Monday, April 27, 2020

Hair Day

4/27/2020

There are many things you can do while you "shelter in place". Books, television, back to books, laundry and dishes (they don't really count as a recreational activity.

I have had a hate relationship with my hair probably ever sense I was a teenager. When I was younger, I had curly hair, and I hated it. It seemed as if everybody around me had, what I considered to be, perfect hair. And, what does perfect hair look like? Long and straight. A look I could never pull off.

I remember the night before the senior pictures, I had my hair done by a neighbor, and so as not to mess up my "do", I literally slept with my head over the edge of the bed. What some people will do for a hair do. 

As an adult (okay, a young adult), I went somewhat regularly to a beauty shop to have my hair styled. When I look back, all the salons I went to, always gave me, when I look back on it, "old lady" styles. I was only 18.

Through the years, I have gone through perms, long hair, short hair, and everything else in between.

Since, we cannot at the moment, go to a barber or beauty shop, I took things into my own hands. And, this is scary. At this point in my life, besides wearing elastic clothing and velcro shoes, I don't want to futz with my hair. I've never been very good at "styling", and it seems as if, in Maryland, anyway, those beauty and barber shops may not open for sometime. Don't ask me why, but I cut my own hair yesterday. Okay, it's not perfect, but I wanted my hair short, and now it is. Parts of my hair look like I chopped at it. I didn't do that exactly, but I did grab up parts of my hair, and used scissors! I'll give you that it is short. but I have always been a shampoo, comb kind of gal. It's not like anybody is coming over, and we're not going anywhere (WalMart isn't a "real" store), in my opinion. So what better time to experiment. 

I watch reality shows, like you don't already know. I like to watch the Gold Rush episodes. Right now, the cast and crew are in Australia. The temperature there is well over 100 degrees. All of the cast, have long hair. And, I can't figure out why they didn't or don't, go for short hair. Everybody is sweaty and their hair simply gets in their way. Imagine if you were sporting a buzz cut of sorts, I would think these guys wouldn't have to constantly do something with their hair. 

When the boys were growing up, as we approached summer, they were given two choices. Option 1 - wash, dry and comb their hair everyday. Or, Option 2 - go to the barber shop and have their hair cut short. They always went for option 2, and by the time school started, their hair had mostly grown back in.

Years ago, we had a Labrador, and while they're a great dog, they can have a lot of hair. So, during the summer, Jeff would give our dog, a hair cut. It wasn't fashionable, but it was cooler for the dog.

So, there you have it. It really doesn't much matter, how my hair looks, because in the big picture, after all is said and done, it's just hair!

P







Thursday, April 23, 2020

Clean House

4/23/2020

It's Thursday, but who cares. Since we're all staying home for the most part, one day just blends into another.

The house was cleaned yesterday, and I appreciate Ada a whole lot. She really doesn't have to clean much at the house. Our bedroom, two bathrooms, den and kitchen. Jeff's office is off limits, and my office only requires a bit of vacuuming. Pretty good deal for her.

During breakfast, I watched CNN to get the current news, as well as how many people have died. For the most part, Jeff and I stay in the house, where I, have no get up and go. I have a "ton" of books I could read, but don't. I have started, but actually don't want to do, tidy up the spare bedrooms. I get in the room, and somebody calls "squirrel", I lose my "mojo" and can't get it back until the next day. 

There's paper (lots) in Jeff's office that need attention. What I've been trying to do, is clean up our paid bills for this year. My rationale is, that if the "x" company hasn't complained that we've missed a payment. I believe there is no reason to keep the paid bills. In doing this, causes a large shredding session.Ugh. When the shredder is full, then you empty the bucket. The rules are, that you have to put things like shredding, in a recycle bag. I find it much easier to empty the contents into a plastic bag, and then I can easily put them in the designated yard bag. If Jeff and I weren't a little bit paranoid of somebody getting our address, seeing who we paid a bill too, etc., you could just toss the contents of the shredder into the paper recycle bin. But, we all know what the results would be  - yup - lots and lots of shredding in the street!

I've been watching the reality shows - Deadly Catch, Gold Rush and Oak Island. As far, as the Oak Island show goes, Jeff and I are both rooting for the team to find treasure. Of course, if they did, that would pretty much be the end of the show. My biggest problem is trying to stay awake, and this means that Jeff has to watch the same show twice!

One of my biggest problems is boredom. You/I have lots of things we could do - but, it's hard to get motivated to do so.

 Tell Me Something Funny Siri! - YouTube

P




Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Benjamin's Birthday

4/22/2020

 Today is Benjamin's 12th birthday. Benjamin, came into our life when Jeff and I were 59 years old. Our parenting skills, by today's standards were a little rusty. But, it didn't take long before we became "pros"!

Before we took him out of the hospital, the nurse wanted to give us a few tips! We dutifully listened, and then went about raising Benjamin for 2 years, our way. The nurse said that babies needed to sleep on their back. We thought that was, in our opinion, (no hate mail please), silly. If a baby sleeps on it's back, they tend to wake up, with their arms flawing about. Once Benjamin was home, he slept on his tummy, and just like with our boys, slept better. 

Wendy and I scoured books on what the best car seat was out there. We looked for the safest one out there. We landed on a Britax car seat. I've occasionally noticed that some of the "royals" are seen with Britax seats in their cars. Jeff and I believed, and still do, that with Benjamin in his seat, he was well protected. And, I believe it's so even today.

Many new things had come along since Andrew was born. Now, to take Benjamin for a walk, we had to take him in a stroller, and since I didn't understand how to adequately secure him, while I walked, I kept a death grip on the seat (or whatever it's called).

I took a 6 week maternity leave, And, during that time had to find an adequate daycare for him. I did find someone, who seemed to tick off all of the boxes. If I picked him up, and a bottle hadn't been used, this did give me pause. 

Eventually, he was able to go to daycare at Marriott. Once I parked, I had to get the stroller out of the back of car, and set it up. One of my friends saw that I was really struggling, and came to help. Thank you very much. Once the stroller business was done, then I had to remove the car seat to put into the stroller. For an "old" woman, this was a bit of a task! I did eventually get the hang of things.

Benjamin called, and still does today, we are Mom Mom and Pop Pop. Benjamin and I always tell each other that we love each other to the moon and back. 

Obviously, when Benjamin was young, we both fit into my recliner. And, no longer do. Benjamin tries to get in the recliner, but I tell him to scoot over, because he's too big. He disagrees, and tells me to get "smaller". This is a running joke with both of us. 

Because of this stupid virus, I haven't been able to hug him in a long while. Hugs from a distance just isn't working for me. And, not being able to hug him, makes me very sad.

The "talking heads" say that the virus will likely come back later this year, and conditions will be worse.  

I don't know about you, but both sheltering in place and maintaining the recommended distance, while wearing our masks, is getting a little old.

Jeff and I are following all the guidelines. However, when you go to a store, and people aren't wearing a mask, I have the strong urge to "mask shame" them! I wouldn't in a thousand years, do this, it's just something that I think about, and I avoid confrontation whenever possible.

I'm hoping for a picture of Benjamin and our gift soon. I actually have forgotten what I bought for him, so it will be a surprise for both Jeff and I.

Notice the time people. I am blogging before noon!

Stay safe, stay well.

P



Monday, April 20, 2020

Still Here!

4/21/2020

I'm late as usual. The thing is, after breakfast, I take a snooze. Daisy likes the snooze too!

Yesterday, I was hard at work, searching for elastic for Stacey's mask. As usual, you can find anything on Amazon. I bought both pink and white elastic for her.

As you know, I'm all about the hunt. Stacey wanted more masculine fabrics, and I was able to find a variety of navy blue fabric. Some of these patterns, could also work for a woman.

I also bought Stacey, a variety of some pink fabric.  But for me? Definitely something pink. I am a "girl" after all! Okay, you can all stop laughing now.

Every morning, while eating my toast, I watch CNN. Most of their stories are about doom and gloom. Can't blame them, these are the stories that are happening right now. To take my mind off current events, I go to YouTube and find some comic to watch. You don't want to become "Debby Downer". The weather today, is gray and gloomy. Have no idea when spring or summer will start. But, I'm pretty sure that we'll be caught by surprise one day. I actually hate being hot, and that is why everybody uses an air conditioner. 

On Etsy, you can buy "ear safers. They're many choices on Etsy. The deal with these are, is that the elastic goes under your ear and then is buttoned on the buttons. I thought that this was the coolest thing ever. The last time I wore my mask I was constantly pulling my mask every which way, to make the elastic more comfortable. Lots of people are making different patterns, or just plain colors. I always wonder how do people come up with something like that? It's true that I don't have a creative bone in my body, unless it's writing.


Ear Savers for Face Masks Set of 3 Ear Protectors for Medical image 3

So that's my tip for the day. Enjoy and stay safe.

P









Friday, April 17, 2020

I'm Back

4/17/2020

It's me - truly. I am hoping that you missed me, during my little vacation. Over my forced shelter-in-place, and my computer was on spring vacation, I had lots of things on my mind. Now, that I'm "fixed", I actually can't think of anything! And, that's the way it goes. 

I will tell you that "forced vacation", isn't to my mind at least, much fun. If you were at the beach, let's say, there would be a lot to do. Alas, that's not where we are.

I make no excuses about being a recluse. Normally, this works for me really well. But, now that I can't just get up and go, makes me a bit more "mentaler" (nope, that's not a word, but you get the idea!

I mean how much crappy television can a person watch in a day - before falling into a comma-like state. I have books to read, but I'm not in the mood to read. Even though I enjoy a daily nap, and Daisy is always eager to participate as well, kind of messes with my regular sleep. 

Hopefully, the weather will start warming up soon. I need to be outside soaking up the vitamin D, but I only have a plastic chair. This is the mate to the one that broke on me last year. So, I have absolutely no confidence sitting in this chair. It's been sitting outside in the backyard, soaking up the sun rays. This does not make a plastic chair a reliable choice.

Jeff is going to the stores I think today. And, yes, he has something to cover up his face. So, a quick search at WalMart, indicates that they have a variety of outdoor rocking chairs. Maybe, Jeff will bring one home for me. 

Years ago, my sister and I were exchanging "sister boxes". And, it was a lot of fun. You never knew what was inside the box, and opening up the box, was almost better than Christmas.

This week, my sister sent me a sister box. It was filled with all sorts of goodies. Apparently, Marilee has become somewhat of an artist. She sent me several beautiful pictures, and I have already found a frame for one. Talk about efficiency.

So, here's my problem. If, I go shopping with Jeff, he's not a searcher - and I am. I get out of the house so infrequently, that once I'm inside a store (this includes WalMart), I want to browse. Touch stuff, find some new things in clothing, etc. Well, you get the idea. Most of the time, it's easier to just stay home. And, sometimes when he comes home, he brings me something extra, and I love surprises!

Can't go to get my hair cut at the moment. Problem? Nope, armed with just a comb and small scissors, I've done a pretty good job of cutting the front and sides of my hair. The back? I'm not exactly sure how to do that. Since I'm always at home, and the dogs don't seem to mind, I guess it doesn't really matter what my hair looks like! But, even though I stay at home, I dress every day, and "fuss" with my hair, so that if I am outside, I won't scare anybody away!

Two of the most important things on Jeff's list is milk and eggs. Both of these items, can sometimes hard to get. And, of course, the other usual food items, he buys every week. But, we've got the toilet paper situation covered. Jeff does not hoard once inside a store, such as buying up all the cartons of eggs and/or bottles of milk. The last time I was shopping with Jeff, I was amazed at how much bottled water people were buying. Seriously? I don't know about where you live, but here at home, the water is really very good. We do have a small supply of water in the garage. Once I bought the Contigo (sp) bottle, I carry it everywhere. You put ice in first, and then fill the rest with water. You can drink the water the next day, and it's still cold. Besides, all those plastic water bottles aren't good for the environment. And, here's a sad fact: it takes - brace yourself, 450 years. Just think about that. Oh, and plastic bags, take 10-20 years to decompose. And, I doubt that very many of us, yours truly included, wash out those plastic bags for re-use.

Stay safe and stay inside as much as you can.

P


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Thursday, April 16, 2020

Guest Blogger today

Hi all, hope this finds you healthy and safe in these crazy times.

Not bad enough that we have to stay inside and hide from the world.  We have had some issues with the computer and hence, Patti has been OFFLINE for a few days.

We are all fine - however, tired of all the ongoing BREAKING NEWS that announces more death - uck!

I am posting this - to validate we have things working again for your FAVORITE BLOGGER...

We skipped groceries last week per the guidelines - however, we will need a short trip for the basics like milk, eggs, and a few other short lived items - we still have plenty of food in the freezer and will be fine.  We even have plenty of toilet paper -

Please be safe - hang in there....

-j- 


Friday, April 10, 2020

Friday

4/10/2020

Had my morning after breakfast nap, which I enjoy very much. Problem is I don't get around to blogging until quite late.

Yesterday, I watched a YouTube video, or whatever they call it, about charter pilots. Okay, this tweaked my interest. I wanted to know how much charter pilots make? Is it by the job, the hour, etc.?

I learned that private pilots earn on average $74,950. But, the range is $64,000 to $84,211. While in their "down" time, there are free to do contract work, and they then earn about $1,000 day! That's not too bad.

Most private pilots are given a "schedule" of sorts, but generally are only given a four hour notice. One client, only uses his plane three times a year! His crew has a lot of time down, and can do corporate work, or if money isn't a problem, stay at the beach, or wherever the client goes. Every 12 months, the pilot(s) have to pass certain standards, one being needing to pass the medical test. 

If you don't pass the medical test, it's simple. You don't fly. Jeff and I have a plane, not a jet, and there is a difference I can assure you. I forget when but Jeff didn't pass his medical because of an AFib issue, which can cause a person's heart to beat irregularly. Jeff has been tested by his doctors, and other than the AFib issue, has been given the "green light" by his doctors. Once you lose your medical, you have to gather all required documents, and send them back to the FAA, and keep your fingers crossed!

As the owner of the plane, he doesn't get "paid". But, what he does get, is the ability to fly around in circles, if he wants. Or, to a destination, we have flown to the Bahamas twice and those were really good trips. As far, as Jeff is concerned, there are no bad flights, or destinations, as long as you fly safe.

Okay, you know me, I have to research my subject to death. So I wondered what does a "regular" airline pilot make each year. A pilot that flies a large jet earns about $121,408. A pilot of a smaller jet, earns only $104,000. Based on a lot of people's incomes right now, pilots make a great deal of money.

Stay safe.

P


 

Closing Up Shop

7/3/3021 Dear Friends and Family, I've decided to, for the present time, turning my blog off. Over the years, I've had faithful foll...