3/15/2017
Yesterday, as predicted, when we woke up, there was snow on the ground. Enough snow that needed to be shoveled, particularly since after the snow, we received sleet. What you don't want is to have ice form on top of snow. That's a dreadful combination. In terms of safety, what you do want is to see black asphalt on your driveway. Since the boys are grown, and I'm pretty much useless, Jeff had to do the shoveling by himself, which he did, taking his time as well as taking needed and necessary breaks.
The puppies, as you can imagine, thought the white stuff was great. They were out in the yard and frolicking around and having a good time. Good thing about snow is that when they come inside, their paws are wet, but not muddy! Definitely a plus.
Yesterday evening, I noticed a bit of blood on Jeff's recliner. I/we followed the trail and it led to Bella. She had torn her dew claw and was bleeding everywhere. Unfortunately, before we noticed, she had walked up the stairs, leaving behind spots of blood. Had to get the carpet cleaning tools out again - sigh! I thought we had gotten most of the potty training under control, at least for Bella. Daisy - not so much.
Jeff wrestled Bella onto our chest freezer. He applied some blood stop to the area and then we put on a wide bandage. We covered up our handiwork with an old sock and packing tape to keep everything in place. The sock stayed in place through the night but this morning she was anxious to remove the sock, and she did so in record time. The bandage has remained in place and there is no sign of "leakage".
You may remember that I wrote about one of Jeff's Christmas presents to me. An anti-aging cream for "old woman spots" on the face. The trial was advertised as "free"; but, believe me when I tell you that it wasn't completely free. In the tiniest of print, there was a disclosure that unless you notified the company within "x" days, you would receive a regular shipment of cream. The regular two jars of cream come to a whopping $166! Finding a phone number for this company, required a lot of time and patience, but eventually I was successful. I told them that I was sending the unopened jars back and wanted my full refund. I had to pay for the postage to return the jars, and kept the receipt that has a tracking number. Lesson to self - anything that is free - probably isn't!
We just got our Visa statement and the credit of $166 was not there. I called the company and was put on hold multiple times. The customer representative said he could issue me a 50% refund on each jar. He also told me that the warehouse hadn't received my package. I called him on his "bull....", and told him that I had tracked the package and that they had received on February 15th. I also told him (and boy am I getting assertive in my old age) that I absolutely WOULD NOT accept a 50% refund. I also told him that if we didn't see the full refund in the next week, I would get Visa involved. I do believe I got the young man's attention.
I've received my first on-line writing assignments. So far, the critiques from my instructor have been mostly positive. When I failed to keep my momentum going, she offered me ways to fix that in the future. I have just signed up for a second writing course. No grades, just the satisfaction of producing good (hopefully) work.
Cold and windy today. A good day to be inside for sure. Even the puppies are spending very little time outside!
P
Cold and a bit windy today. A good day to be inside for sure.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
It Actually Snowed!
3/14/2017
Last night, we did get snow. We didn't get the 8-12 inches they were predicting, but it's snow nonetheless. On top of the snow, unfortunately, there is a layer of sleet/ice or whatever, which makes walking and driving a bit tricky. Jeff decided he wasn't going into work today, and as I write this, he's in his recliner, in front of the fireplace and probably has at least one, if not both puppies in his life. Heaven.
The wind is picking up, so people do stand the possibility of having trees fall down. And also the possibility of losing power. We have some free tall and old Leland Cypress trees, so if one of them fell over, it wouldn't particularly be heartbreaking. Just plant a new one in it's place.
The puppies are loving the snow. They come in with wet coats, which they shake once there inside. The good news about snow is that their paws are wet but not muddy, an absolute plus for me.
I think Jeff is going to make chicken soup today. He makes very good soup but always adds mushrooms - yuck! I've learned to eat around them and then add them back to the soup pot.
Yesterday, I got back my first critique from my on-line writing instructor. She had many good things to say about what I'd written and also some suggestions on how to make my writing better.
That's all the news from the house today.
P
Last night, we did get snow. We didn't get the 8-12 inches they were predicting, but it's snow nonetheless. On top of the snow, unfortunately, there is a layer of sleet/ice or whatever, which makes walking and driving a bit tricky. Jeff decided he wasn't going into work today, and as I write this, he's in his recliner, in front of the fireplace and probably has at least one, if not both puppies in his life. Heaven.
The wind is picking up, so people do stand the possibility of having trees fall down. And also the possibility of losing power. We have some free tall and old Leland Cypress trees, so if one of them fell over, it wouldn't particularly be heartbreaking. Just plant a new one in it's place.
The puppies are loving the snow. They come in with wet coats, which they shake once there inside. The good news about snow is that their paws are wet but not muddy, an absolute plus for me.
I think Jeff is going to make chicken soup today. He makes very good soup but always adds mushrooms - yuck! I've learned to eat around them and then add them back to the soup pot.
Yesterday, I got back my first critique from my on-line writing instructor. She had many good things to say about what I'd written and also some suggestions on how to make my writing better.
That's all the news from the house today.
P
Monday, March 13, 2017
The "S" Word!
3/13/2017
The weathermen are predicting snow to arrive tonight through tomorrow morning. If the prediction is true, then it will be our first major snow event this winter. Sounds like we'll definitely have to get the snow shovels out. Trees and flowers are so confused. They don't know whether to start budding or pull themselves back in and wait for warmer weather. Perhaps Mother Nature is menopausal!
Unlike most folks, Jeff and I have a full (and I really do mean that) pantry, freezer and fridge. The trifecta of things that most people buy before a storm is: milk, toilet paper and then something else to help get you through the storm - like ice cream!
When enough snow is predicted that will require snow plows and/or salt trucks, people should make sure that all of their cars are out of the street. The plows cannot do an adequate job of clearing the roads, if there are cars parked and blocking their way. I know it can be a nuisance to put multiple cars in the driveway, because of the possibility of having to jockey them around, but in the long run it helps everyone else out.
If we do get inches of snow, then I'll be interested to see what the puppies make of walking and/or running through drifts. Unlike old Sam, who was all white and couldn't really be seen in the snow, both of the puppies have colored coats, and are taller than Sam was.
I was supposed to host the book club tomorrow night, but it's been rescheduled until next week. Once the snow begins to fall and stick to the ground, there is no reason to put yourself in harm's way for an activity that can easily be scheduled for a new date.
It's pretty quiet on the home front today, if you don't factor in Daisy's barking. How I wish she was more obedient like Bella. If you call Bella into the house, she comes running. Daisy? Not so much.
Have a wonderful Monday.
P
The weathermen are predicting snow to arrive tonight through tomorrow morning. If the prediction is true, then it will be our first major snow event this winter. Sounds like we'll definitely have to get the snow shovels out. Trees and flowers are so confused. They don't know whether to start budding or pull themselves back in and wait for warmer weather. Perhaps Mother Nature is menopausal!
Unlike most folks, Jeff and I have a full (and I really do mean that) pantry, freezer and fridge. The trifecta of things that most people buy before a storm is: milk, toilet paper and then something else to help get you through the storm - like ice cream!
When enough snow is predicted that will require snow plows and/or salt trucks, people should make sure that all of their cars are out of the street. The plows cannot do an adequate job of clearing the roads, if there are cars parked and blocking their way. I know it can be a nuisance to put multiple cars in the driveway, because of the possibility of having to jockey them around, but in the long run it helps everyone else out.
If we do get inches of snow, then I'll be interested to see what the puppies make of walking and/or running through drifts. Unlike old Sam, who was all white and couldn't really be seen in the snow, both of the puppies have colored coats, and are taller than Sam was.
I was supposed to host the book club tomorrow night, but it's been rescheduled until next week. Once the snow begins to fall and stick to the ground, there is no reason to put yourself in harm's way for an activity that can easily be scheduled for a new date.
It's pretty quiet on the home front today, if you don't factor in Daisy's barking. How I wish she was more obedient like Bella. If you call Bella into the house, she comes running. Daisy? Not so much.
Have a wonderful Monday.
P
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Saturday
3/12/2017
Yesterday morning, Jeff and I, along with the girls, headed out to Andy's house to spend the day. Since they live on acreage, the girls spent most of the day stretching out those puppy dog legs, especially Daisy.
Stacey was hosting a clothing show for her friends. I came to the house armed with crossword puzzles, my Kindle, and notes from my writing class instructor. The clothes that were for sale were very soft and colorful. I tried on one or two pieces and they fit, but because I'm sure and a bit (ya think?) wide, the tops covered up one of my least favorite "assets" - my rear end. I could have, I suppose bought a tunic and then paid to have it shortened by six inches or more. In the end, I simply watched the fashion parade as the ladies tried on different pieces of clothing. The leggings were very popular, but although I didn't try on any, am pretty sure they wouldn't look good on me. Plus, I wear very few printed tops and tees. Just not my thing, and it could be because I am either (a) old (and I am); or most likely simply set in my ways!
I had made small Easter baskets for Benjamin and his friend. They were both very happy with the chocolate in their baskets - but I'm not sure how much their mothers liked the sugar highs. Stacey's birthday is next week, so I bought her two bottles of nail polish in colors that I wouldn't wear, but knew that she would. One polish was blue (so never going to happen with me) and the other a deep red.
Jeff helped Andy out in the yard with I think his electric fence before everybody, including the kids, headed inside because it was so cold outside. After the clothing show had ended, we adults spent sometime talking, while all the dogs, theirs and ours, slept soundlessly at our feet. As dinner time approached, Jeff and I started home with two very tired and quiet dogs in the back of the car! Nothing like a little fresh air and exercise to tire a puppy out.
Snow is being predicted for our area on Monday/Tuesday. Some predictions say we'll get several inches, which means to me, stay home and be safe. My car can certainly drive through some amount of snow, but in that kind of weather, you always have to worry about the other drivers.
Have a wonderful day.
P
Yesterday morning, Jeff and I, along with the girls, headed out to Andy's house to spend the day. Since they live on acreage, the girls spent most of the day stretching out those puppy dog legs, especially Daisy.
Stacey was hosting a clothing show for her friends. I came to the house armed with crossword puzzles, my Kindle, and notes from my writing class instructor. The clothes that were for sale were very soft and colorful. I tried on one or two pieces and they fit, but because I'm sure and a bit (ya think?) wide, the tops covered up one of my least favorite "assets" - my rear end. I could have, I suppose bought a tunic and then paid to have it shortened by six inches or more. In the end, I simply watched the fashion parade as the ladies tried on different pieces of clothing. The leggings were very popular, but although I didn't try on any, am pretty sure they wouldn't look good on me. Plus, I wear very few printed tops and tees. Just not my thing, and it could be because I am either (a) old (and I am); or most likely simply set in my ways!
I had made small Easter baskets for Benjamin and his friend. They were both very happy with the chocolate in their baskets - but I'm not sure how much their mothers liked the sugar highs. Stacey's birthday is next week, so I bought her two bottles of nail polish in colors that I wouldn't wear, but knew that she would. One polish was blue (so never going to happen with me) and the other a deep red.
Jeff helped Andy out in the yard with I think his electric fence before everybody, including the kids, headed inside because it was so cold outside. After the clothing show had ended, we adults spent sometime talking, while all the dogs, theirs and ours, slept soundlessly at our feet. As dinner time approached, Jeff and I started home with two very tired and quiet dogs in the back of the car! Nothing like a little fresh air and exercise to tire a puppy out.
Snow is being predicted for our area on Monday/Tuesday. Some predictions say we'll get several inches, which means to me, stay home and be safe. My car can certainly drive through some amount of snow, but in that kind of weather, you always have to worry about the other drivers.
Have a wonderful day.
P
Friday, March 10, 2017
It's Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiday!
3/10/2017
First off, it's my sister's birthday, so Happy Birthday Marilee. I hope you have a wonderful day and get to eat cake!
Yesterday, in a spur of the moment thought, I went to have my toes "done". I, like most women I know, love for their feet to look good. And, while it's probably too early to start wearing sandals, that's no reason not to indulge yourself. Since I was already at the salon, I also had my face waxed, which I love and hate all at the same time. I hate that I have to keep waxing. When exactly does facial hair stop growing? I'm not a man, so a mustache and "beard" aren't exactly good looks for me. I've been waxing for more than 30 years and you would think that the hair follicles would have decided, that I simply don't want hair on my face.
I can still remember on our honeymoon, we took a bus and there was an old, and she really was, women on the bus that had a long and gray hair sticking out of a mole. Gave me the shudders. They make mirrors and believe me you would not have to use a magnifying glass to spot that sprouting hair.
After getting all spiffed up, I went to the grocery store to buy bagels and get Benjamin a chocolate bunny. We are seeing him tomorrow so I wanted to bring him something for Easter, which I know isn't until next month - but nobody really needs to wait for a holiday to eat chocolate. After I got home, I remembered that Benjamin was having someone over to play tomorrow, so I'll probably run out and get something for his friend. Sharing is one thing, but sharing a chocolate rabbit is a whole different ballgame.
As nice as yesterday was, today looks ominous. As I went on my errands yesterday, I was jealous of Jeff being able to drive home with the top down. Since he has no hair on his head, he doesn't have to worry about the wind messing up his "do"! Snow or snow showers are predicted for today, and as I look outside, I can absolutely believe that something is going to fall out of the sky today.
While I'm writing, the girls are both going to town on their bones. There are times that I think our house resembles a cemetery, with all the bones and antlers on the floor.
P
First off, it's my sister's birthday, so Happy Birthday Marilee. I hope you have a wonderful day and get to eat cake!
Yesterday, in a spur of the moment thought, I went to have my toes "done". I, like most women I know, love for their feet to look good. And, while it's probably too early to start wearing sandals, that's no reason not to indulge yourself. Since I was already at the salon, I also had my face waxed, which I love and hate all at the same time. I hate that I have to keep waxing. When exactly does facial hair stop growing? I'm not a man, so a mustache and "beard" aren't exactly good looks for me. I've been waxing for more than 30 years and you would think that the hair follicles would have decided, that I simply don't want hair on my face.
I can still remember on our honeymoon, we took a bus and there was an old, and she really was, women on the bus that had a long and gray hair sticking out of a mole. Gave me the shudders. They make mirrors and believe me you would not have to use a magnifying glass to spot that sprouting hair.
After getting all spiffed up, I went to the grocery store to buy bagels and get Benjamin a chocolate bunny. We are seeing him tomorrow so I wanted to bring him something for Easter, which I know isn't until next month - but nobody really needs to wait for a holiday to eat chocolate. After I got home, I remembered that Benjamin was having someone over to play tomorrow, so I'll probably run out and get something for his friend. Sharing is one thing, but sharing a chocolate rabbit is a whole different ballgame.
As nice as yesterday was, today looks ominous. As I went on my errands yesterday, I was jealous of Jeff being able to drive home with the top down. Since he has no hair on his head, he doesn't have to worry about the wind messing up his "do"! Snow or snow showers are predicted for today, and as I look outside, I can absolutely believe that something is going to fall out of the sky today.
While I'm writing, the girls are both going to town on their bones. There are times that I think our house resembles a cemetery, with all the bones and antlers on the floor.
P
Thursday, March 9, 2017
I Made it to Thursday!
3/9/2017
After the disaster that was earlier in the week, I'm happy to say that yesterday was much better around the house. And, with the purchase of new hooves filled with cheese and bacon, the girls were very well behaved, oh and quiet!
In anticipation of my 50th high school reunion, I have already booked the girls into the kennel. I know that available days during the summer go quickly, so I thought it better to book ahead, and made sure that both dogs would be housed in the same kennel. They're going to be unhappy enough to be left there, so it only makes sense to put them together, so that they can bark and howl in harmony!
It is bright and sunny out, so I may go out into the backyard with my Kindle and park myself in the sun. A bonus to doing this will be that the girls will play "nicely" and "quietly" in the yard. We did buy an anti-bark collar for Daisy, but haven't put it on her yet. We hate to do this, but also know how unrelenting her barking can be. When we go out to Andy's house on Saturday, she and run and bark, or bark and bark - her option. Here's what I know for sure, they'll play and run hard, so the car ride home will be very quiet.
Also, in anticipation of the warmer months ahead, I've called our lawn service and told them not to bother with the backyard, because there is no backyard unless you call strips of bark, holes in the ground and grass that has been trampled on and is now pretty much dirt. Our intention, I think, is to "fence" off somehow part of the yard to seed and fertilizer. While doing that would greatly reduce the area that the girls have for running, it might allow some grass to grow. And, we could move the temporary fence to different parts of the yard. They have managed to chew up every plant that was in the yard, except for the holly bush/tree. I'm going to plant some more holly bushes, along or near the fence line as a deterrent that will eventually block their ability to see into the neighbor's yard.
As I'm sitting here, Daisy is once again outside and barking her fool head off. I know she sees or senses something, probably a squirrel; but, no amount of barking is going to allow her to catch an animal. Squirrels don't actually just fall into a yard where dogs live, just saying, particularly an annoying barking dog.
I have bought over the months that we have had the girls, some bones that are absolutely indestructible for the girls. They are made of some kind of heavy bone and when they drop one of these bones, it makes quite a racket. I have boxed up all of these bones and will take them out to Andy's house on Saturday. His large dogs will probably make fast work of breaking open these bones.
Today is put the laundry away day. All the clothes are clean, but as yet are still sitting in the laundry basket getting wrinkles! Luckily, I can live with a few, or more, wrinkles.
I better get my rear in gear. I want to be able to tell Jeff, when he gets home, that I've accomplished "x" or even better also "y"!
P
After the disaster that was earlier in the week, I'm happy to say that yesterday was much better around the house. And, with the purchase of new hooves filled with cheese and bacon, the girls were very well behaved, oh and quiet!
In anticipation of my 50th high school reunion, I have already booked the girls into the kennel. I know that available days during the summer go quickly, so I thought it better to book ahead, and made sure that both dogs would be housed in the same kennel. They're going to be unhappy enough to be left there, so it only makes sense to put them together, so that they can bark and howl in harmony!
It is bright and sunny out, so I may go out into the backyard with my Kindle and park myself in the sun. A bonus to doing this will be that the girls will play "nicely" and "quietly" in the yard. We did buy an anti-bark collar for Daisy, but haven't put it on her yet. We hate to do this, but also know how unrelenting her barking can be. When we go out to Andy's house on Saturday, she and run and bark, or bark and bark - her option. Here's what I know for sure, they'll play and run hard, so the car ride home will be very quiet.
Also, in anticipation of the warmer months ahead, I've called our lawn service and told them not to bother with the backyard, because there is no backyard unless you call strips of bark, holes in the ground and grass that has been trampled on and is now pretty much dirt. Our intention, I think, is to "fence" off somehow part of the yard to seed and fertilizer. While doing that would greatly reduce the area that the girls have for running, it might allow some grass to grow. And, we could move the temporary fence to different parts of the yard. They have managed to chew up every plant that was in the yard, except for the holly bush/tree. I'm going to plant some more holly bushes, along or near the fence line as a deterrent that will eventually block their ability to see into the neighbor's yard.
As I'm sitting here, Daisy is once again outside and barking her fool head off. I know she sees or senses something, probably a squirrel; but, no amount of barking is going to allow her to catch an animal. Squirrels don't actually just fall into a yard where dogs live, just saying, particularly an annoying barking dog.
I have bought over the months that we have had the girls, some bones that are absolutely indestructible for the girls. They are made of some kind of heavy bone and when they drop one of these bones, it makes quite a racket. I have boxed up all of these bones and will take them out to Andy's house on Saturday. His large dogs will probably make fast work of breaking open these bones.
Today is put the laundry away day. All the clothes are clean, but as yet are still sitting in the laundry basket getting wrinkles! Luckily, I can live with a few, or more, wrinkles.
I better get my rear in gear. I want to be able to tell Jeff, when he gets home, that I've accomplished "x" or even better also "y"!
P
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
The Horrible, Awful Day That Was!
3/8/2017
I've been running a house for many, many years and for much of that time, have never blundered more than once in a day/week or month. And then there was yesterday. Everything that could go wrong, did.
I burnt bacon that I was planning to use on a lettuce salad that Jeff really likes. Then while attempting to get the bacon out of the oven, the handle fell off - urgh! And, for a recipe I have made like a zillion times, I forgot one layer of peas completely! And, last but not least, I loaded up the dishwasher with way tooo much soap, and I had pillows of suds all over the floor. The soap suds incident reminded me of an "I Love Lucy" episode where she backed bread, and the bread once it was cooked, just kept getting longer and longer! By the time Jeff got home, I was frazzled beyond belief. And, then there was Daisy. She stayed outside and barked and barked. No amount of persuasion on my part would get her to come inside. I think she has a sixth sense that if she does come inside, then I'm going to close the basement door - and she's right - that's exactly what I intended to do.
This Saturday, Jeff and I are taking the girls and going out to Andy's house. Stacey is having some of a clothing show. Benjamin and his friend can take the girls to the backyard and everyone can simply run and run. And, I'm sure that Jeff will putter around and eventually find something to do. I'm not particularly interested in the clothes, but it will be another "outing" that I can tell Dr. H about when I see her next week.
In anticipation of the book club next week, I have bought several necessary things for the gathering. This is huge for me to host the book club. Unlike the other ladies who's houses were meticulous, mine is not so much. It's hard to disguise a skirt on a sofa that has been chewed up! I'm going to do my best to make sure that my living room and dining room are as "put together" as possible. I'm even going to dust!
P.S. In honor of the women not working day, I've decided to pretty much take the day off too! After all, we women have to stick together.
P
I've been running a house for many, many years and for much of that time, have never blundered more than once in a day/week or month. And then there was yesterday. Everything that could go wrong, did.
I burnt bacon that I was planning to use on a lettuce salad that Jeff really likes. Then while attempting to get the bacon out of the oven, the handle fell off - urgh! And, for a recipe I have made like a zillion times, I forgot one layer of peas completely! And, last but not least, I loaded up the dishwasher with way tooo much soap, and I had pillows of suds all over the floor. The soap suds incident reminded me of an "I Love Lucy" episode where she backed bread, and the bread once it was cooked, just kept getting longer and longer! By the time Jeff got home, I was frazzled beyond belief. And, then there was Daisy. She stayed outside and barked and barked. No amount of persuasion on my part would get her to come inside. I think she has a sixth sense that if she does come inside, then I'm going to close the basement door - and she's right - that's exactly what I intended to do.
This Saturday, Jeff and I are taking the girls and going out to Andy's house. Stacey is having some of a clothing show. Benjamin and his friend can take the girls to the backyard and everyone can simply run and run. And, I'm sure that Jeff will putter around and eventually find something to do. I'm not particularly interested in the clothes, but it will be another "outing" that I can tell Dr. H about when I see her next week.
In anticipation of the book club next week, I have bought several necessary things for the gathering. This is huge for me to host the book club. Unlike the other ladies who's houses were meticulous, mine is not so much. It's hard to disguise a skirt on a sofa that has been chewed up! I'm going to do my best to make sure that my living room and dining room are as "put together" as possible. I'm even going to dust!
P.S. In honor of the women not working day, I've decided to pretty much take the day off too! After all, we women have to stick together.
P
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