Month: November 2020

Dogs, Emotions, Life, Nature, the World, Thinking, Writing

Early and Brief

1972italy

It is way too early. It is hard to keep my eyes open. I closed last night and am back at 7am. I get out at 3pm but I still gotta make it through the day. It has been snowing and the wind sounds really strong out there. And with the new restrictions it is hard to say how busy we will be. Yesterday we were busier than normal for a Sunday.

The article I sent out the other day is missing. Not only did it never arrive at it’s destination but I can’t find a copy of it anywhere. So when I get home I am going to have to rewrite the piece. It makes me mad because that piece was actually sent out o time now it is like 3 days late. The editor is being very understanding about it but I am really put out. Grrrrr…..

I am going to need to get the garage cleaned out if the snow is going to start in earnest. It needs to have things moved around and swept out again. There are nails etc from the repairs done on the tresses. Then we can start parking the vehicles in there. It will be nice not to have to brush the car off before work.

The latest ploy for getting Moose to take his medicine is working. I got some lactose free milk (some vet sites say he’s not supposed to have milk products) and I put his medicine in a small bowl of that (the medicine is white and they thought making it a mint flavor was a good idea… ha!). He has been drinking the bowl every morning and night for a few days now. I hope it continues. I am as tired as he is with trying to squirt it down his throat every morning.

I see by the clock that I need to wrap this up and get going for work. I hope you all have a great day and thanks for reading!

These are some of the blooms on my Christmas cactus. She has been budding and blooming like crazy the past few weeks!
Creativity, Dogs, family, Gardening, Holiday, Life, Nature, Photography, the World, Thinking, Writing

Tinkering (or a Bit of Everything)

1972italy

The sun is out again this morning. Yay! But I’m not sure if leaving the mums out was good or bad. I found mites on the one plant and put them both out yesterday morning. Vinegar and water did not work as they came back on two of my plants. The one plant I’m sure isn’t going to make it no matter what I do. But I’ve had it for a few years so I guess… It seems prone to the mites whenever I have to bring it in for the winter and I have no way to prevent it. I don’t want to go with the stuff they sell at the stores because it could hurt the dogs.

I spent the chunk of yesterday talking with Dad. A good thing but the problem is that I got nothing done that I was supposed to. And since I’ve not slept well the past few nights I was falling asleep not long after dark. So I went to bed much earlier than I intended. This morning I need to crank out the second article I was supposed to submit yesterday. I got my research done before Dad called but nothing more. I just hope it turns out ok.

I took photos at odd moments yesterday but I’ve not looked to see if they turned out. Most of them were the kids while I was talking to Dad. I will share what I have. I got a nice one this morning of the sun coming up. Not quite sure what just happened but the sun suddenly flooded the room. There are no clouds out so I don’t know why it was so sudden.

I need to expand my vocabulary. I find myself using the same words and phrases, some times in the same paragraph. I need more variety. I might get myself one of those desk calendars that you learn a new word each day. I’ll wait until after the holidays though.

I have been blocking these random text messages from strangers the past two days. I’m pretty sure that the video sent this morning was not something I needed to see if you follow me. I had another one yesterday. I blocked both numbers but I want to know how my number got in their hands to begin with. I’ve not had any problems until now with stuff like that. Mom has been getting texts like that two over the past month.

I guess I should stop here and add the photos so I have enough time to write the article and get it out to the editor. Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Creativity, Emotions, Holiday, Learning, Life, Nature, Photography, the World, Thinking, Writing

Working On Writing

1972italy

It feels strange to not have the over head light on as I write. Not only is it daylight but the sun is actually out. So much is going through my head this morning. There are things I need to do and then there are things I have to do. The have to do stuff requires me to put my big girl pants on. And we all know how I feel about dragging those on! All kidding aside it is serious enough that I’m… not worried so much as I don’t want to hear that I am right in this instance. (I am purposely being vague, sorry.) As to the need to do I have an article to write. I get frustrated sometimes because I feel like I am working in a vacuum. Outside of the paper I get no real feedback on my writing when I send it out. They either like it or they don’t and request changes or find a polite way to say no to the piece. I have no writing group to turn to anymore to throw out suggestions and tell me when something isn’t working right on the page. I miss that.

I need that give and take as a writer. I’m not sure what to do about it. There is nothing locally and I’m not sure I want to try to set something up in Traverse City with winter coming on. Well that won’t work either way regardless. COVID has everyone either concerned or angry it seems. It would be fun to have a monthly Zoom meeting and everyone either email a few pages before said meeting or just read it out loud at the meeting. But finding the writers and a time that works for everyone (depending on the size of the group)…. that could be difficult. Especially with the holidays coming up.

I have a web site I could try to set things up on but everyone is from all over the world and not necessarily consistent. I would like a group of the same people to meet not just a rotation of fellow writers. I want to get a feel for someone’s writing and watch them grow. Not try to gauge if this or that comment will set someone off or if this is what they really meant when they wrote that. So I just don’t know.

Oof…. I just realized how late this post is! Sorry about that! I’m a few hours behind. Which reminds me that I need to get going on my article as well. I will try to get some new photos to share for tomorrow. I did get a few of this morning’s sunrise. Not great but I loved how the sun was gradually lighting things up. Thanks for reading and as always stay safe!

Life

A Quick Stop

1972italy

This will be another short one. Moose took twice as long to eat his breakfast this morning. It is still dark out but my head is killing me so I am wondering if are supposed to get rain. My back isn’t happy either. I had problems bending over to give Moose his medicine. So today at work should be interesting. Physical issues aside I will be the one in charge of the curb side shopping today. The regular gal is off. I’m not sure how much will get ordered since she let all her customers know that she had the day off (they are very particular some times since they have been used to her and how she shops for them). I know Wednesday she was overwhelmed with orders (atleast 20).

I want to bring atleast one cd with me for the car. That is the one thing on the radio I haven’t done yet. Do I pick classical? Jazz? I’m leaning toward jazz. Then there is my rock and roll or my audio books. The choices!

Nuts. I just looked at the clock. I need to get going. Thanks for reading! Stay safe!

Animals, Cooking/Baking, Creativity, Dogs, dreams, Emotions, family, Food, Friends, Holiday, Life, Love, Nature, Thinking, Writing

Being Thankful

1972italy

Today is Thanksgiving here in the U.S. That got me thinking last night as I was falling asleep, remember what you are thankful for. I always try to find atleast one thing to be thankful for when I go to sleep at night. Some days there are a lot so I have to pick and choose. Some days I struggle to find one thing (it is usually that I got home safe to my family or that I have my family to come home to). Last night I had a cornucopia of choices. We were as busy as we’d been during the summer rush with the tourists. I was all over the store helping customers. The first part of my shift I was at the courtesy counter paired with one of my fave coworkers. We were singing and dancing and laughing a lot. The second half of my shift things really picked up and I was having fun with everyone. Despite being busy I still had energy so I came home and took care of the kids, cleaned the mouse cage, washed dishes, cleaned the rugs in the kitchen, swept and cleaned the floors in the kitchen as well as vacuumed. I also managed to get myself two articles to write (one is due today and the other Saturday). Trash also got taken out. Mind you I did strain my back by the end of the night and it was after midnight before we went to bed (my poor patient puppies) but so much got done that I don’t have anything that needs to be done around the house except making the pies (I am making an apple pie and pumpkin pie… the apple is from scratch including the crust but the pumpkin is out of a can since I didn’t get any pumpkins for Halloween this year but the crust will be from scratch) and stuffing for the turkey. So I can work on my articles and talk to family via whatever medium (Chris’s family will be either Skype or Discord, Dad ill be Facetime and Mom will be just talking on the phone). I guess the point of this long paragraph is that I have a lot to be grateful for.

I have an amazing family and equally amazing friends. I have probably one of the best jobs/workplaces ever. I was able to replace my car and get something that I never would’ve been able to without the Jeep having issues (I set aside a chunk of money to go toward the engine repair and that ended up going towards a down payment). I have three awesome dogs and have been blessed over the years to be Mom to so many pets. I am able to use my writing skills to earn enough money to pay bills (not just fun money). I have the best husband I could ask for. I wouldn’t have half of what I do or be the person I am without him. He has taught me so much over our life together and been there for me through so much.

I also have all of you reading this. I am very grateful for all of you because you read my work and share your thoughts and suggestions not just on my writing but on my life as well. I am blessed to have all of you! Thanks for reading! I hope you have a great day and stay safe!

Animals, Cooking/Baking, Dogs, family, Food, Holiday, Life, Nature, Photography, Thinking

Enjoying Life

1972italy

I had too much fun at work. As a result I was exhausted when I got home. Lol. There was three of us in the deli and Linda and I were just laughing the whole time. She and I always have fun when we work together. She refers to us as “the dream team.”

When I got home Chris was putting the turkey in brine for a day to soak. When he gets home tonight he will put it in the smoker pretty much over night. Then it will go into the oven to finish baking. Meanwhile I will need to make an apple pie and pumpkin pie while the oven is free. Ooooo…. I almost forgot I have to make stuffing as well. I need to the bread heels from the freezer that I have been saving. Or… or I could try something new. I need to make a grocery list. I forgot to get the kids hot dogs last night.

Tomorrow will be busy but not. I will need to do my baking but I also want to just spend time around the house. The snow we got yesterday and last night will probably be gone by the weekend. I need to, sadly, put the blankets in my car for the dogs. I really like how cool and sporty the interior looks. I really hate to cover it up. But I don’t want it looking nasty before it’s time. It is probably a lot more durable than some of the other cars I’ve had but still. Moose has his new appointment at 11:45am next Thursday so Angus needs to be dog proofed before then. I am curious to see what the dogs think of him. Stella goes to the window and barks every morning when she is looking for Chris because she sees the new car. I can also sneak up on the dogs because Angus is so quiet.

I need to start getting ready for work. I did get some photos taken while it was snowing. I am working on trying to capture the falling snow in the photos. Sometimes it work and sometimes not. I used both cameras. The birds are getting more comfortable with seeing me point something at them. The small bird was outside the living room window and let me use my phone to get a few shots. I hope everyone has a great day! Stay safe and thanks for reading!

Animals, Dogs, family, Friends, Holiday, Life, Nature, Photography, Thinking, Writing

Making My Lists and Checking Them (Three or Four Times)

1972italy

It was hard to get up this morning. I actually got to bed and to sleep when I needed to last night. As a result I went into hibernation mode. But the kids and I got up and everyone ate (yay!). They are back asleep dreaming their doggie dreams. I am looking toward working my mid shift in the deli. It will be much easier than either opening or closing. I just fill in.

I have an alarm set on my phone for tonight. I have a meeting at 7pm. With everything going on I’m pretty sure I would forget. It won’t go in until next week’s paper but I still plan to send my work count in ASAP. Since I don’t have a car payment until January it will be Christmas money. ❤️

I need to start making my lists for everyone. I also need to figure out what (if anything) I am doing for my peeps at work. Cards? Gifts? I’m just not sure. I had a former associate from Younker’s message me fir my address last night. She and I became good friends.

I need to get going. I didn’t get any photos yesterday with the Nikon but here is what I did get with my phone. The one is from the gas window at work. It was dark all day except for that few minutes of time.

I hope you have a great day! Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Essie and Moose looking adorable! And I made good progress last night on the puzzle. 😁

Creativity, Emotions, family, Friends, History, Holiday, Life, Nature, Thinking

Looking Toward the Holidays

1972italy

It is still dark out but I can hear the rain coming down. It is a rain snow combination as it is cold enough for snow. It will be a morning to see how Angus the new car does in the wet. It’s going to be weird for me not to have to flip the car into 4×4 when I need it. This car has all wheel drive all the time.

I cannot believe that this week is Thanksgiving already! The other thing that happens this week is Christmas music starts on Friday. No one at work gets why I am not a fan of Christmas. Even when I explain the lack of being able to see let alone spend time with my family for 15 years. It got to the point that no one even tried to spend time with me because I was always working. And I resent that. Mom and friends used to come over to spend the holidays with us. Many of those friends have since moved away. Mom doesn’t come over hardly at all anymore. Point is I don’t like Christmas because it has been the time of year when I lose my family. It will be nice to work normal houses on the day after Thanksgiving.

I am still in search of Christmas gifts for everyone. I have ideas that I can hopefully follow up on. If I can it will be a fun one. The gifts will make everyone smile. I am also wondering what to do about work. I thought about gifts for a few people I work with but does that mean I should for everyone? And what do I get people? So I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet. Ideas are welcome! What do you do (or have you done) for coworkers for Christmas?

Looking at the clock I see that I need to get going for work. I hope to get some photos in after I get home since I didn’t take any after the birds at the feeder yesterday morning. Stay safe and thanks for reading!

Animals, Dogs, Emotions, Life, Nature, Photography, Thinking

Watching Nature

1972italy

Nothing got done yesterday. We worked on the 3D shark puzzle and are doing an elongated game of chess (someone moves a piece and walks away to do something then the other player wanders up at one point and moves a piece on the other side and leaves). But for some reason I feel like I’ve been hit by a Mack truck. I can’t give you specifics as to what is wrong. I just feel bad.

I just spent the past few minutes taking photos of the birds outside my window. I now have both a male and female woodpecker that come here. It has been just the male for a long time. All kinds of little birds are hanging out this morning as well. Now that the woodpeckers have moved on the little ones are coming to the feeder. I need to get the other feeder and get it put out soon. Hopefully next week.

Part of me is tempted to leave a bit early for work and sit in my car with the manual when I get there. I never did get to that yesterday. Part of it is that I feel bad leaving the kids outside (or in for that matter since they are stuck in the house pretty much all the time) and not spending the time with them. So if I leave early I can spend a few minutes atleast programming stations into the radio (I did reset the clock the other day).

Well now a big ole blue jay has moved in on the bird feeder. This could be kinda fun this winter. It is something to watch and it’s not that far into the yard to keep the feeder filled. A small bird thought about coming in the house yesterday. S/he held on to the side of the door frame and kept sticking her/his head in to check things out. I kept telling it that it didn’t really want to come inside. I didn’t want to spook it. The dogs didn’t seem to care lol.

It looks like the sun is coming out to try to warm things up. I should try to get some stuff done around here before work. I hope you like the photos of the visitors! Thanks for reading! Stay safe!

Life

A Weird and Wild Time

1972italy

I got a lot done yesterday even with working a full shift at work. Moose’s canned food (and a bunch of toys so I could get free shipping) should arrive either today or tomorrow according to the tracking app. Yay! Moose was down to three cans of food so I (for once) had enough time to order before he ran out. I also did Facetime with Dad last night. Once I got over gushing about the car I started yawning. In my defense I had been up since around 4:40am and work was crazy busy. We are going to try to chat more today.

Today I need to sit in the car with the manual and try to set things up further than just pairing my phone. That touch screen has all kinds of bells and whistles apparently. Hmmmm… the car has heated seats. I am wondering if it lets you know you left them on like it does when you forget to turn the headlights off. I will have to test that question later today. There is so much to learn it seems! I had to laugh because I had to move the Jeep and Angus at the dealership because my salesman did not know how to drive a stick. Everyone is always surprised when I tell them that I was able to get a manual transmission. It is sad that they are being phased out. Not only do they get better gas mileage but they get you out of a lot of tight spots. If you get stuck it is a lot easier to rock the car with a manual transmission than an automatic. If you loose your brakes like I did a few years ago using the emergency brake only gets you so far. Being able to down shift and use the engine to brake was the best.

Next week will be Thanksgiving here in the States. I am curious as to what chaos will ensue after the holiday. The world is gone crazy (especially the United States portion it seems) and some days it just feels like it is spiraling out of control. Or maybe the controlled spiral of a toilet flush. I’m not sure which. But regardless we’ll make it through to the other side and look back and wonder how we did it.

I need to find new subjects to photograph as well. Once winter sets in not much changes until Spring gets here. Makes for rather blah photos. And I need to atleast try writing some short stories if the novels have ground to a halt. I’ve got a meeting to cover on Tuesday night before I can send out my invoice for the month. I need to get the creative juices flowing. Maybe I’ll grab one of my guitars and practice for a bit today. It has been awhile. I also need to at the very least write an email to my Aunt and Uncle in Florida. It has been a while since I heard from them (and longer since they heard from me). With all that in mind I am going to wrap this up. Thanks for all your support! Thanks for reading and stay safe!

Ed. Note… sorry this took so long. The phone and camera have become unpaired and I have been trying to fix it. So I will only share what is in my phone. Cheers

Moose watching out the window looking for sun 🌞

Me again… I finally got things working. Here are a few that I like from the past few days. 😁