Aug. 1st Check in Day

[Irmi]

Good morning everyone!

Hopefully everyone remembered Rabbits! I did.

Today is also National Raspberry Cream Pie Day. Unfortunately, Steve doesn't care for raspberry anything so I'm making apple fritters with a maple syrup glaze.

Beth, I hope things continue on a positive note for you at the hotel. You've been through enough! For all of you in the west fighting heat, smoke and fires, stay safe. And for everyone, stay safe and enjoy the 1st day of August and check in with your itty bitty news.

[IrishIroamed]

Mornin' Irmi and all that follow~~~

Just a quick check in from me. Heading to Charleston, WV today. Will be a short drive with a 2pm check in time, so I'm stalling.

More rain expected and the heat doesn't seem to be letting up for anyone. Stay safe. Stay dry. Stay cool.

[BirdbyBird]

And for my monthly check in..... Jane has now completed her Grand Champion titles in both the AKC and the United Kennel Club. She also went up to the Columbus, OH, area and got her hips and elbows x rayed along with her sister's. I saw the x rays and they looked great but they will have to be evaluated by the official OFA folks. Her genetic test that were completed when she was much younger all came back "clear", which means that she doesn't even carry any of the troublesome genetic issues that have been found and identified in English Cockers. Nothing guarantees that our dogs will remain healthy but completing recommended testing ups the probability.

Lark is looking forward to taking up some of the slack on the weekends. She completed three more Rally Trials in Dayton, Ohio and now has 5 "legs" towards her RAE title. Some of these dogs folks keep going and layer titles on top of titles but I think Lark will be satisfied if she completes this one and uses any remaining money to just go camping.

After spending the weekend in northern Ohio with Jane, Lark and I left Jane at home and headed directly to Pipestem State Park last week to attend the family reunion of my cousins. It rained off and on most of the days as anyone listening the to flooding in WV and eastern KY, have noticed but Lark got enough rambles around the campground not to complain. Other than one evening of potluck and campfire (at which Lark happily entertained the younger children) most of the people GTG time took place in the lodge. I enjoyed watching my cousin's children and grandchildren reconnect or, for the youngest, connect for the first time. The setting was different but the bonding with cousins was remarkably similar to the bonds that the "elder" cousins had found with each other 70 years ago while spending parts of the summers at out grandfather Ryan's cottage near Rockford, IL. My grandfather was an attorney in Rockford but owned a beef ranch outside Leaf River. He had added a huge three season porch around toe sides of a small five room cottage and that is his children would bring his grandchildren in the summer. One side of the "porch" was for the boy cousins and the other wing was for the girls. We sleep on army cots. And never seemed to mind that there was only one bathroom. One of my older cousins reminded up long ago that the main reason we started spending huge chunks of the summer there was to keep up away for the summer polio fears. Two of my cousins had already contracted polio.

Anyways.....not sure how much more traveling I will be doing in the near future. The transmission went out on my Chrysler minivan and having not done any seasonal contract work these past two years, the repair is going to wipe out my slush fund for travel. Oh well, it is only money. On a health note I have begun some preventative cardiac testing given my family history and the results are issues that I will need to address. More information when we sort it out. I know that many of you have medical background and/or research well. Consider looking into the Calcium Cardiac test. It is a test that not all cardiologist call for. After realizing what my brother was going through I found a physician who over the years had developed a passion for preventive measures and turned some of his attention to evaluating the children of his older cardiac patients, to look at the part genetics might play and see if he could prevent major health issues before the crisis. I read along and follow your adventures and itty bitty and/or big news. Thinking of you all. Let us see what the month of August can do....

And if you haven't see pictures of the flooding in West Virginia and Kentucky....it is beyond historic levels and more rain on the way. And then you comprehend that the reservoirs out West are empty......

[Shirlv]

Morning Irmi and All, I did say rabbits after midnight. Same ole here, weather and life. Irmi, I would love to invite Edith over but she lives in Salisbury which is about a two hour drive for me. A couple of years ago I wouldn’t think twice about that drive but things change. Edith doesn’t cook and ask me to come live with her and cook, rent free. Lol She doesn’t drink wine. When we go out for dinner this tiny little woman orders vodka on the rocks with TWO twist of lemon. Waitress does a double take and cracks me up. She has always brightened my life. My children would take me for a visit. We couldn’t really reminisce because there are something’s you don’t want your children to know. Be safe

[Othersharon]

Good morning! I was still up at midnight so remembered rabbits. Hoping for a good month! I managed to get the front flower beds cleaned up again yesterday and edged the backyard but just as I was ready to get the mower out it started to rain. That took care of that so maybe today I’ll be able to get that chore accomplished! Sun is out and it’s drying out so should be able to get it done. We had some excitement the other night. I had just gone to bed and was reading when I started hearing fire trucks but was unusual was that the sirens stopped close by. I finally got up and looked out the window and they were staging near the vacant building about a block away. I saw flames and black smoke but it was quickly extinguished. It seemed to be right at the doorway going into the building. But because of the type of building and all there were units from all over the area. Within an hour all was quiet again. Haven’t heard what it was but I do know they’ve had a problem with it being used by homeless and drug users. It was lucky it was put out so quickly. It could have been bad. From my driveway I had a direct sight line to the building. That kind of excitement no one needs! Made me think about the fires out west and how fortunate we were that it was just the one building and not a whole town. Anne, I hope you are able to find out what’s going on with Joe and can help him through this. I made a pot of beef veggie soup yesterday and need to go drop off a container to my friends since they are both down and isolating. Needless to say I will just drop it off at their door and leave! Guess it’s a good thing that I haven’t had any in person contact with them for the last couple of weeks. That’s about all the news I have today and I really need to get busy outside before it gets any warmer! Grass should be dried enough now to be able to mow! Have a good day and stay safe!

[SoCalGalcas]

Good Morning All, I don’t even have iti biti news. Wei, I guess that’s not true. I have one strawberry. It is a odd shape. Like an egg.
The fire in Or/ Ca border is a worry. Karen, I hope you are safe.
Annie, I am rooting for Big Joe. It is a serious dilemma on what to do for our beloved pets when they are older and have health problems.
I have serious problems with “low income housing “. I am sure you have read about the “projects “ in other cities. I am encouraged tho about Humanity doing this work. When they build a home, the family getting it is thoroughly vetted.
I finished reading “American Dirt”. I can’t recommend it as it was a very cruel story. The woman in the book was so frightened the entire book, I had to put it down a couple of times and think about something else, The author did a good job of conveying the womens feelings.
Well, I did have some news. Have a good day, on this August 1st.
Lyn

[MandysMom]

I set an alarm for last night at 11:58, to remind me to be quiet (we were still watching tv), then at midnight declare rabbits. When I shouted rabbits, my son thought I had lost it! But, for a change, no doubt, rabbits was declared at midnight! Sure hope it works?
My gardener, who speaks limited English, and I, limited, make that No Spanish! Arrived at 0730 this morning, waking me up! He is usually here no earlier than 11. He is redoing sprinklers that my other handy man messed up. I am having drip added for my redwoods and bushes, and that connected to line that runs to citrus trees. Handyman had put drip for citrus on same line as lawn sprinklers, so to drip irrigate citrus, lawn sprinklers were running. Plus handyman had bought a new timer without talking to me, and left it in box since he bought it in 2019. He is amazing for woodworking and vehicle repair, but apparently only thinks he knows how to plan sprinklers. Guillermo is putting in last of drip and will connect timer in a little while. With drought restrictions, we are actually encouraged to still drip water trees and bushes, while only watering any lawn a short while Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I dont have any lawn left but want to be able to keep my trees alive without dragging a hose. I used to be able to install my own drip, but my neck and back don't want to do that anymore.
I guess my problem is, when I list off things I want done, I need to make sure each gets done before next is started. Sean begins a project, then if I mention another, he goes off to next thing without finishing the first! I'm used to my sailors finishing a project without one on one supervision and reminder. Classic ADHD, but he got insulted when I mentioned it! I have ADHD, as do both my sons. I know it when I see it!
Anyhow. So sad for the terrible floods in the east. And hoping today's cloudy skies here don't bring more lightning and fires! The fire up north on border with Oregon is terrible, and has killed 2 people.
Anne, hope Joe is ok.
Everyone stay safe. Hope August is a good month for everyone.
Velda

[Acadianmom]

I remembered Rabbits at 12:06 last night. Thank goodness I got my mowing done because it's raining again. It looks like some of the places that flooded are going to get more rain. I feel for those people that have everything in the yard.

This morning CC was laying on the back steps when I let Sugar out. I don't know what he had been eating but she kept smelling his mouth and acted like she was afraid of him. After he got up she kept smelling where he had been laying. I would sure like to know what she could smell. I am trying to teach her the word cat. lol She can't tell the gray cats from the raccoons at a distance.

Guess I need to get dressed. I need to unhook the trailer in case the neighbors want to borrow it. I made reservations for the September campout. My sister wants to go because the campground has a lazy river. I hope it has a good way to get in and out. She can barely walk on flat ground.

Tina, congratulations on Jane and Lark's titles. Sounds like you had a good visit with your cousins. I sure miss the get togethers I had with my cousins. Sorry about your van needing repairs. It's always something. I still haven't tried very hard to get the ceiling replaced in two rooms. I just don't want to have to move all the stuff that would need moving.

Shirl, you crack me up. I don't tell my son all the things I do. He thinks I'm nuts anyway.

Martha

[Shirlv]

Martha, when I was a kid Parents said “do as I say, not as I do”. Lol They didn’t realize that didn’t always work. So I keep secrets.

[Irmi]

Shirl, for some reason I thought Edith lived in your apartment complex. Maybe it's time for a phone call and have a drink together! Tina, such good news for you and the dogs! But ouch on your van. Anne, still sending you & Big Joe good thoughts. I've been following the weather in KY. So sad, while those in the west are having a drought. This is supposedly the wettest month of the year for FL, so we'll see what happens.

The grass cutters showed up 8:30 this morning and that brought a smile to my face. It's aggravating when you pay for HOA fees and things aren't getting done. Now the irrigation system, included in those fees, are being repaired, after it not functioning for weeks on end. Enough already...but what a difference it makes to have the lawns mowed. Hopefully tomorrow they might start trimming the hedges. Sorry for my vent.

It is 98 degrees but only 54% humidity. I think we may break another high temperature recording today. It's been weeks since we've turned off our a/c.

I made apple fritters this morning and will take those with us to visit with friends tomorrow that live south of Tampa, about a 1-1/2 drive for us. We take turns visiting each other. They are originally from MD, which is how we know them.

[PeggyinCT]

Hello Everybody, I’m checking in from cloudy Connecticut. Finally my Roadtrek has a new battery and I drove it around today for the first time since last October. It is not good to leave your vehicle sitting that long….. can’t go camping yet.. I have cataract surgery on my right eye tomorrow morning. I have to be there at 7:00am. Been busy putting one drop in the eye 4 times a day. The drop mostly runs down my cheek. In two weeks I get the left eye done. Body parts! Two weeks ago I had a bone graft; the first step to getting a tooth implant. Like I said, body parts are consuming my life. Enjoy today. Peggy

[avalen]

Afternoon ladies, no rabbits for me but I pray often for good health. Drove my new route today, no students until Wednesday but we drive it to check for construction, verify directions and that stops still look safe. Lots of stops and distance is far in between. I'm not happy but that's life, I will just deal with it. I have no choice. Was nice to get back home to happy little Patrick. He sure makes me smile. He can be so gentle and then totally flip and play so rough. Cracks me up.
Will run my route again tomorrow and then go stand in line to vote. Hope it will be quick. I opted out of ballot by mail as last time they sent me two. I used one and shredded the other one. I did report it but seems no one cared.
Got minimum gas for the week, debit system was down so I had to do credit. No biggie, it just seemed odd.
Nothing else is new or worth mentioning.
Y'all enjoy the rest of your day and be safe.

[monik7]

I forgot rabbits this morning as usual. The only thing going on for me is I’ve ordered a Tesla. I’ve had enough of the sky high gas prices in California. It’s crazy. When I first put in the order, they said delivery would be November 7 - January 2. So I just settled in to wait. Then by chance I checked the app a week or so later and found it had been moved up to Sept, 25 - November 6. Since used cars are in demand, I started getting online quotes to sell my present car just to get an idea of its value. Some were what I felt were waaay too low, some fairly decent. Then a week ago I was watching TV in the morning and there was an ad from a company that has car dealerships throughout the country asking if anyone wanted to sell their car. Just for the heck of it I went online and submitted my car’s info and got a call within 5 minutes from a dealership just 2 miles from my home. They asked me to bring it by and the rest is history. They bought it on the spot for an excellent price, gave me a check and a Lyft home. Thankfully my daughter and family have a car they can loan to me until the Tesla is delivered. Tomorrow I’ll have a 240 plug and wall connector installed in my garage so I’ll be able to charge quickly (7-8 hours at night) at home.

That’s about the only excitement here. Anne, I hope Big Joe will recover soon from his recent problems. Tina, you must be very proud of your pups and all they’ve achieved. Glad things are improving on the job Beth. Stay safe everyone.
Sandi

[BarbaraRose]

Good evening gals!

I said "rabbits" right at midnight. Then fell asleep. Hope it works!

I have itty bitty kitty news. Romeow is now leary of me after yesterday's stuck claw incident and the paw washing incident and after getting his collar stuck in his mouth the other day (luckily a break-away collar so it came apart before I could catch him), and trying to get a piece of poo off his back leg. He thinks I am doing all these bad things to him! Now I have to earn his trust again. Sigh...

I did get the flippity fish today from Amazon and he has been having fun with that. He just watches it flop around until it stops and then he will cautiously go up to it and then swat at it with his paw and then jump back as it starts flopping around again! Fun to watch!

He knows the word "no". I just barely have to whisper it and he stops what he is doing and runs off! Unfortunately, because he is still in semi-kitten mode, he hears it quite a bit. He does still come when I call his name tho, so he knows that already. I think he is a pretty smart cat but very cautious about his surroundings. I will have to be much more patient with him until he gets a lot more comfortable with me and the house. He is less jumpy now tho when he hears noises.

I did some shopping after work and then stopped at the library. Also went to drop the boxes off at one of the thrift stores nearby. There are 3 of them within one block and I noticed recently that one went out of business. Well, today, the other two had chains across the entrances to their shops too. So not sure what is going on with that. I will see if I can find another place maybe near where I work to drop this stuff off. I have only used those 3 since I moved out here.

I have tomorrow off so will do some more sorting of bins and boxes that are in the shed and the porch. I swear that every time I do that, stuff just multiplies like rabbits and it looks 10 times worse around here than it did before! With all the stuff I get rid of, you'd think it would start looking somewhat better around here, but so far not at all.

I have a couple of haircuts to do tomorrow here in the park, too. And then two more haircuts next week when my friends Dave and Debbie come back from their 10 week summer vacation. Oh, and my neighbor lady next door needs one too. Almost forgot about that!

More storms in the mountains today and looked like maybe Palm Springs got some leftover of that this afternoon. We got nothing other than the humidity!! This morning the temp was 94 with a dew point of 75* . It was so thick with moisture it was hard to breathe! We never get this much humidity out here. It is a desert! Not supposed to be humid here! Yuck!

Have a good night! My sciatica was bothering me a lot today so will take some ibuprofin and get to bed early, maybe with the heating pad too.

[JudyJB]

Drove 100 miles yesterday across Bethoud pass to the Camping World in Golden, CO, near Denver that said they would check and pack my wheel bearings. So got there this morning on time and was told they only do wheel bearings on trailers, not on motorhomes. I had told lady on the phone that I had a 2012 Fleetwood Tioga Ranger and had even given her the VIN number!! I was really angry and told them that I had driven all that distance and had to pay for an extra camping spot, to boot, and then would have to drive west 100 miles to get back to where I had been heading. Then the guy who checked me in said I should be checking the torque of all my lug nuts every six months or even more often and that whenever I get new tires, I should ask them whether they tightened them properly!! I told them at my age, there was no way I was going to personally check lug nuts and that I assumed that tire dealers know more about this than I did.

They did agree to check the lug nut torque on all wheels, which they did. Said there was no obvious leaking of grease on wheels so it should be safe to drive. Anyway, they did check my grey tank and blew it out as well as blew out all the grey drains and the vent stack. We shall see if it works. The whole thing took about 3 hours and i then drove to where I am now, west of Gunnison. It was a long 250 mile drive across several passes, including almost 12,000' Monarch Pass in rain, but I drove slowly.

Then to really ruin my day, my son called and wanted to chat about my plans to slow down and settle in an apartment near him. (I did not know i had such plans!!) He said I really needed to start making plans for this. I said I would, but I had no intention of quitting my travels for at least 5+ years from now. He really got me irritated by reminding me of the cost of gas, and how I needed to stay longer in places and not drive so much so I wouldn't have so many repair expenses, etc. etc. etc.

Anyway, I am going to enjoy a piece of Key Lime Pie before i take my shower!!