Things I like Thursdays Mar 26

Greetings!

Thanks to Lee Anna, we are focusing on things in our life that makes us happy each week.  In these uncertain and difficult times, we are desperately trying to find the good in each day. We are self isolating here in our home.  We miss spending time with our families and friends, but feel it’s smarter to play it safe, probably for another few weeks based on instructions from the medical and scientific community. I use Amazon Prime to deliver goods but it is taking much longer to receive the products.  I also use the local Fry’s for pick up of fresh produce, milk and bread. Ok, maybe some bakery products, too.  We’ve cancelled non essential doctor visits (physicals, dentist).  We walk our neighborhood each day weather permitting. I’m cooking a lot more. I just haven’t had the mojo to sew-maybe this weekend.

My son and daughter in law are both working from home which I’m pleased to see. Their home is like a resort- pool, spa, beautiful.  My daughter and son in law are both working at their jobs which makes me nervous.  My son in law works at a Non profit special needs care facility doing maintenance so doesn’t have a lot of personal contact; but my daughter works at an auto dealership where she does have contact all day long. The governor has listed her business as essential so they are not closing.  UGH.  All schools in the state are closed till April 10 (for now) and all non-essential businesses are closed.  The grocery shelves are mostly half -empty but the National Guard has been called up to stock the shelves because the grocery stores don’t have enough employees to handle it.  Unbelievable.


I would love to hear how you all are doing and dealing with this pandemic.  And, what you are doing to keep up a normal life that makes you happy.

Here’s a list of my things I’m grateful for this week:

1.  Buttermilk pie. Sorry, I forgot to take a photo.  If you’d like the recipe, let me know.  It’s like a firm custard pie.

2.  Fabric face masks made by hundreds of sewers all over the U.S. for the hospitals.  Go to decortoadore.net or Missouri Star Quilt Co for free easy patterns if you want to join in.  I believe you can call a hospital to find out where they need them.  The paper ones are preferred of course, but the fabric ones are better than nothing.

3.  A simpler life.  The other day I was driving home from the pharmacy and saw a family riding bikes together in their neighborhood. I had a flashback to the 60’s when it was much more common ,  at least here in Arizona.  It was sweet to see.  Many of us are cooking more and learning to live and play in our homes with our families. I’m even considering making bread- what a project but it might be necessary. Wish I’d kept my bread machine.  Some days self isolation is a drag, other days it’s quite good.  I do notice more neighbors cleaning their yards.

4.  Social Security and Medicare for us old folks.  I’m glad to be alive and taken care of!!  And no, I’m not willing to die to improve the economy- just sayin.

5. Easter decorations

The bunnies are out!  I just think they’re so cute. 

6. Spring Cleaning- the usual washing of rugs, cleaning blinds, etc.  I even did a tough clean of the kitchen cabinets with Orange Glo:

“Before “  of one cabinet

                        “ After “of a different cabinet- but you get the picture (lol)

I spent an entire afternoon cleaning the bottom ones. I  have no idea when I’ll get the energy to do the tops.  

I even remembered to check the oil in my SUV myself- haven’t done it for years but I don’t want to risk going to a n auto shop and catching the Covid19 virus. 

And one last note about the pandemic- I really like watching Mario Cuomo, governor of New York speak about what’s happening in his state and how they are dealing with it.  He is straight to the point and quite smart.  Other than that, I try to limit watching the news until supper time-it’s too frustrating. 

Well peeps, that’s about all for today-gotta get walking before it gets too hot-we are almost to the 80’s already! Hang in there and join us at Lee Anna’s site for more “likes” : Not Afraid of Color

Mary

THINGS I LIKE THURSDAYS MAR 19

GREETINGS!

Wow- where do I begin after this crazy, uncertain week?  Needless to say we are home -self quaranteeing  due to my high risk of catching the Coronavirus.  I’m 71, with lung disease and auto immune disease. Bingo!  We’ll do it for 2 weeks and see what happens.  I already miss seeing my pumpkin. All the schools are closed, many small businesses are closed.  Most restaurants are take-out only.  My free next day delivery with Amazon is now 5 days on some products. My nearest grocery store-Fry’s- still has pick up service but you need to plan ahead 3 days.  We cancelled our doctor appointments for this week and will go later.  My brother’s adult centers are closed so he can’t go and do fun things.  That means HE’S HERE ALL THE TIME during the week.

Other than that, things are fine.


Here’s my list of likes for this week:

1.  Amazon. I’ll just say that.

2. Pick up service from Frys is still available.

3. This blog connection with all of you for some social gathering.  And, the fun sites I follow.  Thank you everyone.

4.  An updated photo of my daughter’s bedroom with the headboard, pillow and queen size quilt.

Isn’t this pretty?  She is so happy.

5. Toilet paper

At the bakery.

Hysterical.

Well, time to turn the news on and see what’s happened today. Ugh. Maybe I’ll watch ANOTHER HALLMARK MOVIE!  Or, maybe take a walk. I’m finally back to walking, almost every day, weather permitting.

Please join us at Lee Anna’s site for more “likes” at Not Afraid of Color it really helps!

Stay home, stay safe.

Mary

I like Thursdays Mar 12

Greetings!

Well, it’s raining everyday for 4 days here- unheard of really - especially when so many people are here for Spring Training in baseball.  Very disappointing as most games have been cancelled. Of course, we’re starting to cancel events (not many) due to the Coronavirus.  Travelers have also started cancelling reservations at hotels due to the virus. This is our best time of year for tourists .  Our economy will be affected immediately, but I’m glad if people are staying home.  Needless to say, I’m at high risk for the virus due to age and COPD so I’m mostly staying home. I’m a homebody anyway but even more so till this passes.

However, I do have some likes to share with you for our weekly group at Lee Anna’s site: Not Afraid of Color:

1. Chicken Queso recipes.  There’s a good one at Betty Crocker https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/smothered-chicken-queso-casserole/401bbca6-bb23-42b4-96e4-133e485c765b
I choose to add a little cream cheese to the mix to tone it down. It’s really good.

2.  2 dark tv shows:  Lincoln Rhyme The Hunt for the Bone Collector.  A NYPD ex detective severely disabled but with a terrific mind solves cases. And,  The Sinner- a really bizarre story of a detective following a deranged man and even trying to help him.

I usually don’t watch these types of shows- I don’t like scary things, but the acting and storyline is compelling.  I would also say these are not for children.
Lincoln Rhyme is on NBC on Fridays and The Sinner is on USA Thursdays

3. Home Town on HGTV.  That couple is just so sweet.  The husband is a talented carpenter and the wife is a lovely designer.  However, the integration between the 2 is so cute and funny.  I really like the end results of the home make -overs, too. The finished homes are welcoming and functional.

Speaking of HGTV, when we took Thomas to my son’s new home for the first time, he said” oh, It’s HGTV!”.  Very funny.

4.  Annual Spa Day with my daughter.  We are best friends so anything we do is fun but our trips to The Scottsdale Princess Well and Being SPA is the best. We spend the day in the various pools, and get a pedicure at the end of the day.
It is a very expensive resort but we are blessed her boss gives her gift cards for Christmas, etc. to the SPA.  SCORE!

Here we are in the waterfall pool.  It’s bath- warm with salts and is so freakin relaxing you only stay in about 15 minutes! You can sit under the waterfall and get a shoulder massage. I almost had to crawl out.
Here is the view from where we were sitting there:

I like Thursdays Mar 5

Greetings1

March already??? Hmm. We will be in mid 80’s this week so I shouldn’t be surprised. I had a great Sunday cause Thomas was here and we played.  What a joy.  I’m on less machine oxygen as time goes on so that makes me happy too.

Here is a list of a few additional “likes” I have this week:

1. A clean house.  I finally was able to clean most of the house.  Dusting (which I hate to do),  vacuuming, throwing stuff out, removing all the Valentine decos, etc. It took 2 days but I love it when it’s done. I was doing that every other week, but due to illness and oxygen levels, got out of the habit.
Hopefully, I’ll get back in that habit.

2.  The Manor quilt is done

The photo was taken outside because inside photos just didn’t show the subtle colors.  Anyway my brother was nice enough to hold it up. It’s heavy. 

My daughter loves it and I’m pleased.

3. Cara Cara oranges

They are sweet, pink inside, and seedless! More expensive than Navels but worth it since I hardly ever eat oranges.

4. Art quilts from England.  I have no idea how I came upon this website: gilliantravis.co.uk

However, I was completely in awe of her textile art quilts, travel stories from many countries.

I especially like her Indian Women portraits. I don’t make art quilts but I do appreciate seeing other’s work.  She also makes clothing from fabrics she’s bought on her travels.  I hope you check her out. 

That’s a quick peek into my life this last week.  Hope your enjoyed yours. Please join us at Lee Anna’s site for more “likes” :Not Afraid of Color.

Take care

Mary

P.S. On a separate note, I feel we should get a “do over” when we have already voted by mail for a candidate that just pulled out of the Democratic Primary.  Ugh!!  Just sayin.