Done

 I have my second vaccination...I am done!  Yeah me!  My arm is sore and I have a bit of a headache other that that I am okay...so far anyway. 

I finished the majority of the kitchen spring cleaning...all the drawers and cabinets and even the fridge...I keep waiting for my new fridge to come...no word on that.   I still have the open shelves to do...but that will wait until my arm is better.  I also did the dining room except for the light fixture!   Far Guy did all the ceilings!  

There was a movie star activist in our area and she made all the news...so not impressed.  Enbridge Line 3 is a big deal...but she arrived in a car..not on a horse ...although I hear that horses will be used...probably when the weather gets warmer...they do war paint and everything.  No one has been protesting inside the pipes lately although some people suggested that she squeeze her skinny body inside a pipe and stay there:)

I am done with Bridgerton...I give it a 5 out of 10 stars.  I enjoyed the gowns and hair styles...the story line was written like a steamy romance novel...one of my readers described it as a bodice-ripper.  Wealth, Lust with a capital L and betrayal...to each his own. 

I started watching Anne with a E...marvelous production!  I already give it a 9 out of 10.  I think there are three seasons...so that will keep me busy for awhile.  It is much more to my taste in entertainment.  Plus I have not read any of the Anne of Green Gables books.  The actress who plays Anne is excellent!

A trail cam photo...showing a couple of survivors after Deer Hunting was over. 

Happy St Patrick's Day to those who celebrate it! 

Far Side

Happy St Urho's Day!

 Today is St Urhos's day, the colors of the day are purple and green.   As the legend goes the grasshoppers were eating all the grapes so St Urho chased them out of Finland. 

The little town of Menahga Minnesota had a parade last Saturday. 

The parade lasted about two minutes. 

Men in underwear...the highlight of the parade. 

There were not many parade participants or parade watchers even though it was a beautiful day. 

Far Side

All about the drawers

 I finished the 17th drawer yesterday...so glad to be done with them.  I have five cabinets yet to clean and the fridge....and everything on the open shelves must be washed and put back in place...that is a day project by itself....so I can see the end but I am not there yet!

Far Guy built most of the drawers and cabinets.  The fellow who made the  large pantry with drawers got so busy building cabinets that he showed Far Guy how to build them...we spent most of one summer building cabinets and drawers.   

I love drawers...so much easier to clean.  The drawers are very large and well built! The drawer and door pulls are made from black walnut. 

Spices, paper products, storage containers on the left, on the right silverware and a kitchen utensil drawer. 

Kitchen towels, table top decorations, canning stuff, junk drawer, strainers and potatoes, Chance's drawer, potholders and bread boards, bread pans and casserole dishes, Corning ware on the left.  Then on the right a full set of dishes, cookie sheets and roasting pans, cast iron fry pan along with misc fry pans and pots with covers. 

Yes we still have a drawer for Chance...he used to lead people there.  We still have some collars a couple of leather leashes, various brushes, a number of new balls, a water dish and a food dish and a jar of food.  Kinda sad to clean that one out...everything was put back in.  Little Elvis might need a snack some day..or a good brushing...the water dish goes outside come summer...used to be for Odda now it will be for Baxter and Little Elvis when he visits.

I like drawers, no losing stuff way in the back or getting on your hands and knees to retrieve something! 

I dislike the time change...not sure why we do it anymore.  Here in Minnesota it is too cold to sit out and enjoy an extended evening.

Far Side

Sunny Day

Yesterday was a sunny warm for Minnesota day...about 55F 

I took the day off from spring cleaning.  Giving the old shoulder a rest.   Instead I did some laundry and cleaned the bathroom, we went to the Transfer Station (garbage) and then went to Menahga for a parade! 

On the way home we stopped by DQ for an ice cream lunch date.

At home the snow was really melting.  The grass almost looks green!

I worked on the mosaic crochet project...I am about half done.   I finished watching season two of Virgin River and started watching Bridgerton...I am not so sure about all the hype for that one...I will watch a few more episodes...so far it gets only 3 out of 10 stars from me..it better improve in the next few episodes! 

Hope everyone enjoyed Springing ahead with the time change.

Far Side

Sunshine can be a shovel

 The snow is melting off the patio...I didn't shovel the patio as this last snow was really heavy.  Sunshine was my shovel!  We may have more snow coming soon...perhaps it will go south of us and get the banana belt of Minnesota.

I worked in the kitchen most of the day...12 of 17 drawers have been cleaned and a bunch of cupboards.  Not sure that I will get the entire kitchen done by Tuesday...we will see.  I am not holding my breath!

 By 3PM I was shot and went to my office on the couch and watched the second season of Virgin River...I liked the first season very much and have been waiting to watch the second season...a reward after cleaning works for me!  I give the Series a 9 out of 10 stars.

Far Guy went for a walk several times and worked on his carvings.

Far Side

Snow

 It snowed.  Winter white is back again but melting fast. 

The roads were slushy but mostly okay when we went to town. 

Two grocery stores, a fill with gasoline and by the drive through at the bank, a short wait in the Clinic parking lot for Far Guy and we were on our way back home again.  I had to call one of the stores again...they never seem to get it right...they left me a note that they no longer carry Deans Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream...why then did they charge me for it?  That was my question...they said they were sorry yet again.   I am certain that they are tired of hearing from me and I am tired of calling them and pointing out their errors. 

We are still disinfecting everything.  We have a process...I wipe everything down, it sits on the counter to dry and Far Guy puts it away. 

Just for fun I cleaned the microwave...much easier than the oven and I washed a bunch of stuff in the open shelves above the microwave...one more drawer was finished...so that is 6 out of 17.  I would like to be all done with the kitchen by the time I get my last vaccination next week.  Just in case my arm doesn't feel like scrubbing cupboards. 

Far Guy worked on some woodcarvings.  I watch some movie called Stupid Crazy Love which I give a 2 out of 10...I watched the beginning, fell asleep and woke up for the ending and in time to cook some supper...French Toast...I have not made that in a long time...possibly the last time I made French Toast it was for Adam....several  many years ago.  Far Guy had syrup...I had some of that marvelous Chokecherry Jelly slathered all over it!  I am not a fan of syrup on anything...except with some pork sausage in an acorn squash.  

Far Side

A Challenge

 What is the very worst spot to Spring Clean or Fall Clean or anytime clean?  

I will let you think about that a bit.  I got that worst job behind me and began to clean out kitchen drawers...I have 17 of them...5 are now done...progress is slow but sure. 

After a few very nice days ...yesterday was cloudy...and it started spitting snow in the afternoon. 

Far Guy had an appointment that HAD to be done in person at the nearest VA Clinic...a six minute walk so they could evaluate whether or not he still needs oxygen.  No surprise there.  We got to see Miss Paige for just a few minutes...we ordered out supper from the establishment she works at and she delivered our order to the car.   It was good to see her!  She is getting her first vaccination next week...she still works part time in a Nursing Home.  The next time we see her we might be able to give her a hug!

My cleaning challenge is the Oven...I clean the stove top on a regular basis...but that oven only gets my attention once a year.   I got every brown speck cleaned off the oven racks and then proceeded to stand on my head and scrub up the inside of the oven...I know you have a automatic cleaning oven...me too but the last time I turned it on to clean...it locked and it cost $200 to have the guy come out and unlock it....so no more automatic clean for me.  It look me the better part of a morning to get it almost as good as new.  I have a feeling it might be on it's last legs...and I have probably jinxed it by cleaning it! 

No spring cleaning today...it is grocery adventure day...which may be a winter adventure in new slushy snow. 

Far Side

Someone is One and Snow Stick No Winner

 Cee Cee is one year old today...the baby we have never held is now starting to walk.  She had a birthday party last weekend.  We went along via facetime.

Photo by Jen

She had a unicorn cake, she is wearing a unicorn headband and a shirt that says one on it and a pink tutu.

What a doll!  Happy Birthday Baby!  This is your special day!

The snow, ice and water are gone from the snowstick ...and no one guessed March 9th.  The 60 degree weather we had with a wind really melted snow.

We may get snow today, if we get more than 5 or 6 inches I will start the contest again with the same guesses....and if that doesn't happen I will draw some names.  

Far Side

Looking for Spring!

 We have a bit of nice weather...but it will not last it is Minnesota after all.

I went looking for Spring. 

Water in the corner ditch. 

My other baby brothers grands writing with sticks in the sand. 

The new neighbor puppy ...wearing a spring coat of dead grass. 

This is Titus a Border Collie/Great Pyrenees cross.   He is very friendly, has a soft mouth and seems real gentle.   He keeps Putz and Snoopy on their toes.  I had a good visit with Steve and Jo outside in the sunshine while watching the dogs play. 

I am done with Spring Cleaning the bathroom...not sure what I will tackle next...decisions...decisions. 

There is still snow, water and ice at the snowstick. 

Far Side

Melting and cleaning

 Lots of melting went on over the weekend. 

I took a photo in the late afternoon Sunday.   It was 54 F and my other baby brother and she who sees robins first came over for a visit on the patio. 

Far Guy fixed on his new/old car.   I am not sure what his project was today...since I am not very mechanical it is a mystery to me. 

I got started on Spring Cleaning the bathroom drawers...they are all done one more day in the bathroom and it will be done too!  Far Guy helped with his drawer...surprising how much room you have when it is all straightened up and clean.   For the record...he is messy with his shaving cream and I am messy with my hair bands and toothpaste. I threw a bunch of make up away...I don't wear it anyway. 

I packaged up lots of odds and ends, trial sizes, and some shampoo that is too fragrant to use...it is all in a bag ready to pass off to one of our grands who once told me " I hate spending money on shampoo, I would rather spend it on something else!"

Far Side

That yarn

 That yarn that showed up the other day is working up quite nicely.   I work on it in late afternoons and evenings.  

I had a few glitches with the repeating mosaic pattern but those seem to be behind me.  Knock on wood! 

It will eventually be a cover for the front seat of Far Guy's new/old car.   The browns and cream match his interior, the green is a nod to his previous Desoto color and the turquoise just because we though it needed a pop of color.   It is a work in progress.   There is no set pattern to the repeat of the colors...I know kind of crazy for me:)

The yarn is Scheepjes Sport Weight Yarn a blend of Cotton and Acrylic.

Far Guy worked on his new /old car.  Our weather is nice enough to be out in the garage and not freeze to death.  Something about a heat riser that is either stuck open or closed.  We took out the back seat and put a new seat cover on the bottom part of the seat.

   I began spring cleaning the bathroom...I took all the drawer liners out of the drawers and washed them... the rest of the room is deep cleaned...just the linen closet and drawers left to do...and I should wash the shower curtain.  It will take me a few days to complete that room...I may have missed that room last Spring Cleaning. 

By afternoon I was tired so I went to my office (the couch) and watched The Dig on Netflix...I give it a 7 out of 10 stars ...it is based on a true story that takes place in 1939. 

Far Side

Melting

 We have had a few warm days!  Sadly June the snowbank is almost gone in March.   We have so much less snow this year...but winter isn't over yet.  March can be a fickle month and so can old man winter. We have some mud in the yard and the puddles of water freeze every night making a bit of a skating rink.

There are still about five inches of snow at the snowstick.

Yesterday I had a busy day.  The Living Room is completely Spring cleaned...yeah me!   I was at loose ends and didn't know which direction to go to next so I headed to the kitchen to make Far Guy's favorite dip.( Italian Sausage, Hormel Chili with no beans, Philly Cream Cheese, Velveeta Cheese and Jalapeno Peppers. ) Then my other baby brother and she who sees robins first came by to sit in the sunshine out on the patio.  After that I worked on my mosaic crochet project and had a half hour nap...getting up just in time to help Far Guy cook supper...pulled pork quesadillas....the dip is perfect to go along with this meal.  It also freezes well.

My Covid Arm is finally better! I still have a sore spot but the temperature is gone along with the red spot!  Now it will have time to get all better before the next shot in 10 days. 

Far Side

Town

 Seems they lost our grocery order, they said it went out for delivery and we must have wanted it delivered rather than picked up.  We said "They deliver out 14 miles?"  Yum no.  The friendly but clueless fellow said he would re pick the order and have it ready in a little while.  Off we went...Far Guy was with me as I had labs done at the clinic and then waited for him in the Infusion Center.  So nice to visit with the gals up there!   They have been one of our only links to the outside world!

The next grocery order was ready across town when they called from the first grocery store and said "We made a mistake, your order is ready to be picked up."  We attempted to get me some lunch as I had fasting labs...and they are all just perfect too according to my Doctor.   Even my cholesterol is perfect!  Anyways the line was way to long to get that burger I wanted.  Fast food is no longer fast food but wait in line food.

We stopped by my parents.  Mom has a problem with her email as she cannot recall her password...uffda.  

The first set of groceries were finally picked up...they were sorry for the delay and mix up.

The Butcher Shop was our last stop of the day.  Some hamburger and the best bacon you ever tasted was purchased.   I buy enough hamburger so that it is repackaged at home into the sizes we use...usually 1/3 to 1/2 pound and I make patties and meatballs too...which all makes my cooking life easier.  

I have been online grocery shopping and doing curbside pickup for 51 weeks now.    Seems like longer than that...this is the first time that they lost an entire order and found it again in a few minutes.

Mom's Lilies last summer.

Far Side

New Yarn

 A new yarn order came in so I started a new project.  

It is slow going as it is a new to me mosaic pattern. 

Spring house cleaning continues...one more day and I will be done in the living room....all that remains is to move a couch and an area rug and scrub the floor underneath them.  Then I will move along to a different area of the house...maybe.   It feels good to have some heavy duty cleaning done.  One room is a start...no windows will be done at this time...well not on the outside anyways.

Our snow is slowly melting.  We had a high of 35 F yesterday!! 

Today is grocery adventure day.

Far Side

Covid Arm

 WELL... I have Covid Arm.  Leave it to me to get something.  The red area where they gave me the injection never did go away and it kept getting larger, sore, hard and hot to the touch. 

I filed an adverse reaction report.  

It is supposed to go away on its own.   My Doctor had never seen Covid Arm before ...so now she has.  Leave it to me to teach the medical community. 

Far Guy had markers on it and they have washed away...now he just measures it.   My Doctor said "I bet they won't give you the second injection in the same spot...probably the other arm." No way they can have a different spot on that same arm...I would like to keep my good arm a good arm.

Well it is better than getting Covid, in the hospital on a Vent and possibly death. 

I cannot believe all the anti vax people out there....someone said it is the mark of the beast...I don't even begin to understand why they would want to take the chance on getting Covid or passing it along to someone else that could possibly die...does that mean they could be charged with murder...or reckless endangerment??  It sure opens up a whole lot of questions. 

Today is day 15 for me and in 13 days I get my second vaccination.  I am still a bit tired, like my body is trying to fight off something...I imagine after the second vaccination I should just put on my jammies and go to the couch.

I had a nice video visit with my Doctor I needed a couple of refills on meds, it has been a year since I saw her in person.  She says at the local clinic anyone with respiratory symptoms is taken in a separate door from everyone else and is seen in a different part of the clinic. 

Far Side

Chick Magnet

 Far Guy and I had an adventure on Monday morning.  He drove his new/old car and I drove the other car into town.   I followed along, he was cruising along about 53mph and then an idiot passed me when a semi was coming and passed Far Guy in a no passing zone..there are idiots amongst us.  Anyways we made it to our destination in one piece. 

We left the new/old car and came home for a couple of hours.  They called and the new /old car was all set to go.  I waited in the parking lot for Far Guy to get into the new/old car.  First he had an extended conversation with the business owner...and then the women started showing up.  Older women complete with masks asking questions and laughing...Far Guy was laughing... I thought to myself he is now a chick magnet. 

I waited at the edge of town...he had to stop and fill the car with the special gasoline.   It took quite a long time...then there he was!  Yea we can go home!  He pushed her into high gear and drove 60 mph on the way home.  

When we got home he said "You know those old ladies? "  Yes, I saw them.  "They said that the car was a chick magnet!"  Exactly my thoughts.  "They had to be over 90 years old!"   They didn't look that old to me.  "The same thing happened at the gas station, lots of people asking questions oohing and ahhing." Were they men or women?   "Some of both."  If I croak you can just take your new /old car to town and find yourself a new gal...cause you are a chick magnet!

And the old gal...looks so much better without her snow tires that were manufactured in 1968.  The whitewalls are just perfect!

We are looking for someone to take care of some small rusts spots and take out a few small dents and repaint her.  All the Auto Body Shops seem to be real busy...we can get on the list for next winter...uffda.  

Far Side

Two projects finished

 Remember all those ends from the Mosaic Crochet I was working on.  They have all been encased in the border stitch.  It was a little putzy but worth the effort!

This is an Apache Tears stitch worked one row at a time.  As you can see the reverse side is almost as pretty as the front.

The scarf will be put away until a special little girl grows up and needs a scarf. 

All the grey yarn has been used up...many wasp nests were made. 

They are all shapes and sizes.  I will mod podge them in the Spring when I can let them drip outside for an entire day.  I have a number of them that are complete and will be stored flat until a need arises.

I started Spring cleaning the Living Room...one corner is now done.  Spring cleaning will be a work in progress for some time.

Goodbye February Hello March!

Far Side

Green

 I found this photo on the SD card that was in one of my old point and shoot cameras. 

It made me smile....the green almost hurts your eyes. 

It is my parents yard in town.    Last year they did all their own yard work.  My other baby brother takes care of their snow removal needs during the winter.  I  have shoveled only once this winter, when my baby brother is here he helps them too.  My Dad has a nurse that checks in on him once a week.  Other than that they do pretty good for old folks in their 90's. 

I visit with them on the phone or from their deck with their door wide open.  Soon my Mom will go to have her second vaccination.  Dad is done with his vaccinations. 

 My Mother is a very social person so Isolation has been hard on her, she wants to be able to go to church again...I told her she could go two weeks after her last shot...but she could not hug anyone...for her that will be a challenge. 

Far Side

Snow Stick Contest 2021

 We better have a snow stick contest! 

Right now there is about 7 inches of snow at the snowstick.  I took this photo a few days ago before I sent my big girl camera away.

A good rain and we could have bare ground!   I best get busy on a few woodcarvings! 

I am still working in the grey yarn and wasp nests...I am determined to use up all that grey yarn!  Very little progress has been made on the mosaic scarf or my shawl.   Yarn was ordered for a new project...I couldn't help myself.  In fact Far Guy helped me pick out the colors. 

I am working on some birthday cards as my Mom said her stash was getting low. 

Please leave me a comment with your guess of what day the snowstick will be free of snow, ice and water this year. Guesses will appear here and the guessing will end on Monday night March 1st!  Then we will wait for the snow to disappear! 

Far Side

Here is the Snowstick History:
2011  April 8
2012  March 13
2013  April 30
2014  April 10
2015  March 11
2016  March 8
2017 March 20
2018  April 22
2019 April 17

2020 April 2

Guesses

March7  Julie Ann

March 8 Wildflower Adventures

March 9

March 10 Joyce F   -  Jean T

March 11 Phyllis

March 12 Cynthia - KCD

March 13. Kay L

March 14  Linda

March 15  Wendy  -  Linda Reeder  -  linda m

March 16 Pauline

March 17  Betsy

March 18 Marfla - Sandy B

March 19. Alvina

March 20 Angie

March 21 Sonja

March 22 Martha

March 23 diane - Cathy

March 24 Gemma's Person

March 25

March 26 Maebeme

March 27 Debbie V

March 28 Rita

March 29 Kathy   -  LD.  -  Red

March 30 Leah

March 31 Marilyn

April 1 Jo Anne's Ramblings -  DJan

April 2  Bonnie   - Sara

April 3 Aurora

April 4 Bettina Groh

April 5

April 6 Lisa

April 7

April 8

April 9 Roz

April 10  Miss Merry

April 11 Diane

April 12 diane in northern wis

April 13 kat

April 21 Lynn-Ft Worth

April 25 Sam

Life goes on

One of my cousin's died this week.  Dean was 62 and on my Mother's side of the family.  I wasn't close with him, but still feel the loss of a younger cousin.  Two of my cousins are now gone from that side of the family, Linda last January and now Dean.   The funeral is today, my other baby brother will go to the visitation before the funeral and my parents are going to the funeral.   I will watch the funeral online.

Yesterday were received news that an old friend died, Alicia was 82 years old and died from complications of Covid.  We are sad for her husband who survived Covid but has Parkinsons. 

My other baby brother and she who sees robins first got their first vaccinations yesterday.   Steve and Jo our next door neighbors got theirs too...so I see some visiting in our future in the Spring!  

I had a whole bunch of stops to make in town yesterday.  Post Office, bank, three grocery store pickups and a stop by the meat market...and we recycled!  I even managed to snare some Lysol Wipes...but they were out of Artisan Bread....so it was mostly a success.

 I finally took a photo of the mural in town...note the Christmas Tree is upright.  they want you to shop downtown year round!  I am sure bikes are not allowed on the sidewalk and there used to be signs that said "No Loitering"...and the mural looks like it has a lot of loitering going on. 

For the record, the gal in the Post Office had her mask hanging off one ear while assisting another customer and when she saw me she smiled and put on her mask properly.  So I must be part of the elite mask police. 

Also for the record gasoline went up another 20 cents a gallon, that makes a 70 cent increase since the election.   Gas is now $2.69 per gallon in town.  

Far Side

Zooming

 We see a number of health professionals via Zoom.  During these Covid times it is a necessity.  Far Guy occasionally has a group from High School that he zooms with.   We also Zoom with friends. 

I attend book club via zoom.   It works for me! When the opportunity to attend a card making class via Zoom cam up I signed up and ordered the kit that was required...the class was free...and given by long time friend and fellow crafter Sarah.

Then our internet went down.   I was so looking forward to the class.  So I asked my other baby brother if I could use his office...and he said "sure."  He even cleared off a section of his desk for me! 

Everything needed was in the kit and it made 16 cards.  They are bright and cheerful cards.  We did four or five cards together over zoom and the next morning I finished them up, added a bit of glitter and when that was dry I added the cards to my new greeting card organizer.  

It was a fun project a little bit different from my photo cards or the watercolored cards.  At the same time that I purchased the card kit a new stamp just jumped into my cart.  

A very Spring like project in the dead of winter! 

We got 2 plus inches of snow Tuesday night, but the sun was quite warm yesterday and the walk and patio are almost clear of snow.

So far so good with the Internet, TV and landline phone...we have fiber optic service...sometimes equipment is just old and needs to be replaced.  Far Guy has been complaining to them for several months to no avail.  So hopefully we can put that all behind us!

Far Side

Some Forward Progress

 We lost Internet, TV and phone again completely.  The repair guys finally showed up, it took them about an hour to find two problems...good thing all the equipment is theirs because two whatchamacallits had to be totally replaced.  So far so good, but Far Guy says "Don't hold your breath."

In our area of the boonies our only other choice is a Satellite Company that I hear is unreliable. ...so it is what it is.  

The quiet in our home was horrid, I could hear the clocking ticking away in one ear and Far Guy snoring through his afternoon nap in the other ear.   I finally resurrected the DVD player in an old computer and apparently played the Bee Gee's One Night Only too many times ...the last time I played it Far Guy started to sing Na na na na  and he wouldn't stop.  He put in an old Bob Dylan DVD which he quickly rejected  and he embraced the quiet for a few minutes until he started.singing Bee Gee's songs just to irritate me.   Well at least he was singing to me... :)

I got a number of projects done over the weekend.   I finished up some hearts for a charity( Peyton Heart Project)  I packaged them up to mail. 

It was a perfect project for bits and pieces of scrap yarn.  I would like to do more someday.  For now it is a project I can cross off my list. 

I have a few other new crochet projects that are rattling around in my head at the moment.  I have decided that a trip to Hobby Lobby and the local yarn shop will happen around April 1st (two weeks after my last shot)...although yarn could be ordered online....I want to line up the colors and look at them in my cart.  

 I am still working on wasp nests using up all the grey yarn I have on hand.  She who sees robins first dropped off a whole skein of grey yarn for me.  I will have enough nests for the entire neighborhood and even a few to mail off to friends.   The pastel mosaic scarf is almost done, and I have a cashmere shawl in the works too. 

I have made absolutely no progress on the milk can project this winter.  The rollags are stored in paper bags until I can figure out how to spin on that old wheel I have...I have a friend who said he could help me or maybe a cousin I could ask for help...next summer....after Covid...if there is such a thing. 

Far Guy has his wood carving out...so far it looks like a bunch of holes in a piece of wood.  Only he knows what it will be. 

Far Side

Monday Madness on Tuesday

 Well...it was a miracle that we got Internet, TV and Phone service.   The technician called and said "I do not know what happened, but your service has been restored."  Huh...you don't know what you are doing...a gal on Saturday told us that a system "migration" was happening but it should not bother us...my guess is that we got migrated to some internet netherland.   They are supposed to be keeping one eye on our problem.  The tv goes in and out...it says the connection has been lost...there is still something rotten in netherlands.   I let Far Guy deal with them...I would just want to rip someones testicles off. 

Speaking of getting ripped off...our Postal System sucks.  We have a new substitute mail man who doesn't know where anyone lives...he and I had a discussion on Monday morning ( do not leave a official notice that says I was not home at mail delivery time because you were confused by three mail boxes...you were just stupid and lazy)...he now knows where I live.  And the stupid broad in the Post Office doesn't wear her mask over her nose just her big mouth. AND I entrusted my big girl camera into this system so it can be cleaned and repaired...and I feel naked without that camera...I have separation issues. 

Remember that refrigerator I ordered on November 5 ?  From a local business and I ordered an Amana...made in Newton Iowa...not even a foreign country involved.  Not a huge special order either...it should have an ice maker that actually makes ice and the rest of the fridge should be cool.  January 15 was the delivery date.  I waited a long time past that date to call....I should get a gold star!!  The local business said " If it was here we would have called you.  WE don't know where it is."  108 days.   Uffda.  Good thing our old fridge is still working...but with our rotten luck with things breaking down in the past few weeks...you never know...at least outside is one huge refrigerator.  Buy American they say...

Well there it is...and the shot last week makes me have hot flashes...how in the world it found one crappy hormone left in this old body I am not sure.   My arm is back to normal...but I am still tired.  Tired and cranky...bet you couldn't guess.  

Oh well it could be worse we could live in Texas.  

 

Scrubbies I finished over the weekend.

Far Side

For the birds

 Well, someone came to work early Monday morning and flipped a switch or something.  We have landline phone, tv and internet all with the same company who are on Far Guys %$#@ list.  We had spotty problems Friday night and then early Saturday morning...nothing.

We had a different weekend.  I went up to my other baby brothers office and used his desk and internet to attend a Zoom Class on card making on Saturday night.  

Far Guy says things are still not right with our internet service.  We will see if anyone calls or shows up. 

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Far Side 

No Internet

 We have no phone, t v or internet until

 At least Monday sometime 

We are okay

Farside

Better?

 I am much better, the swelling in my arm is now the size of a golf ball instead of a softball!  Wow I can move my arm!  I did have an afternoon nap yesterday!   Far Guy says he is just perfect...so I let him cook while I napped!

We ran some errands in town, Post Office drop off, gas fill and a car wash, a curbside pickup at Ace Hardware, a stop at the tire store and DQ!  

Gasoline went up in price again.  Since I keep track of such things the price per gallon has increased by 60 cents a gallon since Election Day.  Gasoline is now $2.59 a gallon here.  I imagine that the price of food will go up also as transportation prices increase.

Progress is being made on Line Three, it is a big deal here in our area of Minnesota...it replaces old line three that was built over 30 years ago.  It transports crude oil to Lake Superior.   The Highway Department put up a bunch of no parking signs along the highway...I suspect that since it is now warmer some people will be laying down along the line...a few weeks ago a few crawled inside one of the pipes and wouldn't get out.  

I am learning more and more about the iMac computer everyday.  Some things are very frustrating...my windows brain has a hard time shutting off sometimes.  One thing I learned yesterday is that if your Magic Mouse is upside down it will just make crazy movements that make no sense on your screen and no matter what you try or how much you sigh in disgust until you use the mouse in it's proper position it will continue to go crazy!  

Far Side

Mosaic Crochet

This year I said I was going to either finish up old projects or learn new things!  Mosaic Crochet is beautiful.

First I made a small swatch...then I graduated to a scarf using small odds and ends of pastel yarns. I am working on it inbetween wasp nests.  

Each row is worked one at a time leaving the ends.  This is the front.

The back...

It stripes wonderfully.

The ends are tied and then cut shorter and you begin to encase the ends. 

Here is the beginning of the envelope. 

I have a ways to go.  I learned about mosaic crochet on You Tube.  There are many different designs.  I would like to make an afghan...maybe...I joined a facebook group and get lots of ideas and oh my the color combinations! 

Grocery Pickup was uneventful.  It was way warmer than last week.  I went by the Post Office drop box and then waited in the Clinic Parking lot for Far Guy to call me.  We came home, disinfected groceries and put them away...had lunch and a nap. 

Shot report:  Far Guy is feeling much better.   I still have a red swollen arm...they say it is normal. I am still tired.  

Luckily I can take a nap when ever I want!  Suppers were planned way ahead of the shots...using a number of freezer meals.  

Far Side

All about the boxes

 I have been accused of being a box hoarder.  It may be partially true.   This week I saved a bunch of boxes that other boxes came in...just incase...I might need them someday. 

Yes that is a candy box filled with dark chocolate from a friend!   Someday when it is empty I will save it for something! 

I saw this other box online....and could not resist! 

It was my paper project for this week.  It is a Greeting Card Organizer!  Perfect for me...I make many cards and previously stored them in a dresser drawer in plastic bags...this is much better!

Shot report:

Far Guy is very tired and his arm is sore...his sorts are out.  He rested many times yesterday.

My arm is sore, red and swollen.  I am tired also so I had a long nap in the afternoon. 

Today is grocery adventure day and we are warming up enough so that it spit snow for a bit yesterday.  

Far Side

Shots

 Far Guy got his second Moderna Vaccination and I got my first one.   I have a bit of a stiff arm and so does Far Guy...no big reactions so far.   We are thankful to finally begin the process together.  In about six weeks we should both be "somewhat protected." 

I have not been in a building with lots of other people for a long time...I was a bit uneasy and felt a little claustrophobic....but happy to finally be doing something to fight this terrible pandemic. 

We had clear skies for the trip.  It was -35 F at our home in the morning.  Relief from the severe cold weather always seems a few days away. 

We went through a drive through for lunch (a big date) and came home and had a nap. 

My baby brother in Oregon finally has electricity.  Apparently one of the cell phone towers  that serves the area was destroyed in the ice storm so cell phone communication is spotty at best. 

Far Side

Lemons

 I made Far Guy lemon pudding with meringue topping for his birthday, just like lemon pie but without the crust.   I am no good at crust....and who needs a whole pie anyways.

I put it in custard cups and there is enough for two nights.  

He had a good birthday with many calls throughout the day.   He requested steak and a salad for supper.   We had a quiet day at home.  It was a tad bit warmer...a few more days and we should be out of the deep freeze. 

My baby brothers home in Oregon sustained damage from trees that fell in the ice storm over the weekend.  They don't have electricity...or heat.  Luckily they have neighbors and friends that are helping them clean up the mess.  As most trees in Oregon are huge it takes many days to do the clean up. 

The weather is crazy all over...stay safe out there...just when we thought 2020 was bad enough 2021 isn't looking like a walk in the park.

I have a pillow from a dear friend that says "When life gives you lemons make lemonade. "

Far Side

Happy Birthday Handsome!

 Far Guy is older today!  

A photo from one of the black sand beaches on the Big Island.

Happy Birthday handsome! 

Far Side

Still cold and a new computer

 It was -40 F when Far Guy got up on Saturday morning.   I snuggled back in for a bit and then got up to take a photo. Which at some point will appear on this blog....maybe.

***** Update: I had a facetime tutorial with Jen...I loaded this photo from my old computer onto a flashdrive and got it to the new computer and drug it over to the desktop...all by myself.  It might be a miracle!  Jen gave me a great tour...and now my head is full of stuff to process. 

After household duties were taken care of we moved my old Windows 7 across the room.  Then we unpackaged and set up the new computer an IMac...desktop.  I ordered it a few weeks ago. 

So...I am learning more about Magic Mouses and Lightning Cords and red, yellow and green dots... and I have no idea where or how I got that photo up there but there it is..I took that photo this afternoon and found it under ...recents.  It is someplace that has liquid water! AND get this the screensaver changes with the daylight etc...now the stars are out...:) 

I tried to import bookmarks from Chrome...I got some really really old ones...but it was better than nothing.  It all takes time.  I have sound now...I didn't for a while and it was bugging Far Guy....so he fixed that for me.   I stupidly plugged in my old speakers which obviously were not compatible.

We are cozy and warm and we are expecting another brutal night of sub zero weather.  At least we have electricity...some people do not in all the ice storms around the country.  What a bunch of crazy weather.

Oh yes Happy Valentine's Day to my husband!  He is a keeper! Everyday is Valentines Day around here!!

Far Side

Brrrr

 Friday morning it was -35 when Far Guy got up...I asked "How cold is it out there?"  He said -35 so I covered up and went back to sleep while watching the morning news.  

I eventually got up and cleaned the bathroom, did some laundry and dusted. 

My other baby brother delivered our mail.  I poked my nose out to get the mail...brrrr. 

While cooking supper I kept announcing the falling temperatures...-14 to -20 when we did the dishes.  Announcing the dropping temperatures irritates someone I love ...but I do it anyway...I think he expects it.  

We are warm and cozy.  The new furnace seems warmer than the old furnace...another heat register was added upstairs.  It is noisy in a different way...but quieter than the old furnace...this one sounds like a jet engine warming up.  I CAN hear the television over the noise of this one...

My new computer ( I Mac) came during the furnace adventure...we may set it up today if we feel like having a technological adventure.  We have not unpacked the box yet.  My old computer (Windows 7) still works but it has driver issues and is slow as a turtle crossing the road on a summer day.  We will set up the old computer across the room until I have some photo files transferred.  I plan to transfer some photos by flashdrive and then load them on the new computer. Like I said it will be an adventure. 

In the meantime here is a puzzle for you. 

Stay safe and warm! 

Far Side

Normal?

 We are back to normal...if there is such a thing! 

It is very cold.  -26 for a low and -8 for a high.  Anything done outside should take as little time as possible!  We recycled on the way into town, I dropped Far Guy off at the Infusion Center I picked up our online grocery order, went by the Post Office drop box and the drive through at the bank, filled the gas guzzling car with its 4 gallons of gas so we have a full tank and then waited in the parking lot for Far Guy's call...I crocheted while I waited and watched people.

The grocery adventure was not without drama...seems they overcharged us...and when I called the gal said "Oh my I recall that and it is my fault."  I hate calling them to complain...but I refuse to pay for groceries I did not get.

In the mail was a tiny box of chocolates and some lip balm from a local retirement home...they said it would be sweet of us to move there. 

We disinfected groceries at home and washed fruit and vegetables.  

I mixed up a bunch of stuff; brown sugar, apple cider, Worcestershire sauce, and Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce...poured it over some miserable pork shoulder poor excuse for pork chops that I got one week last Fall...put the whole works in the slow cooker for about five hours...and it wasn't too bad served with vegetables and a baked potato.  

So we are normal for these pandemic times.  It is supposed to get colder in the next couple of days...brutal they said.  Oh well at least we will be warm! 

Lupines in the Wild Gardens 2009

Far Side 

Warm again

 The furnace guys were here early Wednesday morning, in no time at all they had the old furnace out and the new one installed.  By noon we had heat!  Heat and a furnace are a wonderful thing.  

Our 96 plus hours without a furnace were miserable.  Drafty...cold floors...but we were able to dress warm, stay positive and keep the entire house from freezing up! . What an adventure.  Far Guy asked me...did you ask me on Friday what we had planned for Saturday...I usually don't ask that anymore as something happens that requires all of our attention. 

The tile floors will catch up after a few days.   Our weather is still brutally cold.  It was -27 F yesterday morning....and the high was maybe 2 above zero.  Nippy! 

I crocheted some more wasp nests while the furnace guys were here...the outside door was open quite a bit...letting in blasts of cold air.   After they left we cleaned the floors and had a nap.  Staying warm takes lots of energy.   We have a well insulated house...with six inch walls filled with insulation...I can only imagine how cold it was for the early settlers to this area. 

My other baby brother delivered our mail. 

Today is grocery adventure day. 

Stay warm and safe!

Far Side