Field Notes- Monday, January 16th. Snow, Ice, Wind And 8am Dentist Appointment.

 So.  Husband set the alarm for my dental appointment at 8am.  But alarm didn't got off (or he never actually set it) and I woke up at 7:50.  Got dressed quickly and we got into the car and I made it in Time. 8am or pretty close. Husband went back home to eat breakfast.  

Here it is 11:24 and my tooth is still numb.  What happened was a clean out and then a filling in the cracked molar.  I wasn't nervous.  He's a very very good Dentist.  No pain.

We were going to do Library after Dentist but they were closed.  So We moved on to Grocery.  I got Groceries  but the Prescription Section was...off line and the "machine isn't working".........so we'll make a plan to got to the Grocery Pharmacy and Library tomorrow.  Not a great day to be out on the roads. Slippery.  Wet snow.  And the plows aren't actually doing much good.  I am thinking they are doing highways right now.  I had breakfast went me got back home.

Daughter called and is not going into work so no need for the Parental Units (as she calls us) to worry about her on the road or in a ditch......it's happened.  Husband has had to go out to rescue her.  Once very late and in the snow covered DARK because a deer ran into the side of her car and she drove off into the ditch.  Husband got her out.  There was blood on the car- so the deer was injured- they looked for it for awhile.........both are soft hearted. About animals.

Yesterday I made Football Pizza  and we watched the Buffalo/Dolphins game.  Something happened to the Dolphins and their coach seemed confused (vaping) and that was that........  We moved onto the Bengals game but after 30 minutes (not even) we just gave up.......what a MESS.  I finished my book and we went to bed.

So, I have a book to read as the numbing wears off......Husband has tons of new desserts for Coffee later in the evening....he has Chicken Soup or Chicken Parm.  I am not sure what I will feel like eating once the numbing goes away.......possibly nothing but hot sweet tea.  And a NAP.

I was very very BRAVE.  I am Proud of Myself.  Joanne

Field Notes- Sunday January 15th. Did not EVEN buy a Lottery Ticket. Over a Billion Dollars. Wow.

 The Furnace is chugging away.  The San Francisco game was very good.  The second game not so much. I stopped watching after only 15 minutes.  The camera work.  

So......It's cold and DISMAL today.  The whatever it is on my neck under my chin- won't dry up and won't go away.  I thought it was because of my wool sweater--no.  Its like an aways wet itchy I don't know what. I've had things like this before.  Usually stress related when I worked at LLBean.  I had to take steroids to get rid of it after Bean..  Could be about tomorrow's 8am (yes) dental appointment.  There is lots of stress on my part.  I have Calamine Lotion on it.  Trying to DRY the wet areas. And it ITCHES,  but I do NOT touch it......... Dental is only from 8 to 9am.  So..by the Time I write to you tomorrow it will be OVER.

I had rice with peas and butter.  Yesterday.  Then Potato chips.  40% less salt.  Today I have the prepared MeatLoaf dinner with vegetables and mashed potatoes. I had forgotten I bought it.  I usually microwave the potatoes and vegetable (broccoli and carrots) and pan fry the cooked meatloaf to crisp it up a bit. I always enjoy meatloaf.  I used to actually make meatloaf.  Now I don't.

I don't do a lot of things I used to do.  Like iron all our clothing. ALL.  Now it's NONE. I even ironed pillow cases.  I did not iron socks.  I watched a guy iron socks while on a Cruise Ship once.  It's was a wonderful experience visiting the laundry room.  An older (than me) woman and I strolled around the ship looking at everything.  Smiling at everyone we made eye contact with while saying things to each other quietly.  It was marvelous.  It was her 40th wedding anniversary.  I spent most of the cruise with her as my husband had abandoned me as soon as we set foot on the boat.  Her husband was napping.

Really.  We all saw him at dinner and the entertainment after.  And that was it.  My husband showed up for dinner.  And that was it for him.  I saw him once as he walked past me on the outside deck.....He was surprised to see me (!!!) and sat down for 5 minutes, ordered me a drink and then off he went.... 

At one dinner I had some loose thread on my sparkly evening dress....and the waiter gently held my hand and extended my arm and then flicked a lighter and burned off the threads.  My husband did not LIKE that at all.  The Waiter and I smiled at each other- it was the best part of the cruise.

Field Notes- Saturday January 14th- Cold with thin layer of slippery Ice on every outdoor surface.

 Cold.  Seriously cold.  Also no Sunshine.

Made a third or fourth (I lost count) pot of Chicken Soup for husband yesterday.  Which worked out..as he likes having soup on COLD DAYS. And today is COLD.....  I had COLD yogurt and Bran Buds.  A mistake.  I should have eaten something warm.  Today I will.  I looked up Vitamix soup recipes.  But I don't have the vegetables and broth to make any of them. Well, I have vegetables.  No Broth.

My book for yesterday was one I read awhile ago and liked.  Cul-de-Sac Wars by Melissa Ferguson.  Neighbors.  The new to the neighborhood guy (rehabbing a house) has a gigantic DOG who takes one look at the woman living next door and falls deeply, hopelessly in LOVE.  Yes, the dog falls in love.  I think the guy AND the dog fall in love at the same time but the dog...doesn't wait around..just goes for it. Like lunges and knocks her over etc.  I am reminded of that happening with Riley.  I spent quite a bit of time on the ground that first few months......guess he loved me? Yes, he did.

I have  books waiting at the library.  But, we'll wait till the ice melts....... I have books here I haven't gotten to as yet.  And I need to make myself a SOUP.  I think a broth.... and then empty canned vegetables in the pantry into the broth. I have corn, beans and frozen green peas.  I also have a potato and a carrot. Sounds okay. I looked up the Vitamix Soups on the internet......I've lost the book that came with the machine. I am reminded of making a Cashew Cream of Carrot soup. I do not have any cashews in the pantry.  To make the cashew cream. And I am low on Carrots. I might just have pancakes.

My shopping list is growing.   Husband is running LOW on desserts. Getting Nervous.

I said I was going to bake a cake but I didn't.........a lot of that going around.  Not Doing.....

Field Notes- Friday, January 13th- Green Grass overnight. Whatever snow we had is gone.

 Sea Eagle.  Isn't it fantastic????

We went to bed last night and everything was Snow Covered.  And this morning- Green Grass.  It's cold. But Global Warming for the Win for another Day in January. In Maine. 

I am making another pot of Chicken Soup Today.  Good day for soup as it's colder in the house than it is outdoors.  Or seems like that.  The Panera Baked Potato Soup was reasonably Good.  Not thin and watery as was the Broccoli Cheese.  I peeled, diced and microwaved an additional potato.  Added it to the soup.  I would buy it again.  Needed onion. Or chives.  Something.  I had emptied out the Spice drawer so the old onion powder is now in the compost.  The Spice drawer is very empty.  

Going forward I will buy only the tiny jars of spices.  The 1.5 inch tall ones.

I did a load of wash yesterday.  Perhaps too many things...but everything looked nice and clean.  It all got dried and folded and put away.  Clean Undies for all.  

Hardly anything good to watch...I tried Anderson Cooper yesterday.  He tries so hard not to show his true feeling as people talk.......but it's there....in his eyes.  I might watch him more often this month.  MSNBC is getting tedious.  Actually LIFE is getting tedious.  I need new books........

 I am planning to mend a few additional holes in my dark grey button down sweater.  Mostly under the arms.  Rubbing.  And the Elbows.  The seam down the right sleeve has a multitude of holes.  I worked on the edges and a few Body spots earlier in the month.  But stopped before checking the sleeves. I am using contrasting sock yarn.  So the mending is visible. Intentional.

I started another book.  I don't like it.

So...I am going back to the kitchen to get soup going.....Joanne.

Field Notes- A Very Cold Cloudy Day in January. Winter finally here.

 This is very much like what will be happening down the street if the Twins Dad ever gets the Hockey Rink filled with water and it freezes solid.  He has even wrapped all the tall trees in his yard with lights. I saw this image on a "free" site and had to have it here. There are squirrels in the image and they tend to chew thru the light wires "in real Life down the street".

Today is finally Winter.  Depressingly dark and cold.

I missed seeing and hearing Jeffries' Alphabet Speech.  I read it in the morning paper and cut it out to include on my January Page.  It was inspiring and strong.  Like him, I think.  He would have been an excellent Speaker of the House.  Fingers crossed the "one" calls for Kevin's resignation. Soon.

I am really really perplexed by the Republican stand on abortion.  Hardly any of the new crop of hot heads has a family. They might have a wife.  But they also have a girlfriend.  Or pay someone for sex.  It's the Republican way and has been since I was first paying attention.  So Reproductive Rights should be their fall back position.  It isn't.  I wish they asked a professional to examine this issue.  Trump was against women's rights but spent time with  "Professional Sex Workers" like Stormy Daniels while married.  Would any of the Republican gamers want a child from those relationships???  Some even have been involved with teenaged girls. Like Gaetz.  Sex Trafficking. Young Girls. Like Trading Cards.

Anyway......nothing I can do about it.  I used my one vote wisely here in Maine.  All I can do.

I need to start a fresh pot of Chicken Soup.  One load of laundry in the dryer.  Then I fold and put away. I was nearly out of underwear.......can't have that.  Finishing off my twice reheated coffee.  Then what??? I do have dishes to wash.  That's about it for today- Thursday.  What are you all doing???? Joanne.

Field Notes- Wednesday, January 11th. Sunshine temps in the 20's. Dentist.

 I've loaded the desktop with new images.  So...I hope you like them in the days and weeks ahead..

Today began early.  I had a 10 am Dentist appointment.  I still missed out on breakfast and just had my oatmeal a few minutes ago- 2pm. My husband set the alarm for 9.  After my teeth got cleaned I had a procedure done on my lower front tooth.  It's now smooth where it was rough and uneven and slightly "pinging" from being "chipped".  Monday I go back and have "serious" work done on the second from the back upper tooth. Right side.  It's cracked.  It's getting a "line" of silver inserted into the crack.  Sounds awful.... I will need massive amounts of tooth numbing.  The big long needle. Shivering.

The Smoke detector alarms having been "binging" for awhile here in the house.  With husband's hearing aids- they were driving him insane.  More insane.  We came home from the Dentist and unhooked them. Needed to go out again and buy fresh batteries for them........ if we had been ACTUALLY THINKING...the dentist is close to the Grocery.....and the Library where we also stopped on the second trip to pick up ONE book....... Two 9 volt batteries were ten bucks.  The other brand- 14 bucks.

I also saw two packages of still HOT Baked Chicken Breast in the Grocery Deli case..  They have NOW been picked and shredded and coated in honey and mayo.  I haven't had a good meal in DAYS.  Yesterday it was yogurt, bran buds and thawed frozen strawberries.  For the DAY.  (after oatmeal for breakfast) My regular pants are easy to button at the waist these days.  In fact- the oldest ones (smaller) are loose.   The newer ones (larger) fall off......... I look the same.  Well, my face looks "less"...........It looks old. Tired.

Because...I am.  Old......Tired..........Haggard.  I also bought 40% less salt Potato Chips.  No longer sell the 60% less salt ones.  I prefer 60%.  I have store brand cheese crackers.  Taste exactly like Goldfish.

I also bought Panera's Cream of Baked Potato Soup.  One small tub.  Just to test the waters. I might steam one of the potatoes I have in the vegetable basket.  Add it in small dice.  For BULK.  I also have a small leftover bit of shredded cheddar.  It can be clean out the crisper soup.

I couldn't find a loaf of bread that SPOKE to me.  I really wanted a nice Dense New York Seeded Rye.  Sigh. My Grandmother made a really GREAT Seeded Rye.  Old World Style.  A real workout for the teeth and jaws.

Daughter brought over Christmas yesterday after work.  Complete Louise Penny Series and Complete Nesbo Police series.  THEN we put my Romances in order and then I gave her the list of what's missing. She spent time looking at my bookcase and the Trade paper I am buying one or two at a time. So she knows what I have.  Her favorite HOBBY is looking for books.  Hunting for Books.

Today's Book-"I flipping Love you"  Helena Hunting.  I may have read it.  Flipping Houses. We'll see.

Field Notes- Tuesday, January 10 Sunshine. A notification from Xfinity that my account IS closed. A new bill in the mail.

 I woke up to discover my Dentist appointment is Tomorrow.

I woke up to discover my neck rash has returned.

I woke up to discover that my Xfinity Account left me a note in an email that my account had been cancelled.  TV and internet.  And in the postal mail a new Xfinity bill.  I called their help number.  They wanted my Social Security Number.  I said no.  I said Agent.  Wanting to talk to a human.  Wasn't going to happen. EVER. I even yelled really really LOUD.  Felt GOOD.  Felt GREAT.

I'll keep typing and watching TV until they shut me down, I guess.  My bill is $30 higher.  Than last month. I haven't had my breakfast or coffee yet...so not in the best frame of mind.  I yelled on the phone.  "Real Person".  Over and over.  But got nowhere without giving up the last four digits of my social security number.  Wasn't happening.  They had the two digits of my street address. Good enough.

I am now going to eat my stone cold oatmeal.  Read the fine print to discover why my bill is now $30 higher.  Dentist is TOMOROW.  My new desk top calendar is LAST YEARS calendar so the dates are one off. Not that I care. I draw all over it anyway.  What a Day so far....................

We got our tax statements from Social Security.  We do pretty good.  Very good.  I get the basic amount but husband always had well paid employment and he waited two years to collect so he got the most he could get.  So...that was nice.  I think we were supposed to get an increase this year but I'm sure the Republican House will try very hard to invalidate the increase.  Old retired people VOTE.  All the time. Every election. Not the best move the new House Speaker could be making right off the bat.  Just saying............

Field Notes- Monday January 9th. Sunshine, Snow frozen on the ground. 30 degrees.

 Nest of shredded paper, thread?  Perhaps some cloth scraps.  

Sunday paper had a list of ways to "start fresh" in the kitchen.  I worked on number 1.  Replace old spices. I went thru my cluttered Spice Drawer and removed the bottles that had expired- some years ago.  I open them and dumped the contents in the compost bucket (the birds might like them???).  Then the glass bottles went into the recycling container.  I used to cook.  I don't now.  So....I am not replacing the spices.  I still have 60% of the drawer to work my way thru....... then I have to "test" my leaving items.  See if they still foam and bubble.  And then think about what to put in the new empty drawer.

My book yesterday was one I read a year or two ago.  A young woman dressed like Betty Crocker in a petticoat, heels and cute full skirted dress- has a newly opened Cupcake and Fancy Cocktail restaurant next to an Ax Throwing Bar..  I've read the book.  He starts with self help class offerings, moves on to fake dog poop and buy one get one coupons.  I know how it ends this time.....so I can relax and enjoy the fun. title: Kiss My Cupcake.

Watched as much of as many football games as we could stand.....how the worst teams got to the finals is beyond me. Cincinnati won.  Detroit (OMG) won????  The rest are just a blur.  I was up and down and changing channels and making chicken soup during all of this. 

Brazil.  Taking a page out of the January 6th playbook.  Gift that keeps on Giving.

Field Notes- Sunday, January 8th. Sunshine. Snow on the ground. 26 degrees. 55% humidity.

 This is Lamb Stew- something I would NEVER eat.  But let's pretend it's Beef Stew then I  would eat it. You can guess the size of things by comparing whatever to the size of the peas.  I didn't have Beef Stew yesterday.  I had pancakes (4) and syrup.  

I did work on the freezer yesterday.  And the fridge.  Getting rid of a some stuff.  I am making Chicken Soup today.  It was like pulling teeth to get him to actually SAY he wanted SOUP.

The Editorial Page of our Sunday paper had about five hilarious cartoons on the behavior of people voting for House Speaker.  And this is SAYING SOMETHING as Maine is a Republican State.  We have Susan the Traitor Collins here in Maine. She says one thing and votes another way.  We aren't forgiving her for the Supreme Court anytime soon. 

How I came to be living in a Red State is bewildering to me.  But then I was born in a Red State.  Ohio. Then lived in Georgia, Florida, Illinois and now Maine. It's like Fate had other plans for me.  I have never voted for a Republican.  EVER.  I'd like that to be in the funeral notice in the newspaper when I die.

There are Football Games today.  I didn't thaw out pizza dough.  So no Football Pizza. Might have pancakes again.  I will be making Soup for the husband.  He's fooling around with the compost pile.  It's frozen solid.  It's a wonder to me.....how he processes information.  NOT!!!  It's frozen solid.

Field Notes- Saturday, January 7th. We have SNOW. Husband is snowplowing the wet mess up and off the driveway as I type.

 I was cleaning out the picture file and wondered what this one was.......and now we know.

I have books to return to the Library.  I didn't read at all yesterday.  I watched MSNBC and all the votes until past my bedtime.  Woke up to find Kevin had sold his soul (if he has one) to be Speaker of a room full of angry CATS.  The gang of seven wants to control the Military.  Let's all guess WHY.

Canada is looking good right now and it's only a few hours drive north.  Hurry before they close the border.

My new desk calendar has a very smooth surface.  My colored pencils like it very much. I will have to slide a protective surface under if I decide to use ink.  So one month doesn't bleed thru to the next.  I just coughed and wet my pants.  Gosh I love being an Old Woman...... not.

Someone showed their Christmas gift in a recent post- Anti Social Pencils.  I may stitch a Sampler. Here are a few: 

I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm lying.   On your mark, get set, go away.  Like a good neighbor...stay over there.  Eww, People.  Not any of YOU of course- you all stay right here with me.  Joanne.

And there you have my thoughts for today.  I cried during the entire medal ceremony at the White House. Because...it's only getting worse going forward.....

Field Notes- Friday- January 6th. SNOWING!!!! I can still see the green grass but if it keeps coming down, I won't.

 I was considering buying new Down Pillows.  King sized.  $330 each- plus. And I decided NOT to buy any.  The old ones are just fine.  I could just put two in one pillow case. Eventually.

The down comforters are in good shape.  There's one in the Magic Attic that is for below zero room temps. A Maine Woods Cabin with heat from a fireplace.  We used it in the first years we lived here in Maine.  When we still had Weak Blood.  Now we have Maine Blood and we get too warm...I know...weird.  I had both feet outside the covers last night.  With the regular Down---- I was feeling "too warm".  Not a hot flash- I never went thru menopause.  Never had a hot flash or night sweats.  Skipped me genetically. Daughter got double. Like my mother. Hysterectomy helped me.  No menopause from it either.

Watched Celebrity ..can't think of the name- where they have questions  History for 100.  Jeopardy.  Looks weird.  Anyway last night was weird.  I think the middle contestant couldn't buzz and then talk. I got the Final Answer.  None of the others.  It's not a game I would be good at...too fast.  I am not fast.

The Oil Truck came today.  Filled the tank.  Then backed out. It's an angled drive.  Starts midway along the front of the property and then up along the dropoff at an angle up to the garage. Long drive.  I think it was because the first owners didn't want to bring in fill to level off the property on that side of the house so they spent money on asphalt instead.. The regular oil guys pull in backwards so they can come down the drive and turn left into the street. Today's guy had to back out, go right, find a spot to pull in and turn and then drive out..and down the street. He'll learn.

Still snowing- tiny beads of snow.  The driveway, sidewalks and street are still black asphalt. The green grass of yesterday is now white.  I have a 2 hour dentist appointment next week.  EEEEK.

Field Notes- January 5th. Cold here in Maine, Wet with a solid chance of ICE.

 Oatmeal Bread... I actually don't think I have EVER made oatmeal bread (and then oatmeal bread toast). I should give it a trial run. Find a recipe. I have the GIGANTIC  King Arthur Baking Book.  I bet they have a recipe.

It's cold in the house.  Like COLD.  Like there is a chill along the back of my neck.  The front porch thermometer reads 40.  Always.  So I know it's incorrect. The indoor outdoor monitor reads 32.  

I watched the House Run itself into the ground for a second day.  Did you all realize that the Speaker of the House is third- President, Vice President and then Speaker.  This should be a SERIOUS CHOICE not the JOKE the Republicans are making it.  And Santos LIED that he had been sworn in and VOTED.  He had NOT been sworn in.  Wow....... The Gift that keeps on Giving.

No Law and Order.  And I am full up on Hallmark so........I tried to read my book, but even though it's very good, I lost interest.  I might sew things together.  Like Grace and Jude are doing.  Not that I actually like what they are making.....too jumbled up.  I am Virgo watch me color co-ordinate.......

Daughter dropped off my new desk calendar- all white and smooth under the keyboard as I type. I already wrote on it in the lower right corner box-  A Dutch Baby recipe.  Monika and I used to order that for dessert in German Restaurants.  It came with fruit and whipped cream I think. Maybe ice cream. Or just fruit..  You pour the mixture into a hot pan and tuck it in the oven until it rises and puffs up......

The image on the blog...it unearthed a memory.  If I make one- I'll take a picture of it.  Joanne.

Field Notes- Wednesday, January 4th. Clouds, Chill in the Air. Silence.

 From the image file.  Parmesan Cheese.

When we used to drive into Portland, Maine- highway driving at speeds that made my heart beat too fast- we shopped at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.  Trader Joe's is more my speed but Whole Foods is...so so good.  They very rarely had cherry pie in the bakery.  But when they did- I bought one. I loved the fruit and vegetable bins......I rarely bought meat at either place.  At TJ's I stocked up on Bran Flakes until they changed the recipe.  Then we stopped driving down to Portland.

The image reminds me of the wedges of Parm I bought. Pieces of the rind still in the freezer.

It's cold and dark.  Winter.  I might have to move the thermostat up to 65.  I have on a sweater and my strange scarf/shawl.  But my hands are freezing.

I made husband a fresh pot of chicken soup yesterday around 4 pm and he waited to eat dinner until it was done.  Last year at this Time I was dumping uneaten jars of soup into the compost pile- he refused to eat soup. Now he's eating it. 

He is complaining that there is a puzzle piece missing from the new in the sealed box puzzle.  He does this with every puzzle.  Decides at some point there is a piece missing and instead of putting the pieces he has together he searches for a missing piece. I used to get involved.  Now I just go along and say that's terrible etc......My daughter will say this is a symptom.  Not that finding a symptom is going to change anything for the better.

I went up to the second floor at the Library to see the puzzles we can check out.  The steps were too much ...going up. so I took the elevator down.  Next time- elevator both ways.  The steps are granite and are not the universal number of standard inches.  Just a bit higher.  But it's enough to make the going rough on my lungs. And my right leg.  Damages from a 1970 car accident.  A gift that keeps on giving- more and more as I get older.  I have to hold on to something if I step up using the right leg.  It wants to let go.  The Weak Link.

Field Notes- Post 4097. Yes. I've written to YOU..... Four Thousand Ninety Seven Times.

 Carrot Soup.  I made another Carrot Soup in the Vita Mix years ago.  Beans (white canned) and carrots.  It whizzed until it was hot enough to eat.  As soup.  Very creamy.  I shared it with my cross the street neighbor. She was recovering from a broken wrist.  I had to go back and open the jar lid for her.  Lesson Learned.  Make sure giftee can open and actually eat the soup.

This is a different recipe.  From my Master Gardener Classmate.  Vegetarian. I am surrounded by vegetarians.  Across the street, my walking buddy for when Riley was alive, my gardening buddy. And I sort of take to it quite naturally but also occasionally eat non vegetarian things.  BBQ Pork.  Pot Roast.

So.....the Football Game last night.  I showed up just as the ambulance was leaving- no lights. I'll let that speak for itself.   It was like watching something operatic........a very very sad opera.  Broken young men.

All thinking...that could have been ME. But it's my Team mate and I can't help in any way.

Today the Library was open.  I got G three 500 piece puzzles.  He likes having a jigsaw puzzle to do. I got two books I had requested. I mailed three bill envelopes and stopped by the bank to order more checks.  Two or three weeks.  To get them.  I can come in for counter checks if they are needed.  At the Library I renewed my library card- it had expired.  My heart nearly stopped when I saw the notification.  Really.  No Library?

Watching MSNBC to see the House votes for Speaker.  I think Kevin did him self a dis-service in moving his belongings into the Office he has NOT even gotten YET...Wow.  Disrespect much?????? 

And that is January third.  I need to start a pot of Chicken Soup for husband.  It will take a few hours to cook.  I should figure out how to do it in the Crock Pot.  I should figure out a lot of things.........in three years of COVID isolation- I've lost most of my Brain Cells.  Just by not using them.  Joanne

Field Notes- Monday, January 2nd. Overcast, 43, library closed today.

 Well, so far today.  First Monday of 2023.  Grocery Store.  Washing Machine- two loads.  In the dryer now.  Then folding.  Clean sheets.  Reading a good book- I had judged it by it's dull cover but I like it.  Better Than Fiction by Alexa Martin.  I returned the book with the warning.  Not because of the warning but because the writing wasn't as smooth as it might have been .......choppy.  I am guessing to show how tense and jumpy the female character was/is.  

Speaker of the House Vote.  Finger Pointing. 

Football was good enough yesterday.  Quarterbacks getting banged up.....Can a team win with a third or fourth choice Q-Back????

I reheated the Christmas Dinner leftovers of roasted potatoes and roasted carrots.  That was my late supper. I sort of wished we had gotten some of that Cheesecake in the leftover bag.

Not much happening.....I am listening to that ridiculous "Fruits and Vegetables" commercial.  $25 off your first purchase of the two tiny bottles of capsules filled with dry fruit and vegetable powder..........gosh, what a "deal".  Slow day........perhaps something interesting will happen tomorrow????????

Field Notes- Sunday, January first 2023. The Sun is shining here in Maine at 51 degrees. And you though Global Warming wasn't real!

 I saved this image in the file for this morning.  A year of new beginnings.

I began the day by sleeping too long and then taking a lovely long shower.  Wearing fresh baggy clothes. The odd thing here is...some of these baggy clothes were NOT baggy last winter.

Husband ran out of jelly this morning.  Fig and Grape.  I checked all the usual cupboards.  Nothing.  I then checked all the unusual cupboards.....cause you know....things get misplaced.  Nothing.  On the list for grocery tomorrow.

I wasn't actually sleeping this late.  I was thinking.  I was thinking about the book I started reading yesterday.  It had a warning inside on the left hand side of page one. The book contains depictions of death, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.  Twice in a Lifetime.  A second chance I am thinking.

I have never seen such a warning on the left hand page of a book of fiction.  I read the last page.  I'm good to go.  But I doubt this book will be easy to read.  I am reminded of Fresh Water For Flowers.  I am reminded of the child growing up with a motorcycle gang of meth dealers.  That was a difficult book. But I was glad I dug my way thru both of them.  I don't know how it will go with this new book.  I may wait and switch out to a rom com for the first day of 2023.

I am listening to the music my husband has playing quietly in the background.  American Indian chants/songs.  Not like the ones for that one Football Stadium.  That I find offensive.

I have the new Wall Appointment Calendar up and running.  Marked with January appointments. Dentist. Haircuts etc etc.  Reminding me to call and make new appointments for eye exams.  I am being clear as to which calendar this is.....not the Desk Top Calendar under the Keyboard.  That is still December.  I think it will be December under the keyboard for awhile....maybe forever. I never enter Target or Staples.

Traditions can change.  I can let go of it.  My tooth aches a bit.  Something is wrong with it. I am trying to ignore it.  The Sunday Real Estate section had an 8.5 million dollar house on page one.  Recently sold.  Husband noted in pen- "we missed out on this one".  It's a BEAUTY.  I mean, really.  What a gorgeous house.  Possibly on acres of land in the middle of nowhere. Ocean view for sure.  Next Life.  Joanne.

Field Notes- Saturday, December 31. 50 degrees outside. 64 inside. I'm Frugal.

 A nest of thread and scraps.  2022.

It's the last day of this Year.  I think, once upon a Time, I read about sweeping the Old Year out of your house with a broom.  For a clean start.  Or Re- start.

How long have we been masked and worried about getting sick and dying?  Too long.

Remember when the grocery stores ran out of the basics of Life- toilet paper.......flour.  Did any of you bake bread?  I might have...once. Then had no yeast.  I discovered the outside edges of the grocery were well stocked.  The inside Aisles were not... so I shopped the edges.   We survived.

What I missed the most in this Pandemic Era...was books.  I had enough Cloth.  Thread.  Needles. I didn't have enough Books.  Now I do.

My Life these days- post Pandemic (or maybe not)- is plainer.  Just the basics.  So much has fallen to the side.  Forgotten. No longer needed.  No longer worried about.  Health.  Heat.  Books.  Booster Shots.  Friends. Neighbors. Family. A few great tomatoes from the garden.  Enough zucchini for a meal. Cucumbers.  It's enough and more than enough.

Another stronger variant has been discovered. To be solved in 2023. Next year.  I'll be here.  Joanne

Field Notes- Friday December 30. Are we done yet? Sun and Clouds.38 degrees- 89% humidity.

 Cheese.  I only like some of the cheese that people make.  Not the Funky Stinky ones. Swiss and Cheddar. Parmesan-- The Real stuff. I even like Plastic American Cheese.  None of the soft cheese. Goat. Ick.

Husband vacuumed the floors.  He also vacuumed up a puzzle piece.  By the time he saw what was on the floor it had gotten sucked up.   It's not a great puzzle.  It's an old one from a dollar store.  Buttons.  Brown, muddy reds, beige, off white.  I found three pieces the last time I stopped by the table.  Most of the pieces are the same shape- so you have to look for color clues along the edges. Mentioned that.  To him.

There is one more NEW puzzle he hasn't done yet.  He should just change it out.

The Cheese image up top would make a good puzzle.  Not. All that red background would be tedious.

I ate real food yesterday and it made one of my teeth hurt. I think we have dentist appointments. In January.

I asked daughter if she had gotten me a desk calendar for 2023.  She said she read my blog and I had gotten a calendar.  I said yes...for the wall in the dining room for appointments.  Well........

She is still coughing.  The half dose of DayQuil has stopped MY cough.  So...that's nice.  Whatever she has is still going strong.  Not sure if she is going to work.  It's a very slow week at the Candy Factory. In fact, it doesn't pick up until February and then it stays busy thru Easter.  Then she leaves to return to Landscaping.  A  college degree.  Unused.

Well, I need to turn on some lights.  No Sunshine.  Hope some of you reading this have sunshine.  Joanne

Field Notes- Thursday, December 29th. 31 degrees, cloudy with a thin coating of light snow on the grass.

 Exactly how it feels.

I need to get up and turn on a few lights...... the house feels cold.  I feel cold.

The daily newspaper is now not only less pages--now it's narrower.  Shrinking.  Not in the price we pay for it.  Just in pages and words.  I checked the tv guide pages...nothing to watch today.

Once Christmas Day is past...the remainder of December should just be...deleted. Nothing happens. Usually we would have leftovers and desserts.  But the past few years, since I stopped making the traditional Pierogi for Christmas Eve- resulting in many days of deliciously fried in butter leftovers...... it's just not as wonderful...... I can see why Old Mainers fly or drive to Florida. And stay until April or May.

Florida..I was going to say it isn't what it was when we lived there.....but I think it was like it is now. I just wasn't paying attention. My marriage went off the rails when we lived there.  My husband starting running wild and then started traveling for work.  Gone. Days and then weeks he would be gone.  And that was it.  Once the company found out he liked being gone...he was gone all the time.  His paycheck got deposited. Our marriage, for all intents and purposes...was over.  But I stayed put.  The kids needed a good home and regular food and new shoes.  The divorced wives...didn't have that. I stayed.  We kept moving. He kept going.  And now we live in this barren wasteland of a State- alone together.  Sigh.  Not what I had wanted.

There was a tipping point and I missed the flashing lights and warnings......of when I should have made a left turn onto the exit ramp and made a run for it.

Well the Sun seems to be shining outside......I have a book to read.  I have the opportunity to take the sheets off the bed and wash them......maybe. And I need a fresh hot cup of something....Joanne.

Field Notes- Wednesday, December 28th. Clouds, Cold and Cough.

 Wouldn't this be a delightful destination for a Daily Walk?

It's cold here in Maine.  Dreary. But I have no complaints. None.

My oatmeal was very good this morning.  

The newspaper was full of bad news with a full front page story on Buffalo, New York.  Which is terribly sad and it's as if nothing can solve this problem. Even their Fire Trucks are stuck in snow and ice.  One.

And then Southwest Airlines.  I'm pretty sure they will file for bankruptcy just to get out of this mess. That won't get anyone their money back or get them home or get them their lost baggage.  Two.

This Jew-ish guy who never had a real job. Never went to college and isn't Jewish but said all those things to get elected to Congress.....and, surprise....the Republicans are going to swear him in as a congressman. Three.  Four would be the 700K he "found somewhere for his campaign"

Not even Hallmark or Law and Order can cheer me up.........three more days of 2022.

I had my oatmeal for breakfast yesterday and bread and butter for mid-day and then nothing but re-heated sweet tea and ...well, nothing else but cough drops and DayQuil.  Husband had soup.  He had the soup and carrots etc all warmed up and ready to eat and then decided he needed to make more noodles.  He was getting out the big pot and was going to boil water.......thinking processing was on OFF.  I said No.  He was angry about eating the Soup without the HEAPING PILE of noodles.  Tough.   He even adds a large amount of pasta to the Chicken Parm dinner.

He has driven himself off the Anorexia Road he has been on for YEARS (as long as I have know him- and usually its ONLY home cooked food he won't eat) and is now.......piling on the Pasta and having Coffee and Six different "store bought" dessert items each evening.  It's amazing to watch.  

My clothes were always baggy but now they are MORE.  Well, the DayQuil has kicked in. I am now going to read......have a lovely day all of you out there reading this.....Joanne.

Field Notes- Tuesday December 27th. Sunshine and 31 degrees. Library and Grocery Store.

 Isn't this Something?  

Library was okay- no books for me.  Gary got two- he says "he hasn't ever read them".......wow. He has. but I stopped looking for anything for me and decided I had five on the table and an entire bookcase full.

Grocery Store.  Husband said we "had nothing to eat".......he was out of orange juice, candy yogurt and bagels. I actually don't know what he sees when he opens the fridge.......But we WERE out of orange juice and bagels.

I got myself milk, bread, cold baked chicken and some cookies.

I got both of us Kleenex and Toilet Paper.

I started coughing again last evening.  This is what is "going around" here in Maine (and I guess in Boston).  An all encompassing cough. No fever. No chills.  Just coughing.  It wears you down.  Wears me down.  When I am not coughing I feel perfectly healthy.  I am now going to turn on the TV, have a second cup of instant coffee, choose a fresh book to read....... husband has decided to have soup.  The last portion. For supper. Later. I'll remind him when he pulls a spaghetti dinner out of the fridge.

He's now settling in to color.  So...an uneventful Tuesday in late December. Good Enough.  Joanne.

Field Notes- Monday, December 26th. Cold outside but warm inside. Weak sunshine.

 Well, it was a fantastic Christmas.    No gifts- and what a relief that was and will be going forward.  We walked down the street to the Twins house at 2 pm for Christmas Dinner with the Twins' parents and grandparents. We both had on red sweaters. The Twins showed us their Electric Guitar and amp.. wow..........and played carols on it. They also got watches so they can text each other. In the house.  Instead of talking.  It's a New World. (to me)

We had Prime Rib, Baked Ham. Lobster Tails, wonderful Roast Potatoes all crisp and delicious, Broccoli, Carrots, Gravy and warm buttered rolls. We started with a lovely mixed greens salad.  Dessert was Pumpkin Pie and Ina Garten's Cheesecake topped with cherries. We were sent home at 6 pm with a bag full of leftovers for today.  And we had lovely conversation with our hostess's parents in from Rhode Island.  Best Christmas in a long time.

Daughter is very sick with a bad cold.  She stayed home in bed. A Candy Factory Cold from the various employees and their small children who bring germs home from Day Care. She sounded miserable.

The house is Warm.  The Football yesterday.....we missed seeing Baker Mayfield return to glory but did see Tom Brady get trashed. They won in overtime but it was painful to watch.

Husband is still sleeping.  He did something to his back again- I told him not to go down into the basement crawl space to look at the furnace.  He doesn't know ANYTHING about furnaces so why go down there????  It was one of those moments when I wished I lived alone.  

I was delighted to find 8 comments on yesterday's post.  Gosh-......Happy Day After Christmas.  Joanne.

Field Notes- Sunday December 25th. Cloudy. Eighteen degrees. Green Grass. We have Heat.

 Merry Christmas.

We have the furnace going.  House is Warm.  Internet is back- mostly.  No Sunday paper but found Christmas Cards in the mailbox.  The Mail Truck must have come by in the night.

It's very quiet.  No cars.  No Snow.  No Generators running.  Power is back on.

I think I had an image that was more Christmas like (in the file) but I chose this one because- as the last few days have proven to me- Neighbors and Friends are really the best Gift of All......

To all of you out there- some I know and some I haven't met as yet---Thank You for stopping by every so often to read the words I type.   It's a lonely Life here in Maine.  Lots of Solitude. 

Writing these words each day.....to "someone" out there in the internet--is my favorite time of the entire day.  Connecting to people I may never meet in person but who read my words, comment some times, become dear friends sometimes (which is so so wonderful) and make me feel "connected" to a community. the Best Gift I have ever gotten.  You.  So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Joanne

Field Notes- Saturday, December 24th. We lost power and the generator is bad and now the power is back on.

 What a few days this has been.  And it's freezing cold here in the house. Power in On. Well it wasn't quite ON. But now it is.  We had a few "yelling" moments which I have been asked not to have in Future.  But we got the power on and the furnace is running but will take TIME to get the house back up to Temp.

Sigh.  It's been a RIDE.  I am so going to order one of those backyard all house generators.  The ones all the neighbors have.  Power goes off and it comes on.  No gas cans etc.  No arguments. I was being asked to buy a $5800 generator to replace the gas hog running outside the garage.  I said no.  Every  other person said yes.  But........I don't ever want to have that thing going outside anymore. I am done with that.

So.....invited to Christmas Dinner at 1pm tomorrow.  Prime Rib.  The Twins and Family.

Son called from California and he is starting in on the Christmas Eve Pierogi which he and I both make each year.  I am not making them this year.  I might make them next week.  Not today.  Not Tomorrow.

Sigh...I need to get myself centered.  I can't tell you how happy I am to be typing this.  Even with ice cold fingers.  I need to make a big mug of hot sweet tea.  Merry Christmas.   Happy Bright and Warm.

Field Notes- December 23rd. RAIN WIND no FIRE as yet. The "Lake" behind the house if filling.

 So......prepared yesterday evening.  Made Chicken Soup which can be heated in the microwave if we are on the generator- a little one outside by the garage.  Just does a few basic things.  So, we have food we can reheat.  I made a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese and tucked it into the fridge for me.  I also have fruit and yogurt.  The generator can't power the stove.  Just the microwave.  And the fridge.  And the furnace which heats water. And the living room and kitchen lights.  And this computer and the tv.  

We listed necessities for the electric guy.  Good enough.  We have gas in cans to make it run.

Right now the wind is blowing.  It's raining. Temps are 49 degrees outside and 99% humidity.

I have a large restaurant tray and a thick towel under the kitchen skylight which leaks when it rains really  hard.  Other than that.......and the wind....and the rain slashing into the windows.......it's a regular  day. Daughter is off today and until Tuesday.  So....no worries of her out in the car etc.  Which means- no worries. None.

Which reminds me.  Candles and matches.  Yep. Found them...together.  I'm an excellent Girl Scout.

So.  Good here.  Bills went out with the mail yesterday.  All caught up.  Take care where you are.  Stay safe and warm and dry if you can.  I know those of you getting SNOW and the Blizzard Bomb are in for the worst.  Tonight all our roads etc will freeze solid.........God Bless you all with Safe Passage Thru. Joanne.

Field Notes- Thursday, December 22nd. Paid bills. Added Santa Stamps. No Rain. No Snow. No Sun.

 Making me want to cut and paste paper. Circles.  Free cut circles.  Wobbly.

Paid Bills.  Gave each bill envelope a Santa Stamp. Only three numbers on today's Sudoko.  Ugh!!

We are expecting torrential rain and wind.  Here in Maine.  Fifty mile an hour stuff coming off the Ocean.  Which is just a few miles away from my house. We are supposed to EXPECT power outages.  I am going to put a pot of water on the stove and drop in frozen chicken thighs and carrots etc- we can heat soup up in the microwave.  Happy Maine Holidays.

I am also going to go do a load of laundry as we are both nearly out of clean underwear.  Unhappiness is wearing dirty underwear during a Maine Power Failure..  So-- doing laundry.......... making soup.

My cough is nearly gone.  It reappears when I talk about it being gone. So...nearly gone.

Not much good news on the television.  Not many things to watch.  I have a book I started yesterday-  one I have already read- Lucy Checks In by Dee Ernst.  She also wrote Maggie finds her Muse.  My library doesn't have the Maggie book which I like more than this one.  But this one is good. It's about French things.  I love French things. I love European things.

Phone keeps ringing.  I am always hoping it will be someone or something good.  It never is.

Well, the addressed and stamped bills aren't going to walk themselves out to the mailbox on the street. So I am going to bundle up and venture forth......  It's December 22nd. Nearly to the end of 2022..... Lots of 2's.

Field Notes- Wednesday. December 21. Solstice??? Sunshine while we wait for Torrential Rain.

 Bow Ties.  Might make a cute wacky small quilt.  Or new Placemats.

Yes, the Weather People say we will be getting rained on, flooded and will most likely lose Electric Power. 

Goody......

Nancy and I had a lovely Luncheon.  I had Eggplant Parm and Pinot Noir.  We talked.  It was good.

My Winter Hat is still Missing.  I took the Hall Closet apart and no hat.  Daughter went to LLBean and bought me a hat.  It was too tight and I still felt cold. Hat is being returned.  We were out on the pitch dark front porch. She can't come into the house while working the Candy Factory.  Many employees have small children in day care. They get sick ALL THE TIME.  They get COVID.  So...daughter stays 10 feet away on the porch--outside.

I am still coughing.  But I tend to cough with regard to the "asthma" as well.  So...... NO fever. no aches, no anything.  Just the cough. Productive if you gather my meaning.  The Cough And Flu section of the drug store shelving (grocery store) was bare. EMPTY.   I got two of the three boxes of generic DayQuil.  I could have just taken one.  But.... G might start coughing.

I saw my cross the street neighbor in the store (the house I babysit while she is so often gone) and she sent an email telling me- from now on I should tell her if I need anything and she will shop for me. Okay. The new next door woman was out in her car waving to Nancy and I.  So she's okay.  We both decided to go with "okay" even though the new neighbor looked a bit giddy.  Like she was on a parade float.

Field Notes- A Wonderful Card in the Mail... Gretchen!!! Sunshine.34 degrees

 I do love these little art pieces made out of pasted paper cut outs.  I should stock a shoe box with interesting paper I find.... origami paper? a glue stick....scissors.  A Project Box. I should.  I could.  I would....... Sounds like a Dr Suess poem.

Luncheon Date today.  My neighbor down the street and I.  We met at the library on Monday and made a plan to have more frequent lunch/chat dates.  We are both married to men who are irritating to be around. Good to get away from them.  Especially in Winter.  Her husband likes Fox News.  So she is more eager than I am to get out of the house. She drives.  So..its a delight for me.

The Football last night was- ugh.  We stopped watching before it was over.

The neighbors next door had mentioned being sick when the Twins delivered their box of Christmas Cookies.  And then the Ambulance.  I don't have their phone number so I asked a neighbor who might...to check in on them.  It's the "right thing" to do.  I hate to think one is in the hospital and the other is home alone without care.  Even though the months of construction noise at 7am made me madder than I have ever been.  They could have both gone to the hospital.  They have cats.  Who need to eat.

See- even though I have complained about them...I am actually a nice person.

Or a worry wart.

Gretchen from New York sent me the nicest letter and a very very lovely pop up Christmas Card that I love.  She reads this blog so I am sending a thank you and you will be getting a long letter in the mail in the next week or so Gretchen!!!!!  Promise.  My cards will be going out late but.....they will be going out. Until you get your cards.....know that I love and appreciate all of you- (if I have addresses) other wise this line of words will have to do......  Joanne.

Field Notes- Monday, December 19th. Cold. Sunshine. ICE.

 The Picture File is down to things I save..... not much of interest.  So..how about we share a cocktail?

It's cold and the Sun is shining.  Which puts a lovely wet skim coat over the ice surfaces.  Great for ice skating but not for Elderly People Walking.  EPW.

We had Football Pizza last night and our cable tv gave us three games.  That's all.  We saw highlights of all the other games but - locally- three games.  Period.  Our game stunk to high heaven as they say. But the pizza I made for us was really really excellent.  (I had the last of the wine with mine).

Great having an email regarding the game from Connie who SAW the game.

I did get to see the Soccer.  ARGENTINA!!!! Wow, it was great. France seemed to stop trying in the sudden death penalty kicks- everyone hates when it comes down to penalty kicks.  But it was a Great World Cup.  Loved every minute.

It's still early so we haven't gone to the Library or the Grocery Store as yet. I don't know why we were up so early........ in fact, when I saw the time on the clock while making my oatmeal in the microwave (regular oatmeal)...I was rather surprised.....9 am.  And I was up and dressed.  Head Slap.

Big pile of books going back.  Terrible choices. The WORST.  Next books are coming out of MY bookcase.

I'm tired.  I'm bored.  All the White outdoors makes my eyes hurt.  Is it Spring, yet?????

Field Notes- Sunday December 18th. Snow yesterday that is now ICE. 33 degrees.

 

The picture file has few usable images left.  Some are reminders of things I want to make- so they aren't all that interesting.   The fact that my picture file is boring....leads me to believe I am getting STALE.

And I mention one other thing- the computer is having some troubles getting going and getting to the right places.......I may not be here with you very much longer. But I will try to patch and mend as best I can...

The ice outside is flat and smooth.   I shoveled the snow blower mess that husband leaves behind off the lower street side part of the driveway and the sidewalks.   Then I reached my physical limit  (at 76) and came inside.   The pad in front of the two car garage is a bumpy, frozen mess. Last year I could have done both.  Not this year.

I understand that he likes to walk slowly (very) behind the snowblower.  But if he had it going faster - the machine would clear things FASTER and BETTER.  Not leave behind a mess. I think it's Time to have SOMEONE come and plow.  Even if they take out half the lawn.

At least I got what PEOPLE see from the road- nice and clean.

So.  I am having a productive cough.  Always a good sign.  Things moving about in the lungs. Loose. The Green NyQuil is very effective in my getting a very good night's sleep.  Which I appreciate.  

I made myself a lovely toasted cheese sandwich with lots of sweet pickle chips.  Later I had fresh raspberries on top of a jar layered with bran buds and honey flavored Noosa yogurt. So I had food. 

The twins down the road brought over a gift box of cookies they had helped bake and the Annual Christmas Card of Family Photos.  The boys were babies when they moved here.  We have watched them grown up.  Well, that is all for today.  I have a book I am trying to read but I think I will give it up.  It is not all that interesting.  And I don't really care which man she marries.

Field Notes- Saturday, December 17th. Four Inches of wet sloppy snow. 40 degrees.

 I can't figure out the pictures in the picture file.  so....this one seems okay for today. It's from a site trying to sell me these items.

I am on day four of the orange Dayquil and the Green night time capsule.  Still a bit of a cough.  No fever. well, now that I typed that.  I am coughing.

Television has been iffy and I am exhausted by the re-hashing of the Trump Crap.  Monday and my favorite Committee can't come soon enough.

 We watched PBS stuff.  Space.  Planets.  Milky Way. etc. Stuff I recorded.  Kept.  I also watched the newest installment on the...gosh I can't recall the cathedral's- Notre Dame......restoration processes.  Fascinating as they dig into it and see how it was built  in Medieval times and have been trying to replicate tools, materials etc.  I can't recall if they said 900 million was the cost.  900 million doesn't seem to be enough.

Clean up has been slow and difficult.  Trying not to do more damage and the things they remove have lead and other toxins.

I've been to Paris many times.  I never visited Notre Dame.  I regret it very very much...now. But on family vacations to see friends living in Paris- it was August.  Everything is closed. Not much of an excuse.

Field Notes- Friday, December 16th- Dismal, snowing, raining Day. House lights on.

 I can't really tell what I have in the picture file until I see it here on the screen.  Spaghetti with vegetables. Certainly been here before.  But it's what you get.

It's cold in the house but it just might be me.  Still a bit whiff-y. But getting better.  Very little cough. And more chance I will be fed today as I have bread and sliced cheese and a nice Toasted Cheese with sweet pickle chips is in my future.  I tossed the idea of making soup for myself- around a bit- and then just let that go.  Maybe tomorrow.  I recall last year at this Time, making raspberry jello with frozen raspberries and topping with whip cream left over from Pumpkin  Pie.  That was delightful.

That could have been a FEW YEARS AGO.  the Jello.

Christmas is days away.  Thank goodness i didn't try for a tree or gifts etc. As fast as the days are going past.......the holiday will be gone and I certainly won't feel like I missed anything.

I haven't sent cards yet.  But I haven't gotten many either.  So..we are all in the same boat.  I dug around in the dresser drawer filled with cards.......looking for one in particular.  Didn't find it.  And was reminded of last year and the painted hearts I sent for Valentines.   I liked that.  Very much.  I did find blank brown card stock that I had used for years.....when I drew a spindly evergreen tree and added red ornaments and snow. I even have one I made from scraps of silk in shades of green and gold- I found it at my dad's house after he passed..  He had it pinned to the wall by his kitchen chair.

I WAS creative once.  Where has it gone?  Does it need to be fed by friends and co-creatives??? And when you are away too long- from human contact-- does it fade and go away?  Is this what growing old is like. Having what was...fall away????  I miss myself.

Field Notes- Thursday, December 15th. Ten Days Till Christmas.

 One more mug.   The Spotted Cow Mug... at least that is what I would call it.

Lingering bit of cough.  Productive.  If you know what that means?????  But not as light headed and woozy as previous two or three days.  Not achy. I think the baked chicken with mayo and honey did the trick. I needed food. Animal Protein.

Work continues next door.  The fact that the kitchen beams didn't go all the way across the space..well, leaves me wondering why the second floor didn't cave in. Long ago. Leaves me wondering why they didn't sue someone like the imspection teams.  There were many men looking at things prior to closing.

Across the street, new drywall to patch the ceiling in the kitchen that fell onto the dining room table.  Yes. Same house as next door.  SURPRISE!!!!  Electricity is needed and the dining room set has been picked up and taken away to be refinished before Christmas Dinner..  I think the Builder is long gone or dead.  No one to SUE.

The Twins live in another of these houses as does the friend I go to lunch with.   

News?  I stopped watching.  My Holiday gift to myself.  A few weeks off.  I read the newspaper headlines. and then I just turn the page and read something else.  Blizzard Warnings.  I have a few new books to read. but I am trying to finish When Franny Stands Up.  It's set in the years after WWII.  The fifties. Franny wants to be a stand up comedian.  The writing and content have so far failed to hold my interest for more than 20 pages at a time.  It might be time to let the book go.  Move on to the others I have waiting.

Other than that- I often just close my eyes and think about things...........

 

Field Notes- Wednesday. December 14th. Still Alive!

 Hey!  Busy day so I forgot to post till NOW!!!!  Haircut (for real) today.  Library.  Grocery- I needed mouthwash and some baked chicken breast to mix with honey and mayo.  I NEEDED PROTEIN. So I ate "dead baked animals"......... Husband had 2nd bowl of the second batch of chicken soup.  Yep.  Second Pot of Soup.  Chicken for the Win.

Things here on the blog are a a bit Wack.  Took awhile to get the page to look normal.

SOCCER!!!! Husband watched today.  He loved it.  We'll watch Sunday to see who wins.

Elon Musk and Twitter.  See what happens when a nut case buys things??????  We know this...We saw someone buy the Presidency and how opposite of great that was?  Things come in threes- so who is up next? Someone on the Supreme Court?  Please.

My book arrived from Amazon.  I heard from the Santa who bought it for me that it's a replacement as the original went.....walk about.  I re-ordered my bookcase to fit it in.  I have a Jane Austin section.  Not all books by Jane but books inspired by Jane.

Washed my mask.  After I wore it.  Back to the old ways.  Still taking DayQuil and things are fine.  I'm tired but alert and doing stuff.  Then I take a rest break.  I enjoy my rest breaks.  I haven't read a book in three days.  But I am resting......which is a good thing at 76.

No worries.  No fever.  No Aches.  No Cough.  Just Tired.

Field Notes- Sunshine, Cold, Light Snow Cover.

 Haven't made any yet. Pancakes.  I am sick.  Coughing and a mild fever.  DayQuil and NyQuil.  Started on Monday morning.  Well, Sunday overnight with muscle aches.  Uncomfortable sleeping. I am very tired.  

I don't know what it is or how I might have gotten any germs.  I wear my mask out in public. But perhaps I should be washing it after each use?  I took Dayquil an hour ago and feel okay now that it has taken effect. Before that I was coughing.  It's an "unproductive" cough.

I watched the PBS series Magpie Murders yesterday.  It was reasonably okay.  Confusing. The last one left in my file is Scarlett something......those are usually good.  then the files will be empty.  I have the Little Women movie recorded.  I liked it.  When I saw it at the movies just before COVID lockdown.

I have books but haven't felt like reading.  I would enjoy a nap.  But I have Law and Order to watch and then Soccer.  Coughing again.  I need a big mug of Sweet Tea.......

I made a second batch of Chicken Soup for husband.  Which is great.  

Football Game last night was miserable.  They won but geez......  Well, I feel sleepy.  

Field Notes- Morning SNOW. Not much. I have a COUGH. Coughing enough to wet my pants.

 The new International McDonald's in first floor of Corporate Headquarters.  Food shown in this "program" looked sloppy and not all that great.   I thought the behind the counter "look" said all that needed to be said.  Standing and Leaning was never allowed in the old days.

I did not sleep well and now- this morning have a Non-productive COUGH.  I haven't been anywhere since Monday.  So.....where did the GERMS come from?????

I took a pill for cough or loosening a cough.  It's been 15 minutes.

We went to the grocery and I tried NOT to cough.  I had on my mask.  I was dizzy.  I was very very happy to get back into the car and be driven home.  My right side chest hurts.  Tight. 

I have a fresh pot of Chicken Soup on the stove.  It's simmering.  G is wanting to be eating SOUP.  So I am making Soup.  I have to keep an eye on the clock.  So it cooks long enough.  3 hours.  I should follow DebL's path and just dump everything in the crock pot.  Can you make soup in the crock pot??????

So.... Snow.  I had to wear a coat.  I wore my non slip restaurant shoes.  The parking lines are slippery when wet..........

Okay.  I am going to sit on the couch.........My Sports show is on and then Soccer. 

Daily Notes- Sunday, December 11th. Sunshine.. 21 degrees.

 This will be a fast post.  I woke up feeling Exceptionally Sad.  There were tears. I was thinking about a few December Books that make me cry.  Not sure I will read them today but I will read them this month. I wonder why December books are so sad????

21 degrees.  sigh.  The grass is still green here in Maine.  It's a very weird State.

Daughter is reporting the same troubles packing candy for shipping for the Chocolate Factory.  There is always one person who makes the job a nightmare for my daughter  (I wonder if they put names in the hat and select the new person each year?)......but the person is always a 365 employee and daughter is a Winter Employee...even though she has been THE Winter Employee for so very many YEARS now.  Sam Takes Shipping Seriously.    yep.  Hands off her tape dispenser and her postal boxes.

World Cup Soccer.  Was Great Again. France won.  More Today.

Grocery Shopping Tomorrow.  I need to get a list together.  The tiny Korean dumplings are also available in a Large size.  So I will be looking for that.  I will also be looking for more lactate free ice cream. Not just vanilla.  And I will look for frozen potato pierogi.  Daughter says they have "such a thing".

I'm exhausted already and it's 10:40 am.

Field Notes- Saturday, December 10th. Sunshine. 27 degrees. World Cup Soccer.

 I may have mentioned my Poinsettia and even had a photo here.  So...here's another.  Varigated.

I watched 6 episodes of Annika on PBS yesterday (previously recorded)- after dark (4pm) and what I liked about it- besides the European vibe- was that the lead actress would turn and speak directly to the audience during the production.  Like actors do, at times, in a play.  I like that. I also liked when she met her daughter's therapist out in public and after the daughter left them- he just says "yours or mine?"

I had half a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese for supper.  Then I had ice cream right out of the carton. Hours later.  I dug around in the freezer for frozen peas or something else that was GREEN  just to make  the mac and cheese- more meal like.  The Food Groups.  There is an unopened package of BBQ Pork.  I could have had some of that. I didn't.  But now that it's in my head- I will add it to the remainder of the mac and cheese.  I need to buy a block of Cheddar Cheese.

I haven't read a book in three- possibly 4 days.  I have one that needs finishing.  I don't really like it. But it's an okay book.  I have four or five on the pile.  I'm at a place where nothing is interesting.

I watched World Cup Soccer.  I will watch today if they are playing.  I love their haircuts.

I have a list of Christmas Rom Coms here by the computer.  Ones I might like watching.  Matchmaker's Christmas.   I am thinking of hiring someone to subscribe to Prime and Netflix for me.  Because..truly, people out there reading this...I lack the stamina and nerve to do it by myself.....I am actually feeling my AGE.  I am feeling FRAIL.  Does the Caregiver usually die first???

I mended my sock.  I paid bills.  I was an adult. A FRAIL OLD WOMAN adult....but one who can mend things, pay bills and make Kraft mac and cheese from a box in an old saucepan I got as a wedding shower gift in 1968.

Now, I am going to make a second cup of coffee and do a load of wash and write in the Pages stuff I can't write here........I could.  But it would be rough going and I don't think the Readers who come here are interested in riding shot gun on Therapy.

Field Notes- Friday December 9th. Birdbaths are frozen Solid. Sunshine.

 Smokers. From an internet shopping ad.  I have a few like these but none of the little "smoke" inserts.  The guy on the far right reminds me of MANY January Ski Week Vacations.  In Europe.  Daughter and husband skied in Vermont one winter and said it was awful.. Never went again.  Didn't like American Ski conditions (mostly ice).

My hands itch.  Contact dermatitis.  From something...I never can tell what sets it off.  The bills?

I paid bills.  Waited to eat my breakfast.  Husband went for a haircut and since it's nearby (sort of) I asked for a Bacon Egg and Cheese Bagel from McD's.  He remembered.  It was lovely.  Then I paid bills. I am wondering how I spend $1K at the grocery.  Well, some is inhalers and prescriptions.  But still.

So, the puzzle with the tiny white edge pieces is finally done.  Husband said at the end "there were not enough pieces" and then "there were the wrong pieces" so..........I moved some and finished it off. Now he needs to try another one.  With larger pieces.

I watched three Christmas Movies (two partially)  I think I might be "over" them........and not even December 10th.  I have NOT watched my favorites.  Because.  I want to really enjoy them. I always save Christmas Waltz and Snow Bride for the end.  Bookstore Around the Corner and the Magic Shoes for the week before that.  There are two new ones from this Season I will also watch again closer to Christmas. The Movie Santa, Louisiana movie and the Love Actually.. And then the others- about 20 recorded......I do like the 12 Dates of Christmas.  Christmas Groundhog Day. Everyday she wakes up and it's the same day.

There is also World Cup Soccer.  I watch that.  Husband ate the soup for a second day...... I don't recall if or what I ate..........really- well... got to go- have a hole in the toe of my sock and until I mend it. I will be annoyed by it.