Thursday

[Shirlv]

Morning All. Sue, hope your snow has melted. Went to daughters, opened shed, got supplies to start on the raised bed. Opened hatch and everything from Lowe’s was wrong. Lowe’s loaded black mulch not Black Kow and top soil instead if potting soil. Drove 25 miles back to Lowe’s, went to outside area where garden supplies are kept. A cute young girl swished her ponytail and told me I had to go inside to service and get a return ticket. The place was mobbed and I wanted to cry. I was stuck in a back up when a young man tapped on my window, told me he would help me and I didn’t have to go inside. Back at daughters, opened the shed, etc and it poured rain. I came home and took a nap. Rain predicted for today so will try daughters tomorrow. Be safe

[Colliemom]

Morning Shirl and all. Shirl, sorry about your misadventures yesterday. Somedays it doesn’t pay to get out of bed. When I get days like that, even if are frustrating, I usually laugh because it’s a “so what else can happen” thing and just muddle through it. Always works out in the end. In your case, the young man appeared. You just needed to exchange the wrong stuff for the right but I do have to admit that you did give me a chuckle because talk about a comedy of misfortunes, It just wasn’t your day

We didn’t get any snow to speak of. It snowed most of the day yesterday, snow showers actually, but melted as fast as it hit the ground. Up town it was turning the grass white out by our Meijer store , but that’s all. This morning I woke up expecting to see a bit of white ground and it’s green grass and snow on the edges of roofs. But looks like a wet weather pattern Into to next week. As thty say, April showers.....

I was looking at our State Park reservation system, thinking of moving some dates and well, forget it. If you don’t have reservations in by now, you are not going camping. Unbelieveable. Parks that usually don’t see full campgrounds are full and the rest, it’s a Day here or there, maybe a couple together, but try for more than that, never mind. If I didn’t have reservations I would not even bother to uncover my trailer this year. I was thinking of maybe dropping my week over the Fourth of July and staying home and go up to my other favorite campground up the road here for maybe a couple of days. Can’t get in. It does slack off some about the latter part of August but even in September I was surprised at the reservations at some of the parks that always have sites that time of year. Lots of newbies out there. My first trip out is Memorial Day weekend with a bunch of friends from up in the UP. I did cancel one trip at the end of July because it is in conflict with the appointment I have with my Retina specialist. That is more important than camping. When they give you a date for your next appointment you had better take it or you may be waiting down the line for another one. I might be poking my nose into Wisconsin. Maybe even Indiana. Been kind of wanting to go back to Shipshewana and even Thompson Causeway again.

But for today, I am going to finish working on my wood crafts and just putter around the house here. I know there will be a dog walk sometime later today. So I guess I should get cleaned up and get my day started here. Hope you all have a nice day out there.

[Irmi]

Good morning Shirl, Sue & everyone!

Shirl, you have had your share of frustrating moments. I'm guessing you went to the Lowe's in Easton and the traffic there is enough to where I'd rather not go back, but it's not as bad as the traffic in Annapolis. I'm so sorry this happened to you. Sue, because of the size of our motorhome, we don't fit in most state parks, but we have campgrounds available that are quite nice, with large wooded sites and we don't have to reserve 6 months in advance.

We're having the friends that we traveled across the country with coming for the afternoon. When we get together, we take turns and have a mid afternoon meal together. Today, the menu is jambalaya, mandarin salad, garlic bread and apple fritters with maple glaze. The weather in central FL is warm and sunny but in a couple days, we're going to have several days with lots of rain.

Enjoy your day!

[Acadianmom]

Most of the rain missed me yesterday. It went off shore just to the West of here. Todays storms came through about 4:00 this morning and now they are near New Orleans. I don't know if Sugar thinks the thunder is someone outside but she starts barking. I let her out for an hour until it started raining hard. I hurt my back somehow and it feels like when the sciatica started. I hope I don't have another round of that. The dentist office called and wanted me to come in at 2:00 this afternoon. The meetup meal is at 6:00 and I don't want to spend all afternoon in Lafayette so I told them no. I have an appointment for next Tuesday and they have already started with the Covid question messages. There are more storms coming tomorrow and Saturday. This is getting old.

The talk about dump carts reminded me that I have one sitting on the old carport full of dirt. I don't remember where the dirt came from but it needs to be dumped so I can use the cart. I need to get more mulch for the rose bed. I measured the screen door on the camper again. I want to get some clear plastic to put on it so I can leave the door open. The website says that the Lowe's here has some. Maybe I can make it by there before I lose the measurements again.

The Weather Channel is saying that we are going to have an above average hurricane season. I sure hope they are wrong. I haven't gotten the damage repaired from last year.

One of the cats just threw up on the back of the recliner. Thank goodness I have a cover on it. Something else to wash.

Martha

[Cudedog]

Oh my goodness, Shirl, Sue and Martha - what a time you all have had. Haven't had that kind of a day myself in quite a while - but they do happen. Martha, I also hope that they are wrong about the hurricane season for you. . . just like I hope that they are wrong about the prediction of a "historical drought with an intense fire season" coming to us west coasters this year.



The ash fall here last summer - which went on for weeks - was. . . well, I'll just say it was unbelievable. The gritty ash got into everything. I took my van out for a joyride a week or so ago, and when I turned on the a.c. (for the first time since last year), a lot of "dust" came blowing out of the vents along with the cool air. I thought "what the heck...?", then realized it was ash from last year's fires.

I'm just really glad I don't live up in the Sierra foothills any more (lived up there for nearly 30 years). Every summer spent on eggshells, looking outside for a smoke plume, listening for the specific engine noise the fire spotter planes make when flying overhead.

No more. Although I will always miss and long for my rural, mountain-view home. [sigh]

Anne

[Shirlv]

Just back from the raised bed. It is full of good soil and one tomato plant. The sun came out and it is a gorgeous day. Had a nice breeze and walked back and forth until it was finished. Sitting in the recliner with ice on my back. I’m not hurting but it is just in case. Feeling that good tired when you have accomplished something. Got a chocolate milkshake on the way home. I have a lot of spinach and really wanted strawberry spinach salad but too tired to walk in the store for strawberries. Lol. Won’t need any rocking tonight. Be safe

[Bethers]

I awoke to a little snow on the ground. An hour or so later when I walked Ty the ground was in view, just a bit of snow on the picnic table and car. I went to work and after I finished cleaning one room and heading to B building (yes water is working now) snow was twirling around me again. Most is gone again but dang it's cold out! One app is saying 37, another 41. The feels like are 27 and 31. Where did spring go?

Shirl, that milk shake sounds good, but I hot chocolate will hit the spot for me. I shivered just thinking about ice on any body part right now.

[chalet05]

Good afternoon,

Guess some of us are having frustrating times - I wasn't going to share but misery loves company.

It was to freeze here Saturday night so, as I have done all winter, I let a faucet drip with the gray tank valve open as far as the compartment door will allow. Was not a good sleep night and at 6:30 a.m. I got up from the couch and stepped in water! The gray tank apparently quit draining! Since it had been open, at least it was all clean, clear water. What a mess!

Yesterday I got the news the apartment won't be ready until May 28 - Memorial Day weekend in a tourist town! Thinking it wouldn't be that long, my pots and pans arrived yesterday and dinnerware is coming next week. The kids offered their spare room for storage, but now will be longer than planned. Also learned Kyle and Alea are having a 'parents only' ceremony. Means no trip to the big city for me - woohoo!

Shirl, the feeling of accomplishment! Karen making great progress as well. Beth, I know it's cold, but what a beautiful area to be in! I remember being in Zion and Bryce in May and June for hiking - hard to believe that was 21 years ago. Martha, I saw that about the hurricanes, too, and hope they are as off the mark as they usually are. Sue, I'm not surprised about campground reservations from what I've read. Also glad your eye issue is on a 'hold'. Tina, happy you enjoying the dog shows!

Just noticed the maintenance guy moved the picnic table so he could mow - clear to the back of the site in the dirt! He's usually pretty good, but I do hear him moan and groan at times.

Temps in the 70s here now for the most part. I had planned to ride or shop today, but enjoying all the doors and window open. I had a new battery for Sling sent to kids' so will pick that up after Monica gets off work.

[Liz]

Good evening from here. Not yet campfire time. I posted an update on my gardens under General with pictures of how I have been spending my time these fine Spring days.

This week my kayaking friend, Judy and I went on a two-day paddling adventure on the Suwannee River, spending the night at one of the river camps set up for that purpose. We had beautiful weather for that too.



I'm enjoying reading all your daily stories; will try to write more soon.

[OregonLuvr]

As much as I enjoy working in the yard, this is getting exhausting. I spent an hour digging ONE hole for my Lilac bush. The soil is compacted clay underneath the dang black plastic that I have to remove. Raked the dirt that is on top of the plastic off, cut and rip the plastic out, start digging OMG the clay stuck to my shovel sheesh. I finally got a hole deep enough and wide enough after many rest periods. I think when they put the mobile homes in they put an odd mixture of soil when placing it and leveling it. Probably to keep it from settling too much. Now it is compacted down underneath the plastic. I went to Lowe's today and bought a couple of bags of garden soil and 5 bags for $10 of red mulch. The mulch is still in my car LOL might just live there until tomorrow. I made sure they loaded the correct stuff after Shirl's boo boo.

Anita was sure hoping you might even get to move in early, guess not. Shirl hope your back doesnt act up tomorrow, good idea with the prophylactic ice LOL Anne I had to change my cabin air filter in my car a couple of times last year during the fires. Have you changed yours yet? Might help if you have not. I ordered mine online was way cheaper than the dealer. Of course then I had to watch Youtube to see just how to do it LOL We are super dry here too. I know it is going to be an awful fire season. We have already had multiple fires but seems they limited them to 10-15 acres. So got them out rather quickly. But it is so early yet and already fires are happening. I am dreading the summer. I think maybe I should move to the beach LOL

[JudyJB]

Beth, I always simmer skinless chicken thighs in a pot of water, along with finely chopped onions and dried celery flakes, plus salt and a little black pepper. (I like dried celery because a bunch of the stuff goes to waste.) Sometimes I also add carrots and parsley. After an hour or so, or when it looks done, I let it cool, cut up the chicken, and put broth and chicken in small containers for freezing. (Don't need any purchased broth.) Hopefully, by the time it cools, it is somewhat concentrated. (Sometimes have to skim off fat.) Some I add the noodles then, but for the rest, I add more water and the noodles when I want to thaw and cook it. Takes up less space and noodles are not overcooked.

Had a terrible day driving today. The first 100 miles was good, but then rest (130 miles) to Albuquerque was bad. Started off a little windy, and got windier as I went. By the time I got to the last 20 miles, wind was horrible and blowing me around like crazy. Luckily, I am in a splurge campground (meaning more expensive than my usual cheap state parks) because I have to do four loads of laundry. Also wanted a place that had paved roads and sites because I was getting tired of dust, which is really nice because it is so windy. I quickly hooked up electric and water, but not sewer, and I didn't put out my slides because it would tear the slide toppers.

I am discovering that in New Mexico you have to drive early in the day because the wind comes up in late afternoon and creates horrible sand storms. You can hardly see the mountains in the distance because of the dust and sand blowing around. I was going to do laundry tonight, but think I will wait until tomorrow. According to weather report, it will be less windy at about 8 pm, so will put out slides then.

[snowball]

trying to figure out the weather for Monday not looking good as Pocatello is having winds at 17 Tues is better only 9 but I can't get report on Idaho Falls either my computer is really slow or its the wifi for the camp might take my computer over to my dd's house some time and look at it there...
Truck is still being worked on... where I take it to is a small business the bays are smaller and so there is a lift outside for larger vehicles like mine when the weather is bad they can't use it and yesterday the weather was bad hopefully it will be done tomorrow then to fine someone to take me to pick it up... going to go with a friend to Micheals and Joann's get yarn for next project maybe she can drop me off there instead of here we will see she wants to be home by 1:30 so guess it depends upon how fast we shop know the colors I want just hope that they have them and in one store returned colors I decided against
turned on a heat lamp thinking it would be warmer for Shadow so he goes over to another area of the trailer to sleep in perhaps its too bright far enough away for him don't think it would be too hot ought to go turn it off if not using it
so another laz in bed wear down the battery in the phone before crawling out into a really cold place... couldn't force myself to get out of bed to turn the furnace up guess I had it too something for it to come on ....
was doing a word search and it was a page with names from like Lord's of Rings odd names and was literately saying in my mind that these made up names where so hard to find when the next name that appeared was Merry had to laugh as that is so not made up...
need to go find me something to drink got out my soda stream so I could make me some fizzy water....
we had some sprinkling of rain but not much and not any snow but my friend in the next town south got snow yesterday
no telling what it will do it's that lake effect in some ways
you all have a great day
sheila

[Bethers]

Anita, I'm sorry. What a drag. Hang in there.

Judy, I always plan on light to no winds in the mornings, but that's when the sneak up on my overnight and wake me up. I no longer count on that. I think crossing my fingers helps as much as anything else.

I have no idea why I'm exhausted. I'm sleeping ok. And I only worked 3 1/4 hours today. I did take Ty for a long (cold) walk, so I'm hoping I can get to sleep early. Hoping is the big word here. I'm thinking this cold weather is just depressing me. I want spring back. Ok, done griping. At least for now.

[BarbaraRose]

Still was a windy/dusty day here. But quieted down this evening and is totally quiet out there now. All or nothing here. Seems everyone across the country is dealing with winds lately. Martha, I hope they are wrong about hurricane season. I am worried about the fire season here this year too. Luckily not something I need to be too concerned with where I am but hate to see it happen anywhere. I especially hate having fires in the spring since the baby animals can't escape. It is terribly dry all over out here now.

Worked all day today. Was a slow/steady day. One guy I had wanted to take off his mask so I told him I needed him to keep it on. He got mad and said he was leaving...but not until after his haircut...and then never coming back. I have done this guy before and he said the same thing last time.

I have been very tired lately too. I got home and found Lola asleep on my bed so I layed down next to her to cuddle (which she hates! ) and I promptly fell asleep! Woke up an hour and a half later. Still having some intestinal issues in the mornings occasionally.

I had a lot of pain today with my shoulder for some reason. The pain was all across my collar bone and then I started having muscle/nerve spasms off and on in my left shoulder that ran down my arm. Luckily, I wasn't holding anything in that hand or I would have dropped it. I have had that before but not very often. It seems better tonight. I might use my TENS unit tonight when I get into bed.

One more day of work and then I have the whole weekend off! Haven't had a weekend off in awhile. I need to work on bills and taxes.

Have a good night!