PLUS YUCKETY YUCK ...JANUARY 31 2013 ....
Well! Don't know what else to say. January is DEFINITELY ending with a bang.
Couldn't even get outside to feed my outdoor cat. He was probably staying warm in the barn anyway.
Went from 65 (yesterday) to 25 (right now), the rain froze and, of course, covered the patio, then it snowed. Just a dusting. But it is the wind that is the killer.
You do have to give me points. Tried to get out. Door opened into the wind. Wind stronger than me. Did get outside. Almost blew away.
Where there was snow on the ice I could stand up, sort of. Trouble was, the wind kept blowing the snow away. Decided my cat could go one day without food. He is pretty healthy looking, and he is the smart one.
Right. Got a cat that is smarter than me. He knows when to stay in, dumb me, I feel sorry he doesn't have any food. I tried. Ended up coming back into the house.
I no more than got in than the dogs decided they just had to go out. Dumb dogs. But, look who is talking. Told then they wouldn't like it, but they insisted.
Opened the door, dogs ran out. Closed the door and returned to the kitchen. Heard Sam (I know it was her because she is the smaller one and scratches on the storm door whens he wants in), turned around and went back and let her in. No Coco.
I don't worry about Coco, he is larger, has a heavier coat, and loves it outside. I called, but he didn't come of course.
Shut the door, returned to the kitchen. Decided I didn't want to do anything there, so sat down at the computer.
Of course then I started feeling guilty. So got up, went to the door and called for Coco. He came running, almost knocked me down coming through the door. I think he had had enough also.
Can't say I am sorry to see January ending. It has been a bumpy ride with highs and lows and everything in-between.
Saturday is Groundhog Day. Yep, our famous groundhog will be predicting the next 6 weeks of weather. Punxatawney Phil. (hope I spelled that right). Funny thing, he is more accurate than our highly paid weather forecasters with all their sophistic thing-a-ma-bobs.
Hopefully I won't blow off the hill. Know I am definitely not going anywhere today. Guess I'll take a page from my cat's book and stay put.
If you have to be out stay safe and God Bless.
HAVING FUN YET???JANUARY 29 2013....
All depends on how you look at "fun". According to Webster there are 50 ways to look at fun.
I'm not going to go into that. I can hear you all breathing a great sigh of relief.
I guess my impression of fun is enjoyment. I have found that if you enjoy something, you will, invariably say, you're having fun. We all do it. It's easier to say "I'm having fun" rather than "I'm having enjoyment". That sounds kind of stupid doesn't it?
Folks that love winter, cold, and snow can say they are having fun. They love to ski, snow board, ice skate, etc. I guess they are having fun because they enjoy it.
By the same token folks that love the hot steamy weather can say they are having fun. They love the beach, swimming, picnicking playing ball, just about anything you can think of they enjoy.
So where does that leave me? I don't care for the harsh winters any more, so can't say I am having fun. I also can't handle the hot humid weather, so can't say I am having fun.
But, I have found that when you do something you really enjoy, or love, to do, you ARE having fun, regardless of the weather around you.
Me, I love traveling, picture-taking and festivals. I love preparing the holiday dinners and the cook-outs, and the surprise parties. I don't pay too much attention to the weather. Except to hope it doesn't rain on our cook-out.
I have friends who have asked how can I go out when it is - raining, foggy, snowing, hot, blowing, humid and take pictures. Sometimes the best pictures are taken during the worst conditions.
When you are doing something you like you don't notice the inconveniences. Well maybe a little bit, but you don't let it stop you. If you let all these things keep you from doing what you enjoy, you would probably never do anything.
I could have stayed in this particular day, but didn't. Even though it looked threatening, I only experienced a few rain drops. If I had stayed in I would never have gotten this particular picture. By the way this was at Mystic Seaport Connecticut.
Well, enough for the soap box today. Enjoy the next couple of days, as more bad stuff is supposed to be coming. Whatever you do, be careful, stay safe, and God Bless.
THERE'S ALWAYS WORSE .... JANUARY 27 2013 ....
I think one of the things we do best is complain. Too this! Too that! Too much! Too little! Too hot! Too cold! Too wet! Too dry! Too everything!
Guess I got told yesterday, and the teller was right on the money. In other words, quit whining.
I have friends, special friends, in Ashtabula County Ohio. That county is on the lake. They get lake-effect snow. I am complaining that we have nearly 6 inches. I take back my complaint.
I learned yesterday that they have 2 feet and counting.
How true it is that no matter how bad something my seem, there is always worse somewhere else. We tend to forget that. We enjoy complaining too much. I sometimes think that we complain better than anything else.
We forget to take into account how many blessings we have, the things that make it all worthwhile.
NOW THAT'S A LOT OF SNOW AND ICE TO SHOVEL. (We were at the Kenai Fjords in Alaska)
Perhaps we have it too easy. Perhaps we have too much. It could be any number of things.
So just remember the next time you start to complain - is it really that bad?
Enjoy the beauty, no whining about shoveling, be glad you CAN shovel. No complaints. Just be thankful and God Bless.
I POSTED A PICTURE.... JANUARY 25 2013....
I also found out I could post on my blog again. Don't know what is going on, but going to take advantage of being able to post pics on my blog for as long as I can.
I posted a picture from Yellowstone National Park on facebook yesterday and got a lot of comments. That is what decided me to write this blog today.
Several years ago, probably about 6 by now, I was fortunate to get booked on a AAA bus trip to Yellowstone in the winter (Jan-Feb time frame) And what an awesome trip it was.
Tom and I had been to Yellowstone in the fall on one of our trips to Arizona to visit the kids. It was amazing then. But in the winter- words cannot do it justice.
We flew to Salt Lake City. This group consisted of 30 folks from all over the U.S. and Canada. All ages from the very young (early 20's) to the very old (mid 80's) and all in between.
From Salt Lake City we boarded a bus, driving through the Tetons just at sunrise. Snow everywhere, wind blowing but we didn't mind, it was just so beautiful at sunrise, with the moon setting behind the mountains.
We continued on towards Yellowstone on our bus. Shortly before we reached the entrance to the park we left the bus and boarded snow coaches. Really unique vehicles, skis on the front for steering and tank treads on the back for traction (there was about 3 foot of snow on the ground).
The only way we were permitted in the park during winter was in a snow coach or on a snow mobile. Thank goodness for snow coaches.
Top speed of the snow coach was 35 mph. Gave us plenty of time to look, and look we did. There were also many photo stops along the way.
The entire top of our coach was one giant hatch. When we were close to the wild-life our driver would stop, open the hatch. We could stand up in the coach actually from the waist up were outside, and what pictures we could take! As long as we were quiet the animals ignored us. I guess they were used to these strange-looking yellow animals roaming the park.
We spent several nights in the park at the new lodge near Old Faithful. Didn't matter it was way below freezing, Old Faithful just kept spouting.
We did driving tours and walking tours while in the park. Saw several other geysers, the hot springs, and neatest of all, the mist from the geysers froze on everything. What an awesome sight.
We could drive for miles, the snow beautiful, white and clean, not a mark on it. Then we would reach a region where the animals had criss-crossed the area, all types of tracks in the snow.
Our time in the park was way too short. But then when you are having a good time there is never enough time.
Upon leaving the park we arrived at west Yellowstone, where we spent the night and the next morning boarded our bus once again for the drive back to Salt Lake City, and then home.
If you ever want to do something special, take this trip. Triple A offers this trip once a year in the Jan-Feb time frame. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful (and cold) trips I have ever taken.
Guess another storm is heading our way with more snow later today in to tomorrow. Glad I ran my errands yesterday. I can sit back and relax. I've already told Bossman he can pick up the paper and mail on his way home from work. He asked why. The driveway wouldn't be bad yet. Told him I didn't care, I was staying in. If nothing else works I just tell him I am retired and have seniority, and can do whatever I want to do. So far he hasn't come up with a proper response yet.
So enjoy your weekend, stay safe. and God Bless.
TEMP TODAY??? JANUARY 23 2013 ....
I am at 7 degrees and holding. Same as yesterday at this time. But this morning doesn't feel as cold as yesterday because there is no wind, so no wind chill. What a difference a calm day can make, even though the temperature is the same.
Had to order a new printer over the weekend. It came yesterday. I just keep wearing the darn things out.
I have two - an el cheapo that is my everyday, do everything printer. They're the ones that keep die-ing (darned if I know how to spell that word and have it look right), but if they last their average of 3-4 years I surely get my moneys worth.
My second is a more pricey one. It is the professional printer just used for printing all my pics, from wallet size to 13 x 19 inches. I hope this one lasts several more years. When I retire from my fun job, my printer can also retire.
I see where Double Edge Press is releasing 6 new books this year. Goody!!! That means I get to read them and then post a review.
In the mean time I am starting to go through my framed pics, choosing the ones I am submitting for the March photography show. I have my cards printed that will be attached to each picture with my name, the title of the picture and the price. (Right now title and price are blanks. I will fill that in as I choose the pictures).
I also know there will be several I want entered that I have to print, as I have sold out of them.
Speaking of printing pics, I am in the process of applying for art festivals for this year. The waiting game has begun. Waiting to see if I get juried in or rejected.
So, guess I had better close out here and get started on stuff. I am also working on a couple of projects, can't believe how fast January is flying by.
All at once I can add pics to my blog. Don't know what how or why. Might change tomorrow, but will enjoy it while I can.
Stay in if you can. Be safe if you can't. Be thankful for what you have and God Bless.
THE DICTIONARY SAYS.....JANUARY 22 2013 ....
About days like today.
It is just plain cold today. 7 degrees at my house at this time of day. Don't know what it went down to last night, but sure not going up anytime soon today.
Well, here goes: If this doesn't make you shiver and shake in your boots, well, lucky you.
Crisp, cool, icy, freezing, nippy, brisk, keen, penetrating, snowy, frozen, blasting, cutting, snappy, piercing, chill, bitter, numbing, severe, stinging, glacial, intense, Siberian, chilly, sharp, raw, arctic, polar, below zero, frozen, clammy, stiff, blue from cold, etc. etc.
No kidding. That is what my Webster's New World is telling me. That is what it said about the weather.
Now --- how about what is says about conditions - having low temperatures.
Coldness, frozenness, chilliness, frostiness, draft, frost-bite, absence of warmth and want of heat (no kidding), shivering, goose bumps, numbness, frigidity, glaciation.
I could go on and on. But I won't. Aren't you lucky.
I just know that when I stepped out on my patio ramp the wooden floor sounded like a gun shot the creaking was so loud. I stepped right back in. No wonder the dogs stick their noses out the door, then start backing up. I can just hear them saying "there's no way we are going out in THAT!!!"
Well now, that I have made a cold day seem even colder I will sign off. Stay in, stay worm and God Bless.
----SURPRISE ... JANUARY 18 2013
Life is full of surprises. That what makes it fun. Today's surprise is -- the sun is shining brightly, and the ice on the trees is so bright and sparkly it makes your eyes hurt to look. How very beautiful. If you want to see a pic you will have to check my post today on facebook.
Now, about yesterday's surprise.
I have a friend I've known for years. He is very much involved in WashArts, an organization promoting arts in the Washington area. One of his specialties is Art In Action.
I received a message from him yesterday wanting to know if I would be interested in participating in their month long photography show in March. We talked, and I met with him yesterday afternoon.
The Wash Arts building is beautiful on South Street in Washington. I will be one of just 4 photographers showing my work for the month of March. I will have more details the middle of February.
I do know the opening reception for the artists is Friday March 1st from 5 - 9 p.m. From 7 - 9 p.m. there will be music. Refreshments will be served.
All work will be for sale. Just when I thought this was going to be a blah period, as I am not anticipating doing any festivals until July, this came along. Of course I am excited.
So add another project to my already long project list. I have to determine which framed pictures I will display.
So far the first 18 days of the year have been strange, to say the least. Hard to believe only 13 more days and January 2013 will be history.
Enjoy the sunshine, stay warm, and God Bless.
SOME GHOST TREES???JANUARY 17 2013 ...
That's right. It is what it looks like out my window. The ground is clear. Anything even a little bit (just a teensy bit) above the ground is still frozen. The roads and yard are clear. The trees look like ghost shapes outside, especially since it is cloudy and there is no sun anywhere.
I took a bunch of pics yesterday. Imagine that! I added some to my facebook page this morning since my computer does not allow me to post pictures in my blog. Don't know who made the computer boss, I have one Bossman, don't need two.
Maybe the problem is - is that the computer is actually Bosslady. Maybe that explains the strange goings on with it. It is a very contrary woman computer. Just what I needed. Only my computer can do a complete about face over night. Even in the middle of something.
I get this message "Windows Explorer has quit working. Checking for errors. Windows is re-starting". Right in the middle of what I am doing. I definitely know the computer does not like me. That is the only explanation I can think of. Luckily so far I have not lost anything, but you never know.
I absolutely hate it when a machine is smarter than I am. That is completely disgusting and unacceptable.
My computer hates me. My printer hates me. My van hates me (it won't go in the snow). At least my dogs like me because I feed them when Bossman is away.
Well got to get busy doing something important. Have no clue what that would be, but something will come to mind, hopefully.
Check out the pics on facebook. Enjoy and God Bless.
SOME ICE ... JANUARY 16 2013...
Freezing rain moved in last night. Everything covered with ice this morning. Icicles everywhere. Nothing at all moving. Absolutely nothing. Dead calm out. Not a sound. Really kind of weird.
Right now this is an ugly ice storm. They are not always ugly, but this one is. It is just dark and gloomy. And cold. And dreary. And slippery. Glad I do not have to be anywhere.
But they are not always like today's.
I remember an ice storm a few years ago. After the storm the sun came out and it was absolutely beautiful. Every single thing sparkled in the sunlight. It was so still, absolutely no sound. I just stood there looking.
And then the neatest thing. I have never forgotten that day. The breeze picked up, and at first I just heard a little tinkle. But as the breeze gained strength, it sounded as though a thousand wind chimes were celebrating.
The music of the ice was breath-taking. I just stood there listening. What a wonderful experience.
Every time we have an ice storm I keep hoping for the singing of the ice. I have never experienced it since. Perhaps I never will. But I know deep down inside that I was blessed to have experienced the Music of the Ice.
Stay in if you can, if you can't be careful and God Bless.
I JUST EARNED??? JANUARY 15 2013...
A gold star, an A+ grade and taking a trip.
It took a long morning and a lot of decisions to make, but I succeeded. Also, just checking to make sure I have the right year listed. Yep. Looks o.k.
Back tot his morning. I felt sort of ambitious, so decided it was time to start getting ready for my favorite thing - Income tax time.
Got the business all closed out, balanced, and ready to go. Then tackled my file cabinet which was out of control. Wayyyy out of control.
The only things I have in my file cabinet are either business related, or personally related. It was definitely time to clean house. Spent most of the morning discarding, discarding and discarding. Sure looks a lot better, and also got it more organized.
I think I can actually find something if I need it. Which is a good thing.
Yesterday was a good day, but non-productive. It was more of a fun day. Nancy stopped by and we spent several hours playing with her new I-Pad, or whatever it was, looking at our Ireland trip pics, and just chewing the fat. We have booked ourselves on a Cape Cod Martha's Vineyard bus trip this spring. Neither one of us has been to M.V. Always looking ahead.
Big change from 63 degrees to 30 degrees. Down right cold today. And gloomy. Even the dogs don't want to stay out any longer than absolutely necessary. They sure do know how to bang on the door to be let back in.
Well, better finish cleaning up. Got 1-1/2 things scratched off of my really need to do list. (In case you are wondering, the 1/2 is getting the business organized and ready to work with. The other 1/2 will be when I have bought Turbo Tax, and actually used it and submitted said taxes.)
With that horrendous thought in mind, I hope you all have your stuff organized, take care, and God Bless.
WINDING DOWN ... JANUARY 14 2013 ...
And so is January. My year is already out of control, flying by, leaving me in the dust.
There were 2 very exciting playoff games this past weekend, and 2 just so so football games. This next weekend will determine who is in the Super Bowl, and who is out. Then the long wait until August and the start of a new season.
Sounds far off, but will be here before we know it.
Been working on my Christmas project. Right now have plenty of time on my hands, so keeps me busy and out of trouble, sort of.
Mostly making lists, adding, subtracting, crossing out and re-inserting. Do I have you thoroughly confused yet? I like to keep everyone confused, one of my more fun things to do.
I am mostly just making small talk as there is nothing new and/or exciting going on right now. This period of the New Year is known as the Blawssssssssss.
Right now am mostly writing so you know I am still alive and functioning. Planning and scheming. Working on old things and new things. Cleaning out cupboards. Sort of. Cleaning house. Sort of. Right now, life is - Sort of.
Am trying to start getting together all the necessary info for filing Federal Income Tax. One of my very 'favorite?' things to do. I could very easily do without. Maybe I am old enough that when they finally decide that I haven't filed taxes for x number of years, they won't be able to find me. But with my luck I will still be hanging around, and they will find me. Such is life.
Still can't upload pics onto my blog. Guess I will have to post pics to facebook. Also my printer has decided to hassle me. I can't print on my printer. Keeps informing me there is no paper in the tray. There is, but the printer says there is not, so cannot print. Stupid printer!!!!
Wonder what will go next. Always something. Well, guess I had better stop moaning and groaning, and do something productive. Just love all the modern conveniences and necessities. Have a good day, if I haven't ruined it for you, and God Bless.
.....NEXT MONTH .... JANUARY 11 2013 ....
Quite a jump from yesterday until next month. The days are passing way too fast as it is.
Let's start with yesterday. It was my day to go to the neurology department at UPMC in Pittsburgh. Thanks to my trusty GPS, even if she does sound like a drill sargent issuing orders, I arrived in plenty of time, did not get lost. Hooray!
Left home very early so I would not be in the backed up traffic trying to get into Pittsburgh. Worked out well, and even though I was early, they started with me almost immediately.
Had two young good-looking doctors. In addition to the "book" I had to write with my medical history, they asked a bejillion questions, had me doing all sorts of things, wonder I didn't drop from exhaustion.
Bottom line - they did not know what to do with me either.
Bottom Bottom line is - I am scheduled for an ALL DAY appointment in February. I guess they are going to do all kinds of nasty things as they informed me that I HAD TO HAVE SOME ONE WITH ME - because they were going to make me very sick and very dizzy.
I can do that all by myself.
I can just hardly wait!
Other than that I am just fine and dandy.
Now, on to my current project. I always have projects waiting in line, hoping they are the next one picked TO COME ON DOWN.
These projects keep me busy during the winter months when I am snow and/or ice bound. Things I never have time for otherwise. Now is the time.
I can't go into any detail .... because I am working on Christmas. Don't laugh. Don't commit me. I usually start on Christmas in January. Works for me. I do keep a running list reminding me of what I have done, what I need to do, and where I have any stuff hidden.
Bossman thinks I am nuts - that is a given - as he is one of the DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS shoppers. I would be a nervous wreck.
I try to do something special for the kids. Maybe I am just promoting me, don't know, but it seems to work.
On the years that my newest book is published they all receive --- a book of all things. On the in-between years they receive something that has meaning, at least to me.
For example. When my kids were young, a friend and I (she had kids the same age) decided one winter we needed something to do.
We decided to start with something easy - Knitting. Yeah. Right.
We bought how to books, needles and yarn. Held numerous telephone conversations trying to figure out what the how to book was trying to tell us how to.
Bottom line - I ended up with 5 afghans. All different. They were never actually used, mostly for decoration - on a bed, or chair, or something. As time went by they were delegated to a shelf in a closet, then a cedar chest.
They all found a new home this past Christmas.
I never knitted again. I am one of those people who likes to learn something, try something, whatever, just so that when someone else is talking about said subject, I know from experience what they are talking about.
No wonder no one knows what to do with me!!!!!
Computer still will not let me upload pictures for inclusion in the blog. Once in a while it will pop up when sharing it with a picture I have used before, but cannot upload any new pics.
Guess I will have to share them on face book, if it will let me do that. Computers seem to hate me for some strange reason. Probably because they cannot figure out what to do with me either.
Have a great Friday and God Bless.
FINALLY ... JANUARY 09 2013 ....
That's right. Made it out and in, both in the same day! WOW! The snow was soft yesterday, I slipped a couple of times, but got home o.k. Not going out at night though. As the temp starts to drop, the soft snow freezes into hard snow, or ice, whichever word you prefer.
For some reason hard snow doesn't sound quite as bad as ice.
I am starting to run low on books to read. If I get below 6 waiting for me to enjoy I start to panic. One of the IMPORTANT things I did yesterday was spend my Christmas Gift card I received at Wal Mart. Brought home 6 new books to read.
I know, I know, why don't I invest in a Kindle or some such thing. Can't answer. I grew up with books, have always had books around me, and just don't feel like giving up books.
I also do not want the new cell phones that do everything there is to do. I have one - you can make calls. Period. Receive calls. Period. I keep it with me for emergencies. I have used it mostly when I have a flat tire on the road. I can get help. I use it when I am away to let everyone at home know I am o.k. I don't get weird phone calls, or telemarketers, or any number of any thing elses. My phone is only on when I want to use it.
Don't know how I got on to this subject. My only thought when I started to write was to let everyone know I am not waiting for someone to rescue me from my driveway.
It's pretty bad when your driveway can hold you hostage. Maybe that explains why I keep telling Bossman the house is haunted. There are so many strange sounds. He even heard one last night, asked me "what was that?" Told him I didn't know, it was probably the ghost. I got one of those 'you've got to be kidding' looks, he went around looking for something out of place, decided it was nothing.
I've quit going around looking to see if something was out of place. That could become a full-time job.
Well, enough of the rambling. If I am lucky and the weather holds, I'll even get to Church on Sunday.
Only 51 more weeks to go until New Years. Don't blink too many times or you will miss them Enjoy and God Bless.
TODAY .... JANUARY 08 2013 ....
That is correct. I have things that need done. Hopefully I will be able to get back up my driveway. At least I am not the only one.
We had a worker coming yesterday afternoon to do just a couple of little things that need done. Phone rang about 3:30. Can't get up my driveway, could I come down and pick him up.
Yeah. Right. Guess what. I told him "NOPE".
I gave him Bossman's number. At work. Take it up with him.
In a few minutes I got phone call from Bossman. No Hello. Just "Well, you aren't the only one". He was laughing. Said he was on his way home. The workman would wait and Bossman could bring him up the hill.
See, it is NOT my imagination. I am NOT the only one that can't make it up the hill. That scenario just made my day.
Told Bossman last night I would run my errands this afternoon, and if I got stuck, he could pick me up on his way home.
If you don't hear from me for a few days, you will know I am still waiting for pick-up. You might want to check on me. Then again you might not. There could be more than one of us waiting for pickup.
You might wonder why I can't bum a ride up with the paper person, or mail person. Well, it is because neither the paper person or mail person have to come up my driveway. As you know all paper boxes and mail boxes have to be at the edge of your property. We comply with the law.
Our mail box and paper box are at the end of our driveway. They are on township road. It is maintained. I'm trying to figure out a way to convince them that our driveway is actually township road. Haven't had much success as of yet. Township road is 1/10th of a mile. Our driveway is 3/10 of a mile. Just because it twists and turns and switches back and forth shouldn't make any difference.
I know I need 4 wheel drive. Can't get a mini-van with 4 wheel, or even all wheel, drive. Need mini-van to haul all my stuff for festivals. Haven't found a SUV yet that will do that. Can't afford two vehicles, so ...........
But that is all irrelevant. Have already been informed that Bossman not leaving his vehicle out in the weather so I can have his garage stall in addition to my garage stall. What ever happened to the age of chivalry?
Not complaining. Just the facts. Such as they are. I wouldn't ask him to do that regardless. I can be nice when I have to.
And so how is your day going? I'm still waiting to find out how my day is going. In the meantime, take care and God Bless.
FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS ... JANUARY 06 2012 ....
That's right. Last night. Had a chauffeur. Went to a surprise birthday party for one of our friends. Had a ball with all our other friends, and acquaintances, and others, great food, and a surprise it was.
The birthday-eee thought it was an anniversary party for his brother and sister-in-law. So he was helping his wife cook up a storm, making all kinds of good stuff for the anniversary party.
I wanted to add the pics, but for some reason my blog is refusing to let me browse and upload pics. Also the computer acting up.
I can upload pics to face book so you will have to check them out there.
Boy, was he surprised!!!!! Big time!!!!! He did do some moaning and groaning though about having to cook for his own party. No one felt sorry for him. All in all it was a great evening, good food, wonderful cake. Even though no presents were requested, just cards, there were a few presents on the table.
I would just love to know what was in the VICTORIA's SECRET shopping bag.
Also, it was the first time I ever saw someone blow out the candles on the cake and blow them right off the cake. Yep. Did happen. It was only two candles though, or we could have had a major fire, with firemen and policemen running around inside. How embarrassing. Luckily I had my camera (who would have ever guessed) and got a shot of him right after blowing, trying to catch the candles as they flew toward the wall.
A wonderful night with some wonderful friends for a new member of the 70's Club. We are growing in number.
Hopefully my driveway will become van friendly this week. Have places to go and tings to do. Enjoy this first Sunday in the New Year and God Bless.
FREEZER BURN? JANUARY 05 2013 ....
And what point am I trying to make? Well, let's go back a ways.
I believe you remember when I mentioned that our chest freezer died, deader than a door nail. Luckily we caught it before the food was thawed, and since it was sort of an emergency we just sort of threw, sort of, everything in our upright freezer, which was pretty full to begin with, and our downstairs refrigerator freezer, which was also pretty full to begin with.
Well, it turns out today was LET'S ORGANIZE OUR FREEZERS day. Whoopee Ding. Just what I wanted to do on a cold winters day is rearrange frozen food. I held the door open - it has a tendency to close unless blocked or held open. I was the door-holder. Better than the frozen hands person, who shall remain nameless.
Any how nameless began sorting and re-arranging. I have to give him credit, he knows what he is doing. He probably has the world title for stacking frozen, strange shaped packages without them all falling down. Yet.
Anyhow all the meat is with the meat, the fish is with the fish (this is what we have left from the Alaska fishing expedition, part is ours part is another sons) and other stuff is with the other stuff. If the other son gets his fish we will have about one entire shelf empty. If...........
Even had to rearrange the kitchen refrigerator freezer. Must say it looks pretty good. Have a little of everything up here so I don't have to run downstairs every time I want to cook a meal. Even have a frozen home-made apple pie up here to put in oven tomorrow for supper.
So where does the freezer burn come into play? First of all why is it called "burn" when it is actually cold? Verrrrrrrrrry verrrrrrrrrrrry cold. The organizer finally had to break down and put on gloves, his hands were frozen freezer burn. FFB for short. I'm glad I held the door.
And how has your day been? No freezer burn I hope. Take care and God Bless.
PS - I still can't upload any pictures. Will not let me browse. Dumb computer. Maybe it should go into the freezer. I think I could make room for it.
FROM YESTERDAY ... JANUARY 04 2013 ...
Yep. Big change. Yesterday bright sunshine. Today cloudy and gloomy. Yesterday was cold. Today is colder, and the wind is blowing, blowing the snow which is whipping past the window. Good day to stay put.
This time of year I have no desire to be out, unless someone else wants to be chauffeur. But, since I have nothing special I have to do, staying in is just fine.
It is days like this that I plan. Bossman says more like scheming, but I like planning better.
So, you might ask, what is there to plan?
There is always something, even if it is only supper tonight. But since I already know what I am having, scratch that idea.
The two major areas in which I plan (scheme) are #1 the business and festivals, and #2 traveling for photo ops for new pictures to put in the festivals I am planning, so I have to have new subjects, so I have to travel.
First, I am planning on going to Arizona in late April to visit all the kids, and of course, take pictures. I don't know yet if I am judging the Monroe County Ohio Art Guild photography exhibit this year. So much for April.
I have had to rethink the festivals, and as of right now I probably won't be doing anything until July. So many of the spring shows have fallen by the wayside, and the ones I have participated in have been less profitable each year for the last 4-5 years. Same expense, same amount of work, less money. Time to rethink.
My real festival schedule this year will start in July thru November. That will keep me busy.
Am looking at a one day bus trip in April.
Nancy and I are booked on a bus trip in June to Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. You didn't know I had an island named after me, did you.
Well, that pretty much covers the first half of this year. The busy half starts in July. I will go into that later, if I survive the first half.
So what are you doing. Do you plan and scheme, or just let happen what happens? Whatever that may be.
Stay safe and warm, count your blessings and God Bless.
PS - I wanted to add a pic, but stupid computer will not, all at once, let me browse and upload a picture. So much for that.
IF YOU LIKE WINTER ... JANUARY 03 2013 ....
So far I have gotten the 2013 part right. So far.
It is a beautiful day - the yard is sparkling, all my snowflake diamonds, no wind, sunshine, a perfect winter day. If you like winter. I used to. Not any more. Either I am getting smarter or getting older. I like to believe it is smarter.
The snow is no longer just a beautiful smooth white blanket. It is full of foot prints. Not human, animal. Mostly deer, everywhere. And my outside cat when he comes to the patio for his breakfast. And the dog prints in the outside kennel when they make their daily trips outside.
And then there is Sam - the dog. She does not like the cold, does not like the snow, does not like hot, is very picky. She likes, in this order, to eat, sleep, hunt rabbits. Period.
Bossman decided to train her to "speak" for her supper. So when she thinks it is suppertime she will start barking at you. Darned dog. But now she has decided when she has been out long enough barking will get her in sooner.
The dogs don't worry the deer, or the cat. They know the dogs are confined and cannot get to them. Why am I telling you all this. Because it is leading up to something.
And just what is that something?
I mentioned a few days ago that with the first major snowfall the deer expect for Bossman to put out feed for them. Just so happens the first major snowfall happened during deer season. Which doesn't end for another week. To them that is no excuse. They are looking for their hand-out.
And guess what gets to pay the price. The landscaping, of course.
I guess yesterday they decided enough was enough. First thing I knew here comes this deer marching right down the hill, across the yard, and into our landscaping. She proceeds to chow down on our shrubbery. Doesn't matter that it may be prickly. She is greatly enjoying herself. This was in the afternoon. She looked up and saw me taking her picture, all but thumbed her nose at me and went back to eating. So much for being afraid of people.
Just at dark we had a yard full of deer, taking turns eating our shrubs. And pawing the snow away from the grass and chowing down. The yard now looks like a tornado had moved through.
The dogs sit and look out the window at the deer. (Our dining room wall windows go clear to the floor, along with the sliding glass door). It basically has a wall of glass. The deer look back at the dogs. And ignore them completely.
Guess Bossman will be buying new shrubs for the landscaping come spring.
Other than that my life is pretty much on hold until I can trust our driveway. No big deal. I don't have to be anywhere special at any time soon. So am just going to sit back, relax, read a good book, and say a great big Thank You for all my blessings.
Watch out for those pesky deer, enjoy winter, because it is not going anywhere for a while, and God Bless.
N E W Y E A R .... JANUARY 01 2013
Hard to believe. I was in bed at 10:30 last night. Says a lot for me.
We have a fresh 2 inches of snow here on our hill top. Just what we needed. I won't be going anywhere for a while.
Luckily I have a lot of projects to keep me busy. Tomorrow is officially PUT AWAY CHRISTMAS DAY. It is the day I traditionally put all Christmas decorations away for another year. That is project No. 1.
I also have:
Close out another business year, getting ready for good old income tax deadline.
Get ready for a new business year, applying to festivals, re-vamping my inventory, all that good stuff.
Also am planning on doing some traveling for new photo ops. That is always fun.
Have some books to read for possible book reviews.
Also my newest book "That's The Way It Was", tentative title, is on the possible 2013 publishing list.
And, of course, all the every-day normal things that need to be done. I know you all are familiar with the drill.
I saw in this mornings paper they are already calling this THE BAD LUCK year, because it is 13. Just what I really wanted to read today. Then again, seeing as how 12 was a REALLY REALLY bad year, maybe 13 will be a good year. Even if it is a bad year I don't think it can be as bad as 12. At least I am hoping. Ever the optimist.
As in years past, the deer are already gathering on the hill, looking for their free hand-out. Bossman told them tough, they had to wait until all deer hunting has ended for the year. He will not put out food if there are hunters around.
But once hunting season is over, he will put out the corn, and whatever else he puts out, along with a mineral block and salt block. The deer know. As soon as they hear a tractor they come up out of the hollow and woods, waiting.
Doesn't matter if he is putting out food, plowing the driveway, or our neighbor (who shall remain nameless) is getting hay, they hear a tractor, they come looking.
Well, guess I have rambled enough for one day.
Had better get started on some of my projects.
I hope you all had a safe and fun New Year's Eve, whether you partied, or slept, and that the new year No. 13 will be a good year for all of us. I think we need a break. So take care, count your blessings, and God Bless.
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