Out of the fog!

I realize in a few days it will be two months since hubby's passing. I am slowly coming out of the fog of grief at least some what. There has been much loss not just for me and this situation but everyone has lost something in this season. With summer approaching we have spring rains flood advisories in some areas. Sun only comes out a bit now and then.

Yesterday I made deviled eggs I am enjoying them today.

We had rain in the night I was up could not get to sleep, then went back to bed and slept well.

I am grateful for google for info. looking up addresses and phone numbers for places as I fill out forms, so glad I thought of that is saved me time digging for that in paperwork yea!

I put a branch on my new duster to make it longer, I used a branch I pruned off the plum tree last month. It worked great when I did some dusting in the basement. I also swept the stairs.

I have made regular dough rolls, I have retired the sour dough I decided I do not like the crust it is tougher.

Got the trash to the curb. I need to focus on healthy habits so I have been thinking on that. Got on the scales first time since Jan. I was relieved that it was with in five pounds of the previous number. Counting that as a victory with all that is going on. Stress eating pie in the night put blood sugar up into ack land I need to not do that! Pie is gone now it was the last piece.

Today I walked with a friend at the park before checking on the curtains, nope could not find the kind I wanted to get for the spare room. I was considering sewing them, fabric was practically bare or getting a flat sheet to use as fabric for it nope none in stock, and a book it was not in stock either. This was mid afternoon I usually go in the morning. It was extremely picked over. I did find a pair of much needed walking shoes. I did not go to the grocery department. I do have a turkey in the freezer I got during the holidays. I have been trying to just have meat once a day.

At walk - mart. Another grocery store store I was at the day before in the morning was fully stocked and no empty spaces that I could tell. My local market has been well stocked when I go there it has what I need. Meat toilet paper etc.

Today I walked with a friend at a park and we had a good talk. It was the first time I have been able to chat with a friend in person since the first of the year, except over the fence the back neighbor.

I made regular biscuits they turned out well, I am still trying to tweak a recipe to have good rolls for family gatherings.

Our county is beginning to open up slowly, businesses have to submit a post covid safety plan before reopening to the health department or where ever the officials have decided that hoops need to be jumped through before opening something about chock points and hence arrows on the floor that now one pays attention to I noticed today.

I turned down two invites to cafe's I am just not ready to do that yet, it will be good to have them work out the kinks in the new system first.

I wore my new cute bee print face mask today hand made not by me. Rain in the forecast tomorrow and possible flooding in some areas.

Good Tears

I wept today cleansing tears that helped. I've had sinus issues they seemed to have cleared up. I tossed some old dog biscuits they were "fuzzy", felt better after I tossed the ones from last week.

We have had sun wind rain thunder and lightening for weather today a real mixed bag. Rain and maple seeds were falling at one point today. That storm went through pretty quickly.

I spent some time sorting through papers and receipts looking for some info. found what I was searching for yea! I purged a couple of planners and moved the pages around and am happy with that progress.

I did a couple of rounds of that between kitchen rounds and some shows I enjoy.

One thing I do not miss is too loud shows that I did not care for that hubby enjoyed.f I would go outside garden walk the dog and find other things to do. I have to remind my self to do my chores before I turn the tv on.

I watched church on TV you tube first thing this morning, that is one thing I like about this cv - 19 thing I can do that before anything else.

Seeds are not in yet it has been pretty cool at night here still for that.
With gardening season upon me. I have not been motivated to do projects other than knitting this spring.

I have gotten some terrible advice from a several people they said, "If you do not want to do some thing do not do it." Um that will not work, you have to pay the bills, and take a shower, fuel the rig, check oil in the lawn mower and use it, deal with paperwork. Some of the best advice I got was "to keep busy." For me staying active is better for me. It helps to keep my blood sugar down, improves my mood and I feel more productive which helps my outlook on life.

I read a chapter in my current book, and excited that my new one is a different topic but there are some things in it that I cannot apply with social distancing and the cv -19 isolation make it nearly impossible to work on relationships, group gatherings etc. so I will skip those chapters for now.

I realize that in two weeks will be half of the year over. So a  mid year review is up soon. I am thinking what has been accomplished so far.

Tweaking The Plan

It is Free Day Friday, I have been working on getting my plan tweaked putting in the BWP Basic Week Plan, and RBR Room By Room Reminders to my bullet journal, and the specific zone room not just Do Zone but Do Kitchen Zone for example. I cleared the LZ Landing Zone by the kitchen door. PUPA Pick Up and Put Away happened.

I did some desk duty got the paper work snafu info. in the mail it had been corrected so now I have a whole new list of next step items to tackle over the next few weeks. Once day at a time one step at a time I can do this. I did a bit on the desk working at a more usable space a little bit each day.

I am working on a better budgeting system instead of just a spiral note book.  Learning as I go.

I got the clean sheets back on the bed this morning. Had left overs for lunch. Shared some low sugar cooking ideas with a family member. I cook chicken in the crock pot outside on muggy days, using pizza sauce or other low sugar sauce, I've even made my own with Splenda or Stevia with cinnamon garlic & onion salt, cinnamon, lemon pepper and other favorite spices.

Made up some dog biscuits, I will freeze up most of this batch these are not bone shaped I just cut them up and broke them in to smaller pieces.

I went out to the garden after lunch and got the pink petunias planted and hung up on the plant stand, added the zucchini starts to the garden, moved the lavender and deep purple iris to the purple iris bed.

I took a hike in the field with the dog yesterday we both had fun in great weather.

We have rain in the forecast next day nearly each day so I am considering doing some sewing time will tell. I got a round dish cloth completed last night.

Better Day

I am glad I am having a better day today. Got up in a some what better mood. That helped coffee black was good blood sugar was good. It was not raining and I stayed up took care of the last too floors that needed mopped and got the laundry current. Started on the dreaded paper work understanding that I did not have to do it all at once.

Got my Rx this week and getting out of the house was a good thing. Some mail that made me happy came a card and letter. I found a book at the store and I am excited to get to it's on being more creative focus on strengths, and fun and focus on purpose is some thing I am looking forward to.

I am watching a crafting video. I found a chocolate pie at the store it was what I wanted for mother's day I just had to wait. Got one new plastic plate and goes with the table cloth I found to change things up for the new season.

I got the back yard mowed yea! Swept up the seeds and got that done just before we got more rain. The seeds are easier to sweep when they are dry.

I got a flower marked down, and a mint plant got it in a planter, and some started seeds of zuchinni. Got the mint in a container, it is supposed to deter moles. Chewing gum helps to get rid of them I have heard so I got some of that also.

Got flea and tick stuff for the dog and I will put that on. Then we can walk in the field again and take a hike doing that.

I have some chicken thighs to cook up in the crock pot looking forward to that. Left over pizza sauce with be my "secret" bbq sauce. Smiling.

The two hospitals in our area are having a parade for support from one to the other apx. five miles apart. Traffic may be a snag during that time.
Sigh ... Desk day is under way I was going to pay on a bill, so will need to figure out some thing different. {I cannot get through on the phone.}
I got some file folders and need to figure out my system.

I think a JoAnn's excursion is in my future looking forward to that. 

Worked on vacuuming bedrooms, done except for the spare bedroom. Might be today's mission. Rain clouds in our forecast rethinking the sandals I have on. I tossed some warn out shoes, got some fakeo Berkies love em but not so much on rainy days. Yesterday I got the back yard mowed.

I am enjoying the book I got in the markdown book bin so tickled to find books like that! Yea! This is a fun one, A Colorful Way of LIving by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard. How to be more create more do mor the Bera Bradely Way. It is a self help style and makes reference to using your strengths I read about in other books. I love the shiny colorful pages as well. I am a few chapters into this one. Had to put it down so I could savor it! 

Worst Day in 6 Weeks

Yesterday was the worst day I have had in six weeks. The paper work snafu is still unresolved. Ins. wants their form I cannot complete it till the other is resolved. Ack!

Thunder and lightening storms rolled through so the dog was no comfort because she was hiding in the interior main bathroom.

I could not go out and work in the yard, nor walk. Stuck inside I had to put on my big girl panties and deal with some paper work stuff, I have receipts to find one main one has been located. My new filing system is stuff in baskets basically non existent. Rolling my eyes.

Then I did some not fun stuff like cleaning the toilets, floors got mopped. I cried grief hit, I had issues from child hood crop up, and frustration of the cv - 19 stuff with life's snags, mix in hormones and riding the blood sugar roller coaster, biscuits that did not taste like I wanted My day was the pits in a word.

It was a D day think of words when you are Down in the Dumps, Discouraged, Despondent, Depressed, pretty much described how I felt.

Rain came down in sheets, lightening with loud claps of thunder were unsettling. The days I dread I suppose.

Well enough whining.

Rainbows

I went to the bank today, drive up banking is ok at one the other had a line out to the road worked out a different plan! One branch was closed.

Oh well I wanted to go to the thrift shop I missed the other day. Found a Bible and devo. and coloring books for adults. Not a wasted trip. The thrift shop was clean it is one of catholic charity ones, they had bananas for those who needed them. I ask for prayer while I was checking out. I knew they had a prayer team.

Something paperwork I have been waiting on did not come so I had to contact the company. It is a do over and frustrating not the end of the world but makes me be in a holding pattern.

I was able to get out in the garden and put nails in the plant stand, and hung up some hanging planters I had with onions in them. I got some of the volunteer sunflower plants in the ground. Dug out some herbs that grow like weeds lemon verbernia.

We had rain drops and maple tree seed falling at the same time, I swept off the deck and half of the patio and driveway. I still need to get to the outdoor kitchen area. I saw a double rain bow after the rain when the sun came back out.

Now that the storm has passed it is not so muggy outside. I got out the fan and the stool that it clamps to that helps. It was a good night for soup.

Got the volunteer apple tree seedlings planted in planters I was not using. The light rain is great for planting stuff. Got some flowers in the planter and put them on the hanging plant stand. I have one more container to put there.

Mother's Day

I am thinking of getting out in the Jeep, my daughter loves to hunt mushrooms I like to get in the woods. I am glad can do that this year at some point.

I have the good news to report that I had a good Mothers day, better than most. Got to see my daughter and grand daughter, and later her son,  my grandson came by with a card. It was great to see them.

We talked had our favorite take out pizza no cafe's open here yet in our area. Weather was perfect for sitting outside enjoying the fresh air.

Took a walking tour of the yard, with grandson, and walked the dog around the block and talked.

I went to the thrift shop in the morning and was pleased to get a girls style pedal bike. I worked on getting my water bottle changed over to the newer bike, it had a book rack on it. Tires are good and I am pleased. Doing a ride last night helped my blood sugar this morning too. So it is good for me! Our daughter used it to ride with her daughter. They had fun doing that.

I oiled it got the check it out part done, granddaughter aired up the tires for me. The thrift shop said they let air out of the tires bc the bikes get stolen if they do not do that.

We dug up the sunflowers that came up volunteer and I have them soaking in water ready to plant today, I have some trees to plant as well. Some containers are ready for that I can use.

I need to pay attention to my daily stuff and regular routines.

Sat.

I have been to the Cattle Women's plant sale, I work my mask as required by state mandate. Saw a friends daughter while I was there. They were nearly sold out but I got a great deal on the plants I got. I was pleased that I remembered my empty containers from plants I had already put in the ground, the reused them. I asked if they wanted them bc the FFA place was closed bc of on line school that usually takes them. My granddaughter wants to help me in the garden so we can plant these when we do our next gardening session.

I did some weeding in the front yard instead of my walk today, got those weeds picked up. So glad to be making progress on the front yard now.

Sometimes it is two steps forward one step back. I finally got my phone plan changed over to unlimited everything yippie! No more running out of minutes at the end of the month. Glad I do not have to restrict my calls any longer. I still need to get a different phone but I can take time to get that figured out. New models are coming out all the time. Went to one line, it goes into effect at midnight. I changed the ringer also, it was time for a new one. The other one was such a reminder of when hubby would call I had to get a different one. Yea for success I tried last week to get the other phone off but they never called me back. I called them early so glad they were open and changed the account to get info. set up for me. My eight year old phone no longer needs replacement insurance! LOL!

The land fill is going to open Mon. here they will not take cash, cc or charge # only. So folks are able to get the stuff they cleaned up and loaded in their rigs can be hauled off. So I guess that is one more thing I will need to learn how to hook up & move the utility trailer. I used to drive 18 wheeler so I know I can drive it.

Library is take out here now, from what I understand you request a book, then drive up and they bring the books out to your car. Or e-book option.

I looked a bikes all but one was out of stock.  After my spill on the boys style bike yesterday it got me thinking about a girls style one.

My leg is still sore and I have been doing shorter walks and have a limp.
Climbing in and out of the rigs is not helping. Sigh... but at least I do not have to do as much of that these days. Thinking on that this weekend.

I tried to order a piece of costume jewelry unsuccessful and that and the girls bikes were all out of stock except one style. Went to the store for something for Mothers day they did not have it, the other store was out as well. Might have it back in stock Mon. The kids have decided to come here for mom's day but I am not going to clean all day for it. I did not mow the front either it is not that bad.

Saw a friend while I was out sweeping seeds off, the driveway.

I did get laundry two loads folded and the dishes done as well as put away.

The pollen, ect. cotton in the air this week kind of irritating.

I did a 3 min. round on the desk this morning. Glad for that progress. 
Got three rounds done in the yard two flower beds edged and around the bbq fire pit. The weather is great and it was good to get outside and get some vit. D. It was great to get outside in the fresh air.  It helped me to stop a pouty mood because I was not getting my way!

I started some sour dough for some rolls cinnamon rolls with less sugar and no frosting. It is raising now.

I am enjoying a show that has an actor from a different show I am missing I suspect is in an extended break because of the cv -19 thing.

New

Time for a new one. I have been thinking how to improve my daily plan. I misplaced my list of daily items I had on a sticky note I moved from page to page. I had put it on a book mark and it was in the back of my bullet journal. I guess I just needed a break. I was hit or miss on some things like dusting. Occupied with some outside things, projects like digging out some rooms. Getting donations loaded and out of here.

I am glad that I have more to do in reference to the daily spiff in various rooms in the main part of the house. It is good to see that the living room is tolerable. Surfaces are not stacked high with stuff. The dining room it tolerable, the dishes are under control now that helps.

I got back on track with daily scripture reading so that helps. I am tweaking things routines and planning. I need to get back to the sewing project I started last month putting hems on the scarves I cut out.

Gardening and out side progress has been made. I was a bit down in the dumps because of the weather yesterday. I knew I needed to get up and do some thing, so I headed out to sweep more seeds on the concrete I swept off the driveway, got the carport, and patio freed of more seeds. I had a whole new perspective by the time I was done. The fresh air helped and changed my whole perspective changed.

I am accepting the idea of being home for Mother's Day, I will make the jello salad I want. We have planned the take out we want from a favorite pizza place. We will need a veg. I can do that.

I understand now that my daughter and I need to work on our skills of cooking over the open flame it is a bit more tricky than cooking on the stove.

It is also amazing what a good nights sleep and rest can do for our perspective.

My son let me know that the hanging frames for the 5 drawer filing cabinet I gave him. He was pleased to get that set up.

Youngest granddaughter is having a sleep over with her other granny. I am happy for them.

I am also happy to see my old fashioned yellow roses are in bloom it is fun to get out and smell them this time of year.

Don't fall for this...

Scammers are asking for google play cards, amazon gift cards and other types of cards they can get your account info. from them. After doing a quick google search I read of tons of ways that scammers are attempting to get  money and or account info. they even do it with aarp and medicade medicare cards from what I understand.

That is one of the reasons I do not go for the curb side pick up order with an app. purchase many are using these days. Friends and family have used these. One person said they put in the order then it said that would not be delivered for two weeks instead of saying it was out of stock on Amazon they charged the card and the person was stuck waiting. Luckily it was a small order of a book and not urgently needed food items.

From what I understand our local Joann's store is open for retail business I do not need anything but will be checking this out after I decide if when I am doing curtains.

I am so over this lock down waiting for re opening sigh. I considered putting in the title line of this post Fire The Gov of Washington state is so diverse heavily populated in the Seattle area, We are in a rural area and on the other side of the state.

A storm has passed through with off and on rain, effected some tech stuff I could not listen to a Bible Study on line. sigh oh well.

Dear grand daughter youngest was here today doing home work again. To stormy to do much else any way. I am glad she is a good sport about it.  She is looking forward to planting more seeds when the weather shapes up but it is cold here again.

I did get the driveway and the patio swept today, but will need it again soon.

Thrive

Speaking of mail I went out to water so it would cool down a bit when the breeze came through the open window. I noticed the box on the step the Federal Express left. It was not my address or name on the box. So I tracked down the owners. Knocked on the doors of two houses no answer. Then another one the addresses were not matching, but name did so I rang theirs yep it was their box. I told them it was on my front step. I put it on the edge of the drive way and stood back while they picked it up.

I was up in the night so rested this morning a bit and I am watching the rain it is good for the plants. I love hearing it. I got the air conditioning going to test it out to make sure that is was running okay do not need it but good to know it came on okay. It was warm enough yesterday to need it but I had not checked it out and did not turn it on. Hubby always did a priming thing I helped with. I made sure that the breaker was on and the unit came on and added water to the pump thing like he did and that was in the on position. I can check that off my list. Neighbors have been running their air conditioning for a while. We have a big tree with more shade and I have not really needed it until yesterday.

I read a thing that said where you write down favorite praise and worship songs I did not know the names of mine so I listened to that and Thrive came on by Casting Crowns that is one of mine. I started my list! After listening to some prophetic preaching hearing that music felt like soaking. It was good for me.

It is good for me to change my focus and remember what helps me to thrive and times when I felt like I was thriving, and what makes the garden thrive. Instead of focusing on things not getting done, or not checked off my list.

There are baby apples, plums, and small cherries growing on the trees in the yard. Onions are putting on new sets plus the yellow roses are blooming now. It is a good time to think about planting the seeds. My grand daughter is excited to help with that.

This grand daughter is thriving now, she is excited about seeing friends from her class and teacher on zoom now that she figured that out. Some tech. things to help with her home work are coming. Answered prayers!

Progress

Yesterday I got the back yard mowed we had great weather. I got the carport cleaned up swept and it looks better.

My daughter and grand daughter came we used the fire pit and grilled burgers. Weather is not supposed to be great this weekend.

It was so great to see my youngest granddaughter excited about the herbs we planted and showing them to her mom and giving her the tour of the yard.

We had burgers, veg. and some mores.

I moved the chair protectors that go under the desks and vacuumed the spare bedroom. Trash is at the curb, dishes are done and I have made up a loaf of sour bread dough.

Woke up thinking of a better way to organize some of the papers receipts in a planner I found while cleaning in the office.

I was able to get the donations delivered today they have a sign stating that you need to stay in your car and they will unload donations. I did not know of this change and had some items in the back seat bagged up and a loose dog in there and some items in the truck under the bed cover locked in. So I asked if I could unload if I put on a mask and they stood back. They said that was okay. I asked if the retail store was open they said no.

I did better at the sour dough today.
It was good to see my son today when he stopped by for a few minutes.

I tried to order something I wanted for mother's day but they were not taking orders via phone. Sigh. Oh well on with other things.

It helps with the better weather as we find ways to enjoy the fresh air, being in a more rural setting that is easier here, if we see others walking on the street we just cross to the other side.

I have heard that mail is like the holiday's because every one is ordering stuff on line. I have not done mail ordering this spring.

We have wind advisory's in our forecast here in the next 24 hours. not looking forward to that. I was remembering in the word where the wind was how the Holy Spirit was described as like a mighty roaring wind. The seeds are leaving the tree and rain is in the forecast.

I had a good day today that is really good news. I have a response that is working when people ask how I am doing I say I have good days and bad days like everyone else.

Struggles

Yesterday was not a good day for me. It was a struggle. I was frustrated on a number of levels. Mostly about not making progress and none of it is my fault. It is things beyond my control. Covid -19 and other delays still working on paper work and things I thought would be done by now are not.

I did get donations loaded to deliver the thrift shop looked on line said it is open. I was going to do that yesterday but had to bathe the dog because she rolled in something very stinky. [I suspect that is was cat poo.] That took up the afternoon by the time I was done they were closed because they close early. Had to dry the dog. That lead to another task had to do up some wash.

Went out for a walk and it was raining. So we just went to the corner.
She was still a bit damp so I dried her off some more with the blow dryer.

The one pastor I enjoyed on you tube, I had not seen in a while I learned passed away a couple of years ago. That explained why I had not seen hi lately. I cried it hit me hard, I was processing that it hit me close to home in that place in my mind of the loss this spring. Singing and praise helps.

I had to change my focus and thing of some positive things got the living room vacuumed. I baked up some cookies and actually cooked my dinner. I picked up the branches that I pruned off the other day. Got to the dusting first thing this morning glad for that progress.

I got my daily reading done in the word and weekly Bible study lesson read. That helps to have better things to think on.

I went to deliver the donations, I had a low tire on the truck the gauge on the dash came on with a warning, so stopped by the tire shop and got that taken care of. They were open.

Went to the thrift shop but it was locked and closed so I just walked the dog in the parking lot. I stopped by the book store and looked they were closed also,well as most of the the rest of the businesses on main street.

The dog was joyous because we stopped at the dog park it was open we walked and one other person was there their dog had been swimming! Looked like a golden doodle.

I got the back yard mowed and cleaned up the rose arbor some more and cleaned up the carport. So the yard is looking better.

Doing what helps.

I have been playing with my jewelry, got some necklaces untangled and sorting out some of the items that were hubby's and moved those.

After gardening yesterday I need to limber up. My b. s. [blood sugar] was up today so I got on the stationary bike before day light and did my exercise.

I had the opportunity to embrace some retreat time just me and pray got some praise music on after listening to a prophetic minister I enjoy. It reminded me a word I felt like I got from the Lord when all the things with hubby was going on just before he died. It was like I saw God's hand reach down and lift the darkness. People thought it was just for me but I think it is for more than me. Especially in light of all that has happened in the past few weeks.

Any way praise music is helping me and I am singing again now. Smile! Dancing a bit too. Praying for a plan to move forward with my life and trusting him to fulfill his promises to me.

Pro. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.

Some things are changing here not a lot but I am considering some things.  Somethings to learn. Things I have dreamed of doing. For not I am getting things changed over after hubby passed and taking care of that seems to be a lot of hurry up and wait.

Five Minutes!

Do you have five minutes? I am amazed in what I can get done in five minutes or less. After a busy day yesterday a quiet one today was good to do a bit of catching up on inside things with the rain in the morning it was great to wash sheets, get the kitchen spiffed up and do a bit of cooking. Sweep the floor and the steps to the basement off.

It stopped raining a bit after lunch and I took the dog for a walk and got on the exercise bike. After a bit of stress eating.

Did some e-paperwork and found some progress on it. It feels like a holding pattern and I must admit I am frustrated in the process.

We live on the border of another state and across the river they will begin reopening some of the things, in our state it is going to be announced the plan tomorrow and the will probably be an extension for a couple more weeks at least maybe even longer. We are on the other more rural side of the worst part of the the epidemic so the guidelines seem more for the big city. School will go until June 19th. Kids are beginning to adjust from what I can tell. Granddaughter is doing homework when she is here.

Some people with various personalities, and situations are reacting differently for various reasons. Some are more social than others. I am not as social as some and have enjoyed the break and being home for the first couple of weeks any way. It helped that it is garden season has begun.

Sewing did not happy yet today. I did get out in the garden for a bit of weeding, I pruned the roses but the deck steps this morning when the rain had weighted down some branches low enough to be what I call face slappers. The sun did come out in the afternoon after our walk and before the second round of gardening. I picked up the branches and weeds got them in the wheel borrow.

Getting the living room picked up and spiffed helped to get some extra blankets sorted and the weather will be getting warmer so I will not need as many of them.

 Seeing the counter cleared help and I was peaceful after my walk. It was great to see the dogwood trees in bloom and smell the lilacs.

A Good Day!

A happy to say I did a store run they had all but a couple of items on my list. 99% of the people shopping had masks on. I went early at just after seven was there and no line. Happy when I found sugar free jello that had been out for a long while.

Dear grand daughter is here today and has finished her on line home work and the packed of off line work for school. She rode her bike as a reward and had cookies I baked.

I was so happy when I saw they had purple basil in stock in the garden center got some sweet basil [green] plants as well. They go well with tomato plants and help keep pests away.

Saw the neighbor that drives the Pepsi truck while I was checking out we chatted a bit. Lines were short even though there was only one checker. I did not do the shelf check out this time.

The dog is happy I saw her wagging her tail when she was sleeping dreaming of something pleasant. Took a walk with the dog after lunch and grand daughter came on the bike. Got the plants and grass watered.

You know you much be doing something right when kids would rather garden and work than watch movies! We have been planting herbs and got them in. Grandson is working with his mom helping some folks move.

We did a couple of walks and bike rides plus gardening.

Got the herbs in just in time before a thunder and lightening storm rolled through the area with rains, it was neat to have God water the plants again for us. It is cooling off nicely this evening.

The dog took cover in the interior of the house the main bathroom had no windows she heads in there when it is windy outside also. Then later got woke up with a storm in the night again and the dog headed back to the safe room as windows rattled, loud claps of thunder and rain hit again. I did not notice the lightening might have slept through that. It was just before two a.m. I did not sleep in the basement. It has rained this morning.

This week things are looking up

This week things seem to be looking up for me. I see the first of the season irises are blooming now the deep purple almost black, and two color purple ones. More colors to come. Yellow roses usually follow soon after these.

It is so funny soon as I get dressed in the morning and put my shoes on the dog thinks it is time to go on a walk she sat by the coat closet. I love how they get used to our routines.  So we did a short walk around the block, earlier it has rained in the night it was mild. The sun came out before we got home.

I am happy to say I pressed up more fabric I cut last week that needs hemmed. Sorted what I had cut from what needs cut.

Got the trash dumped first thing this morning. I dug out a few more weeds I found in the yard I have been working on this saw that I missed a few last time I did that.

Did another longer walk with the dog so glad that was earlier than usually because winds blew in this afternoon.

I did some on the budget. Had some stuff to do with accounts changing contact info. etc. on them one is a call back tomorrow. This is not as bad as I thought it would be if I take it one at a time one day at a time one step at a time.

Luv This

I love it when we are able to find things in our home to move around and give a room a different more update fresh look with things from other rooms in our home.

I was able to get a lamp from down stairs, a framed picture in the master bedroom, and take out other heavier darker lamps to give it a brighter look in the spare bedroom.

Took out a picture and some more hats and love it that we have other options now that the stores are closed. Yea for these options.

I got the cross stitched dresser scarf out of the laundry room and it looks great back on the dresser now. So I have taken out things not being used or needed from this room it looks better uncluttered.

I was thinking last night about how to update the curtains in that room as well. I am still thinking about the color that would be the best in there. A fun floral pattern would be great.

I might need to look into ready made curtains because the ones I did last summer did not fit.

I found a piece of fabric a shawl or sarong to put on the desk to brighten up the desk in that room that is a hit.

It was nicer earlier our daughter went mushrooming a good social distancing activity.

On a windy cool rainy day this is a good activity sprucing up the spare bedroom. 

Fri. Free Day

I have a bit of a break now granny duty. I did notice the neighbor has a new grand baby they are watching regularly. She was a nurse.

We had some rain in the night I slept well. I have some things in the basement zone to do vacuum the rec room and the sewing zone needs some attention as well.

This is what would have been the county fair and the dogwood festival this weekend, we have the cold weather that goes with it. Instead of the dogwood festival they have a drive around to look at the dogwood trees thing this year.

I think I slipped and hit my leg on the step getting in or out of the jeep, so I have been resting my leg more. Exercise has been shorter walks around the block, and on the stationary bike.

I did some inking of drawings in one of my planners I was using for sketching that was great. I am to the part where I will need to do more drawing.

I got the garden happy planner current with what I have been doing out in the garden this month. That felt good to make progress in it. With the inclement weather outside at least I can do the paper part of my progress.

My housekeeping planner of what I have actually done is helpful and I am glad I have a place I can go back to for info. in it or my daily journal pages for things I need to put in a log.

My last entry was of what has been helping that is a great topic and helps me to review what is working. What helps and a great reminder of my five things fun list [aka S.H.E. Card] Side tracked Home Executive.
This is a short list of fun things I can use as a reward after doing tasks and or chores like vacuuming, morning routine, basic weekly plan, zone work etc. the fun list is knit, draw, paint, garden, write. I can pick one and that helps give me mojo. for the other tasks.

Working on this blog is helping also for now I'm off to vacuum so I need to do that and some of the basement zone work. Just a little bit of effort shows progress.

I got slugged by a picture frame got a fat bloody lip and had big tears for a bit but I will live. Getting in the shower helped. Dishes and daily's need some attention now. Then back to some more sewing.

Got some edging done on the side yard by where the neighbors park their new camper, I was thinking the next time they use it I need to do that area so today was my opportunity. The sun came out a bit that helped. I walked the dog too. Got a load of laundry in the dryer as well.

I have an idea for some thing fun to do at home. I was remembering when hubby and I used to do theme dinner night with costumes, music and every thing it was a lot of fun. I tried various recipes and decorated the table and we at at different spots in the house one was oriental night on the coffee table, another was pretend cruise in the basement it must have rained, another was out on the deck. It was fun and gave us something to look forward to. Costumes were simple from what we had in the house.

Sewing Today

I have been to the sewing zone I did some sewing and a bit of zone work so it is looking better there. I tried to make a bandana it was too small but works great for dinner napkins or basket liner, it does fit the dog she did not like it much.

I did one batch sort of as practice ones, then some others. I am happy to have that to work on when it is cooler, windy and raining outside. The next batch were not big enough either. I am in the learning curve phase of this. More dinner napkins or hankies.

I have the next set pressed and ready to hem up got two of them done. I am trying to do a couple of sessions a day for now to get these done up. I have some fun prints of fabric in my stash so that is fun to use! Feeling like I am doing something creative.

I talked to both kids today, my son stopped by for some things he said he could use I was glad to have those things find a good home, and my daughter called I talked to her while I was pressing the hems on the batch of sewing for tomorrow.

I goofed off and did not get to the kitchen duty yet...

Perspective

I noticed that one of my Rx was about out instead of thinking oh drat I have to get that refilled I thought oh good an excuse to get out of the house. This is how my perspective has changed during the Covid thing.

I was talking with my daughter how so many things we used to take for granted we now miss that were a part of our regular routines. Strange how it was such a "turned on our ear" or "upset the apple cart" feeling and then we adjust as this and that changed like shortages and other ways regular things changed for us.

I was happy to find the plants for my garden today but not the carrot seeds. I am going to redo some flowers that are not doing very well in container I was given so need a different growing situation. I got them replanted in containers and moved to the front steps putting a bright spot of color.

Yesterday I painted up some signs of carrots they were a fun project. I found the boards in my creativity room aka office when I was cleaning and organizing.

The got the lawn mowed we have rain in the forecast the next couple of days and then a cooling trend. So I need to get to that. I asked the neighbor what kind of oil for the mower, he said thirty weight. I looked in the shop and there was a container with a picture of a lawn mower on it! So that is obviously for the mower. You gotta love that!

I got the rose bush branches pruned by the gate, I got those cut into more manageable sizes put in the trash can. I was glad to get the pile out of the view in front of the house.

Crock pot roast, veg and rolls on the menu this evening it was tasty.

I did my weekly Bible study even though we are not meeting together the lessons are helping and it my day to be better because I did that this morning. I am glad I continued with it.

Tech. & On Line School Challenges

So my grand daughter is here and using hubby's computer here because no internet at home.

Says I have a zoom meeting with my teacher this afternoon. Okay she gets on to see about doing that a bit ahead of time and we have a dickens of a time getting to the right page.

She called, called a friend no answer, and another, then her high school age brother for help, he did not even know what Zoom was so not much help.

I said I will call the school, she said no I will email the teacher. I do think that the teachers fail to understand some of the students have no internet access. Maybe at one parents home but not the other. So she is waiting for a response back from the teacher. . . appointment time comes. . still waiting....

I hear voices. So hopefully that is the pre set meeting. Lesson is that the code was in packet and left at home she got the info.

Well that was a success the class room group meeting made dear grand daughter very happy to connect with her teacher and classmates! Yea for success!

Office

I have been revamping the offices here no longer needing two I have been combing them and freeing up one room for a spare bed room. I am glad for that progress. I realize now that the office work does not have to be all consuming, I can do some, then move on to other things. It helps to have something fun to look forward to afterward for a reward like gardening or walking the dog.

I have cleaned out and moved old files, done shredder duty, sorted piles and piles of papers also buzzed the vacuum around the upstairs carpets. It looks better not shiny but tolerable. I am glad for that progress.

I am moving pictures around and getting a fresh new look this is getting there for me. The old dust is leaving and I feel better about that. I am finding a home for items that need to be relocated in other parts of the house.

Grands are planning sleepovers and camp outs in the back yard. As spring days warm up it is great to think about what is ahead. I am getting to enjoy some flowers that I have planted in years past tulips are blooming now. Also lilacs are coming out now as well. 

A Good Day

Sat. was not a sunny day we have clouds but it was mild outside.

I have sorted a box and two bags of stuff in the basement. Walked the dog a bit. Got the 5 drawer filing cabinet wiped down and out the door is is in the carport for our son to pick up. I put it on a wheel gismo. Found the key for it and labeled that as well. Dusted the framed pictures I took down out of the office also. Just the simple thing like finding the key for the filing cabinet made my day!

I cut up some more old jeans to upcycle hoping to get some time for sewing when I get a handle on the office project I am looking forward to that. A dog blanket for a grand dog new addition my son got a puppy! That is exciting.

I looked up a recipe so I can get the cookie dough made up so grands and I can bake them up later. It felt great to be productive again.

I watched a crafting video and cleared off another surface in the creativity room, my desk that I am using now using to type some of this blog.

Started on another surface just doing one or two larger items is helping.
Having a place for I might need this paper work, to old to be useful but might need to be kept for records some papers are in a staging area, and finishing up on the bag sorting felt great. I can see the progress now yea!

The thing about emotions is in a few minutes they change so just knowing that is helpful. Something as simple as a new picture can change the feel of a room I have been doing that with excellent success this week in the spare room.

Finding a spot for some things I think I am finished with until I get a new filing system set up is a good plan. Files have open edges so I think I have decided against those. I am considering large envelopes now.

Doing 20 - 30 min. rounds a couple of times a day is working for me on this office project.

Self Care

Self Care ~ some do this on different days Fri. is mine this week. I did that after my quiet time. It was good to read in my new Bible a New Testament.

I did my hair and I cut it too. I was a beautician and do this every couple of months so it turned out well. I am happy about that. I have my natural color went to that last summer so it is good to not have hair grow out. I did my nails as best I could, after gardening and moving filing cabinets they were a mess.

I walked the dog after lunch and that helped to get my hair dry. I am glad I can do this after errand day yesterday. I did get to the office and did a couple of rounds in there.

Getting through what needs to be shredded a small basket at a time feels great because I could breathe a sigh of relief. I listened to a helpful podcast with encouraging words while I did that. Counting this because of the encouraging words I heard and getting the clutter out helps me feel so much better.

I found some cute idea for office storage and new design ideas for decor and organizing things in the office is great. I am putting my craft stuff in one desk and dresser. That is helpful and timely. I got a floral box to put some items in, others are colorful that helps to brighten the space. I have tea trays for scissors tape and other odds and ends in for now I can put that together. The table I am using is not a desk and I will figure that out later. I have one I can bring upstairs for now I need to be able to see stuff.

I have a tall rolling cart for sorting I can stand at this helps. I can get through some items a small box, basket or container at a time, as I find homes for things it will be great to move things around from one area to the other. I am trying to create a more fun space. I know that this is a work in process but for now just getting through the worst of it and the old stuff out is SO much better. It is looking more streamlined and brighter that makes it flow better.  This is a process, and a journey for me that is for sure.

I planted the rose I got from the company hubby worked for today. I cried it felt like letting go. Tears are healing so counting that for self care. Pie helps but not so good for the waist line. Changing my focus to that helped I remember my uncle said he only liked three kinds of pie hot warm and cold. Maybe you can bake some one a pie! Maybe Friday is pie day! Pizza pie counts!

I have been working with the dog running or walking beside me on a leash while I ride my bike or our daughter, or the grand kids, the dog is doing great with this. The dog got out when she does this I just open up the rig up and she jumps in and give her a ride around the block. She loves getting to go some where dog like to have a jaunt in the neighborhood also.

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Other thoughts :
I read that suicides are up because of this cv - 19 check on your friends and family. Maybe you can send a card and brighten someones day.

I have been thinking what to do after the restrictions are lifted. One thing I have not been able to do that I need to is to take out some clutter donations, or go to the dump both are closed to the public now. But it seems like a month away from what I can understand. I think there is a strain of the cv-19 that came from china to Washington state and the west coast, and a diff. strain that came from Italy or some where else that hit New York but that is just my opinion. In any case it sucks to be over town and the only have drive through for food and lack of access to restrooms there at parks etc. is not good.

In the Garden

Some things I have been thinking that might help me have been being in the word of God. I got a New Testament yesterday. It is The Battlefield of the Mind edition by Joyce Meyer. A lovely teal color light weight one. Some days I cannot read through the tears so I just hold it to my breast so the words will be close to my heart.

Gardening helps today I got a rose bush delivered to the door step from the Company Hubby used to work for. Thank you Lewiston Pre Mix! It is a white rose. I will plant it in the rose garden. I have a spot for it.

Yesterday I spent quite a bit of time doing errands, I had an Rx to get, a few grocery items, and some seeds a few veg. and herb plants I have to bring in at night so I did not get too many. That can be quite a bit of work. Some bulbs asiaitiac Lily assortment two bags 6 bulbs in all for a bright spot of color in the yard. I took out onions that were prolific and potted them up they are in the colorful pots I painted last year and I put them in the front yard. I intended on giving to pots away but the thrift shops are closed. [This was a great break from all the paper sorting I had been doing.]

I found the free meal card so got lunch to go and had that when I got home. I walked with our daughter at sunset that was great.

Staying Healthy

I got exercise today I mowed the yard both the front and back not a riding mower. I found four Easter eggs when I mowed too that made it even more fun. I got the plants moved that I needed to dig up and put in flower beds.

I got on grand daughters stingray bike and took the dog around the block sort of a training ride. Trying to see if I can ride a bike and take the dog. She did really well! I was very pleased.

Feeling better after a walk with her too. I chatted with a friend on the walk we kept our distance. The dog is napping now.

I froze up a crustless quiche got it labeled and dated glad to have that accomplished and washed the dish it was in as well.

I changed up some of the decor in the dining room, and moved the fold out chair to the back bedroom and the bedding that was on it. Got the area rug vacuumed. The trash can is back in from the curb now too. So I am feeling more productive now today.

Got on the stationary bike and that made me feel much better and get the off on a right start especially on the not so nice weather days.

Scary Rooms

I have been working on a couple of scary rooms. Purging old filing cabinets, and the closet. Has been my task today.  Musical desks is a big job but satisfying when it is done. I have one room rescued and now working on the scary room.

Sorting old papers feels productive for me. We had a couple office in a bag we were no longer using so I got got them cleaned out. I love seeing this progress and how that makes me feel.

We had a cloudy wet rainy day so it was the perfect weather for a project like this. I cleared out more drawers of old papers on files have freed up space in the first room. The scary room is coming along.

I am revamping the filing system and updating that it was time. I need to move some of my crafting stuff out of the way that will help. I had to reclaim the kitchen and dining room after that. Getting the old smaller two drawer filing cabinets out the door and waiting for dryer weather before moving them to the shed to wait for thrift shops to reopen to donate my collection of items for them.

Last summer we got different 2 drawer files to put a door on for a desk and it is a great time to let go of the ones that were not the same height. One was a top opening style that did not work for us. Simplifying and streamlining that is great.

I was able to put the fold up chair in the spare room now. It is good to see this coming along now. Yea for progress! 



 

Ups and Downs

I watched a video about grief. It talked about how the process of grief was more like a roller coaster than the steps of grief. It said that each person is different and journaling is suggested I do that. Hormones and holidays always seem to get me.

We had wind and that weirds me out when the trees are creaking. When I walked the dog she kept looking back at me it was like she wanted to check and see that I was still there after the gusts of winds.

I was SO glad I got the stuff done outside yesterday because it was not so pleasant in the wind that is for sure. Not so many folks were out walking in the blustery weather. Not uncommon for mid - April.

I felt a bit unraveled at several points in my weekend, I had to take a time out and regroup. Then got more mail that will require what I call "homework" some research not the fun kind. I knew it was coming. I am not opening that until later. As I remind myself to breathe. I sat down and did a few rows on my current knitting project. White dish cloths that stitch up into round motifs I need to figure out how connect in to a prayer shawl. I have made these for others it is my turn for one now.

I realized I need to drive the truck this week and have a bit of a list going for my next store run.

Gardening is my solace at least on the nice days. I enjoy music it seems to soothe or stir my soul, however love songs seem to send my into a tail spin so I change the channel when they come on. I try to remember my fun list and do some of those things, I need to make a list of the things to paint. Unfortunately today chocolate was one of them.

I keep looking at the tote of camping gear, might have to do a sleep over and back yard camping. Some neighbors down the street are doing a fire night in their back yard this evening. It is a lovely night but a bit cool for me to that.

After a bit more activity on Easter weekend it is a bit of a let down. Food all the food in the fridge and with just me here just one more thing to deal with. I now understand what folks mean when the talk about that. I am wondering if you can freeze boiled eggs nope google said they do not freeze well. A ham and egg salad sandwich sounds great but the hams were gone so that is not happening.

The word battle weary came to mind after a long battle folks just become weary it could be from an illness like cancer, cv - 19 , or what ever. So more self care is in order. I did a pedicure counting that. more on that in a different post. 

Easter

This Easter was different and fun, I listened to a couple of services online. Made preprations for Easter dinner made deviled eggs and got stuff ready for lunch at two. Got Easter baskets ready and hid eggs for the grand kids in the back yard with my daughter. Two of the older grands, and dear son were working.

We did not have a ham learned they were sold out on Sun. so bacon was prepared by above mentioned daughter. It was round like Canadian bacon. I had to keep reminding the cook to leave the brown sugar glaze off of mine. Older grand took a plate to her dad's on the way home.

The dog found one piece of chocolate in one of the plastic eggs with no ill effects that was a relief. The egg hunt was fun.

Dear grand son brought my bike back and I was able to ride it yea! They got kites in their Easter baskets and had success flying those at the field. Hardly any one was there when we first arrived. One family was at the basketball area playing. Another was riding bikes.

They decided to have a sleep over and we got blankets out and made pizza and cookies for dinner.

New Journal

This week I started a new journal. My writing is great therapy and I am embracing that this week. Speaking of therapy I looking up some grief support on the funeral home site. It was good but not really new info. Do what makes you feel good basically.

Got a card from the Catholic hospital hubby was in for a while saying that they had a monthly service for ones that had passed but the time and date was scratched out saying it was cancelled. But they would pray. I had mixed emotions about that. I have a basket full of sympathy cards those bring me comfort. I am saving them to show the kids. And when / if we do a celebration.

I understand they have classes and or counseling normally but I suspect that is on hold. What I have learned in the death of other family members is serving me well now. Being in the word doing Bible study at home on my own. Going over the verse I found this week "Joy comes in the morning" on my walks. Daily walks with the dog. I do not feel alone. Chats over the back fence with neighbors, digging in the dirt and crafts are helping me. I have been a home body last fall and getting to do some spring cleaning has been productive for me one room this month, some in the plant area and carport.

I am navigating the budgeting experience, found a couple of holes in it like fuel, and one of the cards that had a different amounts due monthly. Forgot to write down the date when I paid one this week. Rolling my eyes. Learning as I go here.

Been realizing that it is not as overwhelming as I had feared in the beginning as I can do some of the paperwork each day, week it is not all consuming like I had thought it would be. As I cleared off the desk I found info. for taxes and did a google search on info. needed and one question was answered as I did that.

As I type this I am watching Lucky Dog about rescue dogs that get a new start in life and how the guy trains them. I suggest this to people I see on walks that are struggling with their dogs. What a great time to focus on training your pooch in these times!

I tried using some different filters on my tablet this week. It is a great time to learn something. Might be painting the basement this month summer is a great time for this. I just need to decide on a color to tint the white paint with.

I have a long list of crafts to embrace, and when travel is lifted the mountains are calling. I am going to get my bike back and will be doing some bike riding rolling down the road not just in the living room! I am going to need to figure out how to train the dog to run beside the bike. Some of the things looking ahead to.

Keep turning off the news and plant something! These are some of the types of thoughts that go in my journal. The Grief book was not in stock. So I settled for watching birds seeing wild canaries in the bird bath works for me! It is good to make a note of what IS working for me and focusing on good news.

Planning & Prep

Today I was doing some planning and prep. on paper. It helps to have an idea of what some of my goals are and just to have it written down and out of my head. Seeds and plants to put in later. It is too cold to plant yet here outside because if it going to be freezing tonight.

I got quite a bit done yesterday I was happy with that. Getting the living room vacuumed before the day was done. Pruning the dwarf plum tree. Cleaning in the carport some. Decluttering a box. Cleaning out a laundry basket for a back yard game with a frisbee. I did not have a frisbee but some pie tins for that.

A friend brought by a basket of flowers with roots, and sympathy card last evening that was a delight. We kept our distance but had a quick chat.

I have other baskets I am getting ready to use this spring. Like the one for seed packets I need to do up from the seeds I saved last summer. I found them in the pantry yesterday I have been hunting for them.

I have a plant and seed wish list now after looking at plant catalogs. That was fun. It is too cold to plant now we have freezing temps in our forecast tonight.

At the store yesterday I was the only customer when I went early, and noticed they had a one doz. per customer limit on eggs. Quite a change from years in the past. I found mocha pie, no cheese cake or chocolate pie but these will work. Soup was available but not a lot on the shelves.

Neighborhoods were going to show support for seniors and spring sports that were cancelled with Friday night light car parades in our area gave people something to look forward to this week.   

Yesterday I got the dwarf plum tree topmost branches pruned, some of those had some blooms and I was able to put them in a container to enjoy the blooms this weekend.

Last evening at dusk I was able to go outside and enjoy the orange glow of the sunset by the fire pit I made last summer it was very peaceful and relaxing.

Easter Prep

Last night when I was doing my evening devotions I found a verse God promised me beauty for ashes, jor for morning. Isa. 61:3 I will need to look that one up and write it out in my faith planner. It is a great work for this season in my life. I have some affirmations to go along with it that I will write out as well.

This year Easter looks different than in years past. Because of the social restrictions, lock downs, and guidelines. So I am trying to think how this is doable with out going to the store. Then I woke up remembering the two loaves of bread I had in the freezer, the baking supplies I have in the pantry for cookies, the eggs to devil in the fridge, and the packs of frozen veg in the freezer. I can do this.

I have done some of the cleaning to do and the grass has been mowed. I have started my watering. I have rounded up the seeds I had gathered last year from plants I grew. The bucket and baskets in the plant cage are coming in handy. I found the nozzle to water with I was looking for turned up. 

Folks have figured out drive through banking, drive up celebrations for church, cheering on the things like spring sports, and graduates a car parade. So that is going on tonight giving people some thing to look forward to.

I walk the dog and patrol the back yard for things to do, I dug out a couple of small seedlings yesterday I had planted them in an spot that was a challange to mow around.

Planters are on the steps in the front of the house for decor and a new look that is bright and cheery. I moved the lawn chairs 6' apart.

Good News

I am doing okay. The nice weather 70* in the forecast is and kids being in contact with me helps.

The neighbors daughter had a birthday and they had balloons on their fence. Last evening they had a parade of friends drive by honking and sending out well wishes. I was able to have a great view from the living room window. That was fun to see!

Got some good news a family member that works in a nursing home was tested and does not have the virus!

I helped out daughter with her bike tire she got the tube replaced. So estatic to be able to go with her son my grand son on a bike ride.

I am happy that I am sleeping better with more normal sleep patterns now.

Looking ahead I have a ladder that is cut out and ready to assemble I need to get some dimensions on the steps for it. Also some bandanas for masks they an be used two at a time and folded these need hemmed. So this is part of our new normal considering masks. I got some more cut out yesterday.

I am giving some thought to Easter prep. thinking on that what I have that I can use here with out to much fuss and extra prep. except using the vacuum and doing the floors that have hard surfaces.

The yard looks SO much better than when I had hens!

Focus

I had to change my focus yesterday, I got some news about a paperwork snafu. I had to deal with. Had to leave the house because some paper work needed to be mailed back and redone. I had to keep telling myself it was not my fault.

I tried to do some other business by phone at the bank, and the Rx place both were swamped. I was able to do that in person and walked the dog so it turned out good.

Later in the day I was able to get out in the garden for some vit. D putzing around in my garden moving a planter, weeding and picking up a bit it was good to get outside in the fresh air and hear the bees in the trees that are in bloom. I pick up after the dog in the back yard and walk around checking on the progress of my spring blooms that is fun.

I broke down a box in the carport freeing up some space in the carport.

I dug in to my fabric stash and cut up some pieces to be bandanas for funm print masks, and other projects was fun for me.

I love one thing I heard turn off the news and plant a garden. That is helping with my perspective. I dug up some onions to share go in a planter with our daughter. Great for soups and seasoning things like noodles and more.

I got out more planters I put some in the front of the house. It looks more festive. I found a tick on the dog after walking in the field a bit yesterday so took care of that.   

Our daughter is tuning up the bike so they can do a bike ride together. It is lovely weather for that here now.

Dogs

My dog helps, with companionship, and to reminded me to check my blood sugar also as my pup heater at night. We walk together and she is with me in the yard as I garden and do chores outside. She loves doggie dates with the grand dog, she does not love going up and down the stairs when I am doing stuff in the basement but she does come and check on me. There are times she reminds me I need to feed her by grabbing my hand in her mouth and pulling to get me up.

Other things like the neighbors new dog that is big and stands at the fence and looks over my dog challenges that and jumps and barks. We are working on the new dog to learn the "down" command it is a young dog and learning neighbors are working on that as well.

My sister got a Yorkie for her birthday from a family member and we compare notes on our dogs.

Our son said it is good to get a new dog when the old dog can show it the ropes.

I keep spare leads in the rig for walks. We like to walk in the field and around the ponds fishing holes and along the river in our area or did before they closed the parks because of the CV - 19 recomendations.

Walking around the neighborhood is a good activity for me to clear my head. People are good to give each other space with dogs crossing to the other side of the street.

Progress Not Perfection!

I took a stroll around the yard yesterday to gaze at the flowers blooming and was surprised to get to see the bees were working on gathering pollen. Spring bloom is still going on this year. The sun rise is lovely today. I cleaned off the out door kitchen area and swept the patio. I need to get the mower going the grass is green and growing. Walking the dog still a part of my day more fun on warmer days. Iot the yard mowed I was excited when the mower started!

I am bringing in the tomato plants at night it is still too cold to plant them outside. The back yard needs to be picked up so I can mow lawn chairs need moved from around the fire pit.

My mood was not so good yesterday, I had allergies. I found some onion sets that had started to grow and mold in the pantry. Getting those out of here greatly helped that!

As well as changing my focus to things that went right with my day. I had a lot that was right in my day like finding yarn in stock for a I am knitting on, and the tomato sets were in, also the large box of Neutrigrain bars also in stock, getting drive through for lunch a first for me during this pandemic. It was good to remember that.

I made a list for today. Resting in the afternoon then getting going on some tasks in the evening  to get a head start on my day.

I was not able to find the book I was looking for but I can still journal and look up the verses I found on line with resources from it.

I sorted another box things, and took some boards outside for a ladder to build and a project is now in the carport instead of the basement.

I heard something "progess not perfection" that is my new go to phrase.

Daily

Life is so daily. I do not put much about daily stuff routines etc. getting going with that is on Flylady it is helpful. I started out with the card file system the predecessors before her created back in the day. Got up morning med. routine check blood sugar, turn on the coffee, made the bed, did my journaling and planning, quiet time and did my exercise on the stationary bike, it was a great time to process things going on now. I just had breakfast one of those breakfast shake things.

My eight D's are chores I like to accomplish at least each week
Dinner what is for dinner, Duds is the laundry current, Dishes rinse and put away them, De-clutter sort donations and figure out what needs to be tossed or donated. Declaw the paper tiger tackle paper piles  and deal with some of that. Dust seems I need to be reminded to do that one! Dump trash do that the day of or the day before trash pick up. Do zone work focus room for the week or month, area that needs attn. like the storage area I am working on this week. Daily bathroom spiff is a current goal of mine.

B.W.P. is Basic Weekly Plan my weekly stuff like sweep and mop floors, bathooms, clean sheets back on the bed, sort clothes.

Tried to make some plans for a family gathering to honor the passing of hubby via fb messenger in a group chat worked well until the gov. extended that stay at home ruling sigh so had to push that back. {After that I needed an attitude check.}

There are other things to deal with business in nature, correspondence, budgeting that goes on the list.

This is me trying not to whine about the weather it is cold outside at night. Not so exciting but in times like this routines help keep us sane! LOL!   

The extra Happy Planners I got earlier in the year are coming in handy now! I got tomato starts that grew well for me last year.

What is Working!

My success was a bit of a struggle to do some signing of papers for arrangements I made. Getting the program to work and sync with the other folks was a challenge took several tries but got that done via e-mail. Glad for that with the CV - 17 stuff going on not much other choice because I was not going to do extra travel.

I cleaned sorted and went through clothes found papers needed and I am trying to get a better system of filing and sorting papers in rounds that is helping.

Walking the dog is a great diversion, and going to the basement when tornado's happen in the area. I was folding clothes down stairs when the earth quake hit this week. Away from the winds rain sleet and hail. Cozy in the sewing room was a blessing.

I am working with some writing prompts I found on FB putting them in my journal. Journaling is one of the things that helps for thoughts.

I got out the hoses this week the grass is greening up and will need mowing at some point.

I got a pen pal letter written and need to mail that. A basket for cards is good as well.

We have had a change of plans during this process nearly every week. So planning was over rated remaining flexible has helped.  Some things from other family members that have passed before us that experience has been helpful remembering that we get through this too.

I am trying to look ahead some garden things would be great to work on but it is just too dang cold and freezing at night. The weather is NOT helping! I made up some puppets. I have yarn for a fun colorful project yet to be determined.

Got rid of the hens summer before last and last summer I focused on gardening and getting the yard back into shape. The hens went to a farm. Then I set up the coop as a potting shed and plant cage.

We worked on de-cluttering last year and got the shed emptied out so I could use it for painting thrifted items I found at yard sales and thrift shops, except it was hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Been Gone

It's been a while. I am processing. Trying to regroup. The world is in the midst of the cv-19 thing. I am just trying to get through one step at a time and one day at a time. There was an earth quake and rare tornado in the area. Things are really weird.

I am trying to remember my focus and review my purpose. The things I knew have changed. I have food in the house I did fill the freezer last fall, and restarted that again in Jan. this year so that is good. I have ensure and protein powder if food runs low. Plans have been changed.

The dog is good company. I do great if the weather is good. I do not do so well if the weather is not good.

Hubby passed from cancer this month so that has me reeling. It is good that hubby did not want a funeral. I talked with the kids about closure with a fuss and we are okay with that . Maybe when all this cv thing is over. Maybe we can think about a family meal or something.

I saw a thing that we should be journal - ing to help document these days and that helps relieve stress. Family has been checking on me.

I could draw to document what is going on in my sketch book. I was behind in my planner so got that current yesterday, things were a blurr that past week or so. Hospital, hospace house, trips to and from there.

So many things on my mind and decisions, things I could do and there is time to consider a bit of down time. I have been cleaning sorting and going through things here. It helps. I have a letter I wrote and am rethinking all of that. Paperwork to sort and make since of.

This is weird times. My bullet journal serves me well. As do my routines
I have been considering how to tweak them. For now they help.

I like what my sister said to write it down and make a list. We have been emailing and that is good. My faith is helping it is time to dig in, get to the prayer closet and get in touch with spiritual roots.

Talking with my sis we said that it is up to God if we make it through this. I had to be in the ICU where hubby was in one hosp. then he was life flighted to a diff. one. As I was going through that I lost contact ability to touch base with a message board group. Using diff. pc and tablet.

Now with the arrangements, getting the learning curve of things with this part of life for me. I must say that solitude of the essential social distancing is not all bad. It is a time of healing and I need to re group.

I seem to get the sense that God has me set apart for this season, and not just me. I had been fasting one meal a day for lent but the week before Psalm Sunday got off track with that. It did make the food last longer.

Some writers are  using this as a time to hunker down and get to some writing done. I have been making crochet puppets. I would like to garden I have seeds. But it is just not warm enough. I walked the dog early before the winds rain snow hit today that was good.

I have some invetory "homework" to do but got stuck and did not get to that today. Churches and Bible study , and knitting groups are not meeting.

I realized on my walk last night that I am doing so much better than I was a week ago!

One Step At A Time

I am taking things one step at a time.

Got my Bullet Journal Page filled out
I try to do three to five productive things each day.
I do not always reach that goal but the focus is good.

I keep a done list for misc. things that get done.

I have a prayer list I fill in each day.
World & USA
Family & Friends
Healing

Also a gratitude list of three things for the previous day.
*
*
*

Next steps help for what I am thinking might be coming up.
*
*
*

Plus three things I look forward to.
*
*
*

Fun things ~
Knit on a project.
Crochet on a puppet.
Draw do a sketch in the sketch book.
Walk the dog.

Done~ the things I did today.

My daily list helps me with the list of chores I have on a sticky
post it not gets moved from week to week.

B.W.P. a list of my Basic Weekly Plan one each day.

This is forward progress that is helpful.

Yesterday was off track for me I wanted to get outside and work in the garden and we had hail & rain, big sigh so I headed to the basement and worked on the laundry. Also getting to some things in the sewing zone
cutting up old jeans so I could upcycle that fabric later.

I got out a tray to sort papers declawing the paper tiger.
I put a basket of some cards out they have a home for now.
Plans for the future are being formulated in my mind and I wrote those down.

I have been sorting things to declutter and got them rounded up in to
the spot I am putting them.

I have a book I want to get my cousin recommended.
A Season Of Grief
By Bill Dunn

Ideas

I got the idea to put the plastic jars with the bottom cut out they make it so much easier to fill chick feeders and waterers. I even double stacked the feeder so it would hold more. I saw at the tractor supply store the had waterers sitting on short two by four wood blocks to keep the water clean longer.

This week we are checking into poly-something a corrigated type of sheeting to go over the run to keep rain and snow off this fall and winter. We will have to order it in.

Sept.

The hens have been enjoying the fresh plums this year. I picked them last week. The squirrels were really getting after the plums so I was glad to get them picked. I pruned the plum tree too.

The chickens have also been enjoying the grapes on the deck as well. 

It's been hot we have had more summer after tbe school year started again. The weather is suosed to change. The hens will be glad for the relief
from the heat.

The hens enjoy the hose being on a bit they wade in the water on the ground to cool off their feet.

This week

I am using this with a blue tooth key board to post. 

Chickens are done molting now the new feathers came in with white fleck kind of like they are going grey! At the feed store they said a new higher protein feed is out for chickens that are molting.

Yesterday I cleaned the run I covered the run with plastic; we've had thunder storms ìn the area this week. The run cover needs to have some tweaking to get it more secure, we did get some leakage where it blew back and the water in. I need to get it a bit more secure on the top before the next rain storm.

We need to repair a shelf but I need to get the brackets for that project before we begin. 

Post from new tablet

I am trying out a post from my new gal. tab 3 seeing how it works.  Some have had issues w gal. But they have been working on a fix for it.

Okay I am able to edit. there is a learning curve with this.

This edit is from my chrome browser♡ 

New Samsung Galaxy 3 Tablet

I got a new Samsung Galaxy 3 tablet it's a 7" and I'm learning how to use it so I can post chicken pics and videos. Having a ball with my new techie toy for my bday. But there is a definite learning curve. Our son wants to see it aka translates to mom can I play w/ your new toy! LOL! 

After taking back the newest Google Nexus froze up & I had to return it because of some issue with map apps in locating my location when I was in photo taking mode. So I did not check that box on this one that identifies where I am. I'm very happy with this so far and the Samsung apps. too. I choose a white one. 

Now I'm waiting on the case to come in they were out of stock when I was at the store. 

Broken

Yesterday I got a Google Nexus 7 a bday & 40th wedding ann. gift and it is broken in less than 24 hrs. it froze up in the camera function. ACK! I was outside trying to get some photos of the chickens and it stopped working. I can't get it to do anything! Gr-r!!! I'm not happy and I'm taking it back. 

Pros of this are clear pixels on it and the stuff I used except for the camera did work. I was trying to get it up and running so I could have a Bible on it for church this morning. I got the battery all charged up last night so it would be good to go for today. 

I'm trying to see what I can get resolved. I did manage to get a few photos taken before it froze up and those were saved b/c I'd synced some stuff before hand. [I had not even learned where the flash function was on it.]  No off line owners manual came with it. 

The unit is hot and I do not know how to disengage the battery. Guess I'm going to take it back asap. before it blows up what a bummer! 


Today I got a Samsung galaxy tab 3 & I'm learning how to post from it!

Egg Custard

Egg custard 
3 eggs 
1 c. milk 
1/2 c. sugar 
1 tablespoon vanilla 
dash of nut meg. 

Whiz in blender & bake until center is set. I put mine in the crock pot on high cooked it apx. 2 hrs. and checked it after doing some chores outside and it was done yummy!

Crock Pot Cobbler

Fruit Cobbler 
Two cups fruit your choice in season I used one cup black berries and one cup plums. One cup brown sugar. One teaspoon cinnamon. Mix and place in large crock pot on high setting. 

One yellow cake mix 
Two cups milk
Three eggs [medium]  
One tablespoon vanilla 
One cube butter melted [1/2 cup] 

Mix cake mix milk, eggs, vanilla, butter, until it is pan cake batter consistency. Pour one cup over fruit. Save the rest of the batter for other cobblers. Cook until done mine took apx. two hours I was working out side in the yard. Serve warm with ice cream. This is what I remember having when I was a kid yummy. 

Try other variations with peach apple cherry canned pie filling will work for this as well. 

For a variation it's fun to sprinkle oatmeal and cinnamon on top for more texture. 

Eggs in the Crock Pot!

I made custard in the crock pot tastes great I'll use less sugar next time and tweak it with splenda at some point. --it turned out pretty well. 

Bread pudding I made in the crock pot vanished very quickly! 

Cobbler I cooked in the crock pot our grand daughters were competing who got to crack the eggs and put them in this recipe and helped mix it up making recipe so much more fun to do. What I learned was the cobbler should have been in the bigger crock pot, the custard needed to be mixed more.  Still tweaking these recipes a bit. 

Crust-less spinach quiche' was a surprise that it was such a hit! We had ours in a wrap the carb count is better and the family liked it that way; but it was a bit watery because I did not put flour in it. Next time I'll do it in the crock pot as well. Tonight we'll have egg salad in a wrap, or tuna salad in a wrap.  

I may try poached eggs as well. 
Recipes coming I have saved them some where around here! 

Got it!

For a treats the hens got crumbs from the box of vanilla wafer cookies and raisin bran cereal, some green grapes with seeds, and one green plum. 

I cleaned under the roost again today and got a frame I'm considering for a frame to hold the plastic we will put up over the wire mesh on part of the roof. The hens do not mind the rain as much as I do when it drips down my neck when I'm out doing chores the tin ends right on the walk way where I go through from one door to the other. I hope this will work. Last year we did not put up plastic because we figured the wind on the wire would just shred it. 

Part of the nest box has a nail loose and the bottom is coming out so we need to repair that this weekend. We moved it to solve that problem. I got 12 eggs today. The days are getting shorter so next month I'll be thinking about getting the light up and fall stuff we need to do. 

This week I've been trying out some recipes and I'll be posting those I finally got the cobbler one to turn out like I wanted. 

August News

Each week it seems I learn some thing new with chickens here. This weekend at a flea market an old timer had some eggs for sale and I was getting some pointers on what to do with a broody hen w no rooster that should be done sitting. I like what he said that they did. They moved the chicken that were broody out away from the others without any eggs, in to an isolation area then after a week they were ready to rejoin the flock. 

What I've been doing is moving the broody hen to a cage away from the others in the morning and then when the hens are done laying at noon closing the coop if there are stragglers they can use the outside nesting boxes. Then I let the broody hen out of the cage and she is more than ready to rejoin the flock. 

Today the broody hen that I was working with  has rejoined the flock after only a day and a half. I'm SO happy about that. Then today found another two that have gone broody of this years hens so I have isolated one and will do what I did yesterday with the other one next. It seems to be working. 

Today I gathered eleven eggs I got a thin shelled egg today so I added oyster shell calcium to the feed, they have it in the run but thought I'd better put it in their feeder as well. And one cracked egg so I had those for my brunch. 

I put up the big feeder that holds a lot for our weekend away. I've removed that one an put up the others. The hens were having a hard time getting the last of it out of the big feeder so I poured it out for them. 

The road construction in our area does not seem to bother the hens at all this week. 
Ten eggs yesterday one was not salvageable was broken. The cracked ones went for boiled eggs I'm thinking egg salad sandwiches or on half a bagel open faced style. That would be fun on the mini ones as well. 

I dug up some bulbs on the West side of the coop, the hens liked getting bugs, our grand daughter had so much fun digging in the dirt with me! First I had to move some wood and then  I watered it so the digging would be easier and would attract more bugs, then I put the hose on another section in front of that to do some more digging on later. 

We are rethinking the placement of the red coop to use for brooders it needs to be closer to the main coop and power source We may be redesigning one to fit on the current coop and incorporate the window we have on it for a hen access place.  


I've put of an eggs for sale sign in our window this week. 

Herding Hens

We've had some thunder and rain here this week. I've fed the chickens this morning and let them out. Today I need to water them and fill their big water font. Plus fill up the big feeder to see if it lasts a couple of days I got it hung up yesterday in the chicken run. 

I dismantled the nest of the broody hen that went next door to for an unsuccessful hatch not surprising with no roo. After a month it was time. The grand kids helped me heard her back home after she went back to that spot she was sitting again. She has showered in the rain and returned to the flock now. That's a relief!The other broody hen is still sitting on a golf ball but is in the coop. 

We got the smallest egg I've ever seen today about an inch and a half long I suspect it is just yolk. It's a very pretty egg dark and speckled a lovely egg. One of the New Hampshire red pullets have already started to lay eggs. We gathered eight eggs today. 

I made deviled eggs and our grand daughter helped me mix up two different kinds of cookie dough.