'll read one or two of the new books daughter brought me.  There is one very large hard cover by Mary Kay Andrews- Road Trip that I have never seen before or read. Also got me the Newcomer which I may have read long ago.

If you are reading this Sam- on your next Book Sale visits- try for some Garwood..

Daily Notes- Thursday August 13th. Another Summer Week comes to an end

 I have nothing that looks like this anywhere around my house.

Wrote checks for two bills....

No Book Chosen to be read but daughter brought a few new ones from a  Used and New Bookstore. Not sure about some of them.   Haven't chosen anything to be Today's Book.

Hallmark TV is 25 years old.  I watched one movie yesterday...recalling why I stopped watching them. But the guy actually touched the woman he was supposed to like so that was cosmic..... no kissing.

I'm considering a phone call to my cable company-- so I can watch Turner Movie Channel.   Old Movies. For a few weeks and then cancel.  I'll be up front with a few weeks and cancelling.  I've checked their list of movies and I like a possible 5 to 8 of the hundreds listed.   Actually would be happy with just the one.  The office one with Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant.  Where they argue all the time.

I used to have this channel but then husband chose an all sports package...gag.  I have so many sports channels and no one watches ANY of them.  Husband watched Wipe Out.  Never watched SPORTS.

A very very slow start to the day......if I lived alone I'd still be in bed. With a book. Possibly crying.

I'm considering a Knight In Shining Armor for today's book.  I'll cry a lot but ...at times it's a good thing. But daughter ALSO brought a new Beach Street Bakery Series book- one I haven't read,  Sunrise By the Sea and a Mary Kay Andrews book.,,,,, Road Trip which I definitely never read.  There is another "read once" Mary Kay Andrews book....I liked it even though there was violence etc. so that new book is also an option.

I'm thinking I HAVE read Sunrise by the Sea.... I'll

I moved something by the Sunporch back door by the sink.... two very dusty mousetraps were DISCOVERED and two very dusty dead MICE,  I left a note for my Son...if I had found them yesterday before daughter visited..I'd have had her move them....trap and all.into the garbage bag in the garage.  Buy new traps. ICK!!!!!

The very very tall wide pot of red geraniums across the street gets redder and redder as the days pass. Quite lovely but I prefer the pink flowers.

Daily Notes for Wednesday, August 12th. Sunshine here in Maine. 78 degrees...

 This mess has a name.  But I can't spell it.  Zucchini, Tomato, Eggplant, Red Bell Pepper.

I have eaten it...in France. And here in Maine.  I like it.   A cartoon Rat makes in one of my favorite movies. Rat-Tat-..........

I have a feeling today is going to be hot.  But Son has the AC unit on off...unless it just stopped working???  It is old....

I have a recipe here using 4 ears of corn with kernels grated off the cob, 6 ounces of bacon and 12 oz of orzo.  Some chili spices and oil and vinegar.   I doubt there is any bacon in the fridge. Nope. Parm Rinds in the freezer might work????   I have been considering steaming some nice white rice. Adding Peas. I checked- I have peas in the freezer.....I love rice and peas.  With butter and sweet soy sauce.

I am considering FOOD and that makes my Son happy as I have been quite reluctant to actually make meals for myself....so I hardly eat anything.  Cooking for One does not come naturally to me. I think that has something to do with "one's feelings of self worth".  I'll find the page in the book where I am supposed to write things......write about food and self worth.  Might even be a page for that.

So I'll be finishing up the reading of  Dolly All The Time. (or not) ...title mystifies me.  I have every book this author has written but doubt I will buy this one.... Annabel Monaghan.  "Life's Great Disappointment"  Which could have been a better title.

My temperament has improved (substantially) due to the ironing of my shirt......yesterday....and today this same shirt still looks great.  Nice lime color.   Limeade.   I have just enough ham and cheese and flour tortillas to get me thru the day today and tomorrow I'll have Toasted Cheese with pickles..  or vis versa,  I've run out of bananas.....  Grocery is  one day and  Library is now a different Day.... My energy levels were not good when we did both.

Even typing this has been a struggle...I had to delete and redo etc etc etc. And honestly...The Daily Notes BORE me and I imagine they BORE you as well.

Daily Notes for Tuesday August 11th. The Sun.....77 degrees.

 Yes, please to a nice bowl of pie and ice cream.... that pie crust looks yummy.

So...here we are in August... hot sun and the AC unit running. Zero Baking. Reminding me of Georgia.

Yesterday I pulled clothing out of the closets in my bedroom......decades of expensive poor choices. Lots of LINEN.  I pulled the clothing out because my Son thinks I could/should dress better....in public.

In reply I got out the spray starch and the iron and pressed all my very old short sleeved linen camp shirts from LL Bean.  They have a boxy shape. No darts.  The one I have on now is not ironed as I dropped the spray starch can and broke off the little spray nozzle.   I have to wait until  Grocery Shopping Friday to get a new can.....lucky for me... most had already been sprayed and pressed flat. This one I am wearing is going to visit with  a VERY hot iron as soon as I hit publish.

Yesterday's book was "NOT the book I though it would be"... I skipped around in the pages but it was not going to get any better.   Today I will be dragging a chair over to the tall German cupboard and selecting a new (old) book from the shelves.  This tall wooden cupboard that comes apart and lays flat for easy transport...is one of My Favorite Things.......It's held dishes, cloth and now books.  The actual short romance bookcase used to be owned by an old friend.  The doors have lost their glass.  My friend filled it with folded quilting fabric.  I fill it with Love and Romance books. The tall cupboard has Mystery, Murder, and Kidnapping.  I used to read ONLY Murder, Mystery and Kidnapping. Some of it very very dark. One book on the Library shelf here at home is that "sort" of book.  Which I will read...first.

My Lawn is a nice honey beige color...with occasion strips of nice green where there is permanent shade.  It isn't growing....so the guys have not been around to mow.  The back fenced garden has gone wild and I am wondering if there are grapes????? on the tall arbor.   I know there is an abundance of flowering ground cover and weeds...in the beds and on the paths.  The Guy who weeded all that died.

Well, I need to heat up the iron and get the wrinkles out of this shirt I am wearing...tidy myself up.

Monday Monday.......August 10th. Transitioning between clouds and Sun. 74 degrees

 I have a full drawer of these things....And those tiny brushes always get stuck between my teeth.  That curved thing to the far left- I haven't a clue as to what it is for.

I was checking out mail-order clothing as son says I need new clothes.  I doubt I need new clothing to sit around on the couch all day.  Which is how my days are spent.  I sew, I read, I watch tv and sometimes I draw and color.  My Time is occupied...  I need new clothing to wear to the grocery store, I guess.

Later today I will rotate some items from the right closet to the left and from the left closet to the Goodwill Box. The Right closet holds items from the Attic....newer 'old" stuff.  I noticed last year that the stuff in the never worn right closet FIT.  So I am less "bulky" than I once was.  Still have HIPS but not as much.

I found some more painted circles to use as bookmarks.....well, it was a postcard but now cut into long strips to be used as bookmarks.   

My "Master Plan" for the next few days is to drag the Central Vac Hose around the wood floors and sweep up dust and hair (mine) off the wood floors.  Take my mind off this morning's nightmare.  I died. Yep, in my dream, I died....Fire Dept called etc.........going to library. NOW...

Daily Notes of Sunday August 9th....Sunshine and 79 degrees.

 White linen clothing.   I've got plenty of the wide white linen shirts but NO extra wide shorts.

 I don't wear shorts.

I have been tempted to spray starch and iron a few short sleeved linen shirts.  I have a wrinkled one on right now.  I wear the nice ones on Grocery Library Day but not ironed.   Lifetime Supply.

Today is Sunday Pizza.  Will be great when Football Starts.  Time Fillers for Long and Boring Days. I can see why old people talk to themselves....  I already do.

It's taking me forever to finish reading the. Bad Luck Bridesmaid.   I might just give up and start a new one.... 

Yesterday I wasted time on that show where they bid on Storage Lockers. OMG.   I've sunk to that level... Law and Order would be huge upgrade....but I chose CSI: Vegas.- Seemed to pair well with storage lockers. Similar Ick Factor and color scheme.  Well, I have nothing to do and need to get started on that.

Daily Notes on an overcast and cloudy Saturday in Maine.

 If I had "planned ahead" in the back fenced garden....I'd have these tall planter boxes.  With the wide edge so I could sit and pull weeds.   But who guesses so far ahead re: cartilage in the knees disappearing??????

The Sun has come out from under the clouds....  House is still cool enough...  My Son is suffering upstairs. My Daughter is suffering where ever she is weeding along the ocean front.  I'm considering returning to a long sleeved linen shirt.  I have on short sleeves.....  Old People chill easily...winter is a real "treat".

I watched VINTAGE CSI last night.  Did not pick up a book......  

Yesterday I did an extensive cleaning of the disposal in the sink.  Very CSI. We don't use the disposal (septic tank)  and if I knew of a plumber I would  have it removed.... (and would also have my leaking shower head fixed). I had to clean the kitchen sink drain because some large glass stones fell in when I was changing the water in a container. I had to stick my hand in the slime mess to find the large glass beads....and NOT accidentally send them down into the pipe.   So DISGUSTING.   

But I did it and lived to tell you about it.   It's Saturday and there will be some British Soccer.  An Ice Pop out of the freezer... cooking shows... not much else. Ah...several glasses of water to hydrate the BRAIN CELLS of this old woman.  I have zero projects to work on...... but do have a book to finish reading...

Then I will indeed need to think of something to fascinate me.

Friday August 7th.... 80 degrees already and it's early. 81. Whoa.

 Pretty much what my shower etc looks like.  minus the black grout. And the leak.

Robo Call.. Charley (this time)....cough...cough... and I hung up. I wish I could press a button and have his phone blow up.   Lovely to consider.

Son has a PLAN for today... I have forgotten what the Plan is.    The Library is not part of the Plan. which is okay as I have unread books on the shelf- he says Library will be Monday.  

I set two large plastic tub lids in the uncovered space at the bottom of the window blinds to shade us from the SUN. AC window unit is running.  Large ceiling fan is spinning.

I think we are on our way.....no.....well, in any case.  I should consider my menu choices for the coming week where it pertains to my LUNCH.  Ah, the shower is running........I had chicken nuggets last week so should have something else this week?????   I also had grilled cheese and pickles.

Daughter suggested we buy Flavored Electrolyte this week for me.  Delightful.

Three husband-less women have owned and lived in this house since it was built.  Well, they had husbands (at some point tin Time)..just didn't live with them.   I'm number three.

That's it for today.....

Daily Notes with Some Interesting Tidbits. August 6th.

 

I FINALLY recalled what I wanted to share with all of you... we all remember the President hot gluing fake gold styrofoam coated stuff to his White House fireplace???? Yes?   

Well, What To My Wondering Eyes Did I SEE on Hallmark a day or so ago????.  A movie about a king and his household and there on the front of the fireplace-  "look a like" gold additions to the Hallmark Fake Castle Fireplace. All shiny and cheap.......

I am wondering if the Memory Impaired President watches Hallmark?????  

The Deer came and ate the ONE LILY...it was quite lovely the day I got to enjoy it. I was going to take a picture of it but...I did not. and now it's too late.

I added a "touch" of fake  Splenda pink lemonade to my Electrolyte Water... excellent. Very Drinkable. Today's improvement is a straw.... I still have trouble with temp of the water- very cold...gives me a "sinus freeze". My target (in next hour or so) is to get the level of the water to the bottom of the label or drink it all..  I do best with a target.

Later I have cold chicken nuggets from the grocery to polish off.  Today is Robo call day...everyone who speaks after I say hello... says their name and then clears their throat....I wonder if that is is the script????? Say name and then clear throat.....this is my cue to hang up.

We have added the window AC unit to the mix today as it is supposed to be getting HOT today.  Not a problem for me as I am running cold most days....even to the point of using the down cover on my lap when I read.  Son has gone out to have lunch.... I have an hour or more to "run amuck".  

Laughable.  My book is one I have read many times.....I like The Ending... so I'll keep going and then pick something else.  Bad Luck Bridesmaid.   There is another Bridesmaid book I enjoyed....those brides never made it down the aisle either.

Daily Notes for Wednesday August 5th. Sunshine and 76 degrees in Coastal Maine.

 I had an image for you but can't get it to transfer here... the computer is new but the website is old.    I drew this in one of the date boxes on the desk calendar (the 13th).  I like filling the calendar boxes with drawings.   And here it is....finally arriving.

 Don't have much to say. My days are pretty much all the Same and nothing exciting happens....even the flies that make it into the house... don't fly they just drift real slow.

My Honda is getting new tires....prior to its State Inspection. A number of things have happened to this little Honda.  A recall on the entire back end of the car... was pretty exciting....daughter and I exchanged cars as one was being fixed and then the other.  Both had the same recall.  I even drove husband's huge black  Land Rover for awhile..........All the Land Rovers eventually got a recall notice.

I prefer Honda.

Well, not sure what is going to occupy my DAY today but so far...it's been the newspaper, the Suduko and my Oatmeal.  I haven't finished my breakfast coffee but did take my pills.   That pretty much checks off the majority of my Daily Activity.......I do need to drink my Electrolyte Water.  Select the Book of the Day for reading.... Perhaps sew another handful of scrap cloth into a square or rectangle. (size of a large index card)....quite a few library books have gone into the bag unread.  Bad choices.

I am slogging thru a book ...nope...I gave up on that one.  Rich people having a difficult time....yawn..... This next one "Bad Luck Bridesmaid" ...I kinda think I read it already.  Like a few years ago.  We'll see.  then I might just give up and read something out of the book case here at home.  Or sew....Or just stare at the wall like my old cat used to do..   Old Age is Miserable.

Things could be worse- I could be hauling myself to the Elks Club for Bingo.  

And Here It is Tuesday already.....August 4th. Sunshine and 79 degrees already.

 This looks like something I should know the name of.......I don't.

Spent yesterday evening with the Rovers on Mars, a probe sent to the Sun....History Channel. No reading.

Son is going to lunch and dropping off my unwanted Library Books...

I picked up two new lighthearted Library  books yesterday after lunch.....I am reading a book with more "physical activity" than I am comfortable with....the couple just met......she does know he is a cop....the uniform is a great hint when he's wearing it.   I also have a terrifying book....Karen Slaughter's Triptych.   

A bit of everything....I even got a book with a pink cover-- a romance?????  One can hope.

There is a potential gathering of cloth scraps next to my ottoman.....trying to get my attention. Trying to get me to thread a needle and sew them together.   I did sew a nice happy square  together the other day but ran out of fabric scraps so...it can't get any larger.... and I left it somewhere and can't recall where.  Getting old is really a strange thing.  It's like the brain pathways are all dead ends.  Eventually.

I had my dose of Potassium (banana) and my Fluids (salty water) and now I am considering a walk down to the Sewing Room.  Today is supposed to turn into a HOT DAY with HUMIDITY... yesterday was Cool and Wet..  I liked Cool and Wet......it was comforting.

Well. that's all the News Fit To Print for today....  there is no Soccer.no more Mars Lander rolling around in sandy soil... or rockets heading for the Sun...and Hallmark...just no. Law and Order was dull the few times I have tried it lately......and I did so enjoy Lennie.  I could dig around in the BIG GERMAN Cupboard for a book....Lots of them in there...I could read the new book daughter found- with Vikings. I could read a Vintage Trade Paperback about Kidnapped Women locked in the Ship Captain's room. Usually she has a chain around one of her ankles..... Wouldn't get published these days. 

I did like the one where the captive woman was actually a Ship Captain herself and chained the men up and took the helm during an awful storm.. Now that one was a delight.

I need to drink some of my Pediolyte.  (spelling is not correct). It does seem to help though.  

Monday August 3rd.....It's Raining...Pouring Rain here in Maine.

 We haven't had much Rain this summer and front lawn is brown and back lawn is green.  Looks like it might have stopped... nope- just the wind has stopped.

I have a lunch date today...in 2 hours.  

I started this before going to lunch....and then forgot to return...Lunch was a delight...good food and excellent company.  BLT and a nice layered chocolate cake and pudding dessert in a tiny cup.

After lunch we stopped at the library and I picked up  my ordered books and few others....My friend and I also looked over the "uncovered library "new"  construction" and neither of us had much to say...it all looked the same.  Except for the couch along the wall.  Why??????? In the entry way would you have a couch???? 

   We checked out books at a card table over by the stairs.  We even climbed the stairs to look at the second floor... reference-- which actually had books on the shelving units....they'd been empty for months. 

I might have someone who will weed a bit for me....cross your fingers that I do? Please.

Daily Notes for Sunday August 2nd... cloudy and 74 degrees.

Margaritas.

I haven't a clue as to what is happening with the internet or my email.  I sent one but the person it was sent to never got it.  I sent a new reply but not sure that will get there either.  We were sending emails to set up a lunch date.

Watched a bit of Hallmark yesterday and then got sleepy...so set it to record and will finish watching it today.  I squashed two more fat black flies yesterday.  Not sure how they are getting into the house.  But once they get in- they like the living room best of all....but did find one sitting in the kitchen sink a week or so ago...

Yes, she finally got my email we ARE having lunch tomorrow.

I sewed a few of the scrap fabrics I have on the ottoman next to me...I sewed the scraps into a square. And then went looking for some...it's been so long since I did this I have forgotten what the fluffy stuff between the top and bottom layers is called.  Any way after looking in EVERY STORAGE TUB I found a few yards of ....drum roll....batting.  Gosh being old is such FUN.  Not.  Next up is finding backing fabric.

I need to finish off the first bottle of the salty electrolyte solution I am drinking to try and correct my something.   Not sure what...cognitive????something.

Well, I have things to do....I didn't make a list but I'm sure I'll figure it out...I already made my bed.  Got dressed. Combed my hair.... Prepared and ate breakfast and read the newspaper and tried the Suduko.. That's quite a lot of "doing"..... and it's not even 12 noon.

Daily Notes for Saturday August First.--I skipped a day.......just noticed that a minute ago.

Iris.  Siberian.

Another flower my Grandmother had in her gardens.

When I was finished with College Instead of getting married I should have gone to live with her. My Grandmother.   There were plenty of places I could find work in her neighborhood. I would have perfected my Strudel making. I would have learned to sew my own clothing......tailor my own clothing.

Would have, Could have...Should have......  Living one's Life backwards...and then forward with a different outcome. Like a Hallmark Movie.

I'm closing in on the last of the race here....just have to go with it.  Fresh Calendar Desk Page...Always a great BOOST for me.  I have two bottles of Electrolyte Solution.  The one last week tasted awful but the next day I was more alert etc.  "Try New Things".  A lunch date with a former Greenhouse co-worker.. Always in August and Always my favorite Summer Day.

I watched some SPACE on tv yesterday.... saw the last of Maid in Manhattan,  Never stay for the entire movie.  Also some Vintage CSI and then for dessert.....last 30 minutes of a Hallmark Christmas Movie.

No book reading for the past few days....I even hand sewed some strips of fabric into a SQUARE.  Feels like Off Roading....Oh and the July resident FLY was seen floating over to the front windows so I put it out of its misery.  Not like past years and almost a dozen flies.... helps to have the chimney cleaned out.

Well, got nothing interesting to share with you.....and the salty bottled water needs drinking... I bought fabric dryer sheets for my Laundry.... just for a change... maybe I'll like them...maybe I won't. In my Family Circle they always side with Won't...... I have a Negative Personality????? I think Discriminating Personality.   British Soccer on USA Today....and cooking shows unless I forgot to record them....yep forgot...

 

Daily Notes from a Very Sunny Day here in Maine.....76 degrees- Rain yesterday "was but a sprinkle".

 This image came with a great many ideas and suggestions for a Happier Healthier Life.  I walked away with a decent image of green peas being a Protein Source.  And that was ALL. Well. I have HAD all my shots and I do sleep well so...that's good enough?????  I could drink MORE water.....

I have a Birthday Lunch Day (next week) with a former co-worker. We try to fit it in between both of our birthdays.  Early for me and late for her.  

She reports that the Perennial Yard watering system (at my former place of employment) is clogged with gravel....so they are having to hand water with cans or a very very long hose (or hoses connected) from either greenhouse......the Good Times would SO NOT be Rolling.

I trolled into the 4 digit stations on my Comcast Offerings.   Set three things to record... they may or may not......  I have seriously lost interest in my cable offerings....deadly boring now that World Cup is over. Tennis was an option but the sound of the tennis ball was making me sleepy.  And please do NOT start with the STREAMING......I cannot...Stream.  I live with a former Silicon ValleyTech Guy...if it was possible, he would find a way (to shut me up about it).....and there is no way. 

I typed a bunch of stuff but it was too personal etc etc....so... I CAN say I enjoyed my morning shower and my hair is nice and fluffy...... daughter also got me an older Johanna Lindsey book with Vikings at Goodwill...Oh My!!!! Usually it's crabby Sea Captains.....but a Viking....wow. 

I have Julie Murphy's newest book here and it's a Real Snooze.... sigh...it goes back tomorrow . Unread. Quite a few..if not all...the books I get at the Library these days....go back unread.....the newer ones...which is why I look for Old Favorites. 

Well Son has left the building to go to Lunch... I actually cannot think of anything terrible to do while he is gone......climb a ladder??? No I wouldn't even try that.  Watch MSNBC?  News?  No No Way..... Stare at the ceiling?  Most likely choice.   Have a nice day.....

Daily Notes on Wednesday, July 29th. Was sunny and now cloudy.

 Groceries.  Right now I wish I had a protein to eat with my coleslaw. I don't.

I filled the birdbaths with water and sprayed the long sidewalk stretch filled with tiny brown ants.  Stuff is good- they stopped moving.   It's organic....somehow death is better if it's organic.?????  Grass is growing on very Sandy Soil..  

I happened to watch some news...please don't let that happen again.

We are supposed to be getting lots of RAIN.

I can't believe it's Wednesday- feeling like Friday.   

A button came off my rosy pink linen pants this  morning so I now have pink and white patterned pants on. I did sew the button back on the other pants.....possibly time for me to do a load of wash.  so I can continue to wear the same outfit every day.  Like a uniform.

One of my "newer" jobs is sweeping up my hair off surfaces. It sort of drifts off my head.  But when I comb it- no hair in the comb.  So a mystery.  Just now a nice bunch off the back arm of the couch where I sit. 

Possibly because I finger comb my mass of hair before inserting an elastic band and some pins. I like it long but also like it gathered into a very small knob of hair.  Soccer Hair.

I've felt shaky today so have been having water and bananas... Going for more water as soon as I hit publish.  There was an article (NYT) on using canned beans from the pantry to make great meals.... what's that saying all horse and no saddle?????   I like beans....but none of those recipes.

So...Rain Coming.  Recalled the author of a series of terrifically scary books....gonna order some.  The origin of that Will Trent TV Series.  Which is ridiculous. Possibly would have worked if Will was actually Six Foot Five (or taller) and restored a burned out vintage Porsche all by himself.  I'll see what my Library still owns.....

Book One of Will Trent is arriving later this week from ANOTHER LIBARY.

Daily Notes for Tuesday July 28th. Sunshine here in Maine,,,,forecasting rain. which never arrives

 Peas are supposed to be the next great thing to eat....  I actually love peas.

My inbox...keeps giving me protein and nutrition advice,  There must be some magically thinking going on ????  I have always eaten more vegetable items than meat, fish or eggs (three items I often find icky) and feeling in the mood to enter the kitchen I mixed up a few items into a very nice Cole Slaw and served up a nice portion for myself.  Would have been GREAT with a few Fried Chicken Nuggets.  But I had already eaten them.  Days before. Possibly more than a week ago...

I watched the Little Women movie I had saved on TiVo from Fox.....Fox was YELLOW ALERTING me that I had seconds left before they erased it from my TiVo Storage Bin.   So I watched...then I watched a favorite Christmas Movie from my TiVo Storage Bin,   Two great things....no book reading. Resting my Reading Eyes.

I have a stack of various green and black fabric SCRAPS next to the couch.  With some vague intention of sewing them together into a square???  Hand Sewing. 

I have two more items in the FOX YELLOW ALERT area of the TiVo.  I have a stack of really great books on the Library Book Shelf..   I have the large front window to gaze out... a few small Toddler Cups of Ice Cream....and the possibility of a nice cup of coffee.....all good things.  (including the construction of the Mars Landing Rover.) I have that set to record.  I live a varied and often misunderstood Life.

I also am feeling tired...it happens every so often...also my neck tendons are stiff and hurt-- quite a bit- tension still in them...I think that's from worrying....(about what? no clue) so I am going to hit post and settle into the couch and wait for any more surprises that come my way- books, movies or whatever. A NAP???  It's Summer so the heating pad around neck???? no , just no.  but I always give in and wrap it around my painful neck muscles......

 

Monday Morning...July 27th. Sunshine here in Maine. 77 degrees.

 Cornmeal Poundcake.

Last time I baked- can't even recall when that was--I secretly baked corn muffins.  A favorite of mine. I ventured into turning on the new oven all by myself.....I'm never quite sure I recall how it works... very techy.... little red marks and numbers.  Possibly as the stove is sold in various countries that do not speak or read English.  Though I recall seeing the word HOT....

Yesterday I watched one and a half Hallmark Christmas Movies.....It's Christmas in July...I have the second half of the movie to watch today.  I like the last 5 minutes...but the last 5 minutes are best when I watch ANY Hallmark Movie.   I am tempted to read the X rated Hallmark Movie  books I have in the bookcase.   I was rather shocked by the content the first time I read one but now...not so much.  Found it. Jingle Bell Mingle....and why not read all three in July?????? 

I spent some of yesterday watching another Christmas Movie...not the greatest of them all but pleasant.  I had been watching Law and Order and that was not jolly.  I also watched part of an Egyptian Tomb Robbing episode...I was more interested in the very tall guy in the pale blue linen shirt. The Egyptian Woman  Professor's chin lined up with his elbow.  King Tut's Tomb....always interesting.

Well, as you can read...very very dull here at my house.  But I push on thru the hours and days and weeks. I am actually sleeping quite successfully....which is a healthy thing to be doing...and not always possible for me.  My white hair is quite WIDE today so I brought some pins and rubber bands to the couch with me.

The piles of preselected cloth scraps are not as inviting as I had hoped....I was going to hand sew them into squares.  About 5 or 6 inches square.  Hand sewing seams makes the project last longer- using the machine- 5 minutes and I'm done.  With Every Thing.... I was looking for white linen but don't have any. I might have to slice up a shirt out of my closet......and after doing that I will be upset I ruined a good shirt.

Not that I have ANY shirts to spare.  laughing....I wear the same clothing day in and day out. Washed but no longer ironed.

Daily Notes for Sunday July 26th. Sunshine here in Maine with temps in the high 70's

 Come sit awhile.....we'll enjoy a nice chat.

It's been quite a dry spell here...for friends visiting etc.  It was difficult at first getting used to the alone-ness but I have managed to get used to it...  entertain myself.  I try not to indulge in talking to myself out loud... especially if it sounds like a two way conversation... (sigh)

I didn't sleep well and am feeling sort of tired...now.  Neck muscles are cramping up.

I don't have a shaded bench for sitting.  I do have two large comfy rockers on the front porch.  In years past a few neighbors would visit or a friend would drive to see me....we would chat and rock and feel comfortable with silences.  I would have glasses of cold water or tea or coffee to refresh my guest.

Sitting out there alone...I could do that... but.....it feels really sad. I recall my father being quite lonely living alone. His older friend  Phil would come to visit and fall asleep.... my dad sat and rocked and looked out over the back yard until Phil woke up and decided to go home.

We will be making Sunday Pizza later....And I have lettuce in the fridge for a salad but worry about eating it........ not much going on here...a book to read, some cloth strips set up ready to hand stitch--but then what do I do with the squares?  I made gift potholders but noticed they were never used.

Well, my book needs reading.....my coffee needs reheating......and there must be something on tv I can pretend to be watching.  The bones in my neck are making strange noises.

Daily Notes- Saturday, July 25th. Sunshine here in Maine and 77 degrees.

 Nuts.   Are Good For You. Also Electrolyte Solution.  Son hopes that stabilizes me.

I have a jar full of Pistachios.  But don't know how to spell it...so ran over to the bookcase and the dictionaries etc,,,, In the end, found the word on a recipe card.  That just "happened to be on the shelf" things like that happen every so often to let me know I'm not traveling alone so to speak.

Phone call from the same recorded guy who says his name and then clears his throat...this is when I hang up.  Five or more times a day...when it's a real live person on the line I talk until THEY hang up.  At this point in time...the real live ones have crossed my name off their lists. Success!!!!!

When I worked at the Magazine Job I discovered that the people I was talking to were actually Good Behavior Guys in Prison.   Good Behavior got them a telephone job and extra cash.  Life Lessons at Every Job I Ever Had.  I had a telephone sales job..........jeez.   I moved on to a  Newspaper Job.....better.  Then I moved on to an Art Job.  Magazine Illustrations.....husband came home shortly after I got settled into the Art Job and said- "Pack things up we are moving".   

If I could TurnBackTime- my reply would have been- "go by yourself...I'm staying here".

Sigh......so. what are you doing?????  I have PBS Cooking Shows lined up. Lidia. "just like that". I also have another few books to read and if it were humanly possible (for me) A NAP.  The tendons in my neck are so tight I feel like they will crack into pieces one of these days.

Moving to the couch and my neck pillow.....take care, have a good day.

Friday July 24th.....Sunshine here in Maine.....81 degrees

 Tomato Sandwich.

Eighty One degrees.   Sigh.   Son has gone to lunch and THEN when he gestured back home we will do Library and Grocery Store....  I was very very slow getting out of bed this morning...some of it was Summer and some was just boredom.  Another Day- Just like all the Other Days.

Days were more interesting when I worked....never knew what was going to happen at the greenhouse.. Also days were not boring living with someone with Memory Loss...always on my toes....waiting for him to try and wander off...in the car.... Why my heart didn't fail...is something I will wonder about... always.

So I should be making a grocery list...what to eat next week...but I still have plums from last week's shopping.  I did eat the bananas.  

He's back from lunch--- I need to pee and then we'll get in the car....

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

All time favorite.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Google has just invited me to stir fry my lettuce.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Cup Soccer continues... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 No image today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wrote all that yesterday and never published..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perhaps after Soccer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sun is shining here in Maine....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Son has our FLAG up on the porch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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