Field Notes- Thursday, August 31st. Sunshine. Blue Moon last night. Raining most of yesterday.

 Ring Nebula.

Is there anything on Earth as beautiful as the stuff in Outer Space????

So.  Rain. Relentless rain yesterday. And last night the Blue Full Moon.  Like daylight in the bedroom all night long. I found it impossible to fall asleep with all that light in the bedroom.  

I am thankful for Rain.  A few Summers ago- we got very very little and the grass went yellow.

So I am tired, my neck aches, my shoulder aches, I'm tired........so tired.

I tried my best to eat actual food yesterday.  The book I am reading is very good but the print is very light. very hard to read.  This is happening more and more- the very pale ink.  And the tiny print. These are books I want to read but probably won't finish........ Ink....saving on ink.  Every so often about ten or so pages will be fully inked......then we return to the barely there ink.  I do not buy these books. Ever.

So...tired, sore neck, tired eyes.  Cranky.  I am like a two year old needing a time out.  Or a nice place to nap with my blanket.  Or just screaming would be nice. But too tired for that.

How are you?  On this final day of August in 2023?  

What are you Doing.  What are you Eating.  Reading?  Watching?  Wanting?

Field Notes- Rain overnight. Visit from a neighbor and a big fluffy white dog. Lunch with my Friend.

 The picture file is getting culled.   I like the poppies in this image.  My grandmother grew poppies. so I have liked them since I was able to walk.

Yesterday I had a delightful lunch and so much conversation.  We had wine.  Another couple came into the restaurant at the same time and the hostess thought we were together.....we said no but then Nancy said- next time we'll sit together..... and I imagined that we would.

After lunch I asked for a favor- to stop - it was on our way back home- at the independent bookstore Gulf of Maine.....I had photocopies of the books I wanted to buy.  I haven't stopped in....since I stopped driving... so well, he had the day off so I explained myself to his wife and showed her the photo copies etc. and she was bemused......I was going to say perplexed...but bemused sounds more what it looked like.

Sometime he gets the books in a week to ten days.....we'll see.  He'll call. Or she will.  these are library books I want to OWN so I can read them any time I want.......in the months and years to come.  Like having a pantry filled with stable food for a pandemic.

We were visited later by the Twin's father and the big (very big) fluffy white dog.  The Twin's dad said the dog stops and begs to go down our driveway to visit us -every time they walk past.  The dog was bred to be a service/therapy dog.  He "feels" the need to come visit us.......... How about that?  Incredible. Husband loves seeing the dog....he sits close to husband while they are here...until he smells chipmunks.......the dog- husband can't smell much of anything and certainly not chipmunks.

We got a call from our sister-in law- widow of husband's younger brother.  She was cleaning her fridge and recalled that it had been quite awhile since she spoke to us.......I was one foot out the door for lunch.....and I knew talking to husband would be a waste of time for her. (if he remembered who she was)....she is going to call back.  I am lucky to have two very thoughtful, kind sisters in law.   My brother and his brother chose wonderful women..  I don't think I qualify...something I need to work on before it's too late. I don't call....I write long letters....which they both love getting.

Field Notes- Tuesday August 29th. Clouds in My Coffee. Rain is Possible. Lunch Date.

 I am tempted to try this again.  Baking a loaf of bread.  Husband won't eat any- says the crust hurts his teeth.  I don't need to be eating bread.

Yesterday, during the North Carolina college shut down news......I sliced zucchini and set the slices and some olive oil in a pan on the stove......let it BE.  It browned nicely over Time and I topped the browned mess with two slices of mozzarella.  Waited for it to melt and then ate it.  Very decent "cooked" lunch.  And I actually used the zucchini I had purchased last week......I had been considering a Zucchini Bread recipe.  Which was, I am remembering, pretty good.  I did not.

I still have two tomatoes to eat.  

There is a large fat BEE that is usually under the protective netting in the morning.  The big planter by the steps.  I uncover the plants and the bee is not amused..........I try and shake him or her off the netting.  Less amused.  Confrontational.  We do this every single day.

I am picking the spent yellow marigold flowers.  Letting them dry a bit in the house and then breaking the bottom of the flower open and exposing the flower seeds.  White and black threads.  then I allow them to dry completely......a few weeks....I intend to grow marigolds next Summer.

I am going to LUNCH with my neighbor today.  We are BOTH very very happy to escape out homes and husbands.  She also has a son in law...from Hell.  So,,,,we talk about him a bit.  While we drink wine.   My new library books have a due date in three weeks- which is my birthdate.......So.  there is that.

Field Notes- Monday, August 28th. Rain overnight. Bees. Low Blood Pressure

 

A great name for a bookstore.  My blood pressure is really low...I am waiting for it to return to semi normal before going anywhere.  I've eaten..that usually helps.  Sugar.  Helps as well. I will ask to have my blood tested in January.  When I have my appointment.  This is "normal" for me on a Monday Morning.

Bees under the netting covering the containers.  Bees who are annoyed.

I heard voices out back.....in the woods by the walking path.  They sounded close.  People have actually walked on the path that leads to our house and emerged from the woods.......UGH!!!  Not today..but in years past......when we had the dog.....and I let him out the back door to chase them, barking.

His Yard......so, it was intense.

They ran. He ran.

The grapes are still not ripe.  September I hope.  I used them one year to make a dye bath for cloth.  The most incredibly wonderful BLUE. I think it was a huge basket from my friend patty- spoiled grapes. I should ask her to bring them again....

That's all.  Jacksonville yesterday.  A messed up kid that no one thought to get to a doctor. I have always thought the parents needed to be charged. When this happens. I would feel responsible if it was my child

Field Notes= Sunday, August 27th- Was hot and humid yesterday- today seems sunny and dry- so far.

 If this has been here before- excuse me. (image is now deleted from the picture file).

Yesterday I read a new book. Do I Know You?  About a married couple who have lost contact with each other.  After only 5 years being married.  They pretend to be other people while at a resort having a Dating Workshop Event.  The book is written by a married couple.  This is their second book- first was the Roughest Draft.  Which I read.  This book is better.

I write that in case you read the Roughest Draft and passed over this second book. (which I was tempted to do)

I baked.  Another Peach Cobbler.  It's fantastic.  I made husband a pizza early in the week.

Strange but True.  I have tons of things in the fridge to eat.....I am not eating anything much.  When I don't have anything in the fridge- I will eat EVERYTHING I can find.  I am not sure how that translates...... but I have pasta and pulled pork and now peach cobbler.  I also have yogurt with fruit. Not hungry.

Husband forgot to eat dinner yesterday.  so...now that is happening.

The Ornamental Planters are getting TIRED.  I try and remove all spent flowers etc.....keep the planters looking "fresh" but it's the end of August....... planters are tired and I am tired.

Sun just broke thru....I have Ac unit on to get rid of moisture in the air.  Makes things more comfortable.  Its a small unit so it really doesn't cool the house much. And husband has two shirts on.......it gets weirder by the day.

Field Notes- Saturday. August 26th. Rain finally stopped- sunshine today.

 Elephants always remind me of my Dad.  In 5th grade he taught me how to draw an elephant.  The teacher didn't believe I had drawn it...so I got a fresh sheet of paper and drew another.

The girl next to me ate paste out of the jar.  Misfits were seated together in those days. Alongside the boys who picked their noses and rubbed the front of their pants..(and later became fascinating because they were coloring so far outside the lines....)

I survived.

But......I never, ever even tried to make friends with those shitty classmates (from 5th to 12th grade).  One weekend at college a bunch of my high school classmate came to my college- several classmates were also going to that college.  One guy- the one who asked me to Prom on the Tuesday (afternoon) before Prom...and I said no.  So he walks over and is again asking me to go out with all of them......and again I looked at him with, bewilderment...and said no. 

I was also totally shaken when the quarterback of our high school team stopped me on campus and wanted to talk to me. To me.  The head cheerleader was my roommate my freshman year.......sigh.  FATE just never never gave me a break.  She never spoke to me unless it was to say excuse me can I get past you..  It's like I did not exist.  Perhaps...I didn't exist in her world.. I was super depressed that year. And lonely.

Very very lonely.  But I was used to being alone.....so nothing new.  Connie who I met thru this blog was on the same campus at the same time...she says we possibly walked past each other several times a week.  We would have been friends......if we had met.  We both wish that had happened.

I'm sad today......but the sun is out and no animals ate my flowers.  It was raining and I didn't cover them last night..... and the peaches are ready to be make into a cobbler....so stuff to look forward to.

Elephant never forget.  I never forget.....

Field Notes- Friday, August 25th. Cooler and Raining- Quite a bit.

 So things are very wet outdoors.   Which is great...as other summers have been exceptionally DRY. I am reminded of the Great Grass Growing Project a few summers ago......having the sprinkler on it even day.

I have the house lights on, a good book to read and lots of fresh Summer Fruits and Vegetables to eat. Cook and Eat.  Today, thin sliced zucchini fried in a pan until "just right".   I ate this during the Elimination Diet when we (doctor and I) were trying to find out what foods I should NOT be eating. I loved the chicken and ginger broth.  With rice noodles.  Cooked on slow for hours and hours. The noodles added at the very end in the bowl of soup.   I had a terrible rash near my eye and was on steroids for weeks.

The beet smoothies were okay but I only made it ONCE.  And then had to really clean out the Vitamix. The Carrot and Raw Cashew Soup was really good...you let the Vitamix run until the soup was smoking hot.  Very creamy and delicious.  The Rice Flour Banana Muffins were gritty, dry and so very weird.  No egg no nothing.  Rice Flour and mashed ripe bananas I think...then baked.  I am not sure I kept the recipe.

You eat like this for three weeks and...trust me...you actually do not want to repeat.  The rash went away. It was moving close to my eyes....so doctor and I were pretty worried as I could have lost the use of that eye.

The only recipe I repeat is the thinly sliced zucchini in the pan with a bit of olive oil.  I also made zucchini noodles.  Thinly sliced in this noodle machine and left to dry for 8 hours or much longer.....then mixed into a stir fry.  Yes...I lost a ton of weight. Most of it was water weight.   I started out ALL bloated and puffy.  I ended up stick thin in less than three weeks.  I was very very sick.  One of many at the greenhouse where I was working.  

Field Notes- Thursday August 24th. Grass Cutting Day. Dentist for me yesterday. We forgot. they called. We zipped over there.

 My image file is cluttered.  This was a group of sculptures made using nails.  Rusty old nails. From Kim's Something Blog.

I like that this one has a tiny door and possibly a heart inside.

We were just sitting around reading the paper  yesterday when the dentist office called and asked "where are you?" I had an appointment- I asked if it was too late to arrive ...they said no.  So we left.  And husband ACTUALLY hasn't a clue where the dentist office is......just so we all know.  I got my teeth cleaned and then we talked about books.  I usually bring a book list for my Tech.  But...as I was running late etc....I gave her a list of my three favorite books for the Summer. verbally  so, it was good.

I am nearing the end of My Heart Will Find You.  Getting ready for the crying (on my part) because...I am that way.  I made pizza yesterday.  Husband wanted pizza so we had pizza.

I did a load of wash and changed the bed sheets.   Before going to bed I noticed a smell.  Skunk.  Possibly sprayed something near the back of the house......entering thru the exhaust vent for the washing machine and dryer.....Ugh!!!  I shut the washing machine room door and added a rolled towel for the small opening at the floor......then went to bed.  I slept.  I was doubtful I would.  I don't like skunk smell. Who does.

After the dentist - since we were very close to grocery store- I went in and bought peaches and soft white bread for Tomato Sandwiches and Another Peach Cobbler.  I also got more pulled pork from the Hot Bar and some leafy greens to add to my BBQ Salad.  Will be eating well, the rest of the week.

Field Notes- Wednesday, August 23rd. sunshine and humidity. An animal took a bite out of the ONE PEACH on my tree.

 Shimmering Destiny.

The Boiler keeps going on.  I am doing a load of wash and I took a long hot shower before even brushing my teeth.  We'll have fresh sheets tonight.  By tonight.  I have clean hair.  All this busy-ness makes me dizzy- I need 20 minutes of quiet sitting on the couch before I make my breakfast.  Blood Sugar is messed up.  I need to eat my breakfast.

I uncovered my ornamental containers.  Watered a few- I have one gallon plastic bottles to fill.  Several. Each planter gets two or three bottles full of water......And as they get used I carry them into the house to fill.  Husband never remembered the outdoor hoses.. and I did NOT remind him.

He went by himself to get his hair cut.  It's nearby.  He got home safely.  I gave him cash.  I thought about giving him one of the new credit cards......then decided No.  I could have given him a check....but that didn't seem like a smart idea either.  October is getting closer but still feels far away.

I am reading My Heart Will Find You- Deveraux.   I think this is the fifth or sixth time.  Could even be more times.  I read the Candidate Boyfriend just as often.   And the Accidental Beauty Queen would be in that read it again line up if my library owned it.....they do not.  I never fell in love like this....so I read about it. Imagine what it must be like..... at my age, I know it will never happen for me.

Yesterday I had a pulled pork salad.  Lettuces, yellow cheese, sour cream and pulled pork.  It was delicious.  Needed more sour cream or perhaps Ranch Dressing.  I have enough for a second salad.

I can make pizza today.  I can also have a tomato sandwich.....no I forgot soft bread.  Whatever,  I definitely have supplies to make a good meal.  I have roasted cherry tomato pasta also.  I am well supplied.

Field Notes- Tuesday, August 22nd. Sunshine.

 Leafy Greens.  Seems like August is a month where I should be having Leafy Greens.

I am reading an older Devereaux.  I had thought it was one I wanted to read- well, it was, sort of but the more things change.........her newer books are better.  I was typing more but way too graphic for an old women's morning blog. The older books.............and everyone is very hairy.

Husband is getting a haircut.  Today.

Neighbor has assorted vehicles in the driveway....August.  The guests come and go and mostly go leaving my neighbor alone in the house till they come back......she's okay with this, I guess. august in Maine is like that......many visitors are from France as France shuts down completely for the entire month of August.

I found this:  Born today (my birthday in 2022) you are friendly, sociable and reliable--but hard to "know".  You like your independence and you also like a comfortable lifestyle that is predictable.  You are an excellent (?) communicator but can be aloof and unavailable to others.

This year 2022, service to others will be the theme for you, perhaps service to family (wow got that right). this means having to take care of yourself so you can be a resource.

I am highly intuitive, helpful, a natural teacher.  I had worry and self doubt issues as a child.  But I get better with age. Am peace loving and hard working. i appreciate the comforts of home and family.  I don't make changes easily.  I have in years past (and even NOW) questioned my life's path.  Feeling like I have no anchor. Confused where I am headed.  The Dreamer and Doer in me are strong.

2023 was a year of Introspection, Self Analysis and Refinement of Talents.  I was supposed to free myself from aspects of Life and Responsibility and develop new talents and refine old ones.

I think, the Washing Machine Pages....was the way in which I was doing just that.  And now I move on. find a new Path......sigh.  I hope you will all help me with this........

Field Notes- Monday August 21st. So far: Paid bills, ate oatmeal, got dressed, did Sudoko Puzzle.

 So.....computer is slowing down......might not make it to the October arrival of Computer Genius Son. I will do my best but the images might have to go walk about.  Not be here.  Just words. I am having difficulty opening any mail that has an image. Even the ones trying to sell me things.

Opening this page takes awhile.  Being here is important to me...something I look forward to.  I have already given up dragging my own drawings here.......they won't transfer from iPhone to computer any more.  I delete everything I can delete to lighten the load.....but still....and the Boiler is going yet again and no one has used any hot water. 

I paid bills.  $442 a year for the daily newspaper.  We would miss it if I stopped getting it. And it's not like we could walk to the corner and buy one.  The Sudoko puzzles and the Jumbles.

I will drop the bills off at postoffice.....we have been warned that "people" are stealing mail from the roadside mailboxes.....getting account numbers, check numbers.... only "safe" place to deposit mail is post office.....I wish that was true. I gave up thinking the post office was a "safe palace" years ago.

Dentist this week for me.....cleaning. Next week husband.

We watched Ice Planets on PBS last night.  The probe sent out to Saturn.  And the probe sent to Pluto that took nine years to get there...but it could have been longer.....the images were fantastic.  I could watch these Planet episodes over and over again.  And was reminded of the Russian crash on the South of the Moon recently.  There is just something so amazing and beautiful about the programs.

Well, that's it for today.  Like actually it for today after Library, Post Office, Grocery.  Today is our most exciting day of the WEEK.

Field Notes- Sunday August 20th. Sunshine and Heat , I think

 Grilled corn.  Not that I would EVER mention the Grill out back (to husband)....but I have discovered a "fondness" for Mexican Street Corn.  Could I rent a guy and a grill (a guy who knows how to cook and make Mexican Street Corn).    Is there an App for that??????

Peaches are on sale tomorrow at Grocery.  More Cobbler?  I ate the last of it yesterday with vanilla ice cream.  Warmed in the microwave just a bit to take the fridge chill off of it.  I might buy cheesecake tomorrow.

Husband ate the last of this week's prepared meals yesterday.  I put frozen Italian meatballs (I smelled garlic) in a container with a lid to thaw out.......He has pasta.  He has cheese.  He has a jar of marinara.  Let's see if he can translate that into a bowl for his dinner TODAY??????  Or I will suggest it.

He mentioned- nope I can't share that.......

The final of the Women's World Cup at 2 am. I'll watch later this afternoon.

The Patriots Pre Season Game and the guy- unconscious on the grass.  The medical unit....the entire team standing watch.  Nothing in the paper this morning.....paper was already printed and bundled by then. I can scope it out on the online news after I press publish.  Truthfully, I don't think it will be good news.  They didn't even show a replay........that says something right there.  I think they did watch the replay in the booth and decided not to show it.  And the silence.  

So.......I have a book to read and return tomorrow at the Library Visit.  I have four waiting for pick up. And I will see what is on the New Book Shelves....I now put a slim date due sticker on each book......so I know which ones to read first........

I am working on the shopping list......Tea Bags for sure.

Field Notes- Saturday August 19th. I had forgotten what day it was.

 Nail Spider.

I forgot what day today was.........I thought it was Sunday.  It's Saturday.

Yesterday it got very dark and rained really really hard.  Pounded down on the roof--which is very likely CLEAN today.  When we lived in Florida and it rained like that-- I pulled my car out and let it get washed.

So....a load of wash is now in the dryer.......comes out of the washer almost dry.  I have the water setting on Optimum so the machine weighs the load and decides on the correct water amount.  

I walk away.  I have done this two or possibly three times now- walk away....Let the machine do it's work with out me standing by.......it was difficult for me to do....but I realized I actually had nothing much to write in the Washing Machine Pages anymore......my life is a Still Life.  Always the same.  Static.

The sun has disappeared....clouds are coming in and I need to turn on the lamps....

I read Silver Girl by Hilderbrand yesterday,  Straight thru start to finish.  I might have another of these Nantucket books.....perhaps a few in the bookcase...   We've never made the trip...it's closer than Florida. I don't think we'd "fit".  We are not "fancy".

Well, I have to select today's book, boil water for pasta for G's dinner, go fold and put away the freshly washed clothes.   I have on faded dark blue cotton pants with the legs rolled up.....I haven't worn these in a long time.  I stood in front of the closet longer than necessary and then put them on  and rolled the pant legs up. They fit.  They aren't tight.  I remember them being tight.....I don't remember the legs being as long....I am getting shorter, I think.  Yes, shorter.....

Field Notes- Friday August 18th. Took four (six) tries to spell Field. Make that seven.

 My picture file has some weird stuff in it.  But I like these.  Ink (water) color drawings (paintings).

I don't recall where or when (I got this image) but......this is actually how I paint.  Not that I painted these....I haven't dipped a brush into water and paint in a very long time......too long.

I finally got out of bed at 11am.  I wasn't sleeping.  I was, in fact, talking to myself out loud.  Crazy people stuff.  Which I do all the time.  It's like writing a few pages of a book out loud and not on paper.  I know some authors who speak the books they write.....not on paper- just out loud. Recording.

I think dialog is easier to write if spoken.

I have't used my spray starch.

Husband left his laptop in the car on Monday- asked where it was at 11pm yesterday.

The memory loss is moving faster.....he's himself most of the time.  Then he isn't. And when he isn't...he really isn't.......

The rain is pouring down right now........I can hear it making contact with the skylight in the kitchen. I should check for leaks. floor is dry...  In winter with snow and ice- I have a large commercial baking tray lined with a bath towel under the left side corner.......and the water gets collected...

In the Roger Stone tape I was watching his aide type........I think perhaps it was transcribing like in court. Any of you out there who type watch that clip.  Was it actual typing????  It seemed odd.

Field Notes- Thursday, August 17th. The Guys have come to cut the grass. Clouds.

 Found this in one of the unwanted emails I get each morning.  Recipe.  I copied onto an index card because I never have flour tortillas when I actually WANT them.  When I buy them--I rarely eat them. So...a recipe.....simple enough....flour salt baking powder olive oil and water.  I have all those things.

Will tape recipe to the cupboard door with all the (five) other IMPORTANT RECIPES.

Son who was (out of the blue) furloughed by his long time employer 9 months ago got a call- ......company has now realized they  "the company" might have made mistake..........reached out to him...... if it wasn't so insulting it would be sad.  But............wow just wow.  Took GUTS to call...must have really been a whopper of a mistake......

Grass Cutting this morning.......even BEFORE I went out to uncover the ornamentals.   A few bees stuck to the netting again. 

I'm re-reading a Susan Mallory book- Two teachers taking a bus full of high school athletes on a college tour on the California coastline.... and another romance between a wealthy business man and a home repair business owner (a woman) with most of her customers in a pricey Senior Citizen Community..   She just found out he "worked" his way thru college as a Vegas Stripper. I'd forgotten that part.  Things are heating up on the bus trip.  The coach and the math teacher.  

I made myself dinner last night.  Kraft Mac and Cheese with frozen green peas.  I have leftovers for today.

I haven't cracked open a fresh can of spray starch YET.  Might need to do a load of wash first.

What are You doing?????

Field Notes- Wednesday, August 16th. Hey! Sam!!!! Cooler, Cloudy with a chance of What?

Well, Things here on the page are a bit wacky.  I had trouble getting the picture where I wanted it and then the margins got screwed......I wanted this image because it has the look of a birthday cake and my daughter is having a birthday this month.....so.  

There's some breeze.  Some clouds.  Humidity is at 80%.  The Sunporch smells like rotting garbage. What has died out there??????

I read a 7 day book yesterday  Prom Mom. Author Laura Lipman.  The book had all the colors (Pink) and title of a Rom Com.  It was NOT.  It was a very very intense book.  No one was  who or what they seemed....turns out the author is known for her tight, intense murder mysteries.  I was up until 2 am.  Tried several times to stop and finish reading today- but...could...not...stop.....  Revenge served ice cold.

Today something ACTUALLY a Rom Com.  The Women's Soccer yesterday- reruns- was intense.  I haven't been reading the sports page so I am always surprised by the outcome.  And not one of the teams I want to win- have won. So there is that.

I need to turn on some lamps.  dark in here.  Big News out of Georgia.  About Time for Trump to crawl into his Safe Room and lock the door.  I sure hope Clarence Thomas and Ginny are next on the Hit List.  Who would have thought an Asshole with Orange Skin and Long Strange Hair would be the one to kill American Democracy ?????? wow. Just wow.

Field Notes- Tuesday, August 15th. Drizzle. Wet Morning. 66 degrees.

 In august, the internet has so many garden vegetable images.   The almost ripe tomatoes going into the paper bag to ripen.   The basil.   Just a sprig picked off the tall plant to add to the tomatoes.

What I would have been doing ......in other distant years.....but not now.

I feel that distance so much these last days and weeks of Summer.  My garden out back is filled with weeds and False Artichoke.   The tall Sunflowerish yellows and under ground the choke.  I watched a cooking show last Saturday and the Italian cook peeled and sliced one of these "chokes" into the vegetable risotto she was making..... I've also read that the "chokes" are very "gassy" when eaten.

I just finished reading a book that made me cry.  Nancy Thayer. Now I am reading Mary Alice Munroe.  Not sure I will finish this book.  It's a book about the virus and how people dealt with it. I've read it before and I think I might let this one go.  Start another.

I need to turn on lights....it's dark in the house.  Seems like evening.  Before 9am.

I uncovered my container plantings....no bees under the netting this morning......the grass was wet. It must have rained during the night.  Not much more to write.  A dark, cool rainy day in August. A good day to sleep late and then take a nap.

Field Notes- A bit Tardy. Monday, August 14th. Sunshine and humidity. Library and grocery

 I bought tomatoes just like these.  Still on their green vine.  One had gotten smushed a bit.  Juicy. I also bought bread and had mayo in the fridge.  I just finished slurping my way thru a Tomato Sandwich. So so delicious........I haven't had a messy juicy tomato (the smushed one) on squishy bread in....what seems like years....but can't possibly be that long......I have four more tomatoes.....four more sandwiches.

So, so delicious.......

I also  found a tub of the chopped vegetable salad I like.  It's been a long time... since I had that.

And I met an interesting woman in the face cream aisle.  She is able to walk to the store.  She had a wheeled cart.....I said I would actually love being able to walk into Town......sigh.  This woman was so happy to meet me and talk to me......in fact, she asked my name several times.  I told her I always shop on Monday at this time......so I might see her again.  I didn't get any stalker vibes off her....but who knows.

My grocery bill was higher than usual.  Almost an extra $100.  I just went to look at it- yep.

I did get some face cream and a huge bottle of mouthwash.  They no longer have the spray I used to sanitize the bed sheets.....There were unmarked spaces on the shelving.....possibly no longer selling the products. And I remembered the spray starch.....happy dance.  (for remembering)

When I uncovered my ornamental flowers this morning bees had gotten under the netting.  Where were they when my Plum tree needed pollination????

Have I said that before? Probably- I say it to myself every morning when I see bees all around the plants.

Well, it's a pleasant August Monday.  Ac unit is running.  My electric bill was $144.-- usually only $60 something.......But I have used the AC units quite a bit.....and the ceiling fans are on 24/7.

Well, Excitement for this week is over......nothing more to look forward to...daughter has birthday this week.  Grass will be cut on Thursday.  I'll be eating Tomato Sandwiches. Lunch Buddy is back from her trip to Rangeley...they had a great time.  Boston family members have joined Brooklyn members across the street......lots of cars.. My neighbor has a full house and she's very happy I think. I have AC unit on and a stack of books..........the one I just finished made me cry......next up one to make me laugh.

Field Notes- (four tries to spell field) Sunday, August 13th. Sunshine. 77 and 81% humidity.

 I'm starting to think all the people I reach out to (not the people like you reading the Field Notes) but generally the (live in person) people I have known for years and /or worked with etc......are trying to re-make me into to someone else or actually Think I am someone else...even though I am actually the same.

Directing me to places I would need to drive to.....meetings to make me a "better caregiver" etc.

I suggested a chat on my front porch or a coffee date....No.  See, that would help. sigh.  but, no.

I have to wait another day to get more spray starch.  I am really invested right now in wanting to starch my linen shirts.  Perhaps even the pillow cases....  

I started reading Island Girls by Nancy Thayer.  I am actually looking for a book about three women by Thayer- not this one.  One is an abused woman who works in a clothing shop., Ione......another has a relationship with a Veterinary Doc.  I don't recall the other woman's situation but there might be a boat going out in a storm and not coming back.  Or that is another book altogether.  Any clues to a title from anyone reading this? Usually there is a crock pot recipe.....but so far no crock pots.  I think this is the reason I own two crock pots......these books.

I am thinking I will write down the stuff they put in the crock pots.....then I forget.

I had ice cold Peach Cobbler for dinner yesterday.  I had prepared two servings of yogurt, bran buds and cherries.  But decided to eat cobbler while watching people on House Hunters.  One woman needed all new tubs, showers, toilets and sinks because of "'previous people's dead skin cells" being on those used surfaces........wow...........just wow.   Makes me feel Very Normal.

Field Notes- Saturday. August 12th. Hey, jolly , jolly!!!! Sunshine. Low humidity- right now.

 Sheet pan grilled vegetables.  My shopping list for Monday.  All these vegetables.

I just took the deer netting off all my ornamental containers.  The leggy, "too small a pot", tomatoes always need water.  The tomato plants are making flowers and the bees are visiting......but I never transplanted them into larger pots......so no tomatoes...not that I was really planning on growing tomatoes....I just lost interest.  It happens.

My daughter got the Friends and Family discount at Goodwill yesterday.  She was thrilled.  Almost 50% off her purchases.  After... she wished she had bought MORE.   She DID buy me a hard cover romance by a favorite author of mine....for one dollar.  Not the Jude Devereaux but the NEW Christina Lauren.  I mean just out.....someone bought it and didn't like it.  It was different.  The last two books have not been what I like about this author.  One was a western and this one is a reality show theme.

I am beginning to think they have a dart board with plot themes on it and take turns throwing a dart and then writing a book.  If this new one is being left at Goodwill for one dollar- well, does not look good. 

Husband had to jog MY Memory as to the name of the store where she shops- Goodwill.

Yesterday, I amazed myself.  I got off the couch- disgusted and bored by MSNBC and Law& Order and went to the sewing room, plugged in the iron and shook the spray starch can to see if there was any starch in it...yep...so I did one item at a time and ironed and starched the clothing I had just gotten out of the dryer and had hanging on hangers on the four post bed frame..  I had done another unmonitored load of wash.....no washing machine pages........where is the Joanne we all know?  Gone. Disappearing.