Monday, October 14, 2019

Pain in my... lower back

So I’ve had back pain for at least 10 years. It finally got bad enough that I gave in and went to the doctor and he sent me to PT. I think I may have finally turned the corner. I’ve taken no meds since Friday and I’ve had not too much pain. Today I had PT and came home and did my 3 10 minute walks at speed. I didn’t have any pain while I was walking. This is huge!
I keep doing my pushups. Those hurt, but the pain will dissipate if I hold the final one long enough... I’m making progress!!
Tomorrow is another day full of exercises... and walking... and chores.
Life is good.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Sunday...

It’s Sunday morning  - early.
The air is crisp and the leaves are starting to turn.
We returned from Canada yesterday after my mother in law’s funeral. She was 93. She lived a long life. She was an amazing lady who loved her family, loved ice cream, and definitely loved to laugh.
She will be missed.
Now it’s back to regularly scheduled programming - PT, general running, and more - until Friday when I head to Florida with my dearest childhood friend for some well deserved fun in the sun. I guess I’d better check my sun screen supply!
This morning, I’ll be at church... singing - ok attempting to sing - and reading the “prayers of the people”. Afterwards, I hope to be sitting, listening to Mr’s sports on TV, and crocheting. No promises, there, of course, but I can hope, right?!


Friday, August 02, 2019

August? Already?

Wow! July blew by in a blink!
Not only are we searching for a new Rector for our church, but we hired a new organist/music director. She seems lovely and motivated, but change is hard.  There are a big bunch of unknowns. She seems to want to do a lot of things, and at the same time,  appears to have forgotten that the group is small. I’d like her to eventually take over, but I’m not sure the group is ready for that. Only time will tell.
I’ve been really busy getting ready for the handbell year for both churches. We’ve got a lot of events scheduled and I can only hope those who can benefit most from the workshops decide to go. Sometimes I think I’m the only one who wants to do these events... if I could get them to go, I know they’d have a great time!
We had a couple of trees come down in the front yard. Today we started the cleanup process. We are doing a burn pile for the first time ever. We just have way too much tree shrapnel not to.  We have a decent sized pile started and will add to in on a cooler day. My foot did ok. It is tired. It’s getting hot out, so we are done for now.
Happy Friday, all!

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

A month out...

Well, it’s been a month since the surgery and I’m back into my tennies - both the same size, I might add! (I wish I could say that about my pants...) I’m allowed to walk on the treadmill again, but only 15 minutes at a shot. I’ll take it!
I can swim. I can shower. I can jump up and down.
I cannot walk in bare feet. I’ll manage.
I have to stretch my toes... it’s weird, but whatever. It beats going to PT.
So, I’m almost back...

Saturday, June 29, 2019

A week out...

It’s been just over a week since my bunion surgery, and I’m doing ok. I was doing great until the top of my foot got bruised - I’m just a delicate flower... The surgery site is great! The rest of the top of my foot is a giant bruise. It only hurts when I stand up or put my foot on the floor... so... I need to sit until my next appointment on Tuesday - we all know I don’t sit well.
So far, I’ve made a dragonfly blanket, finished another, made a pair of mittens, made a baby hat, baby booties, and a baby blanket, and worked on a shawl. At least I can say I’ve been productive. I’m going to finish two shawls that I’ve started and hopefully get another few pair of mittens done during my recovery.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Bunion time!

In the morning, I’m off to have the bunion on my left foot taken care of. I’m not thrilled about going under the knife, but I am looking forward to being able to walk without pain - after the first few days, anyway!
I’ll be in a boot for about a month. At least it’s my left foot which means I can still drive. The doc says I can do almost everything, but it won’t be at the speed I’m used to moving. It also means I’ll be wearing more dresses...
This weekend I’ll be sitting with my foot up.
I don’t sit well... but, I’ve got a few projects to work on to keep me busy.
So, I’ll manage!

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Vacations

We don’t normally take vacations.
We stay home and have friends and family visit us. We live in paradise. We have a pool. We have stacks of games. We have a TV and (spotty) internet. What else could you ask for?
If we do travel, we go to see family. But really, we like to be home.
Tomorrow LLB and I are doing something different.
We are going on vacation - just the two of us. (Mr decided that cat sitting was more up his alley than what we have planned.  He also has a work project that finishes up next week that will demand lots of hours at the office.)
We planned this when her divorce was finally final.
She sold her ring to pay for it. I love that about her - she can take a crappy memory and make it a good one!
LLB has definitely come out the other side and it is good.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Mi..mi...mi....miiiii

Tomorrow I’m singing with the choir.
I can match the note if I can hear it... key word: if.
I did really well at rehearsal, so I think I’ll do just fine. I’m an instrumentalist in real life... this singing gig is not something I do on a regular basis. That said, I had a lot of fun, so I may have to do this more frequently in the future.
Tomorrow I also get to ring the bells... I love to ring and it’s a real treat!
This will be the last time I ring for Amanda. She wanted to hear the bells one more time - she got blessed. Darrel happened to choose an anthem that has a bell accompaniment and I decided to show up for rehearsal... yep... it’s definitely a God thing!

Friday, May 10, 2019

Quick update

We managed to survive Sunday and all the activities we had planned. The bell performances went off without a hitch and were enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
The HOA meeting was short and sweet -  I’ll be typing those minutes up and sending them in for approval today.
It was nice to not have bell rehearsals in the evening this week. They require a lot of energy and a lot of planning on my part. I did go to choir rehearsal and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I got to ring a little and sing a lot. It’s nice not to be in charge.
I worked my last shift ever at the winery yesterday. It is bitter sweet to see it go, as I love the owners and my coworkers very much. I have enough wine put away to enjoy for many months to come, but when I open that last bottle, it will be sad - but oh so yummy!
Today I’m hoping to get my hair cut. I desperately needs the ends trimmed off. I’m starting to look super shaggy... and that’s simply unattractive. I really hope she can take me.
So, I guess I’ll get to it and get those minutes typed up and out of here.



Friday, May 03, 2019

Bells bells and more bells

This weekend is a busy one for sure!
We have dinner plans with LLB on Saturday - which is the most relaxing part of the two days. On Sunday, we play bells in the morning and bells in the evening at two different churches. The music is challenging - mind you most of it I didn’t choose. Rehearsals have been rough, sparsely attended at times, and frustrating for everyone. Cross your fingers and toes and say a few prayers that it all works the way it is supposed to and that we begin and end together. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the champagne reception once it’s all over!
In between those two performances, I have a church meeting right after the first service and an HOA meeting in the early afternoon. That, which is, of course, here at the Crossing... because we have the biggest house? Or we are the most gullible? Or we are just plain stupid and can’t say no? Yep - I’m sure there’s truth in all 3 of those statements.
So, today I’ll be cleaning and dusting. Got the vacuum out - complete with a new vacuum cleaner bag! This house will be dust and cat hair free in no time... unless something more exciting comes along like a grocery store run - which is also on today’s agenda.
Sunday night champagne can’t come fast enough!

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Feeling shafted...

So when LLBs marriage fell apart, he insisted he have her car back. This left her without one even though she came with one and he had 2 others plus a motorcycle or two...
She returned the car, signed the paperwork, and promptly canceled the insurance. I sold her mine and purchased a new Toyota - I had no intention of purchasing a hew car the week before Christmas. You do what needs doing and you count your blessings when you are able to do it all that fast.
The car LLB was driving was taxed in a county in which I do not live and have never lived. The Ex-husband never turned in the appropriate paperwork, and a balance accrued. A $505.54 type balance. If he had done what he was supposed to do, the balance would have been ZERO! Somehow my registration got held up because LLB’s name was on it... What that has to do with me, I’ll never know. I sent a note to his parents asking them to take care of it and they refused. They told me she was driving that car and that she was responsible. I had no time to argue. I had no choice but to pay it.
Fast forward to today.
I’m still bitter.
They left her without wheels and with a debt he accrued.
They left me $505.54 poorer! Money doesn’t grow on trees out here in the boonies.
I’d like to send them a bill...
Mr says I need to let it go.
I feel like they shafted her and our family.
A family of attorneys... the kind that work for we the people...
I thought they had integrity... I guess not.


Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Warm Weather = Ticks

The warm weather is finally here and with it are the pollen, the flying things, and the ticks. I despise ticks. Ticks are simply bad news.
Today Mr mowed the lawn for the first time this spring.  He found a tick on the shower wall when he was finished showering. Eew! That tick is now swimming in the septic tank, but there are millions more out there... Eew! Eew! Eew!
Mini is on a year round tick and flea regimen. We don’t want her to catch Lyme or any other nasty tick borne disease.
So... this is your yearly warning: use bug repellant with DEET, check for ticks, and make sure your pets are treated with frontline...

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Sick...

Yep, I’m sick. Mr is sick, too. 
Tonight we are having:

Chicken Posole Soup.
4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 poblano peppers, chopped 
1 white onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. cumin
1 tbsp. oregano
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. (15-oz.) cans hominy, drained 
Thinly sliced radishes, for garnish
Sliced green cabbage, for garnish

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Put everything in a lined crockpot except the hominy, radishes, cabbage, and cilantro. Cook on low 6-8 hours until chicken is cooked. Shred the chicken and put it back into the crockpot. Add the hominy and cook 30 min more. 
Serve and top with radishes, cilantro, and cabbage

Monday, April 15, 2019

Blessings

We have many blessings in our life including our little house here in the country. To celebrate the completion of the renovation we called our favorite priest and she came and blessed our house. We love our house and we enjoy sharing it with our friends and family - more so now that it is updated and not sporting 1986 carpet and bathrooms!
LLB has the blessing of a new home. It is perfect for her and we are so incredibly proud of her decision to purchase and put down some roots. She is moved in and had a housewarming party to celebrate. She has begun to make it her own - she painted her hall bath to cover up the horrendous chalkboard paint the previous owners thought was “all that”. She is saving her pennies to renovate the kitchen, put down hardwood floors, update the bathrooms, and make it completely hers.
#1 and Yellow Rose are currently stationed in Arizona for #1’s latest Army training. They will be there until August. They are hoping to purchase their first home at their next duty station - provided it is somewhere in the lower 48. They haven’t a clue where they will be next, but they are hoping it’s somewhere on the East Coast.

Monday, March 04, 2019

The Red Dot

I currently have Mini’s cousins visiting here at The Crossing while their mom is away on business. They are adjusting to each other.  Mini seems to really enjoy her time with Mischief as long as he stays away from her bowl, her potty, and her bed. (I can understand the potty thing - she doesn’t want any boys messing up her throne!) Leo still has to earn her respect and since he is still a bit skittish, that might take a little longer.
Tonight we all had a real treat - chicken - there’s nothing wong with a little white meat among felines.
After dinner, they like to gather around by the wood stove and chase the red dot.



They take turns. It’s a very civil game of chase the dot. There’s no growling or trying to take over. I find it fascinating!
Once they are all tired out, they lounge in their specific spots and enjoy the warmth emanating from the stove. Mini to the right (half on and half off the rug), Mischief right in front where it’s warmest, and Leo on the rug in the hall.  It’s peaceful and I believe could get used to a multi cat household again... although, I think Mini might have something to say about that. 😸


Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Moving on up!

My LLB bought a new house this week.
She was scheduled to have her furniture delivered on Tuesday when the weather was clear and not snowing. Alas, her furniture arrived today... in a snow storm. But that’s ok!
She loves her house. She is almost moved in.
She is moving on and up! We are so incredibly proud of her!

Friday, February 15, 2019

Projects...

My current project is a gift for a special couple who are getting married later this year. It’s wool in a color called ocean water. It’s light and soft and warm. I like it so much, I’m going to have trouble parting with this one!

Thursday, February 07, 2019

Thursday

It’s Friday Eve!
Last night I finished the Dragon Fly blanket for the Delaplane Strawberry Festival. I am pleased with how it came out. I hope a lot of people think it is lovely and buy raffle tickets.




Today, after a quick trip to Costco, I started a wool blanket for a special couple for their wedding that’s coming up in the fall. I want to get it done so I don’t have to scramble at the last minute. When I get it finished, I’ll post some pictures.

Monday, February 04, 2019

Monday

Mondays tend to be challenging. I get distracted on Mondays...
I start the dishes and notice the counter needs a wipe...
I go to put the cleaning cloth in the washer and remember that the clothes in the dryer need to be folded.
I take the lint out to the baffle and remember I need to go to the dump...
And it goes from there.
Needless to say, all the chores are done - finally.

Friday, January 25, 2019

Cold...

2018 was the year of rain.
I had hoped that 2019 would be a smidge drier.
Yep, I’m complaining... you may want to click the red x in the corner... I understand. Nobody should have time to listen to me whine about the cold.
We’ve had rain and snow. We had rain yesterday. Heck, it’s supposed to rain some more this weekend. Yay. Not.
Winter rain is cold.
Bone chilling cold.
I’ve got the fire going, but it’s still cold. I’m ready for 65 and sunny... yes, I realize it’s January...
Rant over...

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Life is short

One of my bell ringers died suddenly. Mary...
She was a quirky, funny, highly educated, faithful woman. I’ll be honest... when I first met her many years ago she was hard to like, but I grew to appreciate her, to enjoy our time together in bible study, and to love her and her quirks. She joined our bell choir a couple of years ago and jumped in with both feet. She actually practiced. She was the first one to sign up for bell fests because learning was important to her.
Mary was an integral part of our church. She sang in the choir, came to weekly bible study, volunteered when she could, and she was one of my ringers. This year I made her a blue shawl. I knew she wanted a blue wrap, and I just felt called to make it for her. She was so excited when she got it. For Christmas this year, I knew money was tight for her, so I made her a scarf, a pair of mittens, and I tucked a gift card in the mitten. She loved it! I got the biggest best hug from her on Christmas Eve. That was the last time I saw her in person.
She will be missed.
I will miss her. We will all miss her.

Crockpot honey-garlic chicken thighs

We discovered this recipe this week and it was yummy!

Ingredients
4 - 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil

Directions
Line the crockpot for easy cleanup
Put thighs in crockpot 
Combine the rest of the ingredients and whisk together. 
Pour over thighs
Cook on low for 6 hours
Serve with rice

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Brrr... who turned on winter?

Last week we had some snow. This week we had snow and then rain.
Today, someone turned off the heat and plunged us right into winter with freezing temps and blustery winds. I’d like 65 and sunny, thanks! 

Saturday, January 19, 2019

It’s a new year!

The renovation was complete shortly before Christmas. We got the furniture put back, the closet and pantry systems installed, and everything clean for the New Years Day Brunch. We gave house tours, drank mimosas, and celebrated with our friends and neighbors. Since it was such a hit, our thought is to have the New Years Brunch instead of the Christmas Party from now on. As time goes on , I’ll work on getting the pictures back on the walls, my yarn stash organized, and Mr’s train room ready for trains and track. We are truly blessed to be able to do this renovation and to have such a great team make it happen.
We’ve had some life changes around here as well. LLBs marriage didn’t work out. We are thankful that she is out and safe and that the Navy and her coworkers have been so supportive. There were a few things he pulled on his way out the door that we found reprehensible - for example: He threatened to take her cats, left her without a car, and accrued a significant debt on her credit card. LLB is strong and met each challenge head on. She protected her cats and herself. We scrambled, bought a new car for me, sold her mine, and figured out a way for her to pay off the debt and not suffer from bad credit. She has come out the other side, is back to her normal bubbly self, is happy to be starting over, and is looking forward to whatever joys life brings next. Again, we are incredibly thankful that she is safe and that my mother left us in a position to be able to help her.
I continue to direct my bell choirs, although I am more and more eager to get back behind the table and ring. I’m working hard to work myself out of a job and pass the baton to someone else. We are attending festival in Ocean City this spring, and I hope someone I bring with me is inspired to take over! Yeah... I’m not holding my breath.
Mini has adjusted to being back in familiar digs. She spends her time asleep on our bed, lounging on the couch in front of the fire, and looking out the back door. She loves to chase her mouse on a string, but just a few nights ago, she discovered the joy that is the “red dot”.  She hasn’t caught it yet, but you know, practice makes perfect!