Reality Check

It is currently 8 degrees below the donut with a real feel of -18. This is definitely a downturn to what our weather this winter has been to this point. This is when the locals start flocking to warmer climates. If I were retired I can honestly say I would be joining them - UFFDA!

It all started earlier in the week when we woke up to the beauty that only a good hoar frost provides

You instinctively know that things are about to change. 2 days later we were in the deep freeze. Tonight the wind chill is supposed to reach -35.

But still we are blessed with beauty - Check out the moon dog!

Card night was a bust again - They won.

Great day for a mini roadtrip

When I got up this morning I was greeted with this beautiful sunrise.

And that was just the beginning. It was a beautiful, warm winter day. I don't know what the warmest temp was but it was melting so...above freezing. That's good enough for me.

Plans at work fell through so we decided to get in the car and head to a nearby town to do some thrifting. We had a great time and left most of it behind for others to enjoy :)

Had a nice lunch and headed back home to get ready for card night. I made a new brownie recipe that flopped so I threw in some microwave popcorn and called it good. We watched a live feed of game cameras in Georgia while we played cards. Got to see possums, deer, and a rabbit.

P.S. They won 😝

Here's to 2019

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions"

I'm not one to really make "New Years Resolutions" although it does give me pause to consider making better choices and decisions so maybe that is a resolution.

There are a few changes, let's call them improvements, that I would like to make in the coming year. First, and foremost, taking better care of myself. I tend to be an emotional eater. And, not just eating but junk eating. That has to go. I went down the path the year I turned 50 - it worked out marvelously.  But, that was 6 years ago - 6! I lost 70 pounds, looked and felt much better and then....the bad habits slowly creep back in. Within a couple years I was right back where I started. So, I would like to get back on track.

I have managed to stay off the stinky butts but am still using the e-cigarette (also known as vaping). I have kept dropping nicotine level and would like to be free of that too by next years end. I'm also an emotional smoker. *sigh*

Last, but not least, I would like to finally get ORGANIZED. I need to take the emotional eating/vaping and turn it to getting organized. Seems completely rational. Skip the bad in lieu of the good. Easier said than done but I'm going to give it a whirl nonetheless.

So, those are my top 3. We'll see how it goes. 😏

P.S. They won.

Happenings in our neck of the woods

I have NO idea where this past month has gone, it was gone that fast.

A few notables, Rowan was in the 4-H play and, although he didn't have a speaking part, he sure enjoyed it. The people in charge weren't well prepared however. It rained on the 1st 2 performances and was wicked cold. The 3rd performance, the one I attended, was a matinee. It. Was. COLD - and windy. But to see his little face on stage warmed my heart so much it was worth it. Plus, the play was very cute. They did Kid Frankenstein (I think that was the name of it). Rowan was one of the students in the class.

He's the one in the Teenage mutant ninja turtle sweatshirt. ❤

Then, of course, there was Halloween...

I forgot to get a "line up" picture but here they are nonetheless. 👍

And, last but not least - November Fun Socks - yippee!

We have been getting snow here all weekend. I'd say a good couple inches and it's been windy and cold. 17 degrees as I type.

Card night has been hit and miss - This week we tied.

Rowan Joins The Club

This year Rowan has joined Taekwondo! He loves it. It's interesting to see how he progresses compared to Milo. They look at things, and react to things differently.

This past week he earned his first belt - he was VERY happy.

We even got to do a full "class" picture.

He had to have a new uniform ordered because the one they had didn't have the logo on it and it was too big - he's still itty bitty, only 5 years old.

This week I received another "care package" in the mail.

Yesterday we had a beautiful weather day (about 70 degrees!) so we took advantage and did some of the things outside that needed to be done. And then....the asian beetles showed up in droves. ARGHHHHHHH we were hoping the unseasonable cool weather for the past couple weeks would have killed them off but NO. I think their only natural enemy is the vacuum cleaner.

P.S. Last week they won, this week???

The Great Pumpkin

Our neighbors grew some great pumpkins this year. Saturday we had a Pumpkin Party. It was a great time for the big and little's alike. The bigs got tired.

It was a temporary disaster area but that's often true when having fun. It cleans up and the memories are so worth it!

Once safely home the pumpkins had turned into jack-o-lanterns and were set in their places with their ghoulish faces.

Frank made Apple Pie for Card night. He hasn't made one for ages. He even used those 8 apples from our apple tree! I was loving the heart <3

P.S. We won! (Must have been the pie)

No, you can not use my CC to book your AirBNB!

The post title says it all. The CC Company called to ask if I was trying to book a vacation property with AirBNB - seriously? I wish!

Well, the card is now cancelled until I get a new one in the mail. So, I guess there will be no online shopping this weekend. Probably for the best. With the weather today it was right there at the top of my list of fun things to do. I'm grateful that the company keeps a watchful eye - Amazon will just have to wait.

First snow here. Well, technically, it snowed yesterday but I was working and missed it.

I got a care package this week too. I wonder if Crystal will continue this next year!

Work has been INSANE - it doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon either. Today was cleaning catch up to make up for doing absolutely NOTHING at home all week. I remember it being easier and taking less time not THAT long ago.

Last weekend was a family birthday, my cousin. She turned 80 so they had a party for her. She danced and danced. I hope I got those genes.

The pups are in hibernation mode too:

P.S. After 3 weeks - YES 3, we finally WON - Huzzah!

This and That

This week was hot/humid here again (uffda!) so I didn't spend much time outside. I did tackle hosing off and shampooing the hounds though. They sure get stinky, must be something with hounds.

Our eldest Crystal celebrated her 37th BD in Omaha, NE. this year. Sounds like she had a great time. Monday the 6th was the oldest Grandsons 14th BD - 14! We will celebrate with him this Sunday. Time sure flies...

Frank's been having a hard time with the air this week, there's an air quality issue due to the fires in Ontario. It's been pretty hazy around here and mixed with the heat and humidity it's pretty unbearable. I am thankful that we are not in a wildfire zone though and my heart goes out to those that are, and to the firefighters battling those blazes.

I plan on trying to see the meteor shower that is forecast for tonight. I don't know if it will be as visible with the hazy conditions but we'll give it a whirl.

P.S. We won!

Rowan Time

Last night was Rowan's FIRST overnighter all by himself. No brother. Just him.

We had a grand old time.

There was card playing - he really likes UNO (Grampa won that one)

There was game time after bath time in the big bathtub (a ritual with the boys)

And morning hide and seek after his breakfast favorite - Waffles (funfetti one's this time).

We treasure these overnighters and, I believe, they do too.

Sunny update - notice the tall kid in the back.

P.S. We won last week - Huzzah!

Fun Times

We had an impromptu overnighter with the boys this past weekend. They are so much fun. We all get worn out!

We had movie time - Despicable Me was playing at the Sprucehaven Theater. Popcorn was flowing freely!

We had bath time too. They get a kick out of the jacuzzi tub - we don't use the jets but we turn them on so they can see. They make plenty of turmoil as is. There are rubby duckies that they like to load with water and squirt ALL OVER the place. It's a highlight for them at every stay over.

They love games so usually there's a game of tic tac toe, Go fish, or whatever. This day it was UNO.

They bring SO much life into the house!

P.S. They won

The Fun Parts of Summer

What a nice few days we have had weatherwise. 70's for highs (hallelujah!). This kind of weather gets me in gear to do some things outdoors.

I could actually put out the sun tea jar without worry of the plastic melting clean off of it - THAT was a treat.

Not sure what made this track but I suspect wolf. This was on the way to the mailbox. I like to see critter tracks.

And looky here what came in the mailbox today! A care package of handmade soap and handmade card - what a day brightener!

Over the weekend we got an invite to some friends place at the lake. We had taken in their Mother's dog when she passed away. That dog was a challenge. He's a corgi and was quite the biter. Hubby worked with him until one of the kids was ready to take him in after his little boot camp to be a nicer boy. We get to see him occasionally and he ALWAYS remembers. This time was bittersweet. He is 14 now and having major issues with his back legs. He can't see or hear very well but nonetheless he was happy as a clam to see us. Apparently the back leg thing is something that happens in that breed.

P.S. And last but NOT least - we won!! Again!!

Made my day

Today I received my package from oldest daughter, Crystal. I look forward to these each month and they never disappoint.

I don't know what I love more, the fun socks or the handwritten notes. Both are precious.

It was a perfect day for them to arrive. The heat/humidity is getting to me. Allergies from the necessary A/C get my sinuses messed up. And on top of that our area is gearing up for all the protests over the Line 3 Sandpiper project. While I respect the opinions and rights of others to speak out against most forms of politics, I typically don't go there myself. I prefer to make the differences I can by how I vote. Workplace politics are another thing that just drives me bat shit crazy.

So, today was a perfect day to receive my care package. It made me smile and forget all the other nonsense that goes on around me.

P.S. We won!

Fun and then, not fun.

This weekend we ventured to a Flea Market in a neighboring town. There was a wide variety of this and that but we left empty handed. The reason is two-fold. The biggest reason, we already have plenty of STUFF. Second was the prices. We thought they were a bit steep. Still it was a nice outing on a Sunday.

This past week Crystal, our oldest, went to a new Chiropractor as she continues to have issues with her back and neck. She has seen a wide variety of Chiro's, Massage Therapists, and even an Empath. All to no long term satisfaction. This time X-rays were taken.

NOT good.

We are all hopeful that this new guy will be able to make a difference. Of course he thinks he can.

P.S. We tied

Hodgepodge

Today it's raining cats and dogs so I will spend some more time decluttering. Last weekend we went to a couple garage sales but I didn't buy anything. Hard to buy when your in declutter mode at home.

We sold my old car last week and this week a part of hubby's work history, Old Blue, went down the road. It was harder for him than he expected. It was good to see it go be of some use to someone though. It wasn't helping it any to have it out in the weeds.

Flowering bushes and roses are starting to bloom too...

After the rain there are more blooms :)

We have been babying this Apple Tree for a few years after it's near death experience from some kind of disease and now there are teeny tiny apples!

And then there's Cooper

Picture of the week is a fun picture of Ang and Milo from when the photographer was doing pictures for Taekwondo. Ang was still in Kumdo then.

And to end the week on a bright note - WE WON! 

Whirlwind of Activity

This past week or so has been very busy around here. Crystal and Dale and our grandpuppy Tucker came for a 3 day visit. It had been over 6 MONTHS since they've been home. That's too long. Crystal and I even had a Mother/Daughter date and went to the movies. We saw Oceans 8 and we liked it.

It was nice getting the fun sock of the month in person and, of course, I wore them to the movies!

Then we had Milo's Belt test for Taekwondo - he was going to go from orange to yellow but decided to just do the half belt instead. I think that was a good choice. The one little boy went for the full belt and didn't pass :( No need for that kind of stress on an 8 year old. He was happy as a clam since they only had 4 of the new style of belt and he was the only one to raise his hand to get the older style. They will have the new style one for him at his next class. Wait - that was tonight so he probably has it already.

P.S. WE WON!! 

The Neverending Socks

So after 2 months the socks are finally off my needles!

Tada!

I am a cuff sock kind of person so that's how I finished them off. Next will be the bright one's for our Granddaughter Abigail.

I won't lie, there is some sin in this project. But for a first time I'm pretty happy with the outcome. I will take the knowledge learned and apply it to the next pair. I can see why doing both at a time is the way to go otherwise I'm not sure I would ever get the the 2nd sock :)

Got a call from Crystal last night. Their plan is the come home next Thursday for a weekend visit - I can't WAIT, we haven't seen them since Thanksgiving! I mean, we keep in touch frequently but there's nothing like a hug in person from my baby girl (even if she is turning 37 this year).

Windy here today so indoor chores on the list and maybe, just maybe, casting on that wild yarn for Abbie's socks.

P.S. They won AGAIN - why do I keep score?

Best thing since sliced bread

I watched videos, I read reviews, I pondered.

And then I took the plunge. I decided to go on the cheap and even at that my life is suddenly easier. A hank of yarn that would have taken FOREVER propped on the back of the chair and winding by hand took minutes. MINUTES.
I think I'm in love.

I really need to learn how to gauge what "half" is. This is - Frolicking Feet by Done Roving Yarns out of Maine in the Street Party colorway procured at my LYS. The plan is for a pair in her favorite color (wild) for Granddaughter Abbie. Should be fun to see how the colors flow.

P.S. They won - AGAIN, arghhh!!

Bathroom progress

So today the shower went in to the Master Bath. We chose a trim color that is difficult to find but so far, little by little, it is coming together.

Now we can start finishing the wall around it. There's even room for a linen closet at the end of the shower - be still, my heart!

In other news, the sock knitting continues. I made it through the heels with only one flub. I dropped a stitch, possibly from working on it in the wee hours in poor lighting. I have it pinned and will repair it in the end. Overall, they are coming along nicely.

Looks like a cluster here but it all makes sense while you're "in it".

And then there were heels - Tada!

I'm back to working in the round now so pretty soon they'll be done. It will be too hot for them now but they will be great next winter.

The temps hit almost 70 here today. I can't believe how fast the snow has gone. Tomorrow rain is forecast...bring it on!

P.S. They won

Trouble in Paradise

Late last night I was knitting along when I realized that the blower on the furnace was running too long and it wasn't warm. One of the pumps in the outside wood boiler quit circulating - GREAT! Now to be fair we knew it was going, it's been noisy all week, but we hoped it would hold out through the heating season. What were we thinking?!?!
Luckily we have gas backup so we didn't freeze :) So, hubby is on his way to town to purchase a new pump.

On the bright side, making progress on the socks.

P.S. They won - AGAIN!

New tricks

I am FINALLY figuring out sock knitting, thanks to videos by Tii Casa Knitting. Youtube can be so helpful.

I am BEYOND excited to finally be doing this. We'll see how I feel when I get to the heel ;)

Tomorrow is family day for Easter. Ang, Mike, and the boys will be here for dinner and possibly another egg hunt. It was brutal today (windy and cold) but they still went to a nearby town for the annual egg hunt. I would have wimped out.

Happy Easter! I just realized Easter Sunday falls on April Fools Day this year - How weird is that?

P.S. They won (boo hoo)