Doodling for Stress Release

 

On Mondays via Zoom, I participate in a class where we spend  a half an hour doodling our stress away.

The suggestion for this doodle was to start with a scribble and then fill in all the spaces with black lines. We are always free to do what we want. I felt like color that day so I combined the scribble and lines with a neurographic drawing

T Stands for A Late Lunch

After an early afternoon appointment and a quick stop at Ocean State Job Lot, Himself and I decided on a late lunch. The destination was Arturo's in Westborough on the recommendation of Himself's neurologist.

We arrived between 2:30 and 2:45 pm and were shown to a table. There was a function going on and a few diners in the dining room. 

A waitress came by to tell us that they were about to make a shift change. Okay. A waiter cam over to take our order and said the restaurant closes at 3 pm. and then reopens for dinner. 

He took our drink order of unsweetened iced tea with lemon for me and a Coke for Himself. He also brought a carafe of tepid water. 

He didn't seem very happy to take our order of Bruschetta for an appetizer

I ordered Eggplant Parmigiana over Penne pasta, and the waiter didn't seem happy about serving us our entree.

The food was good, though for Italian food not as good as I got at home and not as good as I make myself. 

The eggplant was thick rounds of the vegetable breaded and baked with mozzarella cheese and gravy (sauce). The eggplant wasn't peeled, either. Just thick slabs of eggplant. Not thin slices breaded and fried and layered in a deep dish with mozzarella cheese and gravy. It tasted fine, but as my dad would say, "It's not our food."

There was another couple and their service seemed to be rushed, too. We asked for boxes for the meal that we couldn't finish and we got dessert to go.

Quill inspected the Tiramisu I brought home for dessert.

So while the food was good, the dining experience was lackluster. (Your mileage may vary) I would suggest if you are going to lunch get there well before 2 pm.

If they didn't want to serve lunch close to their shift change, than why not lock the restaurant door and not let customers in and be shown to a table. Just a thought.

One highlight of the meal, I didn't slob gravy all over my new shirt.

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.

Monet and Me

 

forgot to have a blog post ready. What are you doing today?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Growing inside the greenhouse a Pokeberry

The Boat Anchor, I mean Samwise is able to handle the lawn after A., the young man that came to help Himself with the yard, mowed the tall grass after No Mow May. 

After Samwise mowed the back, some Grackles came for a snack

Sweet Briar

One of the exciting things to happen this week, the birds found the Smart Feeder

White Breasted Nuthatch

American Goldfinch

Chipping Sparrow

Purple Finch

How does your garden grow?

Happy, Little, Time Waster

 

Lego Pancake Factory

The Friday Five Good Things

 

Five good things that happened this week.

1. Himself and I took an afternoon off and watched Jaws

2. We attended Master Beef's QiGong and Reiki circle for a nice evening out.

3. A goldfinch found the Smart Feeder

4. Perfect weather, Teague and I had lunch outside at Outpost Farms

5. Online retail therapy and everything arrived on time.

How was your week?

TBT Reprints from CJ's Whine and Cheeze

 n 2003, Ma had a stroke. Dad was her full time caregiver until he he had a car accident that totaled the car. So in 2006, I became their chauffeur among other jobs.

At the time, to deal with the stress of running two households and working, I kept a blog entitled CJ's Whine and Cheeze. Egged on by some friends who enjoyed the first read through, you'll see your part when it comes by.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

The Second Wednesday

Today was shoe fitting day. Ma already had her coat on when I arrived. The route was the same as last week. We had to drop Dad off at the senior center, and again, he was out the door before I had brought the car to a complete stop.

There was plenty of parking at the medical center lot too. I even got a handicap parking spot. That should have been a clue.

I would never think skipping was possible with a walker, but that's what Ma did across the crosswalk and into the building. We didn't even have to wait for an elevator. The doors opened up just as I was to push the up button.

I held the elevator door open for Ma and she skipped across the lobby to the doctor's office. I reached around her and pushed the door handle. Imagine my surprise when the door wouldn't budge. It was locked tighter than Scrooge's purse! Ma kept trying the door and I finally got her to sit in a chair in the lobby while I went to the doctor's office next to the podiatrist. That office was locked too. The third office I tried was open.

The receptionist was on the phone, and I tried to be still and polite all the while screaming in my head Get off the damn phone and help me!

I told her my tale of woe and she kindly called the podiatrist's office.

Relief! Someone's in the office. The door must have been locked by mistake!

"Yes, I'll let her know," said the receptionist. She scribbled something on a note pad, tore the sheet and handed it to me. Neatly printed on the paper was the doctor's name and office number. "Their office is closed on Wednesdays. No one would have made an appointment for Wednesday. That was the answering service."

I thanked the receptionist and went to get Ma in the lobby. She was not happy, and she sputtered like a teakettle all the way to the car. It was not going to be pretty when we picked Dad up. I heard the "He's Stupid" song, along with variations on the theme. I told her the blame really wasn't on Dad, but on the doctor. Afterall, Ma was in the office last week. He could have taken her foot measurements, let her pick the shoes from the catalog, and put the paperwork aside until her primary care doctor sent the signature needed for the insurance. It would have been no skin off the podiatrist's nose. It's not like he had to pay for Ma's shoes out of his own pocket. On the other hand, he couldn't bill the insurance company for another office visit if he had taken care of business last week. I hope the needles fall off his Christmas tree.

Now, I'm not sure what happened. I wasn't sure if Dad had forgotten to make the actual appointment. He swore up and down he had called the doctor's office, and they gave him the appointment for Wednesday at 10 am. Maybe they meant the appointment was for the second Wednesday of the week. I'll have to check my PDA

Doodling for Stress Reduction

 

On Mondays via Zoom, I participate in a class where we spend  a half an hour doodling our stress away.

The suggested doodle was to make flower with circle and the letter U. Enter the Wayback Machine to the late 1960s and doodling Flower Power on notebook covers. 

T Stands for Sundae Lunch

 

Thursday last, at my weekly visit with Teague, we decided to go out for lunch. Since it wasn't raining and it was perfect weather (for me, with temps close to 90), we decided to go to George's Surf and Turf. We've been there before. 

Normally, I would have ordered fried clams, but at 90 degrees and humidity, it wasn't the best weather for fried food. This weather called for ice cream. I only eat ice cream when temps. are over 70. However, ice cream weather posed a problem for me. If I ordered a burger and fries (2nd choice), I'd be too full to have ice cream. What to do? What to do? I pulled a page out of Erika from Bio-Art Gal's book and just ordered a Hot Fudge Sundae with cookie dough ice cream. The server asked if I wanted whipped cream and a cherry. Yes, please, and also if I wanted colored or chocolate sprinkles. I tsked. I would like jimmies, please. In New England, especially in the Boston area, we don't call chocolate sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles. They are called jimmies. 

While Teague was waiting for her burger, I found us a table and began eating my sundae as it was melting fast. The sundae was soooo good, and as I suspected no room for a proper lunch. I didn't quite finish the sundae.

Relaxing back at Teague's sunroom, I had some iced tea. Teague did ask me mid-afternoon if I was hungry. She would take me to Dairy Queen which isn't too far from her house. to get a burger or something. I was still full from sundae.

I just noticed the date for today, June 10.  Today marks 52 years since Teague and I graduated high school.

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.

Monet and Me

 

signed up for a FREE Zentangle class by Stefanie van Leeuwen, the same Zentangle instructor for the Shell Symphony class  

Stephanie taught the Zentangle Dragon Class during the Inktober 2024 challenge and now she's offering it for free. The classes are not live, but students have access to videos. Even better, you don't have to wait until October to play.

Stephanie is a very organized and patient teacher. She has prepared a .pdf file with the dragon string and the materials needed for the class. My only criticism is she's very soft spoken so sometimes it was a bit difficult for me to hear her. Also, she uses the pencil transfer method to transfer the string. It's a lot easier if you use Saral paper. Saral paper can be used over and over and lasts a long time.

If you want to play, too, you can sign up at the Free Inktober Dragon Challenge

How Does Your Garden Grow?

A beautiful swallowtail butterfly!

Iris in Ink's garden

Little birds foraging

Rocky got at the bird feeder again. I blame Himself who left his wagon in easy leaping range.

The moon at sunset. The sky color is what my late father-in-law would call Sky-Blue Pink

Queen Anne's Lace about to bloom

Daisies

This bird decided to hang out in the new feeder. I can't tell if the bird's weight closed the hopper. Maybe it was a case of if I can't have any seed, no one can have any seed.

Himself installed a hook and eye lock so no kitties can perform a Houdini. The lock can be fastened through the window so we can get air in the sunroom, and Himself can unlock the door when he's done playing in his garden.

How does your garden grow?

Happy, Little, Time Waster

 

The Number of Satellites Orbiting Earth

The Friday Five Good Things

 

Five good things that happened this week.

1. I learned a new expression from Resident Alien

2. I chatted with cousins I hadn't spoken with for a long time

3. 2 Old Ladies are going on the road again later this month

4. I had put the microwave out front over the weekend and tried to find someone that would pick up for scrap. No luck.. Tuesday, a man in a truck stopped and took it away. Thank you, man!

5. I had an ice cream sundae for lunch

How was your week?

TBT Reprints from CJ's Whine and Cheeze

 In 2003, Ma had a stroke. Dad was her full time caregiver until he he had a car accident that totaled the car. So in 2006, I became their chauffeur among other jobs.

At the time, to deal with the stress of running two households and working, I kept a blog entitled CJ's Whine and Cheeze. Egged on by some friends who enjoyed the first read through, you'll see your part when it comes by.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Flying Up

Tuesday arrived and so did I to take Ma to her podiatrist appointment. She was in high spirits and excited because she was to be fitted for new shoes. There was the usual call for her coat, and the hunt for her checkbook, but done without the usual yelling and screaming. Ma didn't seem to mind that Dad asked to be dropped off at the Senior Center instead of being part of her entourage. The mood was so light, I didn't even mind the driving lessons both of them gave me. "Take a left at the light. The Center is the old Lincoln School building. On the right." Dad barely waited for the car to come to a complete and full stop. He was out the door and in the building before I got my foot all the way on the brake.

The medical center parking lot was full. All the handicap parking spaces were taken so I pulled up alongside the building to offload Ma. She assured me she could make it up to the doctor's office by herself. I trolled two circuits of the lot and found a parking spot in Iowa. Not bad. Last time, I had to park clear on the other side of the world in the Main Visitor lot.

Ma didn't have to wait long in the office before she was called into the examination room. She chatted all the way down the hall with the receptionist about new shoes.

Another Weeble couple came in. I recognized them from the appointment Ma had in October. They are a very sweet Weeble couple. The Mr. Weeble was also getting new shoes. "They have a lot more styles than last year," he informed me. I looked at the display case. The only difference I saw was the shoes came in three colors, black, brown and a golden beige. Each shoe was large, had a very wide toe box and velcro straps. He informed me he hoped to get a pair of shoes with a smooth upper this time. The pair he wore had a seam and it bothered his toe. I smiled politely. The Mr. and Mrs. Weeble chatted by themselves so I buried my nose in the book I had brought.

Just as I was getting to the good part, Ma came out. She was not happy and was arguing with the doctor and the receptionist. Seemed she couldn't get new shoes because her primary care physician didn't sign the form the podiatrist needed to submit the shoe bill to the insurance company. The receptionist had faxed the form to the primary care office twice! The Weeble couple smiled sympathetically. Ma's next appointment was made for February.

We left the office and were waiting for the elevator. Ma was lamenting she had to wait until February to get her new shoes. She said the shoes she was wearing were worn down and so were the insoles.

I went back into the office and asked if Ma could at least have new insoles. Seems insoles and shoes are a matched set. I asked if she had to wait until February before she could get new shoes. Was told if her doctor signed and faxed the form back, they could schedule an appoitment for a fitting right away. She wouldn't have to wait until February. I thanked the recptionist and wished the Weeble couple a happy holiday.

Ma was still waiting for the elevator. I wasn't sure if she let a car or two go by of if the elevator was just slow. I told her the car was parked in Iowa, and I would bring it around and pick her up at the front door. The elevator doors open and I held the door so Ma could get in. We rode down to the lobby with Ma muttering to herself "why me?" and "it's not fair" In this case, I have to agree.

I left Ma waiting in the building and I sprinted for Iowa. Just as I got to the car, I remembered I had forgotten my book. Since the book was a library book, I had no choice but had to go back to retrieve it.

I passed Ma in the lobby, told her I had forgotten my book, and I raced up the stairs.

I startled the Weeble couple as I burst into the office. "Sorry. I forgot my book. What can I say, it's contagious." The Weeble couple smiled and the Mr. Weeble winked knowingly.

The incident reminded me of the Flying Up ceremonies I attended when my girls moved from Brownies to Junior Scouts. Each little brownie was twisted, turned around and made to look in a reflecting pool all the while the other scouts chanted a rhyme.

I made up my own little rhyme: Twist me. Turn me, until I'm Feeble. I look in the mirror and see I'm a Weeble.

Work in Progress - Finishing Touches

 

This is from the Zentangle Shell Symphony Workshop  taught by Stefanie van Leeuwen, CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) from the Netherlands.

This was a live online class, but I didn't have all the necessary materials though I played along as much as I could. Students have access to videos of the class forever.

Because the piece is done on a round, 4 5/8 in. paper tile, it's called a Zendala. (a portmanteau of Zen, Zentangle and mandala)

I used Strathmore Tone Tan paper cut into a slightly smaller circle as the cutting machine wouldn't go to 3 decimal places.

In the final class, we outlined the shell with gold, Colored and highlighted the three dewdrops, highlights on the waves, pearl, shell, and seafoam bubbles.

T Stands for Miss Adventure

 

Here she is. Miss Adventure. Looking all sweet and innocent like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. What did she do, you ask?

Miss Adventure gave me quite the scare.  I had taken a nap and when I got up, it was kitty dinner time. I got their dishes and opened up a can. Calli is usually the first to come running, but no sign of her. Quill was pacing in the kitchen and seemed a little agitated.

"Who wants supper?", I called. That usually brings her running. "Go to places." and I brought the dishes to their feeding stations. Quill followed, but he circled back to the middle of the kitchen.

I went to look for Calli in my bedroom. We had taken a nap together. I thought she might have gone under the bed or to a hidey-hole. I called and called her. No Calli.

Quill was still pacing in the kitchen. Now, I live in a dollhouse. It's not that big and two rooms are closed off  to the kitties. (the office/studio and The Eldest's room). I looked around the living room and dining room. The Eldest helped.

"Where's Calli?" I asked Quill.

"I don't know." (It was very distinct and the Eldest heard him clearly, too.)

I went to the sunroom and to my horror saw the screen door was open. Not wide open, but open enough for a kitty to pass through. Either Himself left the screen to the sunroom open, or Calli was able to open it. I have a feeling she figured out how to open it.

Mitty, the first cat we had, was expert at opening the Eldest's bedroom door. He would headbutt it a few times until the bolt would slide from the lock. 

I went outside and called her. No white kitty in sight.

Himself was nearby filling pots.

"I would have seen her if she came out."

"No, you wouldn't. Your nose is buried in the pots."

Back inside to get the treat bag.

"Who wants cookies?" That always brings her running. No Calli. Where could she be?

The Eldest went down the basement and looked through the window that looks out under the sunroom.

"I see her! She's in the corner."

My worst nightmare! The clearance from the ground to the sunroom deck is about 6 inches. I got down on hands and knees and called.

"C'mon Calli. C'mon Baby."

Eventually, I saw a little white paw, but she wouldn't come out and there wasn't enough of her showing to make a grab.

.I went inside and brought out her food dish. She poked her nose out, I made a grab at her scruff but she wriggled free.  🤬 Either she was very scared or something under the sunroom was very interesting to her and she did not want to leave.

I moved the food dish back a few inches and kept calling her. Eventually, she realized it was past supper time. She poked her head out and I pounced on her. I was able to her hold with one hand and with the other reach under her front paws and scooped her up.

I told her she was going in and she said No! But since I had a firm grip, she had no choice. Quill was very happy to have her inside. He kept sniffing at all the weird and different smells emanating from her.

I'm just lucky Quill didn't decide to follow Miss Adventure because I don't think I would have been able to wrangle the two of them.

They have lived with us for four years and this was the first time one of them made a run for the outdoors.

Himself will be heading to the hardware store to buy a hook and eye for the outside of the screen door. He'll be able to go outside and can unlock the door when he wants to go in, but Miss Adventure won't be able to pull another Houdini.

It took us a half an hour to find her and another half hour to get her out from under the deck. After all that excitement, a cup of tea to settle my nerves.

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.

Second on the Second - Wed Letter Day

 From Wednesday 

June 2, 2010

The Young One's graduation hoopla had me a little behind. This week 2 letters to catch up to finish the month of May.

Wondering what letter to make while looking at the bathroom tile. Gee, great idea! (-;

And a "P" a la Sherrie Kiesel.

It's your turn to play. From Elizabeth: Now it's time to share your Second on the 2nd.  The rules are quite simple and everyone is welcome to join the fun look back.  All you have to do is bring back a post that you are especially proud of, or perhaps one you shared before anyone knew your blog existed.  Any post, any genre, any artistic endeavor is acceptable.  Join hosts Bleubeard and Elizabeth to see what else is being served up the Second Time Around.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

During one of the few dry days during the month of May, I was able to go out and pick up sticks. I also noticed

a house finch at the bird feeder. I think I've figure out why the birds weren't coming to the feeder. While collecting sticks, I noticed how much traffic flies by. There were a few Goldfinches and as soon as the large trucks roared by the finches flew away. I also went back to the seed I used to buy. I think they like it better.

I live in a rural, farm community. When we first moved in 39 years ago, there was very little traffic. We'd see a car every three or four days. As the years went on, more traffic but confined to morning and evening rush hours. Now, there's barely a lull in the traffic.

Purple Sandwort. Flower names are almost as bad as names for colors

Iris

Canada Mayflower

Something large flattened the daffodil leaves. There has been a couple of bear sightings in town. Someone from town remarked that this is bear mating season. Two sighting were reported on the west side of town. I live in the central part. Another sighting was made in Purgatory Chasm, a state reservation popular for hiking. I live a mile away from the Chasm. If the flattened daffodils was made by a bear, he didn't bother eating the seed from the bird feeders.

Friday night, I tried to capture  the Celestial Smiley Face, but too much ambient light and trees blocked the sighting. Also the best viewing was 45 minutes after sunset and I went out about 9:30 pm

Since I couldn't capture the event with my camera, I used the Skyview app on my phone and did a screen capture of the event. The two bright dots are the twins, Castor (left) and Pollux (right) in the constellation Gemini. The crescent moon formed a smile

Rocky has happily left the feeders alone and is enjoying the seed I scatter on the ground.

While birds have returned to the feeders

they haven't bothered with the Smart Feeder

Plan your Thanksgiving meal now.

How does your garden grow?