New Toy

My son sent me an early birthday present. Yeah, something new, something strange, something very alien to me. This little gem came with no printed instruction. At one time, while playing with it, I saw something that referred me to some app for help. Somehow, I lost that and cannot find it again. I started to try to put my email on it and hit a wall - it was asking me for something I never heard of and can't remember. I know, I should have written it all down. I spent the better part of yesterday trying to figure something, anything out. I did learn how to do the finger print lock/unlock thing. That's about it. I have a long way to go.

He also sent a pencil to use with it, he wants me to tell him how much I like it. Hmm, I need to get to that part first. I see wavy, shaky lines in my future. Artwork? Doubtful.

I'll need to get some kid to come show me how to use this thing. I can't find a "back" place to push, slide, or swipe. Definitely need help!

"Now, what did you order?"

That was the first thing DH said when he came home from work. There was a goodly pile of packages waiting for us to open together. (I wonder why he always says that?)

The flowers began perking up this morning!

Not being a clairvoyant or mind reader, I would say these came from my oldest son, Daniel. Thanks, Daniel, Sandy and Sons! There was nothing that said what these flowers are. They are pretty. Anybody know? 

No name or card on these either, but I know the youngest son sent them. Dad(same B-day) received a new blue-ray player and additional movies. Thanks BL! We'll have movies and goodies in front of the big screen on Saturday for sure!

 I'm still sick, happy to have some new reads to curl up with. I think The Left Hand Of Darkness will come first, with some more of the Halva that Renee sent me.

Where did it go?

Hey! It rained for a bit this morning! Promises for more tonight, but often the weatherman is full of ...empty promises. It's a shade cooler and I appreciate that.

Tomorrow is my youngest son's 27th birthday, sigh. He's in California now, hopefully enjoying better weather than we. I started looking at the old pictures and became a little misty. Why did the time have to fly by so quickly?

Just 7 hours old, looks like Daddy.

With his 'Best Friend' - Rough.

Helping decorate his birthday cake.

 He's grown into a fine man now, but to me - he'll always be my little boy.

July 22, 1943

Missing my brother and wishing he could be here for his 73rd birthday. Tom was an artist like my parents were. He worked in many mediums: lost wax bronze casting, acrylics, oils, and colored pencil. We lost a good one when he passed.

He liked his girls, I have a large framed one for the bedroom.

 He was a fun guy too. I have no idea who this kid is, he seemed to draw them like flies. Happy Birthday big brother!

 I received my final Poldark - the 1st season and I'm not waiting for the reruns. Hah! Finished the fourth book.

It's hot here in the Devil's armpit. I did, however, pick blueberries at 6 yesterday morning. Got another 3 pints. MMmmm! They are about done now, will be slimmer picking from now on, some are drying up. I hope y'all are staying cool or warm - whatever you need!

July 20, 1935

You'll have to forgive me here, it's a bad week in my memory files. I sometimes wish a few of the memories would fade like the ones where I don't remember if I ate or not or took my pills.

Gloria with Sookie

That was the day my sister was born. Gone but not forgotten. She would have been 81 today and would have hated it. In my dreams, Gloria is still 54, vibrant and fun. I still miss her.

The UPS fellow didn't show up until nearly 6:30. I was beginning to think he had a wreck and my Poldark books would never show up. I have started the 4th book in the series. 

No willpower, whatsoever ...

I finished the first Poldark in the series last night, and then I couldn't get to sleep, trying to figure out how I was going to validate ordering the rest of the series. It came to me in the wee hours.

"Thank you for the very early birthday gift, honey. Your shopping is already done!"

How's that for being industrious? That will work. I ordered the rest of them, in 4 separate orders to buy the cheapest ones. I suppose you think I'm daft. Maybe, but I don't care, I'm really liking the story and I will want to be able to continue after I finish the 3rd book I have here. They are supposed to come Tuesday, so I'll have to stretch these out, if I can.

So far, the book(s) are staying close to what I've seen on the TV. Oh, some things are truncated on the screen and one major part has been greatly changed and I'm sure it was for the audience's sake. I must say the book is always better than the film, but I'm sure you will agree.

It's time for me to eat, take pills, feed dogs, make out bills and walk down to the mail box. Then I have to water my petunia and impatiens, check on my cuttings, and check on the status of the blueberries. I'm hoping they aren't ready for picking yet. :-) I want to get on to Demelza and life in Cornwall.

 

Letter from home ...

Hello Folks!

It's the first of June already, May fairly flew. Summer appears to be in full swing and the weather patterns have settled in.

On Friday, last week, my closest granddaughter graduated from high school. She started working yesterday. She'll be going into nursing and I couldn't be more proud of her. How many of today's kids know enough to get the show on the road right away?

My beautiful granddaughter, Alexa

DH came back from working a nearly three week job in northern Kentucky. He was surprised to see that Jack and Jill were using the doggy door. They were happy to see him, but guess who they slept with last night? I was hoping for a rest. Dogs do like routine.

I stayed up late last night, waiting for the birth of 5th(?) great-grandchild. Haven't heard a word, so maybe she opted to have a June birthday.

I started a cleaning project the other day, seems everything in the cupboards with flour or the like, had bugs in it. I couldn't even make myself a pancake or muffin or cookie, and I was out of bread after the first few days of his job. I was getting down to the nitty gritty when I had frozen TV dinners for breakfast. I will put that sort of thing in my refrigerator from now on - I'd rather eat the eggs than the bugs themselves. (The thought makes me gag, yet it's so true!)

I noticed that my blueberry bushes have started sending out shoots. There will be no more mowing around the plants until they have a chance to grow and I can get all the weeds out by hand. Yes, someone will have to help me up after I have been crawling around on my hands and knees in the yard. (They may have to carry me in) Hopefully, someone will be thankful that I did that. Blueberries have got to be the easiest fruit to grow and so good for you.

June 1st is my busiest birthday on my calendar. I think I have sent everyone a birthday wish, but somehow, I feel like I have forgotten someone. If it's you - please refresh my memory.

All for now, have a wonderful summer.  

This just in!

Tamzyn

 4# 11oz. 15" long, born at 8:08a.m. June 1, 2016

Letter from home, November 25, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

Some time has passed since I last wrote. I hope you are doing well, or as well as can be expected. 

Today would have been my mother's 99th birthday. I cannot begin to imagine how her life would have been if she had lived til now. Circumstances and life choices made for a rough go of it for her. I can only wish it would have been better for her.

Mom in 1994 with generations

 
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I guess my youngest is coming to visit. I really don't have anything big planned. I did, however, take a stab at cleaning the floors yesterday, as I no longer have a helper. Every muscle in my legs aches and I am not going to even think of trying to work over a hot stove for dinner. I remember years ago of cooking Thanksgiving Dinner for most of the crew, all they did was show up. I should have done something about that. Well, by now they know first hand that it's not easy, it's not cheap, and it's more work than they really want to do. I know longer hear, "Are you cooking?" Forgive me, this is just an old woman rambling on about circumstances in her life.

We have had our killing frost, three nights in a row actually and autumn is withdrawing in favor of the winter weather. Brr! We had a low of 20F twice, which is a shade unusual for this early.

Jill has taken up sleeping with me. She likes to get under the top blanket, aligning herself with my legs. She makes for a rather large 'hot water bottle' and that's okay. Guess I will have winters of a one dog night from now on. I still haven't found a 3/4 bed. LOL.

I'm still reading lots of fiction. I read many of the free books on Smashwords.com and the supply seems endless. True, some of them aren't that great, spelling can be a problem, grammar can be a problem, BUT I read something memorable every day. It amazes me that there are so many good stories out there! As far as I am concerned, it's the content that counts.

I'm thinking of my friends out there, going through trials of their own and wishing them the very best. 

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all.

Drinking in the morning ...

As you may or may not know, or remember - this is one of my bad weeks in the year. My sister would have been 80 on Monday - I don't think she would have liked that. My brother would have been 72 today and I think he would have felt the same way. I miss them both. 

Not My Birthday!

Today is a special day for many I know. If I have forgotten any, blame it on my age. Not leaving links either, they may be trying to hide the fact. Happy Birthday to my son J! Best Wishes to my dear friend (of 60 years) Marrilee. Tell me girl, how does it feel? I'll be joining you soon enough! Bless you on your special day, Dottie! Double wishes to Janet and John, my favorite twins. Last but not least is little Meg, sweetest of all the little birthday girls!

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker has become a daily visitor.

This little guy will not stay still...

He visits frequently, but hard to shoot, I believe him to be a Downy Woodpecker. Right T?

 

Normally I only see the robins walking the yard, pulling up worms and the like. This one sat in the old fig branches for about half an hour, swiveling his head as if listening for something or someone. I'm wonder if something happened to its mate.

I never thought I would be a "Birder", but here I am, excited each time I see a new bird to shoot. There is no such thing as a common bird. They all are special in their own right with complex personalities just like us. Have a very lovely week, my friends!

No More Selfies!

Well, the old lady turned 69 today. Good grief, how did that happen? Picture is of Jill - she's five. I am done putting my mug up! DH had his birthday too - he's a springy 56. Yes folks, we share the same birthday, and, of course, the same anniversary. Hee hee - NO, I have not been in the wine. We had those snack cake cupcakes with the squiggle across the top. Had to have chocolate cake, don't you know. It was a good day, not as hot, not as humid, and no rain, that was a winner! Not sure what frozen dinner we will have, since his surgery, we have been eating that type of thing because between the two of us - we have one good hand, real cooking is pretty much out, and so is driving much. No restaurant tonight, which is fine with me.