Snapshot for February 23, 2012

Weather in SW Michigan ...
AccuWeather spent yesterday talking about the foot of snow we were going to get last night and today. The above freezing temperature didn't dip enough for most of the nighttime accumulation to happen and this morning I woke up to about an inch of wet, sticky snow.

It's a bit below freezing now and it is still lightly snowing. I don't think a foot is going to happen, but with Lake Effect Snow one can never be sure. The forecast is for temps in the 40s again by Sunday.



Really? ...
I always chuckle to myself when I hear someone brag about their "designer dog" such as Labradoodle or Cockapoo.

Designer dogs are not a breed with standards. They are mutts. I have one of those - Sunny - and it amuses me to call her a "designer dog" on her rabies certificate, dog license, and vet records.

I can't guess what was mixed to "design" her, but I am sure it took more than one generation and more than two actual breeds.





Something from the kitchen ...
I'm still working on learning how to run a kitchen for one.

I like to have eggs handy, but I've had to throw out many of them when they pass their expiration date. (Actually I don't throw them out, I set them outside for the raccoons to eat.)

Last week I bought a carton of eight eggs. According to the expiration date, they're good for about a month. Maybe I could use up a carton if I had eggs for lunch once a week.

I am creating...
Finished the Starry Night socks last week. Picture soon.

I am procrastinating ...
Starting the paperwork for the income taxes. Sigh.



I am reading...
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan. Second book in the The Wheel of Time fantasy series.

I am hearing...
Michiganders complaining about the number of Republican primary robo calls they're getting.

Next Tuesday, February 28, is presidential primary day and we're being overrun with annoying calls and ads. Yesterday we even had Herman Cain in Kalamazoo supporting a local candidate and talking about 999 on local news programs after I though I never had to hear about that tax plan again.

Outdoors ...
Moss is taking over the property. It's growing in the lawn, in the gardens, on the cement, on the propane tank, and up the north side of the house.

Here's some new moss that appears to be sprouting out of the cement with some established moss at the bottom of the picture.

Good grief! How am I going to sell this house if it's covered with moss?



Something new for me ...
An LED candle.

I have a nightlight for Sunny in the bedroom. She has a bad back and it's critical that she's able to see to use the dog stairs to get on and off the bed and especially that she doesn't fall off the bed.

A few weeks ago there was a power outage in the middle of the night. I'm not comfortable sleeping with a candle burning, so I propped up a flashlight to light the way for Sunny and went back to sleep with a promise to myself to come up with a better solution.

The LED candle works perfect, like a nightlight powered on AAA batteries.



A few plans for the next few days
I've been resting and using heat to give my jaw a chance to heal. Talking annoys it, so I've been staying home except for the necessities.

Three weeks after the extraction of the (hopefully) responsible tooth, the healing is going much slower than I would like, but it is happening.

Giving thanks for ...
The mild winter, even if it has created a moss invasion.

And ...
I received something very cute and useful in the mail a week ago. It deserves a post of its own. Will show you soon.

Simple Woman's Daybook for February 15

FOR TODAY February 15, 2012...

Outside my window...
It's warm for February, 45 degrees, the little snow we had is all melting and the ground is muddy because the winter hasn't been cold enough to keep it frozen.

I am thinking...
That vaulted ceilings are a huge waste of energy that nobody ever talks about.

Some real estate sales blurbs even mention vaulted ceilings in the same sentence as energy efficient appliances and furnaces.

One of the apartments I checked out had a 20 foot vaulted ceiling. Heat rises. Who wants their heat in the extra space above their head?

In Michigan we run the heat six months (or more) a year. Who is rich enough to want to waste their energy dollars heating useless dead space above their head?

And how do you take down spider webs 20 feet up?

I am thankful for...
The longer days and the smell of spring. Even though there's likely to be at least one more snowstorm before winter is over.

From the kitchen...
Sweet Cajun Crockpot Stew.



I am wearing...
Bluejeans, a royal blue plain sweatshirt, and hand knitted socks.

I am creating...
VanGogh Starry Night socks. They do represent the painting well and I've always loved knitting with Opal sock yarn.



I am going...
To go back to dieting. But not until the Paczkis are gone.

I am reading...
Just got the fourth Lousie Penny book, A Rule Against Murder , from the library. I'm purposely not starting it until the weekend or I won't get anything else done.

I am hoping...
To make good decisions as my life moves on.

I am hearing...
The news on the radio and Pappy snoring.

Around the house...
Deer prints in the mud. At least they don't track it into the house like the dogs and I are doing today.



One of my favorite things...
Paczkis. I had one for lunch. It was nutritious because it was cheese filled. The cheese was creamy, white and tasted like sugar, but I'm sure it was high protein and very healthy. Just because Paczkis are made for Fat Tuesday doesn't mean a thing.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Tomorrow is haircut day and I have an appointment with the oral surgeon so he can make sure my jaw is healing properly. I think it is, but it will be nice to hear him confirm it.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...



These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Karen's Retro Rib Socks

A little late for Christmas, but there probably is some cold weather left in Oregon so she can enjoy them before summer.

Not many people have brown as a favorite color, but the depth and beauty of some browns are at the top of my favorite color list. This is one of those browns.



Pattern: Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark in Winter 2004 Interweave Knits.




Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Woodgrain.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Simple Woman's Daybook for February 7

FOR TODAY February 7, 2012 ...

Outside my window...
It's a cloudy, cold, damp, blah day.



I am thinking...
That I might be a bit old to be wearing bluejeans. Is that possible? What do senior ladies wear if not bluejeans?

I've moved to the "comfort" style with elastic in the waist and a roomy fit. Surely these are jeans for old ladies. But am I too old?

I love my denim and don't plan to spend much time thinking about this.

I am thankful for...
The mild winter we've had in SW Michigan.

From the kitchen...
When you happily live with someone else for years, there are many little compromises that become part of your life and you don't even think about them anymore.

Part of mourning is an exercise in discovering these things, acknowledging they don't need to exist anymore, and making changes.

Bob liked dark toast, I like light toast. The toaster was set on dark and I compensated by hovering over my toast and manually popping it up by hand. I was very good at picking the right moment and having toast just the way I liked.

Yesterday, six months after Bob's death, I was making toast and realized I could change the setting on the toaster to my preference. So I did. It was a sad moment.

I am wearing...
Bluejeans, an apple green sweatshirt, and handknit socks.

I am creating...
Almost done with Karen's socks and have some gorgeous new Opal from the VanGogh collection.



The blue skein is inspired by Starry Night . . .


The greenish skein is inspired by The Trinquetaille Bridge . . .


I am going...
Yesterday I went to a monthly lunch with a friend and realized it was the first time I'd been anywhere except the dentist, the endodontist, the oral surgeon, and grocery store since the last time we'd had lunch four weeks ago.

I'm still not feeling 100%, but maybe 75%. The trend is toward improvement.

I am reading...
Just finished Her Mother's Hope and Her Daughter's Dream, a multi-generational saga by Francine Rivers. Held my interest, but found all the misunderstandings and noncommunication between generations to be depressing. I might not have finished the two book series if I hadn't been sitting around holding my jaw.

I am hoping...
For a technical innovation that will block political phonecalls and advertisements from my life. They are especially annoying because I've already cast my absentee ballot.

Michigan primary is February 28.

I am hearing...
The very early spring songs of the Cardinals and Tufted Titmice.

Around the house...
Moss grows on the north side of a tree. And this year, due to the mild winter, moss grows on all sides of the trees. Also in the lawn, on the cement structures, on the sidewalks, in the gardens, and up the north side of the house. I've never seen anything like it in my twenty years here.



One of my favorite things...
Almost anything that has lots of calories. This is a problem.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Hardly any. Still trying to get my strength back and feel somewhat normal.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Careful back there . . .



These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Chat Back for February 4

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Betty asked . . .

Would you recommend this brand (Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio) for knitting size 13 men's sock? I want to be sure I don't have to worry about running out and I have bought this before but only for a raffle gift. It was sooo beautiful.

Maybe. This is what I know:

For a size 14 foot sock knit on 72 stitches with a 7 inch long cuff and simple stitch pattern that doesn't eat up extra yarn -

• One 50g skein of Regia will get me to the start of the toe decreases.
  
• Stalwart from Slackford Studio is a bit less heavy than Regia, so it requires a few more rows for the same length.
  
• The difference is not enough to require more stitches around.
  
• This year when I selected Stalwart for Dave's socks, I bought two 100g skeins, knit one sock per skein.
  
• I have 53g of yarn left in each ball. Plenty for a pair of women's socks.

---

Kathy B. asked . . .

Your coffee stained shirt though ,made me giggle. Is that appropriate????

I'm always happy when I can make someone giggle. Especially Kathy B., who has caused me to giggle many times.

---

Rita asked . . .

I want to know about your tooth ache. Is it better now?

The short answer is: I think so.

I put this question last so I could write a long answer and all readers who don't want to read it can move on to the next blog.

A week ago Friday I thought I was going to have more oral surgery. When I got to the endodontist he did some tests on my teeth and declared that the molar next to the suspected tooth needed a root canal. Even if that wasn't the main problem, it needed to be done in order to find the main problem. I agreed and had a molar root canal and went home hoping to find relief. Then I spend the next few days trying to pretend my jaw didn't hurt as much.

Next Wednesday, back to the endodondist. He suggested removing the tooth that had the root canal and the jaw surgery last spring, the theory being there must be a small crack in the root that was hiding infection. This required a new appointment with an oral surgeon.

Thursday afternoon the most expensive tooth in my mouth (root canal, apicoectomy, crown) came out. My jaw is still sore and healing, but the pain is not radiating up the whole right side of my head anymore. I have optimistic hopes that removing the tooth was the right thing to do and all will be well in a few days.

If not, I'm sure I'll be whining about it right here on this blog.

Simple Woman's Daybook for January 31, 2012

Outside my window...
It's over 50 degrees today. Snow is melting and everything looks blah, but the roads are icefree.

I am thinking...
That this has been the strangest January I can ever remember. Normally we get "a" January thaw that lasts a few days at most. This year I've lost count of the thaws we've had, but I think it's been about one a week.

I am thankful for...
A careful endodontist who checked my jaw before digging in for surgery and found a molar that needed a root canal, which he did. Once the pain dies down my jaw problems may be over. Even if not, the tooth was part of the problem and needed to be treated.

From the kitchen...
Easy stuff. I've been mostly hanging out in bed holding my sore jaw.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a gray sweatshirt with some coffee drizzled down the front, and hand knit socks.

I am creating...
Occasionally knitting on Karen's socks. Both heels are done. One is knit down to the toes.

I am going...
Back to the endodontist tomorrow because my jaw is still hurting. After three weeks, I'm having a difficult time remembering what it feels like to have a painfree jaw.

I am reading...
Cutting for stone by Abraham Verghese. Months ago when I put this on hold at the library I was 24th in the queue. Maybe they should have bought a few more of this title? It's an excellent novel and I'm enjoying it when I feel good enough to read.

I am hoping...
That tomorrow's visit to the endodontist is the definitive end of my jaw problem.

I am hearing...
The refrigerator is humming in the background. Pappy and Sunny are both snoring during their after dinner nap.

Around the house...
I'm looking forward to feeling well enough to vacuum and dust. Now that's a change.

One of my favorite things...
A painless day.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Getting better and getting on with life.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Granddaughter Kimmy.


FOR TODAY January 31, 2012...

These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Karen's Retro Rib Sock Cuffs

Last week I was on steroids for my jaw ache and as soon as I tapered off the pain came back worse than it was. My jaw is not healing from the surgery I had last spring, so I'm going to have additional surgery on Friday.

Do I need a new blog post label "Dental agony"?

Working on a pair of socks for Karen to send off with brother Dave's huge red wonders. I would like to get these mailed out before Dave and Karen's Oregon winter is over.







Pattern: Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark in Winter 2004 Interweave Knits.

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Woodgrain.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Socks for Brother Dave

Finally finished brother Dave's socks.

Pattern: A variation on basketweave.



Multiple of 6 stitches: (I used 72 stitches for a man's sock)

X O X X X X Row 4: p4,k,p
X O X O O O Row 3: k3,p,k,p
X X X O O O Row 2: k3,p3
X O X O O O Row 1: k3,p,k,p

X = purl
O = knit

Yarn: Stalwart Sock from Slackford Studio. 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon 4 Ply Fingering Weight Sock Yarn.

Color: Passage to India.

Needles: Options 2.50mm circulars.

Gauge: 8 stitches/inch, 10 rows/inch in stockinette.

Crockpot Corn Chowder Recipe

5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
16 oz frozen corn
1 tablespoon butter
2 14-oz cans chicken broth
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 Eckrich smoked sausage sliced thin and cut in half

Throw everything in the crockpot and cook on low for about 8 hours.

Notes:

• Medium spicy. If you want more, up the cayenne but be careful.
  
• Sausage comes two to a pack. If you want more meat, use both. If you want less calories, use turkey sausage.
  
• The salt in the sausage and broth is plenty for my taste. You may want more.

Simple Woman's Daybook for January 17

FOR TODAY January 17, 2012...

Outside my window...
It's 40F and so foggy that some schools in the area had a two hour delay this morning. The fog wasn't gone after two hours, but at least it was daylight.

This picture was taken about 10 AM.

Later today it's supposed to get much much colder and snow.



I am thinking...
That my life right now is nothing like it's going to be a year from now. At least I hope that's true, with changes for the better.

I am thankful for...
Son John has been posting pictures of Granddaughter Sydney on Twitter. They always make me smile. More please.



From the kitchen...
Made a crockpot full of corn chowder Sunday and will be working on that all week. It's a favorite so I won't get tired of it.

I am wearing...
Gray sweatpants, a plain light pink sweatshirt, and handknit socks. Always the handknit socks.

I am creating...
Pounds. I've been gaining weight and have to stop before I gain back everything I worked so hard to lose. It's that diet time of year.

I am going...
Back to the endodontist tomorrow morning to see why the tooth that had a root canal and surgery to have the end of the root ground off last spring is hurting so bad I'm almost non-functional.

I am reading...
Time and Newsweek. Subscribed to both for the fun of reading about the 2012 presidential race and the fun of getting something interesting in the mail.



Time boggles my mind. Sometimes they use small yellow print on white, small white print backed with light blue, and graphics that hardly make sense at all. They certainly don't tell a story at a glance, they just cause forehead wrinkles when I bother to try and figure out what they're trying to show.

Granted, most of their readership is probably reading electronically and only us older people are still working with the print edition. But it's just my demographic that can't deal with yellow print on white.

I won't be renewing Time.

I am hoping...
The roads are decent tomorrow morning so I can get to my endodontist appointment. They're covered with thick ice and slush right now and I don't understand why they're not getting plowed off before it starts snowing again.

I am hearing...
Dave Ramsey in the background because I didn't turn off the radio in the bedroom. Will take care of that next time I get up.

Around the house...
Not much is getting done. Less jaw pain if I don't move. Fortunately I have a wealth of good books to read.

One of my favorite things...
My faithful friends and family who don't intrude, but make sure I know they're still with me and available as I go through this transition time.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
No plans until my jaw stops hurting.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
My maternal grandfather, John Kern, a Swiss engineer who came to this country as a young man and did well. He would have loved computers.



These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Simple Woman's Daybook for January 3

FOR TODAY January 3, 2012...

Outside my window...
The first big snow of the winter.



I am thinking...
Wayne State University has released its fourth list of 10 words the Detroit school says deserve greater use such as erstwhile, Sisyphean, supercilious. It might be fun to try writing a blog post using all ten. If I do, I will include definitions.

I am thankful for...
After two months physical therapy finished last Friday. I’m exercising at home for now.

Every time I went in she asked me what percent better I was and I annoyed her by saying I couldn’t tell her because I had no idea how much better I could get. She never offered an opinion on that. Finally Friday I told her I was 95% better, which I hope isn’t true, and we said goodby.

I am more flexible and “decompressed”, but things still hurt way more than they should.

From the kitchen...
I'm still trying to get used to the empty look in the refrigerator that comes from living with oneself.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a green sweatshirt embroidered with little flowers and leaves, and handknit socks.

I am creating...
My file folders for 2012 paperwork.

I am going...
To keep precise track of my spending in 2012 so I have some idea of how much I can afford to spend on a new place to live, assuming I decide to move. I have the ledger sheets and categories all set up and ready to go. This should be interesting.

I am reading...
Blog reader Carolyn sent me the entire series of Alex McNight mysteries by Steve Hamilton.

The fictional McNight lives in Michigan's upper peninsula in a little town called Paradise (it really exists) on Lake Superior near the Soo Locks. Just reading these books makes me shiver with cold and thankful for our much milder SW Michigan winters.

They are a good read and I'm enjoying them. Thank you Carolyn!



I am hoping...
That 2012 is all you hope for plus a little extra.

I am hearing...
The little mail truck just went down the other side of the road and will be back here in a minute.

Around the house...
We, the little dogs and I, are getting used to being without Glory.

One of my favorite things...
A Christmas gift from John, Anne, and Sydney. I told them when I was young I read and enjoyed a lot of science fiction/fantasy, but haven’t tried any in years and didn’t know where to start. Then I suggested they pick out the first book in some of their favorite series so I could try out various authors that they've enjoyed.

I decided to leave the books unopened until I was ready to start reading one, so I won’t have to agonize over what looks good to read next. Surprise is much more fun.

The first one I opened and read was the Crystal Singer. A very pleasant and entertaining read. I liked it enough to check that the library has the second two in the series and I plan to read them.

Then I opened The Eye of the World and could hardly tear myself away from its 800 pages to do the things that needed to be done. Totally enjoyed the writing, the story, the maps, and the glossary. Have ordered the next two in the series from Amazon and, since there are twelve books in all, if nobody hears from me the rest of the winter it’s all John, Anne, and Sydney's fault!

Just started Game of Thrones last night and haven't gotten into it enough to have an opinion except to note there seem to be an overload of families and characters to remember.

I'm hunkered down for winter with two little old dogs who like to sleep, so I'm doing a lot of reading alternating the McNight mysteries with the fantasy books.




A few plans for the rest of the week:
Yesterday's lunch with a friend was snowed out. We're going to try again next week. We both spent decades driving to work on slippery roads and enjoy staying home now on bad driving days.

Supposedly it's going to warm as the week progresses and the roads will clear. Then I need to go to the grocery store and drive to Kalamazoo for a haircut.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Looks like Santa was very good to granddaughter Sydney.



These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Glory Byrne 1996 - 2011

December 23, 2011 Glory went to be with Bob in heaven.

We were dogless when Glory came to live with us fourteen and a half years ago.

DH Bob overhead a young man in Paw Paw say he had a six month old lab mix puppy that was tearing things up in his apartment and he had to "get rid of her". She ended up in the cab of Bob's truck.

Upon arrival, Glory jumped out of the truck, ran around the perimeter of our five acres, checked out the pond, checked out the creek and was from that day on a very happy, well-behaved dog who never tore anything up. She was too busy running, swimming, catching frogs, and guarding her new home from rodents, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife.

She was a wonderful, intelligent, faithful dog. She will always be remembered with love.

Merry Christmas to All

Santa and Grandaughter Sydney, 6 years old, 2011.

Chat Back for December 10

Responding to comments left since the last time I did Chat Back.

Judy S. asked . . .

I made your orange spiced nuts the other day, and they were yummy. Have you tried them with cereal for breakfast?

I've made them several times in a double batch to take to various get-togethers. They weren't a big hit so both times I had plenty left over to munch on at home and I totally enjoyed doing that at all times of the day and night, although I never ate them at the same time as my cereal. Sounds like a great combination.

---

Mrs. Susan Wike wrote . . .

Try Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. It makes you feel like a real French baker--and there's bread dough ready in the fridge for a loaf whenever you want one.

Haven't tried this yet, but it's on my list of things to try someday. I gain a pound every time I think about it.

---

Susanne asked . . .

How are the bathroom reno's coming along?

The important, urgent things are under control. No more leaking into the basement, no more dry rot in the floor.

The past two months I've been doing physical therapy and it's been painful, so I haven't been painting and I keep telling myself there is no hurry. I half believe that.

It will get done. If I'm not able to manage it by spring, I will hire it done.

---

Lola wrote . . .

If the hard drive is making noises, it's a signal that the drive will fail soon, at any time. Make backups of essential files NOW and start looking for a new laptop sooner rather than later. Hard drives do have a shelf life, and it soulds like your laptop is pretty old.

Don't worry. I know all that.

I am backed up. I do intend to buy a new laptop soon. If the laptop dies before I'm ready, I'll cope with it. I have Bob's desktop as a backup CPU, although it's probably easier to set up a new laptop than to change his settings to mine.

---

NMJewel asked . . .

One of these days, you'll surprise us all with... socks! Eh?

Blame the physical therapy. I haven't figured out yet how to knit without getting into a posture I'm not supposed to get into, and most of the time my shoulders and neck hurt too much to enjoy knitting anyway.

This will not go on forever. I am getting better. So yes, one of these days I will surprise you.

---

Judy wrote . . .

In the midst of all the sorrow I pray you will also experience peace.

Thank you Judy. I do have peace.

Last week’s Griefshare lesson was about how we can’t know God’s ways, we can only know that He is good and He loves us. I worked though most of that before Bob died, so I have it all fresh in mind to keep me going.

The key to understanding God is knowing that we can’t.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
Neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are my ways higher than your ways
And my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

(Isaiah 49:8-9)

---

Kathy B. asked . . .

I am so sorry to hear Glory is nearing her end. Will an image of her running to your husband help??????

I think that's exactly what she wants to do. She's still waiting for him to come back, and soon she's going off to find him.

---

Janna wrote . . .

And I agree with Donna -- check out Louise Penny's books. Try to start with the first one (Still Life) and work your way through.

This is an excellent mystery series that you really do want/need to read in order.

I just finished the second book and it would have been a challenge to follow if I hadn't read the first.

---

Sherilan asked . . .

Have you read the Sheriff Gastner mysteries by Steven Havill? I came late to the series, the first is "Heartshot" and there is a new one out in December, I think.

This is on my list to read. Because I'm a non-resident, I can only order three library books at a time.

Thanks for the recommend.

---

Marcia asked . . .

I'm wondering who the author is of your copy of the Taste of Home's Cooking for 1 or 2. I looked on Amazon and there is one published in 2003, Heidi Reuter Lloyd and one published in 2006 and written by Mark Hagen. I'm at the point where I think I could use such a book.

Mine is Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two from 2003 edited by Heidi Lloyd. I bought it second hand from Amazon. Not sure if it's still in print. Maybe directly from Taste of Home?

Simple Woman's Daybook for December 6

FOR TODAY December 6, 2011...

Outside my window...
We still haven't had any snow.



I am thinking...
About the pronouns I use. I say things like, "We have five acres", and once "we" is out of my mouth I realize that it's not "we" anymore. But I haven't yet got to the point where it feels normal to say, "I have five acres."

I guess if I include the dogs, plural still works and "we" do have five acres.

I am thankful for...
These last days with Glory, my 15 year old dog who is terminally ill with kidney failure. Her appetite is very poor and she's getting too thin, but she is still enjoying her walks, especially when we go out without the little dogs.

She can't be bothered to even sniff dog food anymore. This morning she had a scrambled egg and a peanut butter cookie. This evening she had some chicken but she wouldn't eat her Zinger. Not a good sign.

From the kitchen...
Butterscotch Bread Pudding from Taste of Home's Cooking for One or Two. It was good.



I am wearing...
Navy sweatpants, a plain pink sweatshirt, and handknit socks.

I am going...
To get up in a few minutes and do my ball exercises.



I am reading...
Just finished the second Louise Penny book, A Fatal Grace. Excellent. Thank you so much to Janna and Donna who suggested the series. I like them so much I'm giving the entire seven books to my mother for Christmas.

I am hoping...
To emerge from this winter as a better, stronger person.

I am hearing...
Since it's a week into December and we haven't had any snow yet, the rumor is that January and February are going to have record snowfalls.

In Michigan we like to scare ourselves with severe weather predictions.

Around the house...
There's not much going on.

One of my favorite things...
Sunny waiting for me to sit down with my laptop so she can settle in and take a nap.



A few plans for the rest of the week:
Physical Therapy Wednesday and Friday. Not planning much else in case I get as sore as I usually get after my PT.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
The only down side to no snow is the lack of pretty winter pictures.




These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.

Simple Woman's Daybook for November 22

FOR TODAY November 22, 2011 ...

Outside my window...
It's a cold, rainy day.



I am thinking...
This blog post needs some color, so I borrowed a picture from August.



I am thankful for...
Many things. Even on bad days I never have trouble thinking of things to be thankful for.

Today I'm especially thankful that Glory is having some good days and is dragging me out for walks in this miserable wet weather.



From the kitchen...
I made a big batch of macaroni and cheese for Glory and she's been enjoying it with a raspberry Zinger for dessert. She eats small amounts multiple times a day.

Today I bought her a pizza, which she's also been enjoying. It's hard not to give her more than a little at a time when she's so ready to eat, but I know more is not better if she barfs it. Whatever happens now, she's had a few good days and enjoyed some good food so that will be a pleasant memory. Bets are she has no intention of ever eating dog food again.

I am wearing...
Jeans, an unadorned aqua sweatshirt, and handknit socks.

I am creating...
Still working on Dave's very long socks.

I am going...
To figure out if it is possible to knit more without undoing the good the physical therapy is doing for my back, neck, and shoulders.

I am reading...
Justice by Karen Robards. Three and a half stars out of five on Amazon. That's about what it deserves. It's not awful, but I'm finding it slow moving. Maybe that's because I thought it was a mystery and it's only half a mystery. The rest of the time I'm reading the inner thoughts of the heroine as she contemplates the body of her former boyfriend who is assigned to protect her. Why does this take pages and pages?

Still Life, the first Louise Penny book, is on its way to the Oshtemo branch of the Kalamazoo Public Library for me to pick up. I hope to have it before the week is over.

I am hoping...
That the eaves troughs get cleaned out before the first real snowstorm. I know the man who is planning to do it is very busy trying to get his own house ready for winter.

I am hearing...
The heating system pipes clicking as the hot water flows through.

Around the house...
It's very quiet.

One of my favorite things...
White chocolate.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Against my better judgement, I'm going to the grocery store tomorrow, the day before Thanksgiving, to pick up a few things I need for cooking for Glory. I'll probably be the only person there wanting to buy raspberry Zingers for Thanksgiving. Also plan to stop at the library.

Mom and I are going out for Thanksgiving dinner. It won't be the same as home cooked, but it will be something different and I need that. Friday is physical therapy. I'm not shopping on Black Friday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
November pictures are pretty boring when there's no snow. I like snowless, boring November pictures.



These writing prompts are available from Simple Woman's Daybook where each Tuesday we're invited to join in celebrating the beauty of everyday moments around us.