Friday, February 28, 2014

My Laptop Has A Magic "POOF" Button

February 28, 2014

Good morning.  It's sunny and bright this morning, but still a bit cold.  As long as the snow holds off until Monday, I'll be happy.  I'm getting quite antsy now that flight time is getting so close.  So many little things to try to remember.  I'm sure though, that by tomorrow night all will be done. 

Today I'm waiting for the fuel delivery, and then I'll re-organize my suitcase again.  That seems to be an unending job as I can't make up my mind what to pack and what to leave at home.  Sighhhhh, decisions, decisions.

I've been trying to play a bit on my laptop, but I just don't seem to be able to concentrate.  Maybe tonight I can do better.  The Queen Jester has given us a new challenge image to play with.  After spending quite a bit of time working with the image, I was finally happy with the outcome.  Then I somehow touched a wrong button, and POOF!!  All gone. 

I'm not sure where my stuff goes when it goes POOF.  I just know that it is no longer on my laptop.  The last couple of nights, I've tried to recreate my lost image, but the heart just isn't in it.  Tonight I will try something different with it, and maybe that will work out better.

This morning I have some more really wonderful photos to share.  These are from my stash that friends have found on the web and sent to me.  I find them quite endearing.





I just went outside to shake a couple of scatter rugs, and noticed that a lot of the green plants pushing up from the ground look a bit frozen.  Gosh, I hope they make it through alright till Spring.  Yesterday we had more snow.  Not a lot, but enough to cover everything. 

Now I really must get busy here.  There are lots of little things to tend to.  Because our flight is so early, I won't be posting on Sunday.  However, I will post tomorrow, and hopefully I'll have my challenge image finished.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm, and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Pogo Is Definitely The Man Of This House!

February 27, 2014

Good morning.  Wow, have you noticed that there is only one more day left in this month?   In two days it will be a brand new month!  I know I've been trying to hurry the Winter away, but if the months keep flying by this fast, it will be December while we're on our way out to water the garden. 

Of course, it could just be that the time flying quickly is another of those "golden year" thingies.  Seems like every week or so I learn something new about the wonders of elder age.  Did you notice how I did not say "old" age?  I think "elder" age sounds a bit more sophisticated.  It doesn't make a person any younger, but it might give the mind a little boost.

Yesterday my new oxygen concentrator arrived.  For some reason, Pogo does not seem to like it very much.  As long as it is not turned on, he is okay with it.  Once I turn it on though, Pogo barks at it.  He takes a break after a while, but then comes back to bark at it some more.  I guess that's to make sure the machine knows that he is the boss around here.

I have to admit that the new machine does make it much easier to breathe at night.  The newness of it though, kept me awake half the night.  Well, Pogo's barking at it every now and then did not help either.  Tonight though, it will most likely be a lot easier to fall asleep. 

During the night, Pogo decided to check out the new ottoman.  I guess he likes it okay because he spent part of the night snoozing in it.  Woo Hoo!  He looks so cute in it!  I'll have to try to get some photos.

Wayne came by last night to make sure my laptop and my little laptop (10 inch) are both all set and ready for travel.  I'm not sure yet which one I'll take with me.  I'll probably decide on the small one because it is much lighter to carry.  Today I think I'll rehearse packing my carry on bag.   I need to make sure that everything fits and that the bag does not get too heavy. 

I guess I'll start packing our suitcase too.  Then later, I'll take Joe food shopping.  Tonight, I can watch my program, Project Runway, on TV.  I hope they never take this program off the air, because I'll really miss it. 

I'm beginning to babble so let me get to the cute pictures that I have to share.  My friends know that I love these pictures, and they send me lots of them from the web.   These two are just adorable!



Now it's time to make some breakfast.  When it's cold outside like it is today, I warm up Pogo's doggie food.  You can't tell I love this little guy, can you?  lol.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

No More Snow Please!

February 26, 2014

Good morning.  Gosh, I've been up for hours, it seems.  I woke up around 3 a.m., and realized that I had forgotten to put out the bag for the Big Brother Big Sister pickup.  I was tempted to go back to sleep and hope that I awoke again early enough to put the bag out, but then decided to just stay up.

I put the bag out on the porch, and have been doing a bit of catching up on my blog reading and checking out a few sites that I've been wanting to look at.  Of course, the Jewelry TV Channel has been on for company.  They have been showing a lot of black and white jewelry lately.  I have to say that most of it is quite pretty. 

Yesterday, Joe went with Pogo and me to the post office to get my box on its way to Florida. The box was a little bit too heavy for me to carry.  I also stopped by the Town Hall to drop off the tax payments and pick up Pogo's new license.  Now all we have to do is decide what to pack, and get it done. 

Well, almost.  I will need to bring in another fuel delivery in the next day or two.  It's been quite chilly this week, with no sign of another heat wave for a while.  Right now, it's only 15 degrees F.  It's supposed to get up to about 29 degrees F with maybe some snow.   They are forecasting snow for us on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  Please!  No snow till after I get to Florida!!! 

Today I have some cute pictures to share that friends have sent to me.  Our pets make such interesting subjects.




Well, now it's time to make breakfast.  Pogo keeps looking at me and then at the refrigerator.  I think he's trying to give me a hint.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Gosh, It Doesn't Take Much To Make Me Crabby!

February 25, 2014

Well, it's still "good morning" time.  I've been so busy this morning trying to get taxes and bills paid.  I had several papers to sign and return to the accountant, and checks to write and send to the federal and state government.  I also had to take care of local excise and utility taxes, and make sure that Pogo's new license is paid for. 

I've decided on which suitcase to pack, and which carry on Pogo will use.  I'm about ready to tape up my selfie "mailer" box and get it ready for the post office later today.  One of Pogo's little jerseys needed to have a pocket stitched, so I did that.  I've made my list of what to pack in my carry on case, and I've started a new bag of clothing to leave out for the Big Brother Big Sister truck that will be coming by tomorrow morning. 

Last night, I put a couple more rows on the pink thing before snuggling down and falling asleep.  There is crapola on TV most nights now.  If I could figure out how to keep my favorite programs (there's only a few) without cable, I would get rid of cable.  It's a lot of money to pay for the few programs and re-runs that I watch.  Hmmm, I'll have to give this one some more thought.

Yesterday morning, I took a few photos of the moon.  It was so pretty, and the clouds were moving by rather quickly hiding the moon and then showing it again.





The oxygen therapy folks called again this morning to say that they would be bringing by a concentrator for nighttime use.  I just don't understand this doctor of mine.  During the night, I don't move much at all, and therefore have fewer problems with breathing.  However, during the day, walking and climbing steps, etc, do create problems and yet the doctor seems to think that I am just fine during the day.  God love his fabulously stupid little brain!

I know, that wasn't nice of me, but right now I don't feel like being nice to the doctor.  He has been billing Medicare and me every visit for regular oxygen tests, and hasn't taken one yet.  A regular oxygen  test should take up to six minutes and include walking and climbing stairs in one's normal fashion.  His tests have only taken 30 seconds to a minute and one short walk part way down the corridor and back after sitting for a spell.  This is not nice!

Okay, time to get over the crabbies.  Life is too short and I'd rather be smelling the roses.  It's coming on time to make some lunch.  Pogo has been sitting here patiently waiting for me to finish everything and head for the refrigerator.  He knows that there is turkey and chicken in there, and I do believe that is what he is waiting for.  Such a smart fellow, my Pogo! 

Enough of my babble.  Lunch and housework await me.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Even Nature Is Ready For Spring!

February 24, 2014

Good morning.  The Mrs is snoring away, and I'm sitting here with the munchies, trying to figure out which snack I want to eat.  My choices are some animal crackers or a Table Talk pie.  Hmmm, I think maybe I will choose the little pie. 

Mmm, mmm, oh yum yum!  Oh yes, that little pie was delicious!  Lemon!  My favorite!  That was just what I needed.  It's been a long night, and now I can't wait to get home.  This was my last night to work until after vacation. 

Yesterday morning, I took a photo of the moon, and then I stopped along the way to get some photos of the beautiful big bright sun and the sky.   There's always something interesting in the sky to photograph.




When I got home, I noticed that there were little green surprises in the garden near my door.  The Irises and the Chickens and Hens are all popping up through the snow and ice.  We are not the only ones who are ready for Spring.
 

 
Yesterday afternoon, I dug out my suitcases and Pogo's carry-ons.  Today we will decide which ones we will use and put the others away.  Sometime this morning we will go to pick up my taxes.  My accountant called last night to say that they were ready.  Now we will just put a check in with each of them and mail them off.  Done for another year!

Now it is time to check on the Mrs again.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Another Gorgeous Day In New England

February 23, 2014

Good morning.  It's cold out, but the sun is shining ever so bright.  I do believe we are in for another gorgeous day.  Tomorrow, the cold temps are supposed to be back.  However, these last few days have been a wonderful break from the wicked cold.

Friday, Pogo went to the beauty salon for a trim, and I guess I wasn't as clear as I should have been because they cut all of his lion mane off.  Hmmm, next time I'll have to be a bit more clear.  I wanted to leave a little of his "yorkie" look.  Ah well, it will grow back soon enough.

As soon as we get home, Pogo hopped into his little bed and hid his face in his blankets.  I guess maybe he was hoping to keep some of that lion mane too.  Oh well, he is still ever so handsome.



A few days ago, I found an ottoman that doubles as a doggie "hideout".  It's really cute, and now I'm just waiting to see how long before Pogo decides to give it a try. 


Today, I dig out the suitcase, and start thinking about what to put in it for real.  My "selfie" mailer box is almost ready for mailing, and I'll dig out both of Pogo's carry cases to see which one he wants to use this year.  Oh gosh, so much to do, so little time!  lol. 

This morning, I'm watching a Law & Order repeat that I hadn't seen before.  What a great way to start my day!!  During the commercial break, I think I'll put in a load of laundry.  I like to think I've accomplished at least a little something. 

Yesterday, I re-potted my peace lily plant and my Christmas cactus into bigger pots.  I'm hoping that this will help them to grow bigger.  When I get back from vacation, I'll start planting some seeds in starter pots.  I can't wait to be able to work in the garden again.  I'm hoping that some of the new bulbs will come up this year. 

Enough of my babble.  Time for this old gal to get busy.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, February 21, 2014

I Can Breathe Now! The Taxes Are Done!

February 21, 2014

Good morning.  Tis a bit gray outside and we are expecting rain for today.  That figures!  We finally get a day around 52 F degrees, and it rains so we can't go out and  play.  Ah well, we will get out a bit because Pogo has an appointment at noon at the beauty salon.  On the way home from there, we will stop at Town Hall to get his new license. 

My big news for today???  I did good!  I had my appointment yesterday with the accountant to do my taxes, and when we finished he said that "I did good".   Phew!  What a relief that this is over and done with till next year.

Today I have some fun photos to share.  These were sent to me by a friend, and I thought you might enjoy them too.  Especially those of you with fur babies. 





The time crunch is on now.  There's just one week left to get everything in order so that I can go on vacation with a clear mind.  I think I'm okay.  I mainly just have to figure out what to pack and have all that ready.  My selfie mailer box is almost ready.  This will go to the post office the beginning of next week. 

Yesterday, I was busy from 7 a.m. till late last evening.  When Joe got home from work, he offered to watch Pogo so that I could do a bit of miscellaneous shopping.  Helen went with me, and I must say that we had a good time.  I got some new lounging pajamas and jersey tops, and I got several skeins of yarn for my crochet project. 

The bad news was that by the time I got done with supper and putting everything away, one of my ankles was quite swollen.  So, I sat in my lounge chair to put my feet up for a while, and I woke up around 2 a.m.  This, of course, means that I did not do my oxygen test.  This morning, I called the therapist to tell him I would do the test tonight.

Now it's time for me to get busy around here and get the laundry started.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a wonderful day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Wow! An Awesome Phenomena To Share With You

February 20, 2014

Good morning.  Gosh, I woke up to a wonderful surprise this morning.  It was only six o'clock and it was already daylight.  This gives me a little extra boost of energy.  And, the best part is that Spring is only thirty days away.  Woo Hoo!  If I had springy hind legs like a bunny, I'd by hopping around with excitement.

DIL Janet was here last evening, and we had ourselves a nice visit. She has been working extra hours each day so that her work won't fall behind too much while she is away in Florida.  She will be joining me there halfway through my vacation, while daughter Audrey and a friend will be driving down to spend the first week with Pogo and me.   It's going to be fun this year because we all enjoy photographing nature.

I have a lot to do today so this will be a short post.  However, I really do want to share a couple of awesome photos that my friend Maryann sent to me.   These are ice waves from the floor of Lake Huron, Michigan. 

 
 
Are these not awesome?  Can you imagine going out for a walk and seeing something like this in a huge local lake?  This wave phenomena occurs in Antarctica, but these frozen waves are in Michigan!!  Does that say something about how cold this winter has been?   Mother Nature is certainly amazing!

Now I really must get going here.  Pogo and I have to be in the car and on our way (errands) in less than an hour.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Woo Hoo!! A Mini Warm Wave!!

February 19, 2014

Good morning from sunny New England.  We are beginning a "mini warm wave" here with temps in the 40's F to 50.  It's only for a few days, but I am going to enjoy it.  Pogo and I might even venture out to the park to check out the ducks while it is warm.  Now that will definitely be nice!

Well, I'm down to the last day to make sure I have all my tax stuff in order because tomorrow I have to take it all to the accountant.  Phew!!  I am so glad to be at the end of this mess!  If only I could teach myself to be better organized about this stuff.  Ah well, they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks.  I'm the old dog, and I'm not into new tricks!!

I have some birthdays coming up that I have to prepare for so that I might be on time.  Hmmm, that might be a new trick for me!  So, now I'm making up a "To Do" list so that everything gets done.  I'm famous for my lists.  Usually I spend a lot of time making the list, then within a short time, it will go missing.  Somehow, I will manage to get all the things on the missing list done anyway. 

Yesterday, we got a bunch more snow.  Some forecasters said we would get 1 or 2 inches, others said we would get close to 5 inches.  The 1 to 2 inch guys must have been sampling that newly legal medical marijuana weed because we got closer to the 5 inches.  Before Joe came home two of the dwarfs went out and shoveled the whole driveway.



Our driveway is really large, but they got it all done before Joe got home.  What a nice surprise for Joe!   Our little birds were hungry and were coming to the feeder while the dwarfs were shoveling.  Here's one cute little wren who did not mind that people were around.  He was going to eat and that was all that mattered.


I've been watching the Jewelry TV channel all morning.  Gosh, some of the stuff is just gorgeous!  Some jewelry, though, is so over-designed.  But I love watching and seeing all the new gems and designs.   Aren't these gorgeous?  The first ring is Amethyst and White Topaz.  The second ring is Ember Flame Feldspar and Andalusite.   Jewels fit for royalty!



I just got a call that the oxygen test that I took the other night did not work.  There was no information on the tape at all.  Huh?  Now they want to bring the machine back and have me do the test over again.  Well, I have to get up early tomorrow, so the re-test will have to wait until tomorrow night.  I did not get very much sleep the night I took the last test.

Now I think I'll get busy here and try to get a few things accomplished.  Woo Hoo!  Another new trick for this old dog!!  lol.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.
 
 


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

This Is Definitely Taxachusetts!!

February 18, 2014

Good morning.  It's gray and cold outside, and we're just waiting for the next batch of snow to move in.  I'm just hoping that Mother Nature gets all this snow stuff out of her system before it's time for my flight to leave for Florida.  There's no fun in hanging around an airport for hours and hours with a tiny little dog who hasn't gone potty for several hours and has no potty patch near by. 

I would take him into a ladies' restroom and hold him over a sink, but he wouldn't understand what to do and would probably be scared silly.  I wonder why they don't have small potty patch areas built into each of the departure gates for travelling pets?

Today, I have an appointment at the nail salon, and then back to totaling figures for my taxes.  Groan, groan, I really do hate doing these taxes!!  I will say one positive thing though.  I have learned a lot about my property and I get to see in person how the government socks it to us!

A few days ago, my auto excise tax bill came in.  Wow!  Almost knocked me off my feet!!  It costs a small fortune for the privilege of parking in my own driveway.  My understanding is that this money is for keeping the roads in town in good repair.  I can't vouch for that, but I would think that the town could make more money by taxing the "out of towners" who drive through our town instead of charging us residents so much for having a car.

Enough babble!  I have a really interesting photo to share with you this morning.  While looking out my kitchen window a few days ago, I noticed that the rose tree was covered with little frozen drops of water.  What a pretty sight.


Another pretty item in the little garden just outside the windows was this pink and green metal snail decoration.  With all the snow, only the top of it was still visible.  It's good that I took this photo because we got more snow and now the whole thing is buried under the snow.


Sometime this afternoon, I will start packing my "mailer" box.  This is the box that I mail to myself in Florida.  It needs to be in the mail by the beginning of next week so that it will be there when I get there.  I also need to get all the bills in order and paid so that I can go away with a clear conscience.  Oh my, so much to do, so little time!

Well, that's all my news for today.  Till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Monday, February 17, 2014

The Sun Is Big And Beautiful This Morning

February 17, 2014

Good morning.  Boy oh boy, the sun is shining oh so bright this morning!!  I did stop a couple of times on the way home to get a few photos of the sun peeking through trees.  I think it is so beautiful when it is shining through the tree branches. 



I also stopped to get a shot of the moon setting.  I would love to have gotten a photo of this moon last night, but the sky was overcast where I work.   But the morning moon is really a beautiful sight.  This one disappeared behind the trees just seconds after I got this shot.


Today I'm hoping  to watch some more of the couples skate dancing.  It is so beautiful to watch, one can lost in it.  Well, at least I do.  The other night, I watched "50 years of Sports Illustrated Cover Models" on TV.  It was really quite interesting.  I must say that 50 years later the earlier models still look great.  The 2014 issue comes out tomorrow, and has three lovelies on the cover.

Last night, after the Mrs was tucked into bed, I was able to work on my tax stuff a while.  I think all I have left to do is total the different columns up.   Oh wow, could I actually be nearing the end?   Gosh, I hope so.  My appointment with the accountant is this Thursday.  It would be so nice to give him all my figures, and have him say "good job!". 

Well, that's all my news for this morning.  It's time to play with Pogo for a while.  He's snuggled up next to me waiting for me to finish this post.  God bless him!  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Lots More Snow, Oh Goody!

February 16, 2014

Good morning.  Well, we got us another six or seven more inches of snow yesterday.  Oh joy, Oh joy!!  And there's even more coming in a couple of days.  Golly, I'll be so glad when Winter moves on and let's some Spring warmth in. 

Here are a few photos that I took yesterday while the snow was falling.  The birdies are my favorites.  I can watch them all day.





I took this next photo this morning through the storm door, hence the bluish tint. 


I promised a new photo of Pogo with his Valentine doggie.  As you can see, he's not really very impressed with it.  He gave it a good sniff, then knocked it down and walked away.  When you press on a certain spot on the little dog, it makes a kissing sound and says "I love you".   This scared Pogo and made him turn away.



My little lion king is in need of a good grooming.  I'll try to make him an appointment for later this week.  I also have to make him an appointment for his check up; and we have to pick up his new license.   I have already ordered his new flea and heartworm meds, along with a couple of new shirts.  Pretty soon, he'll be all set for Spring.

Joe is outdoors trying to clean up the yard with the snow blower.  It's really quite a job because a lot of the snow underneath the top layer is half frozen.  Plus, we have a huge driveway.  When he comes in, I'll see if he wants a nice hot breakfast.  Maybe some pancakes?  We'll see.

I've been having a few problems with Google/Blogger lately.  When I try to leave a comment on someone's blog, the comment keeps disappearing.  I retype it, but then when I click on the "publish" button, the whole comment disappears again.  Hmmm, is anyone else having this problem?    So, if you don't get a comment from me, wait a day or so and I'll try again.

Now I need to get busy here.  There's lots to do before we start packing our suitcase.  So till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day

February 14, 2014

Well, it's another snowy gray day here in New England.  It only snowed a bit so far and stopped, but I'm sure it will be back before too long.  We have more snow coming tomorrow too.  Gosh, you just gotta love Mother Nature!!

Today is a day for lovers, or just anyone you want to say "I love you" to.  So this was my inspiration for today's Photoshop Friday challenge.  Here is the original image that Queen Jester posted for us to use, followed by my interpretation of the image.


 
Credits for elements used:  The bird is from Kyra's "Melodies d'antan kit.  The envelope and paper, and the heart trim is from Kyra's "Love Letters" kit.
 
Last night, I had to sleep with a little gadget stuck on my finger to measure my oxygen level through the night.  I don't think I slept much because I kept looking at the blinking numbers that kept registering.  I used to have an oxygen concentrator in case I needed some oxygen.  This test is to determine whether I am eligible to have a new one.  There are times when I really could use it.
 
Yesterday was a day of mixed weather.  First there was a lot of snow, then a lot of rain was mixed in with the snow, then it was back to just snow for a while.  Mid afternoon, it turned to rain again before turning back to snow.   Needless to say, it made quite a mess!!  Here are a few photos I took of the falling snow.
 


 
While I was looking out at the snow, I noticed a brave little squirrel walking along the pulley line that the bird feeders are on.  He was hungry and looking for a bit of lunch.  Here's a few photos of this little cutie.  Nani, I thought of you while I was watching this little fellow.
 


 
Now I have to bundle up the little oxygen gadget because someone is coming to pick it up in a little while.  Then I will give Pogo his Valentine present.  It's the cutest little red poodle that sings when you press its foot.  I'll have to take a photo to share tomorrow. 
 
Hopefully, any more snow will hold off until this evening so that Joe and I can go food shopping later this afternoon.  I'm getting low on doggie food and milk.  Maybe some snacks too.  Most of the time I just snack on Saltine crackers without the salt.  However, every now and then a real cookie would taste mighty good.
 
Enough of my babble.  I have lots to do these next couple of weeks before Pogo and I go on vacation.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fantabulous day.
 
Hugs, Edna B.