Last Monday of February

[Colliemom]

Morning everybody. Where did February go? This month just flew. March is coming up, and that’s one month that seems take forever to go by for some reason. At least for me.

Waiting for Winter Storm Piper to arrive later today. Third storm in as many weeks. Fortunately we are going to be on the snow side of it and not the ice that they will be getting around the central part of the state again. We may have some here but very minimal. But strong winds along with it. After this our temperatures will be going into the upper 30s for the rest of the week, so that will set the melting off. Doesn’t look like anything in terms of snow or rain or whatever for the rest of the week. Right now it is cloudy and 25°.

Shelia, your roast dinner sounded yummy. BJ, congrats on the new car. Red is my favorite color. If it makes DH happy that’s all that matters. Judy, safe trip to Atlanta. Speaking of cleaning walls. I used to clean the walls in my trailer every spring when I opened it up for the season. Always smelled so good in there.

Nothing exciting on my agenda today. Need to do some house cleaning. Get my bathroom and my kitchen cleaned and vacuum/dust the rest of the house. Then I will go back to working on the Yard Birds. Second one is almost done and I have two others under construction. One which is a Cardinal. Shoildn’t take too long, because that’s basically just one color of paint with black edges along the wings and stuff. Will probably take the dogs for a short little stroll later this afternoon, Storm isn’t expected here till at least 3 p.m. We had a really nice walk yesterday with sunshine and blue skies. I think they really enjoyed being out for a long walk after about three days of almost no, walks except for short ones around the neighborhood. Noses got a good workout But they spent a lot of time outside yesterday.

Found out yesterday that the craft store in Houghton Lake that I go to, and has been closed for renovation, is opening next week. Goody. That’s my back up for some things that I use for my woodcrafts, puntil we get our Hobby Lobby back. Been a lot of inquiries on Facebook lately, from people here asking when it’s going to start rebuilding. I have a feeling that the manager of the Petoskey store is probably getting tired of answering questions about when our hobby lobby is supposed to be started This town definitely needs a Hobby Lobby fix.

Guess had better get my act in gear if I want to accomplish something today. Show everybody have a great day out there and stay safe if there are any storms around by you.

[OregonLuvr]

Morning Sue. I was up way too darn early this morning but just couldnt sleep any longer. Ticks me off when that happens but I wont nap because that just screws up my whole sleep cycle for days. I wanted to go out and do a few errands early this morning but it is windy, rainy and cold out. Snow predicted for today but I doubt I will get much. Cause I do live in the Banana Belt LOL seems the storms tend to go around us most of the time. So not too sure what will be on my agenda today............guess we will see.

[Irmi]

Good morning Sue, Karen and all that check in!

Sue, stay safe and inside during the next storm headed your way. I'm so happy you have your whole house generator in case of power outages. Karen, hopefully the next snow will go around you again. BJ, let us know how you & hubby enjoy the new car. Barbie, I'm sorry for everything you've been going through lately. With your skills, there's no doubt you'll get something to do where you're not working with a room full of monkeys. Shirl, keep working on the bread and you'll get it down to a science. Beth & Martha, it's great that you were able to spend some time together. Martha, I hope you get your push mower back in working condition. Lyn, have a good time with your daughter!

Steve and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary yesterday by renewing our vows in church and then our congregation came to our clubhouse in the resort where we fed everyone along with my sisters, bil, and close friends. My sister and her hubby stood up with us. Everything was perfect. I just remembered how to post pictures.

[BirdbyBird]

The days here seem pretty repetitive with no interesting baking or much cleaning going on. And I will admit that at my age and lack of activity in hot melting environments , even my hair does not need to be washed all that often. I do wonder how mad my daughter will be if I go and die suddenly and she sees some of what I have left behind. I followed her suggestions and did really well at pitching and thinning out when I had the new floors put in year ago but it is definitely time to take another look at what I don't need. Sadly my husband's collections of derelict and otherwise unused equipment still thrives. Most of his "stuff" is outside and in the sheds. I think I will need to die first because the thought of dealing with all that is mind numbing. I used to say to myself that I have dogs and an RV and was at peace to drive off and be happy. But I am too aware of the stories of down siding and estate closing to not see what will be facing me or the kids. I don't have much faith that Dennis' habits will change. He has an MGT that he bought back in 1991 sitting in his Pottery Studio covered with dust and it hasn't been operated 30 years..... And there is an aluminum boat sitting out in the elements on a trailer with flat tires for the past 15 years. I like remember the year that it grew wildflowers. Years ago I would occasionally ask questions about what futures he planned for them....but not anymore. Anyway these are the things that I find myself pondering on as I shift through doctor appointments, lab tests and the like. I am not liking some of this getting older stuff. At least I have a doctor that I know is listening to me, is proactive and helping sort through medical stuff. As several of you responded recently regarding health insurance, we might be paying more in premiums with our Supplements but I do appreciate that peace of mind.

Puppy Rowan continues to grow and be cute and gather her fan base. She gets her second set of shots today (she is ten weeks tomorrow) and she has an appointment with Lark and Jane's chiropractor. While I have never found a chiropractor that has helped with the issues of my body, I have definitely seen results with my animals, starting back with Josef. She shows many stellar show qualities and a few issues that we are watching. No show dogs are perfect and pointed to as winners by all the judges. So for now we just sit back and watch how she continues to develop. Her personality and social skills are the best though. so wherever her future takes her, whether she ends up in a show ring or becomes what all dogs deserve to become...someone's heart dog, she has those skills nailed.

I am looking forward to traveling down to Jordan Lake, NC, towards the end of March to a GTG of solo RoadTrekers. I think there are 12-13 sites reserved. Lark will come with me. Though I used to travel with 3-4 dogs at a time, I have found out that I top out at two on a good day now. Rowan will stay with Cindy and I haven't figured out where to land Audrey and Jane for the week. The wonderful thing about English Cockers is that they love the ones they are with as long as there is food and kind words surrounding them.

PS: Irmi, I love the pictures of your wonderful celebration yesterday. Congratulations and I am so glad that all your planning and work brought you the results of a wonderful day.....

And I got my Federal refund early last week.....so life is good......Now just waiting for the state's. My saving account welcomed the funds back home.

[Acadianmom]

It looks like it's going to be another warm day. It's already 78 and overcast. The wind got here last night and it's still pretty windy. I got half of Sugar's yard cut with the weed eater and 3 rose bushes pruned. I have the scratches to prove it. Roses fight back. Now I have to clean up the mess and haven't seen the rake in a while. Things have a habit of disappearing around here. I need to mow again but I think some of the yard is too wet. We got an inch of rain while I was gone.

Not much inside cleaning going on. The talk about the wall cleaning made me look at mine. I got some of the fluffy Swiffer pads at Sam's and wonder if they would do any good on the walls. This house came with the ruffly valances and they need to be washed. That's not something I would have put up but they are ok, except they are a pain to take down and put back up. The cats tore up the mini blinds so I had to find curtains that matched the color of the valances. I'm going to try the Swiffer duster on the dash of my car and see if it does any good. I can't reach the dash to clean it.

Tina, glad you found a doctor that is helping you. They are in short supply around here. My son needs some kind of specialist and when he tells the doctors he has seen about his symptoms they just say that's strange. The down sizing is hard but when I look at the pictures of estate sales on Facebook I think OMG. Why do these people have all that stuff? Some have enough Christmas decorations and collectables to fill a whole room. At least I'm not that bad. I am thinking about adding my son's name to the vehicle titles so he can get rid of them without waiting a year.

Irmi, the pictures of your anniversary celebration are great. Glad everything went well.

I couldn't find my list when I was at Walmart yesterday and forgot to get eggs. Sugar gets a scrambled egg every morning because I don't want to give her pills on an empty stomach. Her dog food might sit all day before she eats it.

Today would have been my brother's 76th birthday. We lost him in 2000.

Martha

[OregonLuvr]

Well we only got a skiff of snow and the wind died down so I went ahead and went to town. Picked up the groceries, got rid of the cardboard and put my lot rent check in the box, then picked up the mail on the way home. Emma loves a car ride so I took her with me today. Had a bite of lunch and now going to make a mocha and watch a couple of recorded shows that were on last night. Henry did his chores while I was gone so all is well in that arena. I guess I will have to dust tomorrow LOL he cant quite reach. ha ha
Irmi loved the pics so glad you remembered how to post. Sure would have loved to join in the festivities but a wee bit too far.
Martha why would he have to wait a year if he had your death certificate, unless your will has to go to probate. I am going to get my will updated and on file just to avoid any problems. I guess it wouldnt matter to me cause I will be gone BUT trying to make it easier for those stuck with everything.
Tina enjoy your trip with Lark. She is one lucky dog ha ha

This is me in my Banana belt, look towards the toppish left I am the lighter blue under the 1-2" as that will be the hills I am at 426ft so maybe a dusting

[Bethers]

Someone came to my door while I was finishing a post and I hit the wrong button and poof! I went to Mexico this morning. Got my teeth cleaned and checked. That's all good. Got a cheap hair trim. Purchased Bailey's Chocolate Truffles. I've never had them because they're expensive but at half the price (or less) than they are here, I decided I deserve a treat.

Irmi I love that you and Steve had a great day yesterday. Awesome pictures and I'm glad you remembered how to post them.

I honestly don't remember what else I wrote. Oh, the crazy weather. We've hit 91 today and will hit that and higher a couple more times this week before dropping back to highs in the 70's and low 80's. Not normal. But it seems the weather isn't normal anywhere. I filled out the paperwork and paid my first month to keep my site for next year. In July I'll be in Benson and see how I handle summer weather there.

[cnq50b]

HI all,

I don't have the baby today. I caught up with my homework yesterday & I'm just double-checking some things for work so I'm a little lost today- not sure what to do with myself.

My son & family went up to their lake house in the mountains Thursday after work so they could 'enjoy' the snow. Well, they got 5' of the white stuff & now can't get back down. They need at least a path plowed out on their street before attempting to leave. I'm so glad I didn't go with them but they are enjoying the 'adventure'.

My French class keeps me super busy. It's an online class - which I think is harder than attending an in-person class. We have a tutor which is dedicated to our class & she holds 2 group 'study sessions' each week on Zoom. Frequently, I am the only one attending - but these extra sessions help a lot. I'm not sure I'll continue with the next class in the fall but you never know... The teachers are amazing!

The baby is 4 months old now. He's so close to laughing & trying hard to communicate. He is a super cheerful & a delight! I'll be ok letting him go to Jordi's preschool infant daycare in the fall though. I think he'll do well in their program & we know they are very loving.

I also hope to stop the contract work fairly soon. They don't require much of my time, but it just hangs over me & is one more thing I have to tend to. The money is nice, but I'm ready for a break.

Barbie, I saw that you 'retired' - sorry it happened the way it did, but I hope your place will sell soon so you can get on with your retirement plans.
Irmi, I enjoyed seeing the pics of the renewal of your vows for your 50th. Looks & sounds like it was a lovely day. Congratulations!
The discussion about making sourdough break makes me want to run to a local bakery & get some.
Tina, I also ponder about what clean-up the kids will have to do when I'm gone. Recently one of my granddaughters was out here so we went thru a cabinet where I keep some of my treasures & let her pick out whatever she wanted. I have a grandson getting married in April so I'm trying to think what he might like to have as a legacy gift along with some $$. Mom had minimal stuff that we had to deal with - everything had been organized & for years we had been claiming things we would like to have.

Well, I'm going to check on that work stuff & then fix some dinner.
So nice to being able to check in on all of you.
Take care,
Catherine

[Redetotry]

After almost 4 hours at the dealers we have our new Toyota Rav. We have to go back since of all things to complete setting up all the technology it needed DH's Apple ID and of course neither of us could remember. The dealership thankfully is very comfortable and had fresh chocolate chip cookies and coffee but I was ready for lunch. We really like it so far except the windows don't have enough tint. It was sunny and we could tell in summer they would definitely need to be darker. We are making a list of everything we need help with. The salesperson was a former student of DH and went on the study abroad trip to Scotland he taught. I remember him talking about her as she just had to take her hairdryer and she blew out the electric system in part of the old castle they stayed in.

Irmi your celebration looks as though it went well. Congratulations! Catherine I missed there was a new baby in your family that is wonderful. Five feet of snow!! I bet you were happy you didn't go! Karen I laugh every time you talk about Henry doing his chores.

I'm ready for bed it was a long day, not used to so much excitement.

[Acadianmom]

Karen, you can't sell a vehicle here with just a death certificate. You need a judgment of possession. I think if the title was listed as my name or his name as owners he could sell it. It's been my experience having to handle wills and probate you are lucky if it's done in a year. It probably has to do with the farm land being part of an estate and finding someone to appraise the land. I'm trying to keep things up to date so there won't be any problems.

Every time I go to a doctor, which isn't very often, they ask if I have a Living Will. They never ask to see it so don't know why they even ask. After being a care giver for my mother and husband you could give them a thousand copies and they would never keep up with it.

Good grief BJ, 4 hours to set up a car. What if you don't have an Apple ID?

Martha

[BarbaraRose]

Spent the last couple days just feeling anxious and tired, so nothing got done around here. My tummy is feeling better now. I have been mostly just eating soup and mild things along with the Manuka honey. Also haven't taken any ibuprofin, etc, even tho I have had a few headaches.

I had two haircuts this morning here in the park. Did my laundry and took out the trash. That was about it tho. Will do more tomorrow. I have a PT appointment in the morning for my sciatica issues and then will drop off my shop key after that. Still waiting to get an appointment for an MRI on my knee. I called my dr's office and they said they haven't gotten approval on it yet from my insurance company but hopefully soon! I sure hope so! It isn't feeling any better on it's own!

Irmi, your ceremony and reception turned out so wonderful! So glad for you two! Any honeymoon plans?...

Beth, you are going from cold to hot down there! We had a comfortable day here, just breezy and in the low 60's and sunny. The snow-covered mountains are beautiful!

Have a good night!

[Irmi]

Barbie, this coming Wednesday, we are meeting my sister and bil, who stood up with us in church, at Fort Wilderness, the campground they'll be staying in. They are going to take us to Epcot for our anniversary gift. On the way home, we have reservations at a hotel and will come back here the next day. So that will be our honeymoon.

[snowball]

I decided to try and beat the "storm" which was suppose to come at 2:00 so left the house at 1:00 founds lots of stuff that I didn't need some that I did therefore spending more than I should have... Larry used to give me a rough time as I'd say I JUST need to get milk or whatever never came out with just what I said I was going in for today wasn't any different... but have stuff for a couple of days and then some... Irimi it looks like your day was just what you wanted... I'm with Barbi a honeymoon sounds good... should do that... I got through with getting my groceries and went to get another cart which is really hard to do when you are in the electric cart trying to pull another one out of the way... a couple of women stopped and asked if they could help I accepted... then they were going to help me load my grocery's in the car but it was snowing so bad that we opted that I go get the car and come back and they would load it up I did that and yes my groceries were still there... as were they loaded up the car and home ward I went even got up the driveway and into the garage... it was really snowing I wouldn't say it was a blizzard but it was coming down fast and furious with a bit of wind... one of the non essential times I bought was a bunch of flowers they were marked well most of them were marked a discounted price so I asked about the one that I was interested it the manager of the dept said they just forgot to mark it a 50 dollar bunch for 11.95 I think so got them once in awhile flowers help
I think the Murder She Wrote that is on tonight is the very first one...
I shudder to think of going through mom's house after she passes away if only she would allow one to do so now stuff that is not being used and hasn't for a long time if ever... I know that in boxes under her bed is some decorative plates that never were put on the walls... clothes that she can't wear way to big ... one day some friends were here and notices I think 6 vases asked if she minded if they took them to a friend who is also a florist nope not giving them up... in a heat beat I would have and some ask me why I don't toss things away... the bedspread that I took off the bed I told niece to do what ever they want with it they did now if mom remembers it I will have to give a reason for them to have tossed it away...
It's funny to watch the series and see actors reinvented in later episodes... just saw one that he later is either Dennis or the guy who does the British spy person...
Beth that could be a really hot time to be in AZ... although have had some tell me that we all leave the desert way to soon... as a lot of plants that bloom into the summer so hopefully it's the same way in Benson
you all have a good night
Sheila

[Redetotry]

Martha you asked what if you don't have an Apple ID when buying a vehicle. I wondered the same but the phone wouldn't connect without it. We are making a list of 'how to' questions and will go back for more training. I hope to keep my 2015 Toyota Sienna for several more years! Technology is changing so fast it is hard to keep up. I want a new computer but with all the changes I'll probably need to hire a tutor.