Greetings
Just a short note to thank all of you sweet people sending me get well wishes. It means so much to me. I love our group. I am still pretty sick but can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
mary
😍
To be creative means to be in love with life-OSHO
Friday, December 27, 2019
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Things I like Thursday Dec 19
Greetings!
I'm really trying to have a positive outlook after some events lately. I posted the other day why I missed last weeks "likes" post. It's been non stop stress since then. Just keepin it real. But in the true spirit of this blog- here are my "likes" for this week:
1. Firemen in our community. Awhile back, I posted about my daughter becoming friends with the firemen and fire women in her neighborhood. Well, she got to be with them again. The day after I came home from the hospital, Tina got a call that 911 had been called for Thomas. (heart attack time).
He was on a field trip with his class and assistants parked on the sidewalk waiting for the city bus to return Tthem to school.. The assistant was not holding on to his wheelchair but said"here comes the bus". Thomas released the brakes and rolled into the street and tipped over on his side. The firemen who showed up knew Thomas and immediately were able to control the situation while attending to his needs. Mom dropped everything and arrived within minutes. One of the fireman suggested he(the fireman) ride with Tina in her car so Thomas would stay calm rather than in an ambulance. The hospital was less than 2 miles away. Isn't that the most thoughtful approach? Thomas was thrilled to have the fireman in the car even tho he was in pain from his injuries. He never complained the entire time.
Thomas is fine except for scrapes and bruises -xrays showed nothing broken and the brain shunt is ok. Amazing since the wheelchair weighs about 75 pounds. The accident did not keep him from eating when he got home.
Thank you God for taking care of my pumpkin.
2. My Three Wise Women towel:
3. My "Baby -it's- cold -outside" card
I think it's my favorite.
I am so glad I got everything done early for Christmas. Cards sent, gifts wrapped. I hope you all are enjoying this season. Hopefully, I'll feel better soon.
Have to go- the repairman is coming to fix the broken toilet. When it rains it pours -so to speak.
mary
I'm really trying to have a positive outlook after some events lately. I posted the other day why I missed last weeks "likes" post. It's been non stop stress since then. Just keepin it real. But in the true spirit of this blog- here are my "likes" for this week:
1. Firemen in our community. Awhile back, I posted about my daughter becoming friends with the firemen and fire women in her neighborhood. Well, she got to be with them again. The day after I came home from the hospital, Tina got a call that 911 had been called for Thomas. (heart attack time).
He was on a field trip with his class and assistants parked on the sidewalk waiting for the city bus to return Tthem to school.. The assistant was not holding on to his wheelchair but said"here comes the bus". Thomas released the brakes and rolled into the street and tipped over on his side. The firemen who showed up knew Thomas and immediately were able to control the situation while attending to his needs. Mom dropped everything and arrived within minutes. One of the fireman suggested he(the fireman) ride with Tina in her car so Thomas would stay calm rather than in an ambulance. The hospital was less than 2 miles away. Isn't that the most thoughtful approach? Thomas was thrilled to have the fireman in the car even tho he was in pain from his injuries. He never complained the entire time.
Thomas is fine except for scrapes and bruises -xrays showed nothing broken and the brain shunt is ok. Amazing since the wheelchair weighs about 75 pounds. The accident did not keep him from eating when he got home.
Thank you God for taking care of my pumpkin.
2. My Three Wise Women towel:
3. My "Baby -it's- cold -outside" card
I am so glad I got everything done early for Christmas. Cards sent, gifts wrapped. I hope you all are enjoying this season. Hopefully, I'll feel better soon.
Have to go- the repairman is coming to fix the broken toilet. When it rains it pours -so to speak.
mary
Saturday, December 14, 2019
If it isn't one thing it's another
Greetings! I think the heading is my motto.
I haven't posted for a week because I ended up in the hospital for food blockage in my throat and lack of oxygen. 18 hours later I had an Endoscopy which did not show the food but they dilated my Esophagus cause it shrinks when you get older and fixed something at the opening of my stomach. . That was bad enough; but, they wouldn't let me leave my bed much less the hospital till I received oxygen to take and use at home.
I've had COPD (advanced emphysema) for years and can control it usually with meds. As I've mentioned before, I have a wonderful lung specialist that I see regularly. But, the Internal Medicine doctor in charge of the ER was literally freaking out on my oxygen readings and the fact I wasn't wearing oxygen already. It surprised me and my 2 kids with his reaction and opinions. The three of us highly respect the hospital I was at. Whatever you do, do not question the doctor's opinion. Gheeze.
I also have a hiatal hernia which means my stomach pushes up into my esophagus and causes severe acid reflex. We think this caused the food blockage episode and actually caused stress on my lungs. I had been getting unusually tired just before the food blockage happened-probably a week or 2 but had chalked it up to being too busy. I hadn't checked my oxygen readings that week and just kept chugging along as we women tend to do. I don't feel "sick"- no cough or fever. Just tired.
Anyway, I'm sharing all this so anyone experiencing any similar symptoms can see their doctor for help.
Eventually, I got the oxygen set up and came home. Many years ago when I was first diagnosed with COPD, I had oxygen at home and then 6-9 months later didn't need it or since. It's very inconvenient but I'm so grateful for this invention. My problem is: I can't leave the house much because the portable cylinders are too heavy to transport for the amount that I need and only last 1.5 hours. That means if the traffic is bad, it takes me 30 minutes to get to the doctor and 30 back. That leaves 30 minutes for the visit. Hope they're on time.
Yes, there are portable oxygen concentrators you can purchase that plug into the car or wall and then walk around but they start around $1000 (used) if the insurance doesn't cover it. LOL
Grocery stores are very close to my home but any other shopping or to my kid's homes is 20-30 minutes travel time one way due to traffic. That means I have to carry 2 tanks in the car and switch them out. I have 6 regular tanks. I'm in the process of getting smaller portable tanks but who knows how much they will hold and for what duration.
This whole mess had controlled our lives this past week ( Frank has pulled the cannula out of my nose 3 times from tripping over the oxygen cords). I'm feeling fine and can't wait to see the doctor Tuesday for more options on handling my disease. I should mention my oxygen equipment is free from my insurance. Love Cigna.
Oh, I forgot, the second day home one of the toilets broke and flooded Frank's bathroom so we're sharing a bathroom. The landlord finally got a guy to come today to fix it. Is it just a female thing or maybe just me that I don't like to share my bathroom? heehee
I'm better mentally and emotionally so I plan to get back to blogging for next week. I am so glad I got almost all the Christmas shopping done and decorated the house early before all this happened.
Now, to find some cookies.
Thank God for pick up/delivery of groceries! It's really hard to pull along an oxygen tank and push a grocery cart at the same time, so-- that's not gonna happen. Help those people in the grocery stores who are struggling to do both!
BTW- my kids have offered to help anytime but I don't want to interrupt their lives more than necessary and I do love my independence. just sayin. Of course, if it's something I can't do-I'll ask for help.
Thanks for listening and have a great day. till next week---
mary
I haven't posted for a week because I ended up in the hospital for food blockage in my throat and lack of oxygen. 18 hours later I had an Endoscopy which did not show the food but they dilated my Esophagus cause it shrinks when you get older and fixed something at the opening of my stomach. . That was bad enough; but, they wouldn't let me leave my bed much less the hospital till I received oxygen to take and use at home.
I've had COPD (advanced emphysema) for years and can control it usually with meds. As I've mentioned before, I have a wonderful lung specialist that I see regularly. But, the Internal Medicine doctor in charge of the ER was literally freaking out on my oxygen readings and the fact I wasn't wearing oxygen already. It surprised me and my 2 kids with his reaction and opinions. The three of us highly respect the hospital I was at. Whatever you do, do not question the doctor's opinion. Gheeze.
I also have a hiatal hernia which means my stomach pushes up into my esophagus and causes severe acid reflex. We think this caused the food blockage episode and actually caused stress on my lungs. I had been getting unusually tired just before the food blockage happened-probably a week or 2 but had chalked it up to being too busy. I hadn't checked my oxygen readings that week and just kept chugging along as we women tend to do. I don't feel "sick"- no cough or fever. Just tired.
Anyway, I'm sharing all this so anyone experiencing any similar symptoms can see their doctor for help.
Eventually, I got the oxygen set up and came home. Many years ago when I was first diagnosed with COPD, I had oxygen at home and then 6-9 months later didn't need it or since. It's very inconvenient but I'm so grateful for this invention. My problem is: I can't leave the house much because the portable cylinders are too heavy to transport for the amount that I need and only last 1.5 hours. That means if the traffic is bad, it takes me 30 minutes to get to the doctor and 30 back. That leaves 30 minutes for the visit. Hope they're on time.
Yes, there are portable oxygen concentrators you can purchase that plug into the car or wall and then walk around but they start around $1000 (used) if the insurance doesn't cover it. LOL
Grocery stores are very close to my home but any other shopping or to my kid's homes is 20-30 minutes travel time one way due to traffic. That means I have to carry 2 tanks in the car and switch them out. I have 6 regular tanks. I'm in the process of getting smaller portable tanks but who knows how much they will hold and for what duration.
This whole mess had controlled our lives this past week ( Frank has pulled the cannula out of my nose 3 times from tripping over the oxygen cords). I'm feeling fine and can't wait to see the doctor Tuesday for more options on handling my disease. I should mention my oxygen equipment is free from my insurance. Love Cigna.
Oh, I forgot, the second day home one of the toilets broke and flooded Frank's bathroom so we're sharing a bathroom. The landlord finally got a guy to come today to fix it. Is it just a female thing or maybe just me that I don't like to share my bathroom? heehee
I'm better mentally and emotionally so I plan to get back to blogging for next week. I am so glad I got almost all the Christmas shopping done and decorated the house early before all this happened.
Now, to find some cookies.
Thank God for pick up/delivery of groceries! It's really hard to pull along an oxygen tank and push a grocery cart at the same time, so-- that's not gonna happen. Help those people in the grocery stores who are struggling to do both!
BTW- my kids have offered to help anytime but I don't want to interrupt their lives more than necessary and I do love my independence. just sayin. Of course, if it's something I can't do-I'll ask for help.
Thanks for listening and have a great day. till next week---
mary
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Thins I like Thursdays Dec 5
Greetings!
Yes, I gained a few pounds over the weekend which will go by the way from all the running around I am doing this week. Hope ya'll had a great holiday in the U.S. and a wonderful week for those around the world!
Thanks for stopping by to see my " likes" for this week and hope you'll stop by Lee Anna's blog to see more: Not Afraid of Color
Here are my "likes":
1. Sally Hansen nail polish. I hardly ever paint my nails and usually keep them short as they tend to get in my way (LIKE TYPING RIGHT NOW). For some reason, I like them painted at Christmas time. So, while I was at Walmart last week I perused the nail polish options. When did regular nail polish go to $7 per bottle? Gheeze. Anyway, I got this cute color for about $3 and it stayed on for 5 days-a record for me
2. Pandora Music App on my I phone. I can choose all Big Band music or Christmas radio all the time. It's free and I like it.
3. Tune In app on my I phone for talk radio or CNN, NBC, podcasts etc. I can listen to news or talk shows while cleaning or cooking. As you can see, there is usually something "on" unless I'm reading and taking a break. I guess it keeps me motivated.
4. Gluten free dressing for Thanksgiving
It was a gift from my daughter- stove top easy and good.
5. Plant Protein Powder for breakfast.
Abut a year and a half ago, I was sick with several ailments for months and got pretty run down. My blood sugar was acting up for the first time ever, bronchitis would not go away and several other things (medical term). A friend suggested this plant derived protein powder mixed with lactose free milk each morning. Increasing my protein to at least 30 mg a day gave me more energy to start my day and lowered the blood sugar. I took it for months but stopped it when I felt better around Christmas. It's pretty expensive. I initially bought it at Sprouts for about $25 on sale-regular price was $30+ for 1 pound that lasted a little over a month.
Recently, I haven't felt that great and found the same product on Amazon for half the price- $42 for 2 pounds. It was delivered in 2 days. just sayin.
I had also strayed from my expensive gluten free products occassionally to real foods so I'm back on that train with more focus. I've chosen to think of this protein powder as a monthly medicine to justify the cost.
On that same topic of medical costs, I have reached "the donut hole' of medicare annual costs for the first time since I've been on Medicare these 4 years . It sucks. ( I know, not a "likes" topic but I need to address it).
That means my meds' total cost (me and insurance portions together ) exceed an allowable amount for the year and so now my 2 meds that normally cost $42 per month, now are $100 each for December. At least I was able to make it to December without increasing the cost. I think that's a vague "like"
6. My Watercolor Christmas Cards
I finally found a little time to make some Christmas cards and absolutely love them. This group will go to a few people and I hope to get back to painting soon to make more for friends and family. I have not sent Christmas cards for probably 20+ years so this is new and fun . The tutorial for these was from Ellen Crimi -Trent on you tube.
Ok, that's enough about my life. How bout you? What have you been up to? This is a busy time of year so don't forget to treat yourself to some happy time.
Yesterday, my daughter and I stopped everything in the afternoon (she had the day off) and watched White Christmas while eating freshly baked cookies with hot tea. It was my favorite "like".
Take care.
mary
Yes, I gained a few pounds over the weekend which will go by the way from all the running around I am doing this week. Hope ya'll had a great holiday in the U.S. and a wonderful week for those around the world!
Thanks for stopping by to see my " likes" for this week and hope you'll stop by Lee Anna's blog to see more: Not Afraid of Color
Here are my "likes":
1. Sally Hansen nail polish. I hardly ever paint my nails and usually keep them short as they tend to get in my way (LIKE TYPING RIGHT NOW). For some reason, I like them painted at Christmas time. So, while I was at Walmart last week I perused the nail polish options. When did regular nail polish go to $7 per bottle? Gheeze. Anyway, I got this cute color for about $3 and it stayed on for 5 days-a record for me
2. Pandora Music App on my I phone. I can choose all Big Band music or Christmas radio all the time. It's free and I like it.
3. Tune In app on my I phone for talk radio or CNN, NBC, podcasts etc. I can listen to news or talk shows while cleaning or cooking. As you can see, there is usually something "on" unless I'm reading and taking a break. I guess it keeps me motivated.
4. Gluten free dressing for Thanksgiving
It was a gift from my daughter- stove top easy and good.
5. Plant Protein Powder for breakfast.
Abut a year and a half ago, I was sick with several ailments for months and got pretty run down. My blood sugar was acting up for the first time ever, bronchitis would not go away and several other things (medical term). A friend suggested this plant derived protein powder mixed with lactose free milk each morning. Increasing my protein to at least 30 mg a day gave me more energy to start my day and lowered the blood sugar. I took it for months but stopped it when I felt better around Christmas. It's pretty expensive. I initially bought it at Sprouts for about $25 on sale-regular price was $30+ for 1 pound that lasted a little over a month.
Recently, I haven't felt that great and found the same product on Amazon for half the price- $42 for 2 pounds. It was delivered in 2 days. just sayin.
I had also strayed from my expensive gluten free products occassionally to real foods so I'm back on that train with more focus. I've chosen to think of this protein powder as a monthly medicine to justify the cost.
On that same topic of medical costs, I have reached "the donut hole' of medicare annual costs for the first time since I've been on Medicare these 4 years . It sucks. ( I know, not a "likes" topic but I need to address it).
That means my meds' total cost (me and insurance portions together ) exceed an allowable amount for the year and so now my 2 meds that normally cost $42 per month, now are $100 each for December. At least I was able to make it to December without increasing the cost. I think that's a vague "like"
6. My Watercolor Christmas Cards
I finally found a little time to make some Christmas cards and absolutely love them. This group will go to a few people and I hope to get back to painting soon to make more for friends and family. I have not sent Christmas cards for probably 20+ years so this is new and fun . The tutorial for these was from Ellen Crimi -Trent on you tube.
Ok, that's enough about my life. How bout you? What have you been up to? This is a busy time of year so don't forget to treat yourself to some happy time.
Yesterday, my daughter and I stopped everything in the afternoon (she had the day off) and watched White Christmas while eating freshly baked cookies with hot tea. It was my favorite "like".
Take care.
mary
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Things I like Thursdays Nov 28
Greetings!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my US friends. We will have rain and cold. for several days. Very unusual for us as many Northerners have arrived for the winter and had plans for golfing, etc.
I will be going to my son's house for a big feast. I take turns each year with my kids.. Thankfully, I only have 2 kids.
But, they are both great cooks (as well as their spouses). I'm eating as healthy as I can before that day.
I am thankful for all of you visiting my blog and sending me your thoughts. It keeps me happy and sane.
Hope ya'll have a great day!
In the meantime, here is a list of my "likes" for this week:
1. Green Enchiladas Soup. Here is the link for the recipe: https://seekinggoodeats.com/?s=green+enchilada+soup I hope I set that up for you correctly. Most of the ingredients I had on hand. I used canned chicken. It can be made in a pot on the stove but I made it in the crock pot for 1.5 hours to make sure all the cheese melted. This was SO good and easy.
2. Vignettes of my Christmas decorations:
The shelf over the tv. Those candles have LED lights which I love.
My blue and white tree. This was taken with my Ipad at night. I'm still trying to get better photos but it's a struggle.
Here's one taken with the Iphone. The tree is so pretty -live. I've had that crocheted Angel at the top for many years but the blue and white theme just started last year.
My hanging Nativity scene. It is a carved wood piece bought at Hobby Lobby for $5 that I attached to a midnight blue (with stars) fabric. It's about 13" square. I just love the simplicity of it.
My table Nativity scene. I've had this small set many years. I grew up with the Nativity scene set up under the tree in a manger every year. But, as an adult I've liked seeing it in a more visible setting on the table.
I still have one or two decorations to go inside and minimal outside stuff to prepare --so I'm almost done.
Hope you enjoyed a peek into my days and please join us for more "likes" at Lee Anna's site: Not Afraid of Color
mary
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my US friends. We will have rain and cold. for several days. Very unusual for us as many Northerners have arrived for the winter and had plans for golfing, etc.
I will be going to my son's house for a big feast. I take turns each year with my kids.. Thankfully, I only have 2 kids.
But, they are both great cooks (as well as their spouses). I'm eating as healthy as I can before that day.
I am thankful for all of you visiting my blog and sending me your thoughts. It keeps me happy and sane.
Hope ya'll have a great day!
In the meantime, here is a list of my "likes" for this week:
1. Green Enchiladas Soup. Here is the link for the recipe: https://seekinggoodeats.com/?s=green+enchilada+soup I hope I set that up for you correctly. Most of the ingredients I had on hand. I used canned chicken. It can be made in a pot on the stove but I made it in the crock pot for 1.5 hours to make sure all the cheese melted. This was SO good and easy.
2. Vignettes of my Christmas decorations:
The shelf over the tv. Those candles have LED lights which I love.
My blue and white tree. This was taken with my Ipad at night. I'm still trying to get better photos but it's a struggle.
Here's one taken with the Iphone. The tree is so pretty -live. I've had that crocheted Angel at the top for many years but the blue and white theme just started last year.
My hanging Nativity scene. It is a carved wood piece bought at Hobby Lobby for $5 that I attached to a midnight blue (with stars) fabric. It's about 13" square. I just love the simplicity of it.
My table Nativity scene. I've had this small set many years. I grew up with the Nativity scene set up under the tree in a manger every year. But, as an adult I've liked seeing it in a more visible setting on the table.
I still have one or two decorations to go inside and minimal outside stuff to prepare --so I'm almost done.
Hope you enjoyed a peek into my days and please join us for more "likes" at Lee Anna's site: Not Afraid of Color
mary
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Things I like Thursdays Nov 21
Greetings!
We are having solid rain for three days! Yesterday, today and tomorrow. We've only had half the annual rainfall ytd! ( annual is about 8 inches and we didn't even have 4 before this). We definitely need the rain. Luckily, it's light but steady and temps in the 60's.
I don't like to drive in the rain so I'm staying home putting up Christmas decorations and making Green Chicken Enchilada soup in the crock pot. This is a nice day. I belong to a Christmas Group on Facebook and have been watching many people decorate for Christmas. I usually decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving but since it's late this year, I'm doing it now. Oh, such fun to do the things that make us happy
Here is a list of my "likes" for this week:
1. My apple/potato peeler. I've been peeling, slicing potatoes for scalloped potatoes with my machine:
I use it weekly for my apples but finally tried it on potatoes. I haven't figured out yet how to peel and slice only. There is a way not to core it, but I just sliced up the core as I was in a hurry.This machine is a life saver for me as my thumbs are in constant pain.
2. My new phone- an Iphone 8. My old 6S (about 5 years old) finally wasn't working well or hooking up to the wifi! I was lost for a few days without my phoen and ipad and finally gave in to go to Sprint for a new phone. I got a rebuilt Iphone8 for 18 months lease at $11/month. Score. As part of the deal, I got a free new Ipad due to a "special" running for the weekend. Here's the Ipad:
Some of you may remember I got an Ipad as a gift last Christmas and have been learning to use it all year. I decided now to pay approximately $15/ month for cellular data in addition to WIFI for the new Ipad. This is much more dependable in my house.
The bad news is- I have to set up all my stuff on the new Ipad. After I clean out the old one, I'll set it up for Thomas to use when he's here. This has all been so time consuming! I spent the entire day last Friday dealing with phones and Ipads! I think I'm ok now.(heehee)
3. Walmart fabric. I know-surprise. I needed dark green for a Christmas tablecloth and couldn't find one online so I was at Walmart and found these:
One yard precuts for $3.00 each! The quality is very good = as you can see it's from Waverly. I don't care for the fat quarters at Walmart but these one yards are nice and ridiculously priced. I got 2 and pieced a 55inch square tablecloth in an hour or so. I saved a lot of money and running around.
4. Christmas centerpiece (on the new tablecloth) for the kitchen table.
I had the pinecones and some trees. The place mat, green tree, red star was purchased at Pier 1 a few weeks ago.
5. Blue lights for the living room:
I spent all day Saturday cleaning the living room top to bottom and trying to hang blue lights by myself in the living room. . As you can see I was listening to Chef Rick Bayless on the Simply Ming show. My hips don't work for up and down climbing so it was a real process but I got them done.
This was the best photo I could make after about 10 tries! I have a difficult time with night shots on my phone.
That's about it for this week.I'll show more deco results next week. Hope you enjoyed a peek into my "likes". Please join us at Lee Anna's site for more:Not Afraid of Color
Have a great day!
mary
We are having solid rain for three days! Yesterday, today and tomorrow. We've only had half the annual rainfall ytd! ( annual is about 8 inches and we didn't even have 4 before this). We definitely need the rain. Luckily, it's light but steady and temps in the 60's.
I don't like to drive in the rain so I'm staying home putting up Christmas decorations and making Green Chicken Enchilada soup in the crock pot. This is a nice day. I belong to a Christmas Group on Facebook and have been watching many people decorate for Christmas. I usually decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving but since it's late this year, I'm doing it now. Oh, such fun to do the things that make us happy
Here is a list of my "likes" for this week:
1. My apple/potato peeler. I've been peeling, slicing potatoes for scalloped potatoes with my machine:
I use it weekly for my apples but finally tried it on potatoes. I haven't figured out yet how to peel and slice only. There is a way not to core it, but I just sliced up the core as I was in a hurry.This machine is a life saver for me as my thumbs are in constant pain.
2. My new phone- an Iphone 8. My old 6S (about 5 years old) finally wasn't working well or hooking up to the wifi! I was lost for a few days without my phoen and ipad and finally gave in to go to Sprint for a new phone. I got a rebuilt Iphone8 for 18 months lease at $11/month. Score. As part of the deal, I got a free new Ipad due to a "special" running for the weekend. Here's the Ipad:
Some of you may remember I got an Ipad as a gift last Christmas and have been learning to use it all year. I decided now to pay approximately $15/ month for cellular data in addition to WIFI for the new Ipad. This is much more dependable in my house.
The bad news is- I have to set up all my stuff on the new Ipad. After I clean out the old one, I'll set it up for Thomas to use when he's here. This has all been so time consuming! I spent the entire day last Friday dealing with phones and Ipads! I think I'm ok now.(heehee)
3. Walmart fabric. I know-surprise. I needed dark green for a Christmas tablecloth and couldn't find one online so I was at Walmart and found these:
One yard precuts for $3.00 each! The quality is very good = as you can see it's from Waverly. I don't care for the fat quarters at Walmart but these one yards are nice and ridiculously priced. I got 2 and pieced a 55inch square tablecloth in an hour or so. I saved a lot of money and running around.
4. Christmas centerpiece (on the new tablecloth) for the kitchen table.
I had the pinecones and some trees. The place mat, green tree, red star was purchased at Pier 1 a few weeks ago.
5. Blue lights for the living room:
I spent all day Saturday cleaning the living room top to bottom and trying to hang blue lights by myself in the living room. . As you can see I was listening to Chef Rick Bayless on the Simply Ming show. My hips don't work for up and down climbing so it was a real process but I got them done.
This was the best photo I could make after about 10 tries! I have a difficult time with night shots on my phone.
That's about it for this week.I'll show more deco results next week. Hope you enjoyed a peek into my "likes". Please join us at Lee Anna's site for more:Not Afraid of Color
Have a great day!
mary
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
I like Thursdays Nov 14
Greetings!
Since most of my time was spent on before and after my trip to Payson, Az , I only have one BIG like today:
A trip to Payson, Az
This photo was taken in a moving car and with my Iphone. I wish it was clearer for you to see how beautiful the changing leaves appeared. This was the desert about an hour before arriving in Payson.
Payson is a town about a 2 hour drive northeast from Phoenix. It was founded in 1884, the population is about 15,000 and it is widely know for it's rodeo. The elevation is about 5000 feet so the terrain is tall pines and cool(er) weather.
We stayed at an Air bnb. This was the first time for all of us taking that route for lodging. It was a 3 bed 2 bath home in downtown Payson which is a very old area. My son in law handled the process of an Airbnb so we were all a little nervous of the result. When we arrived, we were shocked at the outside appearance which was not how the photo appeared. It was awful looking. However, the inside looked like an HGTV home. Crazy. We loved the place as it was everything we needed.
We timed our visit perfectly for the changing colors of the leaves:
Everywhere we went was clear blue skies and beautiful trees.
We visited 2 parks in the town many times. Here we are at Green Valley park with Thomas throwing a jet ball to mom and dad.
All of the park events are a workout for mom and dad but they love it. Gramma gets to sit with Thomas and cheer him on:
Check out another red tree in the background. As you can tell, I spent a lot of time admiring the trees up there.
The other park was Rumsey Park. Thomas got to play basketball, his favorite sport.
Mom and dad got quite the workout there, too.
And, then it was back to the rental to relax:
Thomas and my daughter Tina watching "Christmas at the Cranks". Everywhere we went was so close to home- maybe 3-4 miles away at most.
I wish I had taken more photos, but I was busy enjoying the great outdoors and the company!
Back to the grind of chores and running errands in 85 degrees. I hope ya'll are enjoying your week.
Take care,
mary
Since most of my time was spent on before and after my trip to Payson, Az , I only have one BIG like today:
A trip to Payson, Az
This photo was taken in a moving car and with my Iphone. I wish it was clearer for you to see how beautiful the changing leaves appeared. This was the desert about an hour before arriving in Payson.
Payson is a town about a 2 hour drive northeast from Phoenix. It was founded in 1884, the population is about 15,000 and it is widely know for it's rodeo. The elevation is about 5000 feet so the terrain is tall pines and cool(er) weather.
We stayed at an Air bnb. This was the first time for all of us taking that route for lodging. It was a 3 bed 2 bath home in downtown Payson which is a very old area. My son in law handled the process of an Airbnb so we were all a little nervous of the result. When we arrived, we were shocked at the outside appearance which was not how the photo appeared. It was awful looking. However, the inside looked like an HGTV home. Crazy. We loved the place as it was everything we needed.
We timed our visit perfectly for the changing colors of the leaves:
Everywhere we went was clear blue skies and beautiful trees.
We visited 2 parks in the town many times. Here we are at Green Valley park with Thomas throwing a jet ball to mom and dad.
All of the park events are a workout for mom and dad but they love it. Gramma gets to sit with Thomas and cheer him on:
Check out another red tree in the background. As you can tell, I spent a lot of time admiring the trees up there.
The other park was Rumsey Park. Thomas got to play basketball, his favorite sport.
Mom and dad got quite the workout there, too.
And, then it was back to the rental to relax:
Thomas and my daughter Tina watching "Christmas at the Cranks". Everywhere we went was so close to home- maybe 3-4 miles away at most.
I wish I had taken more photos, but I was busy enjoying the great outdoors and the company!
Back to the grind of chores and running errands in 85 degrees. I hope ya'll are enjoying your week.
Take care,
mary
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
I like Thursdays Nov 7
Greetings!
Happy fall. Hope you are enjoying it. I haven't sewn this week but have been cleaning and running errands. Unfortunately, my hip has been acting up so not much going out in the world. This coming Saturday I'm going to Payson Az (best small town 2015) for a vacation and I am so excited. I'm going with my daughter and her family. We have been going every fall but last year I was sick and couldn't go.
I wish it was going to be colder but it will be 70/45 for the 3 days.
And, I will finally see trees.
In the meantime-here's a short list of my likes for this week:
1. Gift in the mail. I was so pleased to receive a lovely gift from Roseanne of Home Sewn by Us.
A pair of socks with " I'm watching Hallmark Christmas movies" on them. Very thoughtful and very cute.
2. Changing my closet to "winter" clothes. Two weeks ago we had unusually cold weather for us-60 and 70 degrees with 40's in the a.m. and I just ate it up. So, I changed most of the clothes out. For us, that just means long sleeves.
However, today we are at 90 again. I can't win. Now you see why I can't wait to go to the high country this weekend. If it wasn't for my family being here- I would definitely live in a small, cold town.
3. The last show for Durrels at Corfu. It was so well done. Even though I will miss that crazy family, the finale was lovely. Now I need to find another PBS show similar to that. What an escape.
4. My annual trip to Pier 1. I go there just to see their beautiful, creative trees and take a full hour just to get ideas for Christmas. This time , I picked up just a few small pieces: I picked up a red placemat, 2 white, small dishes , a gift diffuser and two of their small trees (like 10-12 inches). I want to make a new centerpiece for the kitchen table.
Luckily, I did not see these plates or would have bought a set:
They have trees!!! Sorry.
That's all I could come up with for this week but hope to have photos for you next week. And, maybe some sewing done.
Have a great one and please join us at Lee Anna's post for more "likes" at Not Afraid of Color
mary
P. S. I was not happy at all to see my favorite basketball player, Steph Curry, severely injured- a fractured hand. They are saying it will be 3 months before he can play again. Prayers to him for a speedy recovery.
Happy fall. Hope you are enjoying it. I haven't sewn this week but have been cleaning and running errands. Unfortunately, my hip has been acting up so not much going out in the world. This coming Saturday I'm going to Payson Az (best small town 2015) for a vacation and I am so excited. I'm going with my daughter and her family. We have been going every fall but last year I was sick and couldn't go.
I wish it was going to be colder but it will be 70/45 for the 3 days.
And, I will finally see trees.
In the meantime-here's a short list of my likes for this week:
1. Gift in the mail. I was so pleased to receive a lovely gift from Roseanne of Home Sewn by Us.
A pair of socks with " I'm watching Hallmark Christmas movies" on them. Very thoughtful and very cute.
2. Changing my closet to "winter" clothes. Two weeks ago we had unusually cold weather for us-60 and 70 degrees with 40's in the a.m. and I just ate it up. So, I changed most of the clothes out. For us, that just means long sleeves.
However, today we are at 90 again. I can't win. Now you see why I can't wait to go to the high country this weekend. If it wasn't for my family being here- I would definitely live in a small, cold town.
3. The last show for Durrels at Corfu. It was so well done. Even though I will miss that crazy family, the finale was lovely. Now I need to find another PBS show similar to that. What an escape.
4. My annual trip to Pier 1. I go there just to see their beautiful, creative trees and take a full hour just to get ideas for Christmas. This time , I picked up just a few small pieces: I picked up a red placemat, 2 white, small dishes , a gift diffuser and two of their small trees (like 10-12 inches). I want to make a new centerpiece for the kitchen table.
Luckily, I did not see these plates or would have bought a set:
They have trees!!! Sorry.
That's all I could come up with for this week but hope to have photos for you next week. And, maybe some sewing done.
Have a great one and please join us at Lee Anna's post for more "likes" at Not Afraid of Color
mary
P. S. I was not happy at all to see my favorite basketball player, Steph Curry, severely injured- a fractured hand. They are saying it will be 3 months before he can play again. Prayers to him for a speedy recovery.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
I like Thursdays Oct 31
Greetings!
Hope ya'll are having a great day. This is the first year I won't see my pumpkin for Halloween so I'm a little sad. I'm uncomfortable driving thru the big city at night and especially this night cause kids run out on the main streets constantly.So, I'm staying home.
Here is a list of my likes for this week:
1. MY BROTHER IS CANCER FREE!!! We were actually surprised on the Tuesday follow up visit to the urologist. The prostate was removed as well as the outlying lymph nodes 2.5 weeks ago. Of course, samples were sent to the pathologist . The cancer had grown in the prostate (as the surgeon had suspected) but had not gone to the lymph nodes so he is cancer free after having it 1.5 years. No radiation necessary which really relieved me as I had dreaded taking him every day for 45 days straight with his other disabilities. He is dealing with the after- affects of the surgery and will be for about 2 months- but we are so glad and blessed.
2. Boho DIY decoupage pumpkins on You Tube. I tried to get a photo but couldn't accomplish that. Here's the you tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rft9OWEnPH4&t=28s
Trust me- they are really pretty. I will try to make one for next year. Mark Montano is the artist.
3. Aurifil thread. That's a no-brainer for me but I thought I would share with you a little incident while I was sewing the second valance for my daughter.
Here is the amount of sewing I had left till I was all done:
Maybe 3 inches.
Then this happened:
The spool jumped off the thread peg and into the first thread holder- scared the daylights out of me.
So, then I had to get out a new spool. I was having difficulty removing the wrapper on the new spool and so I got the scissors out to cut it off. However, I accidentally snipped the thread:
I was sick. At $12 a spool, this is not good (sometimes I can get them on sale for $9 online).
I installed it on the sewing machine anyway, finished the 3 inches and just waited till I reached the tear. It was only a few rotations! I was shocked and happy.
4. Cracker Barrel lunch and shopping. They have the cutest gift shop. I only remembered to take one photo:
This little guy goes up and down the ladder! The ladder is attached to the tree at top and bottom which is unsightly but he is adorable climbing one boot at a time. The ladder is about 6 foot.
Cracker Barrel has good lines of clothing at reasonable prices. Of course, they also carry old fashioned toys and candy. Lots of neat things in a small space.
5. An Arizona Snowman.
My daughter is probably going to make this. It was on Facebook.
6. Washington Nationals. Winner of the World Series- nicely done.
Have a great week!
Join us at lee Anna's site: Not Afraid of Color for more "likes"
mary
Hope ya'll are having a great day. This is the first year I won't see my pumpkin for Halloween so I'm a little sad. I'm uncomfortable driving thru the big city at night and especially this night cause kids run out on the main streets constantly.So, I'm staying home.
Here is a list of my likes for this week:
1. MY BROTHER IS CANCER FREE!!! We were actually surprised on the Tuesday follow up visit to the urologist. The prostate was removed as well as the outlying lymph nodes 2.5 weeks ago. Of course, samples were sent to the pathologist . The cancer had grown in the prostate (as the surgeon had suspected) but had not gone to the lymph nodes so he is cancer free after having it 1.5 years. No radiation necessary which really relieved me as I had dreaded taking him every day for 45 days straight with his other disabilities. He is dealing with the after- affects of the surgery and will be for about 2 months- but we are so glad and blessed.
2. Boho DIY decoupage pumpkins on You Tube. I tried to get a photo but couldn't accomplish that. Here's the you tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rft9OWEnPH4&t=28s
Trust me- they are really pretty. I will try to make one for next year. Mark Montano is the artist.
3. Aurifil thread. That's a no-brainer for me but I thought I would share with you a little incident while I was sewing the second valance for my daughter.
Here is the amount of sewing I had left till I was all done:
Maybe 3 inches.
Then this happened:
The spool jumped off the thread peg and into the first thread holder- scared the daylights out of me.
So, then I had to get out a new spool. I was having difficulty removing the wrapper on the new spool and so I got the scissors out to cut it off. However, I accidentally snipped the thread:
I was sick. At $12 a spool, this is not good (sometimes I can get them on sale for $9 online).
I installed it on the sewing machine anyway, finished the 3 inches and just waited till I reached the tear. It was only a few rotations! I was shocked and happy.
4. Cracker Barrel lunch and shopping. They have the cutest gift shop. I only remembered to take one photo:
This little guy goes up and down the ladder! The ladder is attached to the tree at top and bottom which is unsightly but he is adorable climbing one boot at a time. The ladder is about 6 foot.
Cracker Barrel has good lines of clothing at reasonable prices. Of course, they also carry old fashioned toys and candy. Lots of neat things in a small space.
5. An Arizona Snowman.
My daughter is probably going to make this. It was on Facebook.
6. Washington Nationals. Winner of the World Series- nicely done.
Have a great week!
Join us at lee Anna's site: Not Afraid of Color for more "likes"
mary
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Things I like Thursdays Oct 24
Greetings!
Hope you all are enjoying Fall. Here's a list of my "likes " for this week:
1. The Doors are OPEN. Finally we are getting "fresh" air in our home. It's in the 50's in the morning and topping out at 90 in the afternoon. This is crazy. But, I can keep the doors open till 11 if their is no pollution.
2. 5 min microwave Mac and Cheese in a cup. Unbelievable good and a total of 5 minutes. I use GF mac so this is wonderful. If you want the recipe it's at Tasty.com . I used 1/2 cup shredded cheese and cooked the mac 4 minutes contrary to the recipe.
3. Homemade Lo Mein. Jet Tila's link:
Hope you all are enjoying Fall. Here's a list of my "likes " for this week:
1. The Doors are OPEN. Finally we are getting "fresh" air in our home. It's in the 50's in the morning and topping out at 90 in the afternoon. This is crazy. But, I can keep the doors open till 11 if their is no pollution.
2. 5 min microwave Mac and Cheese in a cup. Unbelievable good and a total of 5 minutes. I use GF mac so this is wonderful. If you want the recipe it's at Tasty.com . I used 1/2 cup shredded cheese and cooked the mac 4 minutes contrary to the recipe.
3. Homemade Lo Mein. Jet Tila's link:
I love Lo Mein and have been trying to make my own for years with fake soy. I finally succeeded.
Here's my prep for the lo mein as it cooks quickly.
It took me longer to chop the vegetables and chicken than cook the food. Haha
The finished dish:
It is so good. And, it makes a lot. I even bought real lo mein noddles. I only used bok choy and carrots but you could add other veggies.
4. Pick- up grocery service at my local Fry's store (Krogers to other states). I was taking care of my brother after surgery. 5 days later, I needed to pick up a few groceries, more bandages, etc. So, I couldn't be gone long. I went online, picked out what I wanted, drove over to the store at the appointed time and 5 minutes later they put the stuff in my truck. It was free for the first 3 visits but will be $5 from then on. I'm on a limited income, work to keep spending in line with the budget-but, this was a game changer. I recommend it highly. More and more grocery stores are offering this service as well as delivery in my area. It would cost $10 for delivery and I'm not there-yet.
5. 2nd Valance for my daughter is done. I made a second Christmas valance-this time for her dining room. She is a happy camper.
6. Being stubborn. Heehee. I tried to draw/paint feathers. It didn't start out well:
The big green fat lines are the first try.Oh dear. The scratchy black on the right was 2nd . The top blue/green is the 3rd. The gray one at the right bottom is the best I could do. On to something else.
7. Three Owls painting.
Very difficult, but very cute. I spent most of the day on this one courtesy of Nianiani 's You Tube tutorial.
So, even though I've been crazy busy helping my brother, I did find time to play. Thank God.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Please join us for more "likes" at Lee Anna's site: Not Afraid of Color
mary
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Things I Like Thursdays Oct 17
Greetings
Well, we made it thru my brother's surgery and we are dealing with recovery and a catheter which he needs a lot of help with but he's improving every day. Thank you all for your support and good wishes.
Here's a list of my likes for this week:
1. St Joseph's Dignity Health Hospital. The staff was just so nice and helpful. It's a new facility so it's pretty, modern and clean- and only 10 minutes from my home. The surgeon/urologist said my brother could go home on the second day but the FEMALE hospital doctor said it was too risky and should stay another day because of his blood clots. He stayed the second day. Juat sayin.
This photo doesn't do the landscape justice. They went all out on Xeriscaping (drought tolerant) plants and have a Zen- type garden.
2. Grinch Cookie Dough.
It's supposed to be at Kroger and Target in October-haven't seen it yet but this is a must for Thomas.
3. My daughter's finished Christmas valance- it's so cute
THE FRONT
4. Flu shot at Safeway- Cigna was out of the shots already (really?) but I was still able to get it for free at Safeway.
5. Christmas Trees at Home Depot.
They put a smile on my face. I belong to a Christmas group on Facebook and many people already have their trees and decorations up! I'll still wait for Thanksgiving.
I have not had any time to sew or paint so nothing to show you on that front- I'm so busy taking care of my brother and the house I just crash when I can. Next week should be much easier..... She says.
Hope you all are doing well and join us at Lee Anna's site for more "likes": Not Afraid of Color
Take care,
mary
Well, we made it thru my brother's surgery and we are dealing with recovery and a catheter which he needs a lot of help with but he's improving every day. Thank you all for your support and good wishes.
Here's a list of my likes for this week:
1. St Joseph's Dignity Health Hospital. The staff was just so nice and helpful. It's a new facility so it's pretty, modern and clean- and only 10 minutes from my home. The surgeon/urologist said my brother could go home on the second day but the FEMALE hospital doctor said it was too risky and should stay another day because of his blood clots. He stayed the second day. Juat sayin.
This photo doesn't do the landscape justice. They went all out on Xeriscaping (drought tolerant) plants and have a Zen- type garden.
2. Grinch Cookie Dough.
3. My daughter's finished Christmas valance- it's so cute
the back
THE FRONT
4. Flu shot at Safeway- Cigna was out of the shots already (really?) but I was still able to get it for free at Safeway.
5. Christmas Trees at Home Depot.
They put a smile on my face. I belong to a Christmas group on Facebook and many people already have their trees and decorations up! I'll still wait for Thanksgiving.
I have not had any time to sew or paint so nothing to show you on that front- I'm so busy taking care of my brother and the house I just crash when I can. Next week should be much easier..... She says.
Hope you all are doing well and join us at Lee Anna's site for more "likes": Not Afraid of Color
Take care,
mary
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
I like Thursdays Oct 10
Greetings!
Hi. This has been another busy week but I have a few likes to share with you. Please join us at Lee Anna's site for more "likes" at Not Afraid of Color.
1. Dove Chocolate Bar.
I don't by candy often but I tried this and fell in love.
2. Cabbage soup with meatballs.
In the Crock Pot.I just put shredded cabbage, chopped carrots, chopped red pepper ,stewed tomatoes, chicken broth to cover and spices. Cook 4 hours on high and and 7 on low. I added thawed frozen turkey meatballs for another 30 minutes.
3. Crock pot baked ziti. Since it's still hot here, I've been using the crock pot instead of the oven.
I took most of the instructions from the recipe, Slow Cooker Baked Ziti at allrecipes.com
No meat, just really good. I added thawed, frozen chopped butternut squash to make it more healthy.
4. The Hallmark Christmas movie schedule for this season:
I hope you can read it. You're welcome.
5. My new Bamboo painting.
It's now one of my favorites and looks just like my real bamboo plant (mostly).
Well peeps, gotten run to get my flu shot! Yay!
Hope you are enjoying this week. Have a good one.
mary.
P.S. I'm posting this on Wednesday because my grandson will be here all day tomorrow (I'm so excited) and my brother's surgery is Friday so I'm getting ready for that.
Hi. This has been another busy week but I have a few likes to share with you. Please join us at Lee Anna's site for more "likes" at Not Afraid of Color.
1. Dove Chocolate Bar.
I don't by candy often but I tried this and fell in love.
2. Cabbage soup with meatballs.
In the Crock Pot.I just put shredded cabbage, chopped carrots, chopped red pepper ,stewed tomatoes, chicken broth to cover and spices. Cook 4 hours on high and and 7 on low. I added thawed frozen turkey meatballs for another 30 minutes.
3. Crock pot baked ziti. Since it's still hot here, I've been using the crock pot instead of the oven.
I took most of the instructions from the recipe, Slow Cooker Baked Ziti at allrecipes.com
No meat, just really good. I added thawed, frozen chopped butternut squash to make it more healthy.
4. The Hallmark Christmas movie schedule for this season:
I hope you can read it. You're welcome.
5. My new Bamboo painting.
It's now one of my favorites and looks just like my real bamboo plant (mostly).
Well peeps, gotten run to get my flu shot! Yay!
Hope you are enjoying this week. Have a good one.
mary.
P.S. I'm posting this on Wednesday because my grandson will be here all day tomorrow (I'm so excited) and my brother's surgery is Friday so I'm getting ready for that.
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