Anonymous Knitter: Recent Episodes

Louise Ann Benjamin

I'm off the wall, and an fiber artist from rural Minnesota and South Dakota.

Still not in the mood for writing. I am sorry. Louise Ann Benjamin, Worthington, MN

Hey all, hope you are well. Pupper and I are doing well. There’s not much to write about anymore. We have had a peaceful summer. I’ve been getting healthier, and can walk with cane support almost exclusively and am independent of the wheelchair. I’ve been stitching, and watching the trees. Listening to the birds sing… Continue reading Goofing off →

Hello all. There’s a little coffee left if you want a cuppa. Pupper is outside enjoying the morning waking the world up. I’ve got to jump in the shower, pain levels are good enough that maybe I can get out to a meeting this morning. Shortly, I will take medicine and begin the day myself.… Continue reading Doing the best I can →

I have learned that Monday is not as bad as it could be. I’ve hated mondays since he died. Over the last few days I went to a camp out to visit. Met lots of old and good friends who mean the universe to me. This morning, I’m having my first cup of coffee. Pupper… Continue reading A little Monday →

Freedom from fireworks will hopefully happen soon. Pupper and I are enjoying the back yard. For the first morning ever, the football field isn’t tormenting a dog of mine. Yesterday, a short privacy fence was donated and installed. On the other side of that fence is the high school football field. The field, with mowing… Continue reading The wall →

Today is an exciting day for Pupper Tanner Theo the Gangster of Love. He gets to go to the groomer this afternoon. His claws will be trimmed, he gets a nice shower, his ears will be cleaned, and his tail will get special attention. The only crisis is how much will he flirt with everyone… Continue reading The groomers →

This was huge. It wasn’t easy, but I can walk. I can walk. Not miles, not all over. But I can walk. Hope, I have hope. Louise Ann Benjamin, Worthington Mn

Pupper and I are relaxing this Saturday afternoon. We have the air on, and I am monitoring the outside temps to make sure we are safe. Life here is quiet and good. We are okay. I am happy again. This is something that has come in spits and sparks over the years, but recently has… Continue reading Enjoying Peace →

The other day I scattered his ashes. My brain and body are still healing. I went for a walk. I relaxed. I didn’t cry, but letting him go was crucial to my soul. Today, I am sore. I did some exercises yesterday. Now, I am watching the Pup and have been bit by a mosquito. … Continue reading A roller-coaster of emotions →

Hey there, have been working on self quite a bit over the last few months, and also focusing on making sure Pupper was comfortable in our home. I now want to talk about the Sioux Falls area Humane Society. https://www.sfadopt.com/ Pupper and I found each other there back in April. He had been moved there… Continue reading Pupper and the Humane Society →

It doesn’t matter how long it has been, or how bad it was. There were good times too. He rarely allowed a picture to be taken. But I found these. I still cry, I still silently scream. I still feel like my soul has been ripped out of my body. -L

It has been awhile, and I thought I was done. The urge to write was gone completely, and my paper diary was completely blank. I don’t know what makes today different, but here we are. I’ve been challenged to figure out who I am without a husband, without others needing me, and without being responsible… Continue reading Slowly →

Hey there, have been working on doing my best, and on caring for myself. I’m not doing any doom cleaning, I’m just being. It’s okay for me to just be, to enjoy, to relax. Pupper and I are at peace. Yesterday we went to my sister’s house to return her license plates. In her state,… Continue reading A lovely spring day →

It is here, a tremendous gift. I have a new to me vehicle, and it is an improvement. Now, I’m going to the county office in a little over an hour. It’s almost time to get ready. I’ve got to get the title, the plates, and all of the other paperwork handled. It’s time to… Continue reading 16 year old van →

Hey there, it is a lovely morning. Pupper Tanner Unit Theo the master of snuggles is outside. His friends, the squirrels and birds are keeping him busy and entertained. He dances with them, and the smile on his furry face is so sweet. On Monday, a new to me vehicle will be here. It’s green,… Continue reading Selling my town and country →

Hey there, hope all is well. Tonight there is a small success. I paid the first half of the property taxes for the year. This is huge, and another sign of my independence. I’m so grateful. -L

We went for a tiny walk today. Pupper and I walked the sidewalk in front of the house. We then had to rest at the patio table for a few. It was okay. Each slow patient step helps. I’m waiting now, for the OTC meds to kick in. It will be okay. -L

I used to have to apologize for waking up breathing. For living, for not attempting to end it all. I used to have to say, “Being married to Satan would be better than this.” There were many days, where I said nothing at all to anyone. I was forbidden to talk on the phone. I… Continue reading I don’t have to apologize for being born anymore. →

I was going to try to make it back home today with Pupper for the holiday. Woke up in screaming pain again. So, I need to just relax with some tea, and stay home. I will try to go home another time. Pupper has been helping me so much in the short time he has… Continue reading Plans changed →

Today is a good day to cry. -L

We had a big day today, Pupper and I. We went to tractor supply and got some toys and treats. I also bought spray paint. I was asked in the course of the day if I planned to use dynamite in the digging I had planned in the back yard. That gave me pause. I… Continue reading Life isn’t just →

Good morning all. I hope all is well in your universe. His Royal Highness pupper the Great is currently taking a nap. We’ve been doing the get to know you phase of dog human ownership love interaction thing. So far, it’s going pretty good. I’m learning his boundaries, and he is learning mine. The good… Continue reading I’m just not in the mood →

I have been invaded. Someone jumped 4 paws, whiskers and cold nose directly into my heart. Hi everyone, this little guy came with the name of Pupper. He is sweet, and destroys toys in less than 45 seconds. He and I might help heal each other. -L

Most of the chores are done for the day. I retrieved some stuff from the garage, and sorted the yarn stash. I washed clothes, and retrieved the bin from the curb. Pain took over, but I decided to try to sit outside awhile with a project. Pain levels are bad, but I have been trying… Continue reading A quiet afternoon →

I have been weaning off of the antidepressants that saved my life in the last 2 years of my marriage and last six months of widowhood. I’d gone into that psychiatrist office in order to either get help or die that night. I am feeling emotions again. I do bust into tears more frequently now.… Continue reading Weaning and moving on →

On the app that I use to write this blog, there are writing prompts. I ignore them significantly. I’ve always loathed those things, and they are about as useful as mammary glands on a male. To me, they are more like homework assignments. Ugh. Homework, mind numbingly useless homework that makes it harder to do… Continue reading Why I don’t… →

Hey there, hope you are well. Today is a good day so far. My neck needs popping, and for some reason my left side has a stitch in the giddyup today. I might have slept wrong, twice. Yesterday was all appointments and a little emotional support retail therapy. There are few places I willingly go… Continue reading A little reprieve →

Hey there, settled in at the laptop because I have the space emotionally to use it for now. 6 months ago, he died. Wow. I’ve been hiding, from the blog, from my friends, and licking my wounds. Duke dying too was just another nail, you know. It’s not been easy. Thing is, this does parallel… Continue reading 6 months →

Spent the afternoon setting up my journal table. With the lovely stickers and colored paper Marissa gave me, I have enjoyed the day. It still isn’t ready to take pictures of, but that is okay. I have been writing in a diary since 6th grade or so. Sadly, I don’t have most of my diaries… Continue reading Still feel wooden →

Today I am using those distraction skills on overload. The plan was to stitch out front awhile today. Instead I woke at 1am, and didn’t get back to bed till 7. A 4 hour nap helped a little. I haven’t screamed on waking in awhile. Duke’s ashes, I put them inside his favorite stuffed bear.… Continue reading Pain day redux →

My sweet baby Duke’s ashes are ready. My sister is going to get him, and bring him back. He is sorely missed. -L

Back when I used windows based products I was well familiar with this setting. I could fix something, or retrieve my data and move on with more swear words in my vocabulary. My body has decided to go into that mode today. It is a complete no getting out of the chair day. I had… Continue reading Recovery Mode →

I have repurposed a piece of furniture. This is my embroidery cross stitch cabinet. It is going to be a fun summer. -L

Hey there. It’s been quiet so far, and I have classical music drowning out the neighbors kids. Today the weather is gorgeous. I’ve stayed inside nesting. The plan was to try to keep healing up, and I’m waiting to see if my body chooses violence again. I have been rereading my favorites. Tea is nearby,… Continue reading A day with books →

Morning all, am settled in at the desk. When I woke, the back decided to nope out of the day. I was lucky to make it out of bed. So, until things settle enough to cook, morning meds have to wait. I do have a secret weapon though. Tofu. I like tofu cold, with cinnamon… Continue reading This hurts →

I swept and mopped the bathroom today. I took the garbage to the bin. I sat outside and stitched. I still don’t feel like myself. It feels like the world was shades of gray. Yes, the sun felt good. The heart still feels like scraps and splinters of wood laying on the ground to decay.… Continue reading A little bit →

Morning all, today is one of those less than stellar days. I woke up with the deep desire to cut my arms off. I’d slept wrong again. As such, I haven’t taken a much needed shower, and I have only done the obligatory coffee and tea part of the day. Today just doesn’t make sense… Continue reading I have a pulse. Having a brain…. well that is doubtful at least this morning. →

Hey there, spent the day resting. Tomorrow I have too much to do. I’m planning on filling the bin to the brim again. It is time again for the spring purge. Hope all is well for you. -L

I’ve been told that grieving is love with nowhere to go. For the first time in many years, the snow in the back yard is undisturbed. Soon enough the grass will spread to that area again. Soon enough, the signs of precious love will be gone. The only exception is the paw prints in my… Continue reading Not lonely but grieving →

He crossed the rainbow bridge. You were the best friend a gal could have. He started vomiting last week, and wheezing instead of snoring. I made the appointment, and it was time to let you go. I love you little guy, I always will. You are my bestest friend. -L I’m taking awhile away from… Continue reading Goodbye →

It is a take care of myself day today. I did too much. Going you curl up with old music, and book, and a dog. There may be midol and tea as well. -l

Hey there, hope you are well. Today, I have a fixed toilet. It has been unfired for about 4 years. I reread the directions, and I am now happy. Duke is also happy, and life is pretty okie dokie for the two of us. Today, I am moving my lift chair to the bedroom. The… Continue reading Fixing a toilet and other adventures →

I’m grateful that I could afford to get a few embroidery kits on temu. I’ve been fixing a few things around the house. I’m finding that I can do some simple fixes myself. Other things mean that I need help. I’m hoping to get more done soon. Take care, -L

I love baking in a skillet. I found an Irish soda bread recipe, and I haven’t looked back. I’m branching out though. I’ve been looking into making tortillas and pita bread. I’ve also been looking into bannock. Even simple fry bread recipes have caught my eye. Thing is, with simple ingredients, I can keep to… Continue reading Skillet bread →

We are heading for a heat wave here. To prepare for it, I have been doing some backlogged chores around the house. I have some things that need to be binned. I rounded many of those up, and then did up some kitchen work. During the cold snap, I switched to percolator coffee. I was… Continue reading Chores day →

Hey there, it’s -35 F windchill right now, going to be worse overnight, and there is no way I’m taking the freaking bin to the dad blammed curb. Screw Google for not liking my words today. That said, the furnace isn’t keeping up with the cold today. It’s been a rough 61 degrees on the… Continue reading Does it have to be this cold and adventures to both the garage and the basement. →

Hey there. We are experiencing the traditional February weather of cold to the point that Duke is afraid to freeze to the ground when he potties. Had to crank the house heat to 74 to keep the pipes from freezing due to the wtf method my house was built with. Still wearing a floor length… Continue reading Cold as f. →

Yesterday I went to the pharmacy to pick up my meds. First, I picked up a restock order for some craft supplies. Then I found a parking spot. Once inside the store, accosted by food I can’t eat, I worked my way past flowers and balloons. I stopped to grab one more restock item and… Continue reading A fender bender for Valentines →

I broke out the pencils today. I’m working on an angels and dragons sketch. We will see how it goes. Drawing helps unscramble my brain. Especially on the grieving days. I know, still grieving? Yup. Cuts like a knife, silent screaming, and the whole ball of wax. I was supposed to die first. With the… Continue reading A little scribbling →

I’m sitting freezing my ass off in the car, waiting for it to thaw just enough to make driving possible. This is a direct result of social security sending the much needed payments this morning. I paid off my cell phone, laptop, and tablet. I set aside money for property taxes. I then bought groceries. … Continue reading Small and big blessings →

Or, 2nd verse, same as the first. I’ve been working on the budget for March. I’ve also got some chores to do yet tonight. Between trying to figure out what’s going on with the insurance disaster, and the medications screw up, I’m seriously thinking of switching insurance in the fall yet again. The only reason… Continue reading Working on it, yet again →

CVS Caremark: The coverage request for: Rx beginning with: NOV was not approved. You’ll receive a letter with next steps to discuss with your prescriber. CVS Caremark: We’ve contacted your prescriber for more info about the coverage request for Rx beginning with: NOV There’s nothing you need to do. I am going to sit down… Continue reading Not approved →

It’s time for a tea break. This afternoon it is bog standard great value generic tea. Today’s adventures have included but are not limited to: Rescuing a package from the snow. Rescuing my dog who got wrapped around a pole in the backyard. Neither of us knew that the pole was there, it was buried… Continue reading Adventures on a Monday →

Hey there Duke and I have just crawled into bed. We had a good day. Thing is, it feels like I just got out of bed this morning. Where did the day go? I stitched, cooked, and cleaned. We ate, I read a little, and I have no clue. Maybe tomorrow will be better. We… Continue reading Where is the time going? →

My sister has endowed me with a new nickname. She has dubbed me stitch. I have embraced this name, and I now enjoy it. It doesn’t help that a little dragon like alien shares this name. It is now my own. It was a rough night. I didn’t sleep well enough. I have been cutting… Continue reading Yawn, stretch coffee →

Hey there, happy Friday. I’m getting ready to grab some books and hit the recliner for awhile. Duke has been out multiple ttimes. This is a good thing. Meanwhile, I have coffee, and it is a quiet day. Take care, -L

Potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, peppers, a bit of this and a little of that with some stock. Soup. That’s today’s menu. I woke at 4 this morning, grumpy and stiff. Today I have some more chores to do. I’m planning on at least sweeping, dusting and mopping. At some point, I need to check in… Continue reading Soup →

Grandbaby is very sick. Her Momma is very sick. Oy… One breath at a time. Slowly. Not sure how we will get by, but we will. Life is hard today. -L

I did get the month’s grocery order today. A good friend helped haul in Duke’s food and the flour. I ordered the big bags to save money. The freezer will be loaded up tomorrow as I want to process the celery, onions and carrots for soup. I feasted on carrots and radishes today. I really… Continue reading Update from the morning tea. →

Morning, it is windy out there. Duke is napping, and I am waiting for my grocery order to be ready. Before it gets here,I need to scrub the fridge. This one is heavy on vegetables. I want the fridge to be sanitary and ready. Today’s tea is lapsang souchong. I rarely get this treat, as… Continue reading Morning tea →

122 days now. It was rough. Had to run errands. I don’t feel like me right now. I’m going to settle in with a book. -L

As I write, Duke is munching on a bone. The dishes need done, and I am going to try to make saitan again. Today’s batch was gross. It was a texture issue. I’m hoping tomorrow it will be better. Tonight, I ordered jjs, because my sugar was dropping too fast. I understand, ordering takeout is… Continue reading Brain storm vs brain fart type of day →

Hey there, Spring cleaning day here. Duke spent quite awhile this morning outside. It is a beautiful day out there. Today I am resetting and cleaning one of the rooms. Resetting means I take a look and see what works best for the house and my disability. I have a sturdy but lightweight shelf I… Continue reading Working day →

In 1935 a little redheaded boy was born. As he grew through the depression, and rationing through the first year’s of his life he became mischievous and fun loving. Eventually, he joined the national guard, and was activated during the Cuban missile crisis. He married, and with his first wife had 3 kids that would… Continue reading Happy 90th Birthday Poppa →

Morning all, Duke and I are well. I’ve been cutting back on pain meds again, and I’m okay. Yesterday, my daughter came up for a visit. It was a fun and beautiful afternoon. By the time we were done a few giggles were had, and life is still amazing. She brought me a gift, and… Continue reading There is something to be said for just getting by. →

Morning, am curled up in bed with Duke. I just can’t sleep. There are no plans for the day. Just going to get by. That’s all. Gentle hugs, -L

Good Morning, I hope you have a good day. Last night, I didn’t take pain medication before bed. It’s been interesting. I found out that I can cross my legs if I am laying on my back. That reduces the lower back pain. I’ve been partying with the budget. Looking at the cost of food… Continue reading Exploring my inner vegetarian →

Saturday, the washer told me that the pipes were freezing. I tried what I could, but I can’t climb stairs. So I sent a message to my friend. She had her daughter come, and donated a mini heater. She went down, installed the heater, and also started the heat tapes. Thank Goodness. The one chores… Continue reading I have water! →

Afternoon, it is time to put the kettle on. It is just too damned cold out there to do anything without a cuppa. It is -8 F with the wind blowing hard enough it feels like -35. There ain’t much keeping that air from freezing you to death out there. I caught a cat nap… Continue reading Colder than…. →

Talked to a friend from 30 years ago today. I am glad for the realizations that came from that phone call. I’m grateful that we have known each other this long. Thing is we grow older and we change. We evolve and grow. I can’t sleep tonight, I’m still mulling it all over. When we… Continue reading It wasn’t what we thought it would be. →

If you are of a certain age, you might remember those paragraph long math problems from school. If Sally has 43 cantaloupe, and she eats 5 of them, what time did Tom stop by? Total nonsense questions and who the f is Tom? I can’t, right now, for most things. There aren’t enough cards in… Continue reading Math problems →

Hello, hope all is well with you. The moon is full, and it’s well below zero windchills with standard below zero standing temperatures outside. The snow has been gently falling, and the brutal cold has made certain that Duke doesn’t go outside for much more than he absolutely must. It’s cold enough that I bundles… Continue reading Cold Wintery Morning →

Morning, the light coming in the window is telling me that it’s Morning at least. I’ve been a busy bug. I need to keep cleaning the kitchen and I need to repair a cabinet or two. I was asked a question today, and I ended the answer with kick Dionysis’s arse for me, he has… Continue reading Kicking Dionysis arse →

I’m settled in tonight in the kitchen. Duke is asleep nearby, and I have a slow simmering soup going. It is cold, but we are snug at home. I have been making out like a bandit on soup lately. I’m still vegetarian I suppose. I just can’t justify spending my money on meat. So, tonight’s… Continue reading A lovely soup kind of day →

Hey there. I’m settled in with a hot cuppa of coffee, and I feel pretty good. I found another thick white hair today. I am finding that I enjoy them. They make me smile. They are a sign that not only did I survive, but I endured. I’m still working on rebuilding my new age… Continue reading Winter crisp days →

Morning hugs all, Duke and I wish you well. He is outside, and it is pretty cold. I am bundled up in flannel day dress, a knit vest, and a sweater. I have a few warm lap quilts, and I am grateful. I woke from a choking cough and it’s time for a cuppa. The… Continue reading Tis the time of year →

Hey there, best wishes to all of you. Today I was quite busy. I want to the Dr. It looks like I will be okay for the next while. I have blood work again in March, and see her again in June. Other than that, I went to the store to pick up my grocery… Continue reading A few things →

Ever since I found the feature where Kindle will read my books to me via a generated voice, I have been busy. It is a nice way to spend an afternoon, as I do dishes or wash clothes. I can get the day work done without much worry and still be entertained. This month, I… Continue reading Settling down and listening to a good book. →

Here I sit, waiting. At midnight, one of my favorite authors is dropping my pre-ordered book to my Kindle app. I am impatiently waiting. The dishes are done. 2 dresses are cut and ready to be stitched. I have my current cross stitch project up to speed, and time is dragging. I may have to… Continue reading First world problem →

Duke has made the decision as ruler of the household,that we need to snuggle. I thought he just wanted to go outside. Nope, he wanted snuggle time, and a few kisses. Sighs, it is life. We had a good enough day. While it is yet again a pain day, we will be okay. I’ve got… Continue reading Snuggles are required →

Today I was busy. I went out to the garage and rescued a couple of candles. On bringing them in, I decided to melt a few down and make new candles out of them. This is something my family has done for many years. My Dad showed me how, and it works. I started with… Continue reading Spent a day playing with candles. →

Hey there, Duke and I have been up and at it for a few hours already. Winter is here, and it is a pretty morning. While the kettle was on, I had time to think, so I decided to grab a tool box from the garage. We will see what mischief I can come up… Continue reading A little Christmas love →

Hey there, woke this morning in a crapton of pain again. It’s okay, the Midol and the Aleve kept in front of it a little. What that meant though was that I just couldn’t keep going. I had plans and they were completely flat lined. Pain is a wretch, and I hate it. Instead, I… Continue reading Twas a good day, but hard →

Hey there, another Yule has come and it has been a day. I’m working on getting things ready for tomorrow, and a cuppa hits the spot. I’m doing okay. I’m not ready to run, I’m working on crawling right now. A few days went by where even washing dishes and getting dressed was too much.… Continue reading Hot Cocoa and bedtime prep →

Hello all, I’ve decided to take the rest of the year off. It is time to regroup, and to focus on healing. I’ve been encouraged to take a closer look at who I am. There has been major changes this year, obviously, and I just need to focus and thing. I’ll see you in 2025.… Continue reading Taking time off →

Just received my Social Security letter for 2025. Update, I should have known there was a catch. My widow’s benefits are calculated in there, but I am only going up 20 dollars. How? 20 is radically different than 220! Yep, it is Medicare. Joyfully, after Medicare is paid for, I am screwed. Sighs, life is… Continue reading Welp that’s a thing →

The books got me. I have to take a couple days off. -L

Yes,I have emotional support coffee. This morning, I decided to go with stovetop coffee. Today’s coffee is decaf with creamer and sweetener. When I do morning coffee on the stove, I usually use a thermos to keep it hot. It’s like a ritual, something that brings me peace and serenity. I like simple rituals. They… Continue reading Morning coffee →

Morning all, have lost my ever loving mind so far today. We are in the kitchen having the first cuppa. When I woke up this morning, I didn’t know if it was morning or afternoon. Holy shit it took forever to figure out if it was morning or not. I let young Master Duke outside.… Continue reading Losing my mind →

Hey there, Duke is busy snoring in our bed. I have been doing research, and slurping down cold brew tea. I am still upset that my convenience items are no longer available. I know, newer, better things are here, and they are much more expensive than the old ones. Sighs. I baked some corn bread… Continue reading Cold day at home →

It was below zero windchill today. Had to get some stuff from the store. That was a rewarding mistake. Duke was running low on food, so I had to run. The wind was 50 mph gusts, but he couldn’t wait. I grabbed dog food, and treats for him. For myself I bought cornbread mix. By… Continue reading Long day →

Now I know, I haven’t mentioned the patchwork dress lately. It’s still coming. Gentle hugs, -L

Yesterday I just couldn’t. I did get the chores done, but that was it. Peopling was out. Will try later. Gentle hugs, -L

Morning all, didn’t feel up to writing before bed last night. I’ve come down with a crud again. I’m settled in to the kitchen with a blend of his and my coffee. His was regular coffee of course. Mine is decaf.blehave my trusted percolator going and torani hazelnut syrup in the cuppa. I don’t know… Continue reading Running →

I admit, I love this machine. She is beautiful, and a treat to use. The problem right now, is in the tension. I’ve been working on getting her set up right today and oh Lordy, it is a mess. So, hopefully soon enough, I can get her running again. I brought a tree in today.… Continue reading Treadle woes →

Duke had a quiet day with me at home. We are tired, and nothing of importance happened. Have a good one. -L

Small update: as I can’t put the house in my name. I can’t get assistance for further repairs. This is okay. The kitchen work is a blessing, and I will always be grateful for it. I have been slacking on the chores, but got a cart today that I can push between rooms of the… Continue reading Small updates →

Morning, hope you are well. I’m working on trying to get the brain to work, but damn, no luck. I woke this morning having a bad brain day. I know fibro fog is a bitch and a half. This morning, it was at an all time screw me over level. I have heard back from… Continue reading My brains have left the county →

I am learning what we need and don’t need here at the last house on the left. Our little household of 2 is tiny but mighty. An old dog and an old woman can do amazing things when you aren’t looking. So far this morning, I’ve switched the laundry. I’ve learned how to better manage… Continue reading Needful Things →

Hey there, it was a long day today. Duke is outside sniffing all the things. I’m relaxing before I wash dishes. I made soup for supper with cornbread. It turned out, and I definitely have a full belly. I also moved a metal shelving unit in from the garage and scrubbed it down with bleach… Continue reading A little worry →

Hello all, it was a good enough day. I spent most of it either watching shows and stitching, or just playing games. Duke napped, yet enjoyed outside time. We ate and had full bellies. It was a good day. I will probably get to a meeting today, and need to see if I can get… Continue reading Lazy Day Saturday →

Morning all, gentle hugs. Today was a good enough day. I didn’t leave the house. I also didn’t cause anyone to have a problem. The day started out well enough. Duke and I went to our respective necessary places. While I was pre coffee, I fielded a text from a friend warning me that my… Continue reading Tea and Rolls →

Today I had to go to the bank. It was time to close his account down. That hurt more than it should have but I can’t change it. I sat there crying while I was waiting for the cashier. She kept saying I’m so sorry for your loss I felt like throwing up. You know… Continue reading It was a Bittersweet day →

I’m relaxing in my kitchen. Hot cuppa is on my left, and a smoke is in my hand. I’m hoping beyond all hope that a stove happens today. Duke is asleep on the bed. I’ve got many chores to do. We put a fence up blocking the kitchen when workers are here. Duke needs that… Continue reading Morning coffee →

A weather front is moving in tonight. Duke and I are getting ready for bed. The stove wasn’t installed today. Dammit I’m looking forward to mac and cheese or a fried egg sammich. Oy. Meanwhile, I enjoyed washing my dishes, and I enjoyed hot coffee. I enjoyed sitting in my kitchen, and I enjoyed baking… Continue reading Maybe another day →

I’m sitting at the sink, and I have a hot cuppa next to me. I’m happy. I don’t have a stove. There are tools on the counter. I’m very happy. My feet are under the sink, and I can scrub dishes. This is so freaking cool. -L

I got overwhelmed yesterday. I was craving a drink. I headed with Young Master Duke to a meeting. Duke guarded the van, and I attended the meeting. I headed a hug off at the pass. Another female wanted to hug me, and it was no go. I was brittle, and not able to accept human… Continue reading A long day. →

My desk is called Big Bertha. She is a behemoth. Large, 1960’s or 1970’s metal desk. Her shape, when fully set up is an L shape. She just rocks. She is in my sewing room. I’ve got a few things done, and my good friend came and set up Bertha. She moved her with sheer… Continue reading Big Bertha →

It has been a pain day from hell again. Very sharp evil pain levels suck. In the meantime, Duke is snoring. I’m going to curl back up into bed in a minute, and just take it easy. Hopefully, soon I will be on the mend. Take care. -L

I don’t miss meat. I miss cooking. I am not counting that stuff I do with a kettle. I take pre-made food and rehydrate it. I want fried egg sandwiches. I’m craving soups, stews, and pancakes. I’m craving French toast. I’m told Saturday the sink will be in. I’m really hoping that the stove will… Continue reading Temporarily vegetarian →

My daughter made this for me. It’s a lapghan. She is a much better stitcher than I am. She says she can see her goof ups. I can’t and she did good. I’m very proud of her and her stitching journey. -L

Had a lovely day yesterday. The destruction crew took a day off. I lost a freezer full of food, but that happens. My daughter came to visit. We giggled and had a lovely time. I gave her a shawlette. She gave me a lap blanket. I need to get back to work stitching. Life is… Continue reading A very good visit →

Welp, I’m still working on it. It is a one stitch at a time deal right now. I have been so busy that I can’t get much more than a minute or two at a time. Okay, that is an excuse. The thing is, I just haven’t been using it as an escape as much… Continue reading What about that dress? →

Last night I grabbed the cleaning rags from under the bathroom sink. I am enamored with zonkin. Which are cleaning rags that once the fabric is worn out, they are stitched in a folded form with Sashiko embroidery. I’m having fun, and the old towels, sheets and clothes can be put to further use. I… Continue reading Cleaning rags →

Morning all, I am getting ready for bed. It’s about 1:30 in the morning. I just set my stitching down. I popped my thumbs quickly, and I realized that I hadn’t done that in forever. The I thought, Why not try? I cracked my knuckles. Oh my goodness, that felt so good. The tension in… Continue reading I cracked my knuckles today →

I was ko’d by pain. I’m sorry. -L

I have water, refrigerator, and a crockpot. I will be okay. I’m exhausted, and so is Duke. The craft room is also showing progress. Some of the cabinets came in from the garage. These are mostly for storage, as I can’t stand in front of them. In the meantime, my microwave and coffee maker are… Continue reading Well, I have no kitchen →

The kitchen is empty now, only the stove and fridge remain. The stove is going out today. Oh Lordy. -L

Today is the day the old sink and cabinets leave the building. I’ve been working on getting the kitchen ready. I’m exhausted, and ready for this all to be done. We will see what happens. Gentle hugs, -L

I have been going through my phone. I found a folder of messages I wished I could send to him. That was one of them. Most days started out that way. What did I do wrong now? Or I am so sorry I woke up breathing again. Or dear God, being married to Satan himself… Continue reading Why do you hate me today? →

Morning my friends, hope you are well. Duke has been out and back again already. My percolator has produced good things, and it’s time to get a move on. Soon, it will be time for morning phone calls, and sooner rather than later it will be time to get the desk and table swapped. I’ve… Continue reading It’s one of those mornings. →

I napped most of the day today. It seems that there is a colorful thingy in my future for the windows. Pain levels are low enough, I just didn’t have the energy today. Maybe tomorrow will be better. It has been over a month since I have been yelled at. Thank God for that. Take… Continue reading Long day →

Okay, I was terrified of how I was going to get by on my income alone. However, even with some of the bills being a little off kilter, it is going well enough. The main bills are paid in full. That feels so good. I am going to pick up groceries this morning as well… Continue reading The bills are paid for the month! →

Taking the day off. All souls day, a good day for peace.-l

Yesterday was a whirlwind. My friend stopped by, and before I knew it, my lift chair was inside. The pantry cupboard was nestled into place, and I had another cabinet for dishes. I’m tickled pink. Today, a contractor is stopping by. They were hired by my Patron, and some work is being done to make… Continue reading Um, this happened →

I used to have using or drinking dreams. They would come when I was stressed or when I was upset. We’ll, my first dream about Tim’s death came last night. I can’t shake it off. Dammit. -L

Morning, Young Master Duke is outside, enjoying one of the last warmer nights of the year. I’ve got an allspice hazelnut coffee next to me, and so far, it is a good morning. I’m not in a great deal of pain so far today. I can’t complain. This morning’s coffee is an effort to use… Continue reading Fancy Coffee →

Today, it was a fingies day. Sometimes he would allow me to touch his hand. I said, “Fingies hugs” and it was enough. I miss the man he was. I miss his touch, his kisses, and his smile. It’s been a very long time since his mental illness allowed touch or kisses. Dammit, today, this… Continue reading Sometimes I get lonely →

Well, it seems that October decided that things aren’t going to go anywhere today. Most of my VIP peeps are down with the snots and coughs. I get it. I’ve been racked with the schmuck too. So, we are postponing moving the garage into the house. My friends need to take care of themselves, I… Continue reading Allergies →

Lots of changes are going on. I still need help on Sunday afternoon around 2. Some folks took the crap that had been stacked outside and hauled it off on Thursday. Other folks took all of the branches that had been sitting in a pile for decades today.. Some folks are donating time and such… Continue reading Help is on the way dear. →

It’s just before 2 am. My friend is here and she is digging through tools. My husband is probably whirling in his Tupperware container right now. Thing is, there just isn’t enough room here for all those damn tools. I don’t know how to use air tools, and these folks want them. Meanwhile, I am… Continue reading Moving →

I’m on my own. So, it’s time to get to work. Over the next few nights, I’m going to do some outside chores. I’ve got to finish getting my husband’s stuff out either to the garage, or to the dump. With the wheelchair, I can do it. Without, I’d be screwed. I’ve long talked about… Continue reading It’s time to see what one woman can do →

I took a few days off. I desperately needed them. What this means is that today, I’m not moving anything heavy, I’m not leaving the house, at most, I will move a coffee mug to my lips. Last night, I just couldn’t sleep to save my soul. Ended up listening to “Every tool’s a hammer”… Continue reading Days off →

Sorry my friends, after a long day yesterday, I have to hit the sack again. I just hurt. Take care, -L

This morning it’s been 3 weeks. Feels like 300 years. I feel comfort in having him near. -L

Dropping the homeowners insurance. 1/5 of my income doesn’t leave room for luxuries like food or medication. If I have to, I will sell the vehicle and drop automotive as well. I am waiting for the 255 dollar funeral expenses check from social security to pay off his phone contract so I can shut that… Continue reading Cutting costs →

Morning, I should have written last night but here we are. I’m curled up in bed cuddling my favorite stuffed animal. Duke’s on the floor worrying a knuckle bone I bought him. Life is good. The wheelchair and I got 1/4 of the bedroom cleared yesterday. I was able to sort and haul out enough… Continue reading Whoops →

Morning, my daughter stopped over for a few hours, and we moved the beginning of the stitchery into the house. I dug out my wips and got to work. I take scraps of Aida cloth, and make bookmarks with my orts. There are many things to do, and from the quiet of my mellow little… Continue reading A little stitching →

I over slept. What was supposed to be a nap was a full 8 hours of sleep that I desperately needed. My daughter was here yesterday, and she and I had a good visit. After though, I crashed and just burned. Woke up soaked on sweat, and ready to get up. It is 1am. Nope,… Continue reading Uh oh →

Lonestar’s I’m already there came on the radio and I bawled like a baby. My heart wasn’t ready. Went to therapy today, and this was what we discussed. I’m not doing as bad as I thought I was. I’m not doing as good as I thought I would be. I have been grieving the loss… Continue reading It’s not all bad, it’s not all good, but I am okay. →

Today is my 26th anniversary of being clean. I’m celebrating by going to therapy and a meeting. I may go to the lake and watch the waves with Duke. It is a good day to clean house, run the dishwasher and wash the clothes. It’s also a good day to move his bed out of… Continue reading Another black keytag →

Friends and family have been helping me clear out the hoarders nest. It is taking time, but that’s okay. I haven’t posted many photos because of shame. I didn’t want you to know how I live. I can roll all the way to the sink now. I can make a 360 degree turn in my… Continue reading Slowly →

Afternoon all, it has been a rough time. The words I hurt, are the norm now. However, I am not the one in ashes. I am a pheonix. This years medallion has both a dragon and a pheonix on it. In 2 days, it will be 26 years clean. Last years medallion had the description… Continue reading Decisions →

Today I am going to sit and stitch. It’s just needed. Let’s see if my hands are up to it. -L

It is almost time to run out the door, and my brain and I are not braining yet. Duke has been losing weight, he has been off the people food since Tim passed. I can’t afford to feed him food that’s meant for me. Listening to Trace Adkins right now. He definitely makes me smile.… Continue reading Morning, the coffee has finally hit my soul, afternoon edition →

Morning all, there are three errands to run today. First, I need to fo to the super store. I made a cleaning supplies order. There are only so many of those in the house, and I need to top up my black 33 gallon bags. Those flex bags are worth 20 times their cost. I… Continue reading Topping up cleaning supplies →

My daughter came today, she helped haul out the garbage I have been finding all through the house. We focused on the bathroom first. I have a larger shower chair that I was forbidden to use. It was one that would help me slide over so I could lift my legs over the edge of… Continue reading Big day →

Duke and I are enjoying the sunrise. It’s a beautiful fall morning, and a good thing. He sits out while I smoke. Life is good just for today. -L

I ate a few nibbles here and there today. I was finalizing everything and fighting for the right to live in my home. Turns out, as a widow, I have the right to live here as long as I pay the property taxes. Thank God. It has been a rough week. And I am glad… Continue reading Sometimes a person forgets to eat →

I have decided, as a widow, that I will have rainbow braided hair. The extensions will be here Tuesday, and Tuesday into Wednesday, I will be putting them in. It’s slowly a thing today. I am still alive. -L

I’ve been thinking about this one for the last two days. This week’s is the first of my life where my husband’s heart wasn’t also beating. He was born before I was. It is the first week where I was able to have keys to all the doors of my house. I wasn’t allowed this… Continue reading Firsts and lasts →

Some times you can’t see what’s going on. Most times a body ignores it. He had the house set up so that I couldn’t use my wheelchair. Yesterday and the day before were all about reversing that. It is slow, but it needs to be. I have good people who help, and am working on… Continue reading Handicap Accessible →

My daughter came from Iowa yesterday, and we had shenanigans. There was a f-it bucket used. Finding dozens of batteries that were used up was one thing. Keeping all of those batteries was another. He had hoarded food by his desk. He had a small cupboard filled with cans of food. This was in addition… Continue reading Small victory. →

Morning, just sitting down before I head into battle with the next right thing to do. Just for this exact moment, I have a cup of hot coffee in front of me. The house is quiet except for Duke’s snoring. All is okay. Tomorrow or maybe in five minutes it won’t be, but I’m good… Continue reading A quiet cup of coffee →

It’s funny, I sit here, listening to Duke who is outside barking at the football team. I had errands to run today. It was needed. I had to go to family service, to see about getting help with final expenses. The answer was no. Again, there is money in this old run down shack I… Continue reading Today was exciting, and not in a good way. →

I thought the hardest part was the silent screaming I did Sunday night into Monday. Today, I signed the cremation order. I couldn’t do it alone, so his neice came with. I am grateful she was there. I saw my therapist afterwards. I figured it was better than to let my brain run away without… Continue reading Today was raw →

He passed at 4:40am Monday September 30 2024. Not ready, not expected really. He was not supposed to leave. This is hell. Pure hell. Not sure what to feel, to think, or do. Just for a minute, I am not screaming, Just for a second, I am not crying. I just don’t know right now.… Continue reading RIP my heart →

These are the last hours of my Husband’s life. His heart isn’t strong enough to keep going. It’s been a rough night, and yet it is okay. He is heading to his forever home soon. Take care my gentle friends, -L

He went to the Emergency again today. Don’t know if he is coming home again soon or not. Still stitching, and waiting. -L

Today I dug out my bobbin winder and got to work. The brother, singer, and monkey wards machines all use different types of bobbins. Oy. I am making small progress on the dresses. I need to dig out one of my fabric laundry baskets and put them to good use. I think sheets make ofr… Continue reading Some work →

For some reason, I decided to say to heck with it. I am machine reinforcing the seams of the crazy patchwork dress. I also pieced more of the half triangles for the second dress. It is time to get some more done. I do need a few parts for the machine, and I do need… Continue reading A little bit more →

I woke from a nap this afternoon to find a tin of goodness at my door. My friends are still going through the thrift store remains, and dropped this off for me. I doubt that I will have to purchase floss for awhile. I know to some these are trash, but to me, they are… Continue reading Tiny treasures →

Hey there, hope you are well. Duke and I are being good. Okay, he is the good portion of the team. I have been working on both dresses again. Wait, both dresses? Yep. Actually it is 3 dresses. The 2nd is more like this. The front panel of the first dress is almost done. The… Continue reading With the college team playing. →

I recently switched up my bookshelves, and it breaks my heart a little. The old wood shelves were from my best friend who moved to another state a few years ago. Thing is, they were bulky, and mostly in the road. Last week, I received another shelf that works so much better and houses all… Continue reading My bookshelves →

Whether this is a manic high or not, I am rolling with it. Duke and I are behaving a little. I am still organizing and moving back into the garage. Today I moved all of my meds back out here except for the insulin. I am still having to take a dose of aleve with… Continue reading I am excited →

Morning, it was an eventful night tonight and I just couldn’t sleep. I decided to relax and shop a little on Amazon. Why are the bulk embroidery floss that is name brand higher in cost than my wheelchair? I looked at those cute boxes of floss and 200 for one of those. For a different… Continue reading Can I scream at a certain floss company? →

Today is a good day. I’m in the garage for the day. Yesterday was the final swap out and install of cabinets. I can keep all of my books! I have room for all of my yarn and fabric. I can sit and stitch whether knitting, crochet or embroidery and sewing. I can spin yarn,… Continue reading Finally →

https://www.amazon.com/Arcane-Casebook-12-book-series/dp/B07PGDC3P3 I can’t wait for 11 and 12 to release.

Hey there, hope all of you are well. Young Master Duke is back in from alerting the world that he is vibrantly alive and here. My husband is sleeping, and I am on the 2nd cuppa of the day. Strawberry tea is my heart. I’m having a rare treat of it, and until my cuppa… Continue reading I am trying something a little different →

Morning, the fellas are resting. Duke has already been out to sing the song of his people and piddle wherever he needs to. The sun is trying to come out. It is Turkey Days weekend in my town, which means that I and a few other sensible folks hide at home until the shenanigans are… Continue reading Long week again →

The other day, I snuck out the door. My husband had gone to the restroom, and while he was occupied I grabbed my purse and booked it. I found some pretty dresses at goodwill. They are in the washer right now after a couple days of quarantine in an August hot van. I try to… Continue reading I snuck away for a few →

Been focusing on our medical problems this week. Hey there. Hope all is well with you. Currently Duke is outside, and we are resting a little. My husband has ordered a pick up for the filing cabinets from the garage. We don’t need them anymore, as I am not in service to the area committee… Continue reading Slowly →

Hey there, hope you are well. Duke and I are relaxing for a few. I am caught in the midst of laundry chaos. We are okay, just for this moment. That is good enough. We have survived much worse than this. Every scar, and every heartbeat, is proof positive that we have made it this… Continue reading Progress, not perfect →

What started all of the hospital stay things was a resting heart rate of 170. He didn’t notice it, wasn’t feeling winded, and was ghostly pale. Today, a heart rate monitor arrived for him. One of those fancy watches, that I bought on Amazon. It’s my hope that this will help him keep track of… Continue reading Heart Rate →

My husband has been hospitalized, and we have him home now. We have been working on his care, and working on getting him as healthy as possible. I apologize for not writing sooner. I just can’t focus on writing. Take care, -L

The shortages aren’t funny. I am on a wait for my insulin as it is on back order. If you are interested, Google insulin shortage 2024. Meanwhile, I will be able to get by on a 2/3rds ration. Might have to cut it back further as time goes on. Take care. -L

Hey there. Spent the day asleep, I think. I am on my first iced coffee pf the day. I have switched up my iced coffee game and am going with a dalgona type now. A mini blender is still involved. Waiting to take my next pill set, and I just do what I can. Was… Continue reading Slept off an on all day →

Sorry folks, have been reading and playing games on the tablet. It’s been another down turn. I will check in when I can. -L

Too hot and muggy to do much. Night all. -L

Morning, it’s a cool July day here in my town. We had storms last night, and it was touch and go if the winds would blow the house down. This morning, I’ve got laundry started, and I am planning to spend a good part of the day cleaning in the garage. This is with the… Continue reading A little laundry →

Favorite pins A good day. Got a little stitching done. Take care. -L

There’s always a moment when the work is done and a body can sit for a second. It’s something that nothing compares to. We are there. My friend left just before 7. The lift chair has been installed in the garage. I am in the lift chair, and my feet are up. The swelling is… Continue reading The restful moment →

Morning, I’ve lost my glasses, and I think my marbles. However, I did find one of the chargers that I’ve been missing, so there’s that. This move into the garage is going slowly. I’ve been up for a few hours, some of the problem is that wake up too many times during the night. Sighs,… Continue reading Waiting for a recharge →

Hey there, I have been looking at sashiko thimbles, and just can’t justify the expense of buying. Part of my stash includes a crapton of buttons. So, after finding a few videos, I saw one where they made thimbles out of either leather or buttons. This is my result. Take care, it was a good… Continue reading Diy sashiko thimbles →

Today I did as much as I dared. My feet are swollen again. I am about to hit the sack. It was too hot, and I took a cool shower just for the relief. I attacked the dragon skin as much as I dared, but it was too humid to put on lotion. Today’s assignment… Continue reading Working slowly →

Hey there, sorry I haven’t been writing today. 2 lights for the garage were delivered. I made a hotpad for the kitchen out of an old towel. Breathing is a bit difficult when it is this muggy. Oy, I’ve had to take a primatine just to keep from coughing. Stitching is still my peace of… Continue reading Almost 100% humidity →

It has been a rolling thunder day. I’m being love bombed. I hate that. It’s fake. Meanwhile, I sat in the garage stitching awhile yesterday. It is the only place I can go for peace and quiet. I did wear my earbuds with my range ear covers most of the day. I just can’t right… Continue reading I dunno →

I had one brief day of freedom. It was bittersweet. Damn he is coming home. -L

Hey there, hope you are well. The husband is in bed sick again. Waiting to see how he does. Might have to get him in to be seen. Meanwhile, Duke and I are enjoying a small respite of cooler weather. Progress is being made on the garage, and I am about to have a sandwich.… Continue reading Sick day →

Hey there, hope you are well. Spent a few hours in the office yesterday. Today’s plan is to get out there and clear the desk. I’m going to be clearing out the last remnants of my service work, and pitching it. I have to shred quite a bit of it for privacy reasons, and then… Continue reading Another Summer Day →

Today’s plan is to chill in the garage. I am still taking a rest day, but in this case, I am relaxing for most of it. I am still slow stitching, and enjoying that process. On short breaks from the dress, I work on mug rugs. Yes, normally they are knit or crocheted. I have… Continue reading The best I can →

Let’s have a cuppa together. Morning, hope you are well. We are still at the fuzzy, pre-coffee portion of the morning. It hasn’t hit my soul quite yet. Grumpy just woke up. Duke is outside, and I am listening to 80’s pop music. I need my neck crunched by a bone bender. Actually, can I… Continue reading Morning →

Was a good day Wednesday. I visited friends and spent the afternoon sewing on their farm. I couldn’t leave the van due to pain, but it was good to get a change of scene. Hope all is well. -L

I took a break from the dress I have been working on, and did a sashiko style mug rug. The fabric was from one of my husband’s discarded clothes he won’t ever wear again. Thread was thrifted. This one is from a flannel shirt that had been cut up for rags. I will probably make… Continue reading A mug rug. →

Hey there, it’s still morning here, and I’m waiting to hear from my mechanic on the van. I’m anxious, but life is still good. Yesterday my friend came over, and I purged the stash. Unwanted fabric, books, yarn and the like went. Funky yarns that were gifted to me, odd fabric that I never plan… Continue reading I purged the stash →

Morning, hope all is well with you. Duke and I are relaxing in the cool morning air. I was worried that I had overdone it yesterday, but I didn’t. I did sleep as well as possible, and woke up over an hour ago. Today my friend will be back, and more work will be done… Continue reading Feeling a little bit better →

Hey there, haven’t made the time to write yet, I’m sorry. A friend came over and we worked on the garage today. It was 100 degrees heat index, and thank goodness we were in the shade and had lots of water. I’m ready for bed. For supper, the Husband ordered takeout, and it was delivered.… Continue reading Exhausted, long sweaty day →

Hey there, I hope all is well with you. Duke is outside keeping an eye on things and listening to the birds. I’m waiting to hear back on how the van is doing. I’m scared. Okay, I’m terrified.I haveno idea how much this is gonna cost. The front passenger wheel is the one in question.… Continue reading Just getting by →

Hey there, good morning, hope you are well. Need to decide what I’m doing with this website and blog for the next few months. With my pain being the bitch that it is, I’m doing the best I can. I will work hard as I can to keep posting. The goal is to go every… Continue reading Blog plans →

Hey there, hope all is well with you. Duke’s outside, and keeping an eye on things. I’m in between stitching patches on a dress. I’ve been listening to the Rolling Stones by RA Heinlein. The title of this post was the line I was listening to when I sat at the keyboard. I’m enjoying the… Continue reading Sealed in a radioactive sphere… →

Morning, hope all is well and good for you and yours. I’m up and the coffee and I are one. The fellas are currently sleeping, and that’s a good thing. I need unsupervised time. I’ve been back to school shopping again. Getting school glue for pennies a bottle, and notebooks for less than a dollar… Continue reading Needs for the stitching room. →

Morning,Duke has had his secret Voupies, and his treato. I’ve had a shower, and my hair is wrapped up for the day. We woke up drenched, and to be kind to the world at large a shower and a freshen up was required. Today’s plan is to set up a sewing machine out fron after… Continue reading Bright eyed, I recon, don’t know about bushy tailed. →

The last week in June I took off from sewing. My hands needed the break, my brain needed the break, and my pain levels were dismal. As my medical is slowly improving, Friday I went to the garage and grabbed my work basket. I had left it out there from some recent sunny day stitchery,… Continue reading Sewing a little →

Morning, Duke and I are currently snuggling and listening to classical music. My mammogram results came in. I have fibrous tissue, but will have custody of the upper flesh for another year. Friday was spent reading and just chilling for a bit. Duke’s snores are sweet. He makes an excellent warm friend when the a/c… Continue reading End of June, and why are fireworks so loud? →

It’s been a week. I only flipped someone off the once, but that occasion counted. We’re back in the heat and humidity wave again. The creek rose, and most of the town flooded pretty bad. We had a few rivers in the basement, and it wasn’t pretty. Due to the flooding and the rains just… Continue reading The week with a few pictures →

Hello my friends, it’s been a few days again. Pain is a bitch, and yes, my body and I are still having documented fml moments. I’m back to rationing medications again. I just don’t want to run out, and have to wait a week or more to get more meds to keep going. I’ve been… Continue reading Happy Friday →

Please, if at all possible, let me sleep. I know, I know, stuff happens. I am still readjusting. Going for 5 days without 2 diabetic medicines because insurance and the pharmacy couldn’t get their poop in a group sucked. Let’s add that 1 of those was my insulin. I am not angry, I just really… Continue reading I would like to have more than 2 consecutive hours of sleep →

While I am going through medical changes, I need some time off. My blood sugar was over 300 this morning. Take care my friends. -L

I’m up at 4 this morning, and I’m waiting another 5 hours to pick up my medication. There’s a curfuffle with either the pharmacy or the insurance company, or whatever. I’ve been out of a medication for 5 days, but they can’t/won’t fill them until 9am this morning. Cripes. Other than that, I’m tired, still… Continue reading Not sure about this →

Spent over 12 hours in bed. The rest of the time I spent just watching youtube. Waiting for a decent pain day. -L

Morning, I am still up. Still not feeling tip top, but that’s okay. My body said not around 12pm to going to the picnic. I spent the day in bed. Today’s plan. I have a Dr appointment at 3pm. This is my regular Dr. We will talk about diabetes, asthma, and chronic pain. We… Continue reading Dr appointment today →

Hello, hope you are well. Duke is outside. I am doing laundry. I am also debating whether to picnic or not. It isn’t time to go, so I don’t know yet. My body still hasn’t made that decision. Currently my legs are in the “no” vote, my back hasn’t yeeted me in the no vote.… Continue reading Another Morning →

Take care, will write a real post for tomorrow when I can. -L

Hello there, I’m currently at an inpass. My glasses have taken on the identity of screw you, I”m hiding. I can’t find them, and I have no serenity until I can. I thought I had them last when I was stitching out on the driveway. Nope, and they didn’t come in with me. For F’s… Continue reading I’m either losing my marbles or my glasses. →

There’s many reasons. Idle hands are the devils play ground and all of that of course. At least in this case, there are other reasons. It is meditative. I can sit and pray, or meditate. The only sounds are the needle piercing the fabric and the thread drawn through. I notice my thoughts, and I… Continue reading Why do I spend hundreds of hours hand stitching? →

Hey there, hope you are having an excellent day. I woke up in the middle of the night again, but that’s okay. I’ve decided to burn a little late night oil and stitch a bit. I’m one of those who firmly believes that rust just adds character to an item. My cabinets are a bit… Continue reading The picnic pail →

Hey there, hope you are having a good one so far. I’m enjoying some spicy noms for breakfast. Duke and the Hubs are talking to each other and enjoying their show on the tablet. Garage cleanup stage 2 ended with my friend worried that there was less room than there was before. She didn’t take… Continue reading Garage cleanup redo →

Hey there, hope all is well with you and yours. Duke is napping, and with some of the rain we’ve been having, the Hubs and I are feeling rusty. I spent some time organizing my library today. I am a member of both audible plus and kindle unlimited. Last night I found a bunch of… Continue reading Feeling a bit rusty →

Hey there, hope all is well. I’m awake, have taken my meds, and am alive. I’m currently waiting for them to work so I can head out to the patio to stitch. There is a picnic table out there, and a few other goodies. I have a lunch box with my current stitching project in… Continue reading Stitching on the patio →

Okay, so I didn’t know until just a few seconds ago how deep my obsession with reading went. Between audible and kindle, I have almost 5000 books in my elibrary. That doesn’t count the ones I had purchased on apple devices back when I had those. 5000 books. Wow. Now, I’m not about to go… Continue reading I’m a nerd →

Hey there, a little footnote to yesterday’s post. As soon as our lilacs are done blooming, it should be easier here for me. However, we’ve been doing some mold and dustbusting here as well. I have a mini vacuum for my tabletop, which works well. It’s one of those rechargeable dustbuster knockoffs. I used it… Continue reading Lots of allergy busting going on here →

The things are blooming, and skeeters are annoying, and it is warm out. Last week while I was resting, I found my jar a vapor rub. It is a game changer. With nasal allergies being hell, and feeling like my nose is trying to drown me, I love this stuff. I can breathe again. That… Continue reading Vicks Vapor rub and the allergy season →

Hello my friends, Duke is outside being the sweetest little. I’m settled into the desk listening to K3n nattering on and stitching. My husband is down for a nap. I’m missing my sewing basket. It’s out in the garage, and I haven’t moved the electronics out there yet. So, in order to sit at the… Continue reading Garage days of summer →

I don’t have to see the one Nurse Practicioner again until November. What a relief. The main reason is at least in her specialty, I am stable for now. What this means is that this is a for now proposition. It doesn’t mean that I’m cured, and it doesn’t mean that the problem will be… Continue reading Good News →

A stitching youtube channel that has caught my eye is K3n. She does a stitching journal, and has a lovely soothing voice. Her videos are all hand stitching, with stories and lessons on using what you have. She is a Brit, living in France, and teaches about stitching from all over. That said, I love… Continue reading Taking inspiration where you can find it. →

Okay, this series has me HOOKED! The closest I’ve come to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, set in New York. Just wow. The 11th book in the series will be out this year. I’ve just finished the 5th book. The series is set in a parallel world of magic and rune craft with Sorcerers. It’s… Continue reading Dan Willis and the Arcane Casebook →

Hey there, going to be taking the rest of the week off. With the rainy weather, pain levels are a bit much. Take care, -L

Small stitches one by one are adding up. Yes, this will be my Holly Hobbie dress. No, I don’t think I will be doing a bonnet for it. It will quite possibly be a pinafore, but I am not there yet. Take care, my friends, gentle hugs. -L

Hey, I’ve been in front of the laptop all day watching videos and playing dominoes or cribbage. Duke is being the goodest. The husband unit asked me to do a grocery run, and I realized that what he wanted the store he asked me to go to just wouldn’t work. Instead, I did a wally… Continue reading I don’t wanna you can’t make me →

Morning, I’ve been chugging along at the morning routine, trying to get the brain jump started. Most days, I at least make the attempt at thinking. Some days, well, it’s like trying to jump start a car with no battery. I realize that I’m never going to be Asimov or Heinlein. I’m a low key… Continue reading It’s okay to be on the bottom rung of the ladder →

I guess it’s not that I’m not good, or willing to keep going with it. I just want to do other things. Yes, I’m a writer, and I do write fiction. I do short stories and of course I write here. I sew, knit, spin, weave, crochet and other atrocities to fiber arts. I don’t… Continue reading Why I don’t paint, sketch or draw anymore →

Hey there, hope you are well. We are settled in with happy full bellies, and I didn’t have to haul ass all over hell to do it. Yep, I splurged on door dash. As expensive as it is, it is a rare treat. I just couldn’t today. My pain levels are through the roof again,… Continue reading Door dash for the 2nd time ever →

Update on the backstrap loom, I’ve been sanding and such with the dowels. These are farm fresh so to speak, and needed a good going over to bring them into yarn ready order. I’ve also been oiling, sanding and cutting a few slats in order to make the beating stick and shuttle. I’m enjoying the… Continue reading I’ve dipped into savings for loom things →

I have decided to give backstrap weaving a try. I picked up the wood to build my loom, and I am working on sanding it down. Other than that, I have been slow stitching my patchwork dress. I am taking a sick day today. With the smoke in the air from the wildfire, it hurts… Continue reading Backstrap weaving… a first step →

Today’s plan was goofing off, playing and some books and stitching. Come to think of it, that’s the plan every day. I’ve got some repairs to do. I ripped my favorite night gown the other night. I’d made it wrong. I’d forgotten to put in gussets under the arms. I also goofed up the sleeves,… Continue reading Plans changed a little →

Hey there, I’m sitting and relaxing a little. I have some classical focus in my ears, and the fellers are behaving. I’m an impatient old woman. My hunt for the best loom for my money continues. I’m currently watching a couple on an expensive website. Then again, if I had access to my Dad’s old… Continue reading 20 more days →

Hey there, just wanted to let you know how my day of fun turned out. I’m sore, and tuckered. I started with a little gumption. I baked some bread. Oh, it was noms. Then I played a few games on my laptop, and relaxed. By the time I was ready for a book and a… Continue reading Fun day results →

Morning, I woke up pretty disturbed this morning, and I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out what the heck is going on. You know those movies you see in your head of things that happened in the past? The ones where you see, hear, smell taste and feel every second of that past? There… Continue reading Gaslighting myself, also known as the slow screw →

Okay, not quoting Tina Turner directly, but you know. Life happens. Today is an important day. Today, I am going to play. Yep, just play. I have no plans, no itinerary, and no freaking agenda. I might attend an online meeting. I might paint, sketch, or sew, I might snuggle in a chair and read.… Continue reading What does love got to do with it? →

Morning, I’ve been kicking myself in the tail lately. I was reading a sewing book the other day, and about dropped my teeth. (I do not have dentures.) I’ve been doing something wrong with the piecing of my dress, and crap. I learned a new seam. Yes, it is simple, yes, it is easy. Crap.… Continue reading Still learning →

Hey there, if you are interested in buying me a book or some strange gear for my hobby situation, here are the links you will need. I am not asking you to do this, I will write, and continue to write as long as I can. Thank You so much for reading. -L Books and… Continue reading Amazon wish list situation →

Morning, Duke is outside, and it’s lovely out there. I’m currently sorting through my Amazon wishlist situation, which will be talked about in depth in an upcoming post. I had a friend convince me to buy frozen bread dough. I can no longer knead bread, and so I gave it up. Not anymore, buying frozen… Continue reading Semi Homemade bread →

Do not google Chaiyya Chaiyya from the Dil Se movie. It is an earworm and a half. It is also catchy as hell. I first ran into it a few years back, and this morning, I’ve been listening for over an hour. I didn’t have the song saved, and had to google the music video… Continue reading Whatever you do… →

Hey there, still quite a bit of pain, but it is life. I’m currently on a research chain that has recently swapped focus. Ever since the 1970’s I’ve been fascinated by what I thought was a prairie dress. I’ve recently learned that that is not their name. They technically are called a Mother Hubbard dress.… Continue reading I did my nails, and I read →

sorry, i cant -L

Hey there, I decided to work on positive habits. A youtube video I saw had someone tracking the time it took her to hand sew a dress. I was intrigued, and found an app that would work. I listed some of my main activities, including time wasters. It is an experience for me. I want… Continue reading Keeping track →

It was cathartic, and very much needed. For a few months, I worked on a tapestry for the service board I used to work with. I keft the board, effective immediately a couple of Fridays ago due to stress and medical need. I had removed myself as effectively and as safely as I could. I… Continue reading I cut it up, and threw part of it away. →

Morning, hope all is well. I’m supposed to be in bed, but you know how that works. Duke and I have been busy working on the grocery order. He votes for his favorite treats to be added, of course. Then again so do I. However, mine are more expensive, and don’t bring me the same… Continue reading Another battle over the budget →

Hey there my friends, I’ve been under the weather, I know. I have been in a constant battle lately with the mega store on their stock of instant iced tea. They don’t carry the decaf version anymore. I’m going to have to do it the old fashioned way. Why do they need 58 varieties of… Continue reading Instant decaf iced tea rip old friend →

Sorry folks, with the rain, I’ve been in a cluster of pain. I know, rhyming sucks. Take care, -L

Hey there, another long day. I’ve taken my bedtime meds, and I’m waiting for them to work. I grabbed a couple more books on kindle, and I’m trying to relax so I can read them. It’s a rainy mucky mess this weekend, so I’m going to curl up as best I can. Other than that,… Continue reading I’m not sure I can →

I am only 19 pages in and I am crying my eyes out. Oh my. Yes, tiktok with all of its chaos and such brought this book by Geezah Gobble to me. I am grateful. Today I will be devouring it, and having a wee slice or two of my favorite cake to enjoy. Take… Continue reading The department for lost souls… →

I’m still hurting pretty bad, but a friend came yesterday and moved some things in the office for me. My goal today is to sit out there with Duke and read. Take care, -L

Pain day

This morning, I’m settling in with a cuppa. It’s time for some raspberry tea. The fellas are sleeeping in today. Duke has been out for his morning constitutional. Yummy tea, I’ve just had a sip. I’m craving some ice cream in this flavor, but then again if I could eat ice cream the boys would… Continue reading Tea Time →

Hey there, 4:36 AM and I hurt. I have had about 2 hours of sleep, and I am waiting for the 2nd dose of midol to work. I lay down for awhile, but had to get up a few times. So I just decided to get out of bed. I worked on my sewing a… Continue reading Black night. FU pain →

Okay, so my oldest fiber hobby is crochet. A human put a hook in my hand almost 40 years ago, and taught me the basics. Since then, I’ve been a little busy. Today, I watched a rabbit hole of videos, and holy crap. Using a stylized crochet hook, she does embroidery. It’s called tambour embroidery,… Continue reading I’m inspired →

I decided to get washed up and dressed today as if I was going out. I decided to do this to say screw you to the depression. It had been awhile. I then lit a fall scented candle and knit a little. It’s a good thing. We had rain, so I am fighting the pain… Continue reading In spite of. →

Hey there, I’ve decided to dust off and wash the crockpot today. It also has the titular roast in it. I know, in America, a roast is a cut of meat more than a prep method for food. We were gifted some beef by friends who had bought a side of beef and it was… Continue reading Is it a roast if it is in the crockpot? →

I dunno. What I do know is that souk sucking pain sucks. Yesterday, all plans changed. A good friend lost one of her dogs to cancer. She had already lost another a couple of weeks ago to illness. The world stopped. So, another friend and I did what we do. Food and friend time. I… Continue reading How to heal a hurt →

Hey there, it was a good work day today. Got quite a bit done. I’ve been working on the purge still. I know, this will be dragging on. I’d started with the computer and tech purge, and now I’m on to the physical. Last year, I made a hussif, a personal sewing kit. This year,… Continue reading Long Day →

Hey there, hope you are well. Duke is out back singing the song of sixpence. The Hubs is being himself. Today I purged a bit more. The bin went to the curb, and it was full. Today’s purge was going through youtube and unsubscribing from so many channels. I the deleted my history. It had… Continue reading More change.. →

Hello all, it’s time to discuss the annual purge. You could call it spring cleaning, you could call it yeeting the BS to the ends of the earth, whatever floats your boat. Today I got an email that some knothead in Brazil was trying to access my old twitter account. Welp, I reset the password… Continue reading The purge 2024 →

Hey there, hope all is well. I spent most of Friday in a documented discussion with the officers and representatives of my service committee. I finally had to drop the rope. My stress levels were through the roof, and I just couldn’t keep going. I’d had enough, and between the service committee and the current… Continue reading Dropping the rope →

Sorry all, I have not been stitching at all this week. Pain is a harsh mistress. Yes, I have bought bolts of fabric. Yes, I have the mini stitching area in the house, and the main in the garage. My body said, “Reading is about all you can do.” So, that has been it. I… Continue reading What about stitching? →

Hey there, it is about 5 pm as I write. There are chores to do, and I just have had too many false starts. I am thinking that a coffee break is in order. I use a generic midol to get by. Today it just doesn’t work. I am waiting for the next time I… Continue reading Waiting game →

Hey, the fellas are sleeping. I have chores to do, and I am almost ready to crawl in the shower. It is errands day. My reward for surviving is to buy a candy bar or some eggrolls. We will see where my blood sugar is at the tail end of the chaos. Today is a… Continue reading Phoning it in →

Jean Slaughter Doty published this book when I was a child. It’s a coming of age story involving a little fantasy. The story has haunted me for a few decades now. I no longer trust my memory to keep the story in my heart. So, I bought the book. It arrived yesterday. Now get this,… Continue reading Can I get there by Candlelight? →

Today is the day I start the move back into the office garage. I admit, I am excited. There are going to be a few changes, most of those are in rearranging the furniture. Why now? I can’t take it anymore, waiting. So, one small trip at a time, I will be doing the move.… Continue reading It is time. →

Here I sit, with a very full belly. A friend called me the other day, with good news. A new take away place had opened their kitchen. I had done a small favor for them, and they wanted to pay me back by bringing over some noms. Oh boy, piles of eggrolls, followed by crab… Continue reading A little feast →

Morning all, the fellas are asleep, though Duke did go out to sing the song of his people about an hour ago. I’m still pre-coffee. In my last therapy appointment, I was asked a strange question. I was asked what I do for self-care. Oy. So, in my weird way, I grabbed my tablet that… Continue reading Self Care →

I just realized this today. Those who put me in this wheelchair don’t control my heart and my soul. They have no say in what I think, how I feel, or where I go after death. I am free, truly free from the pain they caused. The do not control me. Gentle hugs,-L

Hey there, Duke and I are being goodest. The Husband is in a little warmer water than usual. Life happens. The last few days have been a little hotter under the collar than usual. I tease that we are allowed only two dickishness episodes per week. He’s used his up by midnight Tuesday. I have… Continue reading He has taken up both of his dickishness alotments for the week. →

Morning, it’s been a nite. Pain and I are bosum buds you know. Life is what it is. I’ve been thinking, and mulling something over. Today I have a few appointments to deal with, and shortly I need to jump in the shower. I’m just waiting to find out whether or not my coffee decides… Continue reading Yawn, stretch, dear Lord →

For this recipe you will need: Sweat your onions, remove from pan, then cook your celery or peppers till soft. Add onion and meat to the pan and cook until protein is done. Cajun seasoning to taste. Add tomatoes, and enough water for the pasta, and let slow cook until pasta is done to your… Continue reading Goulash →

Hey there. The new chair is here, and she is gorgeous. Today, Duke and I are going to be spending the day either snuggling or reading. It’s kinda yucky out and we both hurt. Take care, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m sitting here with a heavy heart. I just had to send a no out to some folks, and I really would rather not have done. It hurts having to say no to people. It really does. My beloved nephew is getting married in June. My body isn’t healthy… Continue reading I don’t know →

Morning, it’s just shy of 1 in the morning as I write. The fellas are behaving. I’m not. I’ve been working on organizing the minutes from the March committee meetings. I’ve also been preparing for the April meeting. I know, it is a month away. Thing is, I can’t sleep, so busy work is keeping… Continue reading A little cleanup →

I decided that my comfort and ability to get around is my top priority. I do need some help swapping the wheels from old chair to new chair but this is it. Let’s see what happens. I need a bit of a break at the moment. So I will write you again in the morning. … Continue reading Monday →

Morning all, am settling in to start the day. Duke has been out and is busy counting sheep. His little paws wiggle while he dreams. I have been busy looking up specks on the wheelchair I am getting. Since this month is also insulin purchase month I have to wait to get the watch. That… Continue reading The wheelchair →

Hey there, have been arguing with some tech today and I’m not in the best of moods. I have a ‘smart watch’ and I know that I’ve had it longer than its useful life span. I know this. However, as expensive as this hunk of metal and plastic is/was, I’d like to think that it… Continue reading You’ve gotta be kidding me. →

I suspect that my first addiction was snuggling and warm fuzzy blankets. My second was probably food. My worst addiction that I refuse to curb is books. TBR means to be read, by the way. My favorite authors have been busy again, and I believe that if I ever win the lottery, I will have… Continue reading My TBR pile is about to get lethal →

Morning, yesterday was my Brother’s birthday. He’s a good egg, hard boiled, and slightly cracked. Thank Goodness. He’s in his 40’s now. I remember when he was little, rambunctious little shit that he was. He’s trained for iron man. I guess he is still rambunctious. Today is a good day to stay home yet. The… Continue reading Morning yawns, my brain isn’t braining quite yet →

Hey there, am getting ready to crawl in bed for the night. Today wasn’t the worst day ever. There’s still work to do, and things to work out but for the most part, the hard things are done. I tried to catch a nap, but it just wasn’t in the works. That’s okay. Guess that… Continue reading Gloria Gainer is a great musician →

Hey there, today’s going to be a bit of a crapfest. I’m not really looking forward to it. We have a board meeting in a few hours, and I really don’t want to go. Granted, it’s online, and I will be chain-smoking during the whole thing. Since we had so many no-shows at the last… Continue reading 2nd verse… →

Homemade butterscotch pudding is the world. Second place is held by a vanilla tapioca pudding. Now that I’ve grossed several of you out completely, it’s time to confess. I love snack pack pudding. Because minding a stove isn’t on the top ten anymore, I use many convenience foods. My husband rearranged the kitchen so that… Continue reading 80’s music and butterscotch pudding →

Happy Spring! Hey there, Duke is patiently waiting for dinner, and the smell of chicken cooking is driving him and me slightly mad. It’s another I hurt too much to stand day, but it’s also a good day. My husband is laying in bed relaxing awhile. I’m finally able to move a little, and I’ve… Continue reading The time has come again. →

You know, there are times in life that I went beyond a whole year without having fish. Growing up Catholic, with my Dad going through Catechism before Vatican II changes to the religion, fish was a thing. Even the public school was in on the campaign to make life hell. Other kids got food, we… Continue reading Fiddling Around with Fish sticks →

Morning, hope you are well. Duke and I are currently unsupervised. He’s had his secret voupies, and I’m having a no bones day. I do have to swap the garbage bins at the curb when the sun comes up today. It’s time for a good cuppa. Today’s brew is still a generic decaf, but I’m… Continue reading Coffee time →

Hey there, good afternoon. I’m currently wearing ear protection in self defense, and I’m not at the range. My beloved has recently found Youtube Music. He’s on a bit of a jag. Okay, the man loves Elvis. He really really loves Elvis. Myself, not so much. Today, after hours and hours of listening, really… Since… Continue reading Elvis has not left the building →

On a late winter/early spring day, I had two visitors and a problem. We live in a well known area of town, and have no plans for relocation at anypoint in the future. This house has been in the family since it was built. That said, someone looked me up. Out of the blue, the… Continue reading Reset and some odd visitors →

I’ve recently learned that getting replacement wheelchair parts is more expensive than just ordering a whole new wheelchair. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. The parts come to about 188. The replacement wheelchair? It is 145 dollars. That math doesn’t math to me. It’s okay, though. We’ll get by. I have a feeling… Continue reading Still trying →

Am taking a week off. Medical has taken a dumpster and lit it on fire. Take care, -L

Hey there, in my rich fantasy life, I often redesign our home. All one level, with on staff house keepers. Also on staff would be a chiropractor, a physical therapist, and a nurse or two. There would be an attached greenhouse on the south and west sides of the house, with a gravel path and… Continue reading In house chiropractor amongst other fantasy characters →

Excellent earworm, and worth listening to on repeat. Gentle hugs, -L

Hey there, another end of day post. I have had enough sugar to jump start a bus today with 2 drops of blood. Gross, I know. Have succombed to Pandora again. Their playlists don’t mess around. Haven’t found a dud yet. I am so used to fighting Spotify or youtube music tooth and nail to… Continue reading Just gotta get it done →

Today sucked. I can say that with all understatement and sarcasm. The good news is that I was able to sit in the van and have a heart to heart with a good friend. I also got a zoom meeting in. I have started another skull cap, and the others have been in the laundry.… Continue reading Another pain day →

Hey there, I’m settling in for the night. I have to do some stitching yet tonight. One thing I am waiting for is the new stitching light to charge up. The Amazon order came in today, and I impatiently waited several hours to get it. The haul, since I don’t do haul videos, was a… Continue reading Sometimes a little screaming helps too →

Was at therapy today. Afterwards I went to a thrift store. There weren’t any books that struck my fancy, and I was about to leave. 3 shirts leaped off the rack and attacked me. Okay, I was wheeling by and I fell in love with them. One of them is a little frisky. So, I… Continue reading A little therapy helps →

Hey there, thought I would share some of the inspiration for my patchwork dress. Kristine Vike makes lovely scrap work projects. She is one of my favorite YouTube creators. She has soothing videos with lots of ASMR. This may be the inspiration for my scrapdress sewing shenanigans. The stitchery has produced lovely chaotic sewing videos,… Continue reading Inspiring video →

St Birgitta hats are a good thing. I can hand stitch them, and work on my sewing skills. I’m wearing the one I finished last night. And I spent 3 hours so far on the next one. Here’s the one in progress. -L

Hey there, “No” is a complete sentence. My Husband just demanded I do something beyond my abilities. I decided against caving to his demands. The thing? Standing up, turning around and doing something. He has this thing where he does weaponized incompetent behavior. I normally don’t mind babying him a little. Today is not the… Continue reading My new favorite word →

Hey there, have been working away, and checked my email. I know, I know, “Danger, Will Robinson, Danger Danger!” Actually, I solved a few problems with it. My old laptops created a problem. With tiny harddrives, I relied on the cloud for storage. Which was great, until the Microshaft subscription rand out. I got the… Continue reading Well crap →

Quick update: My beloved has made the decision that I’m forbidden to run a sewing machine inside the house. Period. I’m a little angry, and am a little pissed. While he lives here, and enjoys the comforts of home, it looks like I’ll be living in the garage again. I’m hurt, but will be okay.… Continue reading I’m forbidden →

This is my corner, made a little more private by a good friend. I have worked in a cubicle farm before. At least this way, my husband isn’t nearly as blinded by the light I need. Our bed is several feet to the left, and he is resting after a meal. I normally hesitate to… Continue reading A little privacy →

Hey there, have been busy again. While the spring cleaning of the garage is still on hold, I have some work to do inside the house yet. We are going to be getting a few changes here in the house. I’m going to try some container tomatoes. My Dad loved Super Sioux tomatoes, and gave… Continue reading An attempt was made →

Hey there, it’s been a rough one today. Duke wants out again, and he’s looking for his girfriend. I’m not in the mood to argue with the boy. He is a goodest, and I don’t begrudge him. I just can’t focus on that right now. Having the laptop set up again is always a perk.… Continue reading Perhaps a nap is in order →

Hey there. After my butt chewing yesterday, see the post about crying for more info. I got to work. I set up the table in the dining room for a bit of computer work and worked on cleaning as much as I could. It isn’t perfect, but I was able to accomplish something. I also… Continue reading A little swap →

Hey there, I know, I have been posting a lot lately. It helps me cope. My friends visitation is today, and I won’t be going. It is too much. So, I sat here doom scrolling and crying a little. I swear, I heard my friend say to get off your ass and get something done… Continue reading I cried today →

Gentle hugs, -L

I don’t do herringbone embroidery, so for this version of the cap, I decided to say screw it, make a seam up the middle, and just tie it in the back. More photos to follow when it is finished. -L

Morning, today I just… My Husband is letting Duke in, because he was singing the song of his people. Barking mad, we are, Duke doesn’t need to tattle about it. Yesterday’s errands were done in blowing snow and strong winds. Today, I am enjoying the side effects of that. At least, the bare minimum got… Continue reading With the help of a Mandalorean →

Gentle hugs, -L

It is time to knit a little, and I’m settled in waiting for a meeting to start. I dug this out of the garage. I had turned an old baby walker from probably the 60’s into a rolling knitting bag last year. It’s perfect for knitting while I wait for meetings to get rolling. On… Continue reading Working →

Hey guys, it’s a wintery day out there. Gusty winds and below freezing temps. Neil Diamond is crooning in the background, and Duke is hoping for a nibble of whatever my Husband is eating. Later, I have to head to the pharmacy and drag my fuzzy self around to run errands. The tobacconist is on… Continue reading Weather or not →

Hey there, it’s my husband’s birthday today. We’re having a quiet day at home. My body has recovered for the most part from an emergency trip on Friday. Duke is outside, enjoying the unseasonable warm weather. It’s over 60 degrees today. Yes, in my state, in February, that’s rare. We’ve learned to just roll with… Continue reading Let’s see if I can do this. →

Hugs, -L

-L

Due to rules I follow, I won’t disclose who. My community lost an Amazing Human today. Not only were they a warrior, but a damned fine human being. Going to be taking a few days off from writing. You will still get some picture posts, but for now, it just hurts. -L

Hey there, Duke’s decided his alternate names are Snuggle and Love. He is a grade A++ Snawgle Beast today. That is his right, and if I get nothing else done today, that’s the most important thing in the world to him, so I agree. He’s a keeper, for sure. It’s a good thing, and even… Continue reading Snuggle and Love →

Hey there, the goal this week is to get the purple checkered dress done. Wait, what? Purple checked dress? Yep. It’s cotton flannel, and I finished the skirt earlier in the week. I’ve got the top almost 1/3rd done. There’s just one seam, and the sleeves to put in before I hem the bottom, unless… Continue reading Working on it →

Hey there, the fuzzybucket and I are done snuggling for the moment, and I’m about to grab a nap. It’s one of those days again. Yesterday I woke up a bit spicy, and ended up tormenting the Doc for a bit. There’s good news, it’s not what we hoped it wasn’t. That’s always good news.… Continue reading Another long day →

Morning, a certain fuzzy face and I are still cuddling. It’s a great idea, I think. I will try to behave as soon as we actually crawl out of the rack. Gentle hugs and take care, -L

Hey there, we had a very long day today. It’s going to be a long night. It’s okay though. I had my committee mtg today. The big thing was working through our problems. That’s any group of folks, though. We will get through this storm. That’s the way with most of the storms in life… Continue reading A work day →

Hey there, Duke and I are cuddling in bed. I overwhelmed my body today. The pedicure was my husband helping me trim my toe nails. It helped me so much. Spending the day cuddling also helped. We decided to be good for the day. I napped, and listened to some of my favorite shows on… Continue reading Another bed day with a pedicure →

Remember a few days ago when I mentioned that I was getting rid of time wasting apps, i.e., games on my devices? Well, I made the decision to continue to do some more removing of apps. I had installed a widget that tracked my usage. Tiktok was a huge time sink. It is gone. I… Continue reading Small change →

Ya sure you betcha, good morning. I’ve been awake an hour or two bit the brain hasn’t clocked in quite yet. I’ve wasted over an hour on pinterest so far. The skirt project is coming along. I am working on the waistband seam. After this, which is a gathering stitch thing, I have the lower… Continue reading Uh huh →

Morning, I have settled in with my tea. I am waiting to decide whether my brain will work for good or evil yet today. There are errands to run, but I can’t find my glasses. That’s a suck proposition, as I have to run to the copshop. My license says that I have to have… Continue reading Valentines Shenanigans →

Hey there, am taking a short break from stitchery. Thought that I could share with you some of my tools. I have a few drawers full of thread to choose from. Most of them are mystery thread. As I haven’t cared what color thread I use in my projects, I am using them up one… Continue reading Many pretty threads →

Small stitches add up. -L

Morning, Duke and I are resting and snuggling. He’s learning that there’s another area he can’t lean against, and I’m learning not to do too damned much. Okay, that’s a bald faced lie. I will continuously try to do too damned much. That’s my nature. I mean seriously. Take for example this morning. I’ve been… Continue reading Can I call in whiny? →

Okay, Cabin Crafts on YouTube unlocked a simple solution for me. These ladies are game changers. I’m going to be spending the next few days in front of my modern sewing machine and stitching. They did a drawstring skirt and a short dress video, and I’m enthralled. So simple, and so easy. I can have… Continue reading Eureka →

Hey there, still feeling rocky. I have spent most of my time resting. However, I wanted to talk about my chatelaine today. What is a chatelaine? It’s an ornate wearable tool belt with chains. Keys on a waist were some of the earliest forms of the device. Other chatelaine could have sewing tools or even… Continue reading My chatelaine →

Brought the groceries in yesterday and introduced a few new foods. I’m stuck next to a bucket for awhile. Will try to have a pulse and a brain tomorrow. -L

Morning, hope all is well in your world. I’m enjoying the feel of the keyboard under my fingers today. Usually my hands just hurt. I shift my focus from my hands elsewhere so that I don’t feel the pain as accutely. I do that a lot. Most of the time for a full body oh… Continue reading Small things that make a big difference →

It is not a secret that I have a therapist. The biggest secret is that I am very tired and grouchy the day after I go.Part of it is that therapy day is the day I sneak out of the house and go to a thrift store afterwards. I make sure I bring 20 dollars.… Continue reading Therapy might he helping… a little →

Hey there. Duke and I are practicing our cuddle activities this morning. Actually, when you read this, I will be snoring with a dog next to me. We have mastered the art of sharing our heat. I couldn’t sleep last night. I did get some reading and a little bit of Journaling done. Today I… Continue reading Curling up with a pup is always plan A →

Hey there, plan plans but not results day today. I’ve settled in for a break. We still don’t have the furniture moved into the garage. The reason? I’m not the only one with fibro or arthritis. This faux spring has been a witch on wheels. So, we wait, and that’s okay. Today’s current plan is… Continue reading Still working on it →

Morning, last night I ended up at the pharmacy to pick up my scripts. Tuesday I have to go back and pick up more. While I was in the store I grabbed a spare diabetes monitor and some more supplies. I just don’t want to go without one. One stays at my desk, and this… Continue reading Diabetes update →

Morning, I had to take another day off from everything. Today I have got to get the garage worked through. I need to bring in the other 2 shelves. The one has been set up in the bedroom. These two need to go in the kitchen or dining area. Tomorrow, the lift chair and love… Continue reading Here we go again →

My brain is a sieve, and writing is the last thing I want to be doing today. Take care. -L

Hey there, I’m taking a short break before I head into the office. I’m giving up some shelving to be brought into the house. We need kitchen cupboards, and the irony that some of my cabinets in the office are actually kitchen cupboards is not lost on me. Personally, I want to cry, but we… Continue reading I’m losing some shelf space. →

My friends, it is another pesky stay in bed day. Pain is a harsh master. I have a snuggle buddy and a book. Take care, -L

Yesterday, my husband asked me to order pizza so we didn’t have to cook. I agreed, but have made a horrible mistake. Next time, I’m going to order a cheese pizza with extra cheese. At least in this case, I will have something that I really am hungry for. Meanwhile, the boys are laying down,… Continue reading Another pain day →

Hey there, Duke is at my side, and I”m well not in any shape to human today. I’m wearing my favorite dress, I have a fuzzy fleece shawl with pockets on, and I’ve assimilated a cuppa. I do have some chores to do. Even though my body is screaming at me, I want to get… Continue reading Self Care and a pain day →

Hey there, with the melting snow, I couldn’t make it out of the house. My body said, “Oh hell no.” I had no choice but to agree. It hurt too much to try to shower, and it hurt too much to stay home. One thing I did do was to sort some fabric aquisitions from… Continue reading Insert Random Cussword sideways →

My husband and I have different ideas on what makes a good meal. He cooks without any spice or seasoning at all. I prefer garlic, onion, and spice in my food. He prefers pasta dishes, I love rice. The thing that is my hill to die on though… I hate green peas in American Goulash.… Continue reading Pass on the peas, please →

Hey, it’s been a rough one today. I met Anna, my new psychology nurse practitioner unit. I feel like I was dragged behind the horse on a gravel road for a few miles. Yuck. The main positive is that I have someone to prescribe my anti-depressants.. The bad part, she tried to nail me with… Continue reading Adventures in psychology →

Heard from my partner in crime, and the Saturday before my birthday I will be unsupervised on our camping trip. From what it looks like, they forgot to request that day off of work, so they have to head in and be busy that day. I get most of the day to myself. Shucks, darn,… Continue reading Uh oh, I’m going to be unsupervised →

Morning, Duke and the Husband are in the house, I’m out here relaxing to a point. I stopped my otc pain med the day before yesterday. I’m doing a reset, and it’s going to be a haul for a bit. Once the pain meds stop working, I have to do what I call a reset.… Continue reading I need a minute →

Morning, Duke and I have been up a few hours already. I’ve started the coffee process, and life is pretty okie dokie.

A couple of months ago, I noticed that my smart watch wasn’t maintaining a charge. I’d have to charge it every other morning. Lately it’s been every morning. I took a look. To replace it, would cost just way too much, so I went to the local mega store, I had to wait for a grocery order to be picked as it was. While there, I grabbed a less than 40 dollar watch.

It doesn’t what I need it to do. It gives me the day, date, and time. While it won’t call the cops if I fall, it will last 10 years on the battery according to the folks that made it. I’m not arguing, and since then, I don’t have to recharge my watch.

The small things make me happy.

While I was out, I snuck into a thrift store, and got a nifty dress. I love the colors and the style. I do however, get to wear my sweaters with it. It has a cleavage flashpoint on it, and I just really don’t want to go there. Sweaters, the fall is approaching, win-win.

I spent last night figuring out a few things, and praying for some others. I really need to focus on making the world a better place, you know. So, today, that’s what I’m working on.

Instead of whining that this that or the next thing is going on. I’m working around the situation. We’ll see how it works. Take care my friends, hugs, gentle ones. -L

Talked for a few hours tonight with a sponsor type person. It helped. Have some research on technology to do, simply because I need more input.

Now I feel like Johnny 5 yelling input input!!!!!!!!

On that note, the football team is back in the field, I’m about to grab a meal and nuke it, and I need another fly strip in the office. Tomorrow is for more cleaning.

Take care my friends, gentle hugs, -L

Hey there, hope you are well. It’s another pain day. Normal, in other words. I was supposed to drive 60 miles the other direction to celebrate a friends recovery.

I just couldn’t. Body and I have made a documented protest on lifting my arm above my shoulder height. Yes, I’ve been working on it, and yes, I work through the pain. Today though, I wasn’t in the mood to drive.

In other news, I’m heading to bed, I’m tired, I hurt. I want to snuggle my Duke. On that note, take care. Hugs, -L

Hey there, hope you are well. I’ve got some chores to do yet tonight, and I thought I would write a bit before bed.

Duke is in the house with my husband. I’ve got to have the big garage door open, and need to work. With Duke barking at anyone who comes down the road, as it is after midnight that just won’t work.

Since it’s the heat of September, something we called something else years and years ago, I’m better off sleeping the day away and working at night.

That said, I have to get the mess in the van taken out. I’m so sick of the crap, that I’m very angry. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I also need to have a clean vehicle and office. So, I’ve got to get to work.

This means that probably the next few days I’m gonna be in pain. I don’t mind. I’ll be okay.

Since I’m responsible only to my husband, and we don’t have any appointments, I’ve gotta just stay up at night for now to get the work done. I don’t mind, I’ve done this before in late summer.

That’s about it, take care, stay cool. Gentle distance hugs, -L

You know, I just wrote about getting things organized, and getting rid of some things…. I know I’ve written those words. I know I did. I also mentioned that I didn’t have any room for more hobbies. I know I’ve been talking about the purge, and how the konmari chick drives me nuts. I’m eating… Continue reading And then →

Morning all, hope you are well. Pain levels are a witch today with the coughing. It is life. Duke and I are hiding in the office. It is just a bit warm, but I’m not feeling the whole open the garage door thing today. Sadly this means that we will be just curling up and… Continue reading We are hiding →

Yes, I believe in science and technology. I also believe in getting shots. Today, I have the flu.

I would rather have a less virulent version of the virus, which I did get, then the full-on version. This is the point.

I have tea, snot rags, and books. I will be in the recliner until further notice. Take care, gentle distance hugs. -L

Happy Labor Day to those who celebrate. To those that are overseas, I hope you have a good one today.

I’m up at 2:30 in the morning waiting for the air to cool down enough to open the big garage door and grab some more of the things from the vehicle. I also need to whack some totes out in the van, as they are going to be donated back to the thrift store I’ve been rummaging at.

They have been kind and generous with me, and I want to return the favor.

Now for the fun part, getting the things in the garbage bin that don’t work well enough to be useful. I also need to move that sewing staion to the front of the garage and move the non sewing items to the back.

I want to get this done before the heat takes over again today, so I’d best get busy. I’ve somewhat recovered from the too much activity days. We’ll see how it goes.

The high today is in the upper 90’s with dangerous humidity levels. That’s why I’m still up, and still busy. I also have to finish setting up the mini kitchen. I want to make this a comfortable place to be.

We’ll see how much I can get done with pain levels where they are.

On a personal note. I’ve been doing the nursing home version of daily prep. I do a morning basin wash, similar to what our ancestors did when they heated water up on a wood stove for a bath. This stretches the times between jumping in the shower, as I can’t lift my right arm over my head anymore.

I’m really clean though, so I no longer worry about going out in public on non-shower days. Getting old is a bitch. I know. Meanwhile, I also have to fold the clothes. I did a load of laundry tonight.

Take care my friends, I will keep you updated on the mayhem. Hugs, -L

Morning all, sorry about this. My brain wasn’t braining yesterday. Here’s what I did. I went out to a rummage yesterday and the day before. It was in a basement of a thrift store that was closing down.

Yep, I went up and down stairs. I wandered over 1500 steps on my feet. Wheelchairs and stairs don’t work.

Here’s the haul list.

Bedrails to help me get in and out of bed and turn over, set of 2.
Thermos, 2
Correll coffee makers, 1 correl, 1 a 2 pot machine
Coffee mugs… Funky and fun
Afghan
Meat slicer, electric
Apple slicer
Can openers
Totes 2
Journal bag (originally a makeup bag but journals, fountain pens and such work great in it
Funky ashtrays
.Candles
and more

My van is suspiciously full. I haven’t cleaned it out yet, as it was closer to 100 degrees with 70 percent humidity than I like. Ugh.

On that note, I’m going to get this post up, and curl up in the office. My body feels like I climbed up and down stairs a few times over the last 2 days. I”m grabbing the midol and curling up with a book. Take care my friends. -L

I sat down to journal and relax in front of youtube. It’s a lovely night. A bit gusty, but that is okay. I’m comfortable and alive. That’s all a body can ask for I suppose.

By the way, I have a writing box. It’s missing a few bits and bobs. However, soon I will get it up to snuff and in tiptop shape. Will post pics when I get it up and running. Take care.

Hope you have a good one. Hugs. -L

Really, it is not. Though this month, I blew the books budget on fabric. I made the executive decision that I wanted the fabric to make some dresses. I got a couple from the thrift store that are comfortable and fit.

I’m going to recreate them. Also, I do need to go through the library and make sure that I don’t have duplicates. In that case, the best quality book will go to the thrift store, and the worst quality will stay with me. I don’t want to donate crap.

I’m still sore from the garage redux, my body has found muscles that it didn’t know it still had.

Take care my friends, I need to get another book shelf. Why didn’t Mary Poppins bag weigh a quarter ton? If I had one like hers, I’d fill that sucker with all the things.

Gentle hugs, ttyl -L

Morning all, Duke is asleep and I’m settled in the office. It’s a little cooler this morning, but otherwise a nice summer day.

I’ve been a little busy. Yesterday I moved one sewing cabinet to the other side of the garage. I then removed a treadle whose cabinet is trash, and an airconditioner window unit that never worked.

Then I moved the shelves around so that the recliner fits back in the garage again. For cleaning, I’ve got to sweep yet, and get some garbage out to the bin, but for now, it’s going well.

I hurt to the marrow of my bones, but it feels good to get something done.

Now, how did I do that? I’d move something, then sit. I took many breaks, I tried one thing and then another. Basically, very methodically and very slowly.

Good news though, my fabric is here, and I’m going to get to stitch a little today.

Gentle hugs, -L

It’s the wee hours of the 30th of August. Yesterday, I spent most of the day trying to catch up. The grocery order was entertaining, and the rest of the day was well, long. Duke is out there, relaxing and watching all of the neighbors. I’m getting ready to head for bed. I’m glad I… Continue reading 2nd verse… →

Morning all, forgot to write today, and Duke and I are snuggling in bed. It was a long drawn out day. I had to rearrange the office a little. The scooter was taking too much room where it was. That’s about it, take care. -L

The first sip is always the best. Morning, Duke’s out watching the neighborhood, and it is a lovely Sunday. Holy smokes it’s cold out this morning, was in the low arsed 50’s when we came out to the office. We’ve been out here since about 4. Finally after the sun came up, we got the… Continue reading Coffee time →

An old friend got a hold of me, and aske dif they could stop by. It was a good afternoon. They brought tomatoes from their garden, and got to see the Hovel of horrors. For the half hour or so that they were here, we chatted. It was a good thing. Tonight Young Master Duke… Continue reading An informal visit →

This afternoon, my beloved made me a lovely supper. Baked potato, fried chicken, my favorite toppings. An ice cold mug of milk. It was delicious. In the end, something as simple as a good meal seems like nothing. I just really enjoyed it today. Dessert was a soft cake donut. I’m settling in for my… Continue reading A decent meal. →

We’ve decided that this afternoon, we are going to relax to the radio. I’m not listening to any books or podcasts. Duke is sleeping nearby. It’s finally cool enough to breath. The air conditioner is keeping up with the humidity, and I’m good with that. Later on, I will be doing routine cleaning and maintainence… Continue reading A quiet afternoon with the radio →

Life is a permanent disability is often exactly this. I do the best I can. With both of us being disabled, there are days when we are rearranging those chairs while the ship is circulating under the water. Sighs. Monday I missed an appointment because I was in too much pain to go. I was… Continue reading Rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship. →

Hey all, hope you are well. Duke and I are relaxing in the office. The cement floor is cool enough for him. I ran the air conditioner overnight, and it has kept it colder than the house in here. My husband is asleep inside, and we have a window unit in the living room which… Continue reading Getting through the heat →

Welp, it is official. On my 51st birthday, and my 25th clean date I will be camping in South Dakota. It’s the state I was born in, and in a weird way, will be much thought and prayer. I’m a bit ambivalent about turning 25. Never thought I would live this long, let alone spend… Continue reading October camping plans →

As someone who is neurodivergent, and doesn’t watch films for the most part, I still have some favorites. Wonderwoman and Aquaman, of course, as they were my favorite comic book characters as a child. Also the Martian, which for some reason, my office is like the hab, I just hope that the door to the… Continue reading Houston, we have a problem →

I don’t like data mining software. It’s a thing, and I hate it. I choose what parts of my personal life to share, and actually, this blog is the main part of my sharing. Meta, the corporation owns our data. Every picture, word and phrase we post is then owned by them. They hold the… Continue reading Why I don’t use Meta products as much as others do. →

Hello all, just settling in to enjoy some coffee. It’s going to be a scorcher today. Duke is staring longingly at the neighbor’s house. I’m waiting for the brain to fire up. It’s one of those days. Yesterday afternoon the fridge and microwave arrived. I’m paying 75 for the both of them. That is a… Continue reading Dare I get a toaster? →

Thought I would talk up the coffee bar addition to the office. It’s still in progress, as there are two pieces that need to be added to the office. 2 things that are always needed in a coffee bar situation are water and a means to heat it. In this case, a black and decker… Continue reading The coffee bar →

Just sitting here a little numb right now. I’ve been fighting the numbing feeling for the past few years. It could be called depression, it could be just neurodivergence, it could be anything really. It’s a thing where I’m not elated, not sad, not happy, not hurting, just numb. Years ago, I fought to get… Continue reading Numb →

Hey there, hope all is well your way. I’m settled in at the desk, relaxing a few. I woke up to the garbage collectors grabbing our bin. So I went and grabbed it quick. Then I did some basic clean up out here. I have a portable necessary out here that required a little maintenance,… Continue reading Long day so far, and it’s only about 3 PM →

I have a coffee station at my desk. It’s a simple black and decker. One bottle of water fills it, and I can enjoy coffee at will. Now, since I swapped to decaf, you wouldn’t think that the desperation for a hot cu\ppa would be optional. It is not. I have determined that the universe… Continue reading Coffee makers save lives →

Sorry I’m late today. I decided to go back to bed when I woke up the last 3 times. With the rain, my arthritis and I are having one hell of a time adapting to being awake. It is 59 degrees at almost 1pm here. Holy smokes. I have the big door open, and fresh… Continue reading September Camping trip →

I brought way too much. I’d cut back. Especially since the campground has absolutely no wifi signal. I erroneously thought I could write a few blog posts whilst I was gone. Nope, not without cell signal. So, no electronics except for cell phone. Also, as the campground has cabins, yes to the cabin, and yes… Continue reading Okay, what would I change about the camping trip I just took. →

We had fun. We went to a state park with absolutely no cell service and it tickled me pink. We didn’t run all over and do all the things. We rested, relaxed, and enjoyed our time out there. My sister took more pics than I did, but there wasn’t many pics to take. The view… Continue reading Camping went well →

OK, now why do I own and use one? What us a mouse jiggler? Welp, I am a laptop gamer. I love certain games, and want the game to progress when I can’t. I bought a mouse jiggler the other day. It is a dongle that goes on my laptop with a button that “moves… Continue reading Frivolous Purchase, a mouse jiggler →

Today is clean out the car day. I swear, I didn’t know I have this much crap in there. Who knew that this much junk would ride happily for years? Snort. Maybe I will find my sanity somewhere in here. Meanwhile, I’ve got to get things installed. My mini-chuck box is a plastic set of… Continue reading Cleaning out to prep for camping. →

It’s been a cold couple of days. The recent rain has made it gloomy and much colder in the office that August is normally. Actually, it’s 65 degrees out there. Which with the rain feels cold. Yes, I’m a Minnesotan. The irony isn’t lost on me. Compared to the temps down South right now, this… Continue reading Oil lamps and candlelight →

I have done the inventory of my camping gear, and it was time to start packing for my trip this week. This time, I couldn’t find my eating irons. Eating irons are important. I don’t normally mix them with the household utensils, but this year, they got mixed in. I was a little lazy, and… Continue reading The only piece of camping gear I bought this year →

Thought I would give you a bit of an updoot on what I wear during the summers. I’m a huge fan of dresses. I wear them almost exclusively year round. It means that my abdomen isn’t bunched up under denim and I’m much more comfortable. Knits, cottons, even a few mystery fabrics thrown in are… Continue reading Summer must haves →

I must confess a sin that no priest can absolve me off as I am unrepentant. (Did you know that if you aren’t repentant the sins are not absolved? Even if the priest says they are?) Anyhow, I have a fountain pen obsession. It’s been low grade for years and years. I caught it when… Continue reading Rosewood .38 mm fountain pen and Noodler’s 54th Massachusetts Ink. →

Morning. Duke and I are in the office. That giant flaming ball of gas is rising in the sky. We are working on getting up in the mornings again. Usually when a flare hits, I’m up all night and sleep the best I can during the day. On the tail end of a flare, I… Continue reading Getting back on track →

I fight to be able to drink enough fluids. It’s a thing. Most of the time, I drink either decaf iced coffee or tea and water. Thing is, I’m severely dehydrated. So yesterday, I went to the local super center, and picked up dog treatos for Duke, some personal care items, bread and then those… Continue reading Ice water and drink mixes. →

Morning, I’m working on getting to another sunrise. Have to get the rubbish bin to the curb, and have been grabbing the garbage to get it out there. I do a little, then I have to sit. Then I do a bit more, and again I sit until the pain eases up. The scooter is… Continue reading Surviving another day →

Due to feeling like a Mac truck ran me over, heading to the store wasn’t on the top 9 million today. I decided instead to order sandwiches from the local. It didn’t take long, cost an arm and a leg, and worked. On days where even finding the shower to get cleaned up is a… Continue reading Delivery for the win →

Taking another sick day friends. -L

Sorry all, taking a sick day. Will be back in a couple of days. -L

I am bone tired, at 440 am. My beloved is doing his own thing, and I’m waiting for the midol to start working. So far, you know, it’s a crap shoot. I was getting ready to head to bed when my beloved asked me to run to Walmart. Um, no, Walmart is closed. He then… Continue reading Why I was at a convenience store at 12 in the morning or adventures of being married. →

Morning, it’s currently cooler in the office than in the house. My husband seems to think that running an air conditioner with the door open is a thing to do. Sighs. I can’t sleep, at least not in the house. I might catch a snooze in the garage in my recliner, we will see. Meanwhile,… Continue reading Cooler →

Made the mistake of opening the garage door to let Duke out. It’s definitely muggy out there. While I had the door open, I took the bin to the curb. We beat feet back inside, and thankfully it was still a little cooler in the garage yet. After slamming the door down, I restarted the… Continue reading Hot sticky day →

I’m still here. My office here, behind the big garage door. It’s still so muggy and sticky that the a/c needs to run completely. I have an iced tea beside me, and a fan circulates the air. Duke is in the main house, and I’m comfortable. Next to my desk is my easy chair with… Continue reading A quiet place →

Morning all, another crap sleep night, so I’m up in the garage. The garbage service is here to pick up the bin. Duke and I are watching. Purging the house has been so important to me. I absolutely refuse to pass on a hoarder’s pile to my kids. There is no sane reason for keeping… Continue reading The garbage folks are here. →

Sorry I didn’t post this morning. I’m still recovering physically from Saturday. Drove to my therapist appointment today. I didn’t stop at pizza ranch afterwards, and I’m a bit sad about it. That’s my “I survived another therapy appointment” treat. However, I have some plans for next month. I’m going to sneak out on Fridays… Continue reading Hoping soon it will ease up a bit. →

Put over 120 miles on the vehicle, chaired a meeting, and am whupped. If it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t have gone. Meanwhile, I’m tired, going to catch a few hours of sleep. My brain stopped braining about the time I hit the pillow for a nap. On Sunday I plan to set up the office… Continue reading Long day →

It’s another night of no sleep. I’m not ingesting any caffeine. I’m just in pain. Nothing we can do about it. Duke is in the house with the husband. He wants to come out here. I just freaking can’t. We are on the end days of July, and right on schedule. Sighs, it could be… Continue reading Another pain fueled night →

The past few nights, a neighbor’s dog has been off leash. It happens. But the last few nights, that dog has been visiting Duke. He’s currently whining about the neighbor’s dog. I’m on my last nerve. It’s not the best situation. -L

Can’t sleep this morning, so I’m planning on staying awake, and behaving. I’ve been working on getting a few things organized, and on my facebook page. Yes, I have one of those things. I’ve finally taken an old facebook page I own, changed the name, and am working on getting the blog swapped over to… Continue reading Working on it →

I’m sitting here at the desk with fans blowing. Our home is on a very tree lined lot, which is a huge blessing. Having the office on the North Side of the lot means that it is almost completely in the shade. It’s the coolest part of the house in the Summer. As a part… Continue reading An odd craving →

It seems that it should be, ya know. Have been busy the last few days. I have a personal mobility scooter on loan. I’m finding more and more uses for it every day. Duke is happy that he is getting to go on walks again. I’m content to get out for a little bit. My… Continue reading Is it Friday yet? →

Website is acting wonky. Will try to write. A couple of days ago, I noticed that WordPress was timing out pretty bad. This is a test post. Hopefsoon, I will be able to write again.

Though I’d give you a brief update on how Chromebook and I are getting along. Here’s the scoop, I hate the mousepad or track pad that comes included. I almost exclusively use an external keyboard and mouse in order to work this thing. I really hate the thing. Because when I type, my hands hit… Continue reading The laptop update →

Okay, I hinted at this yesterday. I’ve come to the conclusion that temu is truly evil. I have lost time, parts of my life that I will never get back from temu. Nothing I can do about it, and I’m finally at the point that I might just have to give in. I have this… Continue reading Temu is eeevil →

This afternoon, I’m having some lapsang souchong. The smooth, rich smoky flavor just relaxed every muscle in my body. Man, I can pop my neck, relax a second, and enjoy. Even my shoulders eased up, no fight or flight scrunching here. I’m content with the world as I know it. Pain and I are usually… Continue reading A nice cuppa, and all of a sudden everything is right with the world. →

Last night’s talk was on relapse. Here are my thoughts. I can’t say that I ever would relapse. I’ve been clean a very long time, decades. My drugs of choice are both alcohol and pills. I love how they make me feel, and I love what they can do to me. Nothing is better to… Continue reading On Relapse →

Back in 1985, a sucky year, this song came out. I was a young teenager, and didn’t realize then how important this song was to me personally. In 1984, one sibling ran away to escape abuse. Then in 85, our home burned down, and my Grandma on Dad’s side died. I wasn’t told that my… Continue reading Till Tuesday, Voices Carry →

I have been invited on a camping trip. Though this is not camping… I am confused. There is a cabin with air conditioning involved. Um…. I am cornfuzzled. Is it camping in a cabin with electricity and an airconditioner? We will see. One thing I do know, I will be bringing marshmallows. We will see.… Continue reading Camping, but odd. →

He was craving it. So I offered to get one. He wanted seedless. Okay. Between the time I left the house, and the time I got to the store, he was busy. Sent a text with 26 items on it he wanted added. FFS Walmart almost killed me. My deodorant died before I got to… Continue reading Watermelon →

Hey all, back to purging a bit more from the office. Swapping with my friends was a good idea. I have a bin that needs filling and as much work to do as I can. I want to make room in here for the autumn renovation. I need to get this place insulated. Winter is… Continue reading Rearranging the office a little. →

I just said goodbye to some good friends. They were naughty mischievous people who gave me some yarn toys. In return, I gave them an office chair and all of my drawing supplies. It wasn’t an intended swap, but it happened. Recently I was gifted a good office chair, and enjoy it. I also added… Continue reading The swap →

Have finally come to the conclusion that it is time to upgrade my wheelchair. I love my wheelchair. My hips ache from the metal bars digging into my flesh. In order to live a semi comfortable life, it is time to upgrade. Since the physical therapy in my town is less than stellar, I will… Continue reading A new wheelchair in the works →

For Supper, you will need: Free the pizzas from the wrap, top with sliced pepperonis, olives and other noms, sprinkle too much fiesta cheese on top. Grill on high until done. If baking in an oven, go for the time on the box of pizza, then shut the oven off. Let cook the rest of… Continue reading Grilled Pizza with Garlic Bread →

Duke and I are spending some quiet time in the office. I have my jlabs earbuds in. They seem to cancel out more noise than most. I’ve got spotify running, and soft music is playing. Anne Murray was singing to me, and I hadn’t heard her music since I left the farm. I’m cool with… Continue reading A little Anne Murray and a quiet morning →

Duke and I are relaxing in the office. I’ve had my shower, and he is watching a little what’s going on in the trees. Today, the 4th of July as I write this is bittersweet. Hireath, that melancholy feeling of longing for a time or place that is no more is the mood. It’s a… Continue reading Rainy afternoon →

You know, this thing just doesn’t make sense to me. I’m sitting in the garage, on a muggy July night, and I’m enjoying air conditioning. Duke and I are having the annual problem of fireworks. They drive both of us nuts. He’s hiding in the house right now. I approve. I’d been praying for this… Continue reading Air Conditioned Garage →

The airconditioner is working now. It’s a portable machine, and yes, it works well. Soon I will have to crank it up. The outside temps will be in the 90’s. Duke is in the main house. Soon I’m going to have to head in myself. It’s almost time to take a shower, and to get… Continue reading It’s going to be a bit warmer today →

I have fountain pens and I LOVE THEM ❤️. However, carrying them is a problem. It isn’t that they occasionally leak, it is that they are fragile, especially my older pens. I bought another ergonomic crochet hook kit a month or so ago, and it came in a case. Tonight I was looking at fountain… Continue reading Odd solution to an inky problem →

There are perks to the garage. Duke and I are able to relax and work without interruption. There is a problem, we got bugged yesterday. Some paper pushers stopped by. Thankfully, Duke was in the house as he hates strangers. I was polite, but they are threatening to come back. May have to keep Duke… Continue reading Summer →

Have been working on a few things in my journal, and putting them into effect in my day to day life. I’m still fighting the depression every day with little things, and my journal is saving my sanity. Thing is, it’s the cheapest form of therapy available. I can work things out without having to… Continue reading Cheaper than therapy →

I am on a rampage this morning. Sleep has been a bit rough lately. So I have been try to catch up quite a bit. The problem? My husband needed a ride to the clinic to arrive no later than 8:45am. The asshole didn’t wake me until 8:49… He shut off my alarm, but didn’t… Continue reading Critical thinking skills need a reboot →

I have a small addiction. It harms no one. I am happy with it, and as long as I can afford to deal with it and the repercussions, no harm no foul right? Well, this particular addiction is olives. I love olives, and will fight for the right to enjoy a can or jar of… Continue reading You’re kidding me right? →

Another writing from bed day. My back and I are not on speaking terms. Emotionally and mentally I’m okay. So I will work with that. Good news though, life is still good. Take care, a short one today. -L

Have some stitchery to do. Take care my friends. -L

I’m going to be spending the day in bed today. Hugs. -L

Camping, relaxing and enjoying.

Today is the camping trip. I am more than ready. There is rain in the forecast, so it is shortened. I will only be away tonight. Tomorrow, I’m coming back. Take care my friends. -L

Woke up to my husband freaking out. Guess he didn’t realize what was going on. With that rotten pile of wood gone, and the patio set up, he is losing his marbles. He figured out that I have an air-conditioning unit though. I’m still shaking my head. More work to be done though. Insulating the… Continue reading Um, whoops →

A friend helped. She hauled a truck load of wood out. Then she helped with the picnic table to get it place. I am so happy to have a patio again. -L

A portable air conditioner is being delivered this afternoon for the garage. I’m grateful. It is almost 90 outside, about 88 inside, and I have a fan blowing on me. Music therapy is keeping me in check today. Currently listening to a heavy metal cover of Sound Of Silence. I’m soothed. I better get back… Continue reading Iced cappucino and a fan →

Hey there. Taking a day off. My brain is not braining today. Going to spend it in my journal. -L

Sorry all its a bad brain day. Will try again later. Hugs. -L

Gentle hugs all, am working on a few things here in the office. My daughter has given me the secret to surviving with fans going all of the time. Ear plugs. Not just ear buds, but ear plugs. I don’t do well with that particular background noise. She uses them at work to cut down… Continue reading Ear plugs for the win Alex →

Hello there, Duke is outside, and I have a fresh iced coffee next to me. I’ve taken my meds, and am working on having a brain. I’m on the hunt for a journal bag, and I’m oddly specific in my needs. I am looking for something that will hold my journal, my pens, a few… Continue reading Iced coffee, a mini speaker and my journal →

Just took my bedtime meds, and my neck has finally popped. The rare times this happens, a headache eases a bit. The warmer weather causes naps to be a necessity. A few years ago, I had heatstroke pretty bad, and since then heat and I are not bffs. I’m sorry that I’m not up to… Continue reading Nap Time, a little →

Spent the day visiting my daughter. The naughty imp gave me a dragon bookmark. It’s beautiful, but not as beautiful as she is. We get together a couple of times a year. I love her so much. Long day, came home and napped. I’m going to hit the shower and head to bed. -L

I’m settled in with an iced coffee, a floor length maxi dress and a sweater. There’s a fan blowing on me, and I’m ready to head into the house. Flies. They come in through the big garage door every time it opens. I have a bug zapper in here, but at the moment the flies… Continue reading The bane of my existence →

Have been having an emotional tornado whip through my skull for awhile. Yes, Dad’s decline has a heck of a lot to do with it. I have been sorting through the memories like buttons. Tonight, I had a panic attack because I couldn’t find a fountain pen. I tore the desk apart, looking for it.… Continue reading Just had a breakthrough or was it a breakdown? →

It’s in the low 50’s this morning. I’m wearing a couple of shawls, and have assimilated the first cup of coffee of the day. The brain is mud though. Yesterday, I worked on the books. I’m not quite happy with how they turned out. I have more work to do. I’m thinking of rearranging the… Continue reading A cold morning →

It’s a long day, and I am ready to curl up in bed. I did get my recovery bookshelf set up and organized for the moment. Another pain day, though. Not much to write about. Just completely tired. Hugs, take care. -L

Spent the day in bed today. Mostly, I napped. My body and I have an agreement. There are days when I must, and therefore I do nap. I’m going to snack, and just relax awhile. The Regatta is going on down on the lake, and I’m avoiding leaving home as if that part of the… Continue reading Pain day →

I’m curled up in one of my favorite chairs, listening to a good podcast. Yesterday I picked up some grocery and went to the thrift store. I struck gold at the thrift store. It’s cold in the garage today. I’m grateful for the finds I bought yesterday. My sweater, new to me, is of a… Continue reading A new sweater →

Last night I replied to a message from one of my friends. I said, “I only talk to you and one other person in town.” Then I realized that I had actually written that. I regularly speak to only two local people, period. For a few minutes, I was lonely. Truly lonely. I couldn’t shake… Continue reading Not normally lonely →

I’m a murderino. I have been fascinated by true crime for at least 40 years. The first mystery that hooked me was Jack the Ripper. I found that person in the encyclopedias that my family had on the shelves. I was caught, and never looked back. This summer, podcasts again have my undivided attention, as… Continue reading The summer of murder mysteries →

It’s currently 85* outside. It’s about the same in the garage. I’m not sure that this is a bad thing. However, it is early June, July and August are coming.

I’m tempted, sorely to get a portable air conditioner, and whack it in the office. The problem is, power. The xize I need, with the power it needs, would overwhelm the lines and cause a house fire. Therefore, it would be much hotter in the office than nature intended. So, I will sit with ice packs and a fan blowing on me all summer long. It is what it is.

I’ve seen the portable air conditioners used on a camping trip, and shook my head. However, I don’t go camping often enough to justify purchasing one. Back when I lived in my first apartment, I used a version of a swamp cooler. It worked, to a point. Back then, I couldn’t afford an a/c. I still can’t, not for this garage. So, I’m going to have to go back to working overnights.

It’s gonna be okay. Eventually. The good news, is that in the evening, the sun goes to the other side of the house. I can open the big garage door, let Duke enjoy the fresh air, and circulate the air completely.

Other than that, life is still okay. That’s all I can ask for. Take care my friends. -L

I have a special cabinet in my office. It is tall, narrow, and just perfect for my needs. It’s a snack cabinet, I have decided. Yes, I could always use more room for books, but in this case… nope.

I have a special love for black olives. It’s a holy crap love. I will sit and eat a whole can of them, just with a pair of chopsticks. Sighs. When I am sick, a can of olives perks me up. Other things, like pre-packaged snack cakes and small packages of chips are nice treats for when the work is done for the moment.

Cans of diet soda, poured over ice make me happy to take my medications. Heck some of those horse pills need ice to numb my throat to get them down. So yes, I have a snack cabinet in the office. It is my treasure trove for goodies.

Note: Since this cabinet always has more shelves than snacks, I also keep Duke’s treatos in there and a couple of irons and larger sewing implements. Hugs my friends. -L

I recieved a book in the mail today, and have already sat down to dive in. It’s by Nic Edwards and Brian Whitney, The Delphi Murders, the quest to find “The man on the bridge” I just looked up at a screen to see that my sister messaged me. I’d told her about the book,… Continue reading Grounded from reading →

Morning all, have the laptop up and running this morning. First time since I was given news about Dad’s decline. I’d put it in a sleeve, and shut it up in a filing cabinet. I’ve been posting from my phone, and just trying to maintain brain function.

Today, I’m working on getting the body to understand that a shingles shot is nothing compared to the pain of having shingles. Believe me, this discomfort is nothing compared to the fresh hell of having shingles. I’ll gladly sign up for every shot I can to not get the full-fledged version of that bullcrap again. I was 13 when I got chicken pox. That sleeper virus is evil enough. A few years ago, shingles took hold, and while I was young for getting shingles, never again.

Please.

Yesterday Duke decided to test my mettle again. He slipped his collar, again, and decided to go hoofing it. Thankfully, he has been trained to come with the car horn. I need to get him a 2nd collar, he doesn’t slip 2 usually. I’d sat at the desk for a few to let him have some privacy to tinkle. He tinkled all right. Thank Goodness I noticed the slack in his lead.

In other news, I have another cabinet coming today. This one locks, I believe, so I can keep idiots out of my journal supplies. I really want to keep my husband out of my journal situation. It doesn’t matter that what I write in there is for the brain only, to maintain my mental health. I need him to keep his paws off of the thing.

Speaking of journal supplies. When I went to get my shingles shot at the pharmacy, I also grabbed a couple of acquisitions. I needed some more book marks. I also needed some tabs. The faux leather things that are sold in the beading section of Walmart work well enough for this. The tabs came from office supplies, of course.

I’ll work on that in a bit. I have some jewelry I want to convert to book marks, things my Mother left me. I am thinking that it makes the most sense. I also have some pieces that I can use that I found while thrifting. So, that’s the plan.

That’s about it for today. Take care my friends. Gentle hugs. -L

Have had a journal off and on since I was a child. Mostly on since I have been in recovery.

Current journal, with one of my favorite bookmarks and fountain pens. I have used code to keep folks from beating me for what I wrote. I have not used code, deliberately, to let others know how I felt.

Traveler’s notebooks, other notebooks, sewn and hand bound notebooks (by me) many varieties and sizes make up my collection. This website is a journal in itself.

However, one thing journaling has brought me is peace of mind. My current iteration has been helping me during Dad’s decline.

Dad actually supported my Journaling habit, by the way. He gave me a fountain pen, which is a treasure. He also taught me to sew, and gave me a spinning wheel.

Sighs. Am feeling a little squishy again. Will write more again when I can. Hugs my friends. -L

Yesterday’s excursion got some books. My main thrift store has hard covers for 2 dollars, paperbacks for 1 dollar.

I bought a couple of repeats, but that happens. They will be donated forward.

Sorry, focusing is hard right now. It’s a pain day from hell again.

Anyways, I found The bad girls of the Bible book. I had the books years ago, but want to do the study again. Ebay came through in spades for the 2nd and 3 books in the series.

Then the book Simple Abundance, a daybook of comfort and joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach found me. I also used to own this one, and was tickled to see that I could get the sequel and a journal for cheap.

That’s the blessing about thrift stores and Ebay. I can get used books dirt cheap, and in the case of ebay, often with free shipping.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, there are some books calling to me. Take care my friends.

Duke and I have the garage door open. He is watching to see what happens out here.

I started by going to the pharmacy. I found a snuggle blanket out clearance. I know cold weather will be coming back before I know it. Then I came home to drop off my insulin.

After a bit of rest, I headed out for a nice lunch. I was still out when my husband started freaking that I wasn’t home.

The thing is, I needed time away. I needed time to sort through my thoughts and emotions. I didn’t get it. He needed me to head to his bank, which I did do. He then freaked because I went to his bank.

Sighs. Finally, I went to the thrift store. I got some more books, and came home. It wasn’t worth fighting to get time away. I took a long nap and here we are.

I just don’t have the energy to fight for my serenity anymore. -L

Settled in at the desk in the office. The neighborhood kids are having fun. Duke is whining right now.

His buddy may have moved. We don’t know. They just aren’t there right now.

Rough day, Dad has a new diagnosis. He will be in the hospital for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, I am doing the numb to my toes thing again. It is normal.

Need to curl up in a ball for a bit. Take care. -L

I started the day determined to do something blog worthy. Instead, I took care of myself. I read a little, journaled, and rested.

Rough brain day with panic in the background. -L

I know more rust equals more character.Once the soda is used up, coffee will go here. Of course.Sewing, spinning and dpns. Knitting and hooking. An old store sewing patterns cabinet is coming in spades for me in the office. -L

Hey all. I figure the rust is just a feature. I got this shelf from the folks that donated the filing cabinets. Score!

The good news is that heck, no one would think that some of my favorites are in here. I am tickled pink. -L

All the wips go in here. Containment for the win.Hey all. Have been organizing a little. Finally have the needles and hooks contained as well. Hopefully soon I can stitch a little. Hugs -L

Morning, trying to pull my head out of my tail this morning.

Okay, I will work on posting. I’m still drained. I found out I need the writing so bad that I don’t dare not try. I will try to write. That’s all I can promise. It may not be daily, like I have been doing, but I will try.

Personally, my sponsor is in town. She stopped by really early one evening and we talked through the mess. I have homework to do. Part of which is working on the office. I need to be able to sew, and yesterday the treadles moved into the garage.

Thank the Gods for the kind people who donated filing cabinets and storage shelves to the cause. Thanks as well for the sweat equity that these kind folks have put into my office as well. Holy crap, I have a card catalogue!

The coffee bar is also taking shape. Soon, I can get a kettle and the other mischief out here. Soon, I can have my tea supplies out here. Soon, I can work on the decorating of the office.

I’m going to decorate in dragons.

Meanwhile, on the resentment front. That is where the hard work comes in. The office work is merely a distraction from the pain and resentments I feel for the moment. It’s some dbt era wise mind distracts shit.

Rather than focus on the things that I can’t control, didn’t cause, and acan’t fix, I’m turning it over while I get to work cleaning the office. Yes, I will be working the steps again. Yes, the work needs getting done on my head, however in this case… Distraction seems wise.

While the steps are a huge tool in my arsenal of recovery, I also need therapy for the problems other than addiction. As an adult who was abused by a psychopath as a child, There is so much to unpack. My current goal is to get through the latest intel on what that psycho did to not just me, but the others.

Rage is horrible. This witch is making Dad’s dying and death all about her.

I better put this post up. My knuckles are white now, and my keyboard needs to live to see another day. Hugs my friends. -L

Xhinna moved in.Munkin with the hoard of groceries. Office pre-move.Lordy it’s a lot Bittersweet Holy crapMid moveFiling cabinets are moved.I wish I could have kept the chair there. Sighs. I am worried Progress not perfection.We had to clear the garage out completely it was snowing. Fighting the desk drawers.Momma, it is a lot of changes.Momma, can we get the snow thrower out of here?Books and shelves moved!More books.More booksNeeded a blanket day.The warmest blanket. Of course must sit in my lap. All 90 lbs of him.Oh crap more books.Maybe this will work. Not quite there yet.He was tired, we did too much.A present arrived from Florida. Wow… Oh my.Belly rub time And I thought it was my chair.Silly Momma, I need a soft warm place to sleep. My Dad, heart is breaking Scott Hahn is one of my favorites My sister and I are studying the Bible together. Bible cover I found at good willWhich one would you read to me first?Not quite done, but closer. Lots to do yet. Time for supper.

Morning, still rocky, going to try.

Yesterday I talked to someone in the program. It seems that the impossibly high standards I have set for myself are now the expectations that are to be met in me by others. FFS

I’d tell one of my oldest friends to go F themselves, but I’ve done that more than twice in life. I better tone it down…

I’m not raging to pick up. I’m jjust raging right now. Anger and pride are my character defects. Sighs. Going to hit some steps and talk this through with my sponsor unit. – L

Morning all. Have been curled up in the recliner and hitting the journal quite a bit. Okay, I have been hiding in my office.

Duke has been very snuggly. My husband has been kind. My friends have been checking in.

My Dad is dying. And now there is snot filled hanky by my side. I won’t be posting daily for awhile. I just don’t have it in me to write anything at this point. My Dad is dying. I keep a full tank of gas in the car as much as possible.

So, for now, rather than a few rapid fire posts, and being out of canned posts… A hiatus. -L

Pre-written post.

A certain young hambone unit has scared the ever-loving tar out of me. We just got back home.

I went to let him out to go potty, like every morning. Simple, elegant, it works. He goes out, and I work in the office nearby. This morning, he made the executive decision to run for the hills after slipping his collar off.

Sheet.

I have no clue how long the beastlet was gone. I was sitting here working. I opened the big garage door all the way to take out the morning garbage and poof. He was gone.

When we lived on the farm, I’d trained him to come to the car horn. It still works, thank Goodness, and that’s how I got him back. I drove through the neighborhood honking every half block or so.

He came a running out of the creek, and I let him in the car. 2 things. First, he was soaking wet, and stinking of nasty. 2nd, he set off the seatbelt alarm in the car Sighs..

We drove around for a bit, as his reward for coming back, but my heart rate went through the skyline and past the moon.

Once we arrived home, of course it was all my fault for letting him loose. So, for the foreseeable future, I will be grounded, at 50-

Needless to say, if this wasn’t the only game in town, I’d seek accommodations elsewhere. -L

Still gone

Still gone – prewritten post.

Horrible things, such as empty coffee cups happen you know. I’m sitting here working away and all of a sudden the sight of a bottom of my cup startled me. I’m dissappointed, disgruntled, or maybe I’m just grumpy.

Maybe it’s a good day to hit the recliner, relax, and watch the world go by from the pages of a book. Maybe it’s a good day to stitch. Anything to get over the horrors of not having another cup of caffeinated goodness nearby.

Sometimes, I dream of having a coffee bar attached to the house. With a barista, who is on standby to just make sure that my cuupa stays hot and full. That’s not a thing, I know, and I haven’t won a lottery with all the trappings.

However, maybe just maybe my husband has made another pot for me. We will see. Take care my friends. -L

Going to be away from keyboard for awhile my apologies. Pre-written Blog post from the archives.

Lordy, it feels like I slept with a boulder in bed last night. Would someone please send over a chiropractor to run me through the rack? Holy crap. Sighs.

For the most part, all is well here. Have some errands to run today. The store needs money, the gas station needs money. Other places will be added to the list. It just seems that faster than the check hits the account everyone lines up to say Gimme!

I still haven’t gotten out of the habit of needing food and such, so it is what it is. Duke is out back supervising the squirrels again. I’m settled in at the desk so that I don’t disturb the husbeast. He’s been in a mood lately.

I guess it’s okay. I suppose I better run these old bones under the shower, and see about finding what happens after. Take care my friends. -L

Will be out of office for the foreseeable future. My apologies

I am sitting here, listening to the radio. This is weird. To be honest, I’ve only listened to a radio in the car for years and years. A friend called me, she helps me here and there and asked if I needed a radio. I’d been listening to a podcast when she called.

She offered me a radio, to listen to while I work in the office. I couldn’t turn it down. She is also the source of my new filing cabinets, and helped me move into the office in the first place.

She is the one who drilled out a lock on one of those beasts. She’s the one who checks on me. She’s the one who made sure that I don’t get overwhelmed when sorting and purging.

She’s a good friend. I’m grateful. -L

Palliative care are funny words. Back when I wore scrubs, it was called comfort and care. The patient in this case is my Dad. I guess Palliative Care means something to someone else who is above my pay grade.

The family is gathering. The grandkidlings have been in to see him. At least some of them. Great grand kids, I’m not sure of yet. I’m going today. Today being Wednesday the 17th.

Had a usiing dream this morning. Was wearing scrubs again, and sat out front using when I was supposed to be doing rounds. Instead of getting residents up, I was wasted. My heart is still thumping.

I’m taking a bit of a leave of absense from Social Media. I just said I’m going to be away from keyboard for awhile. I’m also taking a leave from my service position. I talked it through with my sponsor, and it is time to use my get out of jail free card.

I’ve got other things to focus on right now.

So, I will try to put posts up here to keep up my commitment to you. I just don’t know what’s going to happen yet. I have ‘away from keyboard’ messages set in place just in case I can’t make it some day. I’m sorry. -L

Morning all, Duke is outside observing the known universe. I’m just finished with the 2nd cuppa of the morning. It’s a good day so far, and my neck just popped. Sighs… Relief.

Today’s plan is to work on the office again. I’ve got filing cabinets to move. This means that I have to pick up Duke’s blankets, get them washed. The camp bathroom facilities need to be moved, and a table needs to get rearranged.

My sewing tote, which will be going into one of the filing cabinets needs to get shuffled, and I have to make sure that the rugs get out into the rain to be rinsed and dried by the sun. Since this is a garage floor, I better sweep it all down so I can put the rugs back in the next day or two.

Also on the agenda is starting to set up the sewing area. I will turn the shorter filing cabinets into a table, so I can lay out sewing patterns and other things. For the most part, I wish I could climb stairs, because if I could get rid of the wheelchair ramp to the main house, I would have several more feet of room.

I do have hopes of a coffee bar yet. I haven’t done it as I don’t have but 2 outlets. Yes, they are powered enough that I could run a kettle out here. The thing is, I only have 2 outlets. This garage is a glorified wooden tent, to be honest, but a coffee bar would be lovely.

So, I need to get the physical work done. Now, how the heck from the wheelchair can I do this? I have no clue, don’t worry, I do have help. However, the small amounts of time I can physically stand, I can get the work done. Take care my friends. I will update again soonest. -L

P.S. A coffee bar….

Morning all, hope your day is good. Duke and I are in the garage, he’s staring out the garage door because it’s been raining off and on all day. He’s happy to just sit and watch. I’m settling in for the moment.

Haven’t been sleeping well, so I took advantage of the rainy day and just napped off and on most of the day.

Yesterday my husband decided he didn’t like the plans and options we had for an outside shed. He also made a few other decisions that tripped the rage button in me. There’s nothing I can do about the situation. I can’t fix it, I can’t change it, and I won’t be able to do anything about it.

So, instead of yelling and screaming, I went out, got some supper, and came home. I gave him his meal and I went to bed after talking it through with my sponsor. It doesn’t matter what I think about the situation, or who was right or wrong. What’s important is that I didn’t escalate the situation. It’s not helpful, and it isn’t necessary.

I chose my husband. That’s just it. We both signed the marriage license.

Meanwhile, I’m going to curl up with an afghan and some knitterly goodness. Take care my friends. -L

Good morning all, Young Master Duke and I have chosen to sit outside this morning. It’s nice to unplug awhile. Today’s forecast involves scattered showers, so we are enjoying what we can while we can.

I’m not in this for the sun. Instead, I’m in it for the birds, the leaves, and the fresh air. Our quiet neighborhood has most folks at work right now. The lawns are starting to green up, and there are dandelions starting their yearly torment of homeowners who love the immaculate.

Today so far is a pretty good one. Shortly, I need to take my meds, and get back to work cleaning and organizing. For me, it is a Wednesday. It’s meeting day, and I’m hoping to get the chores done before then.

Looking at the front of our house, I see that there are quite a few repairs that need doing. Winter wasn’t kind to our home this year. It wasn’t kind to our sanity either. I’m hoping that our little shack can stand for another decade or two. Yet, I also see that if the roof isn’t repaired, that’s not a given. Sighs.

Meanwhile, I’m going to enjoy the sunshine, the birds, the green and the soft breezes my friends. I’ll start figuring out how much the repairs are going to cost later. Take care. -L

Morning all, hope you are well enough. Duke and I are out in the office, and the neighbor dog is singing the song of her people. Duke is whining back. Snort.

For many years now, I have done something called the purge. When I went to the farm, my Dad put a stop to it, but once I moved back to town it was possible again. What’s the purge? “Getting rid of crap that is in the way, or no longer needful. Putting the things I need to use, and either repairing or replacing those things that are broken.

As a side quest to the purge, the move into the new office which is no longer a dungeon or place of punishment, my seratonin goes way up when a full bin of broken and useless crap goes away. The first Tuesday morning after moving off the farm, I sat up all night and cheered when the garbage pickup happened.

Now, it is full spring, and working out here is a thing. I’ve shoving things in that bin like my life depends on it. Because actually it does. I need room to move the wheelchair around in here. 20 years worth of shopping bags, things that my husband refused to get rid of, just need to go.

Every year, my community sends out 2 magazines with summer activities and winter activities. We don’t need 3 years worth of those things. Heck even the current one, after I’ve marked the dates on the calendar can go.

Moldy and musty items someone dumpster dived and gave to me. That’s a no-brainer, I’m allergic to mold. They go in the bin the minute that person leaves the neighborhood. There are many many other things on the purge list.

So, as it is garbage day. I’m looking for more and more things to get the heck out of my life. I refuse to be a hoarder.

Take care my friends. gentle hugs. -L

Morning, Poor Duke is pitifully soaked. He’s got his head on my knee, and he is looking at me. He’s soaked from nose to tail. We can’t help that it has been raining lately. Poor baby…

I’ve cleared the recliner for him now, and set him up with a blanket. He can still go in and out at will, but also has the option of resting and getting warm. It’s only in the 50’s for temps, and when you are wet, that just as well may be below freezing.

Today’s a good day to sit and knit, and I better get back at it. Take care my friends.

Gentle hugs all. Am currently curled up in bed, listening to a podcast. Have been so tired today. I decided it’s a good day to read.

Duke is keeping my husband company. I suspect it’s because I am just worn down.

Short quick post. Gentle distance hugs. -L

My books got moved!Slow progress Is it ever gonna get there?A short break.And I thought I was gonna sit alone.Yup, he wanted to snuggle Maybe…Favorite spot!Resting Books!!!!A naughty friend sent a gift.Wait a minute belly rubs.Somebody stole my chair!That’s about it for now. Take care. -L

Morning all, hope this post reaches you in good serenity. We’re behaving.

I recently had this question come up. I started the answer on pen and paper, but decided to move it to the blog. My clean date is October 16th 1998. I’ve been actively going to meetings since September 2nd 1997.

I’ve ordered my 25 year medallion, NA doesn’t give frontsies, however I do want it available when the time comes. I have chosen a phoenix design this time Why?

This October when the time comes, I still won’t have been clean half of my life. I was born drunk. My folks believed in a little beer in the baby bottle. I will be 51 years old the day my medallion is real. I remember my last use.

It was at Smookies pizza. Combo plates, skunked beer, and my soon to be ex-husband. I didn’t know it was a soon to be ex, at that time, he was only threatening me back then. The beatings hadn’t commenced yet. The divorce will have been final 25 years ago July 23rd this year.

I remember who I was back then. I remember the desperation. I remember being a slave to drugs. I remember that life revolved around Dr’s appointments, lying, begging, and dying on the inside. I remember getting last rites by a priest with tears in his eyes after a suicide attempt of 63 sleeping pills.

Addiction is patient as hell. It’s growing in me, and waiting for me to slip. Then here we go again.

That’s what it was like. What’s happened since then is logged here on this website over and over again. Working the steps, finding and keeping a sponsor. Living the program. Thousands of meetings, many hours over coffee until 3-4 in the morning. Campouts, dances, cleaning ashtrays, and pouring over literature looking for the solution. None of that was a waste of time.

They say only 2 percent of addicts make it in recovery. Lower than the 3 percent that AA claims. Here’s the rub.

I’ve seen obituaries and jail rosters. I’ve gone to funerals. The disease of addiction is death in a nutshell. That’s why I stay clean, work a program, and go to meetings. I’ve received last rites once. Let’s don’t do that again.

Hugs my friends. Take care. Love you. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I hear snorting in the background. Someone fuzzy is laying on the carpet and raising a ruckus. We woke up before the alarm, and have taken care of the necessary.

I put curtains up a couple of days ago, and what a change it makes. I no longer feel like an animal in a zoo for everyone’s amusement. I feel sheltered, and at home. That’s something that no-one can take from me.

The main goal for being in my own office was to give privacy back to myself. A little gift so to speak. Yes, to give my husband space and quiet while I click away is a nice thought and gesture. The good news is that I have it. I can work on anything, have time and space to myself, and work on the needful without most interruptions.

In this case, a little goes a long way. That magical feeling of being alone, has been the biggest craving of all. Yes, being in a family unit of 2 is important. However, that sacred space between us needs to have room for individuality. I love my husband, but space away from him is a treasure to behold. Yes, the book says two shall become one, but there has to be room for 2 in the home.

In a little while, I’ll be heading to therapy again. I have a long standing appointment with a therapist to monitor my progress in fighting the depression, and managing my health overall. This is key to my on-going life. I realize that my parents never had the problems I face, and never had the situation I am in. My mother passed in 04. My Dad for the first time in his life is in a wheelchair in his late 80’s.

I’ve been in one since my early 40’s. They didn’t know that this is the body I have. Never lived through what I did. They didn’t fight to get clean in a world where there weren’t accepting groups. They didn’t have to change fellowships to find a spiritual home. They didn’t have to change religious beliefs to come to terms with who they are.

I did.

The important part, is to deal with the hand you are dealt. It’s the situation here, sit down a second, and do the math. Work the problem, and come up with a soluttion that works for the circumstances. Alternatively, change the circumstances to best fit who you are as a person.

It’s the little things, small steps that work. Gentle hugs my friends. I’ll see you in the monring. Love always, -L

Morning all, hope you and yours are well. I’m listening to a couple of podcasts, and am working in the office cleaning this morning. I love the perk of sweeping the dirt to the side of the driveway.

It would be easier, much easier to run a leaf blower, but I don’t have one, or want one. Snort. Yes, leaves blow in, and dust is normal. However, one quick blow out, and all the crap is outside. Hmm

Meanwhile, Duke is observing the world. As I write this storms are scheduled for the day. I’m a little rusty, but the good news is that the garbage bin goes out on Monday night. I’m so looking forward to have that bin go out. We don’t need every package that items shipped to the house has come in since March of 2020.

Sighs. We’re getting there. Hang on, need a refill of coffee.

Okay, now that my favorite beverage is ready to enlighten the world and save lives, I’m better.

I don’t want to get ugly, it’s unjustified. My character defects have no place in this world.

Meanwhile, I have chores to do. I’ll write more tomorrow. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Am a bit under stress today, and am emotionally compromised. It sucks, in a way. There’s nothing I can do to fix this, and there is nothing I can do to help.

So, I wait. I’m praying, and terrified. I’m also freaking out inside. There’s nothing I can do, right?

Over 20 years of program tells me to get my ass to a meeting. It also tell me to work the program twice as hard as I have done before. To get busy, and to work that spiritual angle. Yada yada. I don’t want to. I want to curl up in a corner and cry.

Nothing I can do. I know. So, I did something weird.

I hate bananas. They are nauseating, mushy with a really gross aftertaste. I hate what’s going on in my life. It’s hard, scary, and I am powerless. Instead of sitting here feeling sorry for myself, I went to the kitchen, peeled and sliced 2 bananas, grabbed a glass of milk, and sat in the office eating bananas.

Why? Why would I do something that my stomach is trying to reject? Because I’m powerless right now. I know I can eat a banana one bite at a time. It’s how I’m going to get through this situation, one minute, one second, one bite at a time.

Please excuse me, the bananas are trying to escape my stomach. Take care. -L

Morning all, the sun is rising, Duke’s keeping an eye on the neighborhood, and all is well. I couldn’t sleep last night, I really tried, but I just kept coughing. So I decided to relax in the garage for a bit. I fell asleep in my recliner.

Woke up with the sun this morning, and am feeling pretty good. It’s one of those too much phlegm times you know. Duke just yelled at a neighbor, I had to remind him to mind his business. My coffee is cold in the mug, and it reminds me that it is almost iced coffee time of year again.

Yesterday I jokingly asked my daughter if I could buy more books. I’d just gotten the book shelves filled with my current stock. She said “Yes”. So I ran with it. My husband had a Dr’s appointment, so after dropping him off, I went to the Bible Mission Thrift Store. I know, it’s under a different name now, but I know it as the Mission.

I picked up all kinds of books, and really had a blast. They are dirt cheap there. After my husband got out of his appointment, I dropped him off at home. Then I went to goodwill. Also cheap books, but not as cheap as the Mission. Sighs. I still brought my treasures home.

I didn’t feel the normal anxiety I feel coming home that I usually do. That’s a huge difference. I opened the big garage door, brought in my treasures, and relaxed for the rest of the day. I sat and read awhile, and stitched for awhile longer. Eventually, I joined a meeting and stitched.

Finally, you know what happened at bed time, and here we are.

It’s a good day so far today, and I might sit and read, I might stitch. I might do some other things. We’ll see what happens. Take care my friends. -L

Morning all, hope your day today is the best.

It’s a lovely day here. Whether or not its hot or cold, or rainy or not doesn’t matter. It’s what’s inside the heart that is important. I’m still running a little high on the accomplishments of moving the office out of the house. My husband is organizing the living room and bedroom, and life is pretty good.

This morning I’m going to watch the Mass, and then spend the day with a book. Might stitch a few, or work on some step work. I’m going to spend quite a bit of it in the recliner I’m certain.

Take care my friends, Thank You for being a blessing in my life. -L

Morning all, hope you and yours are well. Young Master Duke is busy trying to decide whether or not he’s going to be in the house or in the garage. We’re good. I can’t let him out front yet as the city is busy cleaning up the boulevards for spring cleanup.

As promised, nothing from the garage or my office went on the curb. One bicycle was given away. I have 2 more in the basement yet. I can’t get down there to get rid of them. Sadly. Meanwhile, the office is much closer to complete. The bookshelves are in. I have to get some stuff organized yet, but the end is in sight. I can move the treadles yet this week.

I’m tickled pink. Okay, it’s more than pink. I’m just thrilled! I got the lawnmower and snowthrower out in a tent north of the house. The chemicals are out there as well. I moved one of the bookshelves by myself, and got the books on there. Sadly, I do need another bookshelf yet, but that will come in time.

However, I was able to sit and stitch a few, I was able to read awhile, and I was able to update my friend’s website from the garage.

Now, to sort the last stuff, get the treadles out here, and start repairing clothes. I’m so happy!

Hugs my friends, ttake care. -L

Morning all. Have a couple of minutes before my Bible study video call, thought I’d relay this morning’s shenanigans. Sighs.

Last night was a craps shoot for pain to sleep ratios. I didn’t get good sleep, and ended up swapping between sitting in the office and settling in bed. My character defects got out of bed before I did. Chuckle. It happens you know.

Over the last couple of hours Hubsy has poked his head into the office to interrupt multiple times. He freaked because I had the little office door open for air. I let it go, but he finally said he was letting Duke in and that I ‘had to get that door shut’ or ‘Duke will wander the neighborhood’. Sighs. I stood up and he kept berating me for having the door open.

I started singing in my head my new favorite song.

I look like sheet in orange, I look like sheet in orange. I know some days it sounds real good, but I look like sheet in orange.

FFS.

Catch ya later, gentle hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The wind is blasting through my area. It’s about 39 degrees out, I have the garage door wide open.

Duke is keeping an eye on the neighborhood. I have an Iriving Finkel speech going on the tablet. An electric throw blanket is keeping my legs surprisingly warm. This is a game changer.

I’ve sat out in the garage on below zero days before. Those were days when my Husband was having a meltdown, and he needed space. Okay, to be honest, so did I. However, this simple blanket keeping my legs warm will be a permanent asset to the office.

I make no secret that my recliner has been in the office for a very long time. The office, in this case is a garage. We aren’t going to get decent temperatures for quite awhile yet, and at night it will get in the 30’s for at least a week or two.

I use the recliner on the worst pain days, and on days when I need to sit and just read or stitch. I’m thinking that this throw will come in so damned handy.

What doesn’t change is the fact that I need heat in the winter, and cool in the summer in an uninsulated garage. I need to plan for that. Hopefully, I can get a kit for the big door, and the walls insulated to a point. This will aloow me year round access to my space.

There is more news though. I may have an electric wheelchair coming. It’s still in the living on a prayer stage. However, stores are a pain in the ass, pain is a witch. I really hope that this is an absolute, and a total thing, and not a wish.

Soon, I will update you on the diabetes and other medical. Right now, though, I need to hit the recliner and relax. Take care my friends. Gentle hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Thought I would share with you what’s happening right now. Young Master Duke is out on the driveway. My van is blocking some of the wind, but he’s out there talking to the next door neighbor.

The neighbor dog, and Akita or Husky looking critter, is whimpering and barking back. They obviously want to play, but you know, it’s not going to happen.

Both of them are sometimes a nuisance, usually adorable, and driving me out of my tree. It’s a short drop to insanity. I’m trying to teach him to mind his manners of course. However, he is stubborn, snuggly, and the neighborhood is filled with pickers looking to grab finds from the curbside.

It’s curbside cleanup week here. Where those with money pay the city to haul off their crap. I’m not of that bent. I don’t have money to pay the city anything extra. It’s bad enough that they charge an arm and a leg to haul away our recycling and trash.

Meanwhile, Duke and the Akita unit are behaving for the moment. I’ve got more books than brains, and I better get to work. Take care my friends. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m still working on the crafting hoard.

Here’s the time to do an inventory. I want to get all of my books in one or two bookshelves. I’ve got to also round up my recovery collection and get them in easy access.

Then there are the sewing patterns. I want to get the ones that I will honestly wear together, and pass on the rest. This inventory will go in a file box so that I can actually use it.

Now for sewing tools, I want to get rid of the stuff that is rusty, rusted pins and needles have no good purpose. Yes, I sharpen my needles over and over, but having rusted stock screws things up. Scissors need to be gone through and either sharpened or brought into the main house to be used there.

Now for the knitting, crochet and such. I want to use my favorite knitting needles and crochet hooks. Here’s the rub. Passing on knitting needles is not done lightly. Finding a knitter locally is going to be rough. Most knitters I know are out of state. So, I need to get these donated to goodwill or bible mission. Lastly, some of these things were gifted to me. I need to realistically look at whether or not I will use the item again. If not, it gets donated.

Finally, I need to look at the yarn stash. I need to pair it way down. It currently lives in a large tote and a steamer trunk. I mean a large steamer trunk. The tote I can pass on to another, probably with the yarn included. The trunk though, is one of the few heirlooms I’m keeping. It is sturdy enough, along with my desk to probably survive the apocalypse. Sighs.

Meanwhile, I best get back to work. I realize I didn’t mention purging paring down the embroidery or cross stitch stuff, I’m a little overwhelmed, and am going to have a liedown.

Take care my friends, gentle hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is snoring at my side. My husband just woke up, I think I heard him blow his nose. It’s peaceful.

I’ve been awake all night. Yesterday was a high impact day. I’m definitely out of spoons. However, the work has progressed. I’ve put some things away. I’ve been sorting others, and sadly, have found too many things I’ve gotten second hand that are damaged beyond use or repair.

Yesterday, my friend picked up her stuff. We were temporarily storing some things for her, and she was using my van as a storage vehicle as well. The problem was that holy crap, I can’t get groceries in the van. So, another friend helped me get things sorted and put away that were mine. Then the owner of said stuff came and got hers.

It is a huge blessing to have access to my van again. I can actually pick up a load of groceries if I want to do so. I can go somewhere and not have tons of crap everywhere. There is room for my husband in the van.

That said, I’ve made progress of my own stuff. I didn’t realize the saying “Out of sight, out of mind.” is absolute truth. I’m again finding things I have no idea that I own. I’m also trying to figure out what I need, what I want, and what needs to just go. There are 2 treadles that need to get out here, and one bookshelf.

I’ve taken 2 flimsy shelves apart and gotten them to their new purpose. I’ve purged at least 5 totes of things, and between now and Tuesday, I have to get through the next few totes. I found some sewing patterns I’d completely forgotten, and I’m itching to get back to work sewing. I can’t. But the itch is there. I want comfortable outfits to get through the summer.

More work needs to be done. I have a pile of clothing to go through on the repair, repurpose, or pass on decision. It’s important to me to keep reusing what I can. I also want to get some of the cross stitch taken care of. There are a few projects that need finishing by Christmas. To do that, I have to get the office taken care of.

So, I better get back to work. Take care my friends. Yes, on pain days, the goal is to stitch. I’ll get there. Today is a pain day, but I better get to work. Hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m swaddled up in a few shawls, a vest, and sweats. Young Master Duke is outside. My husband is doing his own thing. I’m listening to My Favorite Murder on my phone.

One thing, I don’t wear headphones anymore. I have many many sets, but don’t have to wear them non-stop. Wow. I’m in ears heaven. It’s been almost 20 years since I could just sit and listen to whatever and whenever in this house. Holy crap!

Okay, I’m settled in at the desk. I’m getting ready to start the purge again. I’ve got a few empty boxes that need to go in the recycling. I also want to sort through more crap. I’m calling it crap because it is in the road. It will no longer be crap when it is either put away or sent down the road.

That’s the plan for today. Get the crap out, get the stuff put away, and move along with the day. Take care my friends. Purge the crap where you can. Hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’ve decided to work on the hoard today. Yes, I am part dragon, I suppose, but my daughters don’t deserve to have to deal with the crap when I am gone someday.

So, to follow along with what I’ve started. I’m not pitching anything that has intrinsic value. I am however starting simple. I’m working on the things that I personally own.

I’m taking inventory of the stashes of knitting, crochet, sewing and other items. These things will be sorted and reduced. For example, I will donate needles and hooks I don’t have use for.

The yarn and fabric stashes are getting purged. The office supplies are going through the same thing. Now for the sewing machines. I don’t need 4 of them. I REALLY don’t need 4 of them. I’m looking to rehome them.

Next, I have other things that need to go. I’ve got to purge the camping equipment. Somethings that I have inherited that have no use, or need to be severely repaired to work. They can go.

So, I’m taking you along onthe journey. As my town charges exhorbitant fees for spring cleanup, they aren’t getting a dime from me. I’m determined that they can f-off. None of it will be disposed of to a landfill.

So, I better get back to work. Take care my friends. Gentle hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Duke is out on the front patio. I’m at my desk, listening to a podcast. My husband is inside doing husbandly things.

So far today Duke has learned that the rabbits have his number. I’m too busy chuckling, to worry. He’s physically okay, despite learning that he can do a backflip on his tie out.

Meanwhile, the purge continues. I’m working on filling the garbage bin as much as possible. Each bag or item thrown means more room for the things I really need. That’s always a perk.

I’m going to start going through the items that I have collected over the years and purge the things that don’t make sense to keep. These things could be going through the knitting gear, and passing along the things I don’t use. It could be the same for sewing and crochet.

My books need an overhaul, and fabric stash needs purging. There are yarns that I will never use, that someone else can stitch with. These are the donate piles. However, first, I need to go through the car, and make sure that the crap in there is in reality what we need to keep.

Sighs. Slowly, ever slowly, it will happen. I don’t want my daughters to have to go through a hoarder’s paradise when I am gone. Meanwhile, I better get back to work. The weather looks to be crummy by the time you read this. I have to be ready for it.

Gentle hugs my friends. Take care. -L

Morning all, Young Master Duke is currently at my side, and my husband went to bed. The sun is up, and it is cool but not cold in the office. Not much is going on today.

I’ve taken my meds, done my bible study, and talked on the phone. All of these things are quite normal. What isn’t normal, at least hasn’t been normal in forever, is time to stitch. I finally have the opportunity this afternoon to work on any project. I’m going to curl up in the recliner, listen to some of my favorite podcasts, and stitch.

Heck, I might even read a book. It is still too early to decide. I’m okay with that. Take care my friends. Take care. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m sitting here chuckling. I knew my husband was going to do this. He just walked into my office, grumbling about something. Then he put his tablet down next to me, and started growling about this that and the next thing.

There’s nothing I can do to help him. It’s not my fault, and not my problem. In fact, it’s actually on him. He stopped working on things in the garage years and years ago. He’s pissed because everything of his got moved out. Now, he is insisting on knowing where some random tools are. To be honest, he doesn’t need those tools, can’t physically handle those tools, but oh dear lord, the world will end if he doesn’t get those f-ing tools.

You know what? I don’t care. I just don’t. He needs to try to make my life miserable because change happened. His tablet is almost done being fixed, and I will hand it back to him. I’ll then take a couple of small things back into the house. My mug and water glass both need washing. Then I might go looking for his tools. I’ll also be looking for my bags of tobacco.

Take care my friends. Gentle squishy hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m a little scattered today. I realized that all of my camping gear is scattered throughout all of the tools in the living room. Sighs.

During the garage swap, camping gear got shunted to the living room. Also, several things got left behind on accident, and hopefully, soon those things will be rescued. However, over the next few weeks, I need to prep for the June camp-out. This means that at some point in May, I need to set up my tents, organize my gear, and test some things. I will get it done, I’m just not sure about logistics quite yet.

This first camp-out is recovery related. My friends and I will be camping at a park about 40 minutes from my home. It’s actually closer than the campgrounds that I love. I need to test my cooking gear, clean and store it properly. I also need to go through the kitchen equipment itself, and decide what I will use, and what won’t.

I inherited some gear from friends when they moved. I’m not sure exactly what equipment I have. I do know that there are about 4 totes of things compared to my last trip. Sighs. So, I will start digging through it today. I also want to make sure nothing was damaged in the swap, and check out some tarps that I found in the garage.

So, that’s my plans for the day. I’m also thinking of doing a May camp in South Dakota, my home state. Perhaps include some family time in that camp, as I have some doctoring to do that week. We’ll see what happens.

The camping trips planned are in May, June, July, August, September and October. If the first one in May goes well, and the function in June does, then I will attend more recovery camp-outs in July, August and September. In October, if I make it to 25 years clean, then I will go solo like I did 2 years ago for my 23rd.

If it happens, then I look forward to it. Hugs my friends. I better get back to work. My husband is yelling and cussing because he can’t find something he hasn’t touched in years. Oh well. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is outside barking at the wind. My husband is at the dining room table, and I’m happily in my office.

Just now I noticed something. I’m sitting at my desk, I can hear the sports team practicing on the field and the neighborhood kids playing. I can hear the wind outside. I’m alone. Yes, something that I’ve needed for years, and had forgotten. I’m alone.

Something that I don’t get unless my beloved is in the hospital or I am away from home, is a shut door and no other living beings around me. This is bliss. Knowing that no one is going to randomly bother me for any reason. Knowing that I can work or listen to the wind even without disruption… Wow.

I’m alone, with a keyboard, a screen, and my coffee. I’m happy. It’s weird, but I am okay with that.

Hugs my friends, take care. -L

Good Morning all, I’m settled into the office. Young Master Duke is with me, and my husband is asleep in bed.

This is the purpose of the office. He can sleep, while I work and smoke. While the office is current’y in tornado mode, I don’t mind. Tim can rest, and I can work. I’m so happy.

It’s going to be cold out here for awhile yet, and that’s fine. Soon it will be horribly hot. I will get the most work done during the early morning I suspect. The garage stays cooler longer.

Now for Young Master Duke’s perks. I have a tie out for him here. Once the mail carrier goes by, I can open the big garage door. Then we can relax. I will probably sit in the recliner and stitch a little.

I do need to get some treats out here for him, and water dish as well. Also needed is a doggy bed. He needs to be comfortable.

That’s about it, I better get other things done here. Have a lovely day my friends. -L

Morning all, I’m writing this post on Friday night, in the new office dungeon. My desk is out here, my gear is mostly out here. I’m a bit overwhelmed.

My friends in the course of 3 hours tonight dismantled the desk, 2 filing cabinets, and moved them through the house to the garage. The thing is, the kept the books in the drawers. Holy Crapoly.

I’m overwhelmed, and grateful. It took so much work over the week, and holy crap. Wow. Just wow. I’m in the garage, and have baby steps towards making this an office. I just… Yeah, it’s happening.

Now for the work only I can do. I need to get the gear setup. I need to clear off my bed, and I need to sort, shift and organize. It will get done. A hugs Thank You to two crazy wonderful women who made this happen. I’ve dreamed about this for a few years now. I never imagined it would get this far.

Once I am ready for the decorating portion of the situation, I will post pictures. Until then, it is a bit of a war zone. Take care my friends. Hugs -L

Morning all, it’s just after 3 am as I lay in bed and write this. The fellas are sleeping. I woke up from a nightmare about an hour ago. Today is big ticket items moving day.

I’m excited, scared and worried. Those big ticket items? The big stuff. The metal desk, the filing cabinet the sewing machines and two book shelves are all in the living room yet.

I can’t sleep. I just can’t. It’s… I feel hope and it is weird.

Sighs. I better at least try to sleep. Take care my friends. Take care. -L

Morning hugs all. Am sitting in the kitchen as I currently don’t have an office. My desk is getting dismantled today and I am tired.

Yesterday, I went to another state to see my Dr and my family. I learned a few things as well.

Firstly, my Dr has a wicked sense of humor, but no pity for the positive changes in my life. I am a curmudgeon by nature. Being gen x doesn’t make me special, and my general grumpy gumption earned me no pity. Damn.

She laughed. Sighs. Oh well. My old lady symptoms are just old lady symptoms by the way.

Next, I can get reprimanded for being too independent. Snort. I actually am amused. I stopped at the smoke shop to replace our tobacco supplies. I was told in no uncertain terms that I could use the drive-thru. Hey, it was raining and my drivers side window doesn’t roll up easily once down.

Lastly, after my visit to family, Dominos pizza has too much sugar in the crust. It is disgusting.

The drive home took 2 hours due to rush hour traffic. I avoided the interstate, as during rush hour, that city is especially dangerous to be on. Add in the rain, I didn’t want to get in an accident.

So there’s that. I’m glad I went, glad to be home, and have a desk to dismantle this morning. Tomorrow is the last push to swap my office. I am looking forward to it.

Now for the big question, how do I convince myself to drive to the clinic for some fasting blood work this morning… Take care, I am out of pre-written blog posts until I get an office of some sort.

I will bug you again tomorrow. -L

Morning all, I am curled up in bed, and I have no clue where my laptop is let alone my keyboard or anything else really. Duke is curled up at my feet.

Last night was phase 3 of the office and garage swap. It was chaotic, and there is much more to do. I’m overwhelmed, and just not sure about this.

4 amazing folks stand out during this. R and T1 who are 90 percent of the brawn and 85 percent of the brains of this swap. T2, who showed up with a dragon stuffy at just the right time to cheer me back up. And T3, who is my real life emotional support dragon. T3 helps prevent meltdowns of various nature.

Meanwhile, it’s going to be chaotic with the swap through the weekend. Will have to post from my phone until further notice.

Thank you friends. You wings are true, the wind is gentle, and it is a good day to fly. -L

Morning all, the title says it all. I’m relaxing a minute before the pain meds kick in. Soon enough I have to get a move on.

I slept like a rock last night, and am in quite a bit of discomfort. Activities over th elast few days mean that my personal gas tank are on E. Even with snow on the ground, my allergies aren’t giving me a break. I’ve got to laugh at this. I have traditional spring time allergies. Yep they are horrible, and it is mold and such from the ground warming up.

I look like I did rounds with Ali, and the greatest boxer of all time ko’d me not so kindly in the 11th round. Yes, I know there aren’t 11 rounds in boxing,go with the bit please. This is allergies, the swollen face, sinuses draining, and eye swollen shut. It’s part and parcel of the world pre-covid days when an allergic reaction was fun.

Yep.

Tomorrow, I drive to the state I was born in to see my Dr. I have a couple of things they need to take a look at, and I’m having a meal with some family. It may be one of the last times I see them, and you can’t stop father time. My relative is in his late 80’s, and in poor health.

I also plan on getting to the tobacco shop, and afterwards, will be heading back home to Duke and my Husband. It’s not going to be an extravagant trip, just a few hours. The good news, I get to go away for awhile, get a good meal, and see my family.

That’s about it for today. I better yawn, stretch, and get a move on. Take care. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Today I’m still trying to figure out where I put my pen, let alone where I put my freaking favorite coffee mug. Another canned post therefore.

Today I’ve been out and about with Munkin, a little stuffed dragon a good friend trusted me with. We started out heading to Casey’s General Store, a Convenience store in the Northern Plains states. He wanted the biggest coffee on the planet, but I talked him down to maybe just having sips of my diet Dr Pepper. Letting a baby dragon loose upon the world with a cup of coffee that is larger than he is is not too choice.

We then headed to therapy. Munkin supervised, and made sure to remind me to breathe. This was really important as there were too many folks in the waiting area. It was also really loud. I think Munkin was scared, so he and I cuddled while we waited for my therapist. During therapy, he blew smoke rings while Tonya and I talked. Watching him helped me get through because I really really was craving a smoke.

Then baby dragons must be fed. So Munkin chose Burger King. He says McDonald’s gives him heart burn. So, we shared a whopper and some onion rings. He lapped up the ranch sauce, and might have got some on his nose. We ate at the park, a proper picnic, so he could watch the ducks. I think he got upset about the folks walking by scaring the ducks back into the water. That water was too cold for the birds he said.

After lunch we went and put fuel in the car. Now here was the crisis. Convincing a baby dragon to not spark when they burped while the vehicle was fueling up. It was dangerous. But Munkin was a good baby dragon. He sat in his playpen, and enjoyed himself watching the people. He did ask for a sippy cup full of unleaded, but I didn’t think that would be a good thing. Especially since he is still a baby.

That said, Munkin and I worked on heading to the library after that. Finding a good parking spot was almost impossible. Munkin wanted to go and flame all the other cars that blocked us. I didn’t think it would be a good idea. So, we waited. It’s okay. Now he is sitting by the laptop, and is being a good little dragon.

Please pray for us as we head home. I think Munkin, being of the dragon kind, might want to tackle the school buses as they head back to the garage. I don’t know about this.

Thank you all for going on this flight of fancy with me. Yes, Munkin is a real dragon, a stuffed animal, but in my heart, he is real. -L

Morning all, today the office gets moved, so I’m going to be busy all day. I pre-wrote this for just such an occasion.

I’m settled in at the library today. I’m at a comfortable table, I have my ear buds in, and am listening to a podcast. I’m looking out the window at an amazing tree. Cars are going by across the lawn, and I have the scent of books in my nose.

I’m quietly sitting, the only outside sound being some folks about 50 feet behind me checking out, and the keys on my laptop clicking away. I’m relaxed, down to my toes. This is a cool thing. It’s been a very long time since I have had this level of comfort, and I’m okay with that. I can sit and goof off, play a game on my laptop, or read a magazine. I could even read the local papers, if I wanted to do so. I’m cool with this. All of this. Sighs.

It’s rooms like this one that have helped me find the sense of peace that I can not find anywhere else on the planet. My husband isn’t here to interrupt me, and no one will bother me about anything. I’m cool with that. Even the sound of the telephone ringing in the background is peaceful. I’m where the books are, and I’m happy.

Take care my friends. Hugs, gentle squishy ones. -L

Morning all, hope you are well enough. We’re okay this morning, and I’m whupped. I’m still trying to get my body to move.

There’s so much to do, and it needs to be done today. Today I’m going to be sorting my books, getting them in totes to be moved to the garage tomorrow. Then I need to get the book shelves on my desk cleared and ready for the move to the garage.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the crapola is going to switch between the garage and the living room. My dungeon is finally going to it’s final home.

The sad part, my husband, who I am doing this for is and isn’t on board with this. Yes, he wants me to be able to work, and wants the house quieter. Yes, he wants my crafts and such to go. He doesn’t want me moving into the garage.

The question I pose is that where the hell am I going to move then? We tried finding an office space for me. We tried this, that and the next thing. I set up a mini office in the kitchen, but that was shut down. Where the hell am I going to work?

Working from tents worked for a day, but tents aren’t designed for long term use like that. When I moved out completely, I was fine, had an office area, had a craft area, had this that and the next thing. The problem? I was too far away from my husband and he almost died.

The way things are right at the moment, I can’t stitch, I can’t smoke at my desk, while he is sleeping. I can’t have meetings without headphones, and I can’t meet with sponsees.

“I’m not paying to heat that garage in winter or cool it in the summer.”

Sighs.

I believe that he would be happiest living completely alone, but he can’t. It is the way it is. So, tomorrow, to keep the peace, I’m going to drive my husband insane beyond belief. We are having 2-4 people out here to switch the stuff, move the bookshelves and desks.

The filing cabinet will go out there. As well as my treadle sewing machines, and several other things. I will convert the living room into a dark room with no light at all in the meantime.

Also, I will be ordering an electric heating pad and blanket for the winter. I’ll be having a couple of box fans to get through the summer. At least then I can have flowing air this year.

Meanwhile, take care my friends. I better get to work. Hugs -L

Hello all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is cussing out the neighbors, and my husband is probably doing the same then.

Yesterday before I picked up groceries, I snuck over to the library. I was planning to drop off my books, and check out a few more. However, when I drove up, there was a problem.

The problem wasn’t that I got a spot out front. It wasn’t that I had to go up a ramp to get there, or that I had and used a cart to bring my books back. It wasn’t the friendly staff, or the fact that the books were on the shelves. The shelves go darn near to the ceiling.

Those things were not problems at all. The crisis was the sign I saw outside. The problem was that I had some petty cash on me. The problem was that they had a whole room full of books available for sale that was a short elevator ride downstairs.

I filled my little to go cart with books, and now have a slightly dirty feeling. I think I need a lie down, with a book of course.

I’ll bug you again tomorrow. -L

Good morning hugs, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is sprawled out on the bed. I’m working in the dungeon office, and my beloved has started talking to the spirits only he can hear again.

I’ve got some chores to do today. I’m going to be starting the switch from the living room to the garage today. I bring one box out, swap it for one box in. Later, I will be going to the store for a grocery pick up.

I’m going to need our cart for the work, both for swapping the garage and household things, and for the bringing grocery in things. The problem is the mattress sitting on the ramp. I’ve asked for some help and am waiting for them to decide when they can come and move the sucker.

The rest, I’m going to use the stuff we have to make the move work. I have a 2 wheeled cart, and a 4 wheeled grocery cart. Those are going to be put to good use. I can’t keep waiting for folks to come help me. It just needs to be done.

Hugs my friends, I better get back at it. -L

Settled in with the laptop waiting for my husband.Morning all, am writing this on the fly from my steering wheel. My husband is in for some testing, and my character defects are lovely this time of year.

The snow is gone from the yards, both front and back. It’s time to bust out the rake, and clean up a little. I’ll get that work done later today, I hope. I also need to organize the car quite a bit. This way I can be sure of what I am donating, what I am keeping, and what needs to be stored.

The garage update to the office is in progress. I’m working on getting the stuff that is in there to the house, and the stuff that is in the house out there. Once I get everything swapped, the moving of the desk and etc… can begin.

The biggest obstacle is the bed. I have one out there that needs to go upstairs. It’s so much in the damned way that I want to scream. I won’t, but it is what it is. Maybe I can move it to the one side for now, so I can get in and out. We will see. Right now, it is blocking the wheelchair ramp.

That’s all for today. I get to take him to have his shots next. I’m also thinking of going rogue and getting a diet dr pepper. We’ll see what happens.

Hugs my friends. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I scrapped this morning’s post as it was a placeholder, just in case I didn’t wake up in time.

The irony, I woke up about an hour ago in the middle of a nightmare. It’s been awhile since one of those hit, and I suppose I’m due. Now, I can’t get back to sleep. I think I’m going to head out to the garage in awhile, and get to work.

I’m pretty sure I heard my husband ranting in the dining room which triggered the nightmare. How do I know? He’s still ranting Sighs. Take care. – L

Now is the time for the write up on the garage. This post is 4 years maybe 5 in the making. The move is in progress, work is getting done, and I’m so looking forward to getting in there while my husband sleeps.

Whatever plans we had for moving me out there had to change, adapt, and mostly wait over the winter. The garage had years of boxes and crapola invested inside. While I can’t say it was a hoarder’s paradise, it was getting there.

Here’s the current plan. I have a spare bed, it is going upstairs in the bedroom we have. Also, my husband’s tools are going up there. I will be using most of the garage as a haven for Duke and I. There are 2 rooms in our upstairs, a bedroom and an office.

If we had an elevator, some of the problems we have had would have been solved years ago.

Now, the desk, bookshelves, office stock, filing cablinet and 3 treadle sewing machines are getting moved out to the garage once she is clear. The camping gear will be going in the back of the van.

A couple of things can not go in the upstairs, a mower and a snow thrower. Also chemicals can’t go upstairs. Space will be left for those.

A partial wall will be built, out of bookshelves and a filing cabinet. I have a seating area out there already with my recliner, and it will hopefully be a place to knit and sew. Or, oh my stars, could I read books in the recliner?

A camping bathroom will be also set up. This is because I don’t have time to get to the toilet sometimes. I’m thinking that this will be the biggest game changer. A camping bathroom is just that. A commode, a wash basin, and a water jug with a pump.

Sadly, my coffee station that I had dreamed of, is not meant to be. The reason is that I just don’t have the room. Our garage is a one stall garage. Also, if we had the elevator, it could be a one stall garage, and all of these shenanigans could be just left to the wayside.

However, our house is old, our finances are microscopic, and the money for a dream makeover just isn’t in the cards.

I’m cool with adapting what we have to do what we need in order to get the work done.

Now for the things that matter. Winter in Minnesota is cruel and vicious. We have heaters. We have insulation, and it will be okay. Hugs my friends. I will keep you update on the progress. Take care, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. My husband and I are in the dining room together. Duke has been t to supervise the rabbits and the squirrels. Most of the white shit is out of the yard. Thank God.

I started something yesterday. With the garage cleanup happening, and soon my time being spent in the garage, I decided to spend a few hours with my husband in the dining room. There actually is space in there, a tiny amount, to set up a tablet or a laptop. I can have a cigarette or two, and work while he does what he does.

We will see how it goes. I better get back to work. I’ve been busy working on the grocery list. I’ve also been working on an agenda for the service board I work with. Then there are the emails and other chaos I work on. Take care my friends. Gentle hugs. -L

The other day I downloaded a game to my phone. I was minding my own business, and waiting for my friend. One of the Avatars was called Mr Roboto. Sighs

Here’s a link to the song. Mr Roboto

The song has been stuck in my head ever since, so now I share it with you. I’m nice like that. Have been working on the garage. I better get back to it. Take care. -L

Morning all, the time has come for some…. Missions. To quote Andy Wier in the Martian.

Today’s Mission is spring cleaning in the garage. I’ve got to get the van moved, and start the podcast player so I have entertainment while I get to work. I’ve got lots to pitch, lots to donate, and things to move into the house.

As for the rest, it’s going to be a lovely day. I’m looking forward to getting the work done. I’ve got to get my butt in gear now. -L

Good evening everybody good morning evening whatever.

It’s a pain day from hell. I’m working on just using talk to text today. I’ve got a try something. My husband’s still asleep and i’m hurting too much to move the keyboard in the laptop over to the kitchen.

Pain days have changed since I’ve started taking my anti depressants. The pain is less overall but when it hits its coming back with a vengeance.

I’m hoping beyond all hope,to be able to go camping in June. The camping trip is for the 23rd 24th and 25th and it’s a recovery camp out. My service body is getting together. I believe we’re gonna have fun.

Now you guys know I prefer to camp alone. In this case, though, I want to celebrate recovery with my friends. Yes, this is a Narcotics Anonymous camp out.

So preparations have begun. I’m looking forward to the camp out. I really really wanna go, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m revamping my list of things I’m going to need.

The reason I am revamping my list is because I will have help.

Take care my friends I love you. I buggy again tomorrow. -L

Morning all, hope all is well your way. The fellas are behaving, I’m not. This is normal.

I went to check the mail this morning and blanched. I opened the property tax bill. My heart just about stopped. Ouch. Every year is bittersweet. I know that my husband’s medical is horrible, and that every year that goes by is one less that I can spend with him.

No matter how much he drives me nuts, he is still my husband.

In looking at that bill, I realized that I am screwed. Without my beloved, I can’t afford to live here. Sighs.

Meanwhile, it is warmer, we might have another storm or two, but life is okay. Take care my friends. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is outside, and I can’t wake up to save my arse this morning. I even slept later than usual, and took a nap.

It’s a long week already, I suspect. Yesterday my generic notebooks arrived. They are a5 sized, and what I use for my personal journal. I bought a set of 8, and next month, I’m thinking of ordering a couple more sets. I love the look and feel of these. They have cloth covers.

Also, Dad moved back in with my sister. The nursing homes won’t take him. Talk about a screwed up system. There’s nothing I can do to fix the situation, but I can make sure that it doesn’t happen to me one day.

How? Simple, I’m going to die at home.

My brother and I are almost twins, love the same foods, and have similar mischievous personalities/ We’ve been traveling down memory lane a little in recent weeks. These little reminders are healing, but they are also like ripping the scab off a festering wound.

It lets the infection out.

That’s about all for now. I’ve got to get back to work. There’s quite a bit of homework and chores to do today. Gentle hugs. Oh and prep has begun for the June camping trip. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Am working in the office, and planning for the spring whenever it will finally arrive.

I try to help folk the best I can. The rules of society are constantly changing, and something that was legal last week is now a sin in the eyes of the world and the law. People change, but folks just stay the same.

They also have long memories. Folks certainly do remember the crap we pulled in the past when we were younger and stupid. Thing is, they also have the right to their opinion. We can’t change that. No amount of groveling, amends, or even changing ourselves is going to change that.

Sometimes, it is a situation where you can’t fix stupid. Sometimes it is a situation where nothing you could do in the first place will fix anything. Sometimes, folks just don’t care. No matter what you do, no matter how hard you try, nothing, absolutely nothing is going to change how people think or act around you.

I have one of those reputations. I slept with the wrong people. I did the wrong things, said the wrong things, and came to believe the wrong things. There’s nothing I can do to fix the past. People have very long memories. “Isn’t she the one that….” “Oh, I know her, she did…”

There’s no escaping these them and those folks. Even moving doesn’t work. Because there’s always someone who talks or knows someone that knows someone who knows your past.

The thing is, it is the way it is. I’m okay with it. Teaching others that lesson isn’t something that I can do. It’s only learned through experience. It’s only something that life can teach. Why? Because it’s only believed once learned the hard way.

Hugs my friends. I better put the clickety clackety keyboard away for the night. My beloved just went to bed. Take care. -L

Morning all, I logged into my computer and social media this morning to realize that it was Palm Sunday. This brings back so many memories from over the years.

There was a feeling that Sunday brought, something special, even the light was different. It was quieter, with less chaos, and certainly less pain brought in. It was not a day set aside as HOLY. It was a day when there just happened to be more peace. Especially on the days when we went to church.

Perhaps this morning reminds me, because the house has that type of feeling again this morning. I pulled up iheart radio on my phone, and am listening to country gospel. That was also a norm on Sundays for years and years.

I can’t say there were less beatings on Sundays, I can’t say that there was less abuse growing up on those particular days. However, on Sundays, those days felt more comfortable, more sacred, and much more peace.

I know that this post is a downer. However growing up the way I did, any day not getting physically hurt was a special day.

Hugs my friends, I’ll be back in the morning with another post. Love you. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. It’s Saturday morning, and I’m finally settled down at the keyboard for the morning. I’ve done all the phone calls, I’ve done my morning check ins, and I’ve started cleaning a little bit.

My younger brother suggested starting taking an iron supplement. I’ve begun, and my brain and body seem to feel a little better today. I’m not going to argue. The biggest crisis I’ve had so far was a bad pain night. I’ll be okay, and have taken my morning pain medications. Medically, I’m going to be okay.

As far as Back To Basics goes, I read something this morning that changed my mind a bit. “When you see a Basic Text falling apart, you find a person who isn’t” was the quote. I like that. It’s been awhile since I’ve read the Basic Text every morning. My books is dog earred for sure. It has many underlines, highlights, and lots of washi tape in it outlining things. It has tabs on the edges like a Bible. Yes, I feel washi tape is a waste for bullet journal or planner uses, it’s not for a Bible or a Basic Text. That’s the disclosure.

Meanwhile, I’m also reading my daily meditations again. NA has come out with a new one, the Spiritual Principle a Day book. I also have my old Just For Today book. So, I’m back in the saddle.

Take care my friends, hugs huge ones. -L

Morning hugs all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is being goodest. I’m settled in at the keyboard, and I’ve been chasing my tail most days.

I promised in yesterday’s post to give you an uptick on my planner. I love journaling, and I really enjoy having an idea from one day to the next what’s going on. I used to bullet journal, but it was a waste of effort. Hundreds of hours working on spreads, when ticking off a reminder on my phone would and does work, just doesn’t make sense.

Yet, I have a physical planner. I still journal, and my favorite thing to do is carry my journal out and about in order to do my work. I prefer a5 size journals, and my recovery gift to myself was a set of journals to get through the rest of the year.

Now for the planner, I like the cheap a4 planners that fit in a 3 ring binder. I have some folders and dividers in order to keep my notes straight. While my service position does have a secretary, I prefer to take my own notes at meetings. As chair, sometimes I see things that she misses, and my notes supplement her work.

Other than that, I have the 3 ring binder purse. My pens have their own pouches, and I’m able to like I did this afternoon, pull into my driveway and grab my planner on answering a phone call. It’s so much easier than trying to remember crap from one day to the next.

The simplest version is just notebook paper with a date at the top of the page. That’s how bullet journaling started. I still do rapid logging to keep track of my day, but I don’t stress out anymore about spreads or other bullshit. I don’t have to carry hundreds of dollars worth of washi tape, or spend thousands on markers and stickers.

That’s about it. Huge hugs my friends. Take care. -L

Good morning, yes rain snow mix is falling today. I know. However, when I opened the back door to let Duke out, the funk that had melted last night wanted to kill me.

I finally had to grab my Neti pot to settle things down. Yuck. Because our water is pretty foul, I put 2 ounces of listerine in it with the water. Yes, it stings like heck, but so does coughing out the slime for 2 hours in the morning. Gross either way.

My apologies for being 3 hours late with this post. I’ve been lacking in the urge to write anything.

Yesterday I went out to both thrift stores in my town, and the book section didn’t have anything that jumped into my cart. I did score a lovely binder that is also a purse for my planner, and a leather purse for myself.

I prefer larger planners now, a4 size or 8.5 x 11 to approximate for those on different continents. Both sizes are close enough to my planner size that it doesn’t matter.

For tomorrow’s post, which I will write after my 10 am appointment, I will give a run down on the planner.Hugs all, take care. -L

Started a Bible study. My study partner uses NLT. This seemed fitting. I was there a couple of times. Duke wanted to see the Akita across the road. Sorry there aren’t more. It wasn’t a good week for picture taking. Will be back tomorrow with my normal posts. -L

Good morning, it’s colder than heck right now, and I can’t get warm. Every once in awhile instead of a hot flash, I get the opposite, a cold flash. Nothing I can do to fix it, so I roll with it. Too bad the hot flashes don’t happen in winter, and the cold flashes don’t happen in August.

Other than freezing my tail off, I have a few chores to do today. I want to head to the library for an hour or two. I want to take a load to the Bible Mission. I also want to work on some bookwork and study.

I’m thinking that after lunch I will head out. I have a meeting to plan for, and I want to do my best to help others.

Meanwhile, I’m still freezing. I am thinking of short circuiting my brain and taking a very hot bath. Hugs. -L

Morning, am finally stepping down from the Merry-Go-Round for the morning. I’ve had a cup of coffee, I think. I’ve taken care of my body. I’ve been on the horn way too long.

I need a break. A simple, recharge the batteries break. So, today, I’m scheduling some time to stitch. That’s the one thing about chaos. I enjy coming up with solutions to problems, however, I don’t enjoy it 24/7/365. Maybe that’s a symptom of growth.

Last night, I went to a couple of meetings. I ended up accepting a temp service commitment. This morning, I have done my weekly conference call with my sibling, and have some study to do shortly.

The chaos, adding things to my schedule unexpectedly, happens. How I act or react to it, is on me. So, to recharge, I’m going to stitch. I’m going to the library tomorrow, and I”m going to donate to the local mission.

I feel better about things now. Writing, and reading also help recharge my batteries. Gentle hugs my friends. Take care. -L

Morning,to the casual observer, I’m a bit bilingual. Duke, and his siblings over the years and I have developed a language that we use to talk to each other.

While I don’t bark or yip, I do snort, snarl and growl quite well. Duke wakes me up with snuggles, and we have long talks while cuddling.

The title of this post is the last thing I said to Duke before writing this morning. Scurry is the same in both languages, Scoo is the short hand for scoot.

Snawgle, well that’s the word we can up with for full body cuddling while I rub his belly.

The rest, well that’s wimpers, grunts and growls.

I need to keep this short. My husband has finally figured out that the piece of crap he bought is only occasionally actually a microwave. The rest of the time it is a thing that sits and collects dust. Sighs. It’s broken again. Take care. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I have assimilated my coffee, taken my medications, and solved all the universe’s problems so far today. That’s bull pocky and you know it.

I’ve taken my meds and drank some coffee medicinally.

The Husband and I have agreed to study the Bible together. This means that I, of one denomination, and him, of a chaos denomination will be studying. I am doing this, perhaps in protest, not because I am an angel or a saint. I’m doing this because he cares about it.

This morning, he’s as anxious as I was on Friday. He’s scared about my seeing a therapist. I’m scared about my seeing a therapist. Something she said yesterday is spurring on this change. It echoes something my sponsor said to me. I have a problem with consistency.

So, since the source of all my problems Exists Between the Keyboard and Chair, I need to work on my relationship with my Husband. It’s the one most fraught with conflict. He is interested in Biblical scholarship. I actually am too, I just…

Okay the prophesy stuff gives me the heebie jeebies. He’s interested in that crap.

I better get back to work. Gentle hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Munkin and I are at the park and I’m trying to decompress a little. I’m still a bit freaked out from my therapy appointment. On boarding a new therapist is what I did today. My heart is still going mach 80.

I am pretty sure that the dragon drove to the park. I’d loaded my laptop bag to find somewhere to sit and write for awhile. I didn’t expect that I’d prop the laptop on the steering wheel to write. I thought I’d find somewhere with coffee. Instead, I have A&W rootbeer, a dragon stuffy, and a smoke or 4. I don’t want to go home.

That’s about all I can do for now. Take care my friends. -L

Morning, I just scrapped today’s post. I took forever to get to the point, and I was sick of it. The punchline to the post was this. I wore earrings for the first time in a few years again.

Here are the punchlines for today.

I’m tired.

I’m hurting.

I’m scared.

I’m lonely.

I’m whining.

I need a hug.

Take care my friends. -L

Morning all, have been working behind the scenes on my other projects.

I ended up in another too long of a phone call with someone who flipped the card table so to speak. Chips and cards are flying in all directions, and I am whelmed.

Needless to say, I am making a weird decision. I am choosing myself, my recovery, and my peace of mind.

With chaos flipping tables left and right, I am going to sit, take a deep breath, and take a look.

I didn’t cause the problem, I can’t fix it, so I am going to say… f-it. I’m leaving control in someone else’s hands.

Take care my friends. I’m going to go stitch awhile. Hugs. -L

“I HAVE TEA AND A NIGHT LIGHT!”“My hoard”-MunkinCan I be your emotional support dragon?A thirsty Munkin, that’s water.Just a little snow. That creek is a 15 ft drop.Munkin wants Adventures Duke wanted to snawgleMunkin rides shotgunReady for the meeting on Sunday A moodJust a cuppa Many years ago, I worked here.

Good morning all. I’m not sure what to write about today. I’ve made a few decisions, and am hoping for the best. So far, I have some things to sort out and work on.

24 years ago, I was awarded a divorce from a man who beat the tar out of me. He thought it fit and proper to kick me awake amongst many other things. It’s part of the reason I am in a wheelchair today.

Today, I set up an emergenc escape fund. Just in case. I’ve started setting aside a few dollars here and there to get out of the house and run if I need to.

I’m converting the asshole taxes I charge him for unreasonable requests to this fund. I jokingly refer to it as “Munkin’s hoard”. I figure if I have an emotional support dragon, then I can have a dragon’s hoard which he will guard to help me escape if needful.

Meanwhile, take care my friends. Gentle hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I am settling in. Duke is asleep on the bed. My husband is kvetching about whatever to the entities only he talks to, and I have an emotional support dragon.

Munkin was a gift given to me on Sunday when I arrived at the meeting. My good friend T had asked me if scents bothered me. They don’t much anymore, since I no longer live where there is a wood burning stove. My allergies have settled down.

She gave me Munkin, a cute little cucumber scented dragon on a keychain. He’s adorable, and has decided that he is my emotional support dragon.

Now here’s the history. My school mascot was Victor E. a blue dragon. I’ve loved dragons my whole life. I have a friend who swears that if I ever get a real dragon, I will use them. Snort, why not? I mean a fire breathing flying critter that hoards things…

So, Munkin has moved in, and has taken over. Take care my friends, may you have an emotional support dragon of your own. -L

Munkin decided he needed a flaggon of water of his very own.

Morning hugs everyone, another phone post from bed. I am curled up with my favorite stuffed animals and I am very relaxed.

Duke just jumped to the floor, and I am sure that he will be snoring in a minute or two. My husband has been frantically having long-winded discourses with whatever he thinks is listening again.

Today I am going to just take it easy and recover from yesterday. I drove over 80 miles, and my body is telling me that it is time to just relax with a book.

Take care my friends. Today’s reading is To Kill a Necromancer (Blackwing Book 1) https://a.co/d/765nVaF. I have the first 2 books in the series.

Morning all, hope you are well. Duke has just settled down, and once again, I’m behind the 8 ball. I’ve got to git my tail in gear, load the Beastie and hit the road. Today is meeting day, and I have to behave.

I’ve got some work to do other than hitting the road though. The plan is to meet up with some folks after the meeting and get some other work done/did. It’s going to be interesting to say the least. I have a friend who borrows me and my car. The problem is that she leaves her crap in the car for a week at a time. I need the car cleared by Monday afternoon. I don’t want to store things for them when I have to use my car to get groceries.

Sighs, hopefully soon enough the crud will be gone.

Meanwhile, I’m giving some folks bad news today. I don’t want to say it, but it needs to be said. I had to tell someone yesterday a few hints about what’s going on. I don’t want to draw a line in the sand, but my heart breaks with what’s happening. We have to make some decisions here, and it’s going to be a rough day.

Meanwhile, I better get going. I have to grab my bag and fly like the wind. Too bad my wheelchair doesn’t work with a broom stick. I’m going to be called worse than a witch today. -L

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are in the garage behaving. At least we are trying. My husband is asleep. We’re making our noises out here so that we don’t wake him. It’s beyond time that I just work out here as much as possible.

I figure that if I don’t start, it’s not going to happen. Duke is upset that we had company, but he was whining too much, so I let him in the house while company was here. It’s just easier to have folks come unpestered. I’m not of the opinion that you must meet my dog if you visit. My job is to make sure that he is safe and comfortable. That means that he doesn’t always get what he wants. I know it is a sad thing, but it is what we have to work with.

The garage clean-out is on pace. I’m working on a task list, and I’m hoping that by having my desk up front by the garage door instead of by the back, it will encourage better movement on my part. Also, this is the part of the garage that is the most clear at the moment. As I redo things, I’ll see how it goes. Maybe by the time fall gets here I will move to the back of the area.

Still working on the grocery list. I know that the longer that I put it off, the worse it is going to be. The problem, negotiations are still ongoing. I want to make absolutely certain that the items we buy are exactly what we need. My friend should be available on Monday afternoon to help haul stuff in. I’m also hoping that by Monday most of the crud is cleared from the driveway.

With winter adding a bit more to the muck everyday yet, it’s a crap shoot.

That’s about all for today. Take care please. Gentle hugs, -L

Morning all, hope all is well your way. Have already take the first of my medications, and I’m working on the blog while I wait to take the next set.

We are currently under negotiations on the grocery order. This process as I mentioned previously takes days. He requests certain things, and I move heaven and earth to get it done. I have to set the grocery pickup time to a day and time my friend can help me. I have to set the order so that we can afford it.

I’m tired, and frustrated with the whole works. I can’t move heaven and earth today. I just can’t. I’m doing the best I can, but some days it’s just not enough.

I got the car stuck in the driveway the other day before my friend helped me with the driveway. I’m overwhelmed, and Mr Fixit’s idea is that I’m supposed to haul pounds of sand and salt to put under the tires.

If I can’t haul a jug of milk into the house, how the hell am I supposed to do everything else?

Sighs, we’ll get through. I swear. Just right now, I’m overwhelmed. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The fellas are being themselves. I’m settled into my routine for the morning.

Last night a friend was willing to come over and help with the driveway. Holy crap. This was HUGE!! We’ve been working with a tiny drive path, and an even smaller haul into the house path. My friend gave me a safer drive path, broke up most of the crud, and even gave me a wheelchair wide walking path on the driveway. It seems like forever since I’ve been able to get through there.

My husband freaked that I’d paid her 60 dollars to do so. The thing is, she helps me to get so much done around here. It wasn’t just paying her for the driveway, it was all of the times she has helped me with the groceries. The times she went with me when I couldn’t physically do the errands. To be honest, it wasn’t enough for what I need help doing.

Her work made it so that for the last few weeks of winter, I can get out of the house to do the things that need to be done. Whether it is only 2 more weeks of snow, or another 4, this helps. It didn’t take her very long, but her body is able to do what mine is not.

So, my husband is giving me hell this morning. I “was too generous”. Mr Entitled can just get over himself. Screw it.

Maybe, someday he will figure it out. Of course, I’m being optimistic. -L

Morning all, hope you are well.

Young Master Duke has had his favorite treats so far today. I’m settled in with a cup of tea. I’m still mourning the loss of my favorite coffee. This morning’s tea is an American Breakfast tea. I didn’t like it much before as it had a funny aftertaste. Now, it works, and isn’t so bad. I guess it is one of those things where when your taste buds change somethings turn out for the best.

I’ve been talking with a friend who is a transplant from the deep south to Minnesota. We are in one agreement on something. Winter is just hanging on way too long this year. I told her that I’m waiting for June. I want to get out and go camping again to be honest. There’s a bell tent I’m interested in, and it is big enough I can office outside, instead of in the garage. With the right waterproofing (which I will reinforce, I wasn’t born yesterday.) I’m hoping and thinking.

Meanwhile, I blew my stack already this morning. One thing I can’t respect is someone who just doesn’t hear the things I am saying. In this example, I have stated many times in writing a certain truth. The person I am sending the information to is insisting that they are right. It doesn’t change that truth. They can insist all that they want. They can decide whatever they desire. It doesn’t change the facts.

So, I blew my stack. Sighs. June is still coming, right? I can still sit outside and watch the fireflies right? Someday, maybe, it will be here. Please pray for idiots for me today. Hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The fellas are being good. I’ve had half a cup of coffee so far. Sighs. It was a bear it cuppa, not an enjoy it to my soul cuppa.

I do still enjoy tea, and look forward to that. I’m just hoping that as my body adjusts to the new medication, coffee will come back into my universe. To protest, today I am wearing an upper body undergarment. I know, why make my day worse by wearing a bra? Welp, the boulders needed a little lift today.

I managed to take a shower this morning. This requires a half an hour of prep. Okay, half an hour of talking myself into accepting that it is gonna hurt like hell to stand that long. Then I get it done as quickly as I can. The reason I stand for at least part of the shower is to clean the undercarriage so to speak.

Then, I can sit and finish the needful.

I finish dressing on the stool. I have a dressing hook, and that was what gave me the courage to try to wear the underpinnings today. Normally, they get stuck on my upper back, and my right arm doesn’t work as well as it could anymore. However, I put the dressing hook between the bra and my body, and was able to eventually tug it down enough to get on.

I imagine that I looked like a frog wearing a sword for a bit during this proceedure. I know I was making weird noises during it, and odd words came out of my mouth. Now that the sucker is on, I may never take it off. Or I may cut it off, depending on my mood.

Other than that, I ended up in the kitchen with a half a cuppa, and now am settled in. I’ve tortured and tormented my 30 odd people with my daily hugs ration online, and it is going to be a good day.

Take care my friends, gentle squishy hugs. -L

Morning all, Young Master Duke is outside singing the song of his people. I’m at the loudest keyboard I own, and my husband is only semi-snarly this morning. I’m writing this of course, on Sunday the 12th. I’ve got an audio book in my ears, and have been listening to R.J. Blain’s magical romantic comedy with a body count series on Scribd again.

I like Scribd, they allow me to listen to books without having to download the dratted books to my abysmally small hard drives. It’s a perk, and something that leaves audible in it’s dust. Well worth the effort in my book, so to speak. As for cost, it is cheaper than audible, and works for me. Sadly, I still support both platforms, as there are books that Amazon has their hooks into that I want to listen to. Also, I have a couple of hundred books on audible.

To get around audible’s bs, I download only one book at a time, and listen to it. Then I delete the file from my device, and download the next. Scribd also allows me to read many books that Bezosland doesn’t exclusively own. I have many Heinlein novels on my Scribd account. I read with feral glee when I can.

Why do I listen to books as well as read them? Well, there are times I absolutely have to have background noise, and can do other things while I listen. I stitch, clean house, or drive while I’m listening to books. The audiobooks, even while I have read the regular book, give me nuances I may not have payed attention to before.

Hang on a second, Young Master Duke is now at a volume that my Husband will start growling at. It’s just one of those things. — Okay, now he’s nestled on the bed, eating a chewie. We’re trying to break him of laying on my Husband’s side of the bed.

Our bed is actually 2 beds that we have side by side. His is a twin bed, mine is a double bed. When I moved to another town for a short period of time during a dark part of our marriage, one of my stimulus checks went into buying furniture and supplies for that place. This bed is a result. I needed something low enough I could get in and out of easily, but also that Young Master Duke could share with me.

Duke is the goodest of naughty dogs, and that’s my opinion.

Meanwhile, I have other chores to do, including getting my morning stretches out of the way. Take care my friends. Have a good one. I’ll write again tomorrow. -L

Morning all, well, for me it is Saturday afternoon. I’m listening to a podcast in the kitchen, and Duke is asleep by my feet. My husband can’t understand why I can’t get the office cleared out of the living room/bedroom. The man sleeps all day. I’m a little curious how I’m supposed to magically move everything when he growls when I even sit in there.

We’ve gotten more of the white stuff again. I’ve come to the conclusion that we are in a new ice age, and the snow will never leave. Then again, reality is that the snow will be done in a few weeks. I know. Perhaps I should be heartened by the fact that we’ve survived the coldest months, and the maybe the times of below zero wind chills are over.

I apologize for being so grim, it’s been a rough day. I’ve listened to my husband kvetch for repeated episodes most of the morning. There’s nothing I can do to make life better for him, and it feels pretty hopeless at the moment. Yes, I have add medication. Yes, I’m on an antidepressant. Yes, I’m working on fighting the depression and the problems we face. Today just seems more hopeless than most.

It’s like just for one day, and only today, the urge to keep fighting is gone. I know tomorrow I’ll fight back again. I know that I’ll keep working on the things I need to. I know that. It’s just right now, it is pretty grim.

My life is what it is. Maybe, there is a little hope out there. Let’s see what today brings. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Masster Duke has conned me out of one too many treats again. I swear, he bends my arm at an unnatural angle and holds me hostage… that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. Actually, he’s sleeping on the bed. My beloved is again talking to himself in the dining room. I’m working on meeting prep for the service organization I belong to.

The meeting is next weekend on Sunday. I need to go over the agenda again. I want to make sure that it makes sense. Then I want to get the jump bag ready to go.

What’s my jump bag? It’s a bag I use for longer trips away from home. I am working on a list of things that go in there.

Snacks – diabetes is a bitch
Personal cares/grooming
Fresh garments as needed
Pain meds -break through pain is a bitch.
2 water bottles with water from home
Extra ear buds and ear plugs –noise drives me nuts

That’s the basic jump bag. There are other things that go in there, but I’m not mentioning those on the blog.

Then there is the gear bag, the things I will need to chair the meeting. That involves computer gear and accessories as well as my trapper keeper to take and organize notes etc..

We’ll see how it goes. I pre-plan to make sure that I can get through without chaos or extreme pain.

Hugs my friends, take care. Have more work to do yet tonight. I’ll bug you again in the morning. -L

Morning all. Duke is napping. The husband unit is mumbling to himself again in the dining room. It’s ironic that the add med means that I don’t get irritated near as bad by this as I used to.

Hope you are well. I’m working on coffee that I can actually drink. My taste buds have been reading differently than before. Sweets are way too sweet, and bitters are horrifying. However, I’ve been drinking rotgut coffee for year and years.

I’ll either learn to just swallow the stuff as is, or adapt and find a cheap coffee that isn’t so disgusting.

Meanwhile, I am using the quieter keyboard this morning. I know, my favorite keyboard is on standby just in case I need to growl back. Snort. I’m entertained, and if the clatter of my keyboard can get past the sound of 5 fans running, more power to it.

Fighting the depression is on going. Today’s task is to take my medication for diabetes. Yes, there’s a siren going off in my head that in 19 minutes I need to take those meds. It’s almost a physical feeling, that siren. I am okay with it. I glance up at the clock, but having the reminders go off mentally is helping.

I’m cool with this change. Most of the time, I’d look at the clock and say yep, let me do… and 10 hours later it is too late. Having the urge to do, and get it done is a relief.

I’m finding that I have determination now, that I didn’t have before. It is as if there is a shield between my brain and all the freaking distractions I used to have. If you have ever played jezzball on an older Microsoft computer, with every level you go up, more balls are added. My brain worked like that… I was on a higher level, and no matter what I did there were thousands of little balls flinging at me.

Now, my brain is functioning safely at a lower level. This is cool. Meanwhile, lets talk about this horrible behaving thing.

I haven’t yelled once.

He’s been playing flinch with me, but I haven’t yelled once. I haven’t reacted to the mind games. I haven’t flung his crap back at him. It’s like the old sing song from when I was little, I’m rubber you are glue whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you.

His stuff is bouncing back at him, without my reacting to it. I’m not doing it on purpose, I’m just working through what I need to get done. If he doesn’t like it, then he shouldn’t dish it is the way that I see it.

Yes, I’m sticking up for myself more and more. I do make certain that my biological and social needs are met. However, I don’t have to be under his thumb anymore. I may not be able to leave, but I can work through healthier ways to stay. And at least in that, I’m behaving, just a teeny tiny bit.

Gentle hugs my friends, I love you. Will be back again soon. –L

If you have been around awhile, you know that I have a long standing battle with my husband. He doesn’t like noise, but has 5 fans going in the house constantly. For years, I would wear headphones in order to not disturb him as much.

Welp, I also collect keyboards. With the advent of many different devices over the years coming to our home, I’ve always had a few keyboards laying around and about. There is one though, that is the grand daddy of all keyboards, and it is my favorite.

Why? You may ask? Chuckle, back when I first learned to type on an old IBM typewriter, the keys had a certain feel and a certain sound. The typewriter would vibrate a large desk with its rhythmic beats. I miss that old beastie, and yes, I have owned typewriters while living here with my husband.

However, this keyboard, closely mimics the sound and feel of that old IBM. The clack clack of the keys makes it feel as if I am really writing while I work. It’s a beast of a keyboard, and I love it dearly.

My Beloved? Not so much. When he has been going out of his way to be an annoying pita, I use this old horse of a keyboard. There’s nothing he can do about it. I get a small glee in my evil soul typing on this thing.

He’s been connecting to a speaker, and disconnecting from a speaker for about 20 minutes so far today. Repeatedly. I’ve had about enough of the beep and nonsense involved, and felt the urge to write.

Take care my friends, if my passive agressiveness bothers you. Whoops. Gentle hugs, -L

P.S. He knows.

Morning all, hope you are well. The males in this house are being themselves. With the add medication, I’ve been given a few gifts.

First, I remembered a phone number from a voicemail that I’d listened to 2 days before. I use the landline in order to connect with medical professionals. I’d gotten sick and tired of answering the phone in odd places and talking about delicate things. So, when I went to call the clinic back, I remembered the phone number. Holy Crap!

Food tastes weird. Chocolate is disgusting, and basically gross. Vegetables taste like grass. Almost everything is more pungent or potent tasting. And coffee, well, coffee tastes really bad. That’s the heart breaker, that coffee… has turned on me.

I have a minute or a half a minute before I react to negative stimuli. I feel the anger rising, but I can push it to the side and focus on what I need to focus on. It doesn’t mean that I’m not angry or upset, it just means that I haven’t been taken over by the anger or the emotions. My husbeast is still an ass. Let’s just say that.

Then there are the other changes, I’m not going through caffeine withdrawal the way I expected. I still drink 1 cup per day. However the headaches aren’t the blinding migraines that they normally would be.

I’m remembering to take my medications. I’m remembering if I have taken my medications or not. This is HUGE! I still mark it down in a tracker. I know I’m in the honeymoon phase of the medications. But this at least for now, means that I will be healthier.

Though there is one more side effect. I’m bored. Chuckle. That means that I can get more work done, I know. Boredom is a small price to pay for a little bit of peace.

Take care all, I will bug you again soon. Gentle hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. My husband is cooking some sort of bacon monstrosity in the kitchen. He’s also telling Young Master Duke to leave him alone. Snort. He should know better. Bacon cooking requires letting Young Master Duke outside for at least 20 minutes whilst one cooks and eats their monstrosities.

I call it a monstrosity, because he doesn’t like his bacon the way I do. I don’t like his cooking, and he doesn’t like mine. I use spices, he doesn’t. I like hot sauces, and he hides from them. The irony here is that to eat anything he cooks, I need hot sauce and at least garlic salt. Sighs. Yet, he loves the way I doctor up a frozen pizza. There’s nothing to that, add some of this and that top with shredded cheese and bake for 5 minutes longer than the directions say.

I’ve had a weird side effect to the new medications. I’m speaking up for myself more and more. I use and love the word “No” again. My Husband wanted his traditional 4 hour rant about all the things with me as hostage witness. I shut that down immediately. Not how I want to spend a morning. Heck, not how I want to spend any of my time. I call it hostage witness as he refuses to talk to other humans. At all. I don’t want to be his hostage.

He needs help beyond my abilities, I recognize that. I also know that by reaching out for help with therapy and psychiatry, I’m breaking the mold again. I’m saying “NO” more and more. It is causing him stress. I’m ‘supposed to listen’ to his rants about the apocalypse and the end of the world. I’m supposed to ‘agree to his point of view’. Actually, no I’m not.

I’m supposed to have my own opinions. I have the right to live here. I have the right to not be chased from the office bedroom to the kitchen and back again at his whims. I have the right to just survive.

But you knew that. Years of trying to find peace at the cost of my serenity and dignity is hell. There’s no reasoning with him in any form. It is the way it is. It’s life. Maybe some day, I will escape, with Young Master Duke. Or after Young Master Duke crosses the rainbow bridge. We will see.

Take care my friends. -L

Morning all, the fellas are sleeping right now. I’m left unsupervised. I know, scary right? Young Master Duke is laying on his back, he’s snorfulling quietly and wiggling his paws. My Husband is laying like a bump on a log. It evens out.

Duke conned me out of one too many treats so far today. I swear that dog lives more on treats than real food. Then again, I relate. If I could get by on snacking all day, I would.

I’ve been forcing myself to get out of the house for a minimum of an hour most days. This is part and parcel of the war on depression. I’ve got plans to take the gear bag and go watch the ice fishing huts sink a little further into the lake later today.

We’ve had some warmer weather, and I enjoy watching the hubris unfold in front of me.

Duke, meanwhile, doesn’t join me for most of these adventures. The biggest problem is that he doesn’t like it when humans approach me at all. He will correct others with toothy enthusiasm when he can. My goal is to make sure that he is safe and happy for the rest of his days.

Meanwhile, he does look so sweet and innocent. I think I’m going to grab a book and lay down next to him for now.

Take care my friends, gentle distance hugs. -L

I’m sorry all for being late today. It’s been a few bad days in a row, and I ran out of time.

Young Master Duke is in bed. My Husband is in the dining room. I’m settled in the office, and I’m ready for a nap. It’s another pain day, but I will live I’m sure.

Have started an anti-depressant and an add medication. It only took 50 years to get diagnosed with add. The good news, is that I’m not manic depressive or bipolar. I’m working on the emotions from that to be honest.

When I believed my whole life that I was broken and not worth living because I was bipolar and manic depressive, that I was worthless… That I had nothing to give back to society, and that I am nothing. To be told that no, that’s not the case, you have ADD, have probably always had it…

Mindblowing change. I’m still working on learning how the medication works in my brain. I’ve had to change how I do what I do. I eat breakfast first thing in the morning now, so I can take an add pill. I take the diabetic meds later, so that I’m not crossing the streams.

The thing is, I’m taking the diabetes meds now. That’s a change. I’m not forgetting them.

So, as I evolve, with the help of medications, we will see what happens. One huge change? I’m drinking quite a bit less coffee. I don’t need it near as much as I did before.

So, we’ll see what happens. Take care my friends. -L

I don’t like small round things. To be honest, they weigh more than paper money, take more time to sort and deal with, and are almost worthless in today’s economy.

For example, the rare times I use paper money, I usually get back 3 or 4 small round things. The reason? Taxes, fees and surcharges added on to my total so that I am spending more than the total listed on the shelf. In the US, the total listed on the shelf is never to the whole dollar amount.

This is a waste, and a ruse to make it harder to know exactly how much my total is until I get to the checkout counter. It’s a pain in the tail. Even when I order online for pickup, the problem is the same. One retailer even charges 12-20 dollars more, hangs on to the overages for 2 weeks, and then refunds my money.

Yet my body can’t handle a full shop. I’m usually iin so much pain by the time I get home that finding the will to live is problematic. The retailer is earning interest on the money that they are holding for those two weeks. They are making more money off of overcharging me for products and services that I need.

Thety claim it is for ‘substitutions’ yet, I specify ‘no substitutions’ on my order. So, either I hire someone to help me shop, costing me more. Or I pay the store more money, in the hopes that I get the money back. The funny part, I’ve gone into the store after a pickup. I didn’t leave the property, to grab something I had on ‘the list’ that I forgot? The substituted item is sitting on the shelf and a name brand item is sitting in my vehicle.

Being of not-sound body is hard enough. There are days I want to scream at these people to at least use KY jelly. Sighs.

Hugs my friends. -L

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are cuddling up in bed. I really overextended myself yesterday. However I had ṭo get out for awhile.

This is your average fibro flare. Life pretty much sucks right now. Yet the things still need to get done. I needed to go to goodwill, the store, and the library.

I picked up some books at goodwill. I needed clothes and shoes as well. I think I did okay for the most part. I’m waiting for some help to haul the books in though.

Then I went to the convenience store. Sadly they are cheaper than the grocery store right now. My husband has been craving ground beef again. While I can’t eat it, he seems to enjoy it. Then there was the bread, milk, eggs and such.

Last errands was to the library. It was the most trauma inducing part of the day. A class of preschoolers was leaving as I arrived. I haven’t seen or heard that many short people in ages.

Panic level went from a base of 2 to 8 in less than seconds. With pain levels where they are, I didn’t know if I could keep going. Yet, I DID IT! I got to visit all the books!!!!

I even checked a couple of them out. I’m so happy. -L

Morning all, Duke dropped his bone on a hardwood floor. The bang scared the cookies out of me. My apologies, if the 2 hours of sleep I had prior to that aren’t quite enough.

I am going to grab some coffee and load up my gear bag. I really need to get out for a bit. My Shuggie went off on me last night, so we need some time away from each other.

I will probably be heading to the library after I grab a snack somewhere. I just need to wait 6 hours until they open.

Take care, gentle hugs my friends.-L

Hey there all. Still a pain week. Hope all is good and kindly in your world.

Am spending most of my days curled up with a book. Lawrence Sanders has caught my imagination with both the Timothy Cone series and the Archy McNally series.

I have also been tiptoeing through a little Heinlein. Take care. Duke is getting all of the snuggles a pupper could want. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Still having one of those dramatic pain day things, so here is a post from the drafts pile.

Before social distancing was a thing, I had a hideout I would go to. It was safe, quiet, and comforting. I’m not sure how old I was when I first entered the hideout. I do know I was mesmerized back then. I’d never seen a place like it before.

I found weird magic there, and could relax without worrying. I was happy, for the first time in forever. I learned that the more I went to the hiding space, the less was expected of me by others. I learned that I could hide, comfortable, quietly and safely.

It didn’t matter there what was going on at home. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t do things others could do. I didn’t get overstimulated, or have panic attacks there. I saw others, but we treated each other with dignity and respect.

I could just be, while I was there. I could get lost from the pain and reality of the day to day. I found so much there, and wished and even dreamed during the worst of the lockdown that I could go back. I couldn’t though. Being immune compromized, I was stuck. I had no choice but to be here in the house 24/7.

Then social media, being the cruel monster it is, noticed that I had certain interests. Lately, they have been showing posts of hideaways like my secret place. They have been even taunting me with it. I’ve been getting more lost in my life, lately. I want to go back.

I’m thinking, that it is time. Just one of these errand days, to sneak over there. I want to see the changes that they have made. I want to know what is happening, and how the folks there are. I want to go back to my safe secret place again.

I wonder, if my library card is still active. Hmm, looks like I’m going to check it out. -L

Gentle hugs my friends. I apologize, it is a pain day from hell with a fibro flare taking over. Here are some pictures from the week.

Momma, I want attention. Yep, that is the front door.I swear there is a patio table there. There may be a minivan in this pic.Football?A riding mower is there, I think.I am posing Momma. Yep, I use this during zoom meetings. Another day trying to get by.

Hugs my friends. -L

Morning, gentle hugs. Working on getting rid of crap that has made its merry way to my household. How are you doing today? Well, Young Master Duke wants treatos. My Beloved is a few threads short of a shirt, and I’m over the edge right now.

I want winter to end. Here’s why. I’ve got too much crap to purge, and it is hell to get the dumpster to the curb. What do I mean by crap?

Stained, chipped, ripped, or otherwise damaged crap that just needs to go to the dump. This isn’t stuff that needs to go to the goodwill or thrift store. It’s crap. I want it all just gone. I’m frustrated, and very angry about it, and it is causing more stress than solving.

Much of it, I bought new, and it was lovely stuff at one time or another. However, here’s a hint. Thrift stores end up having to toss so much crap, that it is cruel to drop this stuff in their bins. Take sweaters with sweat stains and holes in them. Nobody wants those. They are best either cut up for rags or dumped.

Chipped crochery, plates, and other things just need to go. I’m sick of reaching for a plate and getting cut up trying to deal with it. Medical things are not to be reused. Old decorations that reek of cigarette smoke, and stuff that is too dented or damaged to be used again.

It’s gotta go. It all has to just get out. So, the closer we get to true Spring, where all the white crap melts, yes, the crap is going to be gone. No more of the throw a bag of it in the bin crap. I want to go to the dump with van loads of it.

My husbeast won’t like that idea, because of the cost, but I’m so sick of living the way I do.

Note: Yes, I’ve stopped dumpster diving. Also, I’ve stopped bringing crap into the house. The crap that is there, needs to just go!

I was raised by hoarders. Fighting those tendencies has been a life-long thing. I don’t want to leave my daughters a trash heap. I want them to have a couple of things, but the rest… it can go.

Take care my friends. I will keep you updated. -L

Morning all, we are still under blizzard conditions. What’s fallen is heading in odd directions as it is light enough to just move. It’s like living in a river of snow going sideways. Once in awhile you will get a drift in a bad spot.

Grabbed an energy drink on the way to the necessary. I figured it was kinder to try to wake up before I spoke to others. I also grabbed my smokes. I stopped long enough to let Young Master Duke out, and the went to the needful. Sitting for the first half hour of the day, the energy drink jumpstarted my brain enough.

I was able to jump in the shower before too long, and the hot water made it so that I could at least move some of those joints that are especially rusty. I don’t have Dorothy and her little dog to come by and grab an oil can to work on my rusty joints. I have to rely on a shower.

Next on the list was rolling the day’s smokes, assimilating enough coffee to be coherent, and then calling my cellular peoples. It took two calls to fix an oopsie daisy. The first, to the billing department, and admitting I’d made a right mess of my account. Somehow I ended up with a loyalty credit. The next call was to tech support to do some moving around of things.

The new laptop activated on a new phone line instead of being the upgrade to the old line. Billing gets the first call because I knew I had to admit and confess my sins. Tech support, the angels that they are did the grunt work.

Now for the snow. My beloved Shuggie lump made a path through the multiple feet deep drifts last night.

He’s not supposed to be doing that!

I’m a gonna need to swat his tail, once he recovers from this in a few days. Sighs.

I better go, I have to continue with my morning. Gentle hugs all. Take care. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. We are still under a snow drift, but are trying to just maintain. Actually, it is a normal day. We aren’t leaving the house yet, and Young Master Duke is being a goodest of boys. Though that might be a problem. He sinks in the snow up to his personal equipment when it is time to do the needful.

Poor baby.

Have been busy lately. Back in 22 I started tormenting folks on a personal level daily. It’s a horrible thing to do, I know. I use messenger on a popular social media platform, and send many messages every day. I have roughly 30 folks I bug this way. I keep that list small, because I don’t want to be overwhelmed. Thing is, pain levels being what they are, and depression being an evil rat bastard, I did this in self-defense. I didn’t want to swallow a 9mm pill so to speak, so I started checking in with folks.

One of those I check in with regularly has many moons more clean time than I do. They are very knowledgeable about recovery, and I enjoy picking their brain with their permission. However, I have noticed that they have been less comfortable lately, so I poked the bear. I asked them if they were a geezer. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geezer is the reference I used. I believe I stated that since I am an old bag, are they a geezer?

It prompted a conversation. I’m not certain if I helped in cheering my friend. I hope so. Meanwhile, I have work to do. I better get to it. By the way, if I were a genetic male, I would qualify for the term geezer. Take care my friends, huge hugs and huggage. -L

Morning all, soon enough the birds will be singing, the bees will be buzzing, and you will hear lawn mowers mowing.

In the meantime, we are in a blizzard. Snort. To the arsehole that ordered this blizzard, I mean seriously Dude-Dudette… why? That’s another thing.

My Beloved approached me yesterday, with a short note and a debit card. He requested that before the storm got ooky, that I head in and get the needful. Things we can make quick and easy. Things that we can have for the next few days until we can get unburied.

I agreed, got washed up and dressed, I put on my lace up shoes and left. I did warn him that I would be a few hours gone. He asked why. I said, “I need to get out of the house.”

That worried him, and he asked why. I let him know that we live together and are on top of each other 24/7. That that isn’t good for sanity, and that we need to get away from each other for awhile. Okay, he’d been mumbling all morning. I was gonna hurt someone if I had to listen to that for more hours in a row.

So, I left. I snuck into the market. Beans were on the list, as well as potatoes, onions, and other goodies. I snagged what I could reach, but also ended up needing help. One of his favorites is pizza. I sat in front of the freezer looking at the goodies.

My favorite frozen pizza is Roma. His favorite has everything on it.

Whoops! Just a second. Young Master Duke interrupts this post with a request to do the needful. Let me stretch my legs and I will get back to you. My apologies, ended up moving operations to the kitchen. My husband was up all night and wanted to lay down.

Okay, where was I? Oh, the pizza. Now since it was a special request from my husband that I go to the market and not Walmart, I had to work with what this place had in stock. I found the pizza I was looking for, but it was out of reach.

At that moment, I had two choices, increase my pain level (7 by then) stand and grab the pizza or wait for someone. This was the first store of the day. I waited. An elderly fella came down soon after, I begged for his help, and he grabbed them for me.

Thank Goodness! He said, “They don’t make these freezers for you, do they.” I said, no, they don’t really. I got to meet a new friend, and finished our shopping. One employee unloaded my cart. Another rang me up, and a third helped me load the car.

Where were the employees when I needed help? Helping other customers. I’m not the only person who was shopping and it was important.

Smoke break while I sat in the car a minute. I sent my husband a text letting him know I was done at the market. I also let him know my next stop. I went to a general store about a mile out of my way, on purpose.

I was looking to waste time. Now, first of all, I knew that our food wasn’t going to melt. There was snow falling. However, the person I was planning to torment wasn’t working. Drat. I bought a coffee and got my husband’s tobacco.

The cashier and I chatted a bit, and they helped me with the door. I learned his father in law is a wheelchair user. The cashier was worried about me in the snow. Thing is, at that point we hadn’t accumulated much. So I let them know it was good yet.

Now, to bug the last person on the list, with a bonus! I stopped at the local sammy shop. One of my partners in crime works there, and I have a standing invitation to come in and torment them. I greeted the amazing people there, but my VIP wasn’t working.

Drat… so, I ordered some noms. I sat, read social media and relaxed. I thought about breaking out my earbuds, but I thunk better on it. I wasn’t moving in, I was eating a meal. When the line cleared, her boss and I shared the mischief of the day. However the best part comes next.

As I was leaving my bestie and her son showed up. YAY! I wasn’t going to be a pain in the touchus, I asked her son for a hug. This kid is closer to 7ft tall than I will ever be. I got my bonus hug! My friend looked so frazzled, and I gave her a hug too. We made plans for her to stop by after work, and I booked it.

A place of business is not the place to linger and torment too many folks. Her boss is a kind kidling. I don’t want to stomp all over everything for my friend and her son. I got two HUGS out of the deal though. After that I hit the car, and started heading home.

Oops, I missed a phone call, and ended up sitting in the driveway for a bit while I talked with a newer friend. Then, my Beloved had the garage door open for me. The groceries were unloaded, and all was good with the world.

Pizza for fat Tuesday supper, and life is a good thing.

Huge gentle hugs my friends. I wish I could give them to you in person, but you know… I’m a broke old bag. Take care of yourself today. Please, hug something or someone today, even if it is a pillow. Nothing beats a good hug. -L

Morning all, the caveman and the Duke are both behaving. I’m working on the blog, and hoping today to get some other chores done/did.

I remember when I switch from ios devices to android. I also remember the phenomenal amount of bitching I did. I remember when I bought the first android tablet. I also remember the amount of bitching that brought on.

Then I also remember the whining that windows brought with every major update. And, I remember the whining I did when the old laptop was no longer updateable to windows 11. Here, I sit at a device that I’m now comfortable with. I’m still working out the kinks on the beastie.

I just figured out where the apps are. I just found this, that and the next thing. Crap this thing has gaming potential. Ooh, everything is in the cloud, something I fought to do over the last how many months or years?

So, it’s different. I confess, I don’t like things to change. I don’t like upgrades decided on by others. I’m a control freak, and a perfectionist. I freaking need to get rid of those character defects. They get in the road.

So, becoming ‘At peace with change” is something I need to focus on. “When I focus on the problem, the problem increases, when I focus on the solution…” Yep, This year, I wanted to focus on character assets, however I also need to root out those freaking character defects.

Sighs. Can I curl up in a ball and whine some more? Probably not, would need some burly firefighters to unwind my body and put me back in the chair.

Wait a minute!

Have a good one my friends. Take care please. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I spent the day in the garage yesterday waiting for the UPS dude to arrive. Needless to say, the devil machine is here, and I’m typing on the wee bastard right now.

They teach children on these things. That’s what gets me. It’s a laptop, yes. However, it isn’t something I….

Okay, I’ve realized, after getting a little sleep that I am a freaking dinosaur. All this time I have been looking at this thing like it is a demon. It’s quite intuitive. It works. I will refrain from whinging as much, soon. Will look into how to do zoom meetings and the other things soon enough. I need a nap. Hugs my friends. -L

Good Morning! Hope you are well. Young Master Duke is stretched out to get some rest. My beloved is watching a show. I’m waiting for the batteries to recharge. I’ve noticed lately that I’m just wore out. Last night was another 3 hours sleep night. I woke up feeling like I’d been in a rock tumbler instead of bed for multiple hours. Though this particular rock tumbler seems to be as massive as the cement mixers that Mythbusters used to blow up.

Maybe it feels like I was inside the particular cement mixer that they sent to orbit. Oh well. I’m waiting for certain joints to pop. I’m not exactly in the financial situation to be able to have a massage therapist, a physical therapist and a back cracker on duty 24/7. Heck, back crackers aren’t covered by my insurance. The last one I saw scared the tar out of me. I’d been in an accident. She told another lady in the same accident that I would be in a wheelchair by age 40. I showed her, it was in my middle 40’s. Snort.

So, how does a chubby old lady recharge her batteries? Let’s begin at the beginning. I have a 1 gallon ziplock bag of medications that help my body keep on. Diabetes meds, 3 of them, are important. Then there are blood pressure pills, cholesterol pills and the supplements to reduce inflammation. There’s the supplements to help my brain keep functioning, and lastly the generic midol. The last one, is about the only thing I take for pain.

Now let’s talk about keeping my brain working. Yes, I take magnesium for that, but I also take coffee, and the occasional energy drink. There are days when it is 2 energy drinks. However, I find that I can think better with the energy drinks. My brain is the only thing I have. The coffee is also medicinal. I’m a homicidal wench without it.

Nicotine, helps with the depression. Whatever chemicals that I haven’t had in my brain naturally is replaced by whatever nicotine does. I’m tempted to switch to just patches at this point. It is cheaper than the method I currently use. Tapering off, while living with a smoker would not be choice or freaking easy.

Now, let’s talk about actual recharging of the batteries, so far, I’ve written about maintenance. I don’t do yoga. The poses in yoga are physically impossible. What I do do is stretches. I use my cane to help keep my shoulders from completely locking. I work on it after the midol has a chance to start easing up the pain. Whatever endorphins are released, along with increased range of motion, are a plus.

I wish I could work, I wish I could walk. I wish I could climb trees and go on hikes through my favorite park again. Not going to happen. Heck, I wish I could drive awhile in order to get from point A to point B. However, wishes don’t recharge my batteries. Also, there are no call centers available for me to work at within 60 miles.

So, other methods. I play online games. I listen to music. Okay Rob Zombie is a thing. So is Clanadonia. I nap. When I can, I take a bath. I watch videos on how to do intricate stitch wizardry. All of these recharge the batteries.

However, the A+++ of all of the techniques I use to recharge? Napping with Young Master Duke. Which is where I’m heading right now. Take care my friends. I have a pupper unit who must be snuggled. I will bug you again soonest. -L

FFS I bricked it. The replacement will be here Monday. I’m swerving between “I need a beer” and FFS. It’s life.

I’m swapping from a very expensive boat anchor to a chromebook. I’m trying to not cry. I’m trying to calm down. I’m change averse. I fought this, and babied the old beastie for the longest time.

However, I have to have a laptop because… Yeah, there’s so much that I do that won’t work on a phone or a tablet. There are website things that have to be done on a laptop. Heck there are parts of facebook that I can’t access as a moderator that have to have a damned laptop.

I think I’m going to go hurl. The funeral will be Monday for the bricked baby. -L

Morning, I’m avoiding real work again today, so I thought I’d drop a line in here to whine.

Podcasts, are my bread and butter. I will take a podcast over cheesecake most days. Okay, I love cheesecake, but podcasts are free.

Here’s the situation. I have a spotify, a google podcasts, an iheart, and even a freaking apple account from ages ago. Heck I’m sure that there is a Amazon music account in the mix. I was working on consolidating my podcasts this morning.

I prefer spotify, as it also includes music. However, stop the presses…. not all podcasts that I dearly love are available on spotify. FFS! Okay, I go back to google podcasts. Same problem. I heart? You guessed it. Screw the bad fruit devices, I can’t afford to get one to listen to the first podcast app if it still even exists.

So, I have to curate my podcast listening. To have as many as possible on the meat and potatoes app. Then swing on over to another for this one as a snack. Then the third for dessert. Sighs. This reminds me so much of farmer TV.

What is farmer TV? Welp, back when I was little, TV was free, and available over the air. We had 4 channels. ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS. That was it. If you wanted to watch something else, you had to get up, walk over to the television, and flip the channel. I call it farmer TV because on certain days, NBC just didn’t come in. There was no signal.

Other times, the president was on, and the bugger was on all the channels. Sighs.

Dealing with programming my apps to do what I need them to do, reminded me of my childhood today. I suppose, I better get back to work. Not on the podcasts apps. but on the work I have been avoiding all morning. Gentle hugs, take care. -L

Morning all, am settling in in the living room dungeon for the day. It’s too cold to work in the garage dungeon today. Young Master Duke seems to think that my breakfast is his’n. My husband is being a man, and I’m taking a break from paperwork.

Duke decided to wrap himself up outside on an obstacle. It’s his bid for freedom. He seems to think that if he gets loose the world will be a better place. Sighs. Trying to not ice skate to get to him before he was stupid was fun. The good, I got the boy loose. The bad? It was a close thing. The ugly… I am not built to do that anymore.

There is a thing as eating too much chili. I mean the soup/stew food stuff. I’ve been crop dusting the whole house, and it is a brutal thing. It is a good thing that I don’t have to leave the house for a couple of days. While the phrase “this too shall pass” is a thing, in the meantime it is a punishment. Yet, if there was more chili in the fridge, I’d eat it cold. Man, I love that stuff.

I found the mouse! I’ve been missing my computer mouse for quite some time. I’ve been mourning it’s loss. However, I ended up finding the thing while sitting in my office today. Woot woot! Now I can use my laptop external keyboard, as the dinglehafus for that is the same. Now where the heck did I leave That thing?

Can I just whack myself upside the head?

EDC update: I wear a fanny pack. I was going to get another one to help with the wheelchair EDC purposes. However, I found the fanny pack today. It works exceptionally well. I can have my stitchery, the needfuls, and such. This is for at home use, and I’m grateful. The wheelchair isn’t as easy as it could be to work inside the house. Most of the time at home, I use a rolling chair, a walker or a couple of canes to get by. My bigger EDC bags work great for leaving the house, yes.

However, for sitting at home, I need something that works well. So, an old fanny pack for the win. Even my PPE works in the fanny pack. That said, small wins.

Reinventing the wheel… I am working on a crochet shawl pattern. Yes, it is the same as most triangle shawls, however, it is a granny square version. This one is half granny square. The increases are done at the base of the triangle, and done at the sides of the triangle. I’m not planning to publish, because I’m sure that Ravelry has a thousand of them available. This one uses scrap yarn. If I am able to finish the beast, it will end up with one of my daughters.

Meanwhile, I have to get back to work. The deep audit won’t resolve itself. Hugs, gentle ones my friends. I will be back in the morning with more chaos. Take care please. -L

Good evening all, am settled into the dungeon, and I have a lit cigarette beside me. The garage is less than 10 degrees right now. I’m not about to get frost bite because my beloved has lost his freaking mind again.

I can’t please him, no matter what I do. He is going to have to be patient. Until the weather is safe enough, I can’t work in the garage. I can’t get it insulated, and I can’t fix the problems we have.

Sorry, I’m not up for a better post today. Until his brain settles down, it’s going to be a little bit of slim pickings. -L

My beloved is off the deep end again. So am a little busy. My apologies.

Valentines in the garage 2023Trapper KeeperSnuggle timeRainbow Unicorn Sippy CupWearing my fastest shoesGotta love winter

“2nd verse same as the first” -Patrick Swayze as Sam in Ghost

Morning all, hot cuppa to my right, ashtray to my left. Rob Zombie crooning in my ears. Another laptop day here at Anonymous Knitter land. Living Dead Girl is hypnotic. Though I like Dragula better.

Yes, heavy metal is new in my playlists, however some computer work needs something a little more spicy than the Petshop Boys or Simon and Garfukle. Certain laptop work needs it cranked at top volume and some serious alone time. It also requires 2-3 monsters. As I want my heart to not have to work harder than normal, I’m going to stick to coffee, a mid-level volume and Rob Zombie.

I’m sorting buttons today so to speak. I’m doing an overhaul on an archive, and looking at specific files. I need to compile a few things for an audit report. The best way to do this is to use the files I have, and the notes I took. We’ll get ’em done. That said, I might switch to caramel vanilla mochachino. We will see.

That’s about it for today, I’m going to put the phone on do not disturb, and get back to work. Gentle hugs. -L

Morning all, It’s a lovely day so far today. I hope all is well with you and yours. The fellas are behaving here, so I’m working with what I have.

Today is a computer day. This means that I probably will be doing every chore on the planet rather than the work I have to get done. Chuckle, I’ll probably even knock out many blog posts in order to procrastinate the work I need to get done/did.

Actually, I probably will end up getting the office cleaned rather than do computer happy crappy. I know, pit one evil thing versus another. I don’t want to clean the office, I don’t wanna do the computer work, I don’t wanna!

Yes, at the ripe old age of 50, I still throw tantrums, wouldn’t you? Snort. This is reality. I don’t wanna do the icky tedious crap. Yet, over the years, I don’t remember every dish I have ever washed. I don’t remember every row I’ve weeded int he garden.

I don’t remember most of the tedious work, I know I did plenty of it. I just don’t remember specifics. So, what’s stopping me from doing the needful? Right now, I wanna play!

I better quit whining, hit the necessary, and get to work. Hugs. -L

Morning all, Young Master Duke an I are at loggerheads. He has stolen the sacred back scratcher, and now is mad at me.

I once bought a back scratcher, as my body got old enough that scratching doesn’t work the old fashioned way. Welp, one day, Duke saw me scratching my back, and realized what was going on.

He made the decision at that point that his back itched too. So, I scritched his back with it. That was a MISTAKE. Now, every time I need a scratch, I have to make sure he is outside in order to get a good scratch in.

Welp, tonight, I was talking on the phone with someone and realized that I itched. So, not thinking, I scratched my back. Duke got up, and headed right over to me. Now, My back still itches, and he is mad because I started typing instead of scritching for him.

I can’t win for losing. Sighs… The world is coming to an end. -L

Hello all, hope your day is better than you expected. Gentle squishy hugs.

On Thursday I ended up having a girl’s day out with a friend. We tried to get to a city about 60 miles away but the gods of the weather decided that we weren’t going to make it. So we went with what happened next.

First we stopped at a dollar store. There were many tempting options. Very tempting options were to be had. However, I balanced the options versus the chaos that I have planned for the month. Out of the treasures available, I finally decided on a sparkly unicorn glittery sippy cup for my enjoyment.

It’s currently filled with water and at my side. I am enjoying this treasure, and have increased my wataer intake to make my life better. A child of the early 1970’s rainbows and unicorns make me happy. Having a glittery sippy cup makes me happy.

Glittery sippy cups are the bomb.

That said, I will be dealing with the repercussions of yesterday later. Hugs my friends. I will bug you again soon. -L

Morning all, hope you are doing well. Young Master Duke is napping. I have his favorite pillow set up for him, and he looks so peaceful. My Beloved is busy in the dining room. I’ve been doing some service work this morning.

We’re at the start of another fibro flare. And to complicate my life, I’ve overbooked myself again. Sighs. I knew when I did it, that I was overbooking myself. I knew….

Needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. -Spock.

Yes, Mr Spock is right. So, I”m settling in with a cappucino. I’ve got reports to write, and other chaos, panic and disorder to do. Some days there aren’t enough cappucinos to get through. I’ve resorted to buying monster zero by the case. It’s that kind of day.

Hugs my friends, take care. I will bug you all again soon. -L

Morning all, today I am running away. So you get a picture post again. Hugs.

Please give me a treato?Winter at the Lake.Snuggle nap time!Take care my friends. More to come. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is laying in bed, eyeballing me the giver of treats, and flashing those pretty brown eyes. I have caved already, don’t worry. My beloved is in the dining room, and his job today is to be my beloved. That’s it.

I’m sore and tired yet. Pain levels suck, but I deserve this pain. I went dumpster diving in -3 F temps last night. I’m naughty, and silly. I’ve found muscles I didn’t know I still had. I guess dangling from the edge of a dumpster will do that to a person.

Meanwhile, last night I dug out one of those pump thermos things. I’d been given it as a gift. Holy crap it works! I tempered it a little with warm then hot sink water so I wouldn’t shock the glass. Then boiling water went in. Perfect for tea, cappucino mixes and instant hot beverages.

Now, it is heat water for the day once, stick it in there, and get on with the day. I’m a happy little clam in mud.

Next weird thing. Our main protein is now turkey. We buy them whole. They are cheaper per pound than other meats. Poultry doesn’t hurt my abdominal tract like beef. So, we roast the thing, then when it has cooled off after supper, we package it off the bone in sandwich bags and freeze again. Simple meals now take minutes compared.

My favorite is turkey gravy S.O.S..

Years ago, I teased my sister. Well, I do that on the regular. However, I teased her into gifting me a toilet paper roll holder stand. I use the thing when I knit. I wind the yarn on a toilet paper cardboard. As I knit or crochet, it unwinds at my side, without chasing yarn balls half way through a dog fur covered floor.

Extra balls of yarn go down the upright, and it works the same with paper towel tubes, I just put them on the upright part.

Headphones. I use many versions of headphones. I buy them cheap, and wear them out. It’s a part and parcel of daily living. I have ones for the feeble laptop unit. I have ones for the large tablet, and I have ones for the phone.

My favorites are over the ears and I can sleep in them. So, at night, I use those and listen to neurospicy music while I sleep. Then when I wake up, I throw those on the charger, and switch to another set. Once those signal me that they are done, I switch to another set. I get 24 hour coverage this way. I lable the charging case for ones I have twins of.

That said, I have tinnitis. It sucks big time. So the headphones, earbuds with behind the ear things and other mayhem help dramatically.

Okay, last evil weird idea. This website has been the indirect cause of it. Every day, to fight the depression. I reach out to several others. It’s over 20 people. I send a short message. This is to let them know that the board is all green. That I’m alive, and that I care.

The reason for this is that the depression has been quite evil this particular winter. I have had practice in bugging all of you for quite awhile. I realized that I needed personal connection to others on the daily. So, I started a daily torment list.

It has helped in leaps and bounds. I’m happier, my Shuggie lump is happier, and I’m getting better slowly.

That’s about it for today. Take care my friends. Huge gentle distance hugs! -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The boys are being. I’m okay. It’s still pain level warp factor 8, but I have some progress.

In October of 21, I went camping near my home town. I loved that camping trip, and have very fond memories of it. Those sleeping bags I bought though are really tattered and starting to fall apart. It’s time to fix/upgrade them.

Here’s the plan. I have a quilt top I’m working on. Yep, quietly, silently unblogged in the background, I’ve been working on a quilt top. Chuckle, I do have my secrets. Now is the time to upgrade those poor wee beasties to a quilt.

I’m going to use sheets as the quilt backing and use the topper of course. I also plan to layer them with a couple of thrift store blankets that I have acquired instead of the traditional filler. This means that they will be ultra thick. the zippers have long since fallen off.

So, with new backs, new fronts. Extra blankets for thickness, that’s my summer project this year. I do have to use the treadles for the quilting process itself. I have work to do, of course. However, as I get the move done to the garage, I will have room to work on these things.

I’m looking forward to it. Oh, and once the treadles are in the garage, the mister can’t kvetch about the sounds the machines make. Snort! Hmm, would it be entirely out of line if I somehow stopped wearing headphones in the garage to give my ears a rest? Would it be out of line to crank ac/dc while I quilt?

Have a good one, hugs my friends. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is sleeping so innocently in bed. He’s been out to sing the song of his people. My beloved is in the dining room ranting and raging. I’m going to let him. Not my circus, not my monkeys.

After the clicking of the keyboard set him off this morning, I’ve looked at the weather report. It looks like it will be in the 30’s over the weekend. I’m going to do some prep over the next 12 hours, and then I”m gonna start moving things in slowly to the garage.

The idea is that I can sit out there as is for now, and work my way up to having the office in there. For every box, tote or bag that goes in, 1-2 boxes totes or bags goes out. I can donate as much as possible to the mission thrift store, and what isn’t serviceable can go to the dump.

It’s going to have to just happen. The desk will be the last to move, if it actually does move. I’m at the point that I can’t deal right now. I spent another 25 dollars on headsets yesterday on my adventures. I just can’t keep living the way I am.

Now how to do this so I don’t set my husband off the rails? The man naps freaking often. He gets more sleep than I do. I’m going to sort and such in the dungeon while he is awake. Once he is asleep, I work in the garage. As I make room in the garage, more room will be available in the house.

The big thing will be moving the recliner back into the house if/when I do. That project might have to happen when I have help. Since this move is going to have to happen on my body’s whims, I don’t mind doing it piecemeal.

The treadle sewing machines, the bookshelves and the desk are the ones I have to have help for. I have a few friends who can come over and help with them. So, I’m excited. The neat thing? Camping prep will continue while I’m moving. Once the treadles and such are moved, I can fix tents.

That is about it. Huge hugs my friends. Take care. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The boys are leaving me unsupervised again. I snuck out to run some errands one cold day. Here’s what happened.

The first stop of the day was kwiktrip. I ran into a couple of problems, and a couple of God moments. I started at the pump. They have a policy that if you are handicapped, you can call the store and get help. No-one answered. I tried again. Nope. Finally, I pumped as much as I could, but only got a quarter of a tank’s worth. I needed about 12 gallons. There’s nothing I could do if they weren’t answering the phone.

When it was time to go in, someone was parked in the wheelchair handicapped accessible spot. They sat there talking to someone for about 5 minutes. Rather than scream at the top of my lungs, and just waited. Finally, I pulled up in the non-wheelchair accessible handicap spot. I grabbed both of my canes and walked around the car. I was able to hook my chair, roll it to the other side of the car, and pull it towards me to get in.

A normal kwiktrip visit is about 10 minutes, even with fueling. This one, according to my phone’s tracker was 30. I promise, I behaved, but they were obviously short staffed. Next time I will go in the morning. The God moment was that I was able to get my wheelchair from the other side of my car. If I still had the seats in, it would have been impossible.

Next stop was my husband’s bank. 10 minutes, and thank God for the wheelchair. I was able to make a deposit for him, and head on my way. I stopped at a park in town to have my kwiktrip coffee and donuts. Noms…. as brutally cold as it was, I was able to sit and relax and enjoy.

By this time I needed another pack of smokes, but was sick of service stations. I went to walgreens instead. I bought 2 energy drinks, 2 headsets, and my pack of nicotine serenity. The cashier, a sweet fella I’ve known for a long time, helped me and even carded me. I thanked him for doing so.

RANT: Card people purchasing adult products like tobacco, vapes, juices, and alcohol. Yes, those purchases need to be tracked. I’m so sick of watching children get caught into smoking and drinking. Card, track, and cut this bullshit down please. END RANT

That purchase done, it was time to head to the store and pick up my grocery order. Another sweet child understood that my windows don’t roll down, and verified my identity. They loaded the car, and were so kind to me. I am grateful.

Finally, I was on my way home.

Now here’s the problem. I wrenched my shoulder at kwiktrip trying to get the driver’s rear door open for the wheelchair. At every stop, I had to load and unload the chair. By the time I was out of smokes, I was trying not to scream with the pain.

By the time I arrived home, there was no unloading the groceries.

I brought the eggs in. 3.99 a dozen at kwiktrip. Frozen eggs crack, that would not have been good. I left the rest in the car. My husband’s IQ dropped a zillion points between the time I left, and the time I got home.

I had sent him a message warning him that my body was done. Between the cold and wrenching my shoulder, I was starting to lock up. As I write this, I’m facing the bed he is asleep in. He looks so innocent laying there snoring softly.

The man didn’t catch on that there was a problem. I laid down. I could do nothing else at that point. He started bugging me that he was hungry. FFS. Okay, he asked me to order pizza, and use his card. The same card I’d put money on today.

I’m not slamming my head on my keyboard, I’m not slamming my head on the desk. I’m just sitting here….

Finally, I just ordered the pizza, even though the groceries were just outside the door in the car. Even though we have a grocery cart to haul the groceries in. Even though I left the vehicle unlocked…

Eventually, the pizza arrived. I had a slice, and moved on with the day. I unloaded the 5 bags of groceries to the cart. I unloaded the 2 gallons of milk. I shut up the car, and pushed the car up the ramp, closing the garage door manually because we don’t have a garage door opener.

I got the cart to the top of the ramp, and went back to bed.

Here’s the truth. My Beloved couldn’t have helped. He is in pain too. The staff at kwiktrip were very busy and short-shifted. The car door had frozen shut due to melting snow from the roof of the car. The god moment? I had enough strength to get through. Now I’m settled in, having a cuppa tea, and relaxing a little.

Our bellies are full, I didn’t scream. My sweetheart is safe and sleeping. It’s not worth losing my shit over situations that are out of my control. Though, I didn’t do a full month’s worth of groceries. I only did what he asked me to get.

Take care my friends. I’m waiting for the motrin to work. Hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The males are sleeping and I am unsupervised again. Whoops!

We don’t have cable TV, and haven’t in many years now. One of the things I don’t miss is American football. I just am not interested. While my family of birth enjoys the sport, I never learned the rules.

I can’t tell what a down means. I don’t know what an end is. I only know the terms through hearing them. It’s actually boring. Watching folks toss a ball back and forth and running around jumping on each other.

I don’t understand the point.

When I took care of Dad, I made sure to know his favorite teams schedule and he would either watch it or listen on the radio. The is the extent of my involvement.

I just don’t care. A good punishment for me would be to force me to sit and watch sports in most forms. Especially if you take away my knitting.

The few sports I am willing to watch? Figure skating or ballroom dancing. Though I need to be especially sleep deprived to do so.

That said, the Superbowl is coming up. I won’t be watching. I will probably be reading a book, stitching, or even napping that day. Actually, I’m sure I will figure out something to do the day of.

For those who watch sports, enjoy the game. Have fun, and take care. Huge hugs, -L

Morning all, the last few days have been really bad brain days for both my Shuggie and I. That white sheet in the yard has been dismally affecting us. I admit, there have been a few tears lately. I’m back to taking vitamin D and sitting under my sun lamp.

I woke this morning, groggy and headed to the necessary. My sweetheart let Young Master Duke out to do the needful, and I just couldn’t brain yet. I set the water in the kitchen to boil as last night I’d forgotten to fill the cold brew jug.

While the water was heating, I set up the french press, and then went to sit in the dungeon. Brain broke is the mood of the day. I have a timer function on my watch, where I know when that kettle is gonna go, so I wasn’t worried. 1 smokey treat later, and a few devices on the charger, I was back in the kitchen.

By this time Billy Joel was crooning in my ears, and while I may have had a pulse, I still wasn’t ready to speak to humanity. Shuggie started nattering. I couldn’t hear him, didn’t want to think yet, and just couldn’t. I was almost at the tears point. I said, “Yeah whatever you want,” just to back him off.

He kept nattering. Finally I said, “I can’t hear you, I can’t think, I haven’t had enough coffee yet to deal with you.” I know, cold and bitchy, but damn. We were 20 minutes into a getting up on 5 hours of sleep morning. By then I had the french press filled, and press, cup and I headed back to the dungeon.

I sat staring at a mind numbing game for a few, read an article or two, and had my first cup of coffee with tiktok. I needed brainless this morning. Okay, I desperately needed brainless activity this morning. Critical thinking skills were not on the top 5 billion.

Finally, about the exact time I opened the app to write a different post, Shuggie snuck into the bedroom side of the dungeon. I put my finger up, as I was listening to “Don’t stop believing.” at that second. I took my headphones off, and looked up.

Something something A&W rootbeer. Something something… chili dog. So, either I’m getting A&W rootbeer floats with really good icecream for breakfast, (none of those things are in the house) or I am having a bowl of chili, crackers, and a chili dog on the side for breakfast.

It’s the little things. I might not quite be coherent, but at least my Shuggie loves me.

Take care my friends, gentle squishy hugs, I’ll bug you again soonest. -L

Footnote: He added elbow macaronit to the chili. FFS!

Story at the bottom.

Ingredients:* 2 T yeast * 6.5 C warm water (less than original recipe) Do not use tap water, get purified or bottled water. Tap water kills yeast. * 1/4 C sugar * 1 T salt * 3 T lard * 9-10 C flour * Butter or Margarine * Spray oil

Method:Dissolve yeast in all the water. Stir in sugar, salt, lard and 5 cups of the flour. I throw it in my large mixer. Add in enough flour while it is mixing to make a smooth dough. Run for 5-10 minutes.

Remove dough in the bowl from the mixer and spray down dough. Turn the dough in the bowl, and spray the bottom of the dough as well. Cover with a damp towel or saran wrap and put the whole contraption in a cold oven with the light on.

About an hour later… Spray 2 loaf pans with oil, pull dough from the bowl and punch down. Cut in half and roll out on floured or oiled board. Roll up into loaves and put in bread pans with the seam side down. Slash the tops of the loaves with your sharpest knife and cover with your towel again.

Another hour later, remove loaves from the oven gently. Pre-heat oven to 425* for the baking process. Once the oven is piping hot, remove the towel, and put the loaves in the oven again. 35 very long minutes later remove loaves from the oven, brush down with butter.

Now for the hardest part. Let that stuff sit. Give it minimum 20 minutes. Preferably another hour. It’s going to be ruthlessly hard. But you will be rewarded.

Variations:You can add in cinnamon and brown sugar when you are rolling the dough into loaves. You can also add walnuts at the same time as a crumbly mixture.

Another addition you can try… Garlic in the same manner as above with parmesan cheese. Just be careful, you don’t want to overwhelm the flavor of the bread.

Other ideas and variations can be a marmalade mix spread over the rolled out dough. You can also mix herbs with the dry ingredients. Make this your own.

Original source: Betty Crocker’s 1968? Note, this has been altered from the original.

Now the story:Dad claimed to be allergic to the preservatives in store bought bread. We noticed he felt better when I made homemade bread one day. Actually, the old fart conned me into doing it.

He liked it so much he bought me a kitchen aide mixer so I would bake for him often. Take care my friends. Hugs huge ones. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The fellas are… well that’s enough said about that. Tomorrow is Ground Hog’s day in America, where the fate of our sanity rests on a rodent.

A paranoid rodent’s shadow aside. We have at least where I live the arse end of March until winter is over. Sometimes it isn’t until May when the last of the ice/snow storms hit. It is what it is. I am going stir crazy.

So, it’s time to get back to work for the day. I’m behind on my step work. I’m behind on cleaning out the garage to move the dungeon. I’m behind on many many things.

I better get started. It might be a pain day, but it is a good day. Hugs my friends. Avoid large rodent like critters please tomorrow. Take care, L

“For this recipe you will need.”* Leftover bread you have allowed to dry out, or just toast it. Blitz in a food processor. * Green pepper. About 1/2 of a pepper chopped finely. * Onion. 1/2 large onion chopped to the same size as the pepper. * Mushrooms, 6-8 ounces, as above * Salt and pepper.. about a T or so of salt, 1/2 T of pepper. * 3 Cloves garlic- minced is good enough * 2-3 labs ground beef- about a medium lean grade. Don’t use the leanest, it gets too dry. * Other spices I now add…. I use hot sauce in the current recipe. I also toss in whichever savory spices that hit my fancy. Play with it. Mrs Dash blends and other blends are awesome in this. * Substitutions: I currently use a mix of ground turkey sausage and ground pork. Much cheaper than beef. There are no eggs in this recipe because Mama needs to pay property taxes in a few months.

How to do this:Okie dokie. Mix the veggies + blitzed bread with the spices, toss it like a demented salad. Throw the ground meat in with everything, and mush it together like mixing playdough colors together. Don’t over mix, you don’t want it tougher than a defiant 15 year old kid.

Okay, I used to use a smaller roasting pan for this, but now prefer cast iron. I put the meat in the pan, and fry it a little on the bottom on the stove top before I whack it in the oven. I lid the thing, and put it in a 400* oven while it is pre-heating.

It is almost done when the internal temp is 165*. Cook uncovered, in the oven. But shut that heat off for it to settle down a little. Serve within an hour with mashed taters and gravy.

Notes:I left the eggs out intentionally. I’m not going to mortgage the house for them. I also lefft off the ketchup from the top. It didn’t seem to need it. This is excellent served in sandwhiches the next couple of days with some horseradish sauce.

Ingredients: Mashed Taters* 5 or 6 microwaved spuds, you can peel them if you want. I certainly don’t. * 1 C plain yogurt * Ranch powder (the kind used to make ranch dressing at home. Hidden valley is the brand I used for this) 1 handful. * 1 T or so salt, pepper, and even other spices that make you happy. * Milk

Method:Zap those spuds until soft and throw them in the work bowl of the mixer. You may have to cut them into quarters. I then add the yogurt, spices, ranch powder and enough milk to make them fluffy. Mix till smooth. May need to add a little more milk. That’s why I don’t put a measurement in there.

Serve with gravy as below. Note: If you don’t skin the spuds, the peels will wrap around the beater. I just stir those back in.

Gravy Ingredients:* Minced onion * Flour * Butter * Milk * Salt & Pepper

The method to this madness:I start by mushing the flour and butter in cereal bowl. I keep it wrapped and in the fridge or freezer. It works great as a thickener, it’s some french thingy I learned from Glen and Friends cooking, but I can’t remember the name of it.

I sweat the onion with salt & pepper, and sometimes like them a little brown. This is done over a very low and slow heat in good cast iron. When ready, add the milk and then the butter/flour mixture once the milk and onions are simmering.

How much to add? It depends on how much you are making. The butter/flour premix is so forgiving, and doesn’t lump! Cook and stir in the usual manner until nice, thick and pretty.

Substitutions: Mashed taters: Cream cheese instead of yogurt. Hint, it’s evil and noms.

Gravy: Broth, or water and a boullion cube thing. Can also use mushrooms instead of onions. It just depends on what you are serving it with.

I like this on its own, or served with the meatloaf. Hugs!

Morning all. Hope you are well. Young Master Duke is sleeping so sweetly on the bed, and I’m settled in at the desk. My Beloved has been spoiling me something fierce again.

I’ve been conned into attending a camping event this year in June. Prep for this event has started already. I’ve been going through my camping gear, cleaning and organizing what I will need for 2023.

Things I need to buy:* Tent patching kit and sealant. I have some sewing needles and an older tent I might just use as patching materials. For some reason, a treadle sewing machine can sew the weirdest things. The sealant is a must though. * Tarps and ground cloth. My husband borrowed my tarps to cover the lawnmower this year. I want those replaced, as I don’t trust a tarp that has spent the winter outside. A couple of tarps need to be altered to fit the footprint of my tent. * Burn resistant ground cloths. These will be used under my stove/grill. I don’t want to leave cinders on the ground, let alone have a problem with those. * Ash container- metal trash can with a sealed lid should work I want to be absolutely certain I leave no trace behind. Smothering ashes makes more sense than being sorry. * A better hatchet and camping knife. Those are a must. Even a bow saw that comes apart would be an improvement. * Gear totes. I want a couple of totes that work better than the current system I use. * A decent cooler. Insulin keeps me alive. I currently put a fabric cooler inside a cooler inside a larger cooler to keep the insulin cool but not frozen.

Upgrades:Tents do need to be sealed and repaired as I said. I plan on sealing them, but also sealing the stitches that I make in them. Why replace something that works but only has a couple of small holes?

I am tempted to get a sleeping pad for my cot, but am ambivalent about it. I have some old ones, but I might sew a sleeve for them. I also plan on stitching up a couple of sleeping bag liners.

I’m going to swap out some of the gear I bought in the last year for stuff from the house. I prefer more sturdy tools, and will designate those for camping.

Now, for camping dates/times. I have 3 away from home trips in mind. The one is the event I have been conned into doing. The 2nd is one month later. There’s another event I plan to attend, which is a 1 day situation. If I go camping, I don’t have to drive home in the dark.

The 3rd is my October Camp. That’s the biggun. If I don’t choke and be stupid, it’s my 25th year clean and sober in the fall. I’m thinking of a longer trip, to a warmer place for this camp.

I’m also thinking that going to my home state for this camp just isn’t gonna work this time. So, I’m planning a trip of a week or 2. We will see. I’m saving my nickels and dimes. Let’s see what happens!

Hugs my friends. Take care, -L

Evening all, it is below zero out there, and the wind is brutal.

Young Master Duke and I did the nap thing today again. I have a cuppa, and my sweetheart is still in bed.

I am being asked to let Young Master Duke outside. He wants to go. Yet he yeets himself back inside before his pee hits the ground.

Sighs. Have a good evening folks. Distance hugs. -L

P.S. I have done the needful, and this domain is mine for another year!

Ingredients:* Butter * Medium or Large Potato * Horseradish Sauce * Salt * Mushrooms- Sliced fresh * Onions, sliced finely * Lean ground beef * Pepper * Garlic Salt * Hot Sauce to taste * Swiss Cheese

MethodSteam potato in microwave until soft. While the potato is cooking, sweat the onions in a griddle or cast iron pan. Sprinkle seasonings to taste on the onions while they are cooking.

Make a meat patty with the ground beef, add seasonings to the meat as your form it. Move the onion to the cool side of the griddle, and fry the burger + the mushrooms. Cover with a good lid.

When you flip the burger, cover it with the mushrooms, cheese and onions and replace the lid.

When the spud is ready, slice it down the middle, add butter and hot sauce. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parika.

Slice the bread, heat for 15 seconds in the microwave. Smear a little horseradish sauce on the bread, top with the burger and some extra cheese. If adding mustard, or other condiments go for it.

Enjoy. Can be served along side a very hot bowl of soup or stew on the coldest nights.

The story:I’d serve these on cold winter nights after a hard day shoveling snow or chopping wood. Dad loved these and was really appreciative.

Thank You for your time. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Duke is stretched out next to me, and my sweet Baboo is in the kitchen nattering around.

Sadly, it’s a work day for me. There are too many things I have to focus on today. Some of it is with paperwork. Most of it is physical.

I made a horrible mistake. I washed 2 of those throws that are plush from walmart. I received them over a couple of years for holiday gifts, and I’d stitched them together to cover my legs in the wheelchair.

I’m going to be turning them into something else. Not only have the edges fallen fallen off over the years, but they are pretty tatty. So, I’m going to re-bind the edges, and cover the outside with sheet fabric.

I desperately need a leg cover in the wheelchair when I’m out and about. The sleeping bag I’d used fell apart. These were a substitute. I just can’t afford to buy another one, and I have a couple of sheets I can sacrifice.

So, that’s the first plan of attack. I also have paperwork for the volunteer organization I chair. There is talk of having another organization meeting in February. I have to get the prep done. That’s a couple of hours of research and organization.

Then there is the normal monthly break down of the grocery lists and going through exactly what we need in the home. My husband has recently insisted on adding another store to shop at.

The problem is that the new store is higher in some prices than the one we are used to using. This means that I have to swap back and forth between the two, comparing prices, and getting half at the one, half at the other.

I’ve got to start telling him no to certain things with the food budget. We have evolved our diet so much over the years to work with what we can afford. The problem? Telling him we can’t afford some of the foods he wants.

This is not asshole tax. This is not petty revenge. This is pure and simple, we can’t afford the price per ounce of certain foods. Everything adds up. It’s going to mean some bland af eating. However, with the cost of everything, if we don’t – we will not be able to pay property taxes.

So, that’s where we are at this point. Wrestling down the cost per ounce of everything. It doesn’t help that I need another round of insulin this month. That’s an expense that is closer to 10 percent of my personal income than I like.

Chuckle, I had a discussion with a pharmacy tech the other day. She said, “Doesn’t your insurance cover this/that or the next thing?” Snort, I said, “Nope, in fact they gloried in calling me to say, that they won’t cover my insulin.”

I mean, I know that they hire new staff all the time, but this youngling needs to understand that some medications that are required for life are considered luxuries by insurance companies. I know, it is 2023. I’ve seen rumours of it everywhere.

Back to my day. I also at some point have to run and pick up the grocery order that took 3 hours to make with my beloved last night. We went through every price, every item, and I told him, we can’t afford this/that/whichever.

He had 88 dollars in his account. It wasn’t enough for what he wanted. We are getting wholesome healthy food, just not his favorites.

That’s about it. Huge hugs my friends. I have a couple more recipes to round out the month, but should be back to normal programming soon. See ya next week, same bat-time same bat-channel. -L

Just some pics

In the last 10 day or so, this blog post was born. You may wish to skip this post as it gets a bit grim.

Recently, in a meeting, I felt like I was in a men’s locker room with the good old boy network. A comment was made in jest, and I left the meeting in tears. In no uncertain terms, that comment informed me of the value that this person has in me as a human.

I spent the night in tears. Memories flooding back of the decades I fought for the right to recover in a “Good old boys” situation. I used to say to myself, “Just wait until they move, get drunk, or die. It will get better.” Eventually, with covid, I realized the truth. The good old boys really don’t give a flying fig, and I moved on with my life.

I’d foolishly believed that I couldn’t change the meeting, or the group except by being there, and working the program from the book. Changing it by carrying the message to meetings directly from the literature. I couldn’t continue. I was done.

Another coversation I had with someone, about rights really brought home the situation. When I’m in the public, I’m discredited because I’m in the chair. I’m discredited because I’m fat. I’m discredited because I’m female, or old.

I’m not the only one though. Let’s take a look at a baby born with cerebral palsy, or a severe illness. Healthy babies are treated better or quicker. Beautiful babies, in the caregiver’s eyes are given more affection and attention. I’ve watched in the clinic, in the waiting room. The sickly child, there for an appointment is treated as a burden. The kid with a scraped up arm is given more care and affection.

The mentally ill are given the least amount of care, forced back into society untreated and unmaintained. Why? https://www.mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america

I’m a true crime junkie, a murderino if you will. When the care of a human on death row is much more expensive and given than a woman in a coma. When the government spends millions on the defense of a serial killer and nursing homes are shut down for staffing issues and lack of funding leaving the elderly in dire straights, that screams of WTF.

I have seen the news articles of nursing homes shutting down for that specific reason. https://www.ktvq.com/mtn-investigates/nursing-homes-in-crisis-amid-staff-shortage-funding-deficit

https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/costs/summary-of-states-death-penalty An excellent resource backing my arguement.

Why is it that the desperately poor get less schooling than the blatently rich? Why is it that the murder of a person of privelege is investigated more fully than the murder of a prostitute? Why are certain groups considered of more value than others?

How much value is one human life? What is the cost of a human’s soul?

Why do foster care kids get thrown into more desperate situations than their parents had? Linked article I’m just curious?

Why does one human have more value than another? I don’t know. What I do know, is the there are no easy answers. I do know that even to get the links for this blog post, I had to beat google into submission.

So today, I’m asking you to please, consider the value of the homeless woman begging for a little money. The old man who sits in the nursing home alone. Consider the human, who was disfigured in a fire. Consider them, because they are us. We are all equals, my friends. From the baby with cerebral palsy, to the serial killer on death row, to the dead prostitute their victim. We are all of value. Please treat others as equals today.

-L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is pestering to go outside. My beloved is reading in the dining room. I’m wrapped up tightly. I just can’t get warm.

However, I’m trying a bit of an experiment. A very long time ago, I came into acquisition of a microwave percolator. Let that sink in a minute. Yes, this thing is designed to be used in a microwave.

However, our microwave is too small for this, so I left it sit in the cupboard for a few years. Recently I dug through that cupboard for something else and found the contraption.

I realized that I have the perfect pour over system, and used it the other night for exactly that purpose. But then I got to thinking. I’d never had cold brew coffee before. I’m told it’s less acidic.

So, I did it. I used the same mechanism, poured cold water in it, and tossed it in the fridge overnight. Holy crap, it worked. The coffee was smooth.

So, we will see how it goes. I just reheat the coffee a cup at a time, add my fixings, and enjoy.

Now for personal use… I will post a separate recipe post for that. I don’t believe in throwing a crap ton of stuff before any recipes I post.

By the way, I might harvest some of my favorite recipes out of my personal book for you all. Take care, my friends. Hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke and I are posting from bed again. He’s by my side in the eternal snuggle position. I’ve added a folding table at the bedside in order to deal with late night needs.

That’s not the change I’m whinging about though. I was encouraged by the app I’ve been using to run the blog for a long time to swap to another app. At first, I ignored it. I was more interested in getting this week’s posts out.

However, I finally made the swap. I use the app on 3 devices. The reason? The picture posts just come from my phone, and if I am having a pain day, phone posting works. I use the small tablet for editing or a quick update. The larger device gets the brunt of the work.

So, it’s change. I know, there’s I’m sure very good reasons for abandoning the old app. I’m sure that there are valid uses for the new one. However, I’m a whinging type. I don’t like change. I liked that blue W icon to greet me every day. I knew where it was, how it worked… And yet, the new icon is just as pretty.

It’s like changing the packaging on my favorite soda. Whining isn’t becomming of a knitterly person. I know.

That said, I suppose I better get back to work. This website doesn’t program itself. Snort.

Take care my friends, huge hugs. I’ll get over my dinosaur self. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. My Sweetheart is watching a show, and Duke is asleep on the bed having a well deserved nappage.

I’ve spent the day listening to Simon Whistler’s youtube extravaganza. He has a feast of channels from true crime to all sorts of things. The only problem I’m running into is “Fact boy” is a bit of an idiot. However, he wears his mantel well.

I have a notebook, or 90. One thing I like to do is play a little game in one of them. A fantasy type thing, where if I had unlimited resources what would I do?

No one has unlimited resources, of course. Everyone is limited by time. We’re all here for a short amount of it. No one is eternal. That said, what would I do if I had unlimited financial resources?

Welp, one area would be medical needfuls. Another is helping my Beloved. Another is getting Duke a girlfriend, and possibly heirs.

I’ve designed houses in this notebook, from tiny houses to great mansion complexes. It’s a fun way to stretch my mind a little. Sometimes, though, it brings tears to my eyes.

It’s the medical part. For my Beloved, who lives with so much more pain than I do on a daily, and for myself. I did a video visit with my Dr on Friday. I had to keep saying, that’s a luxury. That’s a luxury. That’s a luxury.

Things like glasses, dental, even ‘normal’ needs of life… are all luxuries.

So, those ideas sit in my fantasy notebook. Who knows, if I ever slip up and buy that fictional winning lottery ticket… I can get that electric wheelchair and van. My Beloved can get pain relief, and I can see the dentist.

Take care my friends. Huge hugs. -L

A new friend.

Morning all, hope you are well. Have been trying for hours to do something and I’m at the screw it stage of being. So, I’m doing this as a blog post instead of a video.

Method 1: The mini brain… I use a mini bujo for the most need to know crap. It’s a passport sized folio with 3×5 notebooks inside. 1 is for stitch projects. Another is for phone calls with ASC officers and GSR’s. The third is for blood sugars and medical notes. The 4th is titled, did I take my fricking meds today?

Method 2: The Bujo. This bugger is for larger projects, my journal, my 10th step, and other things. I have one for recipes that I love a separate journal for the main bujo, and a third for my diary. The diary is crucial because there’s crap that needs to go in my 10th step but I can only talk about it in journal format.

Method 3: Recipe cards, sticky notes and fml. I buy recipe cards willy nilly for a reason. If my husbeast wants something really specific short term, it goes on a sticky note done by him. Quick notes to him go on a sticky or a recipe card. Then there is the contacts list.

I’m horrible with birthdays, names and sobriety dates. So my expanded contact list goes in there. I also write down important things like… THEY Hate the color orange. If it is someone who I would stitch for.

Then there is the mothership 3 ring binder system. I have a calendar, loose leaf paper, dividers and folders in there. I use this for the volunteer work I do as well as my personal step study.

Now for electronics. I use android devices exclusively. So, I use google tasks, reminders, and calendar to keep me on track.

Now, I’m mostly paper based, because the tangible act of writing helps me get through.

Some day, maybe, I will do that video, but the hubsy is growly tonight. It wouldnt be a good thingamie. Take care my friends. Gentle hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is sprawled out somewhere, and my beloved is watching a war movie I think. I just got out of my Friday video dr appointment.

When I was little, a thousand years ago, you could smoke everywhere. I mean everywhere. Schools, clinics, dr offices, hospitals, restaurants to name a few places it was normal to smoke. Heck the walls of meeting places when I first joined recovery were brown from the smokers.

The world changed. For the better I think. However, with the dawn of technology, I’ve learned that I can still smoke ‘everywhere’. Nope, not talking about vaping. Yuck. I’m talking stinky tobacco. I attend online meetings. I can smoke. I do video classes for knitting/crochet and other hobbies. I smoke. Video calls with friends, I smoke.

Today, for the first time, I smoked while waiting for my Dr to join the video chat. My cigarette was still lit when she joined, and she didn’t freak out at me. I greeted her with a cuppa coffee to my lips. Yes, I’m a heathen, warts and all.

Hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke has just given me a huge snuggle boost! So I’m filled up with Vitamin D!

Just a blurb. Hugs!

Morning all, just a short update. My beloved and Duke are both sleeping, so I’m unsupervised. It’s another pain day, but that’s okay.

I spent the afternoon with dishcloth knitting. It’s a relaxing thing. I only have to pick a width, and knit without worrying about a pattern. Once I get the thing long and wide enough, bind the sucker off and Bob’s your uncle.

There are times when I need a brainless project to work on in addition to something that requires focus. Dishcloth knitting is my meeting or phone call knitting. It’s my I don’t need to pay attention knitting. I figure as long as the stitch count at the end of the thing is the same as when I start, we are good.

Other than that, there isn’t much to write about. I scrapped the two blog posts I wrote for the next couple of days. I’m switching to writing for the morning of only unless there is a medical need.

Take care my friends. Hugs, gentle ones. -L

Morning, hope you are well. I’m in the midst of being a kid again. I wanted to post an update on the maybe maybe thing.

A friend of mine and I talked to each other and started to dream about something. There is a building with a large space vacant. We talked about maybe renting it for both her stuff and mine. I could get the dungeon out of the house, and she could use it as a work shop and a rummage sale space.

The problem arrived in my email yesterday. Sheet, the landlord wants 3000 dollars per month. That’s way more than both households earn in a month. There’s being broke, and then there is living like we do.

So, instead, we are postponing it for now. Moving into the garage is moving forward.

Oy, with 3000 per month, we could remodel the house I am in to add a room for the dungeon. Heck, we could buy a newer vehicle. We could afford our medication. We could even move to a better town. Sighs.

Oh well. Take care my friends. Today’s mischief and mayhem is going to be stitching and another bubble bath. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m having the first cuppa the day. My Beloved has just woken up, Young Master Duke has settled into his personal nest, and I am feeling a little bit better.

I decided before crawling into bed last night to relinquish all adulthood status for 18 hours. So, I posted on social media…

“I have decided to play hooky from adulthood for the next 18 hours. Tag, you are in charge of being an adult. No takesies backsies!!!!!! Na nah na nah ni ner!
”

Since I am still in that 18 hour window, IE I have 12 hours left, I’m going to have fun with this. I’m going to play with my toys. Fabric, yarn and weird tools today. I’m going to load a project bag in the car, and play.

I plan on grabbing a light lunch, sitting at the lake side, and listening to cartoons while I eat and then while I stitch. It’s a good day.

Now the question, egg rolls or nuggets for lunch? Have a good one folks. Take care, -L

Morning all, it’s been a long day. The fellas spent a good portion of the day napping, I was on the phone, and almost drained it dry twice.

In fact, I’m about ready to let Duke out to go potty and head to bed myself. I’m just overdone. Pain level is currently moderate, and that’s fine. I just need time to figure out my head from my tail pipe.

I suppose I better take it easy and have the last cuppa tea of the day. I’m sorry, but there’s just too many whistles blowing between my ears. Take care my friends. Hugs, I have some Dr stuff to do today, and I’m not looking forward to it. I better catch a nap before then. Hugs again. -L

I’ve been working in the back ground lately on a little something something. We are still in the maybe stages of the thing.

Real rare maybe stages of the thing.

You know how I have been complaining about the dungeon being in the way of my husband’s sleeping? And how I’ve been dreaming of a bigger place to work and play?

Welp, we are in the maybe stages of getting just that. A friend of mine and are thinking, scheming, planning and dreaming. If what we hope happens, and if it works out…

I’ll have plenty of room for the dungeon. I will also be out of the house for multiple hours of the day playing with yarn, books, and stitchery goodness.

I’m hoping. I know, a cliffhanger post sucks, but I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew. Shoot, I almost choked on a grilled cheese sandwich yesterday.

Meanwhile, it’s 12:32 AM as I write this, I haven’t been home in 5 hours, and I want a cup of tea. Which my friend gifted me some serious tea goodness for Christmas.

Naughty person, will have to get revenge on her for that.

Take care, distance hugs and huggage. -L

Morning all. Am waiting for my coffee to cool to the perfect temp. Thought I would share my camera roll with ya.

Snack reward after speaking at aftercare. A friend asked me a question about needle threaders.Snuggle nap time. I really love this boy.Our late night visitor.Grocery run. Where I go scrounging for books on occasion. Outside view of my dungeon.Gotta love back to back snow storms.At least the critters could get out.Will the white sheet ever end?Gotta love when the icicles reach the air-conditioning. A gift from a friend. I framed it in a hoop. Snort. Had to hit a dollar store, out of town. There are absolutely no dollar stores in my city. Stitchery and lunch by the lake.Whoopsies, I go every once in awhile. I was a passenger. The night I was sprung from the house after 23 days of being locked inside.Same night mayhem.My daughter made this for me!!!!Pain day, Young Master Duke insisted on snuggle therapy.Thank You for spending time with me on my adventures. Hugs, gentle ones.

Morning all, hope you are well. Have been a little busy again. My Beloved woke up about an hour or two ago. Duke has taken over the bed, and is snurfling again.

I started a research project again. It is time. I’ve been frustrated and angry lately. I cant fix the situation, and nothing I can do will make it better. So, it is time to get lost in a bit of research. My favorite place to do this is outside, under a summer sun.

Since life’s a beach, it’s January. So, I have my desk, my pens, a notebook and my study materials. Since I don’t live in a tropical hideaway with a cabana server to make me coffees and teas, this will have to do.

I’ve got several plates spinning right now, but in this case I don’t mind the rabbit hole of research for a distraction. The goal here is to increase my knowledge. Yes, with my swiss cheesed brain, I’m still studying. I’m still learning, and I’m working on increasing my understanding.

I did look into another rabbit hole today, by the way. What it would take to live in a long term care facility. It’s almost impossible to do. So, I’ll stick with what I’ve been dealt, and get back to the books.

Huge hugs my friends. I will be back again soon. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is curled up behind me. I am bundled up tight. Both of them are asleep, and I am just laying down for a few.

It’s the type of morning where it is okay to curl up with a book and just be. It’s okay to hibernate for awhile, and it is okay to just be.

My earliest memory is of my nest. Mom worked in a bar. She would sleep on the couch, and I would curl up behind her legs with a book or my crayons. I couldn’t have been more than 3.

It’s a comfortable memory. We don’t have a couch, but Duke is snuggling next to me the way I used to snuggle behind my Mom. My heart is full.

Hugs, gentle ones. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The fellas are sleeping again, and I am behaving.

However I have been having a heck of a time writing again. Normally, I write 2 weeks or so in advance for most of the posts. I want to make sure that there is at least something here for you.

Writing in advance also gives me a chance to re-read, and edit the work. Sadly, though thus post is due in just over 5 hours. I haven’t written a drafted thing today.

This month has been harsh. I am okay with a harsh month. I just need a little rest, I suppose. So, today, I am going to sit at the lake and watch the wind blow the snow.

I will bring my yarn, and a hook. I will probably grab a book. I may even bring a thermos of coffee. I need a time out. I just don’t want to end up with burnout.

When I got my domain back, I made a promise to myself that I would absolutely have a post for you daily. I will keep that promise.

Hugs my friends, gentle squishy hugs. -L

Morning. Not my usual fare, but need to get this out. It’s a letter to my Uncle Ed.

Dear Unc,

Last couple of weeks have been a real whizzer. First Dad went into the hospital for trying to impersonate a basketball. Now you are doing it with the whole heart problems thing.

Knock it off, Unc. It’s not your turn! You are jumping the line with this, and I won’t have it! You and Dad are the last ones left of your generation, and I will not have you be doing this right at the moment.

Meanwhile, your most stubborn of brothers is finally getting hearing aids. It took him breaking a hip to get it done. However, damn it, he will finally be able to hear us, rather than scream at the top of our lungs.

Unc, you who are the embodiment of Puck, need to get your act straight. Get better. Who else is going to pull the needles out of my knitting? Who else is going to pick on my sinister elder sister? Who else is gonna give me crap about my language?

Unc, damn it, I love you. Get well soon. Hugs, always and forever. -L

Need a favor. Please hug somebody today, for me. I can’t hug, because of immune problems. So, please, give somebody a hug for me. Thank You. Gentle distance hugs, -L

Morning all, hope all is well. My Beloved is grumbling and bitching in the dining room. Young Master Duke is lounging on the bed. I’ve got a cuppa and a few smokes. It’s a normal day.

Today’s challenges… The garbage bin, and a shower. After all of the work that was done, I’m going to be getting help to get the trash to the curb. Also, I smell like a dirty sock.

I NEED THAT SHOWER.

Mr. Grumbly butt made supper last night. His current bitch is that I have the speaker running. It’s a soothing classical, because I think Led Zeppelin, Megadeath or Rob Zombie would set him on edge.

Shoot, he’s already on edge. I’m switching the channel. My headset is recharging, and until it is charged, I have to use the speaker.

Now we have Metallica playing. Much better. I figure if I am getting my arse handed to me for making noise, I might as well make some noise. Nothing I can do today is going to please the man I married. He’s in that form of mood. I might as well just be me and get the little joys I can do.

I have some other chores to do yet today. With all of the WIPS I found in the dungeon dive, I want to see what is salvageable, and what I need to abandon. There are a few boxes and such that need to be sorted yet.

I also want to get into the garage asap for the sort and purge out there. Part of the method to my madness is to get the inside purge done first. That way I can know what I’m moving out there. Also I need to prep the sheltered space out there.

I want to have a small area I can sit and stitch. So, will get that mapped out with tape on the floor. That’s the real goal. Get things purged, map out where things go, so that when it is time to work out there, I’m good.

I’m saving up for a fancy garage door opener. Right now, we do it manually. That works, but with the shoulders being whiny, I have to just make do. Having the opener would be a blessing.

There’s also lighting to consider, wheelchair accessibility, and other ideas. It will get done, it’s just going to have to take time. Ironically, I have that in spades.

Take care my friends, gentle hugs. I love you madly. -L

Hello and good morning all. Hope you are well. I’ve spent the last I’m not sure digging through the office.

I have come to the conclusion that I have way too many freaking UFO’s. For those not in the knitting/crochet/sewing/quilting gig, that means Unfinished Objects.

Currently, under my desk are about 80% of the unfinished knitting and crochet projects. Behind me, is a giant tote with a crap ton of unfinished sewing things. I don’t know what the hell happened that I ended up with this many… but it is what it is.

This all started, the digging by my needing a place for about 20 books. So, I decided that the yarn and the fabric was going in my cedar trunk. I dug all of the crap out of there, threw most of it out, and then moved the trunk.

Then came time to fill the trunk. Even though this is a big steamer type device, it filled up too damned quick. As I would empty a shelf, I’d fill it with books. Then came rooting through boxes and getting rid o the crap.

So, I started this Sunday afternoon. It’s 12:30 in the morning. I’m exhausted, and am ready to take some midol. Tomorrow’s going to hurt. The good news, 5 33 gallon trash bags are ready to go in the bin. Tonight that bin goes to the curb. Next week, after some physical recovery, I will do the process again with more crap.

I am determined to not be a hoarder anymore.

Hugs my friends, take care. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is a sad little mans today. His new friend’s family called and they came and got her. Though to be honest, I’m a bit sad too. She was a VIP visitor, and excellent company.

That said, it’s okay. I hope her people never leave her outside like that again. It was just too freaking cold or anyone to be out and about last night. I’m still a little salty from those adventures. I really over did it, but it was worth it.

Duke has a new leash, from the situation, and I’m going to be taking him on little walks. Very little walks, due to my pain, but a little walking is good for me and for him.

There are chores to do today, and there is a walk to get in. Afterwards, I will get a nice bath and then a nap. Lapsang Souchong tea this morning, I need the extra emotional boost.

Take care my friends, please make sure our furry friends are safe. Hugs -L

Brain is broken. Horribly broken.

Duke has been whining the last hour or so. Then again, so has my Husbeast. Can I put them both out on the chain so I can wake the f up? I mean please?

Okay, I was in a dead sleep. The boys were up and busy. Welp, Young Master Duke was Busy. He’s made a ‘friend’ outside. One with benefits so to speak. He’s whining to go out. My husband is whining that we need to catch the dog and keep her/him it.

I’m fed up with both of their sheet so far this morning, and am hiding in the dungeon with my cuppa coffee. I want the whinging to just stop. FFS….

I’m not awake enough for some stray dog to come visiting today. I really am not.

Ya know what? After this cuppa, I’m going back the heck to bed. Take care my friends. Hopefully my dog continues to lack a intimate life when I get up for the day for real.

Update: spent hours in a sleeping bag, coat and shawls waiting for the pup with food… It was 1 degree F outside. Poor beastie was half frozen.

Welp, we got her inside. She is slowly thawing. Will contact animal control in the daytime. It is 3:30 am now. Sighs. -L

Morning all, Hope you are well. The fellas are taking care of the Universe for me today. I’m emotionally compromised right now.

The day started out pretty good. I was up until 5 or 6, but was able to sleep finally. I slept until maybe 11 or so. I saw I missed a phone call, and finally got off the horn a few minutes ago.

I don’t deal with emotions well. A safe place for me to deal is in my headset. So, while that sucker is recharging, I have my favorite earbuds in. It was the 3rd phone call of the day that did me in. I’ve had 4 phone calls so far.

First, I reached for metallica. Sadly, they werent strong enough for the crap crawling its merry way through the little grey cells. I needed stronger medicine. I then on the text suggestion of a friend reached for Rob Zombie. That hits the spot.

Yes, I suppose I should talk about letting go, and all the crap. There are times when that just isn’t good enough. So, I turn to music.

My normal base level for music is 70’s-1999 pop or country. If I feel overwhelmed, I head for classical with Bach and Chopin. Yet today, Rob Zombie is cathartic. I may be damaging my ears, but it’s a small price to pay. I’m emotionally compromised. I need the release.

Take care my friends, gentle distance hugs. -L

Morning all. Splat! I’ve just thrown a snowball at you! Sorry about getting it in your ear. Come play in my snow fort with me. We are at war with my older Brudder unit. He’s just over that a way.

Here’s our ammo. I made the clay balls to go in the middle all summer and let them dry in the sun! Don’t worry, he did too. We had to shovel the front out, and he started at the driveway end. Who cares if the snow tunnel is crooked? Also, once you form the snowball, dip it quickly in this bucket and set it aside to freeze. He is doing the same. This is war!

That was my childhood. I usually put my shoes and socks on on the bus after running through snow barefoot. Especially if we had had a power outage. The front had drifted taller than I was. Brudder and I were to clear the snow so there was a path to the road.

At this time I was probably 10 or so. Life was good.

So, I see the top of his hat. Let’s get him!

Hugs my friends. Take care, yes the snow has me stir crazy. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke disapproves of the weather and so do I. We are of the opinion that it should be June.

I usually keep the desk in a case of the Oh crap now whats. However those character defects and assets things are battling in my head. That laziness factor is one of those that I really have to kick in the gonads.

So, last night a friend and I cleaned together. She was at her house, I was at mine. We worked on our own places, and talked. My beloved needed to sleep or something, so we had to cut it short. It was cathartic.

The problem? I now have things put where they live. We are not picture ready, but we are getting there. Woke up in a bit of pain, after a 2 hour nap. So, it’s time to grab some Midol and see if it helps.

Meanwhile, there’s still a blizzard warning. It’s still winter. I want to take Elsa out to the back 40 and hogtie the bitch. Maybe it’s a good thing I am sore. I don’t think I could do a proper hog tie right now.

Take care my friends. Spring is coming. Hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. My Beloved and I have been working on some things, and I’m needful of a break. Young Master Duke is sleeping on my bed.

I’ve been looking at the products and services we get from our Cellular provider. We are at the Holy Crap stage of life. In trying to reduce our costs, I may have to spend a few on the phone with the billing/customer service gurus. Sighs.

So, I did what any one would do. I looked up comparative products and services for our area. Yep, we are already with the best provider for our needs. I could spend days with spread sheets, price comparisons, and product comparisons. Heck even websites are designed to look at and report these things.

I did some simple mathematics. I looked at what we are paying now, versus what we paid when we had home internet included. It wasn’t that much different. So, I am still going to make the call, and double check to make sure we are saving as much as possible on the services we need and use every month.

Okay, I’m a very spoiled desk princess. I have a couple of devices running, and am listening to music. I know, first world problems eh? My Beloved just popped his head around the corner and asked me to run to the store this morning. Sighs.

I suppose I best get a grocery list made up. I type it in on one device, and sent it over to the next one that I take with me. Alright, we are now on the He is going to pop his head in every five seconds to add to the grocery list phase. I have said, many times that I have to finish this post, but I’m guessing that I better go. He won’t stop adding to the list until I stop, drop everything and do whatever he needs.

Sighs.

I’m remembering the goal I have for this year, to be a better person, and to work on my character assets. Right now, my character defects are telling me to scream at the top of my lungs. But that would accomplish absolutely nothing, and this post won’t get finished.

Hugs my friends, take care. I’ll see you again tomorrow. -L

Morning all, my hope is that you are well. I also hope that you are safe and that this year is a blessing for you. Huge hugs and huggage my friends.

This time of year, many folks use resolutions to change their lives. Now, I don’t know about anyone else, but I have learned enough about myself. Resolutions have never really worked to make myself a better person. Another thing I have noticed, is that the only time I have ever been able to keep a resolution is when I made ones that were so simple that it was a no brainer.

For many years, I made and kept the resolution to stay out of the mental wards. The first year, it was a challenge, but eventually, it became a bit of a joke. Until the year that I couldn’t. In 2010, I lost my NA sponsor Diane G. She was an awesome and amazing woman, I grieved, and lost the will to live.

Eventually, I tried to take my life, and ended up in the mental ward again. That resolution had become a token, and with no meaning.

So, how to have a renewal of life, and celebrate the New Year? I mean, this year is less than 48 hours old. I started last year. This year, I want to focus on the qualities that I want to continue. Not to habits specifically. I mean I will never run another race. I mean to personality aspects that I want to grow.

I want to focus on my Character Assets. That said, I’m focusing on caring for myself and others. I want to show people how much I cherish them, and that they are important to me.

Again, I started this last year. I chose to reach out to a certain list of people every day to let them know how much I love them. That I am thinking about them. It can be something as simple as a text saying squishy hugs, or ZAP!

I’ve reached out to others for the Holiday, and have been adding to my list of folks I reach out to. I do this not to be nice, but because nothing is guaranteed. The last few years have proven that. From painful and horrifying lessons in relationships to losing way too many good people to the pandemic. Nothing is guaranteed.

So, this year, I’m focusing on increasing my good qualities. That is my goal.

Please take care my friends, huge gentle hugs. I will be back tomorrow with another post. I’ll see you again then. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. It’s just after midnight on the 1st of January. I have a nice cuppa at my side, and just finished a lovely cookie.

It’s very cold out, so I’m wrapped up in a sweater, and I’m wearing my warmest of outfits. This morning is focused on comfort. My husband is taking care of me, and I’m taking care of him.

Young Master Duke has a lovely celebrattory chew bone, he is gnawing on. Life is okay today.

Yesterday, the last day of the year, I snuck away for a few hours. I bought the cookies, and the bone, and some nice thing for my beloved and myself.

Years ago, I met a podcaster’s voice, her name is Brenda Dayne. Her podcast Cast-On inspired me, and I spent many many hours listening to her voice. She once had an essay saying ‘Begin as you mean to go on.” That’s what we are doing this January.

Take care my friends, hugs, may you be blessed this year. -L

Morning all, Hope you are well. It’s been… life lately.

I have 3 elderly relatives in the generation above mine left. 2 of them have been hospitalized, one on this most recent Friday, and the other just before Christmas.

Both are in excellent hands. I’ve been… this is Way above my paygrade to deal, you know? I’ve been Very low contact with most of that side of my family for a reason. Okay, I talk to two of my brothers, that’s about it. I torment one of my nephew babies. It doesn’t matter that that particular nephew baby, (my personal favorite) is taller than me and married, he is my nephew baby.

It’s been a hard, very painful week. A sucky, hard, painful week. I apologize for being.. distracted. This type of crap isn’t blog worthy, or post worthy really, it”s more of an off my chest thing.

Yes, it is possible to love people you are low to no contact with. It’s easier to love them without the pain and ick of ongoing abuse. When they suffer, it”s hard. It is even harder to not reach out to them, to give them a hug, and to let them know you care. I can’t travel far. I won’t be making the trip to do the touching hospital scene. Heck, my smoker’s cough would have the hospital stop me at the door. It’s the way the world wags.

Thank You, my readers, for being awesome, kind, and very sweet over the years. I love you. Distance hugs. -L

Thank You for understanding. Will be back soon with normal blog mayhem.

I confess that I pull these topics off the top of my head most days. Sometimes, I am able to tie them to other topics I have shared on, usually, it is just random thoughts. This is another one of those random thoughts.
I heard, when I first came to AA that I needed to behave as I could be truly the only Big Book that someone would ever see. I’m still confused by this, especially since most people do not know that I am an alcoholic, let alone in recovery. Yes, close family and friends know, as does my medical team. Yet the broad public does not know and does not need to know.
So breaking down this phrase a little bit more, I take it as if I am supposed to behave as if God is my new Employer. I am to behave as if God is my director. I am to be helpful to others if I am able, and to pray for those that I am not able to help.
If I am requested, on those rare occasions that it happens, to help another alcoholic outside of the rooms, I am to give the information and to share my experience strength and hope with others, especially alcoholics.
I try, when working with strangers, to keep my alcoholism off the topic list, and yet to act with the best manners I can. This is a huge change from years ago. I was an entitled brat. The world owed me, or so I thought, and I was to be catered to.
Ironically, as the daughter of a hard-working man and woman, I was owed nothing. I had contributed nothing to society, and yet…
By working the steps, especially step 3, and changing my will and life, I don’t believe that anymore.
Today, I am just grateful to be alive.
That’s all I have for now, may God be with you in the fellowship of the Spirit. -L

Hello all, my apologies, but this is a repost of last year’s EOY inventory. There’s a family member in the hospital, and I am having a heck of a time focusing to write at this time.

Hugs, -L

Hello all, good morning. It’s time for the end of year inventory. What do I mean by that? WTH? Chuckle. Yes, I do a weird end of year inventory thing. Something that helps me to learn more about who I am and why I do what I do.

This isn’t exactly recovery related, I have tied it into my step work in the past, but in this case, I use it to put the year to bed. By going back in my journal, I look at what I have learned. I also look at what didn’t work, what worked, and also my mental and physical health.

This year’s inventory… I go back month by month. I re-read my journal, and see what the major events of the year were. I look at how I handled those events.

Some, I did really well, and wouldn’t change a thing that I did. Others, I screwed up royally. I ask myself if I still owe amends in those cases. I also look at what I could have done instead.

This involves an overhaul, I suppose. But then again, that’s okay. I want to be a better person the next year. Since I live one day at a time, I don’t do resolutions. However, I do work on trying something different.

Looking over my life, I actually wish I had done more inventories over the years. I regret not doing the footwork then, the way I do now. I’m not perfect, and am far from it. However, over the last few days of this year, I’m working on my own inventory.

Huge hugs all, take care. -L

There is a bit of a kerfuffle that is above my paygrade to handle. Will work on tomorrow’s post when I get a minute.

Hugs, my friends. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. It is about a zillion below zero right now, and Young Master Duke is curled up under 2 blankets on the bed.

I woke at a reasonable hour this morning. I found the coffee maker, and sat at the desk for a few. I was mindful of my husband’s rest, and snuck into the kitchen per his request to smoke.

I lasted 2 hours, 2 cuppas, and a phone call. Then the Polar Bear rose from his den. He snarled, growled, and slammed around a bit. Sighs. I ended my call and gathered my toys to head back to my room to play.

The Bear is still snarling. it’s been half an hour. I’m sitting here, wondering if I breach the Rubicon to grab a cuppa, will the bear stand up and roar at me. Sighs.

I know better than to poke the bear when he is a snarly beast. Of course, he knows better than to bug me in the first hour or two of being awake. It’s a thing we do.

Speaking of poking the bear, I was in a chat and reminded an old buddy that it is not justifiable to throw his bride in a snow bank if she used the last of his favorite creamer. I reminded him that he looks like sheet in orange. I also reminded him that I don’t like him at all when he is single.

Winter is rough on all of us, please be gentle and kind to each other my friends. I better go grab my cuppa, cause I don’t want the bear to drink it all. Take care my friends. Hugs, -L

Morning all, have been doing a bit of excavation around the dungeon again. I’m working on a few things in the background, and playing in my private journal.

Yesterday I spoke with my sponsor instead of going to a meeting. I needed time with her more than the meeting to be blunt. There are topics I never bring up here on the blog. Those same topics I don’t bring up in meetings.

I learned many years ago, that my anonymity was blown. At the time I had a broom and cauldron. Some knot head called the churches, outed me as a witch, and gave my full name and the fact that I was in recovery.

Since then, meetings get the news, sports and weather version of me. It was perfect training for writing for you all. I do give quite a few more in depth looks into my personal life here, but nothing really that I am not willing to have quoted back to me elsewhere.

As for the digging, it’s prep to get ready for my friends to help me move the dungeon to the garage. I have to box certain things up. Over winter, I’m working on the purge of the crap in the garage.

So, kinda like a personal inventory in recovery, I’m taking a look at what I have. I am working on what stays, what goes, and what is worth passing on to others.

That’s about it. I will be doing some recovery posts in the New Year again. Take care. Hugs, -L

Morning all, just wanted to make this opportunity to grab a ball of snow, compact it a little, and whack it atcha. Season’s Greetings, Happy Boxing Day to those who celebrate.

May you have fun and mischief today. Hugs! Splat! -L

Hello all, just wanted to let you know how Christmas went for us. Young Master Duke is in bed with a bulging belly. He ‘caught’ my Beloved giving me a hug, and I gave my beloved a kiss on the cheek. Swoon.

For dinner we had a lovely stew that my beloved made. He also baked biscuits, both sweet and savory. Oh my. Okay, Duke isn’t the only one who is a little more full than usual. We also have a turkey going for later.

Under the tree, since Duke doesn’t like toys… He got treatos. His favorite currently are some crunchy sticks. He has enough to get him by until the snow is gone. He second favorite are the alpo little squares snacks. He is a happy boy.

Since he caught ‘Santa’ snuggling Momma, the world didn’t end, but it was okay. We have had a lovely day.

Note: Our daughters had Christmas with their families. Neither of them live close enough to brave the glacial weather to stop by. We Do Not Want Them to Do so. We’d much rather that they were safe, and comfortable.

That said, have a safe and comfortable season. Hugs again, -L

Greetings, and Hugs my friends. May goodness and love be with you today. I love you, and Thank God for you. -L

Hello from the great white north. We currently are in tundra conditions, and hope in August that it will warm up for about 15 minutes.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and may your Season be bright. Please be kind to yourselves. May your day be Blessed. Hugs, gentle squishy ones, to you and yours. -L

Evening all, we are okay. There’s an energy shortage right now, due to the weather, and the plows have been pulled from the roads due to the cold and weather.

We have food, heat, and Duke. We are okay.

Have a good night, hugs. -L

Morning all, since this week I have been running down memory lane, I thought I would bring you along to my childhood.

I grew up in rural South Dakota the child of mostly European heritage. Dad worked at a meat packing plant. My birth mother was a bar tender. After they divorced, (none of my business why they divorced) eventually Dad met and married the step monster.

I was 4 when my birth mother moved out. Dad got custody of us kids in 1976. How rare this is, you can only imagine. So, let’s talk Christmas.

My major memories involve Christmas in the 1980’s. Step monster insisted on clam chowder and oyster stew for Christmas eve meal. The side was ham and cheese buns. Christmas day was with her family, and I don’t remember much about those meals, to be honest. I could have been ham, it could have been turkey.

My first oyster stew was mostly milk, butter and crackers with a fishy taste. The slimy oysters made one of my siblings sick to their stomach. I’m sure that’s why the next year clam chowder with canned clams became the norm.

Basically, clam chowder is potato soup with a can of clams thrown in. It is hot, creamy, and potato goodness. So few clams were actually in this dish that if she substituted cream of mushroom soup and added potatoes and pepper, we would not have noticed.

I could write a hundred books about what happened back then. Yet, here’s how we are celebrating Christmas this year.

My beloved is going to be making a soup or a stew. There was a sale on pork that I took advantage of. We’ll be having grilled cheese sammies on the side. This is probably our Christmas eve meal. For Christmas day, I will be making sloppy joes with ground turkey meat.

It’s what we can afford. While Minnesota technically borders a great lake, we won’t be having fish or other water based meals. We just can’t afford it this year.

Huge hugs my friends. Please take care, hope your Holidays no matter the ones you celebrate are cosy and comfortable for you. Snuggle distance Hugs! -L

Hello all, rare afternoon update… it’s another stinking cold day here. Young Master Duke just came in and made a world-record breaking potty break. My Beloved was Master of Ceremonies for this exercise. I’m curled up under every petticoat and shawl I own.

I seriously need to make more of these things. First layer, a flannel shift. It’s my normal dress. Next layer, flannel petticoats 1 and 2. Next layer 5 or 6 commercial shawls. My desk is next to really old windows, and the cold is creeping into my bones.

The irony? I dont’ hurt as much bundled up like a Siberian Nona. Maybe there is a point to their attire. We are still in the dangerously below zero temps. One of these months, when I no longer have to take baths in vats of lotion to keep my skin from cracking, I will stop whining.

You know better than that. I think I have another petticoat somewhere. I’m going to go throw that sucker on and another pair of socks.

Take care my friends, huge hugs.

Morning all, hope you are well. It’s currently white outside. Inside, I have a mug of the warm caffeinated therapy juice. My beloved is behaving (Thank the inventor of cookies.) And Young Master Duke is successfully nestled all snug in the bed.

Lately, I have been craving taco salad again. You know, start with the most expensive foods from the store, whack it in layers in a bowl. Make sure that you have ground beef and other expensive foods in there with spices. Eaten until gentle tears and burps happen. That’s taco salad for me. It costs about 40 dollars to buy the ingredients to make it for 2 adults right now.

Maybe that is why I am craving it. I have mentioned on this site that I am quite spoiled. Our days of 40 dollar meals are behind us. I’d rather, much rather have 4 meals for 2 for that 40, but I degress.

Meanwhile, I’m currently working on a shawl. I don’t know if I have mentioned this before, but yarn hates me. I mean really hates me. Yarn is out to send me on the short bus to the special room with soft walls. Yarn wants me in tears, curled up in a ball and wimpering for my teddy bear.

On a side note, yes, I do have a teddy bear. I mean, why wouldn’t I?

Back to my arch-nemesis. Yarn is out to get me. I have been asked to make this shawl. I’m ready to throw the needles, hooks, books and everything into the bin. Sighs. Okay the truth? I’m procrastinating doing this shawl. I really am doing everything I can to get out of doing this shawl. I hate shawl knitting… I really do. (It doesn’t help that I have 5 other shawls in progress.)

Sighs, I want my teddy bear and a lolly!

I better go, it’s time for my scheduled knitting bit. Take care my friends. If you don’t hear from me in a few days, it means that I’ve gone off the deep end even further, and the yarn has won.

Sniffle, whimper, hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m one of the most spoiled humans on the planet.

Young Master Duke is making sure that the bed stays warm for me. My beloved Husbeast made coffee. I’ve got one tablet running an idle game, and another running an app while my phone plays music to me.

Ergo, I am spoiled. I sat down to write this week’s posts, and my stomach growled. I was able to wander into the kitchen, grab a candy coffee and some munchies. This is the height of luxury. I can lay in bed and read books. I can knit, or sew, and have machinery take care of heating, light and water for the home. Heck, I don’t have to wander to a frozen outhouse to do the needful.

Ergo, I am the most spoiled human on the planet. Take care my friends, I hope you are spoiled as well. Snuggle hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The fellers are being adorable again, dagnabit. Definition: Dagnabit aka FFS or Dammit, or the like. It’s against the rules to be that damned adorable. IE, huggable squishable etc… Heck, they know this. THEY KNOW THE RULE. They break it often.

I can’t hug, because of the whole ripped rotator thing. I know, I whine about this quite a bit. I’m so sorry. Sighs. Nothing I can do about it. Life happens. Meanwhile, the snow version of the apocalypse is going on this week outside according to the weather channel. Thing is, for us, it’s just winter.

I don’t understand the need for the weather channel to make news of every storm. Storms happen. It is our climate to have winter weather. However, as much as I kvetch about the weather, you would think I hated where we live.

I’ve even whined about my direct ancestral units not moving to like Hawaii. Yet, they didn’t, and I didn’t. So, I live in the upper midwest. In talking to one of my daughters, I realized what I would miss living somewhere else.

We have these wheatgrass oceans here. When the wind blows through them, the waves of grass roar. At the road sides, wild roses grow. Cottonwood trees shed their fluff every year, yet have the most beautiful leaves.

Nothing is more fun than sitting by a certain river, with a cooler and wetting a line, or knitting while my brother fishes. Watching the ice fishing huts sink in the spring is my favorite sport. Also, walking on those wheat grass fields in the fall after they have been mowed and the crunchy sound they make.

Foggy mornings where I swear we are in middle earth can’t be beat. There is a river nearby that I swear is always foggy in the morning. Driving to the parks near that river with a cuppa coffee and sitting on that river bank reminds me of scenes from Morte De Arthur.

The best garden tomatoes grow nearby, and the best asparagus as well. The frost in the winters make this a wonderland to behold. This, crazy insane place is home. It always will be. The thing is, home is truly where the heart is.

Now for the archaeology portion of the post. I Love archaeology. I love learning about our ancestors, and how they survived in weird places. I want to know how our family got through. By our family, I mean all of humanity. We’re all related, according to the DNA experts. I believe them. I’m currently listening to archaeonews, the archaeology channel podcast. I’ve listened to the Pettigrews for years, and this podcast has been going on for over 20.

It’s amazing how a small piece of pottery shows which people lived where. Or a small piece of flint can expand the knowledge of a whole people. Where I live, the original residents spoke a different language. They hunted, fished, and gathered their food. They had different rules to live by than we currently do. What gods they worshipped and how they worshipped is so fascinating. I want to know more about them.

Where my direct ancestors came from, they also hunted, gathered, and fished. They spoke a different language than I do. They definitely had different rules to live by that we currently do. I want to know more about them as well. Most of our ancestors, we can’t learn their names. We don’t know who their friends were. We don’t even know if they liked brussels sprouts or not. I certainly don’t.

It’s a lifetime of learning. And I want to know so much more about our people. All of our people. It’s a thing, I suppose. My ability to go to college was gambled away by my former step mother. That’s okay, she didn’t destroy my love of history and learning. She only destroyed her relationship with me.

Hugs my friends, take care. Stay safe and comfortable please. I will pester you again tomorrow. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. My beloved is sound asleep, and Young Master Duke is currently hoping that it is magically summer again outside. So am I.

I jjust lost another hour of my life. I will never get that hour back, and I’m not sure what the hell happened. Here I was innocently sipping my tea. (A lovely orange and bergamot blend.) And the next thing I knew, it was an hour later. I have not one clue what happened.

Here’s the evidence. I have a recipe card in front of me with plans for a PVC pipe diy loom drawn on it. I had Pinterest in front of me, and somehow a couple of new boards had been made on my account.

I swear, I have no clue…. there were PVC niddy-noddies, spinning wheel accessories and many many more… I have visions of PVC in my head right now, and definitely not sugar plums.

I mean seriously! I may have also seen some wicked mods for my spinning wheel, and plans for a frame for my embroidery/cross stitch take over of the universe. Sighs.

I even landed on Etsy for a few, but I am eternally grateful for being broke af right now. Etsy is a swear word to my wallet. At least I am grateful this time that I didn’t end up on the Bullet Journal spread boards. Holy Crap, I’d still be under that spell of that app.

No, I’m not going to delete it. I’m just… ooh a cool cross stitch tutorial! Gotta go.

Hugs my friends. Take care, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is now firmly in my bed, and is gnawing on a bone.

I’m settled in with a cuppa. This morning it is peppermint tea. I’ve already had my caffeinated beverage of choice. On my way to make the cuppa, I let Young Master Duke outside. It’s been dismal weather lately, and he needed to ‘make yellow snow’.

I put some water in the microwave to boil quick and grabbed an orange from the fridge. I heard some whining, and went to check on Duke. Poor baby, he was wet and whinging. So, I brought him in. I swore I heard him cussing.

Now the last time I heard him cuss like this, we lived next door to Crybaby, Shiela and the Mer. There were other cats involved as well, but these were my favorite. Crybaby would challenge Duke”s sanity. He’d sit outside the tie out’s range, and bathe while Duke just bitched at him.

Such a sassy cat, and didn’t bat an eye at torturing Duke. So, once I grabbed my cuppa, I sent a quick message to Crybaby’s Momma, letting her know that Duke still resents him. We chuckled.

Have a good day my friends, and if you think critters don’t get resentments, you haven’t met Crybaby. Take care, and don’t tick off a cat. Hugs, -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The boys have taken over the dining room again, and it smells suspiciously like my beloved is cooking. I’m not sure if I should be afraid or not.

I’ve had my cuppa, and am having a large water for the moment. As I write this part II of the storm is passing overhead. It’s been raining and we are heading for snow/sleet next. Let’s not discuss the weather, depression usually results from this, and I really don’t want to go there.

Now we need to get back to the title of this post. I was on the phone the other day, innocently talking to a buddy. It was a good discussion, and it worked well. We had fun, I would like to believe. However, something they said as we logged off stopped me cold. They told me to behave. I protested, that’s not in my DNA.

They said, “Behave yourself.” Crap. I finally said I would. I’ve probably been bored out of my skull for 23 of the 36 hours since then. I was asleep, I am sure for the rest.

I’m kidding of course. However, I do know that I have enjoyed ‘poking the bear’ with my husband more and more often lately. Maybe that is what they are referring to. I’m not sure. However, since I was small, behaving just has not been my MO.

I’d rather find the fun, mischief and mayhem in the situation. Something to spark my interest, and to make what I am doing fun and a little more chaotic. I look actively for the fun in every situation I can. Heck, it makes doing dishes much easier, painful tasks much more pleasant, and horrible tasks almost bearable.

So, this behaving, my friend asked for… I’m questioning our ‘friendship’. Just kidding. Heck I’ve stayed out of prison, am not a suspect, and am still being naughty. Life is what it is.

Besides, being a responsible adult means to thine own self be true. So, for today, I’m going to be naughty. By doing exactly that, I am behaving, as expected.

Take care my friends, huge hugs. -L

For this recipe you will need:

Altoids
Coffee of choice
Chocolate flavored Creamer
2 sweeteners of choice

Make coffee to your taste. Stir in 1 altoids mint, the creamer and sweetener. Enjoy. Chocolate mint coffee, perfect for Christmas warmness.

Good morning all, hope you are well. The fellas are nestled all snug in their beds. I’ve been up, made the coffee, and been to the necessary.

I’ve added a new habit to my arsenal. Every morning, I work on a check list I made the night before. Crossing something off the list helps me keep track of the chaos. Otherwise, I’m as liable to forget my insulin shot as I am the day of the week.

This is in the continuous battle against the memory loss problems I am having.

Meanwhile, it is a bit of a pain day. I apologize for the short post. One arm decided to be out of balance with the other. So, I’m going to crawl in with Young Master Duke, and snuggle a few while the weather outside is frightful.

Take care please, -L

Good morning all, hope you are well. The boys are sound asleep, and I’m burning the midnight oil. It is the time of year again where I migrate into a new planner. Most of the time, I would rather have my teeth removed and gum it than do this, but for some reason..

Sighs. I still like the paper version of a planner. I like being able to see at a glance without fighting an app, or trusting a dratted phone to keep track of my thinking process. I’ve had too many phones go the way of the dinosaur to deal.

Also, for some reason, some idiot (me) has a huge supply of notebooks, pens and the like, as well as an obsession for traveler’s notebooks.

A fully stocked traveler’s notebook should be classed as a lethal weapon I swear. The inserts alone, can weigh a pound. I don’t have that many, but you get the point. I also have inserts that are my wallet. There are coin keepers in there, as well as my stamps, and other misc.

Basically, my Traveler’s notebook knockoff is my wallet, phone book, brain dump, and everything I would need to survive if I didn’t have a dratted cell phone.

So, what’s in my wallet?

I have about 5 actual notebooks in there. One is lists. Daily, weekly, and monthly tasks get whacked in that baby. I also have room for goals. Another is my calendar. I buy a dollar tree cheap pocket calendar every year. It saves my bacon. I plan out those goals in there and track birthdays etc…

Another is the brain dump. When I am on the phone, I have to take quick notes. This also houses stitching project plans, grocery lists, and other ephemera. Lastly is the info. Crap that I don’t want to google every time I turn around.

Info notebook gets banking hours, library hours, meeting lists, phone book, billing dates. Contract due dates for phones and devices. My DR’s contact info, my diagnoses, and my medications list is in there.

There are slots for our debit cards, and I have slots for ID/insurance cards etc… These just make it easier. I’m carrying the mothership as my edc. I do have a small pouch for pens on the side for now.

Since I am a selfish bugger, I don’t pay 3 dollars per insert. In fact the most expensive one is the calendar I buy at dollar tree every year. Though this one is a 2 year one. Woot woot! I buy composition notebooks full sized at back to school clearance. I use a blade and cutting board and trim the crap out of them to fit my tn. 25 cents gives me planning glory to last a year.

Now, for certain trips, I do have to leave the TN at home. That trip is one of those where I go through steel doors, about once per month. In that case, I have the insurance card for my vehicle. I have my driver’s license. I pop those in the car in an accessible if pulled over spot. The rest can not go with me.

That said, I hope I have given you some ideas. Warning, if you are interested in getting into the traveler’s notebook life, stay the heck away from pinterest. This is your only warning my friends, persue that venue at your own risk.

Take care my friends, hugs huge ones. Please stay safe and comfortable. I’ve got to get my next camping excursion planned in my planner. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The weather here has been Extra Spicy lately. The boys are behaving themselves… I have not.

On Sunday, I got ahold of a good friend. She agreed that it was time to escape, so despite the forecast (foggy and yucky) we snuck south of the border and invaded Arnold’s Park Iowa.

Now, since I drove, technically I am the kidnapper… Adult napper? We had fun though, and found a dollar store to vanquish. But first, we hit the tobacconist. I found 3 new blends to try for me, and some stuff for the man I am married to.

I also decided that since the world hasn’t seen me being manic enough in quite some time, I’d try the newer Monster Zero. Chuckle, I’m sitting at the desk drinking it. Yes, I am a bit manic. For the drive though, I stuck with coffee and diet dr P.

At the dollar store, the handicap accessible spot was taken. So, I had to wait before I could go in. Wheelchairs and ice strewn parking lots just don’t mix well. And, since my wheelchair enters and exits the vehicle from the driver’s side… I had to wait. It happens. I had a couple of smokes, and enjoyed watching a video or two.

Once I got in, it was stocking stuffers for the Dukester. He needed more treats to satisfy, and I was happy to oblige. I also grabbed a pocket planner. That’s the main reason I went to the dollar tree. They have simple planners for cheap enough that it is worth it. Double points for having a 2 year planner. Meaning I don’t have to faff around next December. Works for me.

We had a good day though, and ended up at A&W rootbeer. I’m still belching a bit, but then again that could be the energy drink I had. Note: I Never buy energy drinks. However, I also knew if something happened on the road, I’d need to be seriously alert.

It worked. So, hope you have a lovely day. We’re in for some more schmutzy weather here I am sure. Stay safe and cozy. Huge huggage. -L

Morning all, we have been up most of the night. Young Master Duke has been playing out in the white stuff and is resting from the effort. My beloved and I are living on ice packs and tylenol.

The driveway…. A few inches of white stuff, and it took both of us to get the job done. Between Elsa and Jack Frost, I’m ready to head to the Bahamas or Australia… Sighs. Oh well, life gets teejious. Normally on a day like today I sneak over to the local c-store and grab some noms to get us through. I’ve just used my last spoon excavating the vehicle.

Maybe Tahiti would have room for us…

Chuckle, I’m settling down with a well-earned hot cocoa. My beloved is having a ham sammich. Life is good.

Take care my friends, stay safe and comfortable please. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m writing this around 5 in the evening. It’s been a rough but okay day so far. The boys are behaving, I am as well. I’m about to start getting the dishes done.

I’m currently missing my regularly scheduled recovery commitment. This bites me hard. Well, for the proper language, I’m disappointed in the situation. Okay, I know why it was canceled. I just really really look forward to these monthly talks at aftercare.

However, from the wheelchair, going out in all weathers is over. I don’t have a snowplow on the chair, so you know, life happens. Heck, I can’t even push the thing through a few little flakes. Yet, that’s not the point of the exercise.

I guess sitting here listening to 40 year old country music isn’t helping matters is it. Chuckle. Songs as familiar as my hands croon in my ears, and settle my soul. They bring me to a place in my heart where I was still young and lithe. They bring me to a place when I could run, and the worst of my addiction hasn’t happened yet.

Now we come to the point of this post. I’m a drug addict in recovery. I’ve been taking part in online clean work for many years, back to the days when ICQ was the site of choice, and yahoo groups were a thing.

Back then, there were not enough face to face meetings available to keep me going, so I attended online meetings often. I was a weirdo, back then that was unheard of. Today, it’s saved my sanity. I learned to stay clean no matter what.

Recovery has to be my first priority, and staying sober, for those who drink or staying clean for the rest of us has to come first. It’s the only thing after my faith in God that comes before family, friends, and my marriage.

As an addict, I am responsible for living the program, working the steps and carrying the message. I am accountable to my marriage, my friends and family for staying sober. How? I would not have those things if I wasn’t sober today. If I picked up, those relationships would just be done. The next high would be my God again, and nothing, absolutely nothing would stop me.

I know, after working the 4th and 5th steps what I am capable of, and I know how much damage I did in the boozing and using days. I also know that clawing my way out of that hell was not easy, and without the help of a Higher Power, higher than the disease of addiction, I have no chance of a snowball in hell of coming back to recovery.

You see, once using becomes acceptable, nothing matters anymore. It is what it is. It’s normal again, and we are not talking about the washer. We are talking about what is regularly happening on a daily basis for me.

So, no matter what, I want to stay clean. I want to be among the sober ones. I want to live long enough to get that 75 year medallion some day.

Take care my loved ones, be careful out there. Hugs and huggage. I will bug you again soon. -L

For 30 years now, I’ve loved 80’s and 90’s country music. I’ve recently taken spotify up on an offer of 3 free months, and holy smokes I’m in heaven. Currently jamming to some Randy Travis. I just heard some Allison Kraus. Life is pretty good on the music front.

Meanwhile, it is still a pain day from heck. These old bones are a flaming like a rocket, and I have shed a few tears today.

Then again, I’m not the only old fart in the house. The Husbeast and I had an arguement the other day about a product that hasn’t been sold in my town in over 20 years. I’d have to drive over 200 miles one way to pick it up.

“But they sold it there when I worked there.”

“Yes Methuselah, and since then things have changed.”

Sighs, I didn’t say the 2nd line, but you know, it was in my head bebopping around somewheres.

Chuckle, have a good one everybody. Huge hugs. -L

Morning all, hope you are well. The post I had written for this morning is setting nicely in the trash bin. It was not suitable for the website. The boys are snacking right now. Okay, my Husband is having a snackage. Young Master Duke is waiting impatiently for any crumbs.

Whoops, I just saw my Beloved sneak him a snacky snack.

T’was a pain day from the bowels of the demon world today. I spent a few hours in tears in bed. It’s part of the reason that the post I had written ended up in the bin. Sometimes, the best we can do is all that we can do.

I use a cane and a reacher grabber tool to deal with the world around me. I also use a wheelchair. There’s no secret to this, it’s ‘normal’ now a days. I have a few kits I put on the back of the wheelchair in molle bags in order to survive the world as I know it.

I drink an astronomical amount of tea, some of it is designed to reduce swelling and or aid with other problems. My beloved uses hemp oil to be able to do what he can do.

Today, I tried to adapt the kitchen a little more, and he rejected my solution as unstable and dangerous. Crap. I’m going to have to come up with something else. Which means, I have to tear apart one of the craft shelves I’m currently using.

I need a bookshelf in the kitchen for dishes. I can’t put things in the cupboards anymore. Standing up to reach a mug or a glass is unbelievably evil. Reaching up to do the same task, impossible. So, I’m going to ask a friend over sometime in the next week or so to get the job done. I’m hoping that they and their 6 ft tall son can get the change taken care of. I’ll be emptying both wooden books shelves.

They need to be moved into the kitchen/dining area back to back. One side will be for dishes and pans. The other will be for those things we need on our way out the door. Keys, bags and etc..

Even six months ago, I could have been able to do it without help. However, life is what it is.

Meanwhile, I’m okay. My beloved is. Young Master Duke has had some snackage, and we are safe and warm.

Life is okay. Take care, my friends. -L

Morning all. This is what we had this morning.

Loaded Scrambled eggs breakfast.

Mushrooms, your favorite kind
Green Pepper
Onion whichever makes you happy
Shredded Cheese (Go ahead and get the cheap bagged stuff folks, this isn’t a cordon bleu place.)
Butter or Margarine
Spuds Shredded – pick your favorites here no judgement.
Garlic Salt
Black Pepper
Favorite Bread for Toasty Goodness
A good sweet ham slice

Butter the pan, and add the veggies that you have sliced diced or otherwise mangled. Meanwhile, shred the spuddage. When the veggies are soft, add more butter and whisked eggs. Garlic salt for seasoning.

While that is on the lowest burner. I set the foreman grill so it sits flat. Lay the spuds inside with a dash of black pepper and a pat or 2 of butter. Close lid and take a break.

When eggs are almost done, top with cheese and take off the heat. I then fry up a slice of ham. I also whack the bread in the toaster.

When the spuds are ready, plate up. Be ready to to a full belly nap. Depending on the number of eggs and spuds etc… can serve up to as many people as you are willing to put up with or feed.

Hugs my friends, -L

Good Morning. Hope you are well. The fellas who I am responsible for are doing their things. I’m about ready to crawl back into bed.

However, this morning, I am proud of the work I did yesterday. Yesterday hurt bad. I finally managed about 7 hours of sleep in total. It was pretty broken up though. The good news, is that after one of those naps I did a thing.

My Beloved was hurting too, and asked me if I could make us a pizza. I don’t always keep frozen pizza in the house, yet we still had the one I picked up in late November. I cut up some pepper, onion, mushrooms and added a little of each to the pie. I added a wee bit of cheese to protect the mushrooms and whacked it in the oven.

When I add to a pre-packaged product, I watch the cooking times. In the case of pizza, I make it at the recommended cooking time/temp. Then once the recommended time passes, I shut the oven off and let it cook maybe 10-15 minutes longer. This gives the extra ingredients time to cook through and me time to prep a salad.

After we ate, I realized that I better get the kitchen cleaned up. I got it done! My beloved did help a bit. He took the laundry out of the washer and dried it while I set things up.

We both took many breaks, and while we ate at 7pm, by 2 am the work was done!! The dishes were in the cupboards, and the clothes were folded and put away. I even took a quick washup myself.

Why do I crow about this? On a normal pain day, I can’t do a damned thing. Yesterday was a normal pain day. However, thanks to just taking lots of breaks, I was able to do that little bit of work. Note: My beloved only helped with the washer to dryer swap on the laundry.

This morning, I woke up to a clean kitchen. That felt good. I’m asking Santa to give me a dish drying rack this year, one that works better than what I am using right now. Think he would spring for a pink or purple one?

On that note, hugs and huggage my friends. Take care please. May your marshmallows be squishy and soft for your cocoa. -L

Morning all, Young Master Duke is having his breakfast. My Beloved is grumbling and growling. I’m reasonably well. Hope you are the same.

I just returned from picking up this morning’s grocery order. 2 jugs milk, 2 cartons of cottage cheese, 2 lbs mushrooms, a little lettuce, and a few thingamies in a pear tree. Oh, and the Radishes. Must have those delicious radishes.

Hey, I’m not totally unredeamable, I hate brussels sprouts. I have standards, you know.

I was reminded when I let Duke in, about the whole yellow snow thing. When I was a kid in the 1970’s and 80’s there was a huge thing about yellow snow. The punchline is that in a farming community, most guys didn’t run for the house to take a leak. Don’t ever, ever eat the yellow snow.

As far as the flag pole, in freezing weather, metal flag poles and tongues do not mix. Someone every year or two would have to be helped by a teacher for being dared to do it. Chuckle.

Kids back then were on a survival of the fittest. Between the slide… (One of my class mates broke an arm falling off it onto the asphalt below.) and the monkey bars… Also on asphalt. Murder ball, and other hijinx… It is amazing we lived as long as we have.

Snow ball fights would be augmented with ice cores or hard mud cores. We would be sent outside and told not to come in no matter what until sundown in January. Etc.. etc… we could have froze to death.

Yet, I’m still here. So, stay away from the yellow snow, don’t lick the flagpole, and duck during murderball. Have a great day. Hugs and Huggage, -L

P.S. For rules of murderball, I found an article. Click here. https://www.everythingzoomer.com/lifestyle/spirit/nostalgia/2019/04/23/schoolyard-games/

Morning all, George Straight is crooning in my ears singing “We three kings.” Young Master Duke is in bed resting. My beloved is grumbling in the dining room.

I’ve been re-using some things I bought for camping to get the kitchen up to date. I have 3 drawer sterilite organizers. Actually, I have 3 of the devices. One is for tea and coffee now. Another is for Young Master Duke’s treats. The 3rd is for embroidery and cross stitch. I was using them to organize camping gear, but in this case, the kitchen needs to be taken care of first. I use the kitchen much more often than I camp.

Next to do is to get a dishwashing station set up. Don’t I have a sink? Yes, I do. With rotator cuff issues, from the wheelchair, reaching doesn’t work well. So, I’m going to get a camping sink thingamie. This way, I can wash/dry and put away from the chair.

The dishwasher can’t be used because it causes the plumbing to leak under the sink. So, Camping gear for the win.

Meanwhile, life is still good. My beloved is doing good. Young Master Duke is spoiled beyond belief. We are okay.

Hugs my friends. Take care. -L

Morning all, I just told Young Master Duke to “Scurry Scoo, go play.” This is Duke speak for ‘baby, I gotta get some work done.’

Poor pupper doodle unit. He really is an angel. If I had a fancy chair with a seat next to me that he could sit on and snuggle with me, that would be a thing. But, I have never seen a loveseat wheelchair.

My Husband just went to bed. Schucks, now I am completely unsupervised. Sighs. What mayhem can I do?

Snort. Let’s talk about the main topic. Holidays. Christmas Shopping is done, and other than getting shipping notifications over the next few days, I’m done with Christmas 2022.

My daughters are in Iowa and Minnesota. I figure UPS or whichever can find them exceptionally well. I got them and their better halves taken care of. One set is getting cast iron, the traditional wedding gift in my family. The other also is getting cast iron, because my son in law loves to cook. His bride is getting a stitch marker situation sorting thingamie.

One good friend is getting a surpise gift as well. She is the one that infected me with a certain hobby involving aida cloth. I’m not nice, and got some mini-revenge. She has a hard time seeing things up close without magnifyers. I got her a duplicate headlamp magnifyer to the one I have. I am evil, yes, I know.

Other than that, Young Master Duke is getting a sweater for when the weather is truly evil. I have some knitting, crochet, and other stitchery to finish for the rest of the Holiday season.

For example. My Beloved’s Birthday is in February. I need to get his Birthday project done while he sleeps. One daughter’s Birthday is in March. The other’s is in October. Our sons in law have Birthdays to plan for as well.

However, before I do all of that. I have to set up the table and wash the dishes. It’s getting a little wonky in here. I also have more decorations to do, and once my Husband gets back up from his nap, all bets are off. Sighs.

Take care my friends. Huge Squishy Hugs and Huggage. -L

Morning all, I apologize in advance, but I have a severe case of the WTF’s this morning. I need to take my pain meds, and finish the first cuppa the day. My Beloved is an awesome person. However, he talks to himself, constantly. I am wearing ear plugs, because my headset is on the charger.… Continue reading Ear plugs save lives →

Morning all, hope you are well. We are behaving, within reasonable limits. As I am completely convinced that people of my direct ancestry can not in good conscience behave much at all, this is the best that anyone can hope for. Young Master Duke is outside barking his fool head off. Of course, normally I… Continue reading How cold is too cold? →

Morning all, couldn’t sleep, so I have been up since shortly after 2. Duke has liquidated anything he needs to outside. My Beloved is now in the dining room. I’m settled into the big desk for awhile. I can’t believe how much I missed this thing. Yes, it is cluttered. Yes, I need to clean… Continue reading A night in the office →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is having his morning treato. My Beloved and I have had the first fight of the day, and life is good. I’m hiding behind the fridge again. Our kitchen is set up that just before the basement door on the right side is just enough room… Continue reading Magnets have been taking over… →

Morning, the kettle is on the boil. Hope you and yours are well. I just got a sentence or two via instant message from someone I have been praying for. I need a moment to pray and Thank God. It’s been a rough week. BRB. To say that this one scared the tar out of… Continue reading Thank God →

Morning all, hope your season is comfortable. Hugs. Last night I set up the folding table again, and washed more dishes. I know, washing dishes isn’t something to crow about. Yet, for me, this is huge. To be able to handle something that is simple for others gives me peace and serenity. My husband pulled… Continue reading Just keep trying →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is chewing on a bone. My beloved is watching a show on his tablet. I’ve got my favorite Youtuber on the cell phone, listening to his latest adventure. Over the last few years I’ve noticed a decline in my memory. Every year it does get a… Continue reading Memory →

Morning all, hope you are well. There are days when my body gives me hell, and I can’t handle a full getting dressed let alone a full on shower. Yes, I have the shower chaiir, and I do use it. However, on the days when even a sponge bath can’t work, I do a quick… Continue reading A quick rinse →

Morning all, hope you are having a lovely day. This morning I was craving broth instead of my normal beverages of choice. That’s what I call the stuff anyways. Here’s what I do to make it. Note, you can use ramen seasoning packets and play with the flavors added. I start the water on the… Continue reading Broth →

Morning all, Young Master Duke has made the executive decision that he needs to be spoiled today. I’m getting ready to take some morning meds, and my Beloved is out cold. I’ve had a couple of cups of coffee so far. The brain still needs to be kickstarted. Meanwhile, we are warm, safe and well-fed.… Continue reading I suppose. →

Morning all, My beloved is watching a show. Young Master Duke is sleeping off a feast. I am listening to the Warts and All podcast by Suzie Edge. She has a book out on the deaths of the British Monarchs. Good book, do not read whilst eating anything. Trust me on that. My beloved mentioned… Continue reading A stew, and a day →

Just kidding. Good morning all. Young Master Duke is keeping an eye on me. I’ve been busy doing chores. My Beloved is asleep. Happy US Thanksgiving to those who celebrate. Happy Friendsgiving. Happy Thursday etc… I swapped out the tables I use in the mini dungeon. I also set up and did the dishes. I… Continue reading Change is good. I’ll take silver dollars please. →

Morning all, we are well enough today. Recently, I was gifted some Hills Bros. Cappuccino mix sugar free. As I am possibly the only diabetic the gifter knew when she picked up the wrong kind, she thought of me immediately. This sheet is not good sheet. It’s bad… I’m not sure what the Cappuccine monks… Continue reading Those monks need to answer for this →

Morning all, a bit of a somber title this morning. However, as the Husband has started going off the deep end again, this is what’s going on. We are now at the pre-Christmas, have to make everybody miserable around us war. I’m working to make sure Young Master Duke is kept safe from harm. He… Continue reading The war →

Morning all, hope you are well. I am curled up in more afghans than I care to admit. My Beloved is watching some weird movie. Young Master Duke is napping. In the movie, the Wizard of Oz with Judy Garland and others… there is a character found holding an ax in the woods. It takes… Continue reading Some days, the oil can isn’t close enough. →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and my Beloved are behaving this morning. Of course, I am not. Actually, he is being my emotional support pupper this morning. He’s also keeping the right wheel of my wheelchair warmer than normal. Last night, I set up the folding table, and washed dishes by hand. Our sink leaks,… Continue reading Our Love language →

Morning all, hope all is lovely in your world. We had a few flakes of snow last night. I’m afraid this is just the priming of the pump for the world to dump a pile of the sheet in our laps. For a change, this morning my beloved is at the dining room table. This… Continue reading Priming the pump →

Morning all, Hoping your day and lives are well. My Beloved is sound asleep. I have a hot cuppa steeping, and Young Master Duke is sitting at my side staring at me. He wants treatos. He also wants to go outside, and have it be above 25 degrees F. It’s okay, it will be again,… Continue reading Dammit →

Morning all, hope you are well. The boys are doing okay. I’m sitting here, listening to a woman’s story for the 2nd time. I don’t do this often, but she spoke to me. I found a new podcast through an ad on another show. On a whim, I went to check it out, and today… Continue reading It doesn’t happen often →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is laying on the dining room floor. I’m in the kitchen, with a hot cuppa Earl Grey. My beloved is in bed, sleeping the day away. I do have to head out in a couple of hours. We have some more tea on the grocery order, as well as milk,… Continue reading Cold fall day →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is outside for the 2nd time this morning. He’s had his Secret Voupies, and is observing the Squirrel population and the walnut tree. My beloved is in bed, and he ran the dryer this morning. Holy crap, that’s huge. I have a cuppa bengal spice (2nd time on this tea… Continue reading The tea problem →

Evening update. We are well. The males of the house are snoring. I’m settled in at the mini office. Somebody is sleeping in front of the refridgerating device. I’ve been sitting here for I suppose too long now. I was focusing on anything I suppose. My coffee mug is empty. My tea cup is clean… Continue reading I think he did it on purpose. →

Morning all, the usual pleasantries, and all that. I’ve been fascinated for the last hour by a Vietnamese language video on YouTube. This person is a genius! I’ve learned more by watching them than I have reading books or watching English videos on needlework. Talk about phenomenal stitchery. This person can take thread, and make… Continue reading Holy smokes. →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke and I are going to head back to bed in a few. Both my Husband and I have come down with a cold. I’ve been avoiding him like the plague. I know, poor choice of verbiage. The man cold is entertaining. Again we are at the… Continue reading Another sick day →

I recently acquired more fiber stash. A rummage sale had a tote and then some of needlework. Here is the pile. Note, this one is heavy on photos as well. My apologies for spamming you. -L Looks like I have a bit of work to do. Yes, there is a duplicate in there by the… Continue reading And then… →

Morning all, hope you are well. There are times when I need to take a short break. It’s part of the reason I pre-write quite a bit of this blog. That way, if something happens to me, or I get sick, I can have the time to heal before I try to write again. The… Continue reading Knots →

Morning all, this is a rare stash post. I just did a stash enhancement, involving a toolbox and the things to put in it. This is also an embroidery post, with just pics. Take care, -L One stitch at a time. -L

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are in the kitchen. He’s had his secret Voupies this morning. I’ve had my medication. My beloved is asleep in bed. I made the executive decision to order dinner for delivery. We are impatient. It’s not fair, we have to be adults, be patient, and just freaking wait… Continue reading Waiting, and a little recovery →

Hello again, and good morning all. Hope you are well. Young Master Duke and my beloved are conspiring against. me. Again. I swear, they make the arbitrary decision to do jumping jacks on my sanity. What have they been up to? My beloved lets Young Master Duke out when he gets up for the morning.… Continue reading More chores from the drafts pile. →

Awhile ago, I got a concealed carry permit for the state I lived in. At that time, I was living on the farm and my father insisted on being driven to town every Sunday. His church was in one of the less than stellar parts of town. More than once I was approached by homeless… Continue reading The promise →

Morning all, hope you are well. We are doing well enough, and I may even be accused of behaving. Shudder. Young Master Duke is about to come inside, and get his secret Voupies. (Doggy treats with a little hemp oil.) I’m about to lay down for a short nap. I know that this will end… Continue reading The curse of the snuggle hugs →

Morning all. I decided to change it up a little today after a couple of the darker posts. Make coffee as usual, add the above to your taste. Enjoy on the patio, in the car, on the job, or in the park. Relax, and have a lovely day. Hugs!

Morning all, hope you are well. We are behaving today, a little bit. Young Master Duke isn’t one for toys around here. Other dogs we have had never got past the toy stage, and over time our floor became home to many many squeakies and ropes and such. We didn’t mind. It’s like Duke knew,… Continue reading Doggy perogatives →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is napping, and we survived the night. Diabetes is an evil rat bastard. I found myself in a reaction not once but twice last night. During a reaction, I zone out. Then I start sweatting and get dizzy. Soon enough, I pass out if not treated.… Continue reading A difference. →

Morning all, hope you are well. We are okay. I did it! Woot Woot Woot! Yesterday when I was really grumpy about being yeeted, I sat in the kitchen for most of the day. I looked at the situation. The most uncomfortable chair in the house resided there. Also was a tiny table, and a… Continue reading Eureka!!! →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are in the garage. There is construction going on in the neighborhood, and I’m a grumbly wretch. The trees are now almost completely naked. It’s a stark contrast to a week or two ago. The ground is still foaming with dried leaves. However, we are the neighbors that… Continue reading 2nd Verse, Same as the first →

Morning all, hope you are well. The boys are being boys again. I’m settled in and was disturbed enough this morning that I didn’t put creamer in my coffee. The world will survive. I was on social media this morning, and saw some embroidery with the title of this post. I WANT THAT! To quote… Continue reading What doesn’t kill you mutates and tries again. →

Morning, have popped my neck, and have done the morning stretch. I’d love to have a chiropractor move in and just take over my ligaments and joints. Oh well. Have been behaving. My Husband, I learned, was doing the crawl in bed to drive me out of my gourd on purpose. Sighs. Seriously. Serious.y my… Continue reading Yawn, stretch. →

Morning all, hope you are well. My beloved made a goulash for his dinner, I have a lovely vegetarian soup. Young Master Duke is outside, barking his head off. Today’s plan is to bake some beans for myself. I have a pressure cooker, and look forward to cooking. Since I redid the kitchen, I look… Continue reading There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is in the garage, and I am about to head there myself. 2 years ago, I was gifted an embroidery kit. I didn’t embroider, but set it amongst the stash. Welp, that gift is biting me in the tail today. I set aside a little time… Continue reading The embroidery thing →

I’m thinking of offering a solution to my beloved. Good morning. Hope you and yours are well today. Young Master Duke is at my side, having gone out to sing the song of his people. We of course are in the kitchen, and I have some work to do again today. My beloved is of… Continue reading The kitchen, and a few upgrades. →

Hello all, good morning. I hope you are all well. Young Master Duke and my beloved have been conspiring against me again. Sighs. It is what it is. Soon enough those demonic little black bugs from the bowels of the devils rear end will die a horrible death. Those and the lady bug looking beetles… Continue reading Mini oranges, and the cold weather is back →

If you have spent much time on tiktok, you probably have that assinine Chrissy wake up song stuck in your head. I know I do. Morning all, hope you are well. I’m in the midst of some dishes and laundry work here at the house. My beloved is asleep. As I am stuck in the… Continue reading Beloved wake up! →

Morning all, it’s just after midnight, and we are relaxing for a few. My beloved is sleeping again. I don’t dare smoke in the house as the menthol wrecks him when I do. I had to make a conscious decision to change my views this week. I won’t be moving the dungeon into the garage.… Continue reading A little garage time →

Morning all, have been working most of the day on catching up on sleep. The wonky weather we have been having has mucked up my body a little again. I’ve been spending 3/4 of the night in the garage enjoying the cold. It got up to almost 80 degrees. I slept through, mercifully. Young Master… Continue reading Sprinkle, not dump. →

Morning all, Young Master Duke has had his morning meds and is resting. My Husband is mumbling in the kitchen. The dishwasher is running. I’m about to jump in the shower. Bullet Journaling has taught me that the task list and collections are king. It’s helping me keep track of my diabetes and other medical… Continue reading The task list →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is in the driveway, watching the neighborhood. I’m in the recliner, listening to an old show, and my beloved is cooking. May the gods banish pasta from our home. Please. It doesn’t need to be boiled for 40 minutes, I swear. I mean seriously, who does… Continue reading Old Crime shows and doggy business. →

Morning all, Young Master Duke wants to go out and play, but the football game is going on right now. I don’t want him to bark at the people in the field. This morning I got up after a quick nap and made sandwiches. I packed a lunch for my beloved and I with chips,… Continue reading The adventure →

Hello all, today I had to take the car to the vet, and ended up in a drivethru well, 2 drivethrus. It looks like we won’t need tires, we got her winter ready. She didn’t get a Scooby-Doo snack for good behavior though we did get her tank filled up at the kwiktrip later. In… Continue reading Ghost Pepper Whopper →

Good Morning, Young Master Duke and I are settled into the garage office, and the wind is so bad that I have the garage door closed. The high for today is about 36 F which is just above freezing. I’m not happy about the change in weather, but it is what it is. So far,… Continue reading Goodbye fall leaves →

Morning all, it’s just after 3, and Young Master Duke and I have come in from the cold. I have an icy A&W Zero Sugar Root beer that I’m about to crack open. I don’t normally drink carbonated beverages, but hey it helps with the insanity that runs through my brain. It’s one of the… Continue reading I need a beer →

Morning all, the weather is changing again. Body says Ufda. Young Master Duke is out in the driveway watching for the night critters. I am in the recliner in the garage with the big door open. I’m wrapped like a baby in a buggy. Hoodie, sweats, blankets, and shawls have me bundled and warm. It’s… Continue reading Pain day →

Good evening all, Young Master Duke is currently recovering from a stomach bug, so I’m keeping a close eye on him. My beloved is having his coffee, and I’m curled up in my favorite hoodie and sweatpants. I was goofing around on tiktok tonight, and a video had me digging through the blog stats. I’m… Continue reading The garden of an unsettled mind. →

Morning all, hope you are well. I have the garage door open just enough for Young Master Duke to go in and out. I’m having a morning cuppa, and the first smoke of the day. Please don’t mind the paint peeling off the side door. Also, our garage is a bit more than messy. Sighs.… Continue reading Not quite from the campfire, from the garage →

Morning all, Shh! The boys are sleeping. I woke and received the best snuggles and puppy kisses this morning. I let Young Master Duke out, but my beloved was in the necessary. I grabbed my morning beverage of choice, and came into the office to watch some videos. Next thing I knew, my beloved was… Continue reading Be very quiet Mama →

Morning all, !Hugs and all of that. I finally decided to get a toolbox set up. Sighs. I have lived on this watery rock for awhile now, and did not have a dedicated tool box. Now, sadly, I do. It was time. I actually had the physical box for a few years. It was a… Continue reading My tool box →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke has settled into bed for a nap. My beloved is watching a show. I have some lovely Earl Grey Hot beside me. As I am selfish, and I happen to love tea, I have been playing with the online cart. Davidson’s has quite a few bulk… Continue reading The tea skirmish →

Morning all, am currently waiting for my beloved to wake up enough so I can get the chores done. These chores require quite a bit of noise, and or moving crap around. I need him to keep na eye on Young Master Duke while I work. I can’t have the goodest dog in the universe… Continue reading Simple chores →

Morning all, have been sitting out in the garage again. Young Master Duke is outback singing the song of his people. My beloved is watching a movie. I am sitting here fixated on the leaves in the trees. It’s just gorgeous out again. The yellows and greens make this day so perfect. I had to… Continue reading It’s just too pretty. →

My husband wants to move. Hopefully to a state where weed is legal. Oh boy. Red flags all over the place, and 9 ways to Sunday. It’s not the weed that is flipping my gourd either. It is the move. The cheapest way to do it is to sell everything but some clothes, camping gear… Continue reading He wants to move →

Special post today. Today marks the 365th day in a row that I have been blogging actively again. It’s a thing. Over the last year, I’ve learned more about myself and my marriage due to the blog than probably in many years. I want to say Thank You, for being here. Other milestones: Over 1000… Continue reading 365 days →

Morning all, hope you are well. I have been watching quite a few videos on YouTube. My interests run towards tools and camping. They also run towards making in any form. I watch everything from the Crochet Crowd to Adam Savage’s tested. I watch Morgan Donner and Bernadette Banner. Yet I ran into a snag.… Continue reading EDC upgrades, or not. →

Morning all, I am impatiently waiting for my beloved to get out of bed. Okay. I can’t sit at my desk while he is asleep. I can’t access my gear, because he needs rest. I can not go to grab my keyboard because it will disturb him. Dirty words inserted here for your entertainment. He… Continue reading A post from the phone. →

This is my last week of being 49 years old. I have been thinking too much lately. The hubs and I argued a little as well. I am in the kitchen, and a cup of jasmine tea is steaming beside me. This year, I bought myself a tea pot and mug set. It was quite… Continue reading Afternoon tea →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are out in the garage working. Okay, he is guarding me against falling leaves. Of course, the amount of protection I need depends on how many treats I have, he may be guarding the treats. My job is to protect him from any hapless humans who plan to… Continue reading The garage post →

Morning all, have been still working on getting better. I’ve spent time between naps either with the needles or a book. I often have a video or two playing. Then again, classical music is more often on the radio. I am determined to get through. I re-read my favorite books, and like old friends, the… Continue reading What am I reading? →

The punchline “KnowwhutImean Vern?” Rang throughout my teenage and young adult years. Whether in a commercial, a movie or a video, Jim Varney was one of the best as Ernest P Worrell. This morning, as I sit with my coffee and have a smoke break, I was rummaging through Youtube. Ernest Scared Stupid showed up… Continue reading One of my favorite characters →

Young Master Duke and I sat in the garage to watch the falling leaves and the squirrels. I’d brought out my blue tooth speaker, listening to true crime podcasts. I mostly sat, but also dug through a few boxes. I filled the dumpster about 3/4 full. The goal is still to set up out there… Continue reading Progress →

Thank God for vaccines. I can say that. Morning all, the Hubs is resting, the dishwasher is running, Duke is outside, and I am whiny. I woke, headed to the necessary, and then let Duke out. I checked the dishwasher. The Hubs had told me if I would fill it and empty it, he would… Continue reading Exactly as advertised →

Just took a phone call, was writing a different type of post, and instead have to write this one. Lost another friend. It’s not a good thing, and I’m hurting, scared, and sad. Take care my friends. Take care. -L

Boygerms… are baaad. I don’t like boy germs. I also don’t like girl germs. Okay, lets just everybody keep their own germs please and thank You. The old tens is back in working order. The new tens works. I replaced the wires on the old device, replaced the pads as well. New device has spare… Continue reading Tense over the tens →

Morning all, have been working on it. My husband is resting, and Duke is sleeping. I probably caught covid by going to a meeting. Sighs. Damned if I do, and damned if I don’t. The irony is, I needed a meeting bad enough to hit two that night. By Wednesday, we both had it. I’ve… Continue reading Still here →

Morning all, it’s been one of those days. Hubsy is going stir crazy. he finally took the test, and confirmed what we already knew. We both have the virus. The problem, is that we are still ourselves. That doesn’t change. We still have the same bodies, the same brains, and still live where we do.… Continue reading Keeping up hope →

Simple post today. This is a cotton dishcloth hat I am working on. No pattern, just whatever is in my head.

Morning all, the boys are sleeping. I’m up and watching Tudor Farm or something like that. I’ve drunk enough coffee and tea that I would hope that I can stay awake for a little bit. One thing I have noticed, is that the more hot beverages I have, the better I feel. So, I’m in… Continue reading Like a rushing race horse →

hello all, trying to get the 3 brains cells I have left to fire. When I was much shorter and much lighter, one of those responsible for raising me made a weird dish. It was cottage cheese, with lime jello powder in it. She also added pineapple. It looked odd. Right now, my brain feels… Continue reading Lime Jello and Cottage Cheese →

Hello all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is singing the song of his people, and my husband is watching SG-1. For several years, I’ve noticed that I have been falling farther and farther behind on the ‘times’. For the most part, I would try to keep up, and enjoy living as what I… Continue reading Embracing the dinosaur →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is outside fertilizing that which he deems necessary. My beloved is having breakfast, and I’m having a lovely cuppa. “Earl Grey hot.” My headset is currently charging, so I’m just enjoying the moment. Okay, so I am taking a break. The book shelf on the back of my desk rotates… Continue reading Afternoon Tea →

Hello all, hope you are well. Husband and I still have the siege. He approached me today and asked me to have groceries delivered. Um… The only place that delivers in our community is the one that is higher than a cats arse in prices. They screw up orders and etc… So, we are having… Continue reading Adventures in ordering groceries →

Hello all, Young Master Duke and I are listening to music in the kitchen. Our kitchen is almost tiny house sized. There is no room to maneuver around, especially in a wheelchair. Yet, Young Master Duke and I are fine. When this house was built, the kitchen was designed so that everything is less than… Continue reading We are snuggled in the kitchen →

Have tested positive for covid. Canned posts this week I apologize.

Morning all, my beloved is doing much better after the surgery. I’m still getting rid of the sniffle/cough from mold exposure. I do feel much better though myself. Young Master Duke has taken over the bed, and is sprawled showing himself in all his glory. I’ve been watching quite a few videos on social media,… Continue reading Guilty pleasure →

Morning all, it’s a lovely crisp fall day here. The fellas are having a moment. Young Master Duke is sitting next to my husband, who is not so subtly giving him treats from his plate. At least he was the last time I went past to get this cuppa. A couple of days ago, I… Continue reading Another cold or is it →

Morning all, had to come to a horrible conclusion. I canceled the fall camping trip completely. With my shoulders being out of whack, even with the PT. It’s just not going to happen. Even setting up my tent in the back yard was too much. I’m a bit of a grumpy nugget right now. Hugs,… Continue reading Canceled →

Morning all, hope you are well. The boys are sound asleep, and I am alive. Over the last couple of days, I’ve been listening to old time radio podcasts. I double dog dare you to listen to them. Holy crap, Superman, Batman, tales of the FBI, Burns and Allen… and more. The stories are so… Continue reading Old Time Radio →

Morning all, I’m settled in with the sniffles and a cuppa. Hope you are well. The lovely young fellas are sleeping, and of course, I can’t make it happen. I fell down a history rabbit hole tonight. I started watching Tony Robinson walk down paths throughout his homeland. I’m not sure whether to call it… Continue reading Hysterically inspired →

Morning all, I have rested, and am alive. Young Master Duke is angling to go outside, and yet I want to write to you lovely folks first. Physical therapy is ongoing. Yes, it is rotator cuff injury, that is compounded because it is the 2nd time on this shoulder. There is a pinched whatsit as… Continue reading Owie →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke has been outside, and barked at whatever he so desired. My beloved is awake, and slowly moving around. I’ve been thinking on something I overheard recently. It elicited a fight or flight response. To quote young Sharkie, “I am a flightless bird.” I can’t dislodge what… Continue reading Something is sticking in my craw →

Morning all, it’s a lovely day in the neighborhood. Hubsy is as well as can be expected, and Young Master Duke is being an angel pupper. I just swilled another can of soda. Normally I don’t drink soda or pop at all. However, since my beloved’s surgery, I’ve been downing it like it is coffee.… Continue reading A slightly newish addiction →

I survived physical therapy today. Duke has ordered that in penance for leaving him home with Tim, we must snuggle for at least an hour. The physical therapist said I pissed off my body, and need to be gentle with it the rest of today. I am not arguing. Ice pack and snuggle time. Gentle… Continue reading Mini updates →

Morning all, I am gobsmacked. I woke up to Young Master Duke snuggling me, but his fur was damp. I knew immediately that my beloved had let him out. It’s been raining overnight, and Duke was dry when I laid down. I grabbed my speaker and cell phone, and headed to the necessary. I luxuriated… Continue reading He did the dishes and made coffee →

I shut my phone off tonight. I realized that I spend too much time on the damned thing, and need some time away from it. My husband is getting a bit better. He is doing more for himself, and for that I am grateful. We aren’t out of the woods yet, but he is going… Continue reading Powering off the phone →

Morning all, I’ve got the chores mostly done, and am back at the desk. Young Master Duke is outside enjoying the fresh air, especially since there is no-one on the football field. We live for times like these. Last night, when my beloved went ot lay down, I headed into the kitchen for the duration.… Continue reading Camp cookware for the win →

Hello all, it’s been one of those days. Spent about half of it in bed, and I’m about to crawl in. First off, have started studying the literature again. However, imposter syndrome is a bitch. I don’t normally cuss on here, but drat, it’s horrible. You know how, when you run into somebody, they can… Continue reading Late night update →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is being the sweetest of puppies. My beloved is starting to do a tiny bit more every day for himself, and we draw ever closer to doomsday here. By doomsday, I mean the dreaded hour I start physical therapy. I’ve mentioned more than twice that I am slowly moving the… Continue reading The case of the missing journal →

Hello all, sorry no update last night. I actually snuck out for a bit. My beloved was feeling well enough to be unsupervised, so I hit a couple of meetings. I didn’t get home until after 10, and Young Master Duke desperately needed the necessary. I let him out, took care of my own business,… Continue reading Brains… →

Morning all, it’s time to confess my sins. “Forgive me friends for I have sinned, it’s been quite awhile since my last confession.” I’ve been an evil child since conception. Alcoholism, drug addiction, and other mental abberations did not change that. In fact, I became worse as time went on. Just ask the family members… Continue reading AHole Tax →

Morning all, it’s a cool morning, and fall is in the air. Young Master Duke is not traumatized, but I am. You see, Monday afternoon, I snuck out to the garage for about 20 minutes. Young Master Duke was out back, and I just needed some recliner time. I was about to stitch for a… Continue reading They bullied my dog →

The house is quiet, it’s lovely. I have a small breeze coming from the window, and while I hurt like he’ll it is peaceful. I’m working up the energy to load the dishwasher. I need to empty his urinal, and I need to sweep the floors. I am sitting with a cuppa. It’s amazing how… Continue reading A cuppa →

Morning all, I need something to look forward to, and so I am planning an away camping trip. I have the dates planned, and this time, I will be gone for a week. I just have to have hope. I’m just hoping that with the physical therapy I can do better than the last few… Continue reading Camping prep →

Howdy. I’m sitting here listening to some Sherlock Holmes on audiobook. Young Master Duke wants to go back outside, but we have been in for about half an hour. I’m trying to keep the heartburn down to a dull roar. Hubsy took a shower all by himself tonight. The goal is for him to continue… Continue reading Evening update: →

This was a little unexpected. Recently, Amazon changed how I am supposed to buy books. I know, it has something to do with google, and something to do with… snooze. What it boils down to, is that I can no longer buy books in the kindle app. I can’t even purchase them on the amazon… Continue reading I’m saving money →

Tonight, a brief update. My beloved crawled into bed while I was out with Young Master Duke tonight. He probably slept for 4 hours. Any rest he can get is a blessing right now. Duke and I ended up on the patio for a bit, and he thought it was a good idea to tangle… Continue reading He has been resting a little. →

Morning again all, I have been writing more ‘usual’ blog posts for the mornings this week. But thought I’d give you a bit of a mini. This one is on coffee. Since his surgery, he can’t stand long enough to make coffee, so I have been doing it. We ran into a snag with the… Continue reading A wee update →

Morning all. The Mister is demanding again this morning. It’s part and parcel of the whole marriage thing. Young Master Duke is on the edge of my bed, wanting attention. Shortly, I’m going to crawl in with him and catch a nappage. I’m still working on the loom knit thingamie in between helping the hubs.… Continue reading Not enough coffee →

Morning all, writing on a break between tantrums here. We are back to the whole man-cold stage. I have no doubts at all that he is in pain. I also know that he needs to get up and do or he will be stuck for the rest of his life. Meanwhile, I have some knitting… Continue reading Loom knitting →

It had been 26 hours, he finally feel asleep. Deep quiet breaths. I am not poking the bear. Dear Lord, I am asking, why does he have to live in constant pain? What purpose does this serve the world? What good is this causing? I’m asking you Lord, because there is no way he deserves… Continue reading To sleep, perchance to dream →

Hello all, am taking a few minutes to write a ‘normal’ post. Young Master Duke is begging to go outside, and I’m whiny. Recently, I purchased a Molle backpack, and some accessories, and thought I would do a review. First things first, why did I a chubby womba in a wheelchair choose a tactical bag… Continue reading Molle Bag and add-ons →

Afternoon all, we are okay. This afternoon when I woke up, I had a little bit before my beloved woke. I ate, and started the coffee. Once he woke, I helped him as much as I could, but did something different. I set a 15 minute timer, and went and sat down. I did the… Continue reading 15 minutes →

Morning all, it’s almost 4 in the morning here, and while Duke is the only one sleeping, the rest of us really want to be. My Beloved is in just too much pain to sleep. It’s not fair, he is in so much pain. I’m angry, at the Hospital that convinced him for a same-day… Continue reading No rest for the wicked →

Hello again, a little evening update. There are days I swear there are not enough cusswords. Today was one of them. It rained most of the day. My beloved is still in a crap ton of pain, and is trying to do things himself. He has gotten past the ‘man cold’ level and is trying… Continue reading I took a nap →

Morning all, it’s been a lovely day so far. Um… sorta. We are doing the best we can with what we have been given. This afternoon, I’m going to pick up a grocery order. I’m going to enjoy the escape for a few minutes. I think if I can swing it, I will get to… Continue reading One moment in time →

Hello all, was talking on the phone with my best friend, and had realized that I’d never posted this on the blog. It’s as close as I can get to Mom’s recipe.

Morning, let’s grab a cuppa together. Smoke em if you got em. It’s been an interesting couple of days. I am wrapped up in a lava lava, and my sweetheart is growling again. He’s starting to feel the pain from the surgery. Sighs. I was hoping he would be more comfortable yet today. I know… Continue reading Break →

I um… was naughty. I spoke at the treatment center tonight. Normal for the 2nd Thursday of the month. Afterwards, I snuck into goodwill. I bought 2 dresses. I put them in my diaper bag, removing the tags. I then hauled it into the house. When I went to the necessary, the hubs had just… Continue reading I was naughty →

Morning all, it’s about 2 i the morning, and I’m ready to head back to bed. My beloved is resting, and Young Master Duke is outside being the bestest boy on the planet. Surgery went well. It was indeed a same day surgery, and we are home. We spent the afternoon together, on a slow… Continue reading Overstimulated →

All is well. Exhausted, sore. Gonna grab a nap.

Morning all, hope you are well. When this posts, I will be sitting in the surgical tower parking lot with snot running down my nose. My belovedwith be making his way upstairs, and I will be inventing not just new swear words, but new methods of swearing. It’s one of those things. Let’s go back… Continue reading We are on our way →

Another late night post. I have to rearrange a few things in the car yet, and grab a shower. Then I will take another nap. Today, I filled the tank, and washed the car. Um, it was a mistake. You see a few were in line behind me. My car window was stuck open, and… Continue reading Car Wash Adventure →

Morning all, hope you are well. We will be leaving at an eye bleed hour of odarkthirty in the morning. The van is ready, and the gear is in. I have my new satchel, and it is ready to be packed. I love watching Pete over at 1822 MC Adventures and more on youtube. You… Continue reading For some reason, I want to go fishing →

Hello all, another rare evening post here. We are busy prepping for his surgery, and I’m going off the deep end. I am not alone in this, but nonetheless, it is a thing. My beloved woke up twitchy again. Sighs. I ended up in front of his desk flipping him off. He had been ranting… Continue reading Crap →

Morning all, hope you are well. I think I am on my 3rd pot of coffee today. Considering we have those tiny 5 cuppa pots, this is a thing, but not as huge as it could be. All summer, I was drinking 1 liter iced coffees. Usually, I would have a blended drink, but would… Continue reading Um, too much coffee. →

Morning all. it’s a lovely morning so far. Young Master Duke is being the sweetest of puppers. The Hubs is sound asleep, and I have the house blissfully to myself. This is why I love the wee hours of the day when the fellas are sound asleep. I am not surrounded by noise, let alone.… Continue reading Years of mispent youth →

Morning all, the fellas are behaving. I think. Maybe? Who knows. Young Master Duke is sprawled at my feet. My Beloved is watching something on Youtube, and muttering away. I’m actually getting ready to crawl back into bed. Still enjoying the effects of traipsing my happy arse to hell and gone the other morning. Okay,… Continue reading Writing fiction →

Morning all, I’m curled up at the desk, and am swallowing tea like its a gift from the gods. I’ve had a 2 hour nap, and am kind of fuzzy headed. There is a history podcast from the Viking period in my ears. In the wee hours of the morning, my beloved asked me to… Continue reading It started with tobacco. →

His Name was Alvin Ives Jr. 20 years ago in August, he went to his eternal reward. When I met you, I stuttered, I could not read anymore. I also lapsed into baby talk. You were a quiet, sweet person, but I could trust you. On September 2nd, 1997, you took my hand and led… Continue reading Rip Old Friend, you saved my life →

Morning all. This question hit me like a rock the other day ago. It wasn’t something that one of you sent in, it was one of my own. I am so much more than a knitter. Yes, when I started this blog back in the dark ages, I did the podcast and all sorts of… Continue reading Why don’t I write as much about the knitting? →

I know that the title of this post is a bat signal to someone special, and I want to say a private Thank You to Niss and Gandy. You both have been awesome support, and I am grateful for all you have done for me. Huge hugs Ladies, you are the best. I’m sorry I… Continue reading !hugs →

Morning all, am going through my gear this morning, getting ready to set up for the surgery trip. I let my Husband know that I’ll be camping while he is having his surgery. So, I’m getting the gear set up. My biggest concern with this trip is Young Master Duke. He is getting elderly, and… Continue reading Camping Prep →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are planning a snuggle pile in a few minutes. Thought I would check in for a few. From the sounds from the kitchen, my beloved is working on his latest masterpiece. Sighs. It has macaroni in it. Please, grant me peace. The gorge is rising again. Oh well,… Continue reading Adding to the lexicon →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is outside keeping an eye on the kids at the football field. I’m a little gassy, and my Husband is talking to himself again. I swear, he has a mouth that can out-talk a 3 year old. We are currently in a cease fire situation. I’m grumpy enough that I’m… Continue reading He mutters →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is still outside singing the song of his people.. and so is my Husband. He’s at the Dining Room table talking to himself again. I’m rolling with it, hey it could be worse. I woke up in low pain this morning. I didn’t have to run… Continue reading Rare, but it happens… usually after the 3rd full moon of the month. →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are in the garage and driveway tonight. I am letting my beloved rest. We had some goulash for supper. It worked better once I added garlic salt and cayenne to it. Hubby made it, without salt or pepper at all. We enjoyed though. It’s another pain night. Plan… Continue reading Silently watching →

Morning all, the fellas are napping… yada yada. All is well. I’ve got a podcast in my ears, and a cherry lemonade next to me. I just lost a couple of hours. Totally gone, hours that I will never get back. I’m sitting here in shock. I grabbed a bite to eat, and it was… Continue reading Dual addicted →

Morning all, I’ve come up with an odd solution for an idiot problem. I’m the idiot, in this case. My beloved is having back surgery in early September. I’m going to be in the area for many multiple hours, and my beloved believes that this is a same day surgery. I’m not entirely certain of… Continue reading An odd solution →

Morning all, I’m inside for awhile, enjoying the airconditioning. My beloved is asleep, and Young Master Duke is on the bed, snoring. I figured as often as I talk about Himself, a dog tax was a requirement. We are currently hiding from flies. He and I sat outside for a few hours on the patio.… Continue reading Change it up some. →

Morning all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke is outside watering those things he wants to water, and I’m nestled in at the desk. Mr Grumpy is awake, and growling at his phone. That’s his phone’s problem. Yesterday, Young Master Duke and I sat in the garage to watch the rain again. We enjoyed… Continue reading Another rainy day →

Morning all, my apologies, but online media has been my bread and butter for entertainment for years and years. I watch quite a bit of Youtube. Somehow, my caffeine addled brain fell into a rabbit hole of watching James Hoffman make coffee. This man slurps his coffee. I mean seriously slurps his coffee, and tests… Continue reading Um, James Hoffman has corrupted me. →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is asleep again taking over the bed. My beloved Husband is watching something on his tablet. I am up from a nap, the pain levels have been escalating with the recent storms that went through the area. We sat out in the garage during a hail storm. It was actually… Continue reading Getting my butt kicked by tiktok →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is out cold at the moment dreaming the dreams he needs to dream. I’m at the desk, wearing my noise canceling headphones, and my Husband… There’s a conversation happening in the dining room right now. He’s the only one in there, but there is a conversation. He’s not on the… Continue reading It’s like a barometer, I swear →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are relaxing, and I’m taking a break. I have a cuppa, and my neck has finally popped. Man, that helps. I’m not sure if I mentioned this, but I have recently switched to Midol. Holy crap. I’ve been able to sleep. Yes, this is a generic version, but… Continue reading Midol for the win Alex →

Morning all, it is closing in on 3 AM. I’m well. Young Master Duke is wanting to sing the song of his people, and my Husband is trying to rest. I just file 13’d a blog post that I wrote a couple of hours ago. It’s not written in the voice I want to use,… Continue reading Thinking →

Morning all, have been on a roll lately, and chatted with an old buddy of mine. He’s a good kid, does damned fine work keeping out of the wheelchair. He’s also a friend of Bill W. He reminded me about who is in charge of our decisions. I feel convicted here. I do my best,… Continue reading Who is in charge? →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is bugging my Husband for some of his breakfast. I’m still working on recharging keyboards, and life is okay. Why am I still recharging keyboards? Because I get distracted, and leave them on the charger longer than I probably should. Then I forget. I’m on the last one. A couple… Continue reading The garage →

Rick Gualtieri the author is an acquaintance of mine over on tiktok. He just posted about semi-colons; refusing to speak of them ever. Ergo, the challenge is on bud. He wrote “The tome of Bill” and other great books; giving me hours of enjoyment. Not only does he make me laugh; he gives a heck… Continue reading The great semi-colon →

Hello all, hope you are well. It’s about 5 PM, and I am having my first coffee of the day. Yesterday, I’d had enough and shaved my head again. I have a heck of a time taking care of my hair, and I just would rather go bald than deal with it. I do miss… Continue reading I recharged my batteries today →

Hello all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke reminded me to sit and write for a few. So, here we are. I’m the napping queen, and very few days go by without a nice one. I know, you are jealous. Chuckle. It’s sometimes about the only way to recharge my batteries. Today is unusually… Continue reading Nap time snuggles →

Morning all, thanks to the joys of midol, I’m back at the desk again. I’m very carefully rationing these things, because a bottle of 40 is quite expensive, even in the generic form I purchased yesterday. I’m working on some stitchery, and have some crap or waste yarn projects on the hooks and needles. I… Continue reading 3 books, that live on my desk. →

Morning all, have been posting from bed lately, and I am sorry. Today I am up for a bit at the desk, and thought I would bring you up to speed. I woke at just close to 1 this afternoon. I’d finally fallen asleep at about 2:30. I have a device that tracks my sleep,… Continue reading Spoons →

Looks like this might be the new normal. Young Master Duke is snuggling, and I am curled up. I flip back and forth quite a bit, it we enjoy the snuggle whe we can. Pain levels suck. Life is still good though. I am alive. My beloved and I fought about money again. That doesn’t… Continue reading Blogging from bed again →

Morning all, writing from bed again. Wasn’t expecting to do so, but the gremlins that are running my body have said “We are gonna mess you up today” So… here we are. Young Master Duke is snuggling with me. He is also really very sorry. He bumped my arm again. Knocked the wind out of… Continue reading New Swear Words →

Morning all, it’s going to be a mild scorcher today and the boys are behaving. I’ve been a lazy bum most of the night, and that’s okay with me. I swapped out the office chair for my wheelchair today. Pain levels have been enough that it’s been beyond time to do so. The problem is… Continue reading Whoops! →

Morning all, while I am in a pain crap storm, I’m planning a camping trip. I’m keeping an eye out on the weather, and as soon as the forecast says cooler nights, I’m going to head out. Yes, I’m in the wheelchair. However, I’m going stir crazy stuck in the house. I think that my… Continue reading It’s time to go camping again soon. →

Hello all, hope you are well. We are okay. I’m sitting here reading for a bit before the day gets started. I thought I’d bring up a few of the mods I use on my wheelchair. I do not provide links to the items, because so many of them I have had for years and… Continue reading Wheelchair mods →

Morning all, the fellers are doing well enough. We are about a month out from my husband’s next surgery. I’ve settled down with some knitting this morning, and am enjoying my coffee. I need to invest more time in craft, and less time in gaming. It’s just that sometimes gaming takes most of my focus,… Continue reading Almost done →

Morning all. Hope you are well. Young Master Duke is at my side, and he wants his snawgle time. Thought I’d let you know about our day. Woke just after 12:30 pm, and had missed the better part of the noon meeting already. The Hubs was talking to himself again, and the body was extremely… Continue reading We are okay →

Morning all, hope you are well. My beloved Husband started a skirmish this morning, but I have won the war. He just doesn’t know it yet. I love Norse metal. I really love Norse metal music. When he woke up this morning, I was in a wall of pain. The first words out of his… Continue reading The war →

His name was Sherbert. He was lost in a housefire in 1985. He was the most important thing in my world. I was 12 when he went away forever. He was a stuffed railroad engineer dog I suppose I got for Christmas one year. I named him Sherbert, because that same year, I had sherbet… Continue reading I’m a snotty mess right now. →

Morning all, the most important males in my universe are sleeping soundly. I’m sitting at the desk with late summer allergies. IE, I’m a bucket of snot, and need to blow my dose. BRB. Crap, my coffee mug just notified me that until I get up and go back to the coffee maker, I’m not… Continue reading I wanna play! →

Morning all, happy August. Young Master Duke is sitting out back, and I am out front under the wee morning stars. I couldn’t take the noise in the house anymore. It is part and parcel of life, and there is nothing we can do to fix it. My beloved husband has a syndrome where most… Continue reading Another month, and it is quiet →

Morning all, the boys are fine, and I’m yawning over the coffee in my cup. Still have lightning strikes hitting at random thoughout, but hey I can’t fight it. I’m working on a few small hand things at the desk right now. I have fallen in absolute love with certain stitch repeats. So, I do… Continue reading I’m too… →

I just scrubbed the post I was working on for today, decided to just get out of bed and write. It’s another one of those lightning strike pain days. Where the thunder is just as evil, and it is the traveling lightning thing. I really am sick of screaming silently while strike after strike hits.… Continue reading Pain day again… →

Hello all, my beloved is asleep, and young master Duke has taken over the bed I call my own. Yes, we sleep in separate beds, Duke must have his full body on bedding snuggling as much as possible, don’t be silly. However, I’m concerned. When I woke up this morning, my sweetest didn’t have coffee… Continue reading Not sure what’s going on here. →

Morning all, hope you are well. The fellas are behaving. One of my favorite mental exercises is: “What if I won a really big lottery?” I then run with it inside my head. Thought I would share this thought experiment with you. First things first, hiring a financial lawyer. Make them in charge of keeping… Continue reading Buying the ticket →

Morning all, the fellas are behaving. I’m sitting here with an iced lemonade, but am craving something quite different. I want a bowl of chili, with cheese shredded over the top. I want a bowl of corn chips on the side, or at least some cornbread. For dessert, I want some butterscotch pudding. In other… Continue reading Hireath →

Morning all, spent most of yesterday yelling at electronics. The next time the beloved splits or explodes a phone, I swear… It takes the better part of a year to get the settings on one of these tantrum inducing monsters from the bowels of a demon backside at least functioning. Every time, I swear it… Continue reading Ufda, just ufda →

I hate switching cell phones. No post really today. Am just angrier than a chihuahua on espresso and too much sugar. Will catch up tomorrow.

Morning all, it’s about 64 degrees out there right now, and Young Master Duke is greeting the sunrise. My beloved is doing his usual, and this morning, instead of torturing him with the blender, I just poured my coffee over ice. I do prefer the blender version, but you know, he is my beloved. A… Continue reading Another sleepless night →

Hello all, the fellas are very busy. Young Master Duke is asleep in my husband’s bed. My beloved is in the dining room watching a show on his tablet. I’m ready to head to bed myself. While the outside temps are icky, it’s much more comfortable to sleep during the early mornings to afternoon. We… Continue reading Another day in paradise →

I realized this morning that I have screwed the pooch on something. I have no idea how to fix the problem, and I am not sure that to be honest I really want to do so. The most common denominator in my problem is me. So, let’s draw a circle, and put my name in… Continue reading Something I never thought would happen →

Morning all, my beloved Shuggy Lump is sound asleep. I’m settled in at the desk, and am taking a break from a book for a few minutes. It’s another sleepless night, and I’m cool with it. Young Master Duke is laying by my side, guarding me from house elves who hide the sheet I need.… Continue reading Our Anniversary. →

Another sleepless night here. Young Master Duke is outside, and I’m still up. It’s time to start just getting stuff done. I finished a wee bag for my cell phone yesterday. I crocheted the thing in pink. I then found a pink button. It is too damned cute. However, if it prevents the screen being… Continue reading Morning →

Good evening all, sorry this one is late. Have been quite under the weather lately. Usually, I prefer to have a post written and scheduled for the morning at 6:30 am local. Current pain levels make that impossible, and so here we are. I’ve been working on house cleaning. Everytime I go to the necessary,… Continue reading Out of pre-written posts →

Morning all, sitting here waiting for the sun to come up again. I’ve taken today’s dose of insulin, and am waiting to take my pills. I’ve been around humans a bit too much again. I got to go to aftercare to speak. The next day, a good friend was down from up North on a… Continue reading Welp, it makes me fart. →

Young Master Duke just stopped me. I was rushing all around trying to get to a meeting I thought I was late for. That meeting is tomorrow. Sighs. I woke up late this morning, and my brain was thinking… “There’s your problem” to quote the great James Hyneman and Adam Savage. It wasn’t for another… Continue reading The behinder I get →

Morning all, have to fly out the door in too soon of a time, but wanted to strike while the iron was hot so to speak. I’ve been rationing insulin for decades. As a Medicare patient, my insulin is not covered by Medicare. I had to choose between a plan that would cover some of… Continue reading Insulin Rationing →

Morning all, hope you are well. I’m fan girling over the curator of cuniform from the British Museum. Okay, I have been fan girling over him for a couple of years now. What the heck? Am I cracked? Absolutely. However, he read on an old tablet, the rules to the Royal Game of Ur. He… Continue reading Irving Finkel is my hero →

Hello all, hope you are well. Been a bit of a writing dry spell around here lately. I’m pretty far behind, and don’t have any prepped posts for you in case of a pain day. Tonight I’ve been stuck in bed for a bit. Another horrible being human body problem. I am sure that it… Continue reading Counting stitches →

Morning all, hope you are well. Yount Master Dukester is outside enjoying doggy tv. I swear that boy binge watches as much as he can. My beloved is in the dining room, and I’m waiting impatiently for new headphones to arrive. The provider says “out for delivery”. Lately, I have been rearranging the dungeon. I… Continue reading Playing →

I need a hero, holding out for a hero in the ….. yeah, that shit is rolling through my skull at mach 80 on repeat this morning. It was the theme song of the show “Cover Up” which had to shut down after the actor died a zillion years ago in the dark ages. The… Continue reading Holding out for a hero-trigger warning, a few minutes inside my head. →

Morning all. We are reasonably alive. Earlier, I went to pet Young Master Duke. Instantly, lightning flooded through my body radiating from my arm throughout. Finally, I popped my neck, and the lightning stopped. It took a few hours. It’s a give and take lifestyle. Most of the time, I live at my desk, and… Continue reading I never want to hear the phrase, “Make one wrong move.” again. →

Morning all, am writing from bed today. The fellas are okay. I can’t regulate my body temperature again, so I am stuck here in bed. Call them cold flashes, or whatever. I have had them for decades. Nothing I do works to get warm. This is art of the reason I avoid leaving the house.… Continue reading The not so fun side. →

Morning all, about to jump in the shower and get started with the day. Young Master Duke is outside, and my beloved Husband is in charge of puppy care this morning. Yesterday, after much prayer and fear, I decided it was time to go back to face to face meetings again. I still have all… Continue reading Back to meetings, and a panic attack →

Oh my goodness, it’s a morning. Hello all, hope you are well. Young Master Duke and I are enjoying a rainy morning together. My beloved Husband is watching his shows, and we are well enough. Inside, it’s in the high 60’s, outside it is in the low 70’s. Other than that, not much to report.… Continue reading Rainy day morning →

Morning all, it’s July outside and December inside. The cold flashes continue, and regulating my body temperature is entertaining at best. I started the year off with the expectation that the Dexcom G6 would be a blessing and a help. I called it the snitch. It was both wonderful and horrible. The good… reported my… Continue reading Diabetes in 2022 for this disabled woman →

Morning all, the fellers are sleeping, and iced coffee is making me happier than I should be this morning. I’m all snuggled in at the desk, and am doing pretty good. I ordered a keyboard case off of Besosmart when I got paid. The new tablet didn’t fit any of my other cases, and I’d… Continue reading The keyboard case →

My beloved husband and I do the best we can. Yet there are days when he reaches the outer limits of my sanity. Those limits are most days, much more reachable than others. The past month or so, there has been a bloody war over where the dishtowel in the kitchen goes. In his mind,… Continue reading Everything in its place →

Morning all, all is well enough here. Hope you are doing good. It’s currently late October/early November temps in my living room. My beloved Husband has this idea that it must be low 60’s in the living room/bedroom at all times. I’m currently wearing a sweater buttoned up to my neck and am covered in… Continue reading Slowly, ever slowly →

Morning all, it’s a normal day in summer in my town. The boys are behaving, I think. A little, maybe. To save money, I have altered my iced coffee recipe. It takes longer, but it’s a part of life. I now substitute regular coffee for instant. It’s not the same, but screw it. Other than… Continue reading Town Day →

Morning all, today in my country is independance day. Lemonade slushy recipe: Personal blenderBubba keg container thingamie2 quart pitcher6 cubes ice for blender, pluse ice to fill keg2 quart sized packet of sugarfree lemonade mix great value brandwater Make the lemonade according to package directions. Throw in fridge over night.In your personal blender, 6 icecubes,… Continue reading Lemonade slushy →

Morning all, have been in a bit of chaos the last few days. I made a swatch of the St Birgitta cap, and realized that without long hair, my measurements are different. Sighs. With the chaos, I’m not going to have the pictures posted right away. Meanwhile, I’ve been working on a million other things.… Continue reading The last spoon →

Morning all. I had one hell of a rant planned for today, but decided that the vetter part of my time was spent thinking about why I wanted to rant versus whether or not the rant was worth it. Yesterday, I realized that it had beeen 31 years since I graduated high school. I haven’t… Continue reading Am I a victim? →

Morning all, the fellas are being male again. Rather than fight what is, I’m going for the accept and move on thing. I realized this afternoon that I’m a bit more than odd, well, we are a bit more than odd. My husband makes hot dish whenever he wants to, and then sends me a… Continue reading Spicy desk action →

Okay, I blame Morgan Donner for this. She started this mess, and I’m on a mission. Good Morning all, after yesterday’s quiet day post, I thought I better give you the source for the St Birgitta cap I mentioned. St Birgitta Coif tutorial Morgan Donner in her video, she calls it a coif. I call… Continue reading St Birgitta Caps →

Morning all, just checking in a bit before I get busy again. The fellas are being copascetic, and I’m not complaining. There has been small things happening lately, nothing major. I tried a different technique with my pathos, and it ended up getting very sick. So, the other day, I covered her with a garbage… Continue reading Fly strips, late nights, and velvet fabric →

Morning all, I’m still a bit pre-coffee in the chaos. Please bear with me. I’ve sat on this for awhile, and needed time to be ready to write about this. I was raised in a home where beatings, rug sweeping, and rampant lies from one of the parents was the normal. I was raised by… Continue reading Row V Wade – trigger warning →

Morning all. Am hiding in the air conditioning again today. Another pain day from hell, and it’s normal. The last thing I made was a sweater. I have lots of that crazy blanket yarn that isn’t good for anything in my stash. I also have an assortment of crochet hooks. When I am watching an… Continue reading She ain’t pretty, but she works →

Morning all, a scorcher outside, no camping is being done. The fellas are sleeping like rocks in front of the a/c again. I haven’t taken my medicine yet, but need to catch the though while the muse is whipping me in the tail feathers. My most famous last words used to be, “Hold my beer.”… Continue reading The megrims →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are up. It’s just after midnight, and he has been out to water the rusted old a/c unit that doesn’t work in the yard. It’s another pain night, but in this case, I’m working without lights on. My Husband needs his sleep. For supper, I made a california… Continue reading Welp that wasn’t expected. →

Morning all, it’s a scorcher out there, and the fellas are busy either napping or lurking in the a/c. I’ve been awake overnights again, it seems that pain just never takes a break. Soon enough, the sun will go down, and it will be cool enough to head outside again. I’ve been keeping the blender… Continue reading Altoids and iced coffee →

Morning all, it’s a lovely muggy day here in Minnesota. I’m starting to wish fondly for those lovely winter mornings where the snow is falling. It isn’t often I go digging through the kitchen. I was looking for a scrub sponge, and we keep them in the drawer under the dish drainer. Innocent enough right?… Continue reading 3 pounds, seriously? →

Morning all, hoping you are well. The fellers are being male this morning, and I’m hiding from all the testosterone in the house. It’s a muggy bugger again, and soon enough the rains will stop, maybe. Meanwhile, I had an epiphany. I always wondered why, when my sewing machine only came with 3 bobbins, when… Continue reading Eureka →

Morning all, it’s another thunderstorm watch morning. Hope you are well. I’m stuck between my chair, the laptop and an iced coffee. The fellas are behaving, Young Master Duke has been out to sing the song of his people, I’m sure the squirrels and the neighbors appreciated the 5 am barking alarm clock, and my… Continue reading Crap →

Morning all, I’m just up from the 2nd nap of the day. I know, how self indulgent of me. I went to bed before 10 last night, and woke up at 12:30 this morning. I didn’t know that we had severe weather coming, but my body sure did. Needless to say, I ended up staying… Continue reading I didn’t do it. →

Morning all, have been busy lately trying to figure out my head from my tail. It’s all part and parcel of being human I guess. I have had 1 hot coffee since the weather turned warm, otherwise, I have been sticking with the cold icy caffeinated goodness. In one of those rummage sale sorting sprees,… Continue reading The curse of the macrame cord →

Morning all, as the sun is rising, it is a lovely day outside. Young Master Duke and I spent a quiet half an hour out watching the squirrels and their twitchy little tails. Then the bugs found me, and since I hadn’t applied my lemon grass oil yet, I snuck back inside. I just took… Continue reading Iced coffee drama →

Morning all, it’s time for plan B. My sponsor, back in the dark ages, and I was still fertile taught me about planning. If plan A doesn’t work, then we go with plan B. If Plan B doesn’t work, move on to Plan C, then D and etc… If Plan Z doesn’t work, then go… Continue reading Plan B →

Morning all, On June 2nd, my fabric order was supposedly shipped. It’s MIA. Sighs. The other faff I ordered will be here today though. I have other fabric, I know. I have this and that, life is blessed… however, the old saw about keeping a jackass in suspense still holds. I feel like a jackass.… Continue reading The fabric is lost in transit →

Morning all, I have an icy cold lemonade by my side today. I’m waiting patiently for the new ice cube trays to freeze the water I just placed in them. Sighs. I keep lemonade in the fridge most of the summer. I’ve been thriving on iced coffee so far this year, and my ice cube… Continue reading She is retired →

Morning all, I sit here typing on a screen that is just a half an inch smaller than my laptop. The men are being male around here, so I am happily tucked into a corner of my office, and have been working most of the morning. I was reading an article on one of the… Continue reading Testing, testing, 1.2.3… →

Notes to self: These are the admonitions I have been having with my brain box lately. Self, the next time you sleep wrong, and stand up wrong, don’t do it on the same night. There are repercussions to this action, and you don’t want to pay the piper again. Self, bastardized spagghetti gives you gas,… Continue reading Notes to self →

Morning all, it’s finally warm enough that iced coffee and I are bff’s again. All the same ingredients I use in winter, some ice, and a personal blender make this fat woman so happy. A couple of years ago, I bought a blender that I used so much I cracked the damned thing. Thankfully, it… Continue reading Iced Coffee time →

Good morning all. Last night a friend asked if I could help her sort rummage sale items. I agreed, and she drove into town. She actually brought the boxes here, and we sat on the patio working together and chatting. I swear, when she gets a hoarder’s haul, it’s amazing what she finds. She handed… Continue reading Book stand repurposed →

I have quite a few books. Snort. Good morning, hope you are well. We are fine here. We are fed, relaxed, and rested. After my shower this morning, I’m going to sneak away on a hunt. I have my battle plan, and I am assured of success. There are a few thrift stores in the… Continue reading Time for a new hunt →

What I got the Hubsy for Father’s Day this year. Morning all, hope you are well. We are experiencing weather, again. It seems that April Showers were postponed for May and June this year. I’m waiting to take my morning meds, I had to take a different one first this morning. I’m okay, just a… Continue reading Father’s Day gifts →

Good morning all. Personal blender from Walmart is about 12 dollars right now. I use this exclusively for my current beverage of choice. 6-8 ice cubes 1 cereal spoon instant coffee 1 cereal spoon powder creamer or protein powder 1 cereal spoon torani sugar free coffee flavoring 2 packets aspartame 2 packets saccarine water Start… Continue reading Iced coffee Recipe →

The benefits of hearing protection Morning all, Young Master Duke is outside singing the song of his people, and my Husband is yelling at him. So it’s a normal day in Minnesota. Twas raining again this morning, but I spent a couple of hours outside in the rain. It’s a good thing. I really need… Continue reading How I survive people →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I are out in the yard. I am bundled up again, and it is a good day to work in the yard. Thus is my week in pictures. Hugs all, be blessed. -L

Weird game changers. Morning all, we are doing well enough, and the world is a good place to be today. Young Master Duke and I are currently back in our position of observation, and the Hubs is probably watching videos in the house. For years now, I have been learning methods of knitting. I know… Continue reading Eureka! →

Morning, coffee is on, and the boys are behaving this morning. Duke and I are in the backyard already. We are observing the proceedings of the day. I’m bundled up pretty good, and covered in a shwl, a lap quilt, and wearing a plush hoodie. It is still cold out in the mornings, and I’m… Continue reading Morning from the back yard desk →

Whoopsy! Morning all the sun’s up, the coffee is being assimilated, and the world is a good place… sorta. I swear, I am a bull in a china shop some mornings. Here’s what happened this morning. I slept throught the night! I didn’t get up once to go pee. Which means that when I woke,… Continue reading Whoops! →

Hello all, it’s a good time to sit around a camp fire, have a cuppa, and watch the flames. The sun isn’t quite up yet, and it’s my favorite time of the morning. The birds are stirring a little, and Duke is at my side. For once, I can light my little stove, boil some… Continue reading Morning coffee on the fire →

Hello again everyone. I’m settled in with the hottest of coffees, and Duke and the Husband are competing for who is the most adorable this morning. Have had a couple of mental health days where I have been more of a dragon with a hoard than the active adult I need to be. It started… Continue reading A bit of a break down. →

Morning all, I am currently curled up under a blanket and in bed. I just can’t for the life of me get warm. So, today is a picture posting as I hide in my blanket fort. Huge huggage all. -L

Morning all, it’s another rainy day here in Minnesota. I usually write 2-4 posts early in the week, and that way I have enough spoons on writing days as well as enough spoons on other days to keep going. Young Master Duke just approached me for his pain pill. He is probably smarter than me… Continue reading Spoons and trying to do more →

Morning all, Young Master Duke is outside enjoying the night air. I’ve been up for a little bit, and have an iced tea in front of me. It’s just closing in on 3 in the morning. The sun will be up in about 2-3 hours and I want to be outside stitching all morning. The… Continue reading Screw it, I’m gonna do it →

Morning all, the males in the house are awake, and I’m hiding in the dungeon this morning. Current pain levels are shoot me, so the new pain outweighs the old pain. I got into an arguement with an old friend yesterday, about the pain. I can not, and will not switch to a certain substance… Continue reading Girls just wanna have fun →

Morning all, my sinuses are clear, and my eyes are watering. Those of us Americans of a certain age will remember Ben-Gay commercials. Some of us have used it, as our parents medicine cabinet and first aid kits consisted of aspirin, pepto and ben-gay. I have 2 bottles of the modern generic equivalent. And, if… Continue reading Only 2 left →

Morning all, Young Master Duke and I have been out since first light. I lengthed his tie out, so he and I can just chill out. When I sit with him, he doesn’t sing the song of his people. Who woulda thunk it… I have a shade umbrella on the edge of my folding table… Continue reading Another day outside →

Morning all, the men in my life are quite asleep. I thought I’d get a quick post up before heading back outside, as the sun is quite up, and the birds are singing. I’ve come to a new medium. I spend my days and half the nights outdoors now. Duke is quite contented to come… Continue reading Almost sorry, NOT! →

Morning all, The boys are sleeping like rocks. Today, Young Master Duke and I will be spending the day in the back, working. I need my table set up, and have to find the keys to the lock holding the bugger down. My Husband locked it down last fall, in order to keep the weather… Continue reading If only the treadle had better wheels →

Morning all, today’s beverage of choice is a sugar free strawberry soda or pop. No dyes, just flavor and bubbles are filling me with glee. I need to tell you about my most recent adventure. I plotted this trip earlier in the week, and had it to look forward to with all my heart. My… Continue reading A road trip and serotonin boost, no books were involved directly. →

Morning all, Young Master Duke, my Husband and I are reasonably well. The boys are snuggled up in bed, dreaming. I’m listening to podcasts, trying to stay awake. I went to bed really early yesterday, with a sunburn and a giggle. First things first, the riding lawn mower is here!!!!!!!!! Woot woot woot! I was… Continue reading The new toy →

Morning all, still in craving mode, and I’m thinking back to some kfc we had recently. My mouth is watering over the thought of biscuits, hot fluffy biscuits. I want some of that chicken, and the coleslaw… Sighs. I’m whiny. The fellas are awake. Young Master Duke is out watering the grass, and my Husband… Continue reading I’d do some shady things for a bucket of kfc →

Morning all, I’m settled in with a coffee and the oil lantern is on. My beloved Husband and Young Master Duke are asleep. I’d be camping, but… I’m in the beginning stages of a medical procedure prep. I am just staying close to the necessary. My next me I’m craving pretty damned bad right now.… Continue reading Craving, but, I just gotta wait. →

How to bookworm in a land of digital books. Morning all! I’m so happy. I spent the afternoon out in the shade, with lovely breezes, rampaging and pillaging. One thing about being semi-unplugged, even if only in my yard, is that I can’t spend hundreds of hours with my nose in a screen. It’s just… Continue reading The hunt →

Morning all, I know, I have a one track mind where this camping thingamie is concerned. Wouldn’t you? I want to remind you that I camp in my back yard. Our home is blessed with a huge back yard, with plenty of room for needful things. Meester grumpy, IE my beloved Husband isn’t happy that… Continue reading Handicap Accessible Camping →

Pics or it’s not real. I know, I know, it’s gotta have pics or it just isn’t real. How does one take pics of a camping set up at night? Escpecially in the back yard? Chuckle, here’s what I have so far. Hope you are well, Hugs, -L

Morning all, I have an oil lantern going, simply because I love the soft light. Okay, also because the softer light doesn’t wake up my beloved husband. Young Master Duke has been out, and gotten morning report from the neighborhood yippy dog, and I’m waiting for the powers of coffee to decide whether I’m going… Continue reading Sometimes a person just needs to go back to bed, or… →

Wearing clothes I made all by myself. Morning all, Young Master Duke is very busy being the most adorable dog on the planet, and I am okay. It’s a good day. And other than a brief interlude yesterday, I have worn clothing I made exclusively for weeks now. This helps. Knowing that the clothes came… Continue reading Home made clothes →

Being smarter than the app. Morning all, when this post goes live, I’ll be having a non-pain day. I am undergoing a normal proceedure, but anesthesia is involved. I recommend everyone after a certain age get regular cancer screenings, especially in America. That said, I’ve finally outsmarted the wordpress app on my tablet. I downloaded… Continue reading Smarter than the app, and medical →

Normally I reach into the ether, grab a strand, and the words come. Sometimes, I have to weave the sound and the light together, and do the working. Today, just today, I couldn’t. I was blocked in a way I couldn’t fathom. I reached out, I grabbed a strand or two, and began to spin.… Continue reading The ether →

Morning all, Duke’s outside, waiting for the birds and the squirrels to wake up, perhaps a rabbit or two. The Hubsy is in the dining room, and I’m freshly showered, sprayed and powdered. I’ve been working on restoring an afghan for a few weeks. It came with seriously frayed edges, and the woven in ends… Continue reading Restoring an afghan →

Morning all, Young Master Duke has taken over the whole dratted bed, and I’m settled in with coffee. My beloved Shuggie Lump is in the dining room, plotting and scheming to watch all of SG-1 in as short of amounts of time as possible. We are okay. Today’s post contains child abuse from the 1970’s… Continue reading Routines and change →

Morning all. I’m on the first cigarette of the day, and podcasts are keeping my brain in check so far. The first cuppa sits to my left, and I have successfully avoided murder twice thus far this morning. My Husband is awake, and breathing exceptionally well. He is healthy, and reasonably comfortable. I have not… Continue reading Uh huh, yep. I’m here. →

Morning, this is the last post in a 3 part series on self care. Medical Self Care In the last two posts, the first on personal cares, and the second on Mental Health Self Care, I talked about some of the tools I use for personal care. I am ambulatory to the wheelchair. Meaning, I… Continue reading Self Care for the Handicapped, Part 3 →

Morning all, here’s the 2nd post in probably a series of self-care things I do. Yesterday, I wrote about personal cares, specifically grooming for the handicapped. Today, I talk about self care in the broader sense. Emotional and Mental Health Ooh look, I can use headings! Just kidding. You can fill a pitcher with lemonade,… Continue reading Self Care for the Handicapped Part 2 →

Morning all. Hope you are well. I’m settled in at the desk for a bit, to recharge the devices that make my serenity complete. I’m fresh out of the shower, and felt that it was important to write about self-care. Inside the house, I walk with a cane, and around the yard, there are times… Continue reading Handicapped Self Care →

Morning all! Woot woot woot! I’m outside! Young Master Duke is resting at my feet, his tie out is hooked up just outside the tent this morning, and I’m so happy! I am not “completely set up” however, I have my camping chair, my little cot, and my dog. There’s a little grill with charcoal… Continue reading Handicap adventures in camping →

Quite awhile ago, I went and bought a personal under the weather tent. I was tempted to get the wheelchair version, but I got the full body version instead. Welp, here’s what I did yesterday. I did go and run my errand, and I got myself a large cuppa delicious as well. However, instead of… Continue reading I went and did it, and I’m tickled. →

Morning all. Back again is the Holiday I won’t celebrate. I prefer to just rest on this day. My bio Mom gave birth to me, and gave up custody of me when I was pre-k. Then my paternal unit married the spawn of Satan. Enough said. I woke just after 5 this morning, after falling… Continue reading Morning, Mother’s Day edition →

Morning all, We have been outside to sing the song of our people, and it looks to be another rainy day here. I’m thinking that the swampland is coming back. At least Duke thinks so, and since the backyard is his bathroom… I’m so sorry little dude. All is basically well here, last night I… Continue reading Yawn, stretch, morning →

Morning all, Duke has taken over the bed. My Husband is awake and enjoying his coffee, and I have a lovely faux cappuccino at my side. Back when I wore scrubs for a living, I would call this coffee a hot cup of candy, and not coffee. Oh well. Coffee doesn’t have to be just… Continue reading Needs a little work →

Morning all, Coffee is on. Hope you are well. I’ve been up a couple of hours, and I need some more sleep yet. But… I’ve been sitting here thinking. About my dream office craft room. Actually, it would be a Mother in laws house in the back. You know, a little shack with a kitchenette,… Continue reading Coffee →

Morning all, I’ve been struggling to get this post written for almost an hour now. I’d re-downloaded the WordPress app to my tablet. And there is one hell of a lag between typing and the words showing up on the screen. Now, I’m not typing at a dramatic rate. I’m a simple person, I’m not… Continue reading Take five →

Morning all, I have a load of clothing in the washer, and for some reason, I smell like old fashioned caramel. Let me explain. My usual tactic for survival involves coffee in the morning. When my beloved makes the coffee, he shuts the coffee maker off in order to not scorch the coffee on a… Continue reading Welp, that was a bit… warm →

Morning, I’m still a bit hot over the no camping away from home thingamie. However, I’m looking at the bright side on this. I have to, or there will be many more swear words invented. So, back to back yard planning. This makes some things simpler. I can set up a semi-permanent camp site. This… Continue reading More swear words →

I love mathematics, it’s a good foundation for logic and science. It’s involved in every aspect of my life. From how many stitches per inch to how many yards of fabric are needed to complete a project, math is involved. There is another aspect to mathematics that involves my life directly. It’s the amount of… Continue reading Houston, we may have a problem →

I have astigmatism. It doesn’t have an effect on my everyday life for the most part, except in one weird way. Some games give me motion sickness. As in I need to have a bucket handy, motion sickness. So, most motion play games are off my agenda. Morning all, so why do I bring this… Continue reading The games I actually play →

Morning all, a lovely hazelnut faux cappuccino is making me happy this morning. I’m happily curled up with a keyboard, and I really am content to be ensconced in the recliner again. I love my laptop. I can type all of this up in word, correct all of my sins there, and then move to… Continue reading Please pop every joint in my body →

Morning all. A little addendum to the post on what do I do on pain days. I also will take hemp oil, 3 ibuprofen, and go and get the grocery order. I’ll then bring it in, and over the next 3 hours put it away. That’s what I did yesterday. It was a grand level… Continue reading Way too pre-noon →

Morning all, I fell down a rabbit hole of research. That’s not good. I’m not happy, and have realized that humans are human. On a sad note, one of my best friends is moving, and today they are on their way to their new state to do a walk through of their new house. I… Continue reading Running hot and cold →

Morning all. The fellas are quietly doing and arranging manly purposes while I sit in the recliner being a brat. I have been gifted a lazy boy recliner, extra wide by my good friend. We’d stored it in the garage until I had spoons enough to make room for it. Finally, finally, it was moved… Continue reading With the recliner comes great sacrifice →

Morning all. I’ve snap crackle, and popped this morning, and coffee has made its joyful way down my gullet. The sad part, my ration of coffee for the morning is done. Give me a moment while I grieve. Sighs. Okay, the whining is done for now. Back to being a diabetic. I use a common… Continue reading Diabetes update →

Morning all, thought I’d just take a short break and check in. Okay, my hands are starting to hurt, and I need to stop for a cuppa tea. Yesterday, I broke out the Brother LX 3817. Yes, I have treadle sewing machines, yes I have other options. This one has zig-zag stitch, and can reverse… Continue reading Miles and miles of it →

Morning all, settling in with a hot cup of Lapsang Souchong. I’m reasonably happy, and my gut is riled. Therefore, trigger warning, I’m going to talk about foods that just don’t work. You would think, that as a heavy smoker, I’d have a busted taster. However, there are just some things that will never make… Continue reading Things I won’t eat →

Morning all, I am currently unsupervised again, and what could go wrong? I have music blasting and ear bleed levels, and a lit cigarette in my hand. My ration of male units are snoring. There’s a reason I’m wearing noise canceling headphones. Males, can’t live with them. Breakfast this morning was good ol’ cream of… Continue reading Where Sheep May Safely Graze →

Morning all, here I am with my favorite orange juice substitute, and Young Master Duke is settled back into the still warmish spot on the bed. The wind is brutally cold out there, and he doesn’t approve of the conditions of the facilities of the necessary he uses. Though it isn’t quite as bad as… Continue reading White sheet →

Morning all, yesterday was quite eventful, and I got to work as soon as I reasonably could. I’ve learned that storage units are reasonably priced where I live. I’ve also learned how much I can cut from my personal budget. However, I also learned how much storage I have underneath my bed. My goal is… Continue reading A plan, and a little execution →

I’m on strike this morning. I don’t know how long this strike will last, but the man I married has gone too far, yet again. According to him, yet again, I am wasting all of the money I get in. According to him, I buy nothing but crap. Nothing, but crap. The reason for this?… Continue reading Nothing but crap →

Morning, thought I would share with you some of what I do to survive pain days. I have my life set so that almost everything I need is in 1/4 of our living room. If you count my bed in the mix, I have half of the living room. My desk has everything I need… Continue reading Pain day survival techniques →

At current count, I have over 3000 books in my kindle library. I get emails with books that go free, and enjoy adding beloved new friends to my collection. It’s always a good thing, to acquire new friends, and new worlds to explore. I can travel to deep space in one book, and visit a… Continue reading My kindle library →

Morning all, it’s time for a confession. Yesterday, I went to roll over in bed, and my hair got caught. It’s been beyond shoulder length for quite awhile, and I loved it when it was freshly washed. However, I just couldn’t take care of it anymore. My right arm doesn’t do as well as it… Continue reading I cut my own hair. →

Morning all, sorry about the pity party this week. I’m still sorting things out on that front. I’ve got the camping plans set up for location, equipment, and costs. Now I need to plan for meals and snacks for the week. I intend to leave on a Wednesday, and return on a Sunday. If we… Continue reading Meal Planning for a 3-5 day camping trip →

My blood sugar is in the low 100’s this morning. I took it via finger stick. I sit here and stare at the bill from the pharmacy that supplied the snitch. I did the math. I also went to the store’s website that supplied my finger stick supplies. For the same amount of money per… Continue reading Still angry →

It is with great anger that today, I stopped the Dexcom G6, and shut the box off. The pharmacy that supplied the snitch lied to me about the charges involved, and I am done. Sorry this is not the cheerful post you are used to. Hugs, I’m going to go calm down. -L

Morning all, I’m waiting for the fellas or the sun to get up. I’m unsupervised again, and nothing I can do but wait for them to do what needs to be done. I cut out the first dress yesterday. I hand hemmed the neck and the front half of the arm holes. I want to… Continue reading One stitch at a time →

Morning all, it’s been a rough few days again. Pain levels have been entertaining, again. However, I have good news. On Wednesday, 4 bolts of fabric came. I’m tickled down to my toes. They are all cotton, softer than a kitten, and so cozy to wear. On Thursday, the sewing patterns arrived, and I have… Continue reading Another pain day, but the fabric and the patterns are here! →

The time has come to say a special Thank You to a youtube producer. Pete over at 1822mcadventuresandmore has been one of the best teachers on youtube about camping and life as a whole. He is salty, a bit grizzled, and a joy to watch. For an older fella, he does remarkably well, bringing us… Continue reading A special Shout Out and a Thank You →

Morning all. It’s been rainy lately. Pain levels have sucked, but it is April. Yesterday, I spent the day cleaning the bedroom/office area. I also instituted another personal change, and it worked well. With decreased mobility, and only one bathroom in the house, I borrowed an idea from camping. I bought a 5 gallon bucket… Continue reading Rain rain go away →

Morning all, I’ve finally got some time to type. I um, had a bit of an issue this morning. I woke at the usual, headed to the little girls room, and got the day started. My Husband started the coffee when he went to be during the night, and I wanted to reheat it. So,… Continue reading I swear, my coffee tried to kill me this morning →

Morning all, the fellas are as usual, out cold. I’m watching my favorite shows on youtube, and of course, while the boys are asleep, the rest has to wait. This whole spring fever compromise thing, it’s getting harder. I’m watching weather reports like a hawk, and the Husband is freaking out about my deciding to… Continue reading Waiting for things to get done →

Morning, haven’t talked about my sewing lately, but then again, the sewing machines have been gathering dust for a little bit. I’m working on getting things organized, but then again. However, over the weekend, I had some ordering to do for the household. It’s time for furnace filters again, and I decided to also look… Continue reading Sewing Patterns →

I met Duke one lovely day on the farm. He came into the yard, and we had chickens. He wore a collar, and came up to me when I called him. He was friendly and sweet. Dad and I drove around the farms in the area until we found his home. He soon came to… Continue reading Little man →

Morning all! All is well today. The coffee is good, and soon, I’ll be switching to iced coffee for the season. Young Master Duke is being so sweet. Still working on getting the recliner moved into the living room/dungeon area. I also want to get rid of a few things, and spring cleanup is going… Continue reading Plan plans →

Morning all, my beloved Shuggie is awake for the day, so the sound of the keyboard shouldn’t be as much of a bother. The dungeon is on the East side of the house in another room from him, and there are 3 fans running between him and me. He shouldn’t hear my keyboard. Had to… Continue reading Revelations →

Morning all, Yesterday was payday. I was a bit um naughtier than usual. My hat was in the mail. Holy Crap. I am in hat love! I haven’t taken it off since except to sleep or to straighten my pony tail. It’s comfortable, and has no freaking plastic. I immediately ordered a 2nd one. It’s… Continue reading Whoops! →

Morning all, last night I found out that I have only 3 more years of support for my laptop. Sighs. Meaning that since this old wee beastie is a couple of years old, I won’t be able to use her for her intended use after a certain date in 2025. Bollucks. I know, my processor… Continue reading 3 years →

I’m a sleep talker. It gets worse the lower my personal fuel tank gets. Now it appears I am a sleep walker as well. Joyful Yesterday, I just had no spoons left. It happens. I was scheduled to make more banana bread for my husband. I was also asked to do this this and that.… Continue reading Running on E again →

Morning all, March is almost over, and camping season is soon to start. What do I mean? It’s almost April, Minnesota regularly gets snow and freezing temperatures in April. You are nuts Wease. Yes, I figure if you have read my blog for any length of time, you will realize that I’m nuts. But first,… Continue reading The coffee addict and the tea problem →

I’ve decided to upgrade my plan to include a domain name. And, drum roll please… my old domain name is available! I’m going live on the world as anonymousknitter.com again! Woot woot! I’m tickled pink. -L

Morning all, yesterday was another snuggle the day away, read a little and sleep for the most of it day. We had a bit of a taste of Elsa’s fury over the last couple of days. When that happens, I get to spend the day in bed. It’s life. I did accomplish a couple of… Continue reading Welp that sucked →

Morning, happy Monday. I’m still trying to figure out if my coffee is going to be used for good or evil today. Let’s see what happens. There are some tiny perks to being disabled. My “Boss”, Duke, doesn’t care if it is Monday or Thursday. We get along pretty good, and the snuggling perks are… Continue reading Monday →

Morning all, Elsa is pissy, and I’m too tired to deal with her bullcrap today. My beloved asked me to bring the garbage can in from the curb. Please see the first sentence in this post. No, I did not shove the bin up his bum, but my thoughts around the bin and his tail… Continue reading A paper shredder type of day →

Note, this is how I do AA’s step 4. Not a guru, not your sponsor, not the only way to do this. You will need in addition to the previous supplies mentioned, a ruler and pencil. Possibly a separate notebook for this step alone. On my first 4 step, I used a financial planner with… Continue reading AA Step 4 →

Quick announcement. Since AA’s step 4 is a little more than a bit of a paragraph of writing, I’m going to give it it’s own post. Otherwise, check into Joe and Charlie’s step 4 method. Hugs, -L

Here I am with a happy full belly, and thought it would be a good time to share. I’m so happy. I just ate the best sandwich I have ever had. Prior to this, my favorite sandwhich was a simple reuben, but I can’t afford corned beef more than once per year. I definitely don’t… Continue reading My favorite sandwich →

Morning all, want to tell you about something I’ve been dreaming about for the past 10 years. It’s a little weird, but I have invested hundreds of hours researching the situation. That said, I can’t afford it. Here’s the dream. Get an RV. An older model RV. No slide outs, no frills, just something simple… Continue reading A dream →

Morning all, here’s a version of the AA step work and study that I do. This is not the only way to do it, and there are certainly other, better ways to work the steps. You will need, the Big Book -Alcoholics Anonymous, The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, a dictionary, a notebook, pen, highlighters,… Continue reading AA step study 1-3 →

See the Blog Posts for Steps 1-5. You will need all of your previous work, the books and etc.. Follow the proceedures. Note: this is not to replace sponsorship, this is how I work the steps, not the only way to work the steps. Also, Page numbers are no longer going to be included, the… Continue reading Step 6-12 in NA and afterwards. →

See steps 1-4 before doing this step. This is how I work the Steps in NA, not the only method etc… Note: I schedule doing my 5th step with another human before I start the work. This gives me a definite deadline. It also ensures that I don’t procrastinate. I’m no longer in Highschool, and… Continue reading Step 5 for NA →

Go back over the blog posts for Steps 1-3 for methods, needs and proceedures before attempting this step. This is how I work the steps, and is only one of many methods for working the steps. You may also want IP 10, working step 4 in narcotics anonymous. Note: This one will include the IP.… Continue reading Step 4 for NA →

See the Step 1 and Step 2 posts before proceeding. The items needed and proceedures haven’t changed. Page numbers will be as found in the literature. Day 1: Basic Text, PP 25-27. Follow proceedure. Note, by now you will also see correlations with previous steps and lines from earlier in the Basic Text, mark those… Continue reading Step 3 for NA →

This is what I do to work Step 2 in Narcotics Anonymous. Note, this is not the only method of recovery, or even working the 2nd step. Your mileage may vary. You will need the article I wrote on Working Step One, as the proceedures do not change from that article. Also, the materials are… Continue reading Step Two for NA →

Narcotic Anonymous has multiple books on recovery from active addiction. There are multiple format available to use, and this is what I do to stay clean from all drugs. You will need, the Basic Text Narcotics Anonymous, It Works, How and Why, and the Step Working Guide. You will also need a notebook and pen,… Continue reading Step One for NA →

Good morning dear friends. Today is supposed to be nasty and gloomy where I live, so I thought I’d combat that with some simple changes. My beloved Husband is doing okay, he’s still on the mend, and I’m tickled pink by his recovery. I started digging through the power cords yesterday. I found some of… Continue reading Simple changes →

Morning all, we’re having a ‘normal’ day here in Minnesota so far. Duke has not only gone out to sing the song of his people, he’s brought in half the back yard’s worth of mud, again. At least he’s still adorgable. Today, we’re working on just being. I’ve been lusting again. I really need to… Continue reading Young Master Duke is sleeping in my bed again, or a normal day →

Hello all, Hope you are well. Yesterday I spent the early part of the day out cold. I didn’t make it to bed until about 3, and slept until 11. Even though I was tuckered, I just couldn’t sleep. It’s a ‘well, that sucks’ situation. However, I got busy. And, Holy Crap…. One of my… Continue reading A good day and Holy Crap →

Morning all, yesterday, I ended up crying for about an hour. It was day 3 of a fibro flare, Thankfully, it was on a downward swing. However, we needed food in the house. My Husband sent me out with a wish list of noms. What is a wish list of noms? He craves certain foods.… Continue reading Redo →

Morning all, the first cup of coffee has been assimilated, and young Master Duke is laying back in bed after singing the song of his people. The squirrels have come out of hiding and are back to terrorize our boy. He wants to bark, they want to forage, it’s a give/take situation. Yesterday, the Dexcom… Continue reading Snuggle bear and marshmallows →

Morning all, hope you are well. This morning, I’m going to confess an obsession of mine. Sometimes it involves a pan on the stove, and sometimes, it involves a microwave, at all times, it involves stuffing myself silly. Of course, it is popcorn. I have 3 methods of making popcorn. I was given a popcorn… Continue reading Popcorn →

Morning again all. Before I jump in the shower to get ready for the day, I wanted to let you know about my Husband. He did good through the surgery, and was admitted yesterday for observation. The Dr and their team did an amazing job. I am grateful. At some time today, I’m probably going… Continue reading Mini Update →

Morning all, hope you are well. Recently, I had the pain day from hell again. It wasn’t unexpected, it was just unpleasant. I spent most of it in bed. I ended up screaming at my Husband when he opened his mouth and his brain fell out. I guess, being supportive of Him, I didn’t tell… Continue reading Pain day →

Morning all, am pre-writing this post for future use. Hugs. So much to do. Getting ready for camping season. My Husband perhaps isn’t interested in my getting out and about so much, but I am. So there. I know, a little bit of defiance…. I need to get my camping site ready to go. I… Continue reading From the vault →

Hello all, today and tomorrow are going to be rat bastards. I don’t want to even think about it, but there’s nothing we can do. This has to happen. Today is a day of prep, and a day of waiting. Tomorrow morning, is the big surgery for my Husband, the scary one. We’re going to… Continue reading The hardest day →

Every afternoon, around 2 PM, I get a tea break in. I may sit down with a book, I might relax with a few videos, and I might even relax with a snuggle time with Duke. However, on Saturday, I decided to try a bath, to loosen up the ligaments. Like many, I love a… Continue reading Hot tea, and a bath →

Morning all, have spent the last hour or so coming up with things to do with parts of disposeable masks. In our household, we still use masks like they are made out of gold pressed latinum. We are both of course immune compromised, and don’t want to spread the colds and other germs that infect… Continue reading Old masks and new uses →

Morning all, have been up and about for awhile. Yesterday was errands day, and I screwed up. My Husband’s diet had to change, so I stocked up on frozen vegetables. I didn’t account for the size of our freezer. Thank God we have a cooler, and we have ice packs. Also, it’s good that it’s… Continue reading Whoops! →

Morning squishy hugs all. Young Master Duke has fulfilled the cuteness requirements, and has been snuggled so far this morning. My Husband is at the table, and again, he has made coffee for me! Woot woot! I keep saying this, but it is a little things, always. This makes up for the tiny things I… Continue reading Morning report →

Morning all, it’s a light and sound hurty sort of day. It started yesterday, and I still haven’t broken the pain cycle with it. The glorious great game of what’s going to make it worse continues. We shall see. Last night, I snuck out to grab supper. I was craving a salad, and my Husband… Continue reading Morning again →

Morning all, it’s a lovely day here in Minnesota, and I’m still in a pretty good mood. Freddie Mercury is crooning in my ear, and I’m inspired. My Husband is doing okay today. We still don’t know when his aneurysm surgery is going to be, and we are still in the holding pattern of “Hurry… Continue reading Crazy little thing called love →

Morning all, have been trying to write for awhile this morning, but the keyboard went to pot. So, here we are. This morning, I’m settled in at the desk. ELO’s Don’t Bring Me Down is blasting in my ears. I let my Husband know that I’m going to be working for a couple of hours,… Continue reading He made me coffee, a day in the life →

Morning all, just finished writing yesterday’s post, and it brought up a new topic. Still have the 80’s music in my ears, and Duke still has tracked mud all over the damned house, what a sweet boy. My favorite word came into play last year. It became my favorite word when I quit being volunteer… Continue reading My favorite Word in any language →

Pre-coffee, so this isn’t going to be something miraculouse or dramatic. 80’s music, sorry Nissyn, is keeping me entertained, and behaving. Decided to start with Wham’s Wake me up before you Go-Go. It’s up beat. It devolved from there. I actually danced at the sink this morning for a second. Maybe, that’s why I am… Continue reading Morning →

Morning all. We have new developments. My Dr’s and I have been consulting, and being naughty, I guess. Okay, those awesome ladies aren’t naughty as often as I am, I think. I switched back to my old Primary Care NP. We talked. Especially since I can no longer take tylenol in any form. She agreed… Continue reading The statin and the wheelchair →

Morning all. Hubble and I are doing okay today. Young Master Duke has taken over our bed, and the world is an okay place to be in. Confession time, my Husband made coffee for me. Considering the shape he’s in, this is a swoon worthy event. He needs snuggle hugs for this. I’m in the… Continue reading All the things →

Hello all, Duke has taken over the bed, and I’m about ready to crawl in. I have a few aches and pains, and am waiting patiently for the ibuprofen to decide to get off its lazy butt and work again. I’ve been trying to figure out how to draw a few things again. It’s frustrating… Continue reading Another late night →

Morning, another canned post. Have been thinking about the magic magnifying mind an alkie or an addict has. Ever want to see this in real life, just go to any group conscience meeting. Watch as the group freaks out over whether or not they are going to sell hotdogs or nachos at the next big… Continue reading Focus →

Morning all, canned post here. Thought I would walk you through a day in the life of a strange person who is 3 fries short of a happy meal. 12-1 in the morning. Depending on the morning. Still awake, waiting for the throbbing to end. I go from the bed to the desk in an… Continue reading An average day →

The Hubble and I are on the road right now. Heading to his first surgery. Yes, I’m pre-writing this post, I’m not driving and mangling a keyboard, weaving in and out of semi-trucks, and watching for ice on bridges. Okay, I could probably do it, from the passenger seat, if my Hubble was driving, and… Continue reading On our way →

Morning all, it’s another pain medication is being lazy day, and I’m going to be laying down in a few with a book or something. I just wanted to check in. Tim, Duke and I are doing okay. We are heading out tomorrow morning, and we all will be home, God willing tomorrow night. We’re… Continue reading February 28th, 2022 →

Yesterday was my Husband’s Birthday. And a few days back, I asked him if he wanted pizza or take out for his Birthday. He didn’t know. It’s rough bringing up celebrating milestones for a man who has a potential death sentence hanging above him. I mean, what do you do? What do you say? How… Continue reading How do you… →

Morning all, I’m waiting for office 365 to download again. Sighs, I didn’t think I wanted it beyond being secretary for that one organization. Yet, for writing beyond the blog, I use word. I’d deleted the subscription when I left the secretary position behind. Now that I am not having to make flyers for this… Continue reading Waiting →

Morning all, it’s almost 7 in the morning, and I have run completely out of canned posts. Yes, this is a canned post. I will be spending most of the day writing, so I can have work ready ahead of time. I apologize, for running behind. Here’s where I am at. I draw for a… Continue reading I’m flat out →

Hello all, another pain day. Thought I would share this one instead.

Morning all. Canned post again. These are my challenge pics for the week.

My husband and I have been together since 2002. I was homeless, and he had a home. He was jobless, and I had a job. We started as roommates, believe it or not. We met in recovery. I had a couple of years, and he had a few months. When my mother died, and we… Continue reading The one ring →

Back to the steps. what a lot of you don’t know, is that my recovery books are all either in Kindle, or they are in a box under my bed. I don’t use pen and paper anymore to work them at all. Most of my step work ends up on a device. To the nay… Continue reading Progress, slow but sure →

Long live the snitch, but far away from me. Had a hard time with it yesterday. It was the change day for the patch and needle that was in my gut. The problem was, I was too stupid to figure it out. Google didn’t work, youtube didn’t work, I retried for hours, and gave up.… Continue reading I’m too stupid to figure it out →

Morning all, Am currently waiting for my grocery order to be filled. I need to pick it up in 3 hours. It took weeks to make this order out. Weeks of starting with a huge order of everything we need. The first order total is almost a thousand dollars, and includes every tiny thing that… Continue reading Reduce, reuse, and substitute. →

Listening to a talk today about someone who swims against the tide. I’m waiting, and I’m scared. He’s in bed, and I hope, and I cry, I pray. It’s the not knowing that is the worst. I keep looking at our marriage certificate. There’s no expiration date on it. Not one. My homework assignment, focusing… Continue reading While he rests →

Good morning all, it’s a quiet day in 2022. Duke and my Hubble are both sleeping soundly. I’m sitting here with my Big Buddy full of coffee, a water flask, and a 1 liter jug of pink lemonade. It’s the time of day when I am unsupervised. The fellers are so cute, and I just… Continue reading The magic hour →

Why is it when I’m on my last nerve, somebody takes it as a challenge to do jumping jacks on it? I mean seriously, WHY? Yesterday was another low blood sugar day, and I spent the evening trying to keep my sugars high enough that I stayed out of the Emergency Department. So, I didn’t… Continue reading The last nerve →

The Dexcom G6 saved my life last night. I nap, quite a bit. Especially after I have a big day the day before. I wore my headphones to sleep and watched a couple of youtube videos as I laid down. Next thing I knew, there was an alarm. It took quite awhile to wake me… Continue reading The snitch, and change →

Afternoon all, this is one of the hardest days today. Today we were told the my husband might not survive a surgery that if he doesn’t get, he will die. So, I will be using pre-written posts from now on, until he either survives and hopefully recovers, or I am a widow. There’s a log… Continue reading Leave of absense →

Morning all, I went out and about last night. Here are my adventures. We need to start with the day before yesterday. I bleach my hair, I enjoy bleaching my hair. The day before yesterday was the first wash after the last bleach job, and I used again the recommended conditioner in my hair. Um…… Continue reading Life is still good →

I sit here, frustrated, angry, and feeling like a fool. I’m learning how to deal with the snitch. I went to the kitchen, and had my normal morning coffee. The snitch started warning me. “Hey, your blood sugar is climbing.” I hadn’t taken my insulin yet, and hadn’t had my meds yet. The only thing… Continue reading Seriously? It’s the coffee? →

Hello all, now that I’m wearing the snitch, I have come up with a couple of ideas. I’ve decided to post my challenges on instagram, and somewhat here on the blog. Challenge 1: To draw for an hour a day. I will be drawing for an hour daily, this could be as simple as coloring… Continue reading Challenge time →

3 dog sweaters are finished!!!!!!!! Happy dance! Woot woot woot! They will be delivered on Thursday, and I couldn’t be happier. Holy Crap. I’m tickled pink! Okay, that’s out of the way. I’ve also been doing other mischief and mayhem. I downloaded an app to the phone and to the tablet. It reminds me of… Continue reading Morning →

Morning all, hugs, another sick day, and pre-written post for you. In December, I was contacted my my nurse practitioner about the diabetes. We agreed that I would take more insulin, and test more often. Later that month, another nurse got ahold of me, and we started talking about a meter that automatically tests blood… Continue reading Fear →

I’m about to have a come apart! I mean seriously… Why the hell don’t any of the sewing patterns that fit have pockets! I mean seriously. I don’t carry purses! I’m about to have a lose my sheet moment here folks. I shouldn’t have to alter a pattern to add pockets. Come on! What the… Continue reading WTF! Even my sewing patterns don’t have pockets! →

Morning all, have to take a medical day today. So this is a ‘canned’ post. I’m writing this on Feb 5th 2022. The reason I pre-write is so that I can take a day or two when the pain or the body say, yeah no, stay in bed. Avoid the desk today. So, that’s what… Continue reading Taking a day off →

Morning, the funk has decended upon us. Please shoot at will. Just kidding, kinda. Anyways, Having 3 types of liquids handy at all times is adorable, and good for the city’s utility company. They make lots of money when I get sick. I end up flushing twice as much as normal. If you can’t take… Continue reading Why I carry a knife, and other stories →

Morning all, I thought I’d bring you up to date on the mischief and mayhem I’ve got in progress. Cross stitch and embroidery: One I can’t adult today counted cross stitch project. One I can’t adult today embroidery project. Both are for when I need to stab something repeatedly, over and over again. Counted cross… Continue reading I can’t adult today and other wips →

Hello all, welcome to another five minutes in my brain. Yes, I am weird, and if you have been following my blog for over five minutes, you will know this for a fact. Kinda like that “facts” guy on youtube shorts. On the first of February, the Hubble noticed that I was feeling quite prickly.… Continue reading A glitch in the system →

Morning all, it’s a lovely day in the neighborhood. Okay, it’s o’dark thirty again, and I need my back cracked by a team of obsessive compulsive chiropractors on a mission. That said, I’m in relatively okay spirits. Tiktok is keeping me surprisingly entertained lately. When I can’t focus for the pain, I rely on the… Continue reading A certain obsession →

Morning, am doing the low sleep thing again. Was up till almost 1 am, and just couldn’t get my tail to bed. Speaking of tails, Sir Barks a lot, aka Duke is sound asleep on my bed, and the Hubs is still counting sheep. Sighs, I’d feel abandoned by my men, but you know, having… Continue reading Still not awake yet →

Morning, another day when it’s o’dark thirty, and the boys are sound asleep. Duke has already sung the song of his people, and is busy taking up my whole bed because, you know it’s still a little warm from my leaving it not too long ago. I think he does it so I get my… Continue reading While the males in the house sleep soundly →

Mr Duke has gone out, and sung the song of his people. Sadly, it’s 11 below zero out there, and he couldn’t spend enough time getting the news, sports and weather because none of the other dogs were out in this cold stuff. Now, he is resting, waiting for warmer weather, curled up on my… Continue reading Below zero blues →

Howdy, just wanted to share some new tools I have acquired. I get it, why when money is so tight, and I have so many other hobbies did I spend the money? I can’t tell the absolute truth on it. I do enjoy sketching, drawing, and painting, but they are not my avocation. I am… Continue reading New tool kit →

Morning all, It’s time to start thinking about camping again. Have been putting it off as long as I could, and I can’t any longer. Spring isn’t that far away, and to have everything ready for camping season I have sto start now. WTF? It’s early February you say? Yep. With a limited income, I… Continue reading Camping prep →

Morning all, the fellas are asleep, and I’m settled in with a cuppa. Homicidal urges are still there, but you know, it’s a part of life. According to Google Maps, I wrove 121 miles yesterday, and was in the car for 5 hours and 14 minutes of that driving. I know it was much more… Continue reading I have road rage →

Hullo again all, I’ve been interspersing off the cuff posts with pre-programming. So, when you get more than one post per day, it’s my fault entirely. Clanadonia, a Scots drum band is one of my favorites. Their album Keeping it Tribal is just yummy. It stirs the blood enough that I can get through. As… Continue reading Tu-Bardh is helping me get through the morning. →

Morning, the Hubs and I are still waiting and praying. Duke is busy licking his paws, and I’m enjoying some Tang. I don’t always imbibe coffee like it is the elixer of life. There are days I don’t have coffee until mid afternoon. But that’s not the point of this post. Due to medical, the… Continue reading Weird things we do →

Evening, I prefer to pre-write most of my posts, but tonight I’m waiting impatiently for the pain meds to kick in. Last night I couldn’t sleep to save my bacon. So I was up until after 5 in the morning. I got up just after 11, and not long after 2, I was back in… Continue reading Pain days from hell →

Good morning, hope all is well with you. Duke and I have already sung the song of his people, and the coffee maker is busy making the morning right. We have made the executive decision that today we will snuggle more than we did yesterday. Not possible? Hush you, this is Duke’s executive decision, and… Continue reading Waiting, just waiting →

I dreamed that I was a normie. HAHAHAHA just kidding. Morning all, I’m playing with a theory that in my dreams I’m okay, and can walk and run just like normal people do. Sadly, tthat will never happen again. Talk about heart breaking. At least in my dreams I can run eh? The conversion of… Continue reading Woke up from a strange dream again →

Morning all, It seeems that winter will never end, and that there just isn’t enough coffee to go around these days. Have hope, please, it’s 50 days until Spring. Bernat’s Yarnspirations baby blanket yarn isn’t worth the cost of the yarn. It’s basically crap yarn. However, there is one thing it is useful for. That’s… Continue reading Pet sweaters →

Earlier this month, my husband and I took a day trip for some medical needs. On our way back, we stopped at a smoke shop and a dollar store. Our cookie stash was dangerously low, and I get quite fiesty when I can’t have a cigarrette. One thing I had learned a long time ago,… Continue reading The fall →

Morning, hope your coffee is at the perfect temp, and the day goes smoothly for you. I am slowly converting the book shelves over into yarn and fabric storage. This is an interesting task. I found my old ipad mini 4, which hasn’t worked in quite awhile. The good news, is that the case from… Continue reading The giant tote of books, under the bed. →

I believe that the other day I wrote about the Hubsy monkeying with my treadle. He is still breathing, and doesn’t know about the damage he did. The main reason I freaked out is he ran her backwards and twisted all the knobs in whatever direction he wanted. This monkeyed the machine up past the… Continue reading A few updates →

Morning, have had a lovely cuppa tea, and some louisiana hot sauce on my breakfast this morning. The peppers help the pain levels. Kinda like a booster shot, you know? Any ways, I have been working on the wee beastie of a tablet again, and I was hemming and hawing over what I was going… Continue reading Weird, but it works →

Morning all, still snowed in here, hope all is going well with you and yours. Duke and I are busy assimilating enough to get through the morning. I am working on coffee, and he of course has his chew bones. Yesterday, I dug out my old laptop bag, and worked on converting it to a… Continue reading I dug something out. →

There were adventures to be had, and mayhem was accomplished last night. I may be paying the Piper this morning though. Okay, let’s start with my plans for world domination. Since the office/dungeon/stitchery room is also our bedroom and living room, I couldn’t do as much as I wanted yesterday. Hubsy wasn’t feeling well, and… Continue reading Snap, Crackle, Pop and the treadle sewing machine →

Morning all, it’s one of those days when the snow is deeper than the happy horse crap around here. That’s a good thing, I think, though my neighbors probably don’t think it is so. I’m writing this on a new tablet. I just was falling way too behind on everything tablet related, this blog being… Continue reading The newest gear →

Morning all, It’s about 20 to five in the morning, and I’m waiting for the tylenol, aleve, and the hotsauce to kick in. It’s too cold to let Duke out yet, and the Hubs is sound asleep. Hopefully the Hubs is not feeling much pain this morning. Yesterday was a grocery run, and it was… Continue reading Freezing your everything off →

Morning all, my laptop says that it is –1 degree F out there. Which is –18 C roughly for those of you who use real temps. Duke and I have already sung the song of his people, and he’s taken over the bed for the rest of the morning. I’m settled in as usual with… Continue reading There are still clothes I buy →

Morning, I have some hot coffee, and a feller is pointing out the intricate details of a cheap aluminum stove on youtube right now. I’m entertained, at least. The last couple of nights have been rat bastards from hell for pain. I want someone to do jumping jacks on my spine with a sledge hammer.… Continue reading Pain day from hell →

Morning all, am snuggled up in a sweater, blankets, and heating pad behind the computer. The temps have increased a bit over night, but I’m not taking any chances. In giving up the secretary’s position for the service community, I had to learn a new word. It had fast become my favorite. I giggle, sometimes… Continue reading Morning and a new favorite word →

3 overripe bananas 1 stick butter a cup or two of flour I just put in enough to make it thick pinch salt heaping hand full of brown sugar a thumb print sized mound of baking soda in your palm 2 eggs a couple of shakes of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg orange zest Okay, the… Continue reading Banana Bread →

Hello all, I’ve been playing on the laptop for a few days. It’s actually been surprisingly entertaining. I’ve discovered twitch. I’ve also been struck by curiosity stream, and other venues of mischievous entertainment. Heck, I’ve even been playing a modern version of jezzball. Jezzball, that game I spent a thousand hours back when Windows 98… Continue reading It’s the little things →

I spent the day yesterday cussing out my poor wee laptop. She’s a good girl, and I love her. However, trying to get a laptop to do the work of a tablet is much harder than the other way around. I finally figured out which apps I desperately need, and I am actually using the… Continue reading Morning, a long day →

Morning, all. Today, I have come up with the executive decision that in dealing with computers, there are not enough swear words on the planet. I do various mischief and mayhem on computers, and manage a website for a small company. This morning, I’ve been updating apps, and grumbling my way through certain versions of… Continue reading Not enough swear words →

I got nothing. My brain is jelly this morning. I’m settled in, just like always. We have gone out to brave the cold and sing the song of our people. The things have been prepped for, and this and that have been done and did. However, the inspiration I usually get when I start the… Continue reading Morning, →

I’ve been giving you a glossed over history of NA from the book Miracles Happen… by NA world services. More information is always available, however, I feel that it is time to dig into the Basic Text. Our Symbol On page xv of the book Narcotics Anonymous, the title Our Symbol is at the top.… Continue reading NA Step Study →

Morning all, hope you are warm and safe. Master Duke has already barked his greetings to the world in morning prayer, and I of course am safely ensconced at the desk thinking horrible thoughts. I have a pocket project in the works. It’s done with scrap fabrics, completely by hand. I know, I have 3… Continue reading Hand sewing versus machine work →

Morning all, for the coffee before the coffee is done… I follow the following proceedure. The night before, at bedtime, I make a pot of coffee, and put it directly in the fridge. While the coffee maker in the morning, (a little 5 cupper) is brewing, I can zap a quick cup and enjoy until… Continue reading Morning coffee recipe →

Morning all, the Duke has taken my spot in the bed, and I’m well into a good day. I was thrilled to have a blood sugar of 88 this morning. Usually my fasting blood sugar is over 300. Wait, what? Yep, over 300. Think broke diet, combined with depression. We are well on our way… Continue reading On track with the blood sugars →

Morning all, I’m listening to a podcast, and am finishing the morning cup. This morning, during my daily call with a recovery friend, I realized that I had no clue where my recovery Bible was. I had no idea. So, I began digging. I’m the current custodian of 2 recovery Bibles at this point. Do… Continue reading What about the Recovery Bible? →

Morning all, just settling in for the day, and I’m working on starting to think a bit. Recently I wrote about the early demise of my tablet. I’m now writing this on that self same tablet. What was wrong? It wouldn’t start at all. It had shut down, and no matter how many hours I… Continue reading Crappy charging cords →

Morning all, it’s been awhile since I’ve done a bullet journal/journal post. Doing a bullet journal post without pics, well seems assinine. However, this is my blog. I’m not huge on posting pictures of the journal for any reason. Spreads I usually use. Calendar and appointments: -this is a simple spread found in almost every… Continue reading Journal/Bullet Journal update →

Morning all, I’m swilling down a caramel flavored coffee with too much creamer. My neck has popped a couple of times, and I’ve had a couple of cigarettes. So, I’m awake enough I suppose to write. We are at the part of winter where the doldrums have settled in. Christmas is long past, and the… Continue reading Acceptible, Responsible, and Productive member of that society →

I overhauled the dungeon yesterday. I’m hurting from ear to tail. However, I’m also going to the store later. It’s my quiet time away from the house type thing. Sighs, please shoot me. In other news, I have the sewing machine set up on top of another sewing machine. IE. My new home treadle is… Continue reading Confession time →

Morning all, thought I’d do a walk through of my favorite stitching tools. Let’s start with the sewing category. Sewing Starting with my treadle sewing machines… Singer model 66 from 1924. I’ve converted her to hand crank. She is just beautiful. Then we have the New Home machine. She is older, and still in the… Continue reading A few of my stitching tools →

Morning all, first cuppa has been assimilated, and I’m waiting tor the 2nd to brew. I am also in mourning. Sometime during the night, my tablet kicked the bucket. The sad part? I’m still paying on it. I’m frustrated and hurt. So, I’m typing this up on a cell phone with an external keyboard from… Continue reading When a tablet dies →

I’ve been watching too many youtube videos again. In an earlier post, I mentioned that the Hubs and I really don’t buy gifts for each other for Holidays. I did buy my beloved a Christmas present in 2021. He uses so many ice packs each year, he feels it helps his pain. However, he uses… Continue reading Adding to my journal kit →

Back in the 1930’s a little fellowship grew on the east coast of America. It was called Alcoholics Anonymous. In February of 1950, a man named Jimmy K joined that fellowship. He was not alone. Others in those rooms had already begun to seek each other out, addicts in AA. In the past, other versions… Continue reading Narcotics Anonymous History →

Morning all, I’ve had my shower, and am getting ready for a busier day than usual. Duke is heading to the Vet today. He needs his rabies shots, and we have had to reschedule several times due to my physical limitations. I also need to go through the store, and grab a few bits and… Continue reading One stitch at a time →

Morning all, last month, I had to let my daughter know that we couldn’t do Christmas gifts. It was one of the hardest conversations I had to make. You see, at Thanksgiving, our hot water heater died. Talk about swear words. We got by. However, the money I’d set aside for Christmas had to obviously… Continue reading Hard choices →

Morning, it’s time for a cuppa, and to dig into working the steps of NA the way I have been taught. Note: I was taught how to study the steps in the other fellowship, and I was taught how to work the steps in NA by an AA member. If this isn’t what you are… Continue reading Step Study, Narcotics Anonymous →

Morning, I’ve probably rewritten this post a few times. For this study, you will need. Books Alcoholics Anonymous, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and a dictionary. You can use the kindle versions of the literature, which includes a built in dictionary on the app. You will need a notebook and writing utensils, or a tablet… Continue reading Working the program a literature study. AA →

I have a double headed icord knitting loom. The side I am using is 5 pegs. Mainstay yarn, acrylic. I am using backstitch to sew it together as I knit. The goal is to have it be about 10 inches in diameter for holding my skillet. Note: If you whack a piping hot skillet on… Continue reading icord potholder on a knitting loom →

Morning. Crap. I’ve been spending the last hour or so organizing my knitting tools. I have a big project bag for UFO’s. And they are evil. Totally freaking evil. There’s the Pi shawls from heck. They were supposed to be done quite awhile ago. Then there is the project I started yesterday. The potholder made… Continue reading Attack of the killer UFO’s →

I’ve just finished another sewing project. I made a pocket. The fabric is a generic cotton fabric, and the lining is a felt cotton. The inner lining is hunter green. The thread is coats and clark black. It took about 2 hours to make. The strap is a leftover from a purse I never use… Continue reading Sewing project →

Hello all, good morning. It’s time for the end of year inventory. What do I mean by that? WTH? Chuckle. Yes, I do a weird end of year inventory thing. Something that helps me to learn more about who I am and why I do what I do. This isn’t exactly recovery related, I have… Continue reading How a journal helps the end of year inventory. →

When I was new in recovery, we had a bitching meeting. It was cathartic. We sat and vented about everything that was wrong in the world and our lives. We didn’t offer help to each other, we didn’t try to solve each other’s problems. We just vented, got the pressure out, and moved on with… Continue reading Looking at the joys in addition to the problems →

Something my best friend and Sponsor and I have done for quite a long time was to pass on our medallions on to the next generation of people in recovery. I’ve also given them to people I love and care about as well. Tonight, I talked with her, and she had the group present her… Continue reading Passing it on →

Morning all, Huge hugs! My wish for you this Christmas, is that you are safe, warm, and content. May God be with you, and you be okay. I’m hoping that you are blessed, comfortable, and that the Spirit of Love fills you with hope and joy. Hugs, -L

Morning all, Merry Christmas. I happen to have a love/hate with cocoa and chocolate. However, over the years, I’ve mastered a cocoa recipe that I happen to enjoy. This is done per cup, not as a batch. You will need. Fresh coffee, made to your comfort. Creamer or Cream. Your choice. Caramel Flavor syrup. A… Continue reading Christmas Cocoa Recipe →

Morning all, I spent last night trying to stitch together a pocket, ala 18th century. Sadly, with my current method of winging it, I crashed and burned. I ruined the fabric, and finally just threw it away. I’ve done this before, but this time, at least, I threw it out before I started swearing. The… Continue reading A waste of time and materials, or is it. →

Hello all, good morning. The Hubs and I have been okay. Yet with winter full in, well, pain levels have been evil. It seems that the colder and more brutal it is outside, the worse it gets with the whole arthritis is a wretch from hell thing. So, my Husband and I have simplified as… Continue reading Simple Holidays →

Morning all, on this cold winter morning, I want to talk about project bags. Blackie Thomas on youtube does bushcraft survival/camping videos. He makes a mean decent meal over a tiny stove, and gives horse sense solutions to many problems. In one of his videos he gave me one heck of an idea. Project bags.… Continue reading Project bags →

Morning all, I have a small fountain pen collection. I work very hard to make sure that it just stays that small. As with all obsessions, I just don’t want to get too far under with it. I use them mostly for my journals. I’ve been journaling since I learned my abc’s. Of course most… Continue reading Playing with fountain pens →

Morning all, am still awake, and since I’m on night hours again, I might as well write. I’m listening to a biography on Tolkien. His sons are featured in this version, and I’m glad to know that being a nerd raised with Hobbits and such that he was such a nerd himself. When I was… Continue reading Late night with the Hobbitses →