It has been a long time since I had my sewing machine in use. I have a clothes basket sitting here with several things that needed a seam sewn up, some altering or repair. Plus I have a few tops hanging on the hall tree that are too big and I want to take them in. They are so stretchy that I should have gotten a size smaller to begin with, but wasn't able to return them.
So far I have fixed a pair of slacks, tightened the elastic in another pair, and shortened a new pair of slacks that I have never worn. I got it maybe two or three years ago, ordering it online. It fit fine except it was way too long. I didn't have time to mess with it at the time so hung it in the closet and proceeded to forget about it, until I unearthed it recently. I had to shorten it 4 1/2 inches! Now I am not petite, but am 5'8". I know some pants are longer so one can wear high heels with them, but I would need high platform with 4" heels! I could never have worn those even when I was young and able, and now need shoes that are flat. These slacks are rather flowing and sort of look like a long skirt, so now I need a special occasion to wear them.
I will get to the rest of the pile eventually but with the chance of thunderstorms the next few days, I have unplugged the sewing machine. These new computerized machines take extra care. I just looked out my north window and the sky is looking like there could be rain. I will have to check the radar to see if it is heading in my direction.
With that, I will sign off and shut the computer off just in case.
LIFE AND RANDOM THOUGHTS OF A SENIOR WIDOW A hodge-podge of thoughts about life as a widow and what I am doing from day to day.
Friday, July 19, 2019
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
TIME FLIES
The saying goes, "My how time flies when you are having fun." I am afraid time flies even when not having fun, although in bad times it seems like time can go way too slow. Or if you are waiting for something or someone who is late, or waiting for water to boil, the time just drags on and on.
Here we are in the middle of July already. I almost wrote June there. Schools will be starting again in about four short weeks. No doubt the kids think they just got out of school and summer should not be over so soon. I am horrible at making any advance plans like so many of you, so I just take things day by day.
Three weeks ago I had laser done on both eyes for what is commonly called secondary cataracts, which many people get after they have cataract surgery. It just means that the membrane behind the implant becomes cloudy. The laser zaps some slits in the membrane to let the light in and vision clears up almost immediately. I could really tell the difference as I drove myself home after it was done. It took a couple of days to become totally in focus. This week I saw my regular eye doctor to see if I needed glasses after the procedure, but my vision is again 20/20 two years after the surgery. I have found that most people end up with glasses after having cataracts removed, so I am very pleased. I just need cheap readers for close up work, which I bought at Walmart for $10. I have three pair - one by my chair in the living room, one at the dining table where I work on Bible studies, and is close to kitchen if I need to read a recipe or instructions, and one by my bed for reading in bed at night. I grab the kitchen/dining pair and put in my purse when I go somewhere where I expect to have read and/or sign something.
I had to make a splurge purchase earlier this week. My laptop has been showing me a blue screen on startup saying the SMART hard disk is failing. I did keep using it for a few days, but then decided I better get it checked out before it completely dies and I lose all my files. This laptop did not cost me anything as it was gifted to me by my niece when she got a new one. At the time I really had no use for a laptop as I had a good desktop that was very handy in my tiny house. But after moving here and the only place to hook up to the internet cable was in the kitchen and there is no room for a desktop where the outlet is. So the desktop, which I am using at the moment, is in the spare bedroom far away from the tv and everything else. I had to get a thing to plug into the computer to make it wireless as the modem and router are installed in the garage, of all places! I don't know what "brilliant" mind drew up the plans for that, which doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe they think everyone uses laptops these days.
Back to my splurge. The repairs would cost me $300-350 and I would still have an old computer and something else could quit working at any time. Or I could buy a new, basic model laptop for $495. Basic is all I need. I don't do gaming, streaming or any of the other things the young people do with their computers so having that ability would go to waste anyway. The guy called his supplier for the cheapest they had available for $495 and they had one. He said the reason it is so cheap is that it is purple. Well, that is my color! I am totally happy with that! By the time the set up fee and transfer of my data from old computer, my total cost will be close to $700. That is a lot of money for me, but right now I do have enough extra in my account to pay for it, so this is a good time to make the change. God is good!
Here we are in the middle of July already. I almost wrote June there. Schools will be starting again in about four short weeks. No doubt the kids think they just got out of school and summer should not be over so soon. I am horrible at making any advance plans like so many of you, so I just take things day by day.
Three weeks ago I had laser done on both eyes for what is commonly called secondary cataracts, which many people get after they have cataract surgery. It just means that the membrane behind the implant becomes cloudy. The laser zaps some slits in the membrane to let the light in and vision clears up almost immediately. I could really tell the difference as I drove myself home after it was done. It took a couple of days to become totally in focus. This week I saw my regular eye doctor to see if I needed glasses after the procedure, but my vision is again 20/20 two years after the surgery. I have found that most people end up with glasses after having cataracts removed, so I am very pleased. I just need cheap readers for close up work, which I bought at Walmart for $10. I have three pair - one by my chair in the living room, one at the dining table where I work on Bible studies, and is close to kitchen if I need to read a recipe or instructions, and one by my bed for reading in bed at night. I grab the kitchen/dining pair and put in my purse when I go somewhere where I expect to have read and/or sign something.
I had to make a splurge purchase earlier this week. My laptop has been showing me a blue screen on startup saying the SMART hard disk is failing. I did keep using it for a few days, but then decided I better get it checked out before it completely dies and I lose all my files. This laptop did not cost me anything as it was gifted to me by my niece when she got a new one. At the time I really had no use for a laptop as I had a good desktop that was very handy in my tiny house. But after moving here and the only place to hook up to the internet cable was in the kitchen and there is no room for a desktop where the outlet is. So the desktop, which I am using at the moment, is in the spare bedroom far away from the tv and everything else. I had to get a thing to plug into the computer to make it wireless as the modem and router are installed in the garage, of all places! I don't know what "brilliant" mind drew up the plans for that, which doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe they think everyone uses laptops these days.
Back to my splurge. The repairs would cost me $300-350 and I would still have an old computer and something else could quit working at any time. Or I could buy a new, basic model laptop for $495. Basic is all I need. I don't do gaming, streaming or any of the other things the young people do with their computers so having that ability would go to waste anyway. The guy called his supplier for the cheapest they had available for $495 and they had one. He said the reason it is so cheap is that it is purple. Well, that is my color! I am totally happy with that! By the time the set up fee and transfer of my data from old computer, my total cost will be close to $700. That is a lot of money for me, but right now I do have enough extra in my account to pay for it, so this is a good time to make the change. God is good!
Monday, July 15, 2019
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Have you ever noticed on tv shows, that is movies, dramas, soaps, not reality or live shows, that the dialogue is a bit disjointed? They often make a statement with a pause and inflection of the end of a sentence, and the sentence is complete as is. Oh, but wait a minute, they then continue on by either saying the name of the person they are talking to, or add a clause to expand on the thought of the beginning of the sentence. I really notice it on the two soaps I still watch. That pause does not make any sense at all. It is as if the actors forget their lines and have to find the prompter or cue in order to finish their thoughts.
They also say the person's first and last names as if no one knows who they mean, even though they are all close friends or relatives. Who writes this stuff anyway?
There is my pet peeve. . . . . . . . . dear readers, as I sign off for today. (notice the period and pause?)
Saturday, July 13, 2019
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Part of my blog name includes 'random thoughts' and I have been having a few lately.
My procrastination has kicked into high gear this year, maybe due to the very cold and long winter, a cold and very wet spring, jumping right into the hot and very humid days of summer. Or could it be age?
Ever since the first of July I had intended to write about this: have you ever thought about the July 4th holiday is maybe the only one that is labeled by its date rather than the true name of the holiday? It is Independence Day. But everywhere you look, and every reporter in the papers, on tv and radio call it the 4th of July. I did hear one tv reporter actually talk about Independence Day.
People ask, "What are you going to do on the 4th?" or "Let's plan a picnic for the 4th and watch the fireworks." By not calling it Independence Day all the time, do we even think about the true reason for the holiday, or just focus on summer activities and fireworks and nothing else other than flying the flag and everything, including clothing, and food showing the red, white and blue theme.
I have been trying to think of any other holiday that is commonly called by its date and I can't think of one. I suppose you could include May Day, naming the month, but it isn't really a holiday. Does anyone still make May Day baskets to give to friends? Did you make them in school? Or at home with parent's help? I can remember folding lace paper doilies into a cone, using a pipe cleaner as a handle and filling with small candies like jelly beans. Then you would sneak up to the door of a friend, hang the basket on the door handle, ring the bell or knock and then quick run and hide. The receiver then has to guess who delivered it.
Can any of you think of a holiday that is called by its date rather than the actual title? Please leave a comment if you have one.
My procrastination has kicked into high gear this year, maybe due to the very cold and long winter, a cold and very wet spring, jumping right into the hot and very humid days of summer. Or could it be age?
Ever since the first of July I had intended to write about this: have you ever thought about the July 4th holiday is maybe the only one that is labeled by its date rather than the true name of the holiday? It is Independence Day. But everywhere you look, and every reporter in the papers, on tv and radio call it the 4th of July. I did hear one tv reporter actually talk about Independence Day.
People ask, "What are you going to do on the 4th?" or "Let's plan a picnic for the 4th and watch the fireworks." By not calling it Independence Day all the time, do we even think about the true reason for the holiday, or just focus on summer activities and fireworks and nothing else other than flying the flag and everything, including clothing, and food showing the red, white and blue theme.
I have been trying to think of any other holiday that is commonly called by its date and I can't think of one. I suppose you could include May Day, naming the month, but it isn't really a holiday. Does anyone still make May Day baskets to give to friends? Did you make them in school? Or at home with parent's help? I can remember folding lace paper doilies into a cone, using a pipe cleaner as a handle and filling with small candies like jelly beans. Then you would sneak up to the door of a friend, hang the basket on the door handle, ring the bell or knock and then quick run and hide. The receiver then has to guess who delivered it.
Can any of you think of a holiday that is called by its date rather than the actual title? Please leave a comment if you have one.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
YES OR NO?
It is cute in a way, but I am not sure I like it enough to make one. I guess it would be a good project for kids. I don't know where they got those little chicks, maybe Hobby Lobby, or a dollar store.
Yes or no?
I think I would be more apt to make this with real Peeps. I like Peeps, but I know many do not. How about you? Anyway, I think this cake is cute for Easter, and if you don't like Peeps, they are easy to remove from your piece of cake. Instead of chocolate frosting, I think a pretty spring pastel frosting would look very nice. Also, Peeps come in different colors. The bunny Peeps would be cute around the sides of the cake for a different look.
Either project is quick and easy to make now with Easter just a few days away.
Happy Easter to you all!
Thursday, April 11, 2019
OLD MAN WINTER
Yes, that old man insists on hanging around awhile longer. Most of South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska are having a slow moving blizzard.
So far the snow has missed us and have been getting a lot of rain. But then, during the night I heard the rain turn to sleet as the strong winds slammed it against the house. So this morning things are icy, and then later today and tonight we are supposed to get snow; not as much as in the blizzard areas, but at least 2" or more.
While I was making a \middle of the night bathroom run, sitting on the throne, the power went out! There is no window in the bathroom, so it was totally dark. Now, I keep a flashlight next to the bed and one in the kitchen for such emergencies, but none in the bathroom! For some reason the night light in the bathroom and the one in the hall next to the bathroom still had a little dim light so that I could make out the door to the bedroom. I just got in the bedroom when those dim lights went out as well. Amazing that there was enough light outside that I could see the window to get to the bed. Actually, I have made that trip so many times that I am sure I would have made it in total darkness using auto pilot.
I had no idea what time the power went off until I got up this morning and checked the electric clock in the living room. It was 2:30 am. The power came back on at 4:55 am. It is a good thing that the temperature was not as cold as it would be in the middle of winter, so that the house did not get uncomfortably cold without heat for that long.
When I checked my emails this morning, I had several messages from the county sheriff telling about several power lines that were across the roads in the county and warning to avoid those areas, so the ice and strong winds were evident.
I had two medical appointments for today. One was at 10:00 am at the dentist for my 6-month checkup and cleaning. I rescheduled that one yesterday and so glad I did as the dentist is in the next town ten miles away and it is still icy. I have an appointment at the local clinic at 2:00 pm and am going to call and reschedule that for next week. I am taking no chances when weather is like this, even if it is only 6 blocks away. I am not going to walk with the walker on surfaces that may be icy. That appointment is just for the lab and not to see a doctor, so that can wait until Monday.
One good thing about getting ice/snow/blizzard in April is that it won't last long. The weekend is supposed to be in the mid 40's and 50's and melt it all. Meanwhile we wait for the boing boing of spring to bounce back very soon.
Uh-oh, I just saw the lights flicker. I better get that call to the clinic made now in case the power goes out again and I don't have a working phone.
So far the snow has missed us and have been getting a lot of rain. But then, during the night I heard the rain turn to sleet as the strong winds slammed it against the house. So this morning things are icy, and then later today and tonight we are supposed to get snow; not as much as in the blizzard areas, but at least 2" or more.
While I was making a \middle of the night bathroom run, sitting on the throne, the power went out! There is no window in the bathroom, so it was totally dark. Now, I keep a flashlight next to the bed and one in the kitchen for such emergencies, but none in the bathroom! For some reason the night light in the bathroom and the one in the hall next to the bathroom still had a little dim light so that I could make out the door to the bedroom. I just got in the bedroom when those dim lights went out as well. Amazing that there was enough light outside that I could see the window to get to the bed. Actually, I have made that trip so many times that I am sure I would have made it in total darkness using auto pilot.
I had no idea what time the power went off until I got up this morning and checked the electric clock in the living room. It was 2:30 am. The power came back on at 4:55 am. It is a good thing that the temperature was not as cold as it would be in the middle of winter, so that the house did not get uncomfortably cold without heat for that long.
When I checked my emails this morning, I had several messages from the county sheriff telling about several power lines that were across the roads in the county and warning to avoid those areas, so the ice and strong winds were evident.
I had two medical appointments for today. One was at 10:00 am at the dentist for my 6-month checkup and cleaning. I rescheduled that one yesterday and so glad I did as the dentist is in the next town ten miles away and it is still icy. I have an appointment at the local clinic at 2:00 pm and am going to call and reschedule that for next week. I am taking no chances when weather is like this, even if it is only 6 blocks away. I am not going to walk with the walker on surfaces that may be icy. That appointment is just for the lab and not to see a doctor, so that can wait until Monday.
One good thing about getting ice/snow/blizzard in April is that it won't last long. The weekend is supposed to be in the mid 40's and 50's and melt it all. Meanwhile we wait for the boing boing of spring to bounce back very soon.
Uh-oh, I just saw the lights flicker. I better get that call to the clinic made now in case the power goes out again and I don't have a working phone.
Monday, April 1, 2019
BOING BOING!
Spring has sprung, finally! At least for now. There is a slight chance of a little snow tonight but highs in the mid to upper 40's for tomorrow so it won't last long. Hopefully we won't get any snowstorms this month, but there are no guarantees in this part of the country.
I have been keeping busy crocheting again. I had a special order to make an afghan using the jumbo bulky yarn. I had never worked with that before so it was a little bit of trial and error to begin with. The hook is huge, about the thickness of a broom handle. I finally got the hang of it, even though the stitches are still not as uniform as I would like. I usually hold the hook like a pencil when I crochet, but with the huge hook I had to palm it. I know many use hooks that way but that is not the way I learned it.
This yarn is like chenille so it is fuzzy and warm.
Now I am finished with that project I am crocheting winter hats with the yarn I was given at my 75th birthday party.
Some of the yarn is shown in the bushel basket above, but when we got back home there was a whole lot more. It will keep me busy for a long time.
I am also hooked on working jig saw puzzles on the computer as I watch tv. That is very addictive! It is also a time stealer, so I don't get other things done. I should be "good" and not do those things until I have my other work done, but what is the fun in that?!
'They say' that when you get older you go into your second childhood. I guess I am there. I only want to play. ☺
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