5/14/2015
When I was a teenager, my mother liked to watch two television shows religiously: Mitch Miller (if you're young you won't know him) and Lawrence Welk. Back in the day there wasn't a way to record television, you watched it live, commercials and all. I, of course, hated both of those shows and have to confess would try and interrupt her while she was watching. I know it wasn't nice, but forgive me I was a teenager - at least that's a reasonable excuse for my actions.
Flash forward to adulthood, and the things have changed. Jeff's mother would call us about once a month or so. She never talked long because she and Forrest were getting ready to watch 60 Minutes. Both of us would just roll our eyes at her devotion to that show. At that point, we had never watched 60 Minutes, so we had no idea what we were missing.
Now we're old(er). 60 Minutes has a season pass on the Tivo and depending on watch they're talking about, we watch or fast forward. Gotta love the Tivo. Last week a son of a friend of Jeff's was on Jeopardy and did quite well on the show. Okay, we've got a season pass to Jeopardy now. We both try and come up with the answers for each question, but sad to admit we apparently don't know very much about a lot of things. But since we don't seem to have a lot of knowledge about trivia, we cheer ourselves on when we get a question right!
Because David Letterman's last show is on the 20th, we have started recording his show. We remember when we used to watch and he would toss watermelons off the roof of the building and other fun stuff.
I guess we could start recording Wheel of Fortune and try our luck on figuring out the answer, but I think that might be stretching our capabilities!!! Still, it might be fun to try.
P
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Elastic
5/12/2015
At certain times in our life, elastic can become a mainstay of our live. Disposable diapers for babies have elastic in the legs - wish that had been available when I was having babies!
There are a lot of people who either don't like or don't need to have elastic in their waistbands. I, on the other hand, like elastic in my clothing. With elastic that extra piece of candy or pie you just shoved into your mouth, doesn't cause you any discomfort, unless you have on a piece of clothing that was perhaps too small to begin with! Women have known to be vain.
Elastic was invented in the mid 19th century, so it's been around awhile. I don't know if our ancestors used elastic as much in their clothing as we do now. Of course, I also believe that our ancestors were likely thinner than us, since they weren't bombarded with fast food establishments.
Elastic is mostly used for fit in clothes. Elastic provides room for stretch ability (after you eat that pie) as well as recoverability in clothes. Obviously, the biggest use of elastic is in waistbands,
Elastic is used in clothing as well mostly for fitting purposes. Elastic provides room for stretch ability and recoverability of clothes. The elastic waistbands are especially very much in use. With elastic you can wear your clothes for a longer period of time - whether you gain (more likely) or lose weight.
Because of adjusting sizes, my pants all have elastic waists. I no longer own or wear skirts and only have one or two dresses in my closet now. An elastic waist doesn't make you look better, just more comfortable. At this point in my life, that's what's important.
P
At certain times in our life, elastic can become a mainstay of our live. Disposable diapers for babies have elastic in the legs - wish that had been available when I was having babies!
There are a lot of people who either don't like or don't need to have elastic in their waistbands. I, on the other hand, like elastic in my clothing. With elastic that extra piece of candy or pie you just shoved into your mouth, doesn't cause you any discomfort, unless you have on a piece of clothing that was perhaps too small to begin with! Women have known to be vain.
Elastic was invented in the mid 19th century, so it's been around awhile. I don't know if our ancestors used elastic as much in their clothing as we do now. Of course, I also believe that our ancestors were likely thinner than us, since they weren't bombarded with fast food establishments.
Elastic is mostly used for fit in clothes. Elastic provides room for stretch ability (after you eat that pie) as well as recoverability in clothes. Obviously, the biggest use of elastic is in waistbands,
Elastic is used in clothing as well mostly for fitting purposes. Elastic provides room for stretch ability and recoverability of clothes. The elastic waistbands are especially very much in use. With elastic you can wear your clothes for a longer period of time - whether you gain (more likely) or lose weight.
Because of adjusting sizes, my pants all have elastic waists. I no longer own or wear skirts and only have one or two dresses in my closet now. An elastic waist doesn't make you look better, just more comfortable. At this point in my life, that's what's important.
P
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Hot Weather
5/12/2015
Today, the temperature is to be 90+. I don't think you need to count temperatures once the thermometer goes to 90. Hot is hot and sticky is icky! We have enough fans to make our living room and den mildly tolerable in hot weather, though sticking to the leather sofa isn't much fun!
Years ago our local electricity company installed a time and use meter on our house. If you use an excess of 400 kwh, the price per kwh during winter is 0.01878. In the summer that price jumps to 0.02732.
With the smart meter, we have what I consider free time. It's actually not free, but it's cheaper than prime time usage. So the "good guy" rates are from 8:00 pm until noon Monday through Friday, all day on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
In the winter I don't pay much attention to when I do laundry or run the dishwasher, but I sure do in the summer. Just using the air conditioner during the prime hours of the day can and does add hundreds of dollars to our bill.
Unlike most of our neighbors, we only have a minimum number of lights on in the evening. It doesn't make much sense to put a light on in a room that isn't being used. We obviously don't live like moles and have to run our hands on the walls to find a light, but saving bucks, even little ones, is important.
I did my laundry yesterday before noon and ran my dishwasher as well. All I have to do today is fold said laundry - a chore that I hate for no particular reason and go outside and water all my new baby plants.
It's too hot to even think about cooking something in the oven, so it's probably microwave dinners for tonight.
Stay cool.
P
Today, the temperature is to be 90+. I don't think you need to count temperatures once the thermometer goes to 90. Hot is hot and sticky is icky! We have enough fans to make our living room and den mildly tolerable in hot weather, though sticking to the leather sofa isn't much fun!
Years ago our local electricity company installed a time and use meter on our house. If you use an excess of 400 kwh, the price per kwh during winter is 0.01878. In the summer that price jumps to 0.02732.
With the smart meter, we have what I consider free time. It's actually not free, but it's cheaper than prime time usage. So the "good guy" rates are from 8:00 pm until noon Monday through Friday, all day on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
In the winter I don't pay much attention to when I do laundry or run the dishwasher, but I sure do in the summer. Just using the air conditioner during the prime hours of the day can and does add hundreds of dollars to our bill.
Unlike most of our neighbors, we only have a minimum number of lights on in the evening. It doesn't make much sense to put a light on in a room that isn't being used. We obviously don't live like moles and have to run our hands on the walls to find a light, but saving bucks, even little ones, is important.
I did my laundry yesterday before noon and ran my dishwasher as well. All I have to do today is fold said laundry - a chore that I hate for no particular reason and go outside and water all my new baby plants.
It's too hot to even think about cooking something in the oven, so it's probably microwave dinners for tonight.
Stay cool.
P
Monday, May 11, 2015
Gardening Part Deux
5/11/2015
For those of you who read my blog last week about digging in the dirt and falling in the mud, you'll be happy to know that ALL my plants are now in the ground!!!!!
I've done my bit, at least as well as I can, so now it's up to the Garden Gods to make sure these plants survive.
I have planted in no particular order: a Dwarf Burning Bush, Yellow Azalea, Silver Mound Artemisia, Pink Splash Variegated Weigila and Scotch Broom. For those of you who may not have heard about Pink Splash, here's a picture. I think the plant is lovely and I hope it survives.
I don't plant annuals. In my mind why plant something that is only going to last this year and you get to start all over again next year. Nope, I plant what is "hopefully" going to survive and flourish each year.
Now that I've given you my garden update, I'm heading off to the shower. While I'm not muddy, I am dirty and when you're working in the yard, all these "no see'ems" love to land on you.
This is Pink Splash and I know you understand why I had to have it for my backyard.
For those of you who read my blog last week about digging in the dirt and falling in the mud, you'll be happy to know that ALL my plants are now in the ground!!!!!
I've done my bit, at least as well as I can, so now it's up to the Garden Gods to make sure these plants survive.
I have planted in no particular order: a Dwarf Burning Bush, Yellow Azalea, Silver Mound Artemisia, Pink Splash Variegated Weigila and Scotch Broom. For those of you who may not have heard about Pink Splash, here's a picture. I think the plant is lovely and I hope it survives.
I don't plant annuals. In my mind why plant something that is only going to last this year and you get to start all over again next year. Nope, I plant what is "hopefully" going to survive and flourish each year.
Now that I've given you my garden update, I'm heading off to the shower. While I'm not muddy, I am dirty and when you're working in the yard, all these "no see'ems" love to land on you.
This is Pink Splash and I know you understand why I had to have it for my backyard.
Mother's Day - My Way
5/11/2015
Yesterday, I spent Mother's Day by doing pretty much what I wanted to do - except for the laundry part!
After Jeff and Scott left to go buy carpet for the townhouse, and yes we're really almost finished with the re-do, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few odds and ends. Out of necessity I bought frozen fudge bars - but to be fair - I bought the Weight Watcher ones. Gotta cut out those calories somewhere!
After putting the groceries in the car, I then went to Popeyes and bought 2 breasts and 6 thighs. Once I was at home I put some tator tots in the oven and when they were done, ate my chicken breast while I watched television.
What I did notice in the grocery store was that at 4:30 in the afternoon the card aisle was full. Really people? If you haven't bought your significant other or mother by that time of the day, maybe you should be buying next year's card instead. Just saying.
When the guys came home, they made quick work of the remaining chicken, but there was still two chicken thighs for Jeff's lunch today. There was a reason for picking up extra thighs! Always thinking ahead.
Later in the evening, I made Jeff and I dessert. Pound cake, mixed berries and vanilla ice cream on top. It doesn't get a lot better than that I can assure you. While enjoying our almost healthy dessert (we were eating fruit), we got in a bit of television.
Once upstairs, I am always amazed at how much hotter it is in our bedroom as opposed to the rooms downstairs. I hate being hot and sticky and even though I had a fan on, I fussed and fidgeted for a short bit of time before falling asleep.
All in all, pretty much a perfect day.
P
Yesterday, I spent Mother's Day by doing pretty much what I wanted to do - except for the laundry part!
After Jeff and Scott left to go buy carpet for the townhouse, and yes we're really almost finished with the re-do, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few odds and ends. Out of necessity I bought frozen fudge bars - but to be fair - I bought the Weight Watcher ones. Gotta cut out those calories somewhere!
After putting the groceries in the car, I then went to Popeyes and bought 2 breasts and 6 thighs. Once I was at home I put some tator tots in the oven and when they were done, ate my chicken breast while I watched television.
What I did notice in the grocery store was that at 4:30 in the afternoon the card aisle was full. Really people? If you haven't bought your significant other or mother by that time of the day, maybe you should be buying next year's card instead. Just saying.
When the guys came home, they made quick work of the remaining chicken, but there was still two chicken thighs for Jeff's lunch today. There was a reason for picking up extra thighs! Always thinking ahead.
Later in the evening, I made Jeff and I dessert. Pound cake, mixed berries and vanilla ice cream on top. It doesn't get a lot better than that I can assure you. While enjoying our almost healthy dessert (we were eating fruit), we got in a bit of television.
Once upstairs, I am always amazed at how much hotter it is in our bedroom as opposed to the rooms downstairs. I hate being hot and sticky and even though I had a fan on, I fussed and fidgeted for a short bit of time before falling asleep.
All in all, pretty much a perfect day.
P
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Happy Mother's Day
5/10/2015
Today, is one of the worst days to go to a restaurant for dinner. The other worst days, in no particular order, are: Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Jeff and I try to avoid eating out, unless we're eating at some ridiculous early hour, like the old people we are, at 4:00!
For me, today will pass like most other Sundays. There are clothes to wash, macaroni salad to make, television shows to record for the upcoming week and here and there books to read.
Stacey gave me a gift set consisting of shower gel and lotions. The smell is wonderful and right after I get done writing, will head up stairs to try out the shower gel. A girl's gotta smell right you know.
Today, is also one of the biggest day for receiving flowers, preceded only by Valentine's Day. Disclaimer here: I love flowers, I really do - but they die - and most of the time they do so quickly. Who wouldn't love to receive a dozen long-stemmed roses? I can't think of anyone including myself. But if roses are expensive the rest of the year, they are reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally expensive today.
Jeff and I don't really celebrate Mother's Day, because as he has pointed out to me for 40 years, I'm not his mother. This is a true statement. I also don't want him to go out and buy a Hallmark card for me under duress. There is absolutely nothing that Hallmark could right in a card that could be better stated and understood than the fact that Jeff has never let me down. Now, more than ever, with my memory issues, coupled with just some plain old anxiety, he is my rock.
Some women would probably like to receive flowers, candy, and/or jewelery, I personally would be happy with just having a half gallon of ice cream in my freezer. because who doesn't like to have a "little" ice cream while watching television!
Mothers, enjoy your day and all the love and attention you receive. You deserve it.
P
Today, is one of the worst days to go to a restaurant for dinner. The other worst days, in no particular order, are: Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Jeff and I try to avoid eating out, unless we're eating at some ridiculous early hour, like the old people we are, at 4:00!
For me, today will pass like most other Sundays. There are clothes to wash, macaroni salad to make, television shows to record for the upcoming week and here and there books to read.
Stacey gave me a gift set consisting of shower gel and lotions. The smell is wonderful and right after I get done writing, will head up stairs to try out the shower gel. A girl's gotta smell right you know.
Today, is also one of the biggest day for receiving flowers, preceded only by Valentine's Day. Disclaimer here: I love flowers, I really do - but they die - and most of the time they do so quickly. Who wouldn't love to receive a dozen long-stemmed roses? I can't think of anyone including myself. But if roses are expensive the rest of the year, they are reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally expensive today.
Jeff and I don't really celebrate Mother's Day, because as he has pointed out to me for 40 years, I'm not his mother. This is a true statement. I also don't want him to go out and buy a Hallmark card for me under duress. There is absolutely nothing that Hallmark could right in a card that could be better stated and understood than the fact that Jeff has never let me down. Now, more than ever, with my memory issues, coupled with just some plain old anxiety, he is my rock.
Some women would probably like to receive flowers, candy, and/or jewelery, I personally would be happy with just having a half gallon of ice cream in my freezer. because who doesn't like to have a "little" ice cream while watching television!
Mothers, enjoy your day and all the love and attention you receive. You deserve it.
P
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Wrestling in the Mud? Or Working in the Yard?
5/9/2015
Yesterday, I took it upon myself because I have so much endurance (not) and shocker to all of you I know, not very strong! But all of that being aside, I was determined to put my new plants in the ground, yesterday and by myself. Sounds easy enough? Well, it would if I weren't part of the equation!
I took my four new plants into the backyard, grabbed my gardening gloves (a necessity), a shovel and a towel to sit on and a chair that I could use to either (a) rest or (b) grab onto when I wanted to get up; and or (c) sit on when I was pooped. Who you ask couldn't make putting holes in the ground armed as I was. The answer was/is me!
I bought two plants that were pretty large requiring deep holes. Bursting with enthusiasm, I stood up and grabbed the shovel and sunk it into the ground - oh maybe down an inch. I had a long way to go before that hole was deep enough for the plant. I didn't give up - nope not me - and I didn't ask Jeff because he was still at work.
So I moved around my dinky hole and could definitely make the hole wider, but bigger was looking to be more of a problem. The oak tree has a large root stuck in the middle of the hole. I decided that I could dig around it - found out I can't. After what I thought was a lot of digging, I took said plant out of it's plastic container and put it in the hole. It wasn't too bad, there was only about 3 inches of plant above the hole!
I then decided it would be better if the dirt was wet. It would make for easier digging, in theory anyway. I flooded the hole and everything around it, including myself. The shovel and I went back to work in the mud and though the ground was now soft, it made digging no less easier. At this point, I seriously considered asking Jeff to dig holes for me, but I really wanted to do it on my own, and that was a big mistake.
I stepped backward which caused me to lose my balance and down I went in the mud. Then I was furious. My clothes were filthy and so was I. The only saving grave, and lord knows I needed one, is that I didn't fall face first into the mud. If I had, there would not have been enough swear words to adequately describe my anger. I did though manage to completely crush a Hosta plant when I fell! It's too soon to know if the "patient" will recover from being flattened.
I took my muddy, wet dripping self in the house and went straight to the laundry room. I took off my shirt because it was white (originally) and wanted to put bleach in the washing machine. So my muddy, drippy wet pants were unceremoniously plopped into the kitchen sink, waiting for the white shirt to be ready to go into the dryer.
Once I had eliminated most of the mud down the drain in the kitchen, I went upstairs and headed for the shower. I was frankly about as dirty as my clothes were.
Where are things now? I have three plants sitting in plastic pots waiting for holes. I may have to suck up my pride and ego and ask Jeff to dig holes! In case he asks, I wanted to put plants in the backyard for my viewing pleasure. Well, that was the hope anyway.
I am happy to report that the plants I put in the ground last year, came up this year! Will wonders never cease.
I guess in the next day or so, I'll have to address the issue of the plants in the Home Depot plastic pots. I can't leave them in there forever. Maybe if I used a great big spoon for digging I would be more successful! :)
P
Yesterday, I took it upon myself because I have so much endurance (not) and shocker to all of you I know, not very strong! But all of that being aside, I was determined to put my new plants in the ground, yesterday and by myself. Sounds easy enough? Well, it would if I weren't part of the equation!
I took my four new plants into the backyard, grabbed my gardening gloves (a necessity), a shovel and a towel to sit on and a chair that I could use to either (a) rest or (b) grab onto when I wanted to get up; and or (c) sit on when I was pooped. Who you ask couldn't make putting holes in the ground armed as I was. The answer was/is me!
I bought two plants that were pretty large requiring deep holes. Bursting with enthusiasm, I stood up and grabbed the shovel and sunk it into the ground - oh maybe down an inch. I had a long way to go before that hole was deep enough for the plant. I didn't give up - nope not me - and I didn't ask Jeff because he was still at work.
So I moved around my dinky hole and could definitely make the hole wider, but bigger was looking to be more of a problem. The oak tree has a large root stuck in the middle of the hole. I decided that I could dig around it - found out I can't. After what I thought was a lot of digging, I took said plant out of it's plastic container and put it in the hole. It wasn't too bad, there was only about 3 inches of plant above the hole!
I then decided it would be better if the dirt was wet. It would make for easier digging, in theory anyway. I flooded the hole and everything around it, including myself. The shovel and I went back to work in the mud and though the ground was now soft, it made digging no less easier. At this point, I seriously considered asking Jeff to dig holes for me, but I really wanted to do it on my own, and that was a big mistake.
I stepped backward which caused me to lose my balance and down I went in the mud. Then I was furious. My clothes were filthy and so was I. The only saving grave, and lord knows I needed one, is that I didn't fall face first into the mud. If I had, there would not have been enough swear words to adequately describe my anger. I did though manage to completely crush a Hosta plant when I fell! It's too soon to know if the "patient" will recover from being flattened.
I took my muddy, wet dripping self in the house and went straight to the laundry room. I took off my shirt because it was white (originally) and wanted to put bleach in the washing machine. So my muddy, drippy wet pants were unceremoniously plopped into the kitchen sink, waiting for the white shirt to be ready to go into the dryer.
Once I had eliminated most of the mud down the drain in the kitchen, I went upstairs and headed for the shower. I was frankly about as dirty as my clothes were.
Where are things now? I have three plants sitting in plastic pots waiting for holes. I may have to suck up my pride and ego and ask Jeff to dig holes! In case he asks, I wanted to put plants in the backyard for my viewing pleasure. Well, that was the hope anyway.
I am happy to report that the plants I put in the ground last year, came up this year! Will wonders never cease.
I guess in the next day or so, I'll have to address the issue of the plants in the Home Depot plastic pots. I can't leave them in there forever. Maybe if I used a great big spoon for digging I would be more successful! :)
P
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