*WE LOVE TO CHAT 7/30*

Good evening. It's been a productive day. I went looking for a replacement for my pre-cast concrete steps for the front porch and hit the jackpot. Well, actually, there aren't a whole lot of businesses close by to choose from so I went to a small business that's been around for a while. Not only did he have what I want in stock but can install it tomorrow for what I consider a reasonable price. Whew! That happened fast.

I also got a good recommendation from him for a contractor to scrape down and paint my porch as well as replace some sidewalk that is subsiding. I trust this gentleman's opinion--he's been around for a long time and has a reputation to maintain. I was planning to do some of the painting myself but it's been too hot.The contractor came this afternoon and looked over the job. That was also fast. It's hard finding someone reliable without a word-of-mouth recommendation--I'm finally getting somewhere with this project. He'll come back Sunday to take specific measurements for an estimate.

Beema

are you going to post your art work for us to enjoy?

Don't hold your breath too long, Beema.  I never finish anything in the field--I work too slow. This summer it seems as though I didn't get very far in any of the sessions. At least I'll have something to work on in the fall when we're in the studio. This plein aire painting is tough--I guess I'm just stubborn sticking with it. It's been good for me, though, because it forces me into eliminating detail and heading more towards an impressionistic outcome. At least, that's what I'd like to think! The bonus is that I get to sit in the shade in some lovely places and look at beautiful countryside. That's worth the tuition for the class right there!

It got up to 94 here today so I've turned on the air conditioner and am anticipating reading a good book this evening. Tomorrow it's going to be even warmer. Geema--I hope you're staying cool. This heat really takes the ambition out of me. The last thing I want to do right now is bake bread!

Have a good evening, everyone. Talk to you tomorrow.

Good Saturday Morning and greetings from Tampa....  well, more activity in the Atlantic, with TS Ernesto, TD6, and a possible system formation right off Florida's eastern shores.  Egad, I want to go hibernate til November.  Otherwise, we have a 50% chance of rain today, with temps in the mid 90's. 

As mentioned, I am taking Claire and Noah to lunch today and then to the Pinarama for a little bowling.  I usually don't like to go there on the weekends, but they told me that by 1pm, all the preplanned parties will be gone.  Organized madhouse. 

Our dinner last night, an Asian Pasta and Ham Salad, was outstanding.  I think I am going to submit it to one of the magazines, rather than post it here.  But, I will send it via our email chain in a day or two when I have it down pat.... 

Now, I need to move along, and get things going for today.  Birdy, so glad things worked out well for your porch, and for finding a contractor to work on the painting...  that's a victory in itself.  See everyone later....

Good Morning All:

Couldn't sleep any longer so I am up. Very DARK out and the clouds are rolling over the moon. Sky looks strange. A few stars out to the East and West is rolling clouds and pretty dark. Wonder what is brewing. Temp 76.4°.

Today is my youngest 50th birthday. Where did the time go. She doesn't want a big fuss. I understand and will grant her that.

Guess I will be shopping for a TV. It went crazy last night. Turned it on this morning and it came on BUT shortly it started acting up soooooooooo I see a new TV in my future.  If I want to watch TV I will go to the basement for a few days.  I have to think long and hard about what I replace it with. It also means that my entertainment center will not work for a new TV.  Decisions, decisions!!!  And will the VCR work on a new TV!! 

I HATE living in a desert!!  I don't think it will ever rain again.

I think I need to catch a few winks before I get this day started.

Cali is outside on the deck. Guess I had better let her back in - in case it decides to do something out there!!

CUL

 

Good morning, all. It's warm and humid this morning with the promise of being in the mid to high 90's by evening. Yuk. A good day to stay inside, I guess. My concrete steps are coming sometime after 9 this morning--I imagine they'd rather get it done before the heat builds. I'll be glad to get that chore done--with more in the future!

Beema--I hope you bowl better than I do. I've never broken 100 yet--although I haven't bowled much (because I hate humiliation!) Have a good time with your family--it does sound like fun.

Geema--I can't imagine how it is for you right now. Our dry spell broke after 1 1/2 months although it's still somewhat crispy here even now. You might have to do that naked rain dance after all! Changing technology is always a pain in the neck, isn't it? I had a DVD recorder/player that I just loved--simple and it did a good job--but it didn't allow me to call up the channel numbers on our cable. When everything went digital I couldn't use it anymore because I won't pay a premium to the cable company for the gadzillion channels and a box. I get basic cable that doesn't require the digital box and therefore can't use my recorder anymore. I bought a new one that doesn't work worth #%&#. Ah, progress. Ain't it wonderful?

We have a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon which means don't count on it. Tomorrow, however, sounds a bit worrisome. If things go the way they're thinking, there will be a very strong line of thunderstorms heading through here later in the day. Phooey--I hate those fronts. Maybe it will fizzle and just bring some rain.

Beema--according to what I heard on the Weather Channel yesterday, they're saying that storm looks to be headed for the Mexican coast so perhaps you'll dodge the bullet. It would take a major change of direction to head our way, thankfully.

Have a good day, everyone.

Good morning everyone.

Weather really is the topic of the day.  Beema, hope the storms fizzle out before hitting land for you and Geema, I know you must be desperate for rain by now.  As, Birdy said, you may have to do that rain dance or maybe washing the car would do it . We are expecting hot and humid today followed by maybe a little rain overnight and a very good chance of a wet day tomorrow.  Altho I know the "workers" who have a long w/e this w/e in Ontario may not be happy to get rain in the middle of it, I'm thrilled.  We have some trees that have been in for a couple of years and had been doing very nicely that are suffering and we will probably lose some of them   Unfortunately, it just is not feasible to water them all.

I have stripped the bed this morning to get laundry done rather than leave it until who knows when because of the rain tomorrow and golf on Monday morning.

Birdy, how lucky can you be with the new front steps.  That is great.  Hope all goes well with getting them in place this morning and then to have a contractor who will come out to give an estimate so quickly too is wonderful.  Don't blame you not wanting to paint in this heat.

My mug is empty - need a refill.

Tasty

Thanks Carole, Geema and Beema,

I have been looking at the same oven you have Carole, and think it would work for us.  Geema, your's sounds great too but my space is limited, so not sure I could handle that.  Our home is our original "starter home" that we just never left.  After our children were raised the space was fine for the two of us; and with a bit of remodeling here and there, we have created a comfy home for us, but alas, small kitchen!  We do love our rural setting; a little over two acres and some beautiful older trees. 

Need to make my salads today as yesterday was spent hemming then hanging some new curtains.  I have a fairly new Singer portable sewing machine but for the life of me I cannot get it threaded properly, so I resorted to my close to 40 year old cabinet model Sears Kenmore which still sews like a top! 

Everyone have a great weekend!

Jenny

Good Afternoon, Everyone...  Got home from squiring the kids around, took a wee nap, then looked at the news and weather sites...  and my emails, and now, finally I have a chance to visit with my kitchen buddies.

Birdy, I don't bowl...never did....  I just watch.    Even in my younger days, when I almost lived in a bowling alley (my father was a semi pro and champion bowler whose average was 298), I never could get the hang of it. But, then I am allergic to all kinds of balls - I take a swing at anything round and it will move over just enough for me to miss it every single time.  My sports were limited to swimming, diving, bike riding, and if dancing could be called a sport, I was good at that, too.  But nothing that required hand-eye coordination.  Go figure.

But, Claire and Noah had a great three games... I was amazed that Claire beat Noah all three times, and her high score was 129.  It's been at least a year since she was bowling, so I imagine with some practice she'd be pretty good.  Eric, her brother, took lessons and is VERY good....  but now with his still healing broken leg, bowling is just a bit difficult - he can't get his rhythm right. 

Jenny, I don't hear of too many people who continue to live in their first homes...  that's nice.  You have the land you like, apparently, just enough to handle, and a home that's comfortable...  good for you.  My kitchen is small also, so I know what you mean about having limited space for the larger appliances.  But, I think you will really enjoy having a larger countertop oven. 

Tasty and Geema, I sure hope you guys get enough rain to keep your crops, trees and vegetation alive.  It seems it is either too much or not enough.  I recall earlier in the year when Geema was saying the yard was still boggy and too wet to plow....  how ironic.

As of now, it appears that both Ernesto and Florence will continue on tracks that will miss Florida, Ernesto heading toward Mexico, while Florence heading north on the eastern coastline.  Now, let's home that Flrorence doesn't go ashore along the coast, but stays out at sea.  We are expecting some serious wind and rain later tonight and tomorrow from a weather system that will move west across the Florida peninsula...  hopefully it will be just a hearty storm, and nothing severe like Debby was.

Mac, haven't heard from you for a day or so - hope all is progressing well for hubby, and that you are holding up okay.  The caregiver is often the one needing the most solace and comfort...  and the sleep.  Take care of yourself, dear. 

I had beer battered fish and chips for lunch, so I am quite full, still.....  I may not eat dinner tonight, but I had already taken some chicken out of the freezer, and had planned to make fajitas...  they warm up nicely, so if I don't eat dinner, that may be my lunch tomorrow.

Birdy, I am sure you recall a while back when you posted a recipe for sautéing brussies....  well, I sent the recipe to Jenny, who claimed not to like brussies, at all, no way, no how....  but, oh, well, I will try this if you say so....  Guess who LOVES brussies now?  She told me today that she has since roasted them, grilled them, chopped them raw into salads, and wishes she had started eating them sooner.  She said, "think of all the brussies I could have eaten and didn't?"

Geema, when it comes to technology, I want to just throw up my hands and say "forget it.  Who needs it?" But I am a rare bird, the one who never watches TV, and I mean never....  so, when my old TV went to electronic heaven, I asked my kids to tell me what to buy, told them to hook it up, attach whatever to it, and that was that.  I still don't know how to turn it on.  Well, that's not entirely true... I do know that much, and how to turn it off, but other than that, forget it.  There is a dvd and an X-box connected to it, but like you, Birdy, I only have the basic cable from Brighthouse, which also supplies by internet connection.    I just wish the TV part of the package  could be charged on a usage basis, like electricity, because it would be charged only when I have grandkids here.  Aune has a TV in her room, which she may watch for about an hour every evening...  we'd save a bundle if the "meter" could stop running when the TVs are turned off. ---  Oh, but, I just thought of something else.  Like the phone company, they would probably start charging me "a shortfall" fee...  a fee for NOT using the service.

Well, I have gabbed, ranted and raved long enough....  you are tired of listening to me by now...  See you in the morning, and  I sincerely hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday night.

 

Hi everyone, DH seems to be doing better the last couple of days and I have been able to go out and about, I have my cell if there is any problems. My stomach has been bothering me, probably nerves. Scott, Kelly and the kids are up in Rodney at a cottage with friends for a few days and they went to the waterpark in Toronto today, he sent a text broke a toe. I am taking care of the kids Beta Fish, his name is YO, hasn't eaten since I got him Thursday night, he better not kick the bucket on me or I will have alot of explaining to do with the grandkids. I have been reading alot lately, Robynn Carr's Virgin River series, very good books.

GOOD SUNDAY MORNING, One and All.   Another hot day,with the same %50 chance of rains this afternoon.  We didn't get anything yesterday - at least not right here, but there was some rumbling around, and a perfect rainbow in the eastern sky, so it must have rained somewhere.

I have absolutely nothing on my calendar for today, so that means I can read, fiddle around doing nothing.  It always sounds good, but after a while I will become bored and start looking for trouble...

Mac, sure glad hubby is feeling better, but sorry that your tummy is acting up - that doesn't surprise me, tho, since you have been under a lot of stress and worry.  A lot of our reading friends have mentioned Robyn Carr, so I have that name on my list of authors to look for.

Emmy had borrowed my wheelchair for a friend to use for a few days, and brought it back last evening - she and hubby were heading out to meet Sarah and Tristan for dinner...  a nice way to spend a Saturday evening. 

Hope everyone has a terrific day...  I will return later to see what's on your calendar, maybe get some ideas to keep me off the streets.

Beema

you are tired of listening to me by now

 Not so! This is pretty much like sitting around the kitchen table, drinking coffee with friends and swapping "whatever." I think this is what makes this group so much fun.  I'm not at all athletic--never have been--especially with anything that requires using a ball. I'm a good walker, though. That's how I get my exercise--without a club or golf ball in hand, though. Good to hear that the storms in the Atlantic look as though they'll go around you. I'm hoping that the one going up the east coast goes out to sea, too. I don't want a repeat of last summer.

Mac--I'm so glad that your husband is doing better. Now we need to give you a few hugs--it is hard on the caregiver, too. Take care of yourself and give yourself some treats when you can.

Geema--how are you doing? I saw that a strong line of storms went through your area overnight. Hope you got rained on without the other stuff!

It's close to 80 here so early in the morning--it never went below 77 overnight--with a dew point of 70, which is about as high as it ever gets in this neck of the woods. There's a strong cold front coming through fast late in the day which they are expecting will produce storms, some strong with wind, large hail, and very heavy rain. I think it's pretty much the same one that went through Geema's region earlier. The Weather Channel has given us a 3 out of 10 chance of tornadoes on the TOR:CON scale. Yuk. NOAA has already issued a flash flood watch for the eastern part of the state with 1-3 inches possible within just an hour or so with totals possible up to 6". We're not included in this--hope they're right. 

I didn't get my steps installed after all yesterday. My concrete guy came along about the time he had arranged to tell me that his assistant for the day had decided he wanted the day off after all and took it. Boy, was that guy mad. He was embarrassed, too, because a small business exists on their record of service. I assured him that Monday was fine--frankly, I was surprised that he was going to be able to do it yesterday, anyway. We had a little chat about the lack of work ethic in many younger workers these days. Since I taught commercial subjects, I often had class discussions about responsibility and the world of work. Some of my students thought it was funny--they were already getting away with things like that in their part-time jobs and told me so. Finding reliable people to do heavy, hard work is getting to be difficult. 

I've discovered how versatile those Laughing Cow cheese wedges are. I've been buying the light wedges in different flavors. Yesterday I made a ham sandwich where I spread the garlic-herb flavor on the bread instead of mayo. It was really good and only added 35 calories. Another great combination is baby carrots dipped in the blue cheese flavor as a snack.  I had an idea a while back for using them for creamy sauces on pasta, etc. Since then, I found out that I'm behind the times--people have been using them like this for a while. I've got to try it, now.

I need more coffee. Talk to you later.

Yippee, we got a thunder storm and RAIN - a whole inch.

That is a start at least. Of course, I watered the garden last night, but if that helped it to rain!!  Yeah, for me!!  Temp is 73.0°.

Cali's food is in the making as I play on here!  Oops gotta go turn her chicken. Veggies are cooked and now the oats!!  She is pretty much on a time schedule because of her thyroid meds. Finished fixing her dish (a veggie "serving" bowl from an old set of dishes). It is still warm (she is a spoiled dog - out of necessity). She gobbled it right down!!

I got up and went to the basement in case the storm got as bad as they was predicting. Hail (none)!  Plus in order to watch TV I had to go to the basement as my main TV bit the dust (now I have to check out TVs). Guess I need to get some advise from some of the kids (I don't know much about the new TVs).  Sounds like a Monday chore as I need to go to the bank anyway so I will be out and about. 

Had my coffee now time for a bowl of cereal and a banana.

Have a good day all.

 

 

NYBirder

[Geema--how are you doing? I saw that a strong line of storms went through your area overnight. Hope you got rained on without the other stuff!

 I think it's pretty much the same one that went through Geema's region earlier.

 I've discovered how versatile those Laughing Cow cheese wedges are. I've been buying the light wedges in different flavors. Yesterday I made a ham sandwich where I spread the garlic-herb flavor on the bread instead of mayo. It was really good and only added 35 calories. Another great combination is baby carrots dipped in the blue cheese flavor as a snack.  I had an idea a while back for using them for creamy sauces on pasta, etc. Since then, I found out that I'm behind the times--people have been using them like this for a while. I've got to try it, now.

Birdy: We were posting at the same time!!   Yes, we got rain (I will take the 1 inch gladly).  I must check out the Laughing Cow cheese - I have eaten it before but not recently. The garlic-herb flavor sounds good. Glad you mentioned using them for creamy sauces,too. I guess I am "behind the times", also. 

Good morning ladies

It's dull and windy here this morning and still humid.  No rain for us during the night but a good chance of some today, altho not as much as originally expected.  But, anything helps.  Glad to see you got rain without the stuff that sometimes goes with it at this time of year, Geema.

Altho I haven't used laughing cow cheese I have been known to add some regular cream cheese (usually a lowfat variety) to sauces.  I love cheese in almost any form.

Dinner last night was ALL from the garden - yeah   We are trying to find ways that we will eat zucchini so last night made a form of ratatouille with onions and pepper, zucchini and tomatoes.  I had dug up a fingerling potato plant and hubby had found some corn that was ready.  My plan had been to have this with peameal bacon but when I saw how much we had already, we just didn't bother with the bacon.  I knew hubby would be happy.  Altho he eats and enjoys meat, he is quite happy without it - I'm the one here who likes to see meat on my plate but I'm finding as I get older, I too can enjoy a meal without it

Hubby picked most of the beets yesterday and cooked them last night while we watched the Olympics.  This morning he peeled and sliced/diced etc and now they are all done with. When I was a kid, Mum would pickle them for Dad & I but she only ever used neat vinegar.  I found a recipe a few years ago that mixes vinegar with sugar, water and some spices.  These are not so sharp tasting and we prefer them that way.

Good to see that hubby is improving Mac. As everyone has said, make sure to take good care of yourself too.  He doesn't need you to get sick.  Hope the fish is OK for the grandkids.

Enjoy your day with not much to do Beema.  That's the way mine is looking too right now, but I'm sure I'll find something to get up to.

Hang in there Lilly.  How long before school is done for the year?

Take care guys and don't get too wet

Tasty

Oh, goody, here comes the rain

Hey, Tasty. Here comes the rain here, too. It was very dark for almost an hour and then it started with a nice rain--strong but not a downpour and coming down straight. That should help things. From what they're saying, this is just the preliminary. After this the sun will come out and that will start cooking things up for the rest of the afternoon.

Geema--I'm so glad you got some rain. I found myself standing on the porch just enjoying the feel of the air. I still have the air-conditioner going, though. It's very close and humid. By tomorrow, it might not get out of the high 70's. Now wouldn't that be a treat?!

That Laughing Cow cheese has some nice flavors to play with. I'm going to have to experiment with it since it'll satisfy my craving for creamy without killing my diet. The Hungry Girl web site has a number of recipes that use this cheese. Check out the baked sweet potato recipe on this link: http://www.hungry-girl.com/weighin/show/2332  I've been using the cinnamon-flavored on a Thomas' whole-wheat bagel flat for breakfast. It's not bad--not a New York bagel with cream cheese but a reasonable substitute.

We have a local Olympian, a native of Cooperstown, who almost medaled yesterday. Sarah Groff is a tri-athlete who finished in what I consider to be the most heartbreaking position possible--4th. She was only 10 seconds behind after swimming, biking, and then running that course. We're very proud of her--she took a lot of the people "in the know" by surprise. I'd love to see her try again. What's fun, too, is watching the women runners from Ethopia and Kenya. I feel as though I know some of them since they have been our premier runners at the Boilermaker 15 K every year. I'm always careful to get to the course early because we know they'll be the first through. I've seen the top contenders this year at the Olympics in person running by me so I find myself rooting for them. They are the most wonderful runners.

I was going to try to mow the weeds this morning (the grass certainly doesn't need it) but this rain has wet things down too much. Oh, shucks. Too bad. Now I'm forced to stay in the cool and read a book. 

Talk to you later.