Sunday, December 31, 2023

How Does Your Garden Grow?


The New Year's garden flag.


Heavy rains and winds knocked off some of the side and roof panels. I helped Himself re-bungee the roof


Rotrow! Some idjit (moi) didn't take the birdbath apart and store it in the greenhouse. At least it looks like a clean break and might be able to be glued back together.



Nick is in charge of holding the lottery tickets and to bring good luck. (Hopefully, to us)

How does your garden grow?

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Friday, December 29, 2023

The Friday Five Good Things



Five good things that happened this week.

1. We had a Skype visit with the Young One and her beau

2. We celebrated The Feast of the Seven Fishes minus Five (mostly because I hate the traditional fare of baccala and eel)  I made scallops wrapped in bacon for an appetizer and Shrimp Scampi for the main event

3. Amazon delivered Himself's Christmas gift on Christmas Eve!

4. I called the salon to find out if the hairdresser I liked was working. She wasn't in but would be working a split shift on Wednesday

5. In the morning I was all set to go get my haircut. When I went to check in on the app, the wait time was nearly 2 hours! The hairdresser was working a split shift and would be back early evening. No wait time then.

How was your week?

Thursday, December 28, 2023

The Barometer

 
The weather front that brought a Christmas blizzard to Nebraska and the Plain states is crossing the Ohio River Valley and hooking up with an area of low pressure forming to the South of New England.

What does this mean? This means CJ is a human barometer and will spend the day with a migraine until the area of low pressure passes.

What about you? Do you get headaches caused by the weather?

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Whatcha Doin?

 

I'm hoping to get my haircut today. My favorite stylist is supposed to be working at the salon. Whatcha doin?

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

T Stands for Doppelganger



Earlier this month, we went to the cemetery to visit my parents' grave and to bring a Christmas wreath. As is my custom, I bring flowers for Ma and greet her first. 


The Veteran's cemetery participates in the Wreaths Across America program where Christmas wreaths are donated and placed on veterans graves across the country. I wondered if the wreaths left by the families remained or were thrown away. No matter. Ma would have been upset if I didn't bring a wreath.

After the cemetery visit, we decided to stop for a late lunch. The restaurant we used to frequent closed.

Himself: Where do you want to go?

Me: Remember one time we found that Irish Pub?

Himself: No

Me: Yeah, the Irish pub. Murphy's.

Himself (reaching for his phone to find directions) How do you know the name is Murphy's

Me: All Irish pubs are called Murphy's

A short drive from the cemetery and we found the restaurant. Himself remembered we had eaten there.


For an appetizer, Himself ordered Irish Nachos. Tater tots smothered in cheddar cheese with bacon bits. Served with sour cream and Pub Cheese. For my drink, I had unsweetened ice tea with lemon.

I got so busy eating that I forgot to take pictures of the entree. I had fish and chips. Himself had a Shepherd's pie. It was really a cottage pie as it was made with ground beef and not lamb.

Himself: Doesn't the waitress look like Elaine

Every time I ask Himself is someone look like someone else he always says. No, they don't. So without even glancing at the waitress I said: She doesn't look a thing like Elaine.

When the waitress came over to ask if everything was okay, I looked at Himself and said: Yes, yes, she does.

The waitress gave me a puzzled look so I explained how she looked exactly like our friend, Elaine.

She seemed tickled with the idea that she had a double.



So tickled, in fact, that when we ordered apple tart for dessert, she went to the bar and got us some maraschino cherries to make the dessert a little more special. 

A few days later, we had dinner at Elaine's restaurant and told her about meeting the doppelganger. She thought that was fun and wanted to meet her.

"I could use a clone to help me out."

Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.

Monday, December 25, 2023

Sunday, December 24, 2023

How Does Your Garden Grow?

 I didn't have the energy this week to run around outside taking pictures of the garden. So a nostalgic post from this date last year 2022


One of the best things about the Christmas season in Boston if you were a kid growing up in the late 1950s and 1960s, was a trip into Boston to the Jordan Marsh Department store. If you were very good, your parents would take you to see the Enchanted Village. This was a series of animated doll displays. You'd wend your way through the displays and then you could sit on Santa's lap and tell him your Christmas wish list.


Before going home, your parents would stop and buy a box of Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins, the biggest, best, fluffy, blueberry muffins in the Universe. Recipe here.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023

The Friday Five Good Things


 Five good things that happened this week

1. Saturday pizza and movie night. I made pizza for dinner, and Himself, The Eldest, and I watched A Christmas Story and A Christmas Story Story (3 rd movie)

2. I was able to address a few Christmas cards

3. We made it through the storm. Us and another house a block or so away lost electricity for an hour or so. Weird

4. I was able to put up the tree and decorations

5. Wasn't feeling up to an in person visit, but had a virtual couple of hours visit with Teague.

How was your week?

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Happy Mail



Blog buddy, Phillip from Envelope 100 , made an envelope to tuck in his Christmas card. Yup, he made the envelope from


a Trader Joe's paper bag. Very clever, my friend. You should offer a blog tutorial on how to make envelopes. 😉


From my teacher, friend, and mentor, Gerry, one of her lovely Christmas cards. Gerry was a winner in this year's Graceful Envelope Contest. A cardinal was in her design and represented her dad. Gerry's envelope is the 1tth one when you scroll down, her homage to Dr. Fauci looks like a medical degree.


From a Masscribes guild friend, Dave the Postman. A lovely embossed card design 


And a Happy Winter Solstice!

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Whatcha Doin?

 

Today, the plan is to put up and decorate the Christmas tree. Wish me luck. Whatcha doin?

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

T Stands For 'Tis The Season

 

For sore throats. Some home remedies to soothe a sore throat or just for some cozy comfort.

1. Hot water, honey, and lemon juice

2. Hot milk, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and honey.

3. Hot water, orange zest, and cinnamon stick. (I'd add some honey, too)

4. Hot milk, ground turmeric, cinnamon stick, whole black peppercorn, and honey

I'm not a fan of hot milk so I'd most likely brew these ideas with tea. 

My standard recipe for getting rid of a sore throat is tea, 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar, and 2 tsp. honey

Do you have home remedy teas for taking care of  a cold and/or  sore throat?

Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.

Monday, December 18, 2023

Happy Mail



From Kathy Milici, a lovely package. If you want to learn Kathy's Modern Storybook Script, she's offering an online class in January. Check out the details at Calligraphy Crush Magazine.

Embiggen the envelope to see the snowglobe stamp and the special snowglobe cancellation mark


A Texas Gnome on the back of the envelope from Deb


For those who like stamps, this year snowglobes. Sadly, no snowglobe cancellation.


This card looked like it was handmade. Cardinals remind me of my parents so this card had me smiling.


A card from Florida bedecked with stars. I love stars. I have recurring dreams with starscapes. Last year's Santa stamps look good with this year's snowglobe cancellation mark


And all the way from Florida, cheeky, Little Robin. I suspect Big Robin from Pink House Studio is cheekier.

Thank you all for brightening my mailbox.

Sunday, December 17, 2023

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I didn't get outside this week, but did manage to put up a few Christmas decorations with a little help.


Quill waited to see what we would be doing


Calli searched for some stray Christmas decorations


The Nutcrackers were supposed to be outside, but turned out to be too tall to be displayed by the front door.


For me it wouldn't be Christmas without The Christmas Pageant

How does your garden grow?


Saturday, December 16, 2023

Friday, December 15, 2023

The Friday Five Good Things


 Five good things that happened this week.

1. Three days of the cold and for kicks, Himself took a Covid test and it was positive. I'm so glad I cancelled playing over at Teague's this week.

2. I had groceries delivered and stuff delivered from Target within an hour of ordering. I can get into this without being sick

3. The Young One finally got the package with her happy, little gingerbread man mug. Everything arrived intact.

4. I started watching The Handmaiden's Tale

5.Grandmaster E called to tell me all about her trip to Newport. Lots of laughs.

How was your week?

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Happy Mail



I got some happy mail all the way from Scotland from my friend, Tiggy


I like the heart cancellation supporting the British Heart Foundation and the beautiful Three Magi stamp with King Charles III profile.


Tiggy's beautiful card that she designed and set the type on her Letterpress. Look at all those beautiful fonts and dingbats.

Thank you, dear Tiggy. You have no idea how much your card delighted me.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Whatcha Doin?

 

I've been drinking plenty of liquids and watching the inside of my eyelids as I recover from Covid. Whatcha doin?

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

T Stands for The Happy Little Gingerbread Man

 

A request from the Young One to send her childhood mug, The Happy Little Gingerbread Man. He was supposed to arrive on Saturday, but as of Monday night, tracking says he's late (Duh!) I just hope he's not lost.

Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.

Monday, December 11, 2023

Kitchen Gadgets

 

Elizabeth asked me about kitchen gadgets. She was showcasing a store near her, The Spice Merchant. Besides spices, coffees, and teas, the store carries a wide array of cups and mugs. I had asked Elizabeth if they carried kitchen gadgets, too.

I don't like to cook, but I love kitchen gadgets, especially if they are quirky, little tools. Like my friend, Bjorn. He doubles as a lid holder to release steam and spoon rest. Isn't he cute rowing his longship? I found him online.

What about you? Gadgets, love them or hate them?

Sunday, December 10, 2023

How Does Your Garden Grow?

 

Short and sweet today. The wreath on the front door.


Skelly got a festive make-over, too.

How does your garden grow?


Saturday, December 9, 2023

Happy, Little, Time Wasters

 

A brief history of (weird and wonderful) Victorian Christmas cards
Thanks to Jean where I swiped the idea for the post.

Friday, December 8, 2023

The Friday Five Good Things

 

Five good things that happened this week.

1. After the baby shower, we had dinner at the UxLocale.  Always nice to see Elaine.

2. Texted with the Young One. She had asked for her Christmas stocking to be sent along with a blanket I had made for her. I told her they went out in the mail. Earlier in the week, she told me they were going to look for a wreath, but most likely weren't getting a Christmas tree as not really a lot of room in the apartment. That made me a little sad so I sent a retro- ceramic green tree that runs on batteries. I told her it had been delivered by the mailboxes. They really liked it.

3. While at the grocery store, the elderly, male bagger told me I had pretty, curly hair. Yup, I still got it. Can still turn the heads of the old dudes. 

4. Errands, a late lunch at Uno's. Stopped into Kay Jeweler's at the mall to see if they could fix my watch bracelet. It just needed a pin and they had one in stock. Otherwise, the watch would have had to be sent out for repair which would take a month! The saleswoman took about 10 minutes to fix it and didn't even charge me!

5. I had to cancel Teague Day. At least I didn't bring her a stomach bug or a cold.

How was your week?

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Gift Tag

 

Recently, my Niece (Himself's side of the family) had a baby shower as she and her husband are expecting their first child. Besides the baby gift, I put together a few things just for her. Tea, chocolate, shower disc, hand cream, lip balm.

I cut a tag using a tag punch and then doodled a Sunshine Girl in the style of Lindsay Ostram, Creator of Cuteness. I wrote a bunch of variations of Mother around the tag. The tag turned out very cute and the Niece was surprised to have something for herself.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Whatcha Doin?

 

I'm packing up a few things the Young One asked for that wouldn't fit in her suitcase. I'm also wrapping up some stocking stuffers and if there's time, I'll address a few Christmas cards.

Whatcha doin?

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

T Stands for A Little Bit of Love


Last month, the Eldest and I went to try breakfast at the new coffee shop in town. I had a breakfast sandwich, bacon, egg, and cheese on a sesame seed bagel. I also had a cup of tea. She had coffee and it might have been a Snickers flavor (chocolate, caramel, nutty like the candy bar)


On the way through the parking lot, she found this heart. A perfect ending. 

Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.


Monday, December 4, 2023

Lost Part de Deux

 

When we last left our intrepid heroine she had returned home from a shopping expedition where she had lost her wristwatch. She did a quick retrace of her steps, but the watch was nowhere to be found in the house. It was lost. Somewhere between the parking lots, Target, and Kohls.

With a deep sigh and a forlorn look, she removed her jacket and went to the front closet to hang it up

In the closet is a 3 drawer plastic unit. The top drawer where gloves are store was open. As she removed a hanger, something shiny in the drawer caught her attention.


It was her watch! Once lost and now found! Oh, joy! Oh, rapture! She thought the clasp must have been loose, but the bracelet had broken. 

So much for her theory of being able to hear the substantial watch make a thud. Looks like her next errand will be to make an appointment with the audiologist.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

How Does Your Garden Grow?



Sunrise


Not in my yard. The Grinch what a whiz! 😺


Outside decorating has begun. Santa's head on a candy cane pike


Welcome


Planter and string of lights. Candles in the window. Skelly on the door


The Hobbit wreath is up


and the Snowman boxes

How does your garden grow?