Saying goodbye to July

Perfect F_Fox

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/perfect-f_fox-by-m-donna/ 

I just checked to see when I last posted and it has been almost a month! Even if we are pretty well shut down the time is going fast. Almost too fast. We really haven't had much of a summer yet. A few hot days but we kept fleece sheets on our bed until after the 4th of July! Went for  my walk today and had to put on a hoodie and pull my hands up into the sleeves.The breeze off the bay was quite chilly. Had to cut my walks down from 2 1/2 miles to 1 1/2. Started that today so hope I don't hurt as much. That darn PMR that I was diagnosed with is not much fun.It seems to be hereditary. I remember my Mom had it and was on cortisone for 2 years. I hope my daughter doesn't get it! I tried to cut mine back to 6 months by lowering the mg. but I guess I went too fast. So had to start the lower dosage for a bit longer. Enough about me.

What to do you think of sending kids back to school? I am very afraid if they try to send them back normally...we will be losing a lot more people. I don't want my great grand kids  going back and I really don't think they will. I feel really bad for our oldest great grand son. He is 15 1/2 and he will be missing out on so much. He is a super lacrosse player and has played in several different states. He was chosen to be on a special team that would have been playing all over our country this summer. We were hoping this would be a way for him to get into college...but this darn virus has sure made a lot of things difficult. I feel for the caretakers that are getting so tired and frustrated. People need to stay away from each other and wear a mask. We have only been out a few times and only to get to a Dr. appt.I was at my eye Dr. this past Monday and I have to say I felt uncomfortable. But we are getting a chance to wear some of the masks I made earlier this summer.

I am still working on updates. I think that is a never ending process. 

Must start dinner so will sign off for now. Have a great week end and please stay safe. 

Amazing Lion

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/amazing-lion-by-m-donna/ 

Happy Independence Day!

Painted by the Sun

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/painted-by-the-sun/

Hi....everyone...summer is here...well not so much in the Pacific Northwest! But hopefully we will get a week of nice, warm weather sometime during the month of July.

I hope everyone is wearing a mask when they go out. It DOES help prevent the virus. I knew when they started opening things back up, especially bars and restaurants that things were going to start getting bad again. There is no way you can keep a mask on in one of those...I hope you all were smart enough to not go into one. Do your eating and drinking at home.

My husband has a cardiology appointment on Friday and I called to find out the protocol. I am hoping he will get a good report and be safe. I usually always go in with him but am not going to this time. I will stay in the car and read.  We haven't been anywhere since March and we are still alive and well. You can do it. Most the time it doesn't bother me...week ends a bit. We call week days...work days, get up at regular time and keep to our regular pattern...exercise and work! Meals on time, etc. I do miss shopping and seeing grand kids, and great grand kids hugs...but keep in contact.

I was remembering some of my old school days. Have you heard someone say, "I had to walk a mile to school every day?" Well, I can honestly say that. When we lived in Iowa and moved from a farm we were renting to a farm my folks bought, I was in the 8th grade. The school I had been going to from the age of 10 was a big building with grades 1 through 12. The school I went to after we moved was called Frog Pond #6! No kidding. And it was a 1 room school house with grades 1 through 8! Me and my brother had to walk to and from school and it was at least a mile. From spring, a cold Iowa winter and to summer....we walked. I don't remember our parents ever taking us since they were busy on the farm. But that teacher was the best teacher I ever had. We called her by her first name...Norma Jean. If we had to use the bathroom, we had to put our coats and boots on and go to the outhouse! Now, see how much fun all you younger people missed? I wouldn't give up those memories for anything. At Christmas time all of the farm families put on a big Christmas party for everyone...with tons of food and gifts. I only went there for about 6 months because I graduated from 8th grade! (The County put on a graduation ceremony for all of the 8th graders that went to the country schools!) So I got my first pair of high heels that we ordered from the Sears catalog! They were red and at least one size too big! But I felt so grown up!

Time to fix lunch! I hope you all have a great, safe 4th of July if you live in the USA. 

Northern Lake

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/northern-lake-by-madonna/ 

🕰🕰Time🕰🕰

Beach Chairs
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/beach-chairs-by-madonna/

Time is going way too fast. We didn't get to enjoy summer at all last year with my husband's health problems so we were really looking forward to this summer. Our weather is our usual Pacific Northwest weather, Junuary! Plus we really don't get to do anything because we are still not going out or having much contact with anyone. Our daughter brings our groceries out every Sunday and so far we have been able to sit outside on the deck when she comes over in the afternoon. We seem to get a halo affect at our house. We can see clouds all around us but the sun is shining right in our area.

Wow...the news has been quite exciting lately. I am hoping some things can change so our grandchildren won't have to see the things we have seen. And go back to boring news!

Firefox had an update this morning so I hope you are all keeping your Firefox up to date. Some new features. One I like is the picture in picture where you can watch a video while you are open on another page. Pretty cool, especially if you are trying to change something on your computer with instructions from a video.

Have been able to do my 2 mile walk almost everyday. If it rains, I don't walk! I used to be a die hard runner and walker and weather didn't matter. I am too old and get too stiff to do that anymore.

Hope you all have a good week and are staying safe. The virus is NOT over no matter what some people are saying, 

Birds of Many Colors
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/birds-of-many-colors-m-donna/ 

Kinda getting to me!

Sakura Blossoms & Birds

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/sakura-blossoms-birds/ 

Today is the first day I kind of got restless! I am busy but I actually got a bit restless this morning. Had the house all cleaned and worked on some updates, etc. I have been taking a 2 mile walk every afternoon but decided to take off this morning instead. Have to bundle up because we are having cold, windy weather so it's not a lot of fun BUT it is good for me...so I do it. Couldn't find my husband before I started down the road so when our daughter stopped by with some donuts they couldn't figure out where I was until they saw my shoes in the middle of the kitchen floor! He was in the barn when I left and I figured no one would even miss me. So next time I will hunt him down first.

The country seems to be opening up, a little too fast if you ask me. I don't understand why anyone would take their life (and their family's life) at stake to go to a bar or out to dinner. It isn't very smart! 

I have been keeping UPS and our mail delivery lady busy by placing orders for everything we need. I hate depending on other people, even our kids for stuff. So I am helping keep the USPS and UPS ion business.

I think our world is going to be like this for awhile so I have been making some masks. Hope we never have to use them but if my old lady intuition is any good...I think we will need them.

I feel so badly for the Navajo Nation. They have been harder hit with this virus than any state, even New York. They have been treated badly from the time the first white man landed on our shores and they are not getting  enough help from Washington DC. Which doesn't surprise me but all the same....

Memorial Day is around the corner, virtually around the corner. We used to be loading the truck up and heading off with dirt bikes or ORV's, camping stuff and lots of food and family. Oh, well...

I wish you all have a wonderful week end and get to relax a bit. But please stay safe. And have a wonderful Memorial Day and remember the ones we have lost to make our country free. Also remember the ones we have lost from this horrible virus and the ones that are taking care of the sick. They are hero's too.

♥♥ STAY SAFE ♥♥

Into May

Fox in Light by M♥Donna

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/fox-in-light-by-m-donna/ 

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I posted anything here. Being busy makes time fly.

We are still under pretty much lockdown, but if we want to get rid of this virus that is what we must do. Last Sunday we did go out to Costco, though. There were just too many things we needed...mostly supplements, etc. that I can't order on line from them. I have to admit I was very nervous. I had my mask on, ball cap, hood up, surgical gloves on and stood in line for almost 20 minutes. I didn't think my husband should go in so he gassed up the truck and got gas in cans for lawn mowers, chain saws, etc. They only let so many in at a time and after I got in it wasn't bad. Less time standing in line to check out. So we made it there and back. First time out since March 7th! Luckily the kids keep us stocked with groceries. 

I have had to order a lot of stuff from Amazon, Costco and Wal Mart though. Have to wipe the boxes down and everything in the boxes so it is a lot of work. But you have to stay safe.

The weather this week has been good and is going to get lots better through Sunday. My husband has been getting a lot of outside work done. The wood from the trees that were blown down last year is finally getting dry enough to put into the woodshed.

I have gotten three sweatshirts made for my husband and a bunch of masks made for us if/when we get out. I really enjoyed sewing again. Got me away from the computer, etc. My neck is very sore from the PMR I was diagnosed with late last year. And being on the computer makes it worse....looking up and down, etc. I have had to cut back on the prednisone to get weaned off of it and I can really tell it. But the prednisone is not good for you, even if it helps the pain...so they have to wean you off of it slowly. I am down to 5 from 20 and next week will go down to 2 1/2 mg. this week.

I fear for the people in the states that are opening everything up. It doesn't take a genius to realize that more people are going to get sick and the hospitals will start filling up again.You have to appreciate the Doctors and nurses that go to work everyday...putting their lives and their families at stake.

I really miss being able to be with the kids, grandkids and great grandkids, though.No more hugs, etc. That is hard.  

I am going to miss our big Mothers Day celebrations we used to have. When my Mom was alive we had everyone, sister, brother and all of our kids, etc. to our house.The lilacs were always in bloom at that time and the food...what is better than family, flowers and food? Not much!

  I may be 81 years old but I still miss my Mom! There is always something coming up where I need to ask her a question about something. 

I have mentioned before about our big rhubarb crop! We used to sell it to a company in town that made mead for his bar, but he doesn't need it now since he can raise his own now. So I figured I better start doing something with it. I went through a bunch of recipes that my Mom had when she passed away and we gave them to our daughter in law because she is the "cook" in our family. And I found our old rhubarb jam recipe so have made 6 batches of that and keeping rhubarb sauce in the refrigerator. We have given a lot of it away, too. And I am going to make a rhubarb crisp for our daughter & surprise her with it when she brings our groceries out this week end.

I hope you all have a wonderful Mothers Day and if you can't be with your Mom, call her! Send her a virtual hug.

Stay home when you can and stay safe.

Spring Quince

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/quince-bydonna/ 

🤦‍♀️ Social Distancing 🤦‍♂️

SpringSummerSensation

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/springsummersensation-madonna/ 

How is everyone doing with this social distancing? We haven't been anywhere for over a month! Our daughter is doing our grocery shopping for us. We normally keep everything pretty well stocked, but some things have to be bought fresh. Luckily our governor locked us all down early. Although I think he should have done it at least one week sooner. The weather has been great this week so it makes it much easier to be at home. I have started walking again. I didn't do any during the winter. I just can't take the cold so it is so good to be able to get out. We live on a dead end road with lots of space to walk and not be around anyone so it is really nice. 

My husband got my artisan table all finished. And he made it all from wood that we had around here. He split some old cedar fence posts to put on the front legs and I told him I wanted barbed wire on it because he has made picture frames with barbed wire in the wood. And I have several of those hanging plus some other decorations made from barbed wire on the walls. We did have to have a grandson bring a piece of wood from his barn so he could make the back legs. Anyway...we had quite a time trying to figure out the finish for the top without going to town for anything and I had some old furniture polish/scratch cover and he spread that on and wiped it off. We got our big old stereo and speakers out by ourselves and the table in. You can't ask for help when you aren't supposed to be around anyone so we prevailed! Good thing we are both pretty strong. So I will post that picture of it I promised.

 We made the birch/pine cone candle holder that is on the table, too. 

We had a little scare this week with  our youngest great grandson. He has asthma and was pretty sick so they took him in and the virus test came back negative but he got worse and his oxygen levels were down so they had to take him in for chest x ray. It showed it was in the upper lungs so it was bronchitis and he is doing better today. His oxygen levels were up so we can relax a little.

It is kind of scary when you think you or someone you love might need to go to the emergency room because who wants to get even close to one right now? I am feeling blessed that the troubles my husband went through last year are over and he is healthy again. But you can't help but worry a bit. I am 81 and he is 84 so getting up there!

Our 63rd wedding anniversary was Sunday and it was a cold, windy day but we were all settled down in the afternoon to just read and take it easy. Then...our daughter showed up with our groceries and told us to go to the sliding glass door! So we did...and here all of the kids were out there with a huge anniversary card that was 3 feet long and 2 feet wide,  a bouquet of daffodils, a cake and cookies and a trailer load of fire wood! It was so special. We ended up and went outside in the cold and social distanced and visited for a bit...but it was a really cold northeast wind so we didn't stay out long. I broke down crying because it was so unexpected and so sweet.

All 3 of our kids are considered essential workers so haven't been laid off. But you worry because they are working. 

Our governor wants us to wear masks when we are out among people so I found a great pattern on line and have made 3. I am going to make another one for my husband next week but we don't plan on going anywhere and we are shut in until May 4th anyway. So there is no hurry. I did get him a couple sweatshirts made last week while he was making my table. 

I can't believe how busy we can be. Neither one of us get bored. It seems there is always something that needs to be done or something we want to do.

I have been trying to place a Costco grocery 2 day delivery order and they are out of everything. I can't understand why people are going crazy with the food buying. If they would just buy normal then everyone could get what they want. It really makes me angry. I have been trying to get things we normally use for 4 days now and if one thing is in stock then another is out...just enough so I can't get the $75 free shipping! Will keep trying.

I hope everyone is staying home, and if you can't at least taking great care when you are out. If you are "stuck" at home try wearing bright colors. I think that will make you feel as bit better. Just something to try anyway. 

Going to sign off now and start dinner. Have a great week end and a nice Easter. I hope you stay home, rather than go to church because it is just not worth the chance of getting sick. 

Just Checking in!

Little Bird

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/little-bird-by-m-donna/ 

Just thought I would check in and see how every one is getting along. This is a very trying time for everyone. If you are an essential worker, you worry about catching this horrible virus and bringing it home to your family. And if you aren't working...well that is another whole worry. How to pay your bills and feed your family...and for people that aren't used to being home together so much and getting along! Plus everyone is worried about family and friends getting sick and what to do. We certainly can't seem to depend on our governments keeping us safe. Our Federal officials have not given us a lot of hope since they ignored all of the reports and information that was given them. They just screwed up royally! Luckily some states are shutting things down. Our governor shut our state down but I think he should have done it a bit earlier since we were the first ones in the US to be hit with this virus. It us up to each and everyone one of us to do what is recommended and follow through. Which is what we all must do. Look out for yourself and yours. If it is possible to help out a neighbor safely, do so. 

I saw in our local paper that one neighborhood in town decided to have a "HAPPY HOUR".  The sun was shining yesterday so they took lawn chairs out in front of their houses and had a drink! They were far apart physically but could still visit and drink! Clever. The weather reports for our area is rain for the next week or more so that probably won't happen again for awhile. Rain doesn't always make you feel "up" so that isn't great. 

Keeping busy is very important. I am trying hard to do so. I gave my husband a project! I have been wanting to get rid of our old, huge 3 piece stereo system and I wanted a tall wide table to put on that wall. So I did a Google search to get an idea of what I wanted and I found one! Only $1400.00! Well that is wayyyy above our budget. He made all of our end tables and coffee table so I knew he could do it. And I like a rustic look for our house. He went into our wood shed and barn and found some wood and is working on it. I guess he is pretty well stopped because he has to actually buy a couple boards and that looks like it will be awhile before he can get somewhere to get any. When he gets it finished, which will be awhile I will post a photo of it.

I think it is also important to keep yourself up and not just sit around in your jammies. Get up at normal times on weekdays and get yourself dressed and shaved or make up on like usual. You will feel a lot better about everything if you look in the mirror and see neat and clean instead of looking like a hippy or whatever! I mean it. It doesn't hurt to let yourself sleep in and sit around once in a while but sticking to a half way normal schedule will make you feel much better about everything.

I haven't done a lot of sewing for years but my husband needs some new sweatshirts and he doesn't like boughten ones. He thinks they are too stiff! So I am going to make him a couple new ones. I actually sold all of my fabric at a garage sale a couple years ago but luckily my daughter hasn't so she is going through hers to find some dark fabric and drop it off at our door. So I am looking forward to that.

I have been trying to go for a walk as much as our weather permits. It is hard because of the rain and wind we get. It doesn't sound like I will be able to do so for several days, though. I am still riding my exercise bike every morning and feel much better afterwards. It seems to give me more energy. I don't do it on week ends and I certainly don't have the energy I feel as I do on week days.  

Don't forget to keep you phone clean. Wipe it off several times a day and keep it clean and safe. That is something you don't think about doing because we use it so much and only clean the screen off when it gets looking pretty sad. But wipe it down...

Will sign off for now. Have a great day and stay safe and healthy. 

 Mount Rainier Sunset

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/mount-ranier-sunset-by-m-donna/

Blue Mountain Beauty

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