I am backing up a bit since my writing time has been limited this month so please be patient. The first weekend of the month was my baby sister's birthday. I know that some of you will find a great deal of humor in that sentence as a normal 60 year old woman doesn't usually refer to her younger sister as her "baby sister", but I do, I did, and I will. I am not normal. Sis and I were escorted to the "Fox" by her oldest son and a friend after a delightful dinner at Brio's where we were treated to an outstanding meal, great service, lots of fun and laughter.
The "Fox' is unique, beautiful, awe inspiring and down right fun! It takes to back to an era of glamour and richness no longer found among the great building of Atlanta. The Fox just IS! We were treated to a wonderful romantic comedy "Mama Mia!" which we thoroughly enjoyed. The cast gave a great performance and the music was outstanding.
The middle of the month was the quarterly Harmon family get together. We met at Southern Pit Barbecue and since our group was so large they had to split us up - they don't do reservations - so all of us didn't get to visit but I so enjoyed the time spent with those of us that were able to sit together. Next time we will make sure we get a space that can handle all us youngun's. I met cousins I had not as yet met and enjoyed the visit with cousins I hadn't seen in a while. Can't wait until February when hopefully more will join the group. Would love to see the Louisiana cousin and the Minnesota cousin.
Hubby and I are lucky enough to host Thanksgiving for the families. It is such a treat for us to have everyone together at our home and enjoy all the great food they bring to share. Dad even had a good visit with everyone for a while before getting tired and heading home. Didn't get all of us in one picture this year, but we did manage to get a pic of everyone during the day. Lot's of good food and many laughs throughout the day!
The Dahlonega kids come in for Thanksgiving usually spend a few extra days with me. It is a pleasant week for everyone. My oldest grandchildren are growing so fast that I am afraid they will soon not fit on my lap.
During the afternoon and early evening everyone got their game plans finalized and were soon off to early Black Friday shopping at 9:00 pm. The deals were astounding and they all were ready to spend to save. The different groups kept us apprised of their progress and I think everyone got pretty much everything they aimed for, mainly electronics and bicycles. Then spent hours standing in line before getting home in the early dawn hours.
I have spent the last few days recovering from a wonderfully full week and weekend and getting ready to head into the Christmas season. This week I felt the first twinges that I always feel when Christmas nears. Time to get the decorations out and get started.
I hope all my reader friends enjoyed the day of Thanksgiving as much as I did. Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Strange visitors
Deep into the reading of Inadmissible Evidence by Philip Friedman, a most unpleasant odor hit my nostrils and for a minute all thought and comprehension was focused on that horrible smell. It took less than a minute for my brain to comprehend the source of this odor and I immediately threw the book and ran to shut the windows. A beautiful but deadly (to the senses) skunk had sprayed its wares somewhere around my porch. Hubby, with a huge smile on his face, slowly rose from his chair and found his flashlight as he headed for the door. The puppies had not as yet been hit by the smell, as always, if Daddy was going out, that is where they were needed.
The puppies came alive and I allowed them to join the outside activity, hoping against all odds that they would not locate said beauty and come in needing many baths which I knew would do no good. After a quick turn around the yard and house hubby returned having not located anything. We both settled back to our reading when something caught my eye at the door. I quickly glanced about for the puppies and found them settled before the fire snoozing. Again dumping my book I checked the porch and there drinking out of the puppies water bowl was a semi grown opossum. He didn't seem to be in a hurry and drank his fill before turning to look up at me as Hubby opened the door. He started to come in for a visit, but Hubby stomped his foot and the little rascal trotted off, straight under the hot tub.
With flashlight and net, Hubby attempted to relocate our visitor to no avail. He balled up tightly and was not about to leave his sanctuary. Unreachable and not causing any harm we left him for the night determined to move him in the morning light. Earlier in the day I had spent a good bit of time watching several deer play and graze in back of the house. It was a day filled with wildlife!
The next afternoon I cringed as the shots rang out behind the house, hoping that the hunter was a bad shot and had missed my friends. Yesterday, there was a beautiful, if malodorous, dead skunk on the side of the road. So is life -- here today and gone tomorrow.
Enjoy life while it is available. Whether wildlife or human, we are here for only a short time as was those that went before us and none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow here on earth.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
The puppies came alive and I allowed them to join the outside activity, hoping against all odds that they would not locate said beauty and come in needing many baths which I knew would do no good. After a quick turn around the yard and house hubby returned having not located anything. We both settled back to our reading when something caught my eye at the door. I quickly glanced about for the puppies and found them settled before the fire snoozing. Again dumping my book I checked the porch and there drinking out of the puppies water bowl was a semi grown opossum. He didn't seem to be in a hurry and drank his fill before turning to look up at me as Hubby opened the door. He started to come in for a visit, but Hubby stomped his foot and the little rascal trotted off, straight under the hot tub.
With flashlight and net, Hubby attempted to relocate our visitor to no avail. He balled up tightly and was not about to leave his sanctuary. Unreachable and not causing any harm we left him for the night determined to move him in the morning light. Earlier in the day I had spent a good bit of time watching several deer play and graze in back of the house. It was a day filled with wildlife!
The next afternoon I cringed as the shots rang out behind the house, hoping that the hunter was a bad shot and had missed my friends. Yesterday, there was a beautiful, if malodorous, dead skunk on the side of the road. So is life -- here today and gone tomorrow.
Enjoy life while it is available. Whether wildlife or human, we are here for only a short time as was those that went before us and none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow here on earth.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Fall 2011
A most beautiful fall with warm breezy days and cool nights. Tonight we will have our first freeze of this winter season. This week has been full of wonder - my wonder roses are blooming and my beautiful long stems have the best buds and blooms of the year. I know they will be gone on the morrow if I don't get out and cut them this afternoon, but I do hate to cut my flowers.
The turning leaves are at their peak and the woods are a palette of earthy tones. Beautiful! The deer are enjoying a bountiful harvest of acorns in the back and I have certainly enjoyed watching them munch the little nuts.
The winter will be cold and drab, but the spring will come again in all its spendor and warmth. Time for soup, a warm fire and my lap blanket.
Have a blessed week and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
The turning leaves are at their peak and the woods are a palette of earthy tones. Beautiful! The deer are enjoying a bountiful harvest of acorns in the back and I have certainly enjoyed watching them munch the little nuts.
The winter will be cold and drab, but the spring will come again in all its spendor and warmth. Time for soup, a warm fire and my lap blanket.
Have a blessed week and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Monday, October 24, 2011
Trash Can Potatoes
The youngest two granddaughters and I have a fall project going that has turned into a Nanna project - they check on the plants and I do the work. We found an unused plastic/rubber 40 gallon trashcan; drilled some holes in the bottom; put in 6 inches of garden soil; and added a dozen potatoe eyes and covered with another couple of inches of soil.
The girls took off to Florida and Nanna has steadily added a little soil every 3 or 4 days. The plants are now close to the top of the garbage can and very healthy looking. The dirt is about half way up the inside of the can and more will be added today. Around the middle of December, the trash can will be turned upside down and should be full of potatoes. You will definitely get an update on this one.
The girls are very excited and have enjoyed seeing the rapid growth of the plants.
Hopefully we will all enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Happy Reading!
Belle
The girls took off to Florida and Nanna has steadily added a little soil every 3 or 4 days. The plants are now close to the top of the garbage can and very healthy looking. The dirt is about half way up the inside of the can and more will be added today. Around the middle of December, the trash can will be turned upside down and should be full of potatoes. You will definitely get an update on this one.
The girls are very excited and have enjoyed seeing the rapid growth of the plants.
Hopefully we will all enjoy the fruits of our labor.
Happy Reading!
Belle
Disappointment
Wrote a couple of weeks ago that hubby had purchased a Toshiba laptop and I was enjoying it immensely, then on Friday in the middle of a huge project it crashed. I had worked on a training manual all week and finally got the finishing touches on it and thank goodness saved the thing on my thumb drive. Traversed to the kitchen to get dinner started and 30 minutes later returned to the message - crash dump file created! - call system administrator or technical support. I did - call technical support, that is - and followed the technician's directions. I was ready to box and ship this sucker right back, however he got me up and running in a matter of 90 minutes. Is the machine damaged - I don't know. Will it happen again - I don't know this either. So far all is well and I am still saving to the thumb drive. I think after the power source going out in my desktop I will always save to the thumb drive. I will always have access to my files.
Hubby took the desktop in and they replaced the power source so I am not with a computer if something goes wrong.
I am watching carefully for any sign of trouble on the laptop so hopefully I will be able to react quickly if a problem is present.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Hubby took the desktop in and they replaced the power source so I am not with a computer if something goes wrong.
I am watching carefully for any sign of trouble on the laptop so hopefully I will be able to react quickly if a problem is present.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Free Patterns for your Sewing and Crafts
Sometimes I get tunnel vision and return over and over to the same websites and never venture out into the great web space in the sky, but on occasion someone will recommend a site and I will travel over and have a look. What a delightful surprise when I visited All Free Sewing! So many ideas, patterns and directions for construction. Not just one line of patterns, but a whole array of ideas and projects with simple to follow instructions. In the process of subscribing to their weekly emails, I encountered a whole line of free recipes, crafts, sewing and much more.
If you have a minute give them a look at www.allfreesewing.com.
If you have a minute give them a look at www.allfreesewing.com.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Changes - Not Just The Weather
I have always considered myself computer savvy - not an expert by any means, but I can get around pretty well as an operator and can do some light trouble shooting. About a month ago, my power source started to go out. How did I know it was the power source - I don't know I just did. And how did I know it was about a month ago - I did a backup on the day the trouble started. Okay, that was the only smart thing I did. I did not back the computer up and run it down to Bestech and get a new power source installed - no I just went right on piddling with my system until last Sunday when I could piddle no more! The computer wouldn't even blink an eye at me - no grinding of gears, or whistling of motors - just nothing. I believe we can get too comfortable with our routine and God just shakes the limb a little to either make us grip the limb or change our position.
Hubby has been talking of getting a laptop, so he says we'll just go get a laptop. Oh! Just go get a laptop. Husband are so definitive in their thinking. We did and I have now spent the last 8 days getting the printer drivers (the printer is out of date and it took me forever to find the drivers for the Windows 7) installed, looking for files I had saved to the thumb drive and trying to restore a backup from an old WindowsXP to a new Windows 7 - it don't work. Luckily, once the power source is replaced in the old computer, I should be good to go on the files.
Not much is different with the Windows 7 but the design and I am sure the inner workings are a bit undated. I enjoy it a great deal. The laptop itself takes some getting use to since the mouse pad is super touchy and I zoom in and out with knowing how I did it or why or I end up way up the page and really mess up my spreadsheets. I attached my other mouse for ease of use, but I really want to learn to operate this baby like it was built to operate.
If you add on and take away, something gets loss. That is like disconnecting all the bells and whistles on a new car rather than getting to know the car and why those extras are so special. BUT, I am learning and rather enjoying the process. The thing I miss most are all my little bookmarks of my favorites on the Internet. I have a routine every morning of cranking the "puter" up and checking all the local papers on line and then I hit the obits of the local funeral homes. I know that sounds rather morbid, but I have to make sure I made it through the night!
So many changes and important events are developing right now and nosy old me has to read up on everything. Then on to Face Book so I can catch all my friends and their doings for the day and then I try to write a little every day don't always make it but, I try. Everything I write doesn't make it to the Blog though, so don't be judging by what is on here - some of that stuff is old and I really need to do some rewrites!
Friday was a most enjoyable day with my youngest grandchildren - special lunch and then to the park. I will miss them this week as they are on fall break and I won't get to see them everyday, but it will give me some catchup time. I have certainly neglected my major housecleaning this summer as I played with the girls all summer.
As the trees have started shedding their coats, we covered the pool this weekend until the leaves are gone. It looks so desolate when it is covered. Hubby said he would take the cover off later in the year, but I couldn't keep up with all the leaves - I dip - they fall, I dip - they fall. After Thanksgiving I will mulch most of them for the shrubbery and the rest will go on the garden for next spring's planting. I have to burn that garden spot off first - did that last year and it took care of most of the pests this year. Since we plant an early garden, we miss the pests that like the hot days of mid to late summer. I fair better also as I can not work in the heat.
My maternal first cousins get together every three months to keep in touch. For one reason or another, I have missed the first two get togethers so I am so looking forward to seeing the crew in November. The first of us died a year ago and her husband wanted to get to know her cousins better and suggested this as a way of keeping in touch and his asking questions and learning our personalities. I liked the man when I first met him and I like him even more for caring enough to make an effort. I have two cousins who are a great distance from us and we don't get to visit so often, but then there are cousins just up the road that we don't see so often either.
I told a good friend the other day - we are just trying to live. I know that isn't quite right, but it pretty much describes our comings, goings, or just staying home.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Hubby has been talking of getting a laptop, so he says we'll just go get a laptop. Oh! Just go get a laptop. Husband are so definitive in their thinking. We did and I have now spent the last 8 days getting the printer drivers (the printer is out of date and it took me forever to find the drivers for the Windows 7) installed, looking for files I had saved to the thumb drive and trying to restore a backup from an old WindowsXP to a new Windows 7 - it don't work. Luckily, once the power source is replaced in the old computer, I should be good to go on the files.
Not much is different with the Windows 7 but the design and I am sure the inner workings are a bit undated. I enjoy it a great deal. The laptop itself takes some getting use to since the mouse pad is super touchy and I zoom in and out with knowing how I did it or why or I end up way up the page and really mess up my spreadsheets. I attached my other mouse for ease of use, but I really want to learn to operate this baby like it was built to operate.
If you add on and take away, something gets loss. That is like disconnecting all the bells and whistles on a new car rather than getting to know the car and why those extras are so special. BUT, I am learning and rather enjoying the process. The thing I miss most are all my little bookmarks of my favorites on the Internet. I have a routine every morning of cranking the "puter" up and checking all the local papers on line and then I hit the obits of the local funeral homes. I know that sounds rather morbid, but I have to make sure I made it through the night!
So many changes and important events are developing right now and nosy old me has to read up on everything. Then on to Face Book so I can catch all my friends and their doings for the day and then I try to write a little every day don't always make it but, I try. Everything I write doesn't make it to the Blog though, so don't be judging by what is on here - some of that stuff is old and I really need to do some rewrites!
Friday was a most enjoyable day with my youngest grandchildren - special lunch and then to the park. I will miss them this week as they are on fall break and I won't get to see them everyday, but it will give me some catchup time. I have certainly neglected my major housecleaning this summer as I played with the girls all summer.
As the trees have started shedding their coats, we covered the pool this weekend until the leaves are gone. It looks so desolate when it is covered. Hubby said he would take the cover off later in the year, but I couldn't keep up with all the leaves - I dip - they fall, I dip - they fall. After Thanksgiving I will mulch most of them for the shrubbery and the rest will go on the garden for next spring's planting. I have to burn that garden spot off first - did that last year and it took care of most of the pests this year. Since we plant an early garden, we miss the pests that like the hot days of mid to late summer. I fair better also as I can not work in the heat.
My maternal first cousins get together every three months to keep in touch. For one reason or another, I have missed the first two get togethers so I am so looking forward to seeing the crew in November. The first of us died a year ago and her husband wanted to get to know her cousins better and suggested this as a way of keeping in touch and his asking questions and learning our personalities. I liked the man when I first met him and I like him even more for caring enough to make an effort. I have two cousins who are a great distance from us and we don't get to visit so often, but then there are cousins just up the road that we don't see so often either.
I told a good friend the other day - we are just trying to live. I know that isn't quite right, but it pretty much describes our comings, goings, or just staying home.
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Remember when . . .
When I went to school our first day of the school year would either be the Tuesday after Labor Day or the Friday after Labor Day. It also signalled the end of summer and the beginning of those wonderful fall mornings. We always needed sweaters for our trip to school and had them wrapped around our waists on the trip back home. After the long hot summers of middle Georgia, we welcomed the cool morning temperatures. Many years have past since the calendar and the weather matched my school day memories, but I do believe we are getting back on track this year. Forecasts call for cooler days in the coming week and the mornings have already began with cooler temperatures.
Rain is coming and my dead grass and garden are jumping with anticipation - or is that me hopping around getting ready? I hope that we receive enough to nourish the roots through our upcoming winter so my plants will flourish in the Spring. March, April and May are my revitalized months; welcomed with anticipation that yes, I did survive another cold bleak winter. September, October and November are my getting prepared to rest months and finish all my summer chores. I love these six months more than any other. I don't function well in the heat of summer nor the cold of winter. I will be sorry to see the pool close for the year. the kids have progressed greatly this summer in their swimming abilities and their diving is getting is much better.
I am looking forward to a fall filled with sewing for my girls and keeping the fall garden going. Hope it provides as well as the summer garden. We have been eating good!
A last summer trip from my grandchildren to the north, this weekend has been filled with bonding, eating and swimming. A fun Labor Day weekend with lots of hugs for Nanna.
As our world turns and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Rain is coming and my dead grass and garden are jumping with anticipation - or is that me hopping around getting ready? I hope that we receive enough to nourish the roots through our upcoming winter so my plants will flourish in the Spring. March, April and May are my revitalized months; welcomed with anticipation that yes, I did survive another cold bleak winter. September, October and November are my getting prepared to rest months and finish all my summer chores. I love these six months more than any other. I don't function well in the heat of summer nor the cold of winter. I will be sorry to see the pool close for the year. the kids have progressed greatly this summer in their swimming abilities and their diving is getting is much better.
I am looking forward to a fall filled with sewing for my girls and keeping the fall garden going. Hope it provides as well as the summer garden. We have been eating good!
A last summer trip from my grandchildren to the north, this weekend has been filled with bonding, eating and swimming. A fun Labor Day weekend with lots of hugs for Nanna.
As our world turns and until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Cataract Surgery
First of all, I have the most terrific sister and brother-in-law. They picked me up earlyTuesday morning to take me for cataract surgery. Let me tell you, I am not a stranger to being cut on and various parts of my body removed, fixed, and replaced. I can handle all that - but the thought of never seeing again terrifies me. I can do without hearing the crap that comes out of intelligent mouths, but the thought of never seeing my girls eyes sparkle or see my grandson wiggle his eyebrows at me and smile is beyond my comprehension. So needless to say I was a bit on the nervous side. Sis and Bro were right there with me with all the comforting words and gestures.
I didn't have a long wait before I was called back to my out patient room and given my darling attire for the morning. My nurse was a friend from High School and we chit chatted a bit then down to business. Eye drops in the case of this surgery is the key to it all. I think I experienced a total of 5 different types of drops all with their own little agenda and these little diamonds must go in every 30 minutes or an hour. We did the drop regimen and then a very pleasant young man picked me up in a neat chair bed. We zipped down the halls to the operating room and there I was met by another friendly group of nurses and doctors who explained all the steps and tried to make me comfortable.
I was not asleep for any of this procedure and I am so glad I got to see from the inside out. The nurse advised she was giving me some happy drugs via the IV pigtail; the Doctor put a little drop in my eye and then moved a ominous looking machine over my face; and instructed me to watch the lights. I then watched the little "razor" move across my eye and cut away the old crusted lens and its casing all the while a beautiful array of colors played across my eye. A new lens was dropped in, a patch taped over the eye and the adhesive sheet was removed from my face and it was all over. A cup of coffee and muffins from the nurses and a chicken sandwich from Sis and Bro were waiting on me in the room. I consumed most of both, but did share a muffin with Bro, got dressed and sat and waited to go home.
Easy as pie! When the patch was removed I wanted to shout with joy. I could see again and everything looked so clean and new. I could actually see the leaves on the trees, not a green fuzzy glob. This week i am getting the left eye done and then the depth perception will clear even more and I will be able to walk with fumbling around. Can't wait!
Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
I didn't have a long wait before I was called back to my out patient room and given my darling attire for the morning. My nurse was a friend from High School and we chit chatted a bit then down to business. Eye drops in the case of this surgery is the key to it all. I think I experienced a total of 5 different types of drops all with their own little agenda and these little diamonds must go in every 30 minutes or an hour. We did the drop regimen and then a very pleasant young man picked me up in a neat chair bed. We zipped down the halls to the operating room and there I was met by another friendly group of nurses and doctors who explained all the steps and tried to make me comfortable.
I was not asleep for any of this procedure and I am so glad I got to see from the inside out. The nurse advised she was giving me some happy drugs via the IV pigtail; the Doctor put a little drop in my eye and then moved a ominous looking machine over my face; and instructed me to watch the lights. I then watched the little "razor" move across my eye and cut away the old crusted lens and its casing all the while a beautiful array of colors played across my eye. A new lens was dropped in, a patch taped over the eye and the adhesive sheet was removed from my face and it was all over. A cup of coffee and muffins from the nurses and a chicken sandwich from Sis and Bro were waiting on me in the room. I consumed most of both, but did share a muffin with Bro, got dressed and sat and waited to go home.
Easy as pie! When the patch was removed I wanted to shout with joy. I could see again and everything looked so clean and new. I could actually see the leaves on the trees, not a green fuzzy glob. This week i am getting the left eye done and then the depth perception will clear even more and I will be able to walk with fumbling around. Can't wait!
Until next time . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle
Sunday, August 14, 2011
I Can See
I will write more in depth later - but cataract surgery went very well and I Can See
. . . the leaves on the trees
. . . the small print on the television
. . . the flowers in my yard
. . . the billboard verbiage
and oh so much more!
. . . the leaves on the trees
. . . the small print on the television
. . . the flowers in my yard
. . . the billboard verbiage
and oh so much more!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Sewing
As I have posted before, I have been sewing since I could thread a needle. I guess that was a test, Grandmother said I could learn to sew when I could thread the needle. Good test! I cut me a short piece of string, grabbed a needle and tried for hours to get that blasted thread through the eye of that needle. You turn your head to the right and then the left, hang your tongue out of the side of the mouth and focus. Now at 60, I still have to concentrate to get those needles threaded. But don't cheat - don't use a needle threader; threading the needle is part of the process and you can't skip any steps.
I got my own first sewing machine for Christmas in 1969. My Mom's old Necchi had done me proud, but to have my own was fantastic. I wore that machine out many years ago and took over Mom's Necchi and have been through many hand me down machines since then. I have hinted, told, begged and pleaded for a new machine to no avail. Hubby don't take hints and his motto is if you want it, go get it so that is just what I did!
I ask Hubby to take me to Jo Ann's in Macon to take a look. I had done my research on line and found the machine I wanted. Hubby was astounded at the machine available and the cost of same. He carefully guided me away from those $3500 machines by Viking and kept me steered toward the Singer's that had the Sale Signs taped to them. He was so funny! He made a comment about the Husquvarna machine and the saleslady told him "it will sew your clothes and cut your grass"!
I got my Singer Curvy (which was on sale at a terrific price - $300 off) and headed home. At my age, it takes a lot to get the heart pounding, but I did have that spark of excitement. Hubby wanted to stop and eat on the way home, I wanted to go home and sew! We ate. I unboxed that beauty and read the two books of instructions, popped in the DVD and went through the tutorial and plugged her in. Lights started blinking and a horrible whistle started blowing and I sat and watched it thinking it was warming up. I don't think in this day and age anything has to "warm up" but I calmly waited and waited and waited. I finally cut the machine off, unplugged everything, grabbed the book and started over. No change. I stomped my foot, I yelled at the machine, and then boxed it right back up.
The kind people exchanged the machine with no problem expressing their sympathy and showed nothing but kindness. The new machine did exactly as the books and DVD said it would and I have been sewing happily along. Sometimes there is a bad apple in the bunch and stuff happens. It is in the manner of the resolution that makes a difference in a satisfied customer and a unsatisfied customer.
I made four pillows for the youngest granddaughters yesterday and have another set for my oldest granddaughter to make. I don't have much time with her so she will have to make hers with her Mom. I bought some patterns to make up some jumpers for my girls and my neighbor came over with loads of sewing. I love to sew for her because she enjoys what I make for her.
Lot's to do so I must get at it! Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
I got my own first sewing machine for Christmas in 1969. My Mom's old Necchi had done me proud, but to have my own was fantastic. I wore that machine out many years ago and took over Mom's Necchi and have been through many hand me down machines since then. I have hinted, told, begged and pleaded for a new machine to no avail. Hubby don't take hints and his motto is if you want it, go get it so that is just what I did!
I ask Hubby to take me to Jo Ann's in Macon to take a look. I had done my research on line and found the machine I wanted. Hubby was astounded at the machine available and the cost of same. He carefully guided me away from those $3500 machines by Viking and kept me steered toward the Singer's that had the Sale Signs taped to them. He was so funny! He made a comment about the Husquvarna machine and the saleslady told him "it will sew your clothes and cut your grass"!
I got my Singer Curvy (which was on sale at a terrific price - $300 off) and headed home. At my age, it takes a lot to get the heart pounding, but I did have that spark of excitement. Hubby wanted to stop and eat on the way home, I wanted to go home and sew! We ate. I unboxed that beauty and read the two books of instructions, popped in the DVD and went through the tutorial and plugged her in. Lights started blinking and a horrible whistle started blowing and I sat and watched it thinking it was warming up. I don't think in this day and age anything has to "warm up" but I calmly waited and waited and waited. I finally cut the machine off, unplugged everything, grabbed the book and started over. No change. I stomped my foot, I yelled at the machine, and then boxed it right back up.
The kind people exchanged the machine with no problem expressing their sympathy and showed nothing but kindness. The new machine did exactly as the books and DVD said it would and I have been sewing happily along. Sometimes there is a bad apple in the bunch and stuff happens. It is in the manner of the resolution that makes a difference in a satisfied customer and a unsatisfied customer.
I made four pillows for the youngest granddaughters yesterday and have another set for my oldest granddaughter to make. I don't have much time with her so she will have to make hers with her Mom. I bought some patterns to make up some jumpers for my girls and my neighbor came over with loads of sewing. I love to sew for her because she enjoys what I make for her.
Lot's to do so I must get at it! Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Sight is a Blessed Thing
For the last three years I thought I was going blind. It probably started a good bit before that, but I started paying attention when everything over 20 feet in front of me was blurred. I could not drive at night due to the lights from other vehicles blinding me, but what a light show the reflectors and signs made. A halo of lights blinking and dancing were all I could see which really distorted my sight. A doctor was recommended as off I went. The doctor advised I definitely needed glasses for both reading and distance and prescribed some pretty potent glasses, then sent me to his assistant that handled glasses. As I left I made an appointment for the next year. A couple of weeks later I received a call to come for a fitting for the glasses and WOW! I could really see. I was so excited I could see without any blurring.
The first month I could see fine, then gradually over the next month I was right back where I started. That little niggling of fear crept in and I honestly thought I was going blind. When my next appointment came up, I saw a different doctor. She advised there had indeed been a tremendous change in my eyes. she did several tests, couldn't find anything wrong (her words "there is definitely something wrong, but I don't know what it is"), prescribed new glasses and made me an appointment for the next year.
Repeat. The first month I could see great, then my vision digressed rapidly. Enough is enough and off I went to another Eye Clinic. I went by the old doctor's office and filled out a request for my records to be sent to the new doctor. They still haven't received the records and it has been two months.
The nurse at the new doctor's office did all those little test they do for pressure, etc., and then I saw the doc. He shined his little light in my eyes and told me I had cataracts and I wouldn't be able to see until they were removed. He also advised that changing glasses wouldn't do me any good. Okay - he saw this with a penlight. We discussed my history and he explained the processes of the surgery. Returning me to his nurse who advised she new I had cataracts when she did my preliminary exam and test. She did some more test, I completed some paperwork and she scheduled my surgery.
This is a perfect example of competent versus incompetent. I should have insisted on more tests or gone to another doctor after the first doctor's visit. I have come to realize that I can not put my trust in doctors to take care of my infirmities.
So next two weeks will see me going unblind and I will soon be able to see again. I might miss the light show, but at least I will be able to drive once again. Keep me in your prayers and I will be able to see you soon!
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
The first month I could see fine, then gradually over the next month I was right back where I started. That little niggling of fear crept in and I honestly thought I was going blind. When my next appointment came up, I saw a different doctor. She advised there had indeed been a tremendous change in my eyes. she did several tests, couldn't find anything wrong (her words "there is definitely something wrong, but I don't know what it is"), prescribed new glasses and made me an appointment for the next year.
Repeat. The first month I could see great, then my vision digressed rapidly. Enough is enough and off I went to another Eye Clinic. I went by the old doctor's office and filled out a request for my records to be sent to the new doctor. They still haven't received the records and it has been two months.
The nurse at the new doctor's office did all those little test they do for pressure, etc., and then I saw the doc. He shined his little light in my eyes and told me I had cataracts and I wouldn't be able to see until they were removed. He also advised that changing glasses wouldn't do me any good. Okay - he saw this with a penlight. We discussed my history and he explained the processes of the surgery. Returning me to his nurse who advised she new I had cataracts when she did my preliminary exam and test. She did some more test, I completed some paperwork and she scheduled my surgery.
This is a perfect example of competent versus incompetent. I should have insisted on more tests or gone to another doctor after the first doctor's visit. I have come to realize that I can not put my trust in doctors to take care of my infirmities.
So next two weeks will see me going unblind and I will soon be able to see again. I might miss the light show, but at least I will be able to drive once again. Keep me in your prayers and I will be able to see you soon!
Until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Memories
The residents and former residents of our little county have started a Memory page on Facebook that has gone wild! It is so fun to read the comments on this page and see the old pictures. The cars, hairstyles, clothes, all bring back memories.
To you young folks out there - memories are a picture of your past. The happier the memory, the more beautiful the picture!
To you young folks out there - memories are a picture of your past. The happier the memory, the more beautiful the picture!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Rainy Days and Discoveries
It has been a while since we had a real good rainy day. Yesterday was one of those days and after I remembered how to act on a rainy day, it was so relaxing. Rainy days are for doing absolutely nothing! Just plop down, put on your most comfortable clothes, say no to housework and cooking and enjoy - a movie, a book, or a nap. The laundry called me early, but one look at the overcast skies and the slow drizzling rain and I plopped.
I started a new author, John Sandford. I picked up one of his "Prey" books and was taken to the Twin Cities of Minnesota and a group of Indians bent on revenge. A good read needing only a hot cup of coffee and a honey bun to get me through my morning. Thank goodness I had a pot of vegetable soup in the fridge made earlier in the week and perfect for rainy days. The phone didn't ring, no visitors came knocking, and even the pups were quiet and happy to snooze on their bean bag.
Hubby came in for a late lunch. After taking care of a little business, he too settled down for a short nap. We have taken spontaneous trips over the years and are in the mood for another excursion. Biloxi is calling, but that is quite a ride for a short weekend so that was put on hold for a month or so. We decided on a new restaurant for this weekend and found a diamond in Steve's Steak and Seafood.
Steve's is located in a strip mall in Macon on Arkwright. Just below Carreba's and Outback, this gentleman has secrets. Neither of us tried the steaks, but hubby ordered "all you can eat" catfish for $12.95 and was pleasantly surprised with the results. They were tender, delicious and very flavorful. The couple at the adjourning table ordered crab legs and he advised they were delicious as well. My grilled shrimp were seasoned and cooked perfectly. The real potato fries and unsweetened cole slaw made a delightful dinner. A good recommendation for good food and excellent service and Steve came out to make sure the food was up to par. A trip back soon to try the steaks and crab legs.
Off to do Saturday chores, so until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
I started a new author, John Sandford. I picked up one of his "Prey" books and was taken to the Twin Cities of Minnesota and a group of Indians bent on revenge. A good read needing only a hot cup of coffee and a honey bun to get me through my morning. Thank goodness I had a pot of vegetable soup in the fridge made earlier in the week and perfect for rainy days. The phone didn't ring, no visitors came knocking, and even the pups were quiet and happy to snooze on their bean bag.
Hubby came in for a late lunch. After taking care of a little business, he too settled down for a short nap. We have taken spontaneous trips over the years and are in the mood for another excursion. Biloxi is calling, but that is quite a ride for a short weekend so that was put on hold for a month or so. We decided on a new restaurant for this weekend and found a diamond in Steve's Steak and Seafood.
Steve's is located in a strip mall in Macon on Arkwright. Just below Carreba's and Outback, this gentleman has secrets. Neither of us tried the steaks, but hubby ordered "all you can eat" catfish for $12.95 and was pleasantly surprised with the results. They were tender, delicious and very flavorful. The couple at the adjourning table ordered crab legs and he advised they were delicious as well. My grilled shrimp were seasoned and cooked perfectly. The real potato fries and unsweetened cole slaw made a delightful dinner. A good recommendation for good food and excellent service and Steve came out to make sure the food was up to par. A trip back soon to try the steaks and crab legs.
Off to do Saturday chores, so until next time . . .
Happy reading!
Belle
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