Thursday...8am. Lawn is being mowed.... Early wake up call!!!!!.

We may have had this image before....but I just cleared the picture file....

1. Grass cutting at 8am....Son is not a fan.  I was already awake. 

2. I think they are cutting early as it looks like it is going to RAIN.  Finally? We've been promised "heavy"  rain for weeks now- hasn't happened.  Perhaps the Tsunami has some waves for the Maine Coastline????

3. It's a very strange Summer....like the Planet has decided to give us a good "Head Slap".

4. It's early for me to be up and doing things....I already stripped my bed and got the sheets dragged over to the washing machine...but I haven't gotten anything into the machine as yet...waiting for son to take his shower.  He likes hot water.

5. I had to check on the day of the week.....I've sort of lost track.   When nothing happens all the days are pretty much the same day.  On that note- I will go have breakfast..... read the news...Trump did accept the gift of that big USED airliner....Now, We The People Get to Pay for its Complete Overhaul. 

6. I think Trump will be the ONLY President to ever use it....if in fact, it does get used.

 

Wednesday, July 30th. Sunshine, Heat and a Birthday. (not mine)...yet.

One line drawing on an index card- colored  and the leaf I found pasted to another index card.  AC units still going....I have been awake only minutes......need to eat and hydrate.

1.  I do love starting my day here at the keyboard ...before....anything happens ( the containers are still covered in their night time netting).   It's like sitting here with a fresh smooth sheet of watercolor paper and the brush and paints nearby....anything is possible.

2. I got halfway thru Kurland's "The More I See You" and decided to go to bed and read the second half today. As a gift to myself.  I also want to listen to "The More I See You" as I read this book ...... need to see if I have it on any of the CD's over by the windows.  Most of her book titles are song titles. A hint that the Reader might want to read and listen ..... and sing along.

3. AC units still on.  Partly Sunny and 84 here in Maine today.  Was supposed to hit 91 yesterday.

4.  I haven't had breakfast as yet and find myself "fading" a bit...deciding on oatmeal or shredded wheat.

5.  I'm tired.  And beginning to feel my age....even though I have to "do math" to recall just how old I am.  Which is fine....but the number is always surprising....I don't feel any different than I did years and years ago... I look different....but my inside doesn't match the outside.

6. Perhaps tomorrow I will have more to type...or not.  The Sun is shining..the AC units made it thru yesterday.....my only decision right now- oatmeal or shredded wheat for breakfast.  If you are reading this I hope your day today is a very very good one....

 

Daily Notes from Maine at 90 degrees, sunshine and not one bit of breeze. 65% humidity.

Feels like a greenhouse... outside.

Son has proactively gotten the AC units working and I have closed all the window blinds...it's the way I learned to do it while sweltering in Georgia Heat....minus an AC unit.......while pregnant. Good Times.

I am back from uncovering and heavily watering the containers......I filled bottles with water in the kitchen in case I need to do a second  emergency watering. I WILL NOT be walking today.

1. I used my Air Fryer.  To make my lunch yesterday.  Today I will have the same lunch but cook the frozen dumplings in water and then fry them when the water evaporates.. Unless boiling water seems like too much...heat. Then I will have a cold slice of leftover  pizza and a big salad.

2. The first old Knights in Shining Armor book was fantastic.  The second- I barely made it into the double digit page numbers before giving up..... there is ONE I recall liking quite a bit...but digging thru all the books (2 dozen?) to find it.....can't see it happening.  And...NONE of the spines are cracked or even bent... there is zero evidence I read them.  But I did as I recall ALL the story lines written on the back covers.

3.  I am cheerfully going to watch two episodes of Antiques Roadshow today.  Recorded them yesterday and more are teed up on the TiVo. in next few days.

4.  I am considering painting a little something today.  Just because I truly enjoy painting.  My three little line drawings were a reminder of an assignment when I took Drawing 101.  I also took Figure Drawing. And History of Art.  And Print Making. (a C).  And Watercolor Painting - (my first A).....I was also, unknown to me- deeply depressed and should have been on drugs or seeking therapy.  It all seemed like every other day of my life since middle school..the darkness seemed normal. How very very sad.

Daily Notes- Monday, July 28th, Cloudy, a bit of chill in the air......Nice.

 My second favorite. Gee's Bend.

1. Well, I surprised myself by getting up very very early...I have had a shower, shampoo etc and sorted out some fresh clothing.....short sleeves so I might need to find my sweater......even the 70's in the house feels COLD to me.  (old person problems)

2. My internal systems must be screwed up.  I also seem to have picked up a rash after uncovering my ornamental planters...it's very itchy.  VERY.  Raised red bumps. Happens so fast.

3. I was tempted to access Amazon.  For some programming.  And then did a head slap as I recalled Amazon Prime infiltrating my TiVo (already) and my relentless deleting of said Prime and it's hostage taking demands for MONEY....pay us and we will go away.... no.....just no. Son mentioned me forgetting my feelings about Prime....but at the time I didn't recall my feelings.  I do NOW. Memory comes and goes like the tide.  But always comes back...

4. Lunch buddy mentioned BLT's. Now that's all I can think about... I am missing ONLY the tomato part. I could have a B'L's

5. The Medieval Woman has come forward to the Future in my paperback.  And is being driven in the large black Range Rover to see someone she hasn't seen in a very long time......the brother who died...but actually time traveled.  I loved the book back in 2009 and I love it now..   I do want to read Knight in Shining Armor but don't feel like crying so ...... just a few tears coming up when Kendrick sees her and she sees him.

6.  I found a lovely small mottled green, yellow, red, brown leaf on yesterday's "walk"  and picked it up  with the intention of perhaps a small watercolor.

And that does it for me today...with my less than...memory.

Daily Notes- Expected Rain Never Arrived....Clouds Did......72 degrees.

1.  I am actually wearing a sweater in the house....in the last days of July.  I did a few little drawings on index cards just for fun.  I was going to color them but decided to read a very old 2009 tiny dark print romance novel by Lynn Kurland....Time Travel from Modern to 800 years in the Past.  I have ALL the books and loved them SO VERY MUCH... gave up on the tiny print....BUT my New Reading Glasses.... Amazing.  But my eyes did finally decide to "give up" so I climbed into bed- literally climbed.

2. My Lunch Buddy and her Husband are having Daily BLT's and I am so VERY JEALOUS. They are also having Ice Cold Gin and Tonics..... ( I can make myself one of those.). We are making Sunday Pizza at 4 pm.

3. One Senator from Maine votes Yes and the other votes No.  Equals NO VOTE AT ALL (9 out of ten votes) for the Entire State. No Voice, No Choice, No Nothing..... they both should just give up and come home... save us travel expenses.  I am totally disgusted with everything that is happening.

4. I also have an index card with a list of foods best for the over 70 years crowd...my people.

5. Fruits and Vegetables......Potatoes, Bread, Rice and Pasta (the bread and pasta surprised me), Dairy products, Beans. Eggs and Protein (meat?)_ Olive Oil.   Sample meals Salmon, Sweet potato, Broccoli.  Hummus Veggie Wrap, Chicken, Veggies, Pasta. Pesto, Egg Salad Wraps (??????), Quiche with Onion and Peppers........

6. I didn't see Bacon Lettuce Tomato Sandwiches...... or Gin and Tonic.

7. Also best waist measurement 31.5.......35 plus+= High Risk.  My doctor does not measure my waist... I might suggest he try that...another way to make people Not Go To The Doctor.

8.My Lunch Buddy might help me get Amazon Prime so I can watch episodes of Masterpiece Theater...episodes NEVER viewed here in Maine..... I do recall more variety when I lived in Chicago.  No variety at all in Maine.  Just fund raising....and repeats of the same stuff for 30 years.

Saturday July 26th. Cool and a slight breeze here in Maine at 8:25am.

 A few little drawings on index cards.  Haven't used the colored pencils on them as yet.  Letting you all know that I do more than sit and read....I draw and color as well.  Hand sewing is still in the NO position.

1. Haven't had breakfast or read the news as yet....I did sleep well and feel rested.

2. Yesterday and today's book- The Wrong Mr Darcy.  Author is Evelyn Lozada with Holly Lorincz.  Darcy is a professional basketball player.  Hara is a sports newspaper columnist.  I feel like it's one of those pick a profession, pick a location, pick a problem (rain storm with flooding) etc etc. write the book.  2/3rds in and not a clue where this is going.  

3. Seriously thinking about today's book choice when I finish the Wrong Mr Darcy..

4. Somehow I have managed the temps in the house so we do not need the AC units running.  The large ceiling fans are a welcome addition.  Moving air around.  If only we had them in the bedrooms and up in the Attic room Son lives in. Especially in the Attic Room.  But we haven't had August YET.

5. Space around the Generator has filled up with tall weeds... Need to have them removed. This wouldn't be a problem if the Lawn Guy had actually provided the mulch he promised.  If I was still working at the greenhouse...I could have this taken care of....but I am not...and I can't haul bags of mulch. Myself.

6.  PBS will be providing entertainment today.  Cooking Shows.  But first up breakfast.  It's so EARLY!!!

7. As to adding Apps to my TV.....laughing.....we are just thrilled the damned thing turns on each day. I doubt it even has a space for an App.  But I will share with Son to see what he thinks....And DebL- this is Maine.  My Son (Computer Engineer) says My House is like living in a Space where Tech Never Existed Or Arrived..  My computer is situated in the ONE SPACE where it will work...the ONE SPACE....

8. I almost gave myself a Parade (with  floats and balloons) after figuring out how to load paper in Son's Printer so I could print a recipe for Blueberry Pie Bars yesterday.  AMAZING!!!!  It worked. I have the printed recipe as proof.  I just need 11 ounces of Shortbread Cookies.   I won't make the bars- the calorie LOAD is way off the charts.

Daily Notes for a Very Cloudy (but no rain as predicted) Friday, July 25th.

 This one is, I think, my favorite Gee's Bend.   Kinda what I am doing but with thin strips of stripe fabrics... My stash of SOLIDS is very very minimal.  Almost non- existent. And ZERO bright colors like these..

1. I brought home a large heavy bag of Library Books.  And finished reading the Little Beach Street Bakery so I could return it today. It's an older book and I really love reading it.....I have a feeling that it will be on the discarded book cart in the Near Future.  And I won't be the one taking it home...cause I won't see it on the cart.

2. I am trying to SELECT a new Cable Channel Allotment.  I'd like the Science Channel and Sundance (Law and Order)...my Lunch Buddy suggests I get Amazon Prime... TONS of Movies but WHAT ELSE? What is your opinion?  Prime tries to muscle into my "record" lists....like a school yard bully. I still want PBS for Masterpiece and Antiques Roadshow.

3. It would be my birthday gift to myself.......so load me up with suggestions and reasons why..... as I slide my way (slowly) to 80 over the next year or so. 

4.  I admit to doing zero hand sewing for the past 5 days or more...I also admit to being tired and weepy. Getting old is really hard emotional WORK.  I got two kinds of frozen treats.  Total of 8 bars.  Gets me to next shopping day....One A Day like Vitamins.

5. Well, I am going to unpack my Library Books and see what I have and in what order I read them... I have on a short sleeved linen camp shirt today so it must FINALLY be Summer In Maine.  and I might try and get the Daily Walk in before it rains- if it rains... I'd like it to rain minus lightning and thunder.

Daily Notes- On a Thursday Morning in July....Lawn is being Mowed.

 I found a site with Gee's Bend Stamps...  Enough to get me thru the last few days of July.  Just seeing the images...I hope helps me return to my squares and rectangles- each tilted in one way or another.

1. I woke up with itching spots... whatever is causing the red skin and intense itching has somehow gotten into the house or more likely is floating on the net coverings of the two planters--onto me.....I could also be picking up itchy hairs on the Daily Walk. ...blowing in the wind...  I find really HOT water seems to stop whatever is making my skin red and very very itchy.  For SURE not mosquitos....Brown Tail Moth is now my prime suspect.

2. Yesterday's Grocery Store Prepared Meal was good.  Meat Loaf.

3. I mentioned to my Son that nothing I have been doing regularly....makes me happy.  The book reading, The hand sewing on the squares, Bones episodes, one bright spot was PBS Antiques Roadshow.  But there are NO episodes to record.  And none to watch.  He said that has happened to him and I need to invent something...to fill my time and days.....he says he has had to do that over and over again...I imagine he was talking about moving here and living with me as his most current Life Change Invention.

4. The Lawn Guy just finished my lawn....I can go out and play golf on it.

5. I haven't gone out to uncover the two ornamental planters....YET.   Or eaten breakfast....Or read the newspaper (I really have to work up to reading the news).......also Oatmeal or Crispy Flake cereal today??? First Big Choice of the Day.  Other than getting dressed....I decided to wear yesterday's clothing again.

6. Book of the Day is Jenny Colgan's Little Beach Street Bakery.  Halfway point.  I've read it several times.  This might be the last time....I have outgrown it.

7. I do have the newest book by Annabel Monaghan. "It's A Love Story" and also my own copy of "When Grumpy Met Sunshine".. we stopped at Barnes and Noble to look at new books after getting the car registered for another year...I had hoped for a new Tessa Bailey...the second in the Getaway Girl Series..

8. Daughter dropped off a stack of Sherbet Colored Tee Shirts she bought for herself to wear to work...didn't like them....not my kind of tee shirt either.  Not vintage, stained or raggedy enough for me. I like my very very old things.... 

9. I made an attempt to order a few titles off the Inappropriate Men Book List.  Not many in ANY Maine Library Collection...some are now in transit.  Will see how Inappropriate the men really are. I'm hoping for VERY!!!! Those are always my favorites... Like the guy in Agnes and the Hitman.

Daily Notes- Wednesday July 23rd. Sunshine and. 77 degrees outdoors...Cooler inside.

I saw this on one of the posts I get...

1. Watercolor paints made from plants, flowers, leaves, soil etc.  I love the mottled look of the samples on the color chart. I am considering investigating the items or the instructions for making the pigments. The image arrived from Maiwa Handprints Ltd.  A book offer.  A Canadian Company in the Northwest.

2. Everyone who reads these posts knows how unlikely I am to order anything from the internet. Trust Issues. But perhaps if they have a phone number I could call??????

3. Yesterday we visited the Town Offices.. my Honda needed to be registered-again.  I got a new License Plate. We got one last time as well.. People didn't like the one last year with either the  STATE BIRD or the STATE TREE.  They didn't want EITHER...So this YEAR I got SIX BIG BLACK NUMBERS.  I made a bet with my Son that no one will like the numbers either......

Next up is the Annual Car Inspection. Last time I got new stuff replacing old stuff (for free)....Recalls. And last time a new battery as well, Because the car sat idle for way too long.  

I will SOON need a new Battery ...from sitting idle for way too long-- why the Daily Walk was started.

4.  The street running behind my house and the Town Commons is getting paved.  Son and I are wondering where the money for paving is coming from????????    Property Tax Increases???????

5.  Yesterday I followed thru and boiled the sweet corn and ate it....today it's a prepared Meatloaf Dinner with Mashed Potatoes... I am actually looking forward to it.  I didn't get anything for Thursday.   Oh, I recall having supplies to make one more Toasted Cheese and Pickle Sandwich.  I love those.

6. One thing for sure-- getting old doesn't mean there are NO surprises...it's just that NO ONE LIKES the Surprises.   Old People- the authentic ones- don't like anything.   I am exceptionally authentic. (laughing). I love when I type something that makes me laugh out loud.

 

Daily Notes for Tuesday, July 22nd. Cooler after that RAIN the other day.

 Started to post twice and obviously, walked away before actually writing anything.   This is my large  wooden container of annuals.  My husband built the box and the broken bowl of a container fits nicely inside the open top..holding soil-less mix.  The tall billowy lime green item in the rear is a shrub- not included in the planter box.  Shrub was once a "very small" item I brought home from work.

1. The plastic bottles hold water so I have some immediately available if the container soil-less mix gets dry.  The hose is lower left out of the picture.  I'm standing on the recently repaired front steps taking the photo.  The "Elephant Trunk" sidewalk was a gift from the guy living in number 2 many years ago.  He felt I needed a sidewalk and brought his work crew over to make it happen (including a cement truck).  

2. This was "that kind of" neighborhood back then. It is NOT now.  I miss every one of those wonderful neighbors and friends.  Every day...and especially the past few days on my walks past their former homes.

3. PBS in Maine was broadcasting yesterday.  

4. In reference to the "small item I brought home from work" comment...everything I dragged home from work (rescued) is now gloriously very very large and healthy.   The tree I pulled out of the dumpster is very tall and wide and covered in white hydrangea flower balls right now, I can see it when I eat breakfast each morning.  We say thank you to each other.

5. Today I have a memo written and pasted on the microwave-  EAT CORN.   That's today's meal. Sweet Corn on the cob with butter and a sprinkle of salt.  I always add a spoon of sugar to the pot of water when I boil any corn .  Georgia Corn on my mind....it really was sweeter than anything I have ever enjoyed since. I would have been SO HAPPY living in Georgia my entire life.  It's where both my babies were born. Where I learned to make a Georgia Peach Cobbler from a 17 year old new bride soon to be mother who lived across the hall for a few months.  I don't think that marriage lasted beyond the baby's arrival. But that girl really knew how to cook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. No Tennis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mango Soft Serve.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 My Office.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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