What a way to start the day

So my Wednesday morning got off to a good start. I went out to start my vehicle to go to work and it said no, I'm not going to work with you today. Great. I went in the house put my boots on and started walking. It was cold but the wind wasn't blowing so that didn't bother me too much. The sidewalks were a bit slippery though and I did fall once but thankfully not hard. As I was walking, I passed one of the churches and I can't recall what their sign out front said but I mumbled to myself that I was thankful that I lived close enough to work that I could walk.

Later in the morning I sent a text to my son asking if he could come over later and try and jump my vehicle. I was hoping it was just the battery. He asked if I had a ride home and I told him no I was planning on walking back home. He said they would come pick me up and then he would look at the car. In the meantime I also got a text from my daughter saying that I could have called her in the morning for a ride to work and that they would stop on their way home so her boyfriend could look at my car.

I've got good kids.

Not my picture I just pulled one off of snappygoat.com for the post

My son didn't even need to jump it. He was able to get it started and said it was just that the battery was pretty low and needed to charge. He asked if I've been driving it much which I haven't. I've only been going to work and back which is a half mile one way. Other than that I've been hibernating.

Flying by the seat of my pajama bottoms

I tried to think of what I could blog about. I thought, give it time, something will come to me. It didn't. Next step, just start typing and see what happens.

I considered talking about health insurance and how it's driving me crazy. I decided against that topic because I'm just not in the mood to work myself into a tizzy.

I could do an archive dive. So i scrolled through a LOT of pictures not seeing anything that really spoke to me. Finally I just clicked on these two.

 

So that is me flying by the seat of my pajama bottoms. Is it obvious that I can't fly?

Tuesday talk

Well hello there cupcake

Wow, did we ever have some windy weather here. It started on Sunday and I listened to it roaring all night. It carried on through part of Monday as well. Along with the wind we got some snow. Not a lot, just enough to almost cover the ground. That wind was pretty scary though. Although it may have caused damage for some the worst that happened here was that the tarp that was covering the riding mower blew off and my garbage can tipped over.

It was another lazy day. I had no ambition to do anything. I found sitting under a warm blanket to be the most appealing thing I could think of. I've had the thermostat set at the same temperature all winter, yet yesterday felt so much colder than it has been.

 I did have to go out briefly to pick up a couple of prescriptions but then it was right back home.
That's how the cookie crumbles sometimes.

For a blogging friend

Today's post is at the request of Diane from Lavender Dreams. Her blog was removed by blogger and she wants to get the word out.  If you follow this blog and can't find it, this is why. The post gives the address for the new blog.

The Behemoth squashes the little Lavender Dreamer

That's right. "The Rise of the Machines" is upon us. Our former happy little blog (lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com) was suddenly terminated.

Why and how was it done? It wasn't someone reporting us. It was Google's automated piece of software (a bot) that roams the Blogger world looking for pre-programmed words of woe. Once it detects something it kills the whole blog without warning. Without any notification about these supposed offending words. Without an opportunity to fix anything. Just ZAP ... your digital life is deleted. Everything is gone!

To read the rest of their post you can visit at
lavenderdreamsnew.blogspot.com

The right choice

The day was gloomy and this cold is really hanging on. I made the choice to spend the day resting. I alternated between naps, reading and playing my favorite game on my tablet. By the end of the day I was feeling a bit better.

Someone complained that I was boring.

Work related

There is a young guy at work who started off in the deli and has since been moved to the office and training to close the store. He's not a bad worker but is always in too much of a hurry to get the job done. I was constantly telling him that he needs to pay attention to detail. He works on morning shift on a delivery day and puts out stock on those days. The other day after he left I looked up the isle and saw this.

It looks like he still needs to pay attention to detail.

Then there is the recent hire in the deli. It's a young man who will only be with us until September at which time he'll be leaving to start school at Princeton. His name is Kyu (pronounced like the letter Q) He is very intelligent and the sweetest kid ever. Kelly, the deli manager told him yesterday that he got paid this week so make sure to pick up his check. He asked if he had to take it and he was serious. He wanted to give it back because he said he didn't feel like he really earned it. He also said that he feels bad about being there because he's taking a job away from someone who might really need it and he's not long term. We finally convinced him (I think) that he really does serve a purpose and he should stay on but he made us promise that when we find someone to replace him for when he goes to school that we will fire him. He is just too adorable for words.

I snuck a picture of him without him knowing.

Yesterday

It was one of those days yesterday where I came home from work tired, achy and feeling miserable. I laid on the couch and there I stayed until bed time. So today I'll be playing catch up.

Finish what you start

That's a phrase that I all too often ignore, especially when it comes to craft projects. I can't even begin to imagine how many projects I have started over the years only to move on to something else. Either I lose interest or mess something up and trash the project.

This is the makings of my most recent project. It's a paper bag journal or album, whichever you want to call it.

It may sit here or I may work on it soon. I started off pretty good with it the other day then lost momentum.

For some reason

I can not bring myself to pack up Wade's clothes. Several times now I've thought I should pack them up but I can't do it. Just yesterday I was going through all my clothes in the closet. I was able to pull several things out and pack them up for donation. I looked at Wade's things hanging there and again, couldn't do it.

I keep telling myself if I do this I'll have the whole closet to spread my stuff out in. Plus if I do the dresser too I'll have so much more room. But no. I don't get it. I don't understand what is keeping me from doing this.

A change in decor

I may not be able to redecorate my house and buy new things right now but I can do simple decor changes. One thing I change out frequently is my table. It was time to get rid of the Valentines Day stuff and even though it might be a little early, the next in line was St. Patrick's Day.

This was all stuff that I already had.

The tablecloth stayed the same I just changed the red for the green place mats. Swapped out vases and flowers then added a few other things.

A St. Patrick's day vintage picture that I printed out and framed, a green bowl with a candle and plastic cold coins and some glittery foam shamrocks to finish it off.

This is pretty much the same as I put out last year but I'm showing it again because it's all I've got.

On such a winter day.

No matter how hard I wish for it to be spring, winter is still with us. I got home from work and it was cold but at least no snow. Then what happens when my daughter calls and asks if I could take her to work in the morning because her car is in the shop? Yep, it starts snowing.

I know, it's not a lot and it's not snowing that hard but still, it's snowing.

At least for the evening, with no place to go and snuggled up under a blanket, it looks rather pretty.

And just one more before I go.

A view

Just a view I took out of the car window while I waited for my daughter.

I picked her up at work yesterday then we went to Walmart so she could pick up a few things. Then she bought me lunch at Subway and we came back to my house so she could cook a big turkey dinner. It was her and her boyfriend and his family for dinner. Gibbs was all wound up with all that activity in the house.

A wild and crazy Friday night

Who knew that the life of a widow could be so wild and crazy. You would not believe the Friday evening I had. There was spinning and tumbling and a little shake and shimmy. I couldn't believe I had the energy for all of that after working all day. I guess since my cold is getting a little better I felt like letting loose.




Are you shocked at my behavior? Well I was too but at least I got the laundry done and the floors are finally mopped.

Table of shame

I so badly want to get my craft room organized and cleaned. It would be so more efficient if I could actually find things. I spend a lot of time searching for a tool or wondering where I stored that supply. It gets frustrating when I know it's there somewhere but I just can't find it.

This table is just a fraction of the mess I have.

I could zoom out and show you the whole room but that would just be embarrassing. I go in there and one of two things happens. Either I get distracted by something I find and start playing or I just feel too overwhelmed by all the mess. There's probably a lot I should get rid of but do you know how hard it is for a crafter to throw away supplies?

Maybe I'll just dream about a clean and organized craft room.

Happy Valentines Day

I'm back just in time to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day. The last couple days have been rather exhausting. I know on Monday all I did was go out to lunch with a friend but with the cold I have it just wore me right out. Then Tuesday I had a follow up appointment after work at ear nose and throat for my hearing aids and I didn't get home till 4:30. By the time I made myself dinner I was ready to put on my pajamas and call it a day.

So enough of that. Since it's Valentines day I have something for you. I made you all a card.

And I really do love you all much. You are the best group of blog pals a girl could ever have. I mean that straight from my glitter edges heart

And because you are all so sweet, I also have sweets for you. I made you some pretzels topped with a Hershey hug and an m&m.

Lastly, I appreciate all the well wishes you all left me  yesterday. I wish I could have taken the day off and just spent the day resting but off I went to work.

One more

One more day off and I'll be back tomorrow for sure.

closed

Sorry but after having lunch with my friend and then making a dog food run, my cold has me down for the count. I may be back tomorrow or I may be back the day after.

Need more tissues

I have gone through far too many tissues in the past couple days and my nose hurts from wiping it. But who wants to hear about runny noses.

Yesterday I mentioned that Amanda is working on something for Christmas. Years ago I started making new games each year for Christmas that we would play on Christmas morning and it made the gift opening last longer than 10 minutes. I heard a lot of grumbling over the years but I believe that they secretly enjoyed them.

Amanda has decided that she wants to revive the Christmas games. She's started on one the other day and this year it will be Christmas Jeopardy.  This is what she has so far.

Every year there would also be a letter from Santa included with the game. I wonder if this one will have a letter to go with it.

I'm headed out to lunch with an old friend today. We grew up in the same neighborhood. I saw her a couple years ago and we met for lunch. Before that it had been probably 30 some years since we had seen each other.

Taking the next step

Yesterday morning I went to my daughter's house for breakfast. There's nothing quite so delicious as a breakfast cooked by someone else. Of course visiting with Amanda is always a plus too. She's getting a head start on something for next Christmas. She sent me a picture in a text to use for a blog post but I haven't gotten it off my phone yet so I'll blog about that tomorrow.

Since the day was cold and I didn't feel like doing much of anything, I headed back home after leaving Amanda's house. I folded some laundry and then decided to play around in the craft room. My mission was to make a new card. I've seen step cards on Pinterest and though I would give that a try. Rather than cut and score by hand I first played in Cricut design space and made one there so that my machine could do all the work.

Here is the card I ended up with

A view from the side so you can see the "steps".

And a close up of the one heart and xoxo so you can see there's a bit of glitter

Running on empty

Just for fun

I thought I would do a little clowing around today just for fun

I really have no idea what this is supposed to be but I tried it on just for fun.

Aww, poor goofy looking me

I just love being silly.

My hearts not in it

I came home from work yesterday with a sore throat and feeling like I just want to crawl under a blanket and stay there. Needless to say my heart just wasn't in to sitting in front of the computer.

These guys have a lot of heart though. This is what happens when you spot something on Pinterest and then sit down with construction paper, scissors and glue.

Ears

I'm feeling very uninspired to write a post today so I figured I would talk about my new ears. Actually they're the same old ears I've always had so it's more about their new friends.

Charging ears

So it's been a week now and I have to say that I am amazed at all the things I have not been hearing. Although it's wonderful to be hearing better it is also a bit overwhelming at times. When I first put them in in the morning everything sounds really loud. Also when I get to work and all the equipment running in the bakery it just gets very loud . Last Saturday I was in the basement and almost had a heart attack. As I was standing there suddenly there was a loud alarm type noise. It took me a minute or two to figure out that it was the dryers signal going off. I had never heard it before. 

The hearing aids also came with a microphone. I used this last Saturday to talk to my daughter on the phone and it worked really well. I've also used it to watch tv. I turn it on and set it next to the tv and the sound comes right through my hearing aids.

Probably the best part is that I'm hearing people talk much better than I was. Yesterday at work the boss called my name and I turned around and said "yeah" his response was WOW, you heard me, I usually have to yell at you a few times. 

A banner day

Yesterday was another wonderful weather day. I should have gotten out and taken a walk but I stayed inside and contemplated what I wanted to do with my day. I've been wanting to make a banner for Valentines day so I played around with that a little bit.

I had the heart on the left and all the letters done but couldn't decide what to put on the last piece. I settled for the roses I made a while back. After I hung it and took the pictures it occurred to me that I should have just put a heart on each end piece.

When I was done but I considered making a second one with XOXO on it but unfortunately the mojo was gone.

Navy, pink and ivory

Yesterday was one of those days that never seem to end. Lots to do at work. One thing on the list was a cake order. The girl I was working with had said that the woman who ordered it said that someone had recommended me and told her to make sure to ask that I do the cake. That was a nice feather in my cap.
They wanted the colors to be navy, pink and ivory.

The deli girl said that the person who picked it up wasn't the same person that ordered it. I couldn't tell whether she liked it or not. Some people will come right out and say what they think of it but this one just sort of looked at it when I brought it out and didn't react at all.

Actually, now that I'm looking at the picture, I don't really like the placement of the roses. Oh well, too late now.

Any way, when I left work it was 54 degrees out. Not only that but the sun was shining. I know to some of you 54 sounds cold but after what we've had it felt heavenly. Today is supposed to hit the low 50's again.

A good day

Yesterday was another good day off. The plan was to not go anywhere and hopefully get some cleaning done.

I did manage to do some cleaning, got the laundry done and then thought it was time to change out the decorations on my dining room table. It was too wintry and I'm ready to move on even if Mother Nature isn't. Since Valentines Day is fast approaching I dug in my seasonal decor cabinet to see what I could find.

I started with a lace tablecloth and the solid red and red and white striped place mats. I pulled out the vase and some fake roses, a little candle holder with a red berry ring, a stuffed heart that has some machine embroidery on it and a crystal block that Wade had given me for Valentines day in 2006. I also added the little red plastic basket to hold my salt and pepper shakers.
On the left you see my kindle in a small easel. I like to read while I eat my dinner but don't want to have to hold the kindle. The easel is the perfect solution.

I put the crystal block up against one of the place mats so you can read what it says. I remember he thinking it was a silly gift when he gave it to me but I thought it was far from silly. This year I would even go as far as saying it's priceless.


On a side note, I did end up going to my daughters house for a bit and on the way home I noticed the temp was 36 degrees. It's funny how after having such cold temperatures 36 felt almost warm.

Peek a boo

I really do see you even though I need a hair cut

On such a winters day

Goodbye January, hello February.

The sun sure did look nice but don't let it fool you.

Jack Frost was hard at work. Thursday was at least slightly less frigid than it was on Wednesday.

The last two pictures are the frost that was on my storm door.