age has a way of evening things out with the battle of the sexes i have learned
woman get beards and mustaches........
and men...........well
it gets so they can't pee a little
i was sorta up last night when bernie toddled off to the bathroom
the reason i was up was that i had just come BACK from the bathroom
where my bladder which is the size of a shriveled pea had convinced me and itself that it was attempting to contain lake michigan....................at high tide
i know that the noise i made was equivalent to niagra falls....
and it took me all of about 30 seconds or so
him.......
no sound
for like 5 minutes
enough so i got concerned
and ended up fully awake
now at about 3am, you will of course forgive me for laying in the bed........
thinking
wow,
mother nature FINALLY got back at the men......
(and it does apparently happen one man at a time)
for all the leaking, hot flashes, menstrual cramps, bloat, edema, and mammography we suffered
finally the men start getting something
they can't pee a little
huh?
WAIT A MINUTE
i think we got robbed ladies
SOMEONE snuck this shit in ............ in FINE print
at a time when we couldn't even focus enough to KNOW we had toes
i think it is time for bernie to have the digital prostate exam again......
the blood psa test is one thing
but there is nothing like the smug look you can't wipe off my face
when i know he is FINALLY going to go through a 1/1000000000000 of what us ladies go through
here is wishing you ladies the knowledge that YOUR man will be getting his digital soon
i suggested taking pictures for the christmas cards.........
but he didn't think that was all that funny somehow
even though i told him i would tie it all up in a pretty red bow................
some folks don't have ANY sense of humor when the doctor is around
hmmmmm
mammography anyone??
ps: don't blame me
the duckies are sorta boring right now
the new one is setting eggies
Friday, May 08, 2009
Thursday, May 07, 2009
and suddenly...........it was summer
at least it about looks it out back
which reminds me
we don't have a lawnmower anymore
(don't ask)
ok i still have to get the blueberries and blackberry in
and the beans
i doubt that the cuc's will do anything with the soil temps under 60
so i will wait on them
we better start eatting this lettuce out on the deck soon as it is HUGE now
and i have to put in the summer varieties
one of the ducks laid a marble sized eggie
huh?
oye
must be all them foraging for worms and grass and greens and juicey bugs
they forgot how to lay real duck eggs
i SWEAR that watching them forage is just like watching duckbilled dinosaurs
i can so totally see a dino body under those feathers
(it's easier with the muscovy due to the carunkling.... it SO looks reptilian)
i tell bernie that every night while we watch them
look at our little dinosaurs............
now watch...... the duckies will be complaining about T-rex out there next........
which reminds me
we don't have a lawnmower anymore
(don't ask)
ok i still have to get the blueberries and blackberry in
and the beans
i doubt that the cuc's will do anything with the soil temps under 60
so i will wait on them
we better start eatting this lettuce out on the deck soon as it is HUGE now
and i have to put in the summer varieties
one of the ducks laid a marble sized eggie
huh?
oye
must be all them foraging for worms and grass and greens and juicey bugs
they forgot how to lay real duck eggs
i SWEAR that watching them forage is just like watching duckbilled dinosaurs
i can so totally see a dino body under those feathers
(it's easier with the muscovy due to the carunkling.... it SO looks reptilian)
i tell bernie that every night while we watch them
look at our little dinosaurs............
now watch...... the duckies will be complaining about T-rex out there next........
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
everyone is out of shorts
the rain is depressing the ducks even!
the only ones that are happy are the plants
the WEEDS in my garden are ecstatic
normally i like the rain
and this isn't the nightmare torrential rain that had me building ducks pens out of zip ties and lattice last season
but it is a cold rain
and the days are gray and dark
(which is fine in november, and i love it........ but not so fine in may)
thaddeaus doesn't take change of weather or prolonged rainy weather very well.
he's been not himself lately either
he always gets better however as soon as it warms up more
(or the woodstove goes on for the season)
the girls sleep through it..........actually calpurrnia sleeps through most stuff
she sleeps about 27 hours out of every 24 hour day.......
i have to juggle duckies in this rain...but at least they aren't getting flooded out of their pens
falstaff had his wife back for a day, and he ripped feathers out of her neck again mating her
sooooooooo
she's back down in the A frame during the day and he's doing the reluctant bachelor thing in the small pen near the house
i am thinking i have to get him YET ANOTHER WIFE
so he ends up with a harem...........?
huh?
but it should take the pressure off the one girl
serafina never had these problems with him
i still haven't named her
octavia doesn't fit her
and yesterday let me tell you............ SHE TOLD ME OFF
just like the other girls do
oh man
she is fitting right in around here
only her little squeaks sound different from my girls
oye
in fiber i am knitting cotton place mats out of peaches and cream cotton worsted
on size 10.5 needles 38 stitches cast on
garter stitch until done
use the sewn bind off
1 ball per mat
and i am spinning corriedale dyed in magentas, oranges, yellows and copper
with 'glitz' dyed in copper
the magenta single is without glitz and is wonderful and heathery and just makes my heart smile
but there isn't enough of it to DO anything with by itself if i wanted a two ply
so it would have be plied with something else
it was planned to be plied with the orange etc...........
we'll see
meanwhile i have been collecting studio/workspace/craft room organizational pictures and ideas
as well as color ways for yarns and fibers
(and of course....... a few random and fabulous kitchen pictures........ after all you have to remember the kitchen)
one of the best craft room studio ideas i have gotten so far is putting spice racks on the cabinet doors and keeping beads and pins and such in them
BRILLIANT
another one is those long power strips that are hardwired in........
one UNDER a shelf that is quite narrow, over a workbench
you can't see it but it's there and has outlets every 12 inches
i love that idea
one studio had an L shaped work table......... i have an L for the porcelain work and sculpting and i love it
i had an L for the office area, (actually in looking over.....i sorta still do)
and and U for the miniature work bench.....
but the BEST doll making bench i have ever had was a sort of a U/H thing
it was two metal shelf units parallel to each other about 5 feet apart or so
and a 24 inch plywood work surface connecting them
with 9 inch shelves above
that work surface was the very best
it looked like hell
the ply wood was all messed up but i WORKED on it
and i could REACH everything
there was also a few 2X4 over the top of this that i got to put lighting on
(flourescents and also incandesents)
with hooks for tools to hang etc
it had rolling fabric storage under it
and next to it
and plastic shoeboxes will stuff like shells and ribbons and marbles on the shelves themselves
i think i would like that back again
but maybe with a more refined (finished and no splinters from the plywood 'desk') look to it
i wish i had pictures of it
but i didn't have a camera then
actually that idea would be even better if i could have it say............. 12 feet long with different areas zoned for different things
the same idea i think would even work in a kitchen..........hmmmmmm
(i may get countertops after all this way huh?)
ok folks.........how is spring going in YOUR world
?
who's got what coming up in the garden?
what spring spruce ups are you all planning?
the only ones that are happy are the plants
the WEEDS in my garden are ecstatic
normally i like the rain
and this isn't the nightmare torrential rain that had me building ducks pens out of zip ties and lattice last season
but it is a cold rain
and the days are gray and dark
(which is fine in november, and i love it........ but not so fine in may)
thaddeaus doesn't take change of weather or prolonged rainy weather very well.
he's been not himself lately either
he always gets better however as soon as it warms up more
(or the woodstove goes on for the season)
the girls sleep through it..........actually calpurrnia sleeps through most stuff
she sleeps about 27 hours out of every 24 hour day.......
i have to juggle duckies in this rain...but at least they aren't getting flooded out of their pens
falstaff had his wife back for a day, and he ripped feathers out of her neck again mating her
sooooooooo
she's back down in the A frame during the day and he's doing the reluctant bachelor thing in the small pen near the house
i am thinking i have to get him YET ANOTHER WIFE
so he ends up with a harem...........?
huh?
but it should take the pressure off the one girl
serafina never had these problems with him
i still haven't named her
octavia doesn't fit her
and yesterday let me tell you............ SHE TOLD ME OFF
just like the other girls do
oh man
she is fitting right in around here
only her little squeaks sound different from my girls
oye
in fiber i am knitting cotton place mats out of peaches and cream cotton worsted
on size 10.5 needles 38 stitches cast on
garter stitch until done
use the sewn bind off
1 ball per mat
and i am spinning corriedale dyed in magentas, oranges, yellows and copper
with 'glitz' dyed in copper
the magenta single is without glitz and is wonderful and heathery and just makes my heart smile
but there isn't enough of it to DO anything with by itself if i wanted a two ply
so it would have be plied with something else
it was planned to be plied with the orange etc...........
we'll see
meanwhile i have been collecting studio/workspace/craft room organizational pictures and ideas
as well as color ways for yarns and fibers
(and of course....... a few random and fabulous kitchen pictures........ after all you have to remember the kitchen)
one of the best craft room studio ideas i have gotten so far is putting spice racks on the cabinet doors and keeping beads and pins and such in them
BRILLIANT
another one is those long power strips that are hardwired in........
one UNDER a shelf that is quite narrow, over a workbench
you can't see it but it's there and has outlets every 12 inches
i love that idea
one studio had an L shaped work table......... i have an L for the porcelain work and sculpting and i love it
i had an L for the office area, (actually in looking over.....i sorta still do)
and and U for the miniature work bench.....
but the BEST doll making bench i have ever had was a sort of a U/H thing
it was two metal shelf units parallel to each other about 5 feet apart or so
and a 24 inch plywood work surface connecting them
with 9 inch shelves above
that work surface was the very best
it looked like hell
the ply wood was all messed up but i WORKED on it
and i could REACH everything
there was also a few 2X4 over the top of this that i got to put lighting on
(flourescents and also incandesents)
with hooks for tools to hang etc
it had rolling fabric storage under it
and next to it
and plastic shoeboxes will stuff like shells and ribbons and marbles on the shelves themselves
i think i would like that back again
but maybe with a more refined (finished and no splinters from the plywood 'desk') look to it
i wish i had pictures of it
but i didn't have a camera then
actually that idea would be even better if i could have it say............. 12 feet long with different areas zoned for different things
the same idea i think would even work in a kitchen..........hmmmmmm
(i may get countertops after all this way huh?)
ok folks.........how is spring going in YOUR world
?
who's got what coming up in the garden?
what spring spruce ups are you all planning?
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
even the duckies sleep in
yesterday when it was time for all good duckies to wake up and smell the spring time,
the duckies wouldn't come out of their crate!
MORNING DUCKIES
we aren't awake mom, we're sleeping in
duckies.......you can't sleep in, it's time to go out
there are worms to hunt and puddles to splash in
mom?
yes duckies?
can you save us some worms? we don't want to go out side in the wet
sorry duckies, you'll have to catch the worms fresh yourselves, mom's eyes aren't as sharp as yours are
it took a while to get them out of the crate and out of the house
seems no one wanted out!
i put the new girl back in with falstaff who was overjoyed and proceeded to jump on her
by evening the entire back of her neck was bloody again
so she is solo in the small crate and falstaff is loose in the basement, where he spends his time between the crates of females ( so close and yet so FAR)
upsetting everyone
oye
meanwhile, my laundry is taking forever to dry on the inside line
but the lettuces seem happy
i am spinning, drawing, and researching..........
cause i so have to reorganize this studio
i want to paint the old kitchen wood cabinets cream (they need to be sturdied up as well)
and stack them on little platforms with casters
i am going to make pretty labels ( that match the labels on my soap lines) for the boxes and drawers that i got all over, and put them into some sort of order on commercial shelving (with casters)
on my small desk that i do miniatures and polymer clay work on, i plan on painting it,
and adding a mat or something to protect the top, maybe a self healing mat
maybe Plexiglas or something, we'll see what's the easiest
and i am at a complete loss for the sewing area of the studio.......
we are hoping to replace the windows in here,
i am thinking we need plate glass stationary picture windows with an operating side window with screen
i am also hoping for a new ceiling....... this one is pretty but got pretty dented (it's that pressed fiber acoustic ceiling tile stuff......pretty but not for a studio)
i would like to be able to hang stuff from the ceiling and i would LOVE recessed lighting for at least the stone walls if not the entire perimeter
besides........this ceiling is nothing more then a race track for mice
don't ask
anyway, the rain is preventing me from painting these horrible green plastic drawers
and it's a very cold rain so i am not planting my green beans or cuc's yet
we had duck egg salad for supper, and tomatoe cheese soup
it's like normal egg salad only with duck eggs
it was wonderful!
it was so good i asked bernie 'why did we get new chickens?'
btw, one of the new pullets is laying double yolkers
she lays a HUGE honking egg as big as a duck egg every few days
and yup it's a double yolker
and that is a day in the life...........
the duckies wouldn't come out of their crate!
MORNING DUCKIES
we aren't awake mom, we're sleeping in
duckies.......you can't sleep in, it's time to go out
there are worms to hunt and puddles to splash in
mom?
yes duckies?
can you save us some worms? we don't want to go out side in the wet
sorry duckies, you'll have to catch the worms fresh yourselves, mom's eyes aren't as sharp as yours are
it took a while to get them out of the crate and out of the house
seems no one wanted out!
i put the new girl back in with falstaff who was overjoyed and proceeded to jump on her
by evening the entire back of her neck was bloody again
so she is solo in the small crate and falstaff is loose in the basement, where he spends his time between the crates of females ( so close and yet so FAR)
upsetting everyone
oye
meanwhile, my laundry is taking forever to dry on the inside line
but the lettuces seem happy
i am spinning, drawing, and researching..........
cause i so have to reorganize this studio
i want to paint the old kitchen wood cabinets cream (they need to be sturdied up as well)
and stack them on little platforms with casters
i am going to make pretty labels ( that match the labels on my soap lines) for the boxes and drawers that i got all over, and put them into some sort of order on commercial shelving (with casters)
on my small desk that i do miniatures and polymer clay work on, i plan on painting it,
and adding a mat or something to protect the top, maybe a self healing mat
maybe Plexiglas or something, we'll see what's the easiest
and i am at a complete loss for the sewing area of the studio.......
we are hoping to replace the windows in here,
i am thinking we need plate glass stationary picture windows with an operating side window with screen
i am also hoping for a new ceiling....... this one is pretty but got pretty dented (it's that pressed fiber acoustic ceiling tile stuff......pretty but not for a studio)
i would like to be able to hang stuff from the ceiling and i would LOVE recessed lighting for at least the stone walls if not the entire perimeter
besides........this ceiling is nothing more then a race track for mice
don't ask
anyway, the rain is preventing me from painting these horrible green plastic drawers
and it's a very cold rain so i am not planting my green beans or cuc's yet
we had duck egg salad for supper, and tomatoe cheese soup
it's like normal egg salad only with duck eggs
it was wonderful!
it was so good i asked bernie 'why did we get new chickens?'
btw, one of the new pullets is laying double yolkers
she lays a HUGE honking egg as big as a duck egg every few days
and yup it's a double yolker
and that is a day in the life...........
Monday, May 04, 2009
every thing is so GREEN
after a lot of rain,
even the air is green
now THIS kind of green i love
the green of growing things
spring is really truly here
i am hoping to get some video of the chickens ( maybe not today however)
and some more of the duckies
hopefully the duckies in the bath
i have been talking to bernie about reorganizing the studio
and i keep thinking
'i need to buy this' or 'i need to buy that'
only to realize.......
i may already HAVE something that will work well
i have tons of plastic shoeboxes
all i have to do is label over where bernie wrote on the with permanent BLUE marker
i have a few chest of drawers
a taboret ( needs to be repainted, and the drawer fronts adjusted, but it's already on castes)
plastic stacking drawers, i plan on painting white, or cream
some shelves
i could use more
my drafting table ( i want to put it on casters)
my easel (which is around here SOMEWHERE)
i need to reorganize my porcelain workbench
i am wondering if it would be a good idea to move the pouring somewhere else
( but WHERE do i have space and good light?)
i am really hoping to start to sculpt again
since i am drawing daily, i think i need to sculpt as well
(besides i am dying to see what i've learned in the past few years and i won't know until i sculpt...i am amazed at what i learned while not drawing ABOUT drawing)
i have to reorganize my fabric storage
my old doll workbench i realize now, worked VERY VERY well.........it looked like crap but functioned superbly
now i want to have my workbenches look as good as they function
but allow me to wax a bit nostalgic about where i made most of the porcelain over the past 22 years
and of course when this is all done
i will have to restock some stuff
hahahaha
SUPPLY SHOPPING
that means art supply stores (pearl paint here i come)
dharma trading for dyes
ordering silks
english viscose fiber
the ceramic supply.......... for slip
i could do a LOT of damage
bernie suggested that i test fire the kilns
i plan on it
if the kilns are damaged i am sort of screwed
as i don't think that small 'inexpensive' (500 or under)
kilns are being made anymore
and the big ones are too big........too expensive and require 'big' wiring or gas
i wonder if i can get elements for my old duncan?
i am hoping that when the studio is finished
i will have finally gotten the work areas back to what they used to be
only they will look as good as they function
i told bernie
we are going to be here a while it looks like
so may as well deal with it
(now watch, i get this place all straight........and THEN we move.....does it ever fail?)
even the air is green
now THIS kind of green i love
the green of growing things
spring is really truly here
i am hoping to get some video of the chickens ( maybe not today however)
and some more of the duckies
hopefully the duckies in the bath
i have been talking to bernie about reorganizing the studio
and i keep thinking
'i need to buy this' or 'i need to buy that'
only to realize.......
i may already HAVE something that will work well
i have tons of plastic shoeboxes
all i have to do is label over where bernie wrote on the with permanent BLUE marker
i have a few chest of drawers
a taboret ( needs to be repainted, and the drawer fronts adjusted, but it's already on castes)
plastic stacking drawers, i plan on painting white, or cream
some shelves
i could use more
my drafting table ( i want to put it on casters)
my easel (which is around here SOMEWHERE)
i need to reorganize my porcelain workbench
i am wondering if it would be a good idea to move the pouring somewhere else
( but WHERE do i have space and good light?)
i am really hoping to start to sculpt again
since i am drawing daily, i think i need to sculpt as well
(besides i am dying to see what i've learned in the past few years and i won't know until i sculpt...i am amazed at what i learned while not drawing ABOUT drawing)
i have to reorganize my fabric storage
my old doll workbench i realize now, worked VERY VERY well.........it looked like crap but functioned superbly
now i want to have my workbenches look as good as they function
but allow me to wax a bit nostalgic about where i made most of the porcelain over the past 22 years
and of course when this is all done
i will have to restock some stuff
hahahaha
SUPPLY SHOPPING
that means art supply stores (pearl paint here i come)
dharma trading for dyes
ordering silks
english viscose fiber
the ceramic supply.......... for slip
i could do a LOT of damage
bernie suggested that i test fire the kilns
i plan on it
if the kilns are damaged i am sort of screwed
as i don't think that small 'inexpensive' (500 or under)
kilns are being made anymore
and the big ones are too big........too expensive and require 'big' wiring or gas
i wonder if i can get elements for my old duncan?
i am hoping that when the studio is finished
i will have finally gotten the work areas back to what they used to be
only they will look as good as they function
i told bernie
we are going to be here a while it looks like
so may as well deal with it
(now watch, i get this place all straight........and THEN we move.....does it ever fail?)
Sunday, May 03, 2009
happy mothers day you all
yesterday bernie and i went to town
we got more stuff that we had on the list for when colleen visits
and we went to the outlets
i was sorely disappointed
not only is royal doulton gone
but pfaltzgraff is also gone, as is wedgewood/waterford/johnson brothers
soon it will be only clothes
and i don't carry how many designers names you put on them
they are mostly crap clothes
i just found this
http://www.stanglpottery.org/PfaltzgraffClosing.htm
this saddened me to no end
i was introduced to pfaltzgraff at that flemington outlet store
my pattern was yorktowne
i have many memories of my mom, me, bernie, colleen and others going down to the flemington outlets for the day
pfaltzgraff was ALWAYS the major reason to go
now onto my beloved royal doulton
there are two stores in america
one in nevada
and one in new york state
the website doesn't have the wonderful 'classic' collection teapots i used to get and adore
i have i think three of them
anyway, back to yesterday's shopping
bernie got the griddle of his dreams, for 25.00
and i got pyrex
4 loaf pans
two ovals
a pieplate
2 rounds and a lid
about 28 for the pyrex
bernie got a new pepper mill and salt shaker for 12.00
i was looking for mugs in pastel colors but didn't find any
i am also looking for 'earthquake' wax to hold my plates and that on the wall more securely then the plate holders alone
( yes i got plates on the walls, i have old calico RED, i have plates with sweet and wild violets on them, plates with roses and chinzt......... what can i say?)
we are planning on repainting the living room, probably the very same color which is a light magenta color ( raspberry sherbert )
when we do i want the plates UP and secured
i have been collectioning plates just for the walls for years and years, one here......one there
they must be perfect ( the ironic thing is tiny chips are ok, but they have to 'look' right to my eye)
i think i have maybe 12 plates
finding the perfect plate isn't easy you know
i guess the living room could be called early english supper tea
it's not so frilly and fluffy in spite of the pink walls that men feel awkward.....in fact men seem to like it and tell me it reminds them of their gramma's house or favorite aunt
maybe the navy lamps, and rough brick fireplace has something to do with that?
but whatever it is
folks seem to like that room
personally it drives me nuts as it is just actually a glorified hallway, and we use it as a dinning room!
oye
anyway......
we are doing house stuff right now
and i have to plant some beans and cucs
my garden is not going to be what it was this year due to my health lately
but i will have my beans and cucs
and maybe
a cold frame for the winter
we got more stuff that we had on the list for when colleen visits
and we went to the outlets
i was sorely disappointed
not only is royal doulton gone
but pfaltzgraff is also gone, as is wedgewood/waterford/johnson brothers
soon it will be only clothes
and i don't carry how many designers names you put on them
they are mostly crap clothes
i just found this
http://www.stanglpottery.org/PfaltzgraffClosing.htm
this saddened me to no end
i was introduced to pfaltzgraff at that flemington outlet store
my pattern was yorktowne
i have many memories of my mom, me, bernie, colleen and others going down to the flemington outlets for the day
pfaltzgraff was ALWAYS the major reason to go
now onto my beloved royal doulton
there are two stores in america
one in nevada
and one in new york state
the website doesn't have the wonderful 'classic' collection teapots i used to get and adore
i have i think three of them
anyway, back to yesterday's shopping
bernie got the griddle of his dreams, for 25.00
and i got pyrex
4 loaf pans
two ovals
a pieplate
2 rounds and a lid
about 28 for the pyrex
bernie got a new pepper mill and salt shaker for 12.00
i was looking for mugs in pastel colors but didn't find any
i am also looking for 'earthquake' wax to hold my plates and that on the wall more securely then the plate holders alone
( yes i got plates on the walls, i have old calico RED, i have plates with sweet and wild violets on them, plates with roses and chinzt......... what can i say?)
we are planning on repainting the living room, probably the very same color which is a light magenta color ( raspberry sherbert )
when we do i want the plates UP and secured
i have been collectioning plates just for the walls for years and years, one here......one there
they must be perfect ( the ironic thing is tiny chips are ok, but they have to 'look' right to my eye)
i think i have maybe 12 plates
finding the perfect plate isn't easy you know
i guess the living room could be called early english supper tea
it's not so frilly and fluffy in spite of the pink walls that men feel awkward.....in fact men seem to like it and tell me it reminds them of their gramma's house or favorite aunt
maybe the navy lamps, and rough brick fireplace has something to do with that?
but whatever it is
folks seem to like that room
personally it drives me nuts as it is just actually a glorified hallway, and we use it as a dinning room!
oye
anyway......
we are doing house stuff right now
and i have to plant some beans and cucs
my garden is not going to be what it was this year due to my health lately
but i will have my beans and cucs
and maybe
a cold frame for the winter
Saturday, May 02, 2009
time to plant the beans
it rained again last night
i was almost down here because i couldn't sleep
listening to the very heavy rain and worried we are flooding
but the rains mean it's time to plant
which is great as i love my fresh yellow pole beans
i want to reorganize the studio, i am so disgusted with it that i am about to paint EVERYTHING
that doesn't move FAST enough CREAM.........hear that bernie?
you too...........you don't move fast enough you will be painted cream
maybe with violets on top
i have to say
i got no energy lately
i don't know totally what is going on but i got no get up and go
it is highly annoying
and my SIL colleen is coming in like three weeks
i am not ready
oh and to thems of yous who went or are going to sheep and wool...........
SNIFF
i can't go again this year
which sucks
i am heartbroken but really i can't swing it with my SIL coming
good thing she is my favorite sister in law
meanwhile i will sit here...sniff................. knitting my placemats,........sniff
without any fiber therapy...........sniff........ and you all know who you are........sniff
oye
meanwhile i am loving these new computer glasses
i can DRAW with them
this is a very good thing as i have to log a lot more drafting table time
ok off to juggle duckies
i was almost down here because i couldn't sleep
listening to the very heavy rain and worried we are flooding
but the rains mean it's time to plant
which is great as i love my fresh yellow pole beans
i want to reorganize the studio, i am so disgusted with it that i am about to paint EVERYTHING
that doesn't move FAST enough CREAM.........hear that bernie?
you too...........you don't move fast enough you will be painted cream
maybe with violets on top
i have to say
i got no energy lately
i don't know totally what is going on but i got no get up and go
it is highly annoying
and my SIL colleen is coming in like three weeks
i am not ready
oh and to thems of yous who went or are going to sheep and wool...........
SNIFF
i can't go again this year
which sucks
i am heartbroken but really i can't swing it with my SIL coming
good thing she is my favorite sister in law
meanwhile i will sit here...sniff................. knitting my placemats,........sniff
without any fiber therapy...........sniff........ and you all know who you are........sniff
oye
meanwhile i am loving these new computer glasses
i can DRAW with them
this is a very good thing as i have to log a lot more drafting table time
ok off to juggle duckies
Friday, May 01, 2009
juggling duckies
falstaff broke his wife
he mated her so often and with such passion..........
he ripped the feathers out of the back of her little head and she was all bloody
soooooooooooooo
she got a break and
HE got quarantined
yup
he's in DUCK jail
(it's like lamb jail but with feathers instead of wool)
i put him in the A frame yesterday and her in the day pen against the house
today she is getting the A frame
and he is getting the day pen against the house
only i am going to MOVE the A frame over a bit to give her grazing
why should HE be rewarded for breaking his wife?
such is duck love i suppose but me the momma human decided to intervene
and i am cautiously guarded in stating that my duckies currently are without PMS
my lillianna RAN up to me to be petting wagging her tail
and then ate a bug
all appears to be well in our little duckie world
now the new pullets are laying betteri am starting to get my three eggies a day......so here is a picture of one of them
it was taken through the poultry netting on the top of their pen, that's why it looks a bit odd
and no she isn't grayish
she is a buff orpington
but this photo was taken in Black and White
why you ask?
well it makes it easier for me to draw later when the original is in black an white
YES i am STILL drawing
and now with the new computer glasses, i can actually SEE what the hell i been drawing..........so far not too bad!
i need to give it a lot more time however
i am hoping for rain
i should go and plant beans
and if it DOES rain i just may
possibly cucs too
my garden is a total mess, between all the medical issues and then my back, and then the DROUGHT HERE
oh man
but the lettuces and greens up here are doing well so far
i think i need to get back to the chiro soon, i am still twingie..........
i haven't heard from carol for a few days
i have emailed but i am afraid of calling her cause i make her laugh
(it's like pavloves dogs......... only instead of hearing a bell and salivating....people hear my voice and start to laugh)
i am knitting cotton placemats, currently in peaches and cream cotton
the one i am using for this set is a pastel ombre in sort of dusky pastels
then i will do a set in bright pastel ombre
i have to do some knitted baby stuff.........IN GREEN
oh man what the hell is this with everyone wanting GREEN
i dyed tunis green for sandie
i am looking for a bright yellowish lime green for deb
foamy wants green for the new baby
GREEN?
why not a nice bright magenta?
i love magenta
especially when it's mixed with orange and yellow
i am spinning a nice deep heathery magenta that is going to be plied with a deep red/orange/magenta ply and a yellow/orange/copper ply
then knit into a neckwrap/scarf...........possible cowl for ME
for the express purpose of wearing coppery shawl pins
come next winter
meanwhile
the old and decrepid apple trees are in bloom
so it must be spring
morning everyone
Thursday, April 30, 2009
computer glasses are a wonder
i had ordered computer glasses
they came yesterday
COPPER frames
wow
i got them on now
what a HUGE difference
i got them from eyebuydirect
(go through the glassyeyes.blogspot.com website for a discount)
i liked them so much i ordered 2 pairs of regular bifocals from them
one pair with sunglass tint.....
less then 82.00 for the TOTAL order (that includes the 2 pairs and shipping)
these frames are NICE
they are sturdy but lightweight
and the best part is i have a large difference between my PD=pupillary distance, almost 1/4 inch ( which is most unusual......but what would you expect from me?)
and these folks used the split measurements instead of the combined
and it makes a HUGE difference, as with the combined PD i get a real problem with my right eye, and it feels like it's being pushed
now it feels wonderful so this is the way we go from now on
i think i am going to get one more tweek......
bifocals with my distance from regular and maybe this computer distance modification for the close up
but if these all work i am home free
i may try one more pair of progressives this time from eyebuydirect
the first pair was from goggles4U, and while the distance and intermediate are fine
i am thinking they didn't get the pd right
cause my right eye has 'issues'
last nights supper
boneless chicken breast with a 'creamy mushroom sauce' (at bernie's request, i used the dried mushrooms for it)
over rice with salad
not too bad
i had a huge salad for lunch
as this is the start of salad weather
and we LOVES US some salad weather
this weekend is sheep and wool
mdsw
i can't go
and this time it's breaking my heart
i haven't been to mdsw in a few years now......
however with colleen coming there is way too much to do around here so we can't go
but i do fully intend on endless mountains and rhinebeck
no discussion at all about it
COLLEEN PREPS:
i still need some stuff that was on my shopping list
tub mat
pillow cases
her gift basket
plus a lot of make ahead meals that she'll eat
she SAYS she'll eat anything
then we served her that mixed grill we do with sweet peppers, mushrooms, onions all marinated in red wine with chicken
she didn't like it
and a few other things we love she hated
so i know she'll eat spaghetti
grilled chicken without marinades over rice
salads
and i plan on the big summer supper salads i make
the day before she comes i will boil up a dozen eggs and peel and chop them
get shrimps
raviolis
shred carrots, cabbage, onions
and generally have a LOT of the components ready
i will make a few BIG jars of dressings
vinaigrette
caesar
blue cheese
and i will make up some croutons
garlic
sourdough
what do you guys think?
any suggestions?
i need to get cupcake papers as i want to make a few batches of iced cupcakes
bernie is bored of cakes
and i figured if i make up pretty cupcakes that will be a good fast snack/dessert
along with icecream of course
i want to make some since we unearthed the icecream freezer
cinnamon (it's out of this world, but kids hate it)
mint without chips
butter pecan praline
peach
COFFEE
coffee mocha swirl
blueberry cheesecake
hmmm is anyway hungry yet?
they came yesterday
COPPER frames
wow
i got them on now
what a HUGE difference
i got them from eyebuydirect
(go through the glassyeyes.blogspot.com website for a discount)
i liked them so much i ordered 2 pairs of regular bifocals from them
one pair with sunglass tint.....
less then 82.00 for the TOTAL order (that includes the 2 pairs and shipping)
these frames are NICE
they are sturdy but lightweight
and the best part is i have a large difference between my PD=pupillary distance, almost 1/4 inch ( which is most unusual......but what would you expect from me?)
and these folks used the split measurements instead of the combined
and it makes a HUGE difference, as with the combined PD i get a real problem with my right eye, and it feels like it's being pushed
now it feels wonderful so this is the way we go from now on
i think i am going to get one more tweek......
bifocals with my distance from regular and maybe this computer distance modification for the close up
but if these all work i am home free
i may try one more pair of progressives this time from eyebuydirect
the first pair was from goggles4U, and while the distance and intermediate are fine
i am thinking they didn't get the pd right
cause my right eye has 'issues'
last nights supper
boneless chicken breast with a 'creamy mushroom sauce' (at bernie's request, i used the dried mushrooms for it)
over rice with salad
not too bad
i had a huge salad for lunch
as this is the start of salad weather
and we LOVES US some salad weather
this weekend is sheep and wool
mdsw
i can't go
and this time it's breaking my heart
i haven't been to mdsw in a few years now......
however with colleen coming there is way too much to do around here so we can't go
but i do fully intend on endless mountains and rhinebeck
no discussion at all about it
COLLEEN PREPS:
i still need some stuff that was on my shopping list
tub mat
pillow cases
her gift basket
plus a lot of make ahead meals that she'll eat
she SAYS she'll eat anything
then we served her that mixed grill we do with sweet peppers, mushrooms, onions all marinated in red wine with chicken
she didn't like it
and a few other things we love she hated
so i know she'll eat spaghetti
grilled chicken without marinades over rice
salads
and i plan on the big summer supper salads i make
the day before she comes i will boil up a dozen eggs and peel and chop them
get shrimps
raviolis
shred carrots, cabbage, onions
and generally have a LOT of the components ready
i will make a few BIG jars of dressings
vinaigrette
caesar
blue cheese
and i will make up some croutons
garlic
sourdough
what do you guys think?
any suggestions?
i need to get cupcake papers as i want to make a few batches of iced cupcakes
bernie is bored of cakes
and i figured if i make up pretty cupcakes that will be a good fast snack/dessert
along with icecream of course
i want to make some since we unearthed the icecream freezer
cinnamon (it's out of this world, but kids hate it)
mint without chips
butter pecan praline
peach
COFFEE
coffee mocha swirl
blueberry cheesecake
hmmm is anyway hungry yet?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
first tick of the season
yup yup
today
(this will post tomorrw...........so it was last night...... i am soooooo confusing myself)
it's in a pill bottle for when the doctor tells me
'you can't have lyme disease'
ok
here are the ticks
town
i got a lot of stuff for when colleen comes
and i saw a BIG wading pool that the duckies MUST have
they MUST
they can SWIM a bit in it
i wish i could give them a 50 X 50 foot square pond with fishes to swim AFTER
but i can't do that easily here
so
they have the wading pools
they don't seem to mind
but i get so much of a charge out of watching them in the water that i want them to have a bigger pond to play in
i am waiting on bernie
i have to run for milk and some other odds and ends
i didn't do it today
so i asked him if we could go together tonight
hoping that we would just hop over to the store where the BIG wading pool is
hahahahah
it will fit in HIS van
there is a methold to my madness you know
and after all that
salad for supper
yup
it's that time of year
today
(this will post tomorrw...........so it was last night...... i am soooooo confusing myself)
it's in a pill bottle for when the doctor tells me
'you can't have lyme disease'
ok
here are the ticks
town
i got a lot of stuff for when colleen comes
and i saw a BIG wading pool that the duckies MUST have
they MUST
they can SWIM a bit in it
i wish i could give them a 50 X 50 foot square pond with fishes to swim AFTER
but i can't do that easily here
so
they have the wading pools
they don't seem to mind
but i get so much of a charge out of watching them in the water that i want them to have a bigger pond to play in
i am waiting on bernie
i have to run for milk and some other odds and ends
i didn't do it today
so i asked him if we could go together tonight
hoping that we would just hop over to the store where the BIG wading pool is
hahahahah
it will fit in HIS van
there is a methold to my madness you know
and after all that
salad for supper
yup
it's that time of year
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
off we go to town
today is an 'in town' day
i have errands and shopping
new shower curtains
bath mat
an area rug
new pillows ( for my SIL visit)
pepper mill for bernie
then to the dollar store
i would like some sort of unbreakable dishes for outside
in some sort of fun and happy colors
sherbert colors would make me happy
with some mugs to match
i think i need 6 mugs,
4 dinner plates
4 sandwich plates
4 salad bowls
4 desert bowls
i am thinking if i can't get unbreakable
i may get glass! clear and then make pretty napkins and placemats
(i am knitting some easter colored cottons ones right now)
although with bernie........maybe i shouldn't get glass?
or if i do........also get a serving CART
i am going to need a pitcher as well
while i am out i would like to check out some annuals
i planted some
nasturiums and marigolds
i forgot to plant the morning glory and the petunias
i probably should think about doing that this week
it's hot here now
bernie put in the bedroom AC and we put it on last night
as i had started not sleeping again
2 nights in a row
so before that became the norm again
he put in the AC
i am going to try and get a better video of the duckies......now that i know it can be done
i would like to try and get one of my little cleo happily splashing in the duck pool
she isn't laying any eggs at all now
which i am ok with
i sort of worry about her not laying
but she seems ok to me........she's so tiny that if she never lays another egg i will be fine as long as she is happy and healthy
her carunkling is a nice shade of red
her eyes clear and her feathers look wonderful...........so i think she's healthy...she sure is active and has a good appetite
i am trying to figure a way for the new duckie to get into the larger pools
her little one will let her bath
but not let her splash like the girls can
i wish i had a 9 foot across by 12 inch deep pool for them
just so they could swim a little
cleo is so tiny that she can swim in the baby wading pools
but the others can't
ok off i go
i have errands and shopping
new shower curtains
bath mat
an area rug
new pillows ( for my SIL visit)
pepper mill for bernie
then to the dollar store
i would like some sort of unbreakable dishes for outside
in some sort of fun and happy colors
sherbert colors would make me happy
with some mugs to match
i think i need 6 mugs,
4 dinner plates
4 sandwich plates
4 salad bowls
4 desert bowls
i am thinking if i can't get unbreakable
i may get glass! clear and then make pretty napkins and placemats
(i am knitting some easter colored cottons ones right now)
although with bernie........maybe i shouldn't get glass?
or if i do........also get a serving CART
i am going to need a pitcher as well
while i am out i would like to check out some annuals
i planted some
nasturiums and marigolds
i forgot to plant the morning glory and the petunias
i probably should think about doing that this week
it's hot here now
bernie put in the bedroom AC and we put it on last night
as i had started not sleeping again
2 nights in a row
so before that became the norm again
he put in the AC
i am going to try and get a better video of the duckies......now that i know it can be done
i would like to try and get one of my little cleo happily splashing in the duck pool
she isn't laying any eggs at all now
which i am ok with
i sort of worry about her not laying
but she seems ok to me........she's so tiny that if she never lays another egg i will be fine as long as she is happy and healthy
her carunkling is a nice shade of red
her eyes clear and her feathers look wonderful...........so i think she's healthy...she sure is active and has a good appetite
i am trying to figure a way for the new duckie to get into the larger pools
her little one will let her bath
but not let her splash like the girls can
i wish i had a 9 foot across by 12 inch deep pool for them
just so they could swim a little
cleo is so tiny that she can swim in the baby wading pools
but the others can't
ok off i go
Monday, April 27, 2009
69 degrees
when i woke up at 6am
i am thinking i am going to have fussy duckies
but i am thinking also that i am going to have COFFEE out on the deck this morning
as bernie put up the table and umbrella so i can watch the trees leaf out
my duckie video may have been a disaster
i am trying to upload duckie video
this is my second try
i can't believe i got them on the camera
a whole two minutes of them!!!
complete with lillianna squeaking at me
which reminds me
i have to get them out now
so i will do that i think while this is loading and processing
Sunday, April 26, 2009
yesterday was a day for the twilight zone
it started off normal enough i suppose
we got up and had coffee
talked about the day ahead
bernie had to run to the feed store for chicken and duck chow
when he got home he told me that there was a black and white cat that had been run over in the road in front of our house
did i know who's it was
well duh
it's jackass'
i went out later to make sure
and found it had been MOVED by someone onto our front lawn
no doubt a good samaritan trying to spare us the worst of what they figured was our pet
this naturally upset bernie so he went out and tossed the dead cat into the road
(not in the middle just off our lawn)
fast forward a bit
i was out with the duckies (who btw are pretty much ALL suffering from pms and bitching at me like you all wouldn't believe, i am going to try and get a short video..it will crack you all up)
bernie was working on the duck domicile
we heard the squeal of brakes and see a van on the uphill neighbors front LAWN
not just off the road a bit
but completely parked on the front lawn
a kid gets out and we hear a woman screaming at this kid
the kid grabs the dead cat by the tail and SWINGING IT
walks to the van and puts it in the back
the whole time this broad is screaming 'you f***ing think this is funny???'
i said to bernie
'WHO IS THAT??????'
turns out it is mrs jackass.......and her demon spawn
coming to get their cat
they have a LOT of cats
they never keep them in or neuter them
they get eatten by coyote and run over all the time
as have a few of their dogs
this cat they come get?
and they park on the neighbors LAWN to do it?
bernie said they were probably going to eat it
as they told the cops when the deer was hit that they were going to eat that
(even though the deer was wounded and down for 45 minutes before someone finally shot and killed the poor thing)
believe me
this whole incident was surreal
oh man
ok now
i have to go take the irritable duckies out
i will no doubt get told off
i will however try to get a video of it
as i just found out this camera will take short videos
so if i can
i will post that for you all
to show how my duckies treat their momma when they have pms
(told you all....demon duckies from hell)
we got up and had coffee
talked about the day ahead
bernie had to run to the feed store for chicken and duck chow
when he got home he told me that there was a black and white cat that had been run over in the road in front of our house
did i know who's it was
well duh
it's jackass'
i went out later to make sure
and found it had been MOVED by someone onto our front lawn
no doubt a good samaritan trying to spare us the worst of what they figured was our pet
this naturally upset bernie so he went out and tossed the dead cat into the road
(not in the middle just off our lawn)
fast forward a bit
i was out with the duckies (who btw are pretty much ALL suffering from pms and bitching at me like you all wouldn't believe, i am going to try and get a short video..it will crack you all up)
bernie was working on the duck domicile
we heard the squeal of brakes and see a van on the uphill neighbors front LAWN
not just off the road a bit
but completely parked on the front lawn
a kid gets out and we hear a woman screaming at this kid
the kid grabs the dead cat by the tail and SWINGING IT
walks to the van and puts it in the back
the whole time this broad is screaming 'you f***ing think this is funny???'
i said to bernie
'WHO IS THAT??????'
turns out it is mrs jackass.......and her demon spawn
coming to get their cat
they have a LOT of cats
they never keep them in or neuter them
they get eatten by coyote and run over all the time
as have a few of their dogs
this cat they come get?
and they park on the neighbors LAWN to do it?
bernie said they were probably going to eat it
as they told the cops when the deer was hit that they were going to eat that
(even though the deer was wounded and down for 45 minutes before someone finally shot and killed the poor thing)
believe me
this whole incident was surreal
oh man
ok now
i have to go take the irritable duckies out
i will no doubt get told off
i will however try to get a video of it
as i just found out this camera will take short videos
so if i can
i will post that for you all
to show how my duckies treat their momma when they have pms
(told you all....demon duckies from hell)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
sandie came and carol update
first carol..............
she is home FINALLY
she got home yesterday
she is able to walk a few steps
her husband is great with telling me what is going on.
as i can't speak to her for at least a week
as i will make her laugh and that is NOT a good thing for someone who just had a double mastectomy and reconstruction
but she is getting better
now Sandie is very funny and has two cutie doggies
the girl doggie reminded me so much of my beloved kisses
she is smart, pretty and totally lovable
and the BOY doggies......... is a riot...
hahahaha
studly dudley
he is a sweet boy
we laughed and spun and sandie showed me her alpaca roving that she spun up and is knitting ice queen from knitty in
it looks wonderful
she was spinning some mohair in a very nice butterscotch color
i was spinning magenta which is heathering up very nicely and now i am thinking...
maybe i shouldn't ply it with the orange and copper?
oye
i made smouthered pork chops, rice and brussels sprouts for lunch
i am so glad that sandie stopped here, i hope she comes down regularly
and i am going to see if i can go up there
i told her she needed fiber therapy..........
regular fiber therapy
it was a nice day
not too hot
not too cold
the ducks were subdued and didn't yell at me for not taking them out of the pens cause they saw the dogs
which was a good thing cause lillianna was telling me off for about 20 minutes this morning
she told bernie off last night after she finished telling me off
i threw her in the pond to see if that would cool her off
nope
she is still telling everyone off
ever been told off by a duck?
try it sometimes........
ok i am going to schedule this to post in the early AM
as i have to get to the feed store tomorrow morning
so ttyl
she is home FINALLY
she got home yesterday
she is able to walk a few steps
her husband is great with telling me what is going on.
as i can't speak to her for at least a week
as i will make her laugh and that is NOT a good thing for someone who just had a double mastectomy and reconstruction
but she is getting better
now Sandie is very funny and has two cutie doggies
the girl doggie reminded me so much of my beloved kisses
she is smart, pretty and totally lovable
and the BOY doggies......... is a riot...
hahahaha
studly dudley
he is a sweet boy
we laughed and spun and sandie showed me her alpaca roving that she spun up and is knitting ice queen from knitty in
it looks wonderful
she was spinning some mohair in a very nice butterscotch color
i was spinning magenta which is heathering up very nicely and now i am thinking...
maybe i shouldn't ply it with the orange and copper?
oye
i made smouthered pork chops, rice and brussels sprouts for lunch
i am so glad that sandie stopped here, i hope she comes down regularly
and i am going to see if i can go up there
i told her she needed fiber therapy..........
regular fiber therapy
it was a nice day
not too hot
not too cold
the ducks were subdued and didn't yell at me for not taking them out of the pens cause they saw the dogs
which was a good thing cause lillianna was telling me off for about 20 minutes this morning
she told bernie off last night after she finished telling me off
i threw her in the pond to see if that would cool her off
nope
she is still telling everyone off
ever been told off by a duck?
try it sometimes........
ok i am going to schedule this to post in the early AM
as i have to get to the feed store tomorrow morning
so ttyl
Friday, April 24, 2009
TURKEY!!!!!! doing the wild thing in the morning...
i heard what i thought was a dog yapping
but it didn't quite sound like a dog.........
in fact the closer it got
the more it didn't sound like a dog
there is only one other sound it could be
'is that a TURKEY?'
no shit
it was a wild turkey tom followed by a couple of hens
he was displaying right in front of our driveway
i went downstairs to grab the camera thinking
ohohoho no one is going to BELIEVE THIS
and he was gone
now years ago BJC *before jackass came*
we had flocks that moved through here twice a day
BIG ones
28 birds i counted once
and while i am glad to see these birds back
i also know it is because of the building and their habitate shrinking
but it was a nice way to get out of bed this morning
adding to what i am expecting to be a fabulously wonderful day
SANDIE is coming to see us!
we are going to spin and laugh and talk and play with the animals
i have duck eggs for her
fresh from my girls
who btw
need to be going out in a few minutes
and i need my coffee which in my excitement i didn't make yet
ok all ttyl
but it didn't quite sound like a dog.........
in fact the closer it got
the more it didn't sound like a dog
there is only one other sound it could be
'is that a TURKEY?'
no shit
it was a wild turkey tom followed by a couple of hens
he was displaying right in front of our driveway
i went downstairs to grab the camera thinking
ohohoho no one is going to BELIEVE THIS
and he was gone
now years ago BJC *before jackass came*
we had flocks that moved through here twice a day
BIG ones
28 birds i counted once
and while i am glad to see these birds back
i also know it is because of the building and their habitate shrinking
but it was a nice way to get out of bed this morning
adding to what i am expecting to be a fabulously wonderful day
SANDIE is coming to see us!
we are going to spin and laugh and talk and play with the animals
i have duck eggs for her
fresh from my girls
who btw
need to be going out in a few minutes
and i need my coffee which in my excitement i didn't make yet
ok all ttyl
Thursday, April 23, 2009
coffee in the morning
one of life's little pleasures
and it gets me a bit reflective ( warning it's not the best post in the begining but stick with me folks...it gets better)
i was reading a bit on msnbc about stress, etc
apparently during this current depression ( labeled recession so as not to scare us)
people are experiencing stress!
imagine THAT....................!
and following the stress is depression......
oh MY will it never END?
(ok i will hold off some of my sarcasm over the irony of it all)
ok let's review a bit
and it gets me a bit reflective ( warning it's not the best post in the begining but stick with me folks...it gets better)
i was reading a bit on msnbc about stress, etc
apparently during this current depression ( labeled recession so as not to scare us)
people are experiencing stress!
imagine THAT....................!
and following the stress is depression......
oh MY will it never END?
(ok i will hold off some of my sarcasm over the irony of it all)
ok let's review a bit
- tons of folks are laid off
- food prices etc are through the roof
- the goverment is trying to help by bailing out failing industries
- the failing industries are taking the money and running
- jobs are going to third world countries
- and our population is aging to the point where we need more help and money
did i cover it all?
no wonder we are all nutso and stressed.
it's a question of 'where do we turn?'
the safety nets we thought were in place have all either gone away totally ...............
or are so holey that we are falling through
if we still have our jobs, we worry will we have them tomorrow
if we are out of work......
we worry will we get work
lose the house
feed my family
now on that cheery note
at least a lot of us are trying to do something
we are increasing our self sufficency
some folks are breaking ground for their very first gardens
learning to grow their own
keeping chickens is getting HUGE
(CHICKENS are the NEW knitting hahahahah)
i would like to get involved and see others get involved with more do it yourself solar projects
a friend of mine (hi dorothy)
is working on just that
she emailed me about it and it is fascinating
and doable!
and not the money sink we all have seen to this point
(dorothy could you email me it all again, i will post it to the blog to help others and so i can remember......cause my memory lately is not so good)
i think that down the line, recycling will be huge out of necessity
and that can be a very good thing
i will also venture that some stuff will be like an 'altered art' type thing
we will figure good design out of stuff and recycled or repurposed will be a very trendy thing to do
all good for us
the planet
the enviroment
i am also thinking that this all eventually will be good all the way around
but the transistion will be tough
at least for a while
change always is tough no?
even good change can be stressful
now with all this
from where i sit
i realized a few things
when i write this blog
i can go from a place of stress and fear and worry
and work backwards to see a bigger picture
then see where some of the 'worst things'
really are the clouds that cover the silver lining
for that
i thank you folks who do read me out there
and comment
(especially you all that comment, either here or by email.......since then i know i am not talking to air)
today i wish you all the discovery of one good thing the depression has given you
be it a renewed determination to be more self sufficient
or a bit of time to spend with your family because your hours are cut a bit
we all need to remind each other
so today this post is my reminder to you all
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
a ducks daily life
i thought that perhaps i would tell you all the daily life of the duckies
as i got told off roundly yesterday by a certain ms lillianna for being late getting them out
morning:
'GOOD MORNING duckies, rise and shine..............time to go out in the day pen'
(cheeping and grumbling from the duckies who seem to think we should have been out HOURS and DAYS ago- hissing from falstaff)
i fill the food troughs with a mix of either layer or maintenance food, scratch, gravel, and for the layers, oyster shell
open the basement door and the duckies crate door
out they tumble (no kidding they still tumble out)
we walk back to the day pen
sorta
we start to walk back and first there is the morning 'decorate the driveway' squirts
where mom gets to see what duckies have eaten that i didn't know about
multiple colors
some days black ( too much garden soil in search of worms)
green ( way too much fresh greens)
brown ( i don't want to know)
tan ( only duck chow)
and so on
we have a wing stretch and then they RUN off to hunt worms
while i walk their food ( and when i am feeling better again) their full water buckets down to their day pen
i let them graze a bit lately as it was a LONG winter for little ducks
then off they go to the day pen for a few hours of eating and drinking and hanging out
meanwhile after that falstaff goes into his day pen with his food trough and bucket of water
he's a good boy and i just open his crate door now...... and the pen door and he goes right in
he doesn't really want to graze, if i let him he just runs down to the babies pen and tries to jump them so no letting falstaff to graze ( although now with his new wife, he will be getting a mobile day pen just like the girls have to graze in during the day)
his new wife follows him in and out without giving me a problem so that is a very good thing
some time during the day ( and sometimes MULTIPLE times during the day, weather dependant)
i go out and let the duckies out to graze and bath and just spend quality time with them
during this time i may also clean their night crates
and i normally bring them all some sort of treat
lettuce
cabbage
tomatoes
oatmeal raisin cookies
if it's warmish and rainy they won't be interested in my treats but will be on the hunt for worms
i have mighty worm hunters
i watched lilli schelp up the BIGGEST worm yesterday
i thought it would eat HER
but she got it
after 'walksies' they go back in their pen to digest or preen if they bathed
i also give them walksies right before bed
on the way in
unless the weather is really cold
and like any other kids.....they don't always WANT to go to bed
they run here and there and sometimes get into falstaff's pen
or go in to see the chickens ( the chickens HATE THAT)
but eventually they end up in their pen
falstaff comes in
and i tell them good night duckies........tomorrow is another day
and turn their lights out
now when they are out on walksies
i get to pet them
hug them and generally spend time with them
they take turns nibbling my boots
sometimes i take a chair out and sit with them
and sometimes i sit on a hay bale and they sit next to me
they do love to be carried............. lazy duckies that they are
and they love under their chins rubbed
spoiled duckies that they are
i will tell you all that the duckies, chickens, and cats make me laugh so very hard
they light my life up daily
I highly recommend them to you all
get yourself some poultry and spend some time with them
they will slow you down and calm you down
and give you breakfast
there ........your health tip for the day
as i got told off roundly yesterday by a certain ms lillianna for being late getting them out
morning:
'GOOD MORNING duckies, rise and shine..............time to go out in the day pen'
(cheeping and grumbling from the duckies who seem to think we should have been out HOURS and DAYS ago- hissing from falstaff)
i fill the food troughs with a mix of either layer or maintenance food, scratch, gravel, and for the layers, oyster shell
open the basement door and the duckies crate door
out they tumble (no kidding they still tumble out)
we walk back to the day pen
sorta
we start to walk back and first there is the morning 'decorate the driveway' squirts
where mom gets to see what duckies have eaten that i didn't know about
multiple colors
some days black ( too much garden soil in search of worms)
green ( way too much fresh greens)
brown ( i don't want to know)
tan ( only duck chow)
and so on
we have a wing stretch and then they RUN off to hunt worms
while i walk their food ( and when i am feeling better again) their full water buckets down to their day pen
i let them graze a bit lately as it was a LONG winter for little ducks
then off they go to the day pen for a few hours of eating and drinking and hanging out
meanwhile after that falstaff goes into his day pen with his food trough and bucket of water
he's a good boy and i just open his crate door now...... and the pen door and he goes right in
he doesn't really want to graze, if i let him he just runs down to the babies pen and tries to jump them so no letting falstaff to graze ( although now with his new wife, he will be getting a mobile day pen just like the girls have to graze in during the day)
his new wife follows him in and out without giving me a problem so that is a very good thing
some time during the day ( and sometimes MULTIPLE times during the day, weather dependant)
i go out and let the duckies out to graze and bath and just spend quality time with them
during this time i may also clean their night crates
and i normally bring them all some sort of treat
lettuce
cabbage
tomatoes
oatmeal raisin cookies
if it's warmish and rainy they won't be interested in my treats but will be on the hunt for worms
i have mighty worm hunters
i watched lilli schelp up the BIGGEST worm yesterday
i thought it would eat HER
but she got it
after 'walksies' they go back in their pen to digest or preen if they bathed
i also give them walksies right before bed
on the way in
unless the weather is really cold
and like any other kids.....they don't always WANT to go to bed
they run here and there and sometimes get into falstaff's pen
or go in to see the chickens ( the chickens HATE THAT)
but eventually they end up in their pen
falstaff comes in
and i tell them good night duckies........tomorrow is another day
and turn their lights out
now when they are out on walksies
i get to pet them
hug them and generally spend time with them
they take turns nibbling my boots
sometimes i take a chair out and sit with them
and sometimes i sit on a hay bale and they sit next to me
they do love to be carried............. lazy duckies that they are
and they love under their chins rubbed
spoiled duckies that they are
i will tell you all that the duckies, chickens, and cats make me laugh so very hard
they light my life up daily
I highly recommend them to you all
get yourself some poultry and spend some time with them
they will slow you down and calm you down
and give you breakfast
there ........your health tip for the day
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
rain rain rain....overnight rain
it was so very hard that it woke me up
i listened to what sounded like a river and wondered if i should go down and check the chickens
i am hoping the basement isn't flooded
then i was up thinking of how to bed the birds down in case of flooding and i came up with an idea
i can put them in the wading pools with bedding instead of water
so that is going to be done i think today
i have the purple pool that is not being used right now
and i know i want to get another larger pool anyway
i may need a second pair of hands to round up pullets but that is ok
i have to get another set of drawing pens, as i still haven't found my rapidographs
(ok i found part of one, but that ain't gonna cut it)
i have a 50% off coupon at ac moore so i am thinking.......another set is 7 bucks and change then
i have to go to town anyway today so that is on my list i believe
my varifocal progressive lens.......i am still adjusting
i think i will actually get used to them
if i could get the frames adjusted ( we haven't been able to get up there)
i think they would be fine
or if i tape them to my head....... ( don't laugh.........i am about to)
oh and i ordered computer glasses
in copper
less then 28 bucks with the shipping
i couldn't go wrong
i could have however gone CHEAPER
but not by much so i figured ok
in fiber news, i finished the twisted vine scarf in oranges.......the oranges are more bittersweet then bright so i decided to give them a light rinse with a cranberry dye
the remainder of that skein i cast on a simple triangle scarf/shawlette........which will also be over rinsed with dye and that one will then get some beads
in cranberry, grapey purple and deep golden yellow
but the beads won't be huge
probably size 6 seeds and an E bead every 4 rows on the edges ( tiny fringe)
just enough to weigh down the edges a bit to assist with drape?
i still haven't been able to dig the holes to plant the blueberries and blackberry
and one of the blueberries has flowers
little creamy white bells!
but i intend to get that done this weekend
i want my blueberry patch!
and my blackberry patch
and i want elderberry as well
( figure if i keep saying this on the blog i will remember to ORDER the elderberry)
ok i got to get going today
i listened to what sounded like a river and wondered if i should go down and check the chickens
i am hoping the basement isn't flooded
then i was up thinking of how to bed the birds down in case of flooding and i came up with an idea
i can put them in the wading pools with bedding instead of water
so that is going to be done i think today
i have the purple pool that is not being used right now
and i know i want to get another larger pool anyway
i may need a second pair of hands to round up pullets but that is ok
i have to get another set of drawing pens, as i still haven't found my rapidographs
(ok i found part of one, but that ain't gonna cut it)
i have a 50% off coupon at ac moore so i am thinking.......another set is 7 bucks and change then
i have to go to town anyway today so that is on my list i believe
my varifocal progressive lens.......i am still adjusting
i think i will actually get used to them
if i could get the frames adjusted ( we haven't been able to get up there)
i think they would be fine
or if i tape them to my head....... ( don't laugh.........i am about to)
oh and i ordered computer glasses
in copper
less then 28 bucks with the shipping
i couldn't go wrong
i could have however gone CHEAPER
but not by much so i figured ok
in fiber news, i finished the twisted vine scarf in oranges.......the oranges are more bittersweet then bright so i decided to give them a light rinse with a cranberry dye
the remainder of that skein i cast on a simple triangle scarf/shawlette........which will also be over rinsed with dye and that one will then get some beads
in cranberry, grapey purple and deep golden yellow
but the beads won't be huge
probably size 6 seeds and an E bead every 4 rows on the edges ( tiny fringe)
just enough to weigh down the edges a bit to assist with drape?
i still haven't been able to dig the holes to plant the blueberries and blackberry
and one of the blueberries has flowers
little creamy white bells!
but i intend to get that done this weekend
i want my blueberry patch!
and my blackberry patch
and i want elderberry as well
( figure if i keep saying this on the blog i will remember to ORDER the elderberry)
ok i got to get going today
Monday, April 20, 2009
spring has arrived for real and certain
the apples are budding out
the lettuces are up and getting second leaves
and it's raining a bit today
if i can manage
i am going to put falstaff and his new wife out in the Aframe
we won't tell bernie ok?
cause he said i shouldn't do it
but i am feeling better and if i use the dolly i should be ok no?
i am going to have to not only NAME the new duck soon
but i have to teach her to go in and out on her own two feet
i am trying to get used to these new varifocal glasses
i haven't ever had bifocals or varifocals just single vision before
so it's a bit disconcerting
stairs ironically do not bother me
READING however does
and i realized i need two other things ( does it ever freeken END?)
i need a real computer desk with a drawer for the keyboard (cause this table isn't deep enough to put the monitor far enough away now with these new glasses)
and i need computer glasses
oye
bernie fixed the oven and even put the new light bulb in it
and CLEANED IT for me
(it was a self cleaning but once a long time ago bernie cleaned it with oven cleaner while i was out and we haven't been able to use the self cleaning thing since)
it's so nice i just want to bake a ton!
i am still taking it easy
my back is still not perfect but a lot better
it is 'twingie'
and 'poppie'
i am probably going to have to go back
but it's hugely better
i can bend over again............very slowly but without pain and without ASPIRIN or tylanol
so i count that as getting better
also i am not in the constant pain
which almost drove me over the edge
now
a friend of mine is coming down friday
i can't wait to see her
i have to clean the bathroom
and i need to make her a casserole for lunch
she loves casseroles and soup
i was hoping the lettuces would be up enough for a dinner salad
and it would be warm enough for the patio table etc to come out
but bernie didn't think the weather warrented the furniture
and the lettuces JUST got their second leaves
it amazes me how the plants germinated but just sort of 'hung' there
after the past few days of heat........boom second leaves
now we got rain so they should be happy
and i need to fertilize them
seaweed and fish for this meal for the plants
manure tea for the next
and cat hair all over them cause we got a cheeky squirrel that likes to dig in my planters
ha TAKE THAT you pesky squirrel...........
next it will be BLOOD MEAL
and you hate that
hahahahahahah
ok nature calls so off i go
the lettuces are up and getting second leaves
and it's raining a bit today
if i can manage
i am going to put falstaff and his new wife out in the Aframe
we won't tell bernie ok?
cause he said i shouldn't do it
but i am feeling better and if i use the dolly i should be ok no?
i am going to have to not only NAME the new duck soon
but i have to teach her to go in and out on her own two feet
i am trying to get used to these new varifocal glasses
i haven't ever had bifocals or varifocals just single vision before
so it's a bit disconcerting
stairs ironically do not bother me
READING however does
and i realized i need two other things ( does it ever freeken END?)
i need a real computer desk with a drawer for the keyboard (cause this table isn't deep enough to put the monitor far enough away now with these new glasses)
and i need computer glasses
oye
bernie fixed the oven and even put the new light bulb in it
and CLEANED IT for me
(it was a self cleaning but once a long time ago bernie cleaned it with oven cleaner while i was out and we haven't been able to use the self cleaning thing since)
it's so nice i just want to bake a ton!
i am still taking it easy
my back is still not perfect but a lot better
it is 'twingie'
and 'poppie'
i am probably going to have to go back
but it's hugely better
i can bend over again............very slowly but without pain and without ASPIRIN or tylanol
so i count that as getting better
also i am not in the constant pain
which almost drove me over the edge
now
a friend of mine is coming down friday
i can't wait to see her
i have to clean the bathroom
and i need to make her a casserole for lunch
she loves casseroles and soup
i was hoping the lettuces would be up enough for a dinner salad
and it would be warm enough for the patio table etc to come out
but bernie didn't think the weather warrented the furniture
and the lettuces JUST got their second leaves
it amazes me how the plants germinated but just sort of 'hung' there
after the past few days of heat........boom second leaves
now we got rain so they should be happy
and i need to fertilize them
seaweed and fish for this meal for the plants
manure tea for the next
and cat hair all over them cause we got a cheeky squirrel that likes to dig in my planters
ha TAKE THAT you pesky squirrel...........
next it will be BLOOD MEAL
and you hate that
hahahahahahah
ok nature calls so off i go
Sunday, April 19, 2009
carol is getting up today
her dh emailed me and told me she is to be gotten up today to walk
i got 5 very clean white duckies now 
and maybe she will come home Tuesday
i guess everyone's good thoughts helped her ( which reminds me, i need to check on that young girl up here with the brain tumor)
thank you so much everyone
now
it's warm here
i got 5 very clean white duckies now
as we filled the big pool for the girls
i have to get falstaff and his new wifey out there too
and then they need to graze as well
we still haven't named the new girl
who btw is HUGE compared to my baby duckikins
and lillianna always wants momma to pick her up
the others aren't as bad about that but lilli sure is
bernie swore yesterday that she was smiling when i picked her up and carried her to the house last night
which brings me to my back
it's apparently FINALLY on the mend
the pain i have is from the chiro moving bones around now mostly
i still have some twinges here and there
i will have to go back a few more times i think as now my legs hurt
but i think he can fix that too......it's all connected to the small of my back somehow
and yes i am still drawing
slowly right now due to back pain and new glasses but still drawing none the less
new glasses........mine arrived yesterday ( i got these from 'goggles4U, and bernie's from zenni optical)
the pink pair are my every day ones
and the red ones my sunglasses (shown without the sunglass lenses though here..it's from the website)
pretty cool huh?
lemme see
i got some wool moths
i got to start freezing wool
i have not been able to do much with my back but now i will be freezing wool daily
as to the other things on my list
bernie is going to finish the coops for the birds
i think they are too small though
he is doing a 6' square foot print for the chickens but with an elevated coop so that they have the full 6' square underneath, plus i am going to put outside roosts in as well
i think after that though we are going to extend the chicken and duck YARDS
the wire parts where they are out in the air
i can let the ducks free range with a bit more safety then the chickens
who are definitely hawk bait out there
although one option could be a sort of movable 'screen' house
anyway
that is in the works
the pullets are laying tiny eggies daily
so far it looks like two have started up laying
cause i get two different color eggs
yesterday someone BROKE their eggie
one of the chickens
oye
we went a 'food' shopping
just for loss leaders
10 things of mayo on sale for the summer
some meat on sale
a new coffee pot on sale *** the proctor silex one that is like 12 bucks and no whistles or blinking lights.......except has the interrupt.......its the BEST***
( i have to get a toaster, new shower curtains, bathmat, and two throw rugs as well as 4 new pillows before my SIL comes the end of may) i would like a RED toaster, four slice if possible
bernie fixed the oven,
i had ordered the element and it was delivered the very next day
so it took him like 15 minutes to fix it
and he cleaned the oven as well as replaced the light bulb that burnt out 10 YEARS ago
i can't wait to bake
( i am going to make a bunch of doughs to freeze for when colleen comes end of may)
the other thing.........we have to get a new mattress BEFORE colleen comes
i am reading online about stuff and apparently the basics are pretty much the same
and the coils come from the SAME manufacturer
so it all comes down to comfort and price is NO INDICATOR
good to know i think
so we probably will end up with the serta from sam's club and a memory foam topper that we add separately
i would LOVE a 24'' tall mattress/box spring simply cause i like the height and i like having to use a footstool to get into bed but it apparently isn't necessary
let me see
( gee i feel like i am coming out of a fog so i am trying to remember everything.....this back pain thing was BAD)
i have yet to plant the blueberries and the blackberry but soon
very soon actually
and i want elderberry, i want them NOW
i may have to wait on the cranberry for a while however
i may have to wait on the cranberry for a while however
which sorta sucks as i love cranberry
but elderberry i can definately do this year and i intend on it
what all else?
i think that's it
yes i am knitting
right now a 'twisted vine' scarf
next i think some christmas presents........( yup never too early huh?)
oh and we still haven't gotten a passenger seat for bernie's van yet
i need the seat base for it
he's got a seat stashed
have you ever tried to FIND a base for a vehicle seat
it ain't easy
trust me
oye
ok i gotta go now
nature calls
then of course.......there is breakfast
pullet eggies
mmmmmm
vi
Saturday, April 18, 2009
you all MUST see this
youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
especially if you are over 40
and a bit frumpy
get a tissue and be prepared
i sat here and cried and laughed
listen to me guys
and watch it to the END
you will all thank me for it
especially if you are over 40
and a bit frumpy
get a tissue and be prepared
i sat here and cried and laughed
listen to me guys
and watch it to the END
you will all thank me for it
Friday, April 17, 2009
carol update
she is out of surgery
and did very well
her dh said that she said hi to me and is having fun pushing the buttons on her morphine pump
i said to tell her
enjoy looking at her pedicure over her new perky boobs and flat as a board stomach
she will be ok i think
vi
thinking maybe i better knit her a bikini?
and did very well
her dh said that she said hi to me and is having fun pushing the buttons on her morphine pump
i said to tell her
enjoy looking at her pedicure over her new perky boobs and flat as a board stomach
she will be ok i think
vi
thinking maybe i better knit her a bikini?
i hadda dream
it was pretty weird but a nice change from my normal nightmares
(there was a study that happened years ago.......seems art students had more nightmares then other folks....duh)
a singer ( i think it was stevie wonder)
recieved either a large skein of yarn........or a knitted scarf/shawl
and started to bow to the right
he was facing a crowd of people
next thing i know
these cool bright multicolored low slung carton dragons joined him
for song and dance
and before i knew it
they were animated in the air dancing
it was a benefit for breast cancer
(yup weird dreams, but if you've read this blog for any length of time.....you know that already)
ok
today (right now actually) my friend carol is under the knife
double radical mastectomy and reconstruction
i keep calling it her boob job and tummy tuck
she's a bit scared
i am too
i don't want anything to happen to her
she is a wonderful person
you folks should know her
she also is funny as hell
talk about lucy and ethel
if you can give her a few thoughts today
i told her i would sit on her shoulders during surgery and tell her dirty jokes in her ear while they operate
(there was a study that happened years ago.......seems art students had more nightmares then other folks....duh)
a singer ( i think it was stevie wonder)
recieved either a large skein of yarn........or a knitted scarf/shawl
and started to bow to the right
he was facing a crowd of people
next thing i know
these cool bright multicolored low slung carton dragons joined him
for song and dance
and before i knew it
they were animated in the air dancing
it was a benefit for breast cancer
(yup weird dreams, but if you've read this blog for any length of time.....you know that already)
ok
today (right now actually) my friend carol is under the knife
double radical mastectomy and reconstruction
i keep calling it her boob job and tummy tuck
she's a bit scared
i am too
i don't want anything to happen to her
she is a wonderful person
you folks should know her
she also is funny as hell
talk about lucy and ethel
if you can give her a few thoughts today
i told her i would sit on her shoulders during surgery and tell her dirty jokes in her ear while they operate
Thursday, April 16, 2009
oh no this is getting old
i did it again
something to my back
this is now offically OLD
i am so sick of getting sick/hurt
i will be calling the chiro in a bit
how the hell can i plant beans with my back like THIS?
i can't even sit and knit!
would you believe..........i just rolled OVER?
yup that's it
shortly after bernie left the actual HOUSE
and yet while he was still in the driveway
i couldn't even get to the phone to call his cell
oh man
something to my back
this is now offically OLD
i am so sick of getting sick/hurt
i will be calling the chiro in a bit
how the hell can i plant beans with my back like THIS?
i can't even sit and knit!
would you believe..........i just rolled OVER?
yup that's it
shortly after bernie left the actual HOUSE
and yet while he was still in the driveway
i couldn't even get to the phone to call his cell
oh man
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
duckie names and laying PULLETS!!!!
it's that time again
we got to name her
she is one of us now
soooooooooooooooo
here are some
that i am considering
olethea
cassiopia
cassia
octavia ( although she is NOT the 8th duck)
cordelia
lavinia
parthenia
odessa
magdalena
i have already, cleo, phoebe, and lillianna
and the hens are marguerite, henrietta and dulcette
i dind't name the new pullets WHO BY THE WAY ARE LAYING
they started today 4-15-2009
and i can't reach the eggie
we got to name her
she is one of us now
soooooooooooooooo
here are some
that i am considering
olethea
cassiopia
cassia
octavia ( although she is NOT the 8th duck)
cordelia
lavinia
parthenia
odessa
magdalena
i have already, cleo, phoebe, and lillianna
and the hens are marguerite, henrietta and dulcette
i dind't name the new pullets WHO BY THE WAY ARE LAYING
they started today 4-15-2009
and i can't reach the eggie
every thing in slow motion
that's my world
slow mo
today i have to AGAIN go to town,..................
to the bank this time
then probably the post office
we received notice that the glasses we ordered on line have been shipped
bernie's are coming from zenni
mine from goggles4U
so i am hoping that by friday we all can see again
if mine are ok, ( new rx, new doc, new lab)
then i get a few more pairs
if mine are not...........then i go to the eye doctor AGAIN
i expect bernie's to be perfect
and i will get him the SAME pair again for leaving in the van
and a back up pair for work
as to the fiber pictures from yesterday
i am planning to spin that soon
i wish i could have run it through a drum carder first but
i will make due
i did some glitz in copper which i will intersperse throughout randomly
i wish i had the metalic copper angelina for this too
but i don't
i told bernie i wanted a drum carder for christmas
hahahaha
ok
what else?
today is a slow dragging day for me
i AM getting better but was in quite a bit of pain
i slept ok though
and woke up in a bit of pain
bernie said it was cause it's raining
i don't know
but i do know that the rain is welcome for my little garden
the seedlings i posted yesterday are out on the DECK, in a window box,
it makes more sense for me to put the salad greens there
as the slugs don't seem to bother them up there as much
plus it is RIGHT out the back door
i could use a bigger deck area however and more window boxes!
as i want to grow a LOT more greens
i would like at least 10 feet of mesclun growing before my sister in law gets here at the end of may
MDSW
i want to go
bernie said no
i need you ALL to call him and tell him he has to bring me
i have needs
fiber needs
i need silk lace weight 100's of yards of it
i NEED it in purples
i need it in raspberries
i need it in multicolored handpaints
seriously
i need a drum carder
i need fiber therapy after what was a VERY hard long terribly depressing winter
i need to see my kr fiber friends
(terribly needy ain't i ?)
hmmmmmmmm
one more thing i need is a new element for my oven
i am totally lost without my oven
( quick put a solar oven on the list)
ok now
i am going to up load a fiber picture,............. a repeat of yesterdays
but go look at calpurrnia and my greens seedlings anyway ok?
there
color for a rainy day
slow mo
today i have to AGAIN go to town,..................
to the bank this time
then probably the post office
we received notice that the glasses we ordered on line have been shipped
bernie's are coming from zenni
mine from goggles4U
so i am hoping that by friday we all can see again
if mine are ok, ( new rx, new doc, new lab)
then i get a few more pairs
if mine are not...........then i go to the eye doctor AGAIN
i expect bernie's to be perfect
and i will get him the SAME pair again for leaving in the van
and a back up pair for work
as to the fiber pictures from yesterday
i am planning to spin that soon
i wish i could have run it through a drum carder first but
i will make due
i did some glitz in copper which i will intersperse throughout randomly
i wish i had the metalic copper angelina for this too
but i don't
i told bernie i wanted a drum carder for christmas
hahahaha
ok
what else?
today is a slow dragging day for me
i AM getting better but was in quite a bit of pain
i slept ok though
and woke up in a bit of pain
bernie said it was cause it's raining
i don't know
but i do know that the rain is welcome for my little garden
the seedlings i posted yesterday are out on the DECK, in a window box,
it makes more sense for me to put the salad greens there
as the slugs don't seem to bother them up there as much
plus it is RIGHT out the back door
i could use a bigger deck area however and more window boxes!
as i want to grow a LOT more greens
i would like at least 10 feet of mesclun growing before my sister in law gets here at the end of may
MDSW
i want to go
bernie said no
i need you ALL to call him and tell him he has to bring me
i have needs
fiber needs
i need silk lace weight 100's of yards of it
i NEED it in purples
i need it in raspberries
i need it in multicolored handpaints
seriously
i need a drum carder
i need fiber therapy after what was a VERY hard long terribly depressing winter
i need to see my kr fiber friends
(terribly needy ain't i ?)
hmmmmmmmm
one more thing i need is a new element for my oven
i am totally lost without my oven
( quick put a solar oven on the list)
ok nowi am going to up load a fiber picture,............. a repeat of yesterdays
but go look at calpurrnia and my greens seedlings anyway ok?
there
color for a rainy day
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
some pictures
Calpurrnia 'little blue eyes'
Fiber that i just finished dying reds, oranges, yellows purples and in betweens
Fiber that i just finished dying reds, oranges, yellows purples and in betweens
Lettuce seedlings on the deck
Fiber again
there could be light at the end of the tunnel
and it just may NOT be a train
i slept all night
no moaning when i moved (it is however starting to hurt now)
or at least not enough to wake me up
this back thing coming on the heels of all that no sleep has been a nightmare
i thought i would NEVER be out of that sharp stabbing pain
now
i am going to still take it easy
and knit
and modify how i use the big canners
and how i plant beans and weed
ok duckies
i put the new BIG girl duckie in with falstaff
he was delighted and IMMEDIATELY jumped her bones
she didn't seem the worse for wear after
i however was cringing
(muscovy lovin' gives new meaning to 'rough')
bernie and i put them in falstaff's now small crate overnight
***i need to get a second varikennel 400 i suppose***
i am hoping he will teach her to walk in and out like he does
her toe appears ok now
not really bothering her too much
i also need to get a moveable pen for them to graze in for the summer
she is a pretty big girl did i mention?
she makes cleo look like a miniature duck!
the terrible trio.............cleo, phoebe, and lillianna........... THEY don't want to come in at night
although if i carry them they will
(bernie just lit the woodstove for me, i am still twingie in my hip so he has to bend for me right now)
speaking of bernie, he picked up cleo last night cause she absolutely would not come in, and he held her and kissed her little head
she laid her head on his cheek
i'm telling you all............those ducks really ARE that endearing
i want to put their xpens on the front lawn this summer
and have privacy fenceing across so no one sees them
i want the chickens out grazing as well
it will be a very good thing
and they can get ticks
i hope
i know i need to do some pictures but since it's 5am there isn't any sunlight
i am hoping towards the end of the week i can post some
i want to show what i dyed
what i am knitting
the girls
the plants
you know.........life around these parts
til next time
vi
i slept all night
no moaning when i moved (it is however starting to hurt now)
or at least not enough to wake me up
this back thing coming on the heels of all that no sleep has been a nightmare
i thought i would NEVER be out of that sharp stabbing pain
now
i am going to still take it easy
and knit
and modify how i use the big canners
and how i plant beans and weed
ok duckies
i put the new BIG girl duckie in with falstaff
he was delighted and IMMEDIATELY jumped her bones
she didn't seem the worse for wear after
i however was cringing
(muscovy lovin' gives new meaning to 'rough')
bernie and i put them in falstaff's now small crate overnight
***i need to get a second varikennel 400 i suppose***
i am hoping he will teach her to walk in and out like he does
her toe appears ok now
not really bothering her too much
i also need to get a moveable pen for them to graze in for the summer
she is a pretty big girl did i mention?
she makes cleo look like a miniature duck!
the terrible trio.............cleo, phoebe, and lillianna........... THEY don't want to come in at night
although if i carry them they will
(bernie just lit the woodstove for me, i am still twingie in my hip so he has to bend for me right now)
speaking of bernie, he picked up cleo last night cause she absolutely would not come in, and he held her and kissed her little head
she laid her head on his cheek
i'm telling you all............those ducks really ARE that endearing
i want to put their xpens on the front lawn this summer
and have privacy fenceing across so no one sees them
i want the chickens out grazing as well
it will be a very good thing
and they can get ticks
i hope
i know i need to do some pictures but since it's 5am there isn't any sunlight
i am hoping towards the end of the week i can post some
i want to show what i dyed
what i am knitting
the girls
the plants
you know.........life around these parts
til next time
vi
Monday, April 13, 2009
i want a music stand
to hold knitting patterns while i knit
and a supportive knitting chair
morning all........it's easter morning while i write this
bernie is making pancakes
i am sitting on my assets doing nothing
ok not totally nothing as i am typing this and swilling coffee
my back is getting better but it's still 'twingy'
threatening at any moment to cut out and leave me drooping
what an ungrateful back it is too, just cause i never pay attention to it......
doesn't mean it can fall down on the job ..ya know...........
because i used i messed up the lowest part of it.....that would account for the 'period cramping' sensations i am getting
and the rib he put back, well let's just say, i am breathing again!
bernie got our new little duck out in the Aframe for the day
she is by herself
as soon as we eat something
bernie is going to have to help me get dressed ( yes it is that bad)
and i will go and check her
we need a name
i guess we all should start thinking
parthegenia?
hmmmmmmm
i am thinking we need to be talking to the greeks or the edwardians
no?
or shakespeare
well now......you all should be reading this monday morning, i am hoping to catch up with myself
sometimes soon
and do a that day post
but it's not seeming to work that way lately
ok fast fast while i think of it
fiber news
i am thinking that i am going to knit a weird smoke ring tailed scarf out of the 'nodding violet'
that minh so generously gifted me for my burferthday
with clear yellow gold lined glass beads
and the orange i just got
twisted vines i think
and all the roving i just dyed (which i owe pictures to you all of)
hmmmm
i am thinking a sort of free form shoulderlette shawl thingie
with irregular edges?
meanwhile
i got my new drivers license picture done yesterday
oh man...i wanted to just puke
i look terrible
(duh, what do you expect vi, you ARE over 50 now)
and not to forget
the greens up on the deck
and the ones in the house
the ones in the house are going to be thinned as soon as i can
the thinnings will go to the chickens
the rest will go into a window box on the deck
i am STILL drawing ( what a trooper)
it's only about an inch a day or so cause that is all i can sit
but i am still there
it's working
i sit for a bit and work.......and when i come up for air and put my pen down
i am amazed at what i did
so that is a good sign
we are trying to get ready for my favorite sister in law's visit end of may
(BTW, bernie informs me NO MDSW again this year........... you all CALL HIM PLEASE??? all of yous........... ok? as i want to go to sheep and wool)
if my back holds out i can get everything done
i am thinking i did this when edmund tried to buck
oh man
ok i gotta get dressed now
bernie is here so he can help
ttyl
and a supportive knitting chair
morning all........it's easter morning while i write this
bernie is making pancakes
i am sitting on my assets doing nothing
ok not totally nothing as i am typing this and swilling coffee
my back is getting better but it's still 'twingy'
threatening at any moment to cut out and leave me drooping
what an ungrateful back it is too, just cause i never pay attention to it......
doesn't mean it can fall down on the job ..ya know...........
because i used i messed up the lowest part of it.....that would account for the 'period cramping' sensations i am getting
and the rib he put back, well let's just say, i am breathing again!
bernie got our new little duck out in the Aframe for the day
she is by herself
as soon as we eat something
bernie is going to have to help me get dressed ( yes it is that bad)
and i will go and check her
we need a name
i guess we all should start thinking
parthegenia?
hmmmmmmm
i am thinking we need to be talking to the greeks or the edwardians
no?
or shakespeare
well now......you all should be reading this monday morning, i am hoping to catch up with myself
sometimes soon
and do a that day post
but it's not seeming to work that way lately
ok fast fast while i think of it
fiber news
i am thinking that i am going to knit a weird smoke ring tailed scarf out of the 'nodding violet'
that minh so generously gifted me for my burferthday
with clear yellow gold lined glass beads
and the orange i just got
twisted vines i think
and all the roving i just dyed (which i owe pictures to you all of)
hmmmm
i am thinking a sort of free form shoulderlette shawl thingie
with irregular edges?
meanwhile
i got my new drivers license picture done yesterday
oh man...i wanted to just puke
i look terrible
(duh, what do you expect vi, you ARE over 50 now)
and not to forget
the greens up on the deck
and the ones in the house
the ones in the house are going to be thinned as soon as i can
the thinnings will go to the chickens
the rest will go into a window box on the deck
i am STILL drawing ( what a trooper)
it's only about an inch a day or so cause that is all i can sit
but i am still there
it's working
i sit for a bit and work.......and when i come up for air and put my pen down
i am amazed at what i did
so that is a good sign
we are trying to get ready for my favorite sister in law's visit end of may
(BTW, bernie informs me NO MDSW again this year........... you all CALL HIM PLEASE??? all of yous........... ok? as i want to go to sheep and wool)
if my back holds out i can get everything done
i am thinking i did this when edmund tried to buck
oh man
ok i gotta get dressed now
bernie is here so he can help
ttyl
Sunday, April 12, 2009
happy easter to those that celebrate
we picked up our new duck
she is semi feral but fresh blood in our gene pool
we clipped her wings but had a mishap
she tore a toe nail
so she is resting in a hospital cage until she is better
she also hates me now
(bernie was holding her and didn't hold her well i guess)
she is falstaff's new wife
and if she ever forgives us
oh man
we also got me a new office chair
oh and my back is a bit better
and while down the valley to get the duckie
i got a skein of new orangish yarn
hmmmmmmmmmm
but vi you say...........( yes i heard you)
don't you have a gillion other skeins of yarn
well yes i do
but you know
i needed this orange one
seriously
i did
oh and bernie made meatloaf for supper cause i am taking it easy
and he spilled green food coloring/vinegar that i use to dye the fiber in it
ok so we gave THAT peice to the chickens
they don't care that it's green
now
i am getting really tired
soooooooooo
night all
(this will post in the morning.........EASTER morning..........which i was hoping that the easter bunnie would be coming by with some sort of baby for me to raise....but i guess not huh?)
she is semi feral but fresh blood in our gene pool
we clipped her wings but had a mishap
she tore a toe nail
so she is resting in a hospital cage until she is better
she also hates me now
(bernie was holding her and didn't hold her well i guess)
she is falstaff's new wife
and if she ever forgives us
oh man
we also got me a new office chair
oh and my back is a bit better
and while down the valley to get the duckie
i got a skein of new orangish yarn
hmmmmmmmmmm
but vi you say...........( yes i heard you)
don't you have a gillion other skeins of yarn
well yes i do
but you know
i needed this orange one
seriously
i did
oh and bernie made meatloaf for supper cause i am taking it easy
and he spilled green food coloring/vinegar that i use to dye the fiber in it
ok so we gave THAT peice to the chickens
they don't care that it's green
now
i am getting really tired
soooooooooo
night all
(this will post in the morning.........EASTER morning..........which i was hoping that the easter bunnie would be coming by with some sort of baby for me to raise....but i guess not huh?)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
by the time you read this
i will be either at the motor vehicle getting a new picture license
or down near hellerstown picking up a duck
ok in absolute agony
and desperation
i went to a chiropractor
(how the hell do you spell that)
it's a bit better but i am sore as hell
it doesn't hurt the same however
so it does appear that maybe i will be ok
mary tells me i work too hard, harder then most people
she says i beat my body up
i don't know about that
i am rather fat for having a beaten up body i would say
so i don't think so
this chiropractor was in the health and fitness club down the street
i was thinking
they walk on the treadmill
i walk up and down the stairs and up and down the hill a million times a day
they lift weights
i lift canners
they sweat
i sweat
they have sauna's
i have boiling water bath canning
( and damp plaster ceilings)
they bend over and touch their toes
i bend over and pick up ducks, and eggs, and plant beans and cucumbers and weed
maybe i need a health club membership so i can rest a bit?
they have machines that you can sit in
meanwhile my pelvic feels like it's getting all crampy
which would be about right if muscles are relaxing
but i can stand up from a chair without that intense pain
bernie is however reheating sauce and meatballs i canned a few months ago
and i am sitting here typing
you however will read this some time tomorrow
or down near hellerstown picking up a duck
ok in absolute agony
and desperation
i went to a chiropractor
(how the hell do you spell that)
it's a bit better but i am sore as hell
it doesn't hurt the same however
so it does appear that maybe i will be ok
mary tells me i work too hard, harder then most people
she says i beat my body up
i don't know about that
i am rather fat for having a beaten up body i would say
so i don't think so
this chiropractor was in the health and fitness club down the street
i was thinking
they walk on the treadmill
i walk up and down the stairs and up and down the hill a million times a day
they lift weights
i lift canners
they sweat
i sweat
they have sauna's
i have boiling water bath canning
( and damp plaster ceilings)
they bend over and touch their toes
i bend over and pick up ducks, and eggs, and plant beans and cucumbers and weed
maybe i need a health club membership so i can rest a bit?
they have machines that you can sit in
meanwhile my pelvic feels like it's getting all crampy
which would be about right if muscles are relaxing
but i can stand up from a chair without that intense pain
bernie is however reheating sauce and meatballs i canned a few months ago
and i am sitting here typing
you however will read this some time tomorrow
Friday, April 10, 2009
yellow is waiting it's turn
to dry by the first
morning kristy
what is what for?
back is marginally better, but i am afraid of going to a chiroprocter........i am terrified that they will screw it up worse
it is all coming from one area in my back, the SAME place that i hurt from when i move full canning kettles
and when i move furniture
it needs to get better soon as i won't be able to spin on the wheel like this
nor plant beans
or cuc's
or WEED
or pick up needful and willful ( and spoiled rotten) duckies
who think momma is the taxi
plus canning season is almost upon us
as i sit here
i am looking at the multi colors hanging to dry, of the rovings
yellow will be next to hang there
and i am thinking
i may need to tone it all down a bit
it's brilliant saturated colors and i think it needs some spot areas of toning to give your eye a rest
either that or more magenta
i may ply it with browns and greens
(assuming my back cooperates)
ohohohohoh
LETTUCE
the baby lettuces are not only UP but they have declared themselves by leaves
THAT one is red sails( it's got reddish dots)
and THAT one is green deer tongue
and THAT one is something looseleaf and frilly that i can't remember the name..........
but the baby LEAVES are CURLY!!!!!!!!!!
i go out and talk to them daily
i got one spinach plant
so i have to replant that
the mache barrel appears to be coming along
no sign of the snow peas yet
now in the main garden, the multiplier onions are UP
the garlic so looks good
the cutting celery survived the winter as did ONE lonely leek
oh and bernie was right
there WAS a bale of peat out there
so we will do the blues this weekend
and the blackberry
i want elderberry and cranberry too
i think i am going to ask him to dig the holes and then i will order the plants
no?
ok NOW it's time for coffee
believe me
it really is
since it's 8:26 am
it's over due for coffee time
morning kristy
what is what for?
back is marginally better, but i am afraid of going to a chiroprocter........i am terrified that they will screw it up worse
it is all coming from one area in my back, the SAME place that i hurt from when i move full canning kettles
and when i move furniture
it needs to get better soon as i won't be able to spin on the wheel like this
nor plant beans
or cuc's
or WEED
or pick up needful and willful ( and spoiled rotten) duckies
who think momma is the taxi
plus canning season is almost upon us
as i sit here
i am looking at the multi colors hanging to dry, of the rovings
yellow will be next to hang there
and i am thinking
i may need to tone it all down a bit
it's brilliant saturated colors and i think it needs some spot areas of toning to give your eye a rest
either that or more magenta
i may ply it with browns and greens
(assuming my back cooperates)
ohohohohoh
LETTUCE
the baby lettuces are not only UP but they have declared themselves by leaves
THAT one is red sails( it's got reddish dots)
and THAT one is green deer tongue
and THAT one is something looseleaf and frilly that i can't remember the name..........
but the baby LEAVES are CURLY!!!!!!!!!!
i go out and talk to them daily
i got one spinach plant
so i have to replant that
the mache barrel appears to be coming along
no sign of the snow peas yet
now in the main garden, the multiplier onions are UP
the garlic so looks good
the cutting celery survived the winter as did ONE lonely leek
oh and bernie was right
there WAS a bale of peat out there
so we will do the blues this weekend
and the blackberry
i want elderberry and cranberry too
i think i am going to ask him to dig the holes and then i will order the plants
no?
ok NOW it's time for coffee
believe me
it really is
since it's 8:26 am
it's over due for coffee time
bernie doesn't know it yet
but i got to go pick up a duck on saturday
she will be falstaff's new wife, as it is been a year almost since we lost my beloved serafina,
and i need outcrossing
so we get a duck
she will stay with falstaff
the girls will be the girls
and all will be happy in our little feathered world
my back is still bad,
bad enough that i did NOTHING today
i stoked the stove a bit
that was a nightmare of pain
took tylanol and aspirins
and laid down a lot
i did get about two square inches more done on the next drawing the series 'and off we go down the hill'
(remember when the duckies were cold and wanted hot cocoa?.....that one)
i renewed bernie's license online ( we go for the picture id saturday)
called to find out the delivery time for his new glasses
and hung the fiber up to dry
oh and put a bit more in......this time yellow
but he'll have to put the container in the oven for me to set the dye
i can't lift it
he is also going to put full fresh water buckets out tonight
so that in the morning
i can just put the girls and falstaff out
i hope my back clears up soon
as i have pens to clean and beans to plant
and seedlings to move on
not to mention this fiber to spin
who lives close to me that has a drum carder?
i could use putting this stuff through it a few passes
and i would like to add some copper colored angelina too
the other big news at least to me
was i was able to pay the mortgage ONLINE
i have been waiting for that bank to get it together so i could do that for over 3 years
i am so excited
saved me a trip to town when i really am not up to it
that also means bad weather doesn't exhist for that as well!!!!
but it also means i don't go up to ac moore either as i would do the mortgage and go to ac moore since they are only two blocks apart
but think of all the money i will save
huh?
ok
other then that i been resting a LOT
for me i have been actually resembling a slug
doing NOTHING
i tossed me a salad for lunch
store boughten greens as mine aren't ready for harvest yet
but at least it had greens
i did check on my lettuces
and there are wonderful red splashed seedling and curly seedlings
and some spinach out there
i am so excited
i love my mixed greens
i am going to see if bernie can put the patio furniture up on the deck this weekend
we'll see
ok i am going to have this post tomorrow morning
but it's really tonight the 9th
she will be falstaff's new wife, as it is been a year almost since we lost my beloved serafina,
and i need outcrossing
so we get a duck
she will stay with falstaff
the girls will be the girls
and all will be happy in our little feathered world
my back is still bad,
bad enough that i did NOTHING today
i stoked the stove a bit
that was a nightmare of pain
took tylanol and aspirins
and laid down a lot
i did get about two square inches more done on the next drawing the series 'and off we go down the hill'
(remember when the duckies were cold and wanted hot cocoa?.....that one)
i renewed bernie's license online ( we go for the picture id saturday)
called to find out the delivery time for his new glasses
and hung the fiber up to dry
oh and put a bit more in......this time yellow
but he'll have to put the container in the oven for me to set the dye
i can't lift it
he is also going to put full fresh water buckets out tonight
so that in the morning
i can just put the girls and falstaff out
i hope my back clears up soon
as i have pens to clean and beans to plant
and seedlings to move on
not to mention this fiber to spin
who lives close to me that has a drum carder?
i could use putting this stuff through it a few passes
and i would like to add some copper colored angelina too
the other big news at least to me
was i was able to pay the mortgage ONLINE
i have been waiting for that bank to get it together so i could do that for over 3 years
i am so excited
saved me a trip to town when i really am not up to it
that also means bad weather doesn't exhist for that as well!!!!
but it also means i don't go up to ac moore either as i would do the mortgage and go to ac moore since they are only two blocks apart
but think of all the money i will save
huh?
ok
other then that i been resting a LOT
for me i have been actually resembling a slug
doing NOTHING
i tossed me a salad for lunch
store boughten greens as mine aren't ready for harvest yet
but at least it had greens
i did check on my lettuces
and there are wonderful red splashed seedling and curly seedlings
and some spinach out there
i am so excited
i love my mixed greens
i am going to see if bernie can put the patio furniture up on the deck this weekend
we'll see
ok i am going to have this post tomorrow morning
but it's really tonight the 9th
Thursday, April 09, 2009
While I wait for my back to calm down
I am dying fiber (btw, I am typing this in openoffice.org so it is capitalizing for me)
I have put in a mix of glitz and corriedale into a copper color
that is out now and drying by the woodstove (it is actually wen april 8 while I type this-bernie's birthday and it's snowing)
I got corriedale in the dye pot now in fushia
next is a purple and a red.......then some random greens
what for do you ask?
HUMOR ME and ask please.......ok?
I am going to spin fall leaves
ok to be accurate the COLORS of fall leaves that I like
none of this million shades of green crap
and I am going to spin about a dk or sport and ply it to worsted
for a fall leave colored scarf
I am going to add glitz to it cause I like it
and I am thinking of maybe plying in some beads........even though I SWORE on a stack of lambs wool I would NEVAH BEAD SPINNING AGAIN
some insanity has taken me over and I am thinking of using silver lined crystal beads in this
or maybe copper lined crystal........if I get enough of them before I ply
I have honestly tried hard to see if I can find a yarn that would work for a pattern of a twisted vine scarf I bought the other day
or at least for a shawl or something
but I haven't either seen anything I like OR
I can't afford what I like sooooooooooo
I am dying fiber
( yes I am still drawing but slow cause of my back)
I have put in a mix of glitz and corriedale into a copper color
that is out now and drying by the woodstove (it is actually wen april 8 while I type this-bernie's birthday and it's snowing)
I got corriedale in the dye pot now in fushia
next is a purple and a red.......then some random greens
what for do you ask?
HUMOR ME and ask please.......ok?
I am going to spin fall leaves
ok to be accurate the COLORS of fall leaves that I like
none of this million shades of green crap
and I am going to spin about a dk or sport and ply it to worsted
for a fall leave colored scarf
I am going to add glitz to it cause I like it
and I am thinking of maybe plying in some beads........even though I SWORE on a stack of lambs wool I would NEVAH BEAD SPINNING AGAIN
some insanity has taken me over and I am thinking of using silver lined crystal beads in this
or maybe copper lined crystal........if I get enough of them before I ply
I have honestly tried hard to see if I can find a yarn that would work for a pattern of a twisted vine scarf I bought the other day
or at least for a shawl or something
but I haven't either seen anything I like OR
I can't afford what I like sooooooooooo
I am dying fiber
( yes I am still drawing but slow cause of my back)
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
the duckies did not allow the snow to bother their
eternal hunt for worms
when asked for comments
the duckies said
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good
with a worm dangling from their beaks
such is the snowy life of duckies
on this day in history
when asked for comments
the duckies said
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good
with a worm dangling from their beaks
such is the snowy life of duckies
on this day in history
snow day
well it's snowing
lightly but snowing
thinking about starting to cover in spots
and it's bernie's birthday
he wanted a banana split for a cake
and either meatloaf or one of my salads for supper
but the lettuces aren't up well enough to cut out on the deck so it may be meatloaf
i need to spin some yarn,
i need to dye some fiber first
i am thinking of fall leaf colors
or if i have to
some spring leaves with red flower colors.........and a LOT of pastels
i think i am going to start christmas knitting for a few people i really like
they are 'knitworthy'
however some of them aren't 'spin worthy' as i know it will just end up in the washer and dryer
so i need a couple of good acrylics and one...... oh man shoot me, needs to be in LIME green............
i don't know if my eyes will survive it
(it's ok i talk about it, they don't read the blog......hahahaha)
so a couple of folks are getting presents from me, which they will get when/as i finish them
and i will CALL them christmas presents..........even if they get them in august
sounds good huh?
now
about that acrylic...........?
any ideas besides red heart?
lightly but snowing
thinking about starting to cover in spots
and it's bernie's birthday
he wanted a banana split for a cake
and either meatloaf or one of my salads for supper
but the lettuces aren't up well enough to cut out on the deck so it may be meatloaf
i need to spin some yarn,
i need to dye some fiber first
i am thinking of fall leaf colors
or if i have to
some spring leaves with red flower colors.........and a LOT of pastels
i think i am going to start christmas knitting for a few people i really like
they are 'knitworthy'
however some of them aren't 'spin worthy' as i know it will just end up in the washer and dryer
so i need a couple of good acrylics and one...... oh man shoot me, needs to be in LIME green............
i don't know if my eyes will survive it
(it's ok i talk about it, they don't read the blog......hahahaha)
so a couple of folks are getting presents from me, which they will get when/as i finish them
and i will CALL them christmas presents..........even if they get them in august
sounds good huh?
now
about that acrylic...........?
any ideas besides red heart?
Monday, April 06, 2009
sciatica
it's not as much fun as it sounds
sandie are you sure it's not contagious?
my friend sandie has had a bad bout with sciatica
and thanks to my mom i am prone to it as well
guess what?
it flared up BAD sunday
it was hovering since thursday night when i cut my toe nails
i couldn't get my left leg up!
it's so bad my stomach hurts and i can't eat!
now i am wandering around with tylanol extreme arthritus in me as well as asprins
and the ice packs
i can only sleep inclined
and i can't sit for very long
i think sandie got hers from sitting too long and spinning
i got mine from sitting too long and drawing
anyway today it's DARK
raining
and painful
took me over an hour to get the ducks out
poor things wanted to graze
i needed to get in and sit for a bit
now i need to get up and walk for a bit
til next time
sandie are you sure it's not contagious?
my friend sandie has had a bad bout with sciatica
and thanks to my mom i am prone to it as well
guess what?
it flared up BAD sunday
it was hovering since thursday night when i cut my toe nails
i couldn't get my left leg up!
it's so bad my stomach hurts and i can't eat!
now i am wandering around with tylanol extreme arthritus in me as well as asprins
and the ice packs
i can only sleep inclined
and i can't sit for very long
i think sandie got hers from sitting too long and spinning
i got mine from sitting too long and drawing
anyway today it's DARK
raining
and painful
took me over an hour to get the ducks out
poor things wanted to graze
i needed to get in and sit for a bit
now i need to get up and walk for a bit
til next time
Sunday, April 05, 2009
how green is your valley?
i got a thing in the email from mother earth news
talking about being/living green and if you walk the walk
we are not doing fantastic
but we aren't doing bad either
1) compact fluorescent just about ever single bulb is replaced now by them, with the exception of a few that we don't use much at all
2) we air dry our clothes and haven't used a dryer now in .......i think 18 months
3) we really do recycle but not as much i think as we could
we do plastic, paper, and cardboard
4) we compost ALOT
5) we grow a lot of food
6) we can and dry a lot of food......... and this actually did end up saving us money!
7) we use wood to heat with a high efficiency UL listed soapstone wood stove
8) i don't drive much, bernie does but that's for work and he is now got that big van, but again he uses that for work ( he USED to drive a tiny mini pickup but that bit the dust)
9) energy star appliances, yup........... we got em even the new freezer is energy star rated
10) we've reduced our electric use by 35% over the past two to three years
11) we have the house WELL shaded by trees during summer, and the air conditioner that is run when it's really bad during the day, is actually IN a tree ( don't ask)- the upstairs one is tiny, energy efficient and only run at night if we need it
now i think we can and should do better, i would like to increase the efficiency of our insulation and windows and i would like a non electric table top washer
and i really do wish we had more gas efficient cars but we don't
i would also LOVE to put in some solar
one of my friends is experimenting with that ( dorothy you better update me when you get them up)
and i would love to follow that for the well pump and the freezers
i would also like to have some sort of a solar oven for baking
and an outdoor wood fired oven
but that is not for now
i would love an evergreen wind break on the northwest side of the house but again that isn't an easy or fast fix
so
what are your ideas for energy savings?
talking about being/living green and if you walk the walk
we are not doing fantastic
but we aren't doing bad either
1) compact fluorescent just about ever single bulb is replaced now by them, with the exception of a few that we don't use much at all
2) we air dry our clothes and haven't used a dryer now in .......i think 18 months
3) we really do recycle but not as much i think as we could
we do plastic, paper, and cardboard
4) we compost ALOT
5) we grow a lot of food
6) we can and dry a lot of food......... and this actually did end up saving us money!
7) we use wood to heat with a high efficiency UL listed soapstone wood stove
8) i don't drive much, bernie does but that's for work and he is now got that big van, but again he uses that for work ( he USED to drive a tiny mini pickup but that bit the dust)
9) energy star appliances, yup........... we got em even the new freezer is energy star rated
10) we've reduced our electric use by 35% over the past two to three years
11) we have the house WELL shaded by trees during summer, and the air conditioner that is run when it's really bad during the day, is actually IN a tree ( don't ask)- the upstairs one is tiny, energy efficient and only run at night if we need it
now i think we can and should do better, i would like to increase the efficiency of our insulation and windows and i would like a non electric table top washer
and i really do wish we had more gas efficient cars but we don't
i would also LOVE to put in some solar
one of my friends is experimenting with that ( dorothy you better update me when you get them up)
and i would love to follow that for the well pump and the freezers
i would also like to have some sort of a solar oven for baking
and an outdoor wood fired oven
but that is not for now
i would love an evergreen wind break on the northwest side of the house but again that isn't an easy or fast fix
so
what are your ideas for energy savings?
Saturday, April 04, 2009
i found peat moss in the back yard!
or so bernie tells me
there is a half of a bail
so today i think we will prep the blueberry bed
and plant the blackberry
i still need to get cranberry and elderberry
and maybe another two blueberries
for cross-pollination
i didn't sleep most of the night again last night
there was a flock of turkey buzzards riding thermals right over our house last night
circling on the air currents
scared the hell out of me.......i imagine they scented carrion and i am thinking
what if jackass dumped some bodies in my back yard
or so my mind goes at 3am
i am working on drawing up some of the stories i had posted here about the ducks and all the other animals
i don't know what if anything is going to come of it
but that is what i am doing right now
in my spare time
it's been raining, and yesterday was a NIGHTMARE torrential flooding rain
the duck pen has a lot of soaked areas but with two feet of straw at least they have some places that are dry
i am thinking.........i would like to move that duck pen
bernie and i spoke briefly this morning about the coops
and in about a month we should be able to finish them
and let the birds live in them full time (except for free-range grazing)
AND ...............
thaddeaus........the bad boy, is currently in cat jail
doing time for beating on his grammie
she was screaming pretty loud so i got his sorry butt and threw him in cat jail
he is got to do the time
let's see
bernie went to the PO for me
and to get milk
his birthday is wens
i think i am going to make him chicken cordon bleu
he wants a banana split for his birthday cake
ok
we can do that
i can actually make him a banana split icecream cake
and i just may
i have to get him some birthday cards as well
shhhhhh
we won't tell him
ok?
there is a half of a bail
so today i think we will prep the blueberry bed
and plant the blackberry
i still need to get cranberry and elderberry
and maybe another two blueberries
for cross-pollination
i didn't sleep most of the night again last night
there was a flock of turkey buzzards riding thermals right over our house last night
circling on the air currents
scared the hell out of me.......i imagine they scented carrion and i am thinking
what if jackass dumped some bodies in my back yard
or so my mind goes at 3am
i am working on drawing up some of the stories i had posted here about the ducks and all the other animals
i don't know what if anything is going to come of it
but that is what i am doing right now
in my spare time
it's been raining, and yesterday was a NIGHTMARE torrential flooding rain
the duck pen has a lot of soaked areas but with two feet of straw at least they have some places that are dry
i am thinking.........i would like to move that duck pen
bernie and i spoke briefly this morning about the coops
and in about a month we should be able to finish them
and let the birds live in them full time (except for free-range grazing)
AND ...............
thaddeaus........the bad boy, is currently in cat jail
doing time for beating on his grammie
she was screaming pretty loud so i got his sorry butt and threw him in cat jail
he is got to do the time
let's see
bernie went to the PO for me
and to get milk
his birthday is wens
i think i am going to make him chicken cordon bleu
he wants a banana split for his birthday cake
ok
we can do that
i can actually make him a banana split icecream cake
and i just may
i have to get him some birthday cards as well
shhhhhh
we won't tell him
ok?
Friday, April 03, 2009
april showers?
for a long time the nursery rhyme
'april showers bring may flowers'
seemed to me to be wrong
april most often was a lot dryer then may
apparently not this year
as we have been getting rain
hopefully not like last year when the basement and duck pens flooded
(although the ducks at first were delighted with the water fall, lake and rushing river through their pens........... no so much after a week of it)
i got snow peas and lettuces all sprouted
and am about to put in the peas and beans out in the garden
could it BE i got a sorta early/late start?
yesterday was a grazing day
as the duckies were out a LOT
it was nice
everything and everyone was out
bugs too
but i sat on a chair on the driveway while the duckies grazed and bathed
this time lillianna was the last out of the pond
phoebe didn't bath much but got her feet wet
cleo was in and out
i let falstaff out to see if we could 'all just get along'
no
cleo.......( CLEO????????????? who'dda thunk~!)
attacked him!
she got on his back and beat the tar out of him
here is this HUGE drake
and this tiny duck
and she's got him by the neck and is clawing at him and jumping on his back and chasing him all over
i think she hurt her leg again
so i put him up and took her to the back pen
i named that one right i think
meanwhile lillianna bathed
that is going to be one seriously white duck
today it is raining....which means ( to a duckie) WORMS!!!!!!!
our little lil is a very avid worm hunter
she scoots around purposefully and gets MOST of the worms
the others sorta try but lil gets there first
on rainy days the worms are out all over and the girls scarf them up
it is amazing how those sharp little blue eyes of theirs distinguishes a worm from a twig
amazing
now in cat news
i got an email that the FURMINATOR is to be delivered on the 4th
fawn will be lightened of her heavy coat by evening i think
thaddeaus is mourning the loss of his woodstove, as it looks like it's over for another season
poor boy is sitting crouched by the hearth pitifully
poor little guy
and we are getting closer to pullets turning to real laying hens
i think about two more weeks
i have to clean their pen
i think this weekend
i did the duckies last night
i want to do falstaff this weekend too
the big girl chickens don't need to be done as they are still pretty clean (almost spotless actually)
gee i long for an outdoor chicken coop and secure duck coop
i think i am going to do a couple of moveable tractors for these guys with poultry netting and a solid area
just for the day
one needs to be pretty enough for the front lawn i think
although we have decided to put up privacy fencing
then they can be out there
if we'd had it in place already i may have considered hiding the big guys
and i am still thinking of turkey for tick control
ok
duckies calling
ttyl
'april showers bring may flowers'
seemed to me to be wrong
april most often was a lot dryer then may
apparently not this year
as we have been getting rain
hopefully not like last year when the basement and duck pens flooded
(although the ducks at first were delighted with the water fall, lake and rushing river through their pens........... no so much after a week of it)
i got snow peas and lettuces all sprouted
and am about to put in the peas and beans out in the garden
could it BE i got a sorta early/late start?
yesterday was a grazing day
as the duckies were out a LOT
it was nice
everything and everyone was out
bugs too
but i sat on a chair on the driveway while the duckies grazed and bathed
this time lillianna was the last out of the pond
phoebe didn't bath much but got her feet wet
cleo was in and out
i let falstaff out to see if we could 'all just get along'
no
cleo.......( CLEO????????????? who'dda thunk~!)
attacked him!
she got on his back and beat the tar out of him
here is this HUGE drake
and this tiny duck
and she's got him by the neck and is clawing at him and jumping on his back and chasing him all over
i think she hurt her leg again
so i put him up and took her to the back pen
i named that one right i think
meanwhile lillianna bathed
that is going to be one seriously white duck
today it is raining....which means ( to a duckie) WORMS!!!!!!!
our little lil is a very avid worm hunter
she scoots around purposefully and gets MOST of the worms
the others sorta try but lil gets there first
on rainy days the worms are out all over and the girls scarf them up
it is amazing how those sharp little blue eyes of theirs distinguishes a worm from a twig
amazing
now in cat news
i got an email that the FURMINATOR is to be delivered on the 4th
fawn will be lightened of her heavy coat by evening i think
thaddeaus is mourning the loss of his woodstove, as it looks like it's over for another season
poor boy is sitting crouched by the hearth pitifully
poor little guy
and we are getting closer to pullets turning to real laying hens
i think about two more weeks
i have to clean their pen
i think this weekend
i did the duckies last night
i want to do falstaff this weekend too
the big girl chickens don't need to be done as they are still pretty clean (almost spotless actually)
gee i long for an outdoor chicken coop and secure duck coop
i think i am going to do a couple of moveable tractors for these guys with poultry netting and a solid area
just for the day
one needs to be pretty enough for the front lawn i think
although we have decided to put up privacy fencing
then they can be out there
if we'd had it in place already i may have considered hiding the big guys
and i am still thinking of turkey for tick control
ok
duckies calling
ttyl
Thursday, April 02, 2009
duck eggs and feathers
are tough to get out of wool mittens
which also were in my pocket yesterday
i hope i didn't felt them
the coat itself survived me rinsing it and then a trip through the washer
and a hanging by the bottom next to the woodstove
and me beating the crap out of it to break up the feather clumps and redistribute them
now i am going to get a big plastic storage box for my winter coats and put them up until next season.
guess i should do that with the winter woolens as well huh?
and i ordered my glasses yesterday
i got a pair of rimless pink progressive lense regular glasses
and a pair of (i hope, as after i ordered them they showed out of stock) RED and clear sunglasses
i paid 87 and change
that included shipping
if this works and everything goes ok
i am going to get a pair of the magnetized snap on polarized sun glasses like bernies
and i can get a back up pair of regular glasses as well
but i will absolutely get more sunglasses
as i wear them ALL the time and all year round outside
http://www.goggles4u.com/detail.asp?pid=29284
my glasses
http://www.goggles4u.com/detail.asp?Pid=28520
my sunglasses
i should get them in about two weeks
i am waiting for seeds orders, and a FURMINATOR for fawn
it should strip off her undercoat
shes got about 3 cats worth of undercoat
and i can't keep up with it just by combing
sooooooooooo
i got the FUMINATOR
(sounds really impressive huh?..............we'll see)
my camera is back
CANON rocks
seriously
i bought this camera used, several years ago
they not only took it back and fixed the problem (LCD screen manufacturers defect) but CLEANED it and restored it to factory specs
did not charge me a dime! not even for shipping
plus their customer service is in american english, and is POLITE and helpful and knowledgeable
YEAH FOR CANON
they do it right
so guess what
when i go to get another camera, it's going to be a CANON, as they stand behind their product
and believe me
i would LOVE to get another camera soon, maybe a 10megapixel
the big news for me personally is i got to sleep through most of the night two nights in a row
which is a very good thing
as the no sleep thing had me weepy
crying
irritable ( bernie would say i was a bit more then just irritable........... )
withdrawn
if this whole sleeping thing continues, it will be a wonderful thing
i made something a bit odd and different for supper
first off
last summer i canned roasted sweet red peppers
roasted, peeled, pureed, and canned with a bit of lemon juice, olive oil and garlic
and of course i dried 50# of vadalia onions
so i opened a jar of the sweet peppers added some dried onions and a jar ful of water and heated it up
parboiled italian sweet sausages and then browned them
added some caramelized cabbage that i cooked the other day
added the pepper sauce
added 1/4 cup of heavy cream to finish it
and tossed it all with a pound of ronzoni
it was out of this WORLD
who knew? !!!!!!!!!!
bernie ate a huge plate and took it to WORK
so you know it's good
ok, off i go
i am very late taking duckies out
and then i have to thin the chard
and finish some drawings i started yesterday
i am thinking of dragging my drafting table up
even though i tell you all right now
it's HUGE
it's OAK
it's ANTIQUE
and it is going to give bernie apoplexy if he comes home and finds it in the studio
plus the thing weight a billion pounds, as it is SOLID oak with cast iron fittings
hahahaha
oye
and it must be 40 inches or more wide
and goodness knows how tall
and that is on it's lowest incline
but it's got a self healing matt on it
and a parellel ruler
and a ledge and it's solid
and sturdy
and don't let it fall on your knees
and my yellow drafting light is down there as well
mmmmmmmmm
next to the chickens
which also were in my pocket yesterday
i hope i didn't felt them
the coat itself survived me rinsing it and then a trip through the washer
and a hanging by the bottom next to the woodstove
and me beating the crap out of it to break up the feather clumps and redistribute them
now i am going to get a big plastic storage box for my winter coats and put them up until next season.
guess i should do that with the winter woolens as well huh?
and i ordered my glasses yesterday
i got a pair of rimless pink progressive lense regular glasses
and a pair of (i hope, as after i ordered them they showed out of stock) RED and clear sunglasses
i paid 87 and change
that included shipping
if this works and everything goes ok
i am going to get a pair of the magnetized snap on polarized sun glasses like bernies
and i can get a back up pair of regular glasses as well
but i will absolutely get more sunglasses
as i wear them ALL the time and all year round outside
http://www.goggles4u.com/detail.asp?pid=29284
my glasses
http://www.goggles4u.com/detail.asp?Pid=28520
my sunglasses
i should get them in about two weeks
i am waiting for seeds orders, and a FURMINATOR for fawn
it should strip off her undercoat
shes got about 3 cats worth of undercoat
and i can't keep up with it just by combing
sooooooooooo
i got the FUMINATOR
(sounds really impressive huh?..............we'll see)
my camera is back
CANON rocks
seriously
i bought this camera used, several years ago
they not only took it back and fixed the problem (LCD screen manufacturers defect) but CLEANED it and restored it to factory specs
did not charge me a dime! not even for shipping
plus their customer service is in american english, and is POLITE and helpful and knowledgeable
YEAH FOR CANON
they do it right
so guess what
when i go to get another camera, it's going to be a CANON, as they stand behind their product
and believe me
i would LOVE to get another camera soon, maybe a 10megapixel
the big news for me personally is i got to sleep through most of the night two nights in a row
which is a very good thing
as the no sleep thing had me weepy
crying
irritable ( bernie would say i was a bit more then just irritable........... )
withdrawn
if this whole sleeping thing continues, it will be a wonderful thing
i made something a bit odd and different for supper
first off
last summer i canned roasted sweet red peppers
roasted, peeled, pureed, and canned with a bit of lemon juice, olive oil and garlic
and of course i dried 50# of vadalia onions
so i opened a jar of the sweet peppers added some dried onions and a jar ful of water and heated it up
parboiled italian sweet sausages and then browned them
added some caramelized cabbage that i cooked the other day
added the pepper sauce
added 1/4 cup of heavy cream to finish it
and tossed it all with a pound of ronzoni
it was out of this WORLD
who knew? !!!!!!!!!!
bernie ate a huge plate and took it to WORK
so you know it's good
ok, off i go
i am very late taking duckies out
and then i have to thin the chard
and finish some drawings i started yesterday
i am thinking of dragging my drafting table up
even though i tell you all right now
it's HUGE
it's OAK
it's ANTIQUE
and it is going to give bernie apoplexy if he comes home and finds it in the studio
plus the thing weight a billion pounds, as it is SOLID oak with cast iron fittings
hahahaha
oye
and it must be 40 inches or more wide
and goodness knows how tall
and that is on it's lowest incline
but it's got a self healing matt on it
and a parellel ruler
and a ledge and it's solid
and sturdy
and don't let it fall on your knees
and my yellow drafting light is down there as well
mmmmmmmmm
next to the chickens
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
i sat on an egg
actually
i sat on two of them
they were in the pocket of my goosedown coat
the magenta one
ahem.............
neither egg survived
ahem
did i mention that i also had a pair of wool mittens in there
handknit
cascade 220 quatro in cherry and denim
ahem
and several clothes pins
and a pen
and a reciept for chicken food
it's in the washer now
let's hope the coat makes it out alive
i sat on two of them
they were in the pocket of my goosedown coat
the magenta one
ahem.............
neither egg survived
ahem
did i mention that i also had a pair of wool mittens in there
handknit
cascade 220 quatro in cherry and denim
ahem
and several clothes pins
and a pen
and a reciept for chicken food
it's in the washer now
let's hope the coat makes it out alive
duck pms
and we GOT IT
buckets of it all over the place
the ladies are out of sorts
duh, ya THINK?
they are telling me and each other off quite often
even my momma's girl, lillianna is out of sorts
i call them .........they run the other way
i have to go round them up
only to have them scatter as soon as possible
and they are biting each other's necks
now my SWEET little duckies are NOT vampires..........they don't have fangs
but something is in the air that is making my girls act this way
please don't tell me it's spring and hormones
please
they aren't even a whole year old yet
oye
buckets of it all over the place
the ladies are out of sorts
duh, ya THINK?
they are telling me and each other off quite often
even my momma's girl, lillianna is out of sorts
i call them .........they run the other way
i have to go round them up
only to have them scatter as soon as possible
and they are biting each other's necks
now my SWEET little duckies are NOT vampires..........they don't have fangs
but something is in the air that is making my girls act this way
please don't tell me it's spring and hormones
please
they aren't even a whole year old yet
oye
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