Pot Bellied Stove / Water Cooler
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Good Morning, I trust that I'm finally here early enough to finish a whole comment. Wednesday, I slept in and John was up before me, and yesterday, John got up early and I never finished what I started.
Sunday, Norma and Simon drove around Salem to see all the places Norma remembered...she went to college in Salem and lived there a year or two after graduation. She said that the city sure has changed over time, she couldn't find one of her apartments. The college has changed dramatically, really grew much bigger and a gorgeous campus. They arrived at our house about 3 pm and I had swiss steak simmering, so it could be ready to serve at any time, just cook the potatoes for mashing. They weren't hungry yet, so we visited and Norma asked me about my sleep number bed. She needs a new bed and since I raved about mine, and Mom and Dad got one just like mine and raved about it also, she was interested. So, we left the guys at home and Norma and I went to the Sleep Number Bed Store. Bottom line, she bought a bed and because I'm an owner, I got her a discount and it will be delivered to her house on Saturday, October 3rd. She really upgraded from what I have, super nice, she got an adjustable bed since she reads a lot in bed. Got back home and fixed the potatoes and asparagus. I also had roasted beets and green onions and sour dough toast. The dinner turned out good, I love meals that can simmer and improve and be ready whenever we are.
Monday, we went out to breakfast to start out our scenic drive. Kitchen Table Café and I got my favorite eggs benedict with avocado. You probably remember that John and I RARELY go out on holidays, we don't like the crowds, but, this had to be an exception because it was the only time Norma had off from work. Well, it was definitely crowded...drove up to Crown Point but couldn't stop and look around, no parking space available. We drove on and as we neared Multnomah Falls, the line of cars on the narrow two lane road got longer and longer. We sat bumper to bumper for what seemed like an eternity, (actually about 20 minutes), and as we inched up to see the line of cars, where the road narrows even more, closer to the falls, we saw two huge motorhomes trying to pass each other and didn't look like they could possibly make it. They did finally make it and the big motorhome going in the opposite direction passed us, but we didn't move forward at all. The smaller cars in line started to turn around, which made room for us to turn around also. We drove back about 2 miles and got onto the Interstate that, at that portion of the gorge, parallels the old highway. As we passed the Falls, from a greater distance, we saw lights flashing and lots of emergency vehicles. Simon got a glimpse of the falls, although not nearly as impressive as if we could have walked up to the viewing bridge. (Later, at night, the news said that a man had slipped and fell at the falls, I haven't been able to find any further news on that and I don't know how far he fell or if he survived.) We continued on the Interstate and stopped at Bonneville Dam and took the tour there. Headed for home and then stopped at our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner, it was a great day even though it wasn't exactly as planned.
It is so exciting for me to see my sister so happy again. She and Simon seem to make the perfect couple, BUT, taking the relationship very slow to make sure. My sister is very wise and doing things right. Simon is a perfect gentleman and not pressuring her into something she is not ready for. They are now planning a trip for Norma to meet his family, he has 2 daughters and 1 son and several grandchildren, I forgot how many, but one grand-daughter that is entering college and Norma met her when Simon brought her to pick up some furniture from Mom and Dad's house a couple months ago.
Wow, I got long-winded...better post this before I lose it. And, of course, refill my mug.0 -
Had another mug of coffee and I'm back. Just a note about algae in the pool, yes, the roughness of the surface can cause more algae to form quicker, at least in plastic pools. Every few years, I need to replace the plastic pools for the birds because I can't keep it clean any longer. The more I need to scrub it clean, the more roughness I create. It's a vicious circle.
It's forecast to be hot today, 94 degrees. I'll do chores this morning, but will probably take it easy, in front of the fan, this afternoon.
I forgot to share with you the email that I got from Granny last week. Changing apartments was a wonderful move for her, she sounds like she is doing so much better now. Here's an excerpt:
Things have been busy around here as usual. I haven't had much time with the kids now that school has started and all of them are in school all day. Mike usually takes care of them on weekends, so we don't get to babysit them. I miss them, but my new friends here at the apartment complex keep me plenty busy. Our little bus goes to Walmart 3 times a week, and several other places once a week. He takes a group out to eat a few times a week, sometimes for dinner and sometimes for breakfast. It just costs a dollar to ride it, so I go a lot instead of driving myself.
I have my apartment looking pretty nice now. Picked up some place mats for the table that match my chair cushions and curtains. Found several cardinals to sit around the house and outside the door. I have made so many new friends. This place has pretty much brought me out of the depression I have been in since NM quit. Now if they would just get my teeth to fit right. They re-lined them last Wednesday, and I had several really painful days. Then on Tuesday they adjusted them and the pain is almost all gone now. I sure wish I had chosen a different dentist.
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Hi all.
Still feeling like death warmed over. Just popping in to wish you all a wonderful weekend.0 -
Hope you get recharged over the weekend. Rest and energize!0
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Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the lovely compliments on our wall and our home. Dan did a great job on the paint and is very proud of himself - and rightfully so! Hope you are all having a great weekend! It is still hot and humid here today - has been all week. It is supposed to get gradually cooler starting tomorrow. I hope they are correct. We get SO spoiled here but it has felt like FL this week!
We are just being lazy today. I ordered myself to at least clean my sinks today but I ignored me. 
Dan has been working on putting the landscape back in place this week. Part of that is a "river rock" pathway on the edge of our zero lot line which touches the neighbor's house. He is getting rid of some of the bigger rocks and rearranging it so if we ever get more heavy rains there won't be a risk of flooding their home. It is hard work but it keeps him busy! Kinda like keeping John busy with his copper fittings.
Marcie, bummer on the cold! Your resistance has been really low this year. Hope you are feeling tip top soon. At least your finger is healing.
Debora, sounds like your weekend family trip was wonderful! The lodge looks great and has lots of amenities. Great planning too.
Anew, the pull out cutting board looks interesting. Looks like it would be low enough for a short person like me. That washstand dresser looks great too. I think it will look nice painted. Look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Sheryl, so happy to hear that your visit with Norma and Simon went so well. Bummer about not getting up to the falls but you all made the best of it anyway. The swiss steak was a great idea! Can we please have your recipe? I know what you mean about how wonderful it is to see Norma happy again. I hope their relationship just blossoms more and more! I could tell that Granny was really coming out of her depression at this new place. Thank you so much Lord for leading her there! What a wonderful blessing to have so many new friends and activities. Thanks for sharing the update.
Dan and I started watching the Downton Abbey DVDs yesterday and were hooked immediately! We were impressed with the quality of the acting, the photography, the writing, in short - everything! What a snake that Thomas is!! We have watched the first 2 discs of season 1 and are planning to go and watch more episodes in a few minutes. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.
I am going to re-heat a kitchen sink rice dish skillet meal I made earlier in the week for dinner and keep it simple. It has ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, onion, celery, bell peppers, Fresno chiles and Mexican spices. When I serve it I'll put some sliced avocado on top.
Talk to you all soon. Love ya!0 -
Hi everyone, I've been busy doing about nothing, lol. Sleep has been a real problem and the mild headache is back so I am battling that. Hubby brought my little island in the kitchen this morning for me, it has the bottom support shelf and wheels on it but will still need the tongue and groove board put on the bottom support board to finish that section. It sits about 1/2" above the floor with the wheels hidden and I love that about it because it saved height and it looks like it sits on the floor.
He set one of the extra door pieces we'll be using for the little coffee bar on the top and a piece of plywood to raise it up then I added my actual cutting board to it. I want to use it for a week or two to see how the height works for me and so far tonight is very good. If I need to raise it up some I still have the option to do it, it seems to be a great height without having to lift my shoulders for food prep and I think the size will be great too. The total height right now with all the extras on it is 34.5" and the next step is to build the drawer that goes across the top. Once that is done I will need to order those baskets for the onions, potatoes and garlic so we can decide how low the upper shelf needs to go.
To build the drawer I need to contact the cabinet company to order the drawer boards with the dados already cut into it and the boards are sanded with a rounded edge on top which is perfect for reaching into without getting scratched on a rough cut square edge like plywood would leave. We used the same boards to build our kitchen drawers so they should work perfectly for this project. I also need to do some painting before we go any further on the build but at least I can try it out for now and make some critical space decisions.
Mygnsac, kick that colds butt, I know you can do it! Seriously though, I hope you are feeling better now.
Sannferris, it's good to hear about granny and her happier side coming back. I also hope you stayed out of the heat like I do.
Isyvanek, Ick on the heat and humidity lingering because I am still not used to this Texas weather so I know exactly what you are feeling. A/C is the only way out of that but it sure gets expensive. I didn't buy the marble top dresser, I was just in heaven about dreaming what I could do with it. I do realize that I probably could have purchased it and fixed it up then sold it but I have a lot of projects already going and I wouldn't have any safe place to put it while waiting to get to it. It sure is perfect for someone who rolls dough and makes bread because of the marble so it would sit perfectly in someones dining room or kitchen.
Oh and the pullout cutting board is awesome, it's amazing looking at old 1940's and 50's kitchens with all their innovation. Here's a link to some 50's kitchens
housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/kitchens/g393/kitchens-1950s-0609/?
I made salisbury steak for dinner with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus bundles wrapped in proscuitto. Hubby was happy, lol. Have a great night everyone.
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Hi, have about a half hour to chat and you better hope I don't take the whole time. Thursday was Ralph's appointment in the morning. Every two weeks rolls around quickly. Afterwards I went to Walmart while he went to the used bookstore. We ate, went home. I got the stuff I needed and headed for another town. I got the State Fair entries checked in and then did my grocery shopping and got the make-up for our friends in Kenya. I don't wear makeup so was glad the clerk helped. It was on sale, the clerk gave me 5 coupons and I used the Walgreen points I could and it still seemed like a lot of money. I got home, unloaded everything (no 1 sack at a time this time) and we headed for Lori's. I watched Emily while they all went to the play. Afterwards we went to Home Depot and got more boxes and Ralph has already filled them up. I think we have like 16 boxes of books so we'll take what we can and then make another trip soon.
Friday I walked. Then my sister, Ralph and I went to Grandparent's day. Just the walking we did during that time ended up being around 2000 steps and Ralph was tired. We parked and walked to the classrooms, then we walked to the chapel (close to where we parked). We sat with the 4th and 5th graders during chapel. After it, we went with the kindgartner and walked to the church way across the street and had a tea. Tablecloths, servers for each table, name tags, decorations which were also a take home for each household represented. There were breads and cookies to eat and several kinds of hot tea and pretty cups to have it in. Then the kids had some songs they sang for us and then there was a slide show where each child said something about their grandparents. Paige said she loves me because I make supper. We had the afternoon at home and then we went to our Pastor's house for the evening. There were 14 of us there - lots of good finger food and a fun evening of getting to know each other better.
Today I spent the morning making sure the house is straightened, doing dinner stuff - chicken out of the freezer, cut a watermelon, got the rice cooker and crockpot out and stuff like that. We went to a memorial service this afternoon. And in a little while my sister and I will head off to watch the melodrama. Tomorrow's Sunday and a full day too. We'll see when things slow down or if they do.
Anew, glad the paint is working out so well.
Marcie, sorry you are feeling so lousy. This is when I'm glad germs can't sneak through the computer. Hope you're better today and your dad doesn't get it. Yuck on the algae. We warmed up, cooled down and now it's supposed to warm up again. Keeps you guessing on what to wear.
Anew, the dresser does look cool. Glad you're so thorough in your research so you eventually know the best thing to do.
Sheryl, your meal sounds yummy. Cool that your sister got a bed with your help and that you got out of Multnomah Falls okay. The day still had more good than bad in it. So smart of Norma to take the relationship slow. But it sounds like it's going well and a nice good thing with all the work she's had going on with the stuff to take care of with your dad's passing and the house.
Glad you heard from Granny and she's going a lot better. She told me that the bus driver is like 92. It's not as convenient for G-ma to see her but it's a good place for her.
Isabella, being our own boss makes it so easy to not listen. It will get done tomorrow. Next we'll need pictures of the river rock pathway. Your supper sounds good. I had more of the zucchini I roasted. It's good but I'd rather have a smaller one to do next time. I'm ready for the new season of Downton Abby to start.
Anew, cool that you can try out your new kitchen island. So smart. Tell that headache to disappear.
My sister got here before I finished this before. The melodrama was lots of fun and of course, Thomas did a good job. Julie was there with the guy she is now dating. And we went and bought more boxes before the play as Ralph filled the ones we got Thursday night. He did get the dining room table cleared off so we can use it tomorrow. For now I'd better close and head for bed. Have a good Sunday.
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Thought I'd drop in quick before church.
Anew, smart not to take on any extra projects when you have so many that you are working on right now. Also a wonderful idea to take the new island for a "test drive" before you complete it and get it all set up so you can make sure the height is perfect. I know I've mentioned this before but that is my biggest problem - my shoulders are always up when prepping food because my counters are too high for me.
Debora, Sounds like the grandparents day was fun. And the melodrama too. You are so blessed to have such a great family so close. Your church sounds wonderful too.
OK, gotta get going. I'll try to drop in later. Have an awesome day!0 -
Good Sunday Morning. This is my second try...computer froze up and I had to do a restart, therefore, I lost all I had written before.
Don't have any plans yet today, John's still in bed and I'm feeling very lazy. That's my usual these days, so many chores and not wanting to get started on any of them. Yesterday, college football was on tv all day, so I left it on and John would sit and watch a little, then go outside again, get hot and come in and cool down and watch a little more. Today is NFL football and the same scenario will probably play out, although it shouldn't be as hot outside.
My "swiss steak" came from my mom, no written recipe, just would throw it together over the years. I understand that traditional swiss steak is in a tomato base, ours is in brown gravy. When I met John's mom, she would cook up just about the same thing and called it "smothered steak". Anyway, I start with bottom round steak and cut into serving pieces, salt and pepper and then pound flour into it. I use a stiff pastry blender to pound, however, after this last trip to clean out the Pasadena house, I confiscated the tool that my mom has always used. I don't know how to describe it, but it has three blades on it that works the flour into the meat. This last batch, that I prepared last Sunday, knowing that it would be simmering on the stove for a long time, I wanted extra thick meat so it wouldn't just fall apart and be shredded meat in gravy. I discovered that London Broil is simply thick bottom round, worked out perfectly. (And, it was on sale, yay). I brown the meat in olive oil, used to use Crisco shortening, but NM taught me that olive oil is better for us. As the meat is browning, I slice up 2-3 brown onions, OK, I used 4 this time, can't have too many onions, and throw them in the pot to "sauté". After the meat is browned and the onions are limp, I cover the whole thing with part water and part chicken broth and let it simmer for hours (til the meat is tender). My mom would use only water, but I like the richness and flavor that the broth brings to the gravy. The flour that was pounded into the meat causes the gravy to thicken.
This coming week I need to make appointments that have been put on hold for awhile. I had cancelled a dentist appointment when my Dad died and I went down for the service and to move my Mom. Time to reschedule that. I need the car serviced and had planned to do that before our long road trip, but they couldn't fit me in before we left. It will be closer now to the appropriate mileage since we drove round trip to California. And, I need to get my eyes checked and new glasses. I was told to wait a year after chemo, because that treatment changes my vision, can you believe that it's been a year now? I am still on a daily pill, but that's different from the chemo that they put directly into my bloodstream. I'll make phone calls tomorrow and get all this scheduled...may be a busy week, but more likely, the appointments will be stretched out over a few weeks.
My mug is cold and empty...time for a refill.0 -
Sheryl, Sounds like you are going to have a busy week or two! Thanks so much for sharing your mom's recipe! Sounds yummy!
Gotta go watch more Downton Abbey.
BTW Debora, I checked on line and they said the 6th and final season of Downton Abbey will start on Jan. 3, 2016.
Have a great week everyone!0 -
Hmmmm, then it must be some other show I watch on that channel starting later. Of course, new seasons are starting on all the channels, so I'll have way too much to watch soon. You should be ready to watch the new season when it starts then.0
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Hi everyone, I've been lovingly searching for cabinet hardware for both projects and found some old Hoosier cabinet drawer cup pulls. I found three so it's perfect because I will use two on the island drawer and one on the coffee bar cabinet drawer. I've also been searching for some hinges to match and a door knob to match and both of these items are for the little coffee bar cabinet. In my research of Hoosier hardware I came across this forum regarding them and had to laugh but had to think too.
flashbacksummer.com/2014/07/a-hoosier-cabinet-makeover.html#
In this forum there is an ad that says, "the Hoosier Cabinet saves the housewife 1500 steps in the kitchen". When the usual was 2000 steps in a day. So here we are trying to get in the steps to stay healthy and we had it all before the new age kitchen with the Hoosier cabinet to store everything we needed for making a meal, especially the bread portion.
I also see the correlation between living in the city and not on the farm as part of the reason our country has become so unhealthy. In the name of helping the housewife she really just got less exercise in her day and living in the city meant no outside chores unless she had a house with yard work. It's interesting to me to keep up with the history of our country and how things have progressed in time. Now if we can get all the junk foods brought into our lives starting about the 1940's out of our lives, I think we could all be a lot healthier.
The final part of that is I am working on this project to make more space in my kitchen and to get that 48" counter space all for myself so I can use it to prep meals in my little kitchen. I think I will keep in mind that all the walking I do in my kitchen now will be less when I get that counter space to use so I need to be mindful to add more steps into my day.
Just a little "Food for thought".
Goodnight everyone, well you, I'll probably be hanging out here for a while.
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Good Morning. I actually have the space heaters on this morning, it's chilly. Possible rain later today too.
My breathing is better than last winter and I plan to let John use the woodstove again as soon as it gets cold enough. It sure does warm the whole house with a really good kind of heat. I'll see if I can get him to leave the door shut for longer periods of time, so the smoke stays in the stove or goes up the chimney and not into the living room. I don't know if he kept opening up the door and poking the firewood out of boredom or he didn't remember that he had just checked it and thought he better check it again, after only about 10-20 minutes. We sure had a very smoky house at times.
Anew, that is so funny how history shows us that the "olden" days were good for us. Yes, country living is so much more active and healthy. Not all progress is good, of course, it's not all bad either. ha ha ha
Marcie, Ugh, it's Monday, hope you're feeling better and back at work today. Is Dad feeling OK? Did he get your bug? I don't remember John or I ever giving the other a bug when we've gotten it. Hopefully, it's gone now.
I also am anxious for Downton Abbey to start back up again. And, was surprised that they advertised Season 6 as the last. I hope they wrap up the story lines with a satisfying finish.
There's also another season of Doc Martin coming soon, we love that show too, he's so awkward and funny.
I'm with you, Debora, too many shows to watch. I record a lot and have no time to watch because I'm watching other shows.
I nuked yesterdays old coffee and now the fresh pot is ready. My mug needs a refill.
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My cheapness just caught up with me once again. I wanted to dye my hair today, get rid of the gray. I had an older box of light brown color in the bathroom and decided to use it instead of waiting to go to the store and buy my usual medium blonde. I just couldn't bring myself to simply throwing the brown one away, knowing that it would turn out darker than what I prefer.
Well, now I have brown hair, I scare myself every time I look in the mirror, ha ha
Upside: John says that I look good and he likes it.0 -
Here's the pictures of my kitchen! This is the peninsula and will be where we eat once the countertop is done
This is the main "U" of cabinets--the sink is on the left and the peninsula/family room is on the right
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The refrigerator and food pantry:
This is the end panel that I put up to hide the frig! I really like this feature.
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The microwave and stove in place. So great to finally have a working oven
These pendant lights make me happy!
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Those pendant lights make me happy too!
I love your new kitchen design.0 -
Good Morning.
Gorgeous kitchen, Jannie, well worth the wait and all the work you've put into it. I love all the special features.
I'm off to the dentist this morning, I'll try to get back later, or else, I'll see you tomorrow morning.0 -
Good morning.
Starting to sound like a broken record, but I'm still not feeling well. Agony trying to swallow, feels like something is lodged in my throat, can't sleep (keep waking up because of the sore throat), coughing like mad. I finally broke down yesterday and went to the doctor. He said I have a viral infection and just need to let it play out. Prescribed cough syrup with codeine in it and advised to me to take that along with Motrin. As usual, I had to remind him that I am allergic to Ibuprofen and can't take Motrin. Since he doesn't want me taking Tylenol with the codeine syrup, he advised I take Aleve. He also prescribed one of those inhalation aerosols puffers to help clear my lungs. After medicining up last night, I went to bed early and did manage to get a little more sleep. I still kept waking up, but not quite as much. Keeping my fingers crossed this works.
I hadn't been to that doctor since 2011, and found they had moved offices. Their website though still says they are at the old place, and when I went to the old place the sign outside still shows my doctor is in that building, but when I went into the building his office was gone. I kept walking up and down the halls trying to find his office! I had to call his office, and they told me they moved to an office further down the street. It sure would help if they at least update their website! I was already feeling bad, and having to run around that old building looking for an office that wasn't there anymore didn't help!
It's hard to talk right now and I wished people would stop trying to engage me in conversation (Dad and coworkers!). Dad was super chatty when I got home from the doctor yesterday and I just wanted to tell him to go play on his computer and leave me alone. Ha! I didn't, of course.
So far, Dad shows no sign of getting sick. Keeping my fingers crossed he stays well. The last thing he needs is this virus. He made me laugh yesterday. I noticed he was using a separate kitchen towel. He said he's not coming near my germy towel. I told him I don't use it, but he said it's better to be safe. The thing is, I doubt that would be enough to keep my germs at bay. I've still been doing the dishes, laundry, etc. My germs are probably all over the place!
Our fire season is continuing with a vengeance. We have 2 huge wildfires going right now. Lots of land and animals lost or killed, 20,000+ people displaced, homes burned down, etc. The doctor said I should avoid being outside as much as possible because of the smoky air. Here's a pic I took this morning on the way in to work. Smoke clouds are everywhere right now. Kind of hard to avoid the air.
A PAWS sanctuary for elephants, bears, and tigers is apparently right in the path of one of the fires and they aren't able to evacuate the large animals (apparently bad planning on their part). I sure hope the fire doesn't overrun those poor animals.
Last Saturday was our last really hot day, 105 degrees. It's been cooling down ever since. Yesterday it didn't even make it into the 80s, and we actually got a little rain. Not enough to count, but enough to mess up my clean car really good!
Everyone is always saying how good Downton Abbey is. I looked for it on NetFlix, but I don't see it there. Hopefully one of these days they will pick up that series. I have lots of series I record on the DVR. I usually don't get to them all though and wind up deleting them. There are about 6 or 7 that I will definitely watch though. Last weekend while I was sick and laying about the house I watched a lot of TV. Mostly movies. I watched Pearl Harbor (good movie, but could have done without the sappy love story), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (seen that one lots of times); J Edgar (boring!), and As Good As It Gets (one of my favorite Jack Nicholson films).
Sheryl, your Swiss Steak recipe sounds yummy. Olive oil is a good swap for Crisco. I have a meat tenderizer like yours too. It was my mom's and it was given to her in the 60's. I don't pound out meat much, but I sure have lots of memories of my mom doing that. That's a lot of appointments you need to make! I guess it's good to just get them out of the way. I'll bet your brown hair looks good!
Jannie, your kitchen is sure coming along, and I love how you hid the refrigerator like that! Love those pendant lights too.
Debora, Grandparents Day sounded fun, and Paige's reason she loves you was honest and sweet. Makeup sure isn't cheap! I used to use a lot more than I do now. Now it's just lipstick, a little blush and maybe a little eye shadow. I used to use liquid makeup, mascara, and eye liner, but have given those up over the years. Seems the older I get, the less I care about that stuff.
Anew, I was thinking about that the other day. How so many of our lives in the cities and burbs so rarely involve daily chores or jobs that would keep us fit. Now people seem to race home from their jobs so they can go to the gym to get fit, or just don't add physical fitness into their lives at all. Luckily, and for the most part, junk food consumption is something we can control. Just make better choices and be accountable for the choices we make.
Better get back to work now. You all have a nice day!
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Good Afternoon.
"Marcie's gone viral". Sorry, sick pun, but just had to be said. Hope the medications work their magic and you can get some rest.
Dental cleaning went fine and I go back Thursday for an evaluation of all the work that needs to be done, and I know there's a lot. I let my teeth go for a long time.
Eye appointment is scheduled for October 6th and the car gets serviced next Tuesday afternoon. Also, next Tuesday, I meet Carol for lunch again at Kitchen Table Café. Will have a nice meal and visit and then head over to the Toyota dealership.
Downton Abbey is on PBS, maybe Netflix doesn't offer programs from Public Television.
My poor sister...the realtor called her Saturday to say that the Pasadena house's lawn looked "shaggy" and it should be mowed before the Open House on Sunday. She called my uncle and asked if he could drive by and check, he laughed and said the green growth is about as tall as the lawn should be and the rest was brown and dormant. (I fertilized and watered the week I was down there) He thought it was fine and would show buyers what the lawn could look like if it was all green and growing. My sister contacted the gardeners to make sure it gets tended to this week and will look good for next Sunday's Open House. He just texted her back and said that his lawn mower is broken, but he'll do the best he can. Ridiculous! That's no excuse. I was in the business for over 30 years, a gardener should ALWAYS have a back up mower. Norma's on her last nerve and the sooner we get rid of this house, the better.
I've been over at One Kind Planet the last couple of days, a little more activity and Lynn and Susan are planning to add more features to the site. Come and visit.0 -
Thanks for all the kind words ladies! I thought I posted a short update beside the pics last night but it disappeared. I've been painting today (touching up the parts Joe thought needed it) and then putting stuff in the cabinets. Although I have more cabinets they aren't as deep as my old ones so it's been challenging to get stuff put away efficiently! The boys could care less about the kitchen and are so OVER it They both loved my dinner last night and the fact that it was made so quickly. I used to have to cook one thing at a time and then keep them heated until everything was done. Yesterday I made everything at the same time and it was wonderful!!!!!!!
I've been keeping up here on-- you all have lots going on too!
Marcie hope you feel better soon (have you tried gargling with salt water? It will hurt but may help in the long run!!! )
Sheryl-- I'll say a prayer that the house sells quickly!
Anew-- love hearing your updates on your projects!
I have to go pick the boys up, will try to check in soon
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Mygnsac, I just did a search for Downton Abbey, this link for Yidio says it works better with Amazon Prime but not sure if you have Amazon Prime. I don't because I never buy enough to warrant it, lol. I don't watch movies or download music so it pretty much would only be useful to me for saving on shipping costs.
yidio.com/show/downton-abbey
I hope you are feeling 100% better by Friday.
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Plan was to do stuff at home and then have time to chat with you guys. Well, plans change. Not home much most of the rest of the week so I'll get here when I can. I do find time to read but that's so much easier.0
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For those who really like to watch Downton Abbey I have come across this pattern for their dresses, it's a "One Hour Dress" pattern.
https://etsy.com/listing/217995847/downton-abbey-dress-pattern-1-hour-dress?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=one%20hour%20dress&ref=sr_gallery_16
I came across it because I was researching flour sack dresses here
digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1731&context=tsaconf
Which then lead me here on a new search for cotton bag sewing patterns
https://thevintagetraveler.wordpress.com/2015/07/28/sewing-with-cotton-bags-1937/
Which then lead me to the Downton Abbey pattern on Etsy because I was looking at "One Hour Dresses" there. LOL. Funny how the world wide web really gives you the world.
Here is a video teaching how to sew the "One Hour Dress" which was originally designed in 1924, the video is step 1 and it looks like there are six steps with a video for each of them.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wNw6_ApcDDo
Hahaha, I love this flour sack!
https://etsy.com/listing/190963660/cotton-lemon-sack-bag-lemons-suck-cute?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=old%20cotton%20sack&ref=sc_gallery_1&plkey=0bda159df39e2256b4e58246664197089f2ae158:190963660
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I'm on a history kick! I was searching the 1940's housewife budget because I'd like to know how hard it was for a housewife to purchase such a luxury of silverware through the General Mills catalog and came across this website about the 1940's fashion magazine about "Housewives Daily Routine". Boy did she have a lot of work and it seems strange to me that she would serve husband breakfast while the kids were sleeping and then do the same thing all over again when the children were up and hungry.
glamourdaze.com/2011/02/1940s-fashion-housewifes-daily-routine.html
I also came across this Today Money article about the 1940's housewife and her budget of only $12.50 per week.
today.com/money/1940s-housewife-showed-how-tame-high-grocery-prices-909667
I received an email today from the Archives at General Mills with a listing for the Queen Bess ll Silverplate 1946 showing how much it cost to purchase the silver pieces and how many coupons were needed.
Here is an example of what is on there but I will also include a picture of it too.
19 pieces to choose from using Coupons found on specially marked General Mills Products.
Each article could be purchased for the "Thrift Plan" price with more coupons or she could pay more with less coupons using the "Speed Plan".
A dinner fork would cost only 10 cents and needed 69 coupons on the "Thrift Plan"
or
She could pay 40 cents and use only 3 coupons.
A hollow handle knife such as my grandmother had would cost 10 cents and 129 coupons on the "Thrift Plan"
or
She could pay 85 cents and use only 3 coupons.
The solid handle knife was 10 cents and 89 coupons on the "Thrift Plan"
or
She could pay 50 cents and 3 coupons.
I do like the hollow handled knife far better than the solid handle knife because it is very comfortable in the hand and looks a lot more regal. My grandmother paid more for it because she obviously liked it far better than the solid handle knife too.
Here is a picture of what they sent me today and I have asked them if they had new pieces that came out because I have a youth three piece set which are a little smaller than the regular pieces that includes a knife, fork and spoon but I don't see them listed on here. I await for the answer to that because even replacements shows the youth set as part of the pattern available starting in 1946.
Our history is so interesting to me. I hope you all don't mind all this jibber jabber.
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Good Morning.
Anew, very interesting history. I guess coupon purchases go back a long way. I remember seeing that rose pattern as I was growing up, and even today, it's still around.
I chuckled at the Downton Abbey dresses, are we all to dress up when we watch? I liked the background segment on the dvd about the costumers finding perfection in all the period pieces. They are very particular about that and the actors appreciate it, it puts them into character more easily.
I'm staying home today and possibly getting a "conference call" late this afternoon with my sister and the realtor. When I talked to Norma yesterday, she said that the realtor said that about 65 people came to last Sunday's Open House and he has 7 offers already. I thought we were going to wait until after next Sunday's Open House, but if the right offer is there right now, we'll take it. We don't know yet if the two people who told us they are interested in the house are included in those 7 offers. One person contacted the realtor last week, but he may not have made it to the Open House and we don't know if the other one has talked to the realtor at all yet. I am amazed at the interest since the house is kind of a mess, but, like I said before, it is prime location, beautiful neighborhood.
Marcie, hope you feel a little better today, those virus things take quite a while to work themselves out of your system, unfortunately. Funny that Dad thinks all the germs are in the towel, I can see you smirking. I know what you mean about not wanting to talk, I've had days like that, but you're right not to say anything to Dad. I don't discourage John from talking to me either, but, on those days, I do refuse to answer the phone. I am so thankful that I don't have to go into an office daily.
Debora, hope you have a good week. Looking forward to hearing all about it, love your adventures with Ralph, the books, the kids and all their activities. How's your sister doing? Sticking with the prescribed routine? I know it's hard.
Jannie, love hearing about your meals from your new kitchen...funny how we take for granted cooking everything at once and getting it on the table hot. Hey, wait, I can't even do that!! I am always scrambling to get everything ready at the same time. I'm sure that the boys appreciate it all, even if they don't say it.
Once again, I had one mug full of coffee from yesterday that I nuked...time to make a fresh pot.
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Hello friends! I am sorry I don't check in much but I do on FB so look for me there too.
Anewstart: That silver-plate pattern is the one my mother had when we were growing up! I have a few pieces of it and always wondered what the pattern name was, thanks to you I now know.
I had a nice walk today and managed to lose 1.5 pounds this week. Who knows how that happened, I am eating and exercising like I always do. I see on the My Fitness Pal groups that they have one called Weigh in Wednesday. I am thinking of joining up with that group. How about any of you, any interest? I would like to get this extra 15 pounds off. I never reached my goal weight when I was using NM, but I only am up a few pounds from that last weigh in there so I have done fairly well on my own. I just need to focus more on the once a week weigh in.
Okey Dokey friends. Have a wonderful rest of your day. Carla0 -
Good Morning, Ahhhhh, a fresh pot of coffee. Smells so good in the morning, warms up the house and the soul.
I guess I have an addiction!!!
Hi Carla, I tried to locate Weigh on Wednesday and can't find it. Can you give me a clue as to what category it's in? What page it's on? I get lost in the Message Boards, there is so much to choose from. I need a bit more motivation and accountability, maybe if I weigh in once a week again, it will help. I'm chatting over at OKP and getting encouragement over there too.
We're having rain this morning, love the smell of that too, so fresh.
John is getting frustrated with the brass fittings. He may give up on sorting before we get it done. Now, he needs various sizes of tubing to be able to identify what size the compression fittings are, they are difficult to measure with a ruler or even the calipers.
We had our conference call with the realtor from 5:30 to 6:45 pm yesterday. So far, a total of 23 offers, but only 6 right now that are getting a counter-offer. The others will receive a "thank-you" letter, but unless they want to change the offer, it's being rejected. Very interesting progression, back and forth. Four of the offers are from corporations, so they just want to flip the house. One is from a young couple moving back from South Carolina, with their doctorates. The woman got a job teaching at USC. The other one is a single woman. As nice as it would be to have a new little family in the house, even though they are highly educated, Norma and I both agree that to be saddled with the problems of that house would overwhelm them, they don't know what they are getting into. Probably only a corporation could have the money and the power to push back at the City of Pasadena on getting the improvements needed. Pasadena was a real thorn in my Dad's side and most of the remodeling was done without permits.
Still going to have the next Open House and still taking offers, the realtor said you never know what may fall through, so he'll keep plugging along. He asked Norma and I if we play poker, (we don't), but he said a lot of the offers are bluffing and he has to call their bluff to see what's reality. Like I said, Very Interesting Process!!!0 -
Sheryl, incase Carla doesn't come back, I'm guessing this is the Weigh In Wednesday group she was talking about (though I don't see her as a member to the group).0
