Monday

[SoCalGalcas]

Happy Labor Day. Although with all the horrible fires, there are not many happy people. Martha, I used to come home from large family gatherings exhausted. I do like living almost alone.
It was quite foggy this morning, now the wind has picked up.
Those were extraordinary pictures of the various fires. Katherine, glad your son’s family had the sense to go home!
I got my fantasy football team picked yesterday. Got a grade of Cminus on my choices. However, couldn’t figure out how to pay. Cost is $25 and nothing worked. So, maybe I am not in the league as they kick you out if you don’t pay. I have reached the point that I don’t even care anymore.
Lyn

[Shirlv]

Afternoon Lyn and All, Martha, my mom would get up and leave the table and go off by herself. I never understood until now. Even if you love them sometimes it’s just too much noise and confusion. Picked up my Amazon order at a friends front porch. I have it sent there so I don’t have to go to the apartment complex package room and root through all the packages. Friends house was struck by lightning the night of the tornado watch. It struck her chimney with such force it sent bricks all over her yard. Her neighbor came in his Santa suit to ask if she would have the chimney repaired by Christmas. Lol Stopped at Royal Farms for gas and fried chicken, then to produce stand for corn and a watermelon. I’m set for a while. Try to enjoy the day and be safe.

[BirdbyBird]

Lyn, I recognize those sentiments. There are many issues that arise that I just nod at and give a pass to because it/they are not using up my energy to be concerned about. I spend several moments this weekend responding to some conversations with my friend Cindy with similar thoughts. She would bring up some observation that she thought wasn't right and I wouldn't "pick up" her emotions and go with it. In one of her "I don't think this is right" moments I calmly respond that each dog showing club sets their own rules and expectations for club member within the AKC standards for clubs, I personally hadn't read the fine print on this one and if it really bothered me I had a choice to enter or not enter..... The older I get, I guard me energy more and more. I will stand up for those issues that I want to stand up for.....not just those that ruffle other people's feathers.

Jane and I did have a good weekend in Michigan. The show was outdoors on a beautiful lake in one of Michigan's State Park and Recreational Areas. Folks made a real effort to wear their masks though out the day in all the areas that needed masks. We were allowed to briefly lower the mask when we did our individual gaiting patterns. Good thing for this old lady for sure....

The show this weekend was a regional English Cocker Spaniel Specialty so all the entries were English Cockers. Considering that non of the Canadians could travel and come down across the border, they had a good turn out. Jane and her sister were the only two entered all weekend in their 6-9 month puppy bitch class, that included both the Sweeps and the regular show. Out of the four days, Jane beat her sister in the Sunday Regular show. Her sister decided not to enter the Saturday evening puppy match but Jane did and she won Best Puppy in Match. There will be a picture eventually. The other great accomplishment of the weekend is that Jane's sister took her class win on Saturday and then went she returned to the ring to show against the winners of all the other class winners.....from puppies to the open classes, Jane's sister (Swifty, after Taylor Swift) won Winner's Bitch and then Best of Winners. For a puppy only a 6 months and 1 week old that is a one in a lifetime win....and at a Specialty. And then Jane beat Swifty the next day.......I think this sister stuff is going to be fun. It all reminded me of 6-7 years ago when I was showing both Audrey and her sister Daisy. They helped each other and different judges found the girl they liked best.

Sitting at ring side was also one of those, I may be getting old moments. Looking around the show grounds I realized that most all of us knew each other (at least as acquaintances) and had for many years.....you are talking breeders that have been in the breed for 25-45 years...... One of the handlers breeding and showing grew up showing in Jr. Showmanship with my now 42 year old son. Jane seemed to have a good time and was happy that her BFF Lark remembered her when she got back. The funny part was that even Audrey played with Jane as if to admit that she likes her more than she shows attention to most days.

Another show next weekend but covid rules make shows very interesting. This one is at a fairground. There will be no public visitors allowed. No grooming inside the buildings and no sitting around the most of the rings. You go in at the right time and show and leave. Since I am an associate member of the club I am having a friend show Jane.

Stay careful out there. Stay has healthy as you can. Avoid large fires whenever possible.....

[chalet05]

Good Morning!

I also relate to the feelings about large gatherings and being exhausted afterwards. However, there aren't many of those in my life these days. Martha, I remember the days of family and the stress.

Lyn, there are just some things that aren't worth figuring out! I wear myself out trying to prove suggested genealogy connections and probably no one else cares!

Tina, a little sibling rivalry. Will be fun to watch Jane!

Beth and Sheila, I hope snow doesn't become an issue for either of you.

Shirl, my daughter and her guy probably wish I'd quit ordering from Amazon since I have it sent to their home! She was at work yesterday so I texted him with 'Hey errand boy! There's a package on your porch.' I think there's been one everyday for 4 or 5 days and another today.

Smoke from the Yakima fire to the south arrived for awhile the other day. Today there are evacuations due to one to the north. At least our weather is cooling down - for now. Just can't imagine the heat some of you are experiencing. It was reportedly 102 here yesterday.

Knowing my RV days will be coming to an end, I am packing up things I can leave behind. My grandson is to come next month and take some of his things from the storage shed at my daughter's which will leave more room for my stuff.

Everyone please stay safe and cool!

[OregonLuvr]

Since my Fitbit probably thought I died over the past week I got a little busy this morning. Took down both porch and patio lights, cleaned them well, installed my new Alexa wifi bulbs. Swept cobwebs and dirt from the patio side and the carport side. Watered all the plants well. All while vacuuming inside (think Roomba) and cleaning my oven. (think self cleaning oven) LOL

I am done now. Making some potato salad for dinner to go with my hamburger patty. Will just have salad, cantelope and watermelon for lunch.

[BirdbyBird]

Anita, Shrilv and others. My onlne orders come here to the house but after years of seldom ordering on line thsees past months have made me appreciate the ease and convenience and often the cost savings. I was always one who wanted to "see" and touch the product I was interested in but when the stories did open up for customers I would mask up and find such a limited selection or no products available in store I have developed the practice of looking on line first and either ordering for store delivery of send here to the house. I am wondering that my purchasing habits are not the only ones to have been changed by necessity and experience these past 6 months and how retail box stores and other stores will be affected and what sort of downsizing we will see.

Oh, and my body is still complaining today from the the past three days of walking 10,000 steps or more each day....... A mile or two here and there with Lark did not prepare it for the insult of activity. Today it is asking for R and R.......

[BarbaraRose]

My family time was always stressful for me with lots of cynical and criticizing conversations, much of it aimed at me. I couldn't wait to leave and never looked forward to holidays except when my mom was there. I like to be around groups but large groups sap my energy and I need a day or two to be by myself afterward.

It feels really hot today! I went to WM and the library earlier today. The temp was only 104 then but felt really stifling and sticky. Must be really humid out. Supposed to get close to 120 later today! That with the humidity won't be fun at all! I am also working on laundry. My timer just went off to go retrieve it from the dryers. Am dreading going back outside again!

I looked at WM for some snacky things to take on the trip. I like to munch on stuff while I am driving but there won't be much room in the UHaul truck for a snack container, with my friend and two dogs (who are lap dogs!), not to mention the dogs will want whatever I am munching on. So will just save snacks for the motels at night. Also want to bring a couple things for meals once we get to her new house. She won't have any food there so we will have to go shopping. She is on a very limited diet due to food sensitivities, so I will have to just get things I want for myself.

It is overcast today. I think it might be smoke from the San Diego fire. I don't smell smoke but we don't get overcast skies around here normally.

I guess I better suck it up and go get my laundry...

[Bethers]

After a week without being able to use water (hooked up or from my tank) without leaking, the mobile repair service was here today. He had thought it would be an easy fix. Unfortunately the worst case scenario we discussed was the water heater. Yep, it's the water heater. And I had it replaced about 3 years ago. No way to tell but we wonder if it didn't really get replaced (it was warranty work) but "fixed" etc. He can't figure any reason my first one needed replacing but definitely not why it's happening again. Oh well. It's only money. He's ordering one and I'm actually asking about an upgrade. More money lol

He did drain the water heater and it's in bypass so I can use my tank (or rehook back to city water). I'll continue with the tank for now as it's going to freeze tonight and tomorrow. But I'll look forward to sun coming back out to use my solar shower. It'll be a week, probably two, before I get the new one.

I've been ordering online for quite awhile, and now between that and pickup almost never go in stores. I've set up several products on amazon to receive every 3 months. I love the convenience (and the extra discount).

Karen, I'm looking in my cupboards for soup or similar for tonight. I don't feel like cooking but want something hot. Last night I fixed crab cakes and crunchy potatoes in the air fryer. That was yummy.

[BarbaraRose]

Finally went to get my laundry. Now I can smell smoke and as the sun goes further to the west, it is giving off an orange glow to everything. It should make for a pretty sunset anyways.

Been looking at the mini swamp coolers on Amazon, just the little ones in case I want to sit outside or take it to the pool sometime. I found one that had good ratings and was on the cheaper end, but when I went to purchase it, there was a red warning message that it can't be shipped to California. What?? It is basically just a fan that blows over cold water. What could be hazardous about that? (CA thinks everything causes cancer and has warnings out here on everything!) I checked on several others and got the same message.

I have been waiting for a book I ordered to be delivered by Amazon but it is late. Says it is in Palm Springs and out for delivery by UPS but it has said that for 2 days now and still no book. I was hoping to get it before my trip, so keeping my fingers crossed...

Looks like I have new neighbors across the street. It is a rental unit and looks like a middle aged couple with a younger guy with them. They must be planning to stay awhile because they are hauling in enough food and beverages for a few weeks! Not sure why anyone would want to stay out here right now. Can't do anything around here and it is hotter than blazes!! They have a Washington license plate. (Am I a nosy neighbor, or what?? )

Time to find something to eat...have a good night!

[Bethers]

Barbie, UPS wouldn't be delivering over this weekend. It's probably on the truck and you'll see it tomorrow.

[BarbaraRose]

Just went out to check on the sunset. No sun in sight. I could really smell the smoke a lot stronger now and the smoke is blocking out the sun completely. Haven't checked the current status of the fires today but obviously they are much worse. And the Santa Anna winds start tomorrow...

Beth, I keep forgetting it is a holiday!

[JudyJB]

The air quality index was really horrible today, but it did not smell or look bad. However, I was outside chatting with a neighbor around 7 pm and although it has been windy all day, suddenly the wind got a little stronger and the temps dropped like 10 degrees in two minutes. I was shivering so went inside, just in time, as then the wind really hit. Branches from some older popular trees on the edge of the campground started flying and hitting my roof, plus motorhome really started shaking, so I grabbed my keys, started my engine and put both my slides in. I had to grab the hall rug up and a little container I keep in the front that were in the way of the slides, plus turn off the stove where I had started to cook bacon.

Power went out a few minutes later, and I turned off AC and turned on furnace. It had gone from 80 degrees to a current 38 degrees in less than an hour!! And freeze warnings tonight So, it is now dark, but strong wind warnings until midnight, so I will wait until then to open slides. Also need to check power post to see if maybe the plug just pulled out, but I can't see outdoor lights anywhere around.

The weird thing was when the wind started to get stronger and changed direction, you could really see the smoke coming in and the color of the sky changed. I can hear a few raindrops, but just a few,. Would be happy to get some rain here. So, hunkering down to get a few more exams graded, and then after checking outside cord and putting slides out will head to bed around midnight. Nice to be so self-contained in an RV!!

[OregonLuvr]

Barbie you could have it shipped to me and pick it up on your way to Cottage Grove. I live right off the I-5 and there is a truck stop just one exit north that has good parking.

Beth I need to pick up some crab cakes because you made me want them now ha ha

[Acadianmom]

It was so nice and quiet here this morning. My son says I'm crazy to put up with my family but my sister came every weekend for months to help me when my house flooded.

Barbie, you were asking about the storm damage. Everyone is complaining about the lack of news coverage. The hurricane came in just this side of the Texas line and destroyed the towns of Cameron and Lake Charles and some other smaller ones. Lake Charles looks like a bomb went off. The power lines are destroyed and damaged all along the West side of the state all the way to Arkansas. My ex-sister-in-law has a mobil home in Lake Charles. It had 2 broken windows and shingles off the roof. Her daughter came and boarded up the windows, put a tarp on the roof and took her to Ft Worth. There is no power or water to do anything. The people that are staying have generators but it's hard to get gas for cars or generators. There are quite a few charities giving meals to anyone that shows up. My sister lives in the woods so there is a lot of tree damage to power lines. The towns will get power back first and she might be a month getting power. Her granddaughter lives just outside the Army base so she got power yesterday. It's going to be her turn in the barrel having family show up. lol It pays to live close to something that is considered essential.

I cleaned out one of the big water troughs. I have been wanting to do that for a while so I could put goldfish in it. I had bought some meat to make beef vegetable soup the other day. The meat either needed to be cooked or frozen so I went to Walmart to get the rest of the stuff to make the soup. I swear I'm going to pass out at Walmart before the mask business is over. I just turned the pot of soup off so I will be messing with soup until midnight. I'm not a fan of soup especially when it is so hot. My son had requested some soup like I use to make for his dad.

UPS comes to my house often. It's so easy to find exactly what you want online instead of looking all over for it.

My Viofit thinks I died for sure. I don't know if it was the batteries or I got it wet when I was sweating so much. I couldn't find new batteries and a corner of the Viofit was cracked so I just ordered another one.

I hope I can find someone to come fix my washing machine tomorrow. I usually wash a load of clothes every few days and dirty clothes are piling up already.

That's some strange weather Judy. I keep hearing rumors of temperatures in the 80's but the day keeps changing. Yesterday it was going to be Thursday. Today it's going to be next Tuesday.

Martha

[JudyJB]

Power came back after a couple of hours, and wind was a little better, so I put slides back out. We also are getting some light rain, not just the occasional drops we had been getting, but light rain lasting an hour so far--really needed around here And the crazy temp is back up to 45! High tomorrow will be 60. It had been 98 three days ago.

It was certainly exciting for a while. RV park has a lot of cleanup to do tomorrow with broken branches all over the place.