Jackie - Wow. So interesting and rather unnerving too.

Sandy - this is a shot from the visitor center. There is parking there and down beside the creek. You have to wade through Medano Creek to get to the dunes and that is part of the fun.

Jeri what is a dunes. is it snow or what? sure is pretty tho
marie

My gosh, what a lot of interesting posts!! More sand dunes, beautiful orchid, ghost stories, sheep, and more! I feel I am so far behind once again. I lost my Internet connection on and off this afternoon and I lost a long post before I noticed that there were connection problems. DARN!

DAV picked up the furniture items today and left a donation slip. Yeah! I love it when things get ticked off my list.

The gentleman came to measure up for the bamboo flooring and spent a good amount of time talking to me about the installation process and options involved. Now apparently he puts together a bid and info on the materials needed, he reports that to Lowe’s and then they call me with all the details on ordering and pricing. Then I have to go to the store (to pay and sign for the order) and then I can schedule with the installer. Unfortunately they are so busy that installations are already a month out on wood flooring so it appears I will not be getting new flooring for quite a while.

Thank you for the suggestions on how flexible to be on the carpet issue. Sandy, I wasn’t given any options on the listing---I refused to sign any type of condition disclosure report as it is an estate sale and it will be a court officer deed so my level of knowledge of the property is assumed to be lesser than that of a true owner. I said unknown on the lead paint disclosure as well since there’s an older garage on the property. I am told that if the buyer could not easily discern problems when putting in their offer on the property that they can change their mind and walk away on their final walk-through when they see something that was not visible before. That obviously is the case with carpet when furniture has been in place since 1997. I never said the carpet was perfect nor did I guarantee or warrant it. We were all just using our eyeballs. My attorney didn’t say they could not walk away if I don’t make an adjustment so it must be true.

I’ve been working to unpack and sort out some of the final boxes of supplies and things I brought home the other day. I shouldn’t need to purchase things like KIeenex, paper towels, cleaning supplies, office supplies, and more for the next year or so and maybe I’ll never need to purchase a towel again! There are other things that will need to be sorted out and tossed. Made a bit of progress though.

Also zipped over to the library and picked up some reserve items so I’m reading a not-so-good book right now “Wicked Charms: A Lizzy and Diesel Novel” by Janet Evanovich & Phoef Sutton. I always seem to read these when they come out as I usually put my name on the reserve list but I am not wild about this series. Anyone else read these?

So Jeri, is the small round leaf orchid a wild flower in your area? It is gorgeous. I wish you could find a solution to your pain problem. Thanks for the extra pictures on the dunes area.

Jackie, your friend got a new car? My, how exciting---was your friend bouncing about in the car on the way over? I would have for certain! And thank you for your comments, I think there will be a demand for a lot of $$ but I trust we can knock it down to a reasonable level. Oh my gosh, I’ve never had any experience with any type of presence in a house. Several people had mentioned to me when we moved to an old home (back when I was married) that the house was haunted because a gentleman had not only died in that home but that he was laid out for view in the parlor. Well, we used that room as an office and never heard a peep from him. By the way, I do the same thing, I get the vacuum cleaner out but then I don’t use it right away. It’s like a statue in the room. I took my electric broom with me the other day and it stopped working. Now I need to figure out if it is done for or if it just wasn’t charged enough. I’ll tackle that another day.

Anne – how did shopping day go? Get everything you were after? Yes, I agree, I am being pushed but I have to ride this out one way or another. And I really feel we are just 2 ticks away from finished. I just need to keep my cool and live through the next week. Ha. I love your story about the gypsy caravan. Yes, they are to burn them when the owner dies right? I didn’t know that but saw it on a TV show once upon a time. I believe some sheep are raised in our state but I don’t see any these days. When I travel it’s mostly corn, beans or in the pastures, some cattle or horses, no sheep. I do drive by an agricultural college and they have a herd of bison/buffalo. I enjoy seeing them.

Shirley – I hope you are having a lovely time at the wedding. See you when you get back.

Sandy – I am glad you had a great time with your friends. It is nice when occasions with friends work out so nicely. I thank you for your advice but I will likely see these people. I am keeping the farm which surrounds that acreage and I will check on my property from time to time. And I would expect whether I want it or not, they will call if they have questions or concerns. I’m going to ask a neighbor to text me if he sees problems with the farm ground since the guy who rents the farm is a large farm operator who doesn’t get around to each farm often. He has a crew of guys who will check crop conditions periodically but I doubt I will be shed of these people as long as I retain my property. Did you get to the pool? We have sunshine now—whoopee!

Patsy – I am a wimp too but I think there is nothing wrong with waiting for cooler weather to do your work. Sounds reasonable to me. Yes, indeed, men have different ideas of how to live life and what they insist on doing. My dad’s cousin who just turned 90 will not give up trimming trees and using his chain saw to take down trees out at his farm. His sons have no influence on him. He lives his life the way he wants to. A guy thing? Maybe but although I am very cautious, I still don’t want people telling me what I should or should not do. I hope your DH does not push himself too much. Sorry to hear about the toxic algae. These environmental things are so disturbing and we don’t seem to know how to reverse them. You are right, selling real estate is not a joy for me! I just need to get through it.

All done rambling for today. I wonder if I’ll ever write a post that makes sense and doesn’t just go on and on. Hugs to all and thank you for being my friends. You are a blessing for certain.

Lin

Yep I made it. Had breakfast my coffee . Ready for what ever today brings starting a new plan this morning carbs 80%' Fat 10 % ! Protein 10% I will attemp this for 22 days. It's a lot of cooking so don't know if I am up to it. we shall see,

Marie

After yesterday's early drizzle I've had another gorgeous day in my garden putting finishing touches to the beehive area where I also grow rhubarb, asparagus and cherry and greengage tree although I fear the latter will have to go because it's not flowered or produced fruit in 4 years! New fencing is now up which will hopefully keep my friend's puppy away from the hives when I look after her next month for a few days because although my bees have gone there are plenty of "robbers" visiting to take any last bit of honey. Everything from back to hips to knees complaining so I'm going to make a light dinner of smoked mackeral, cous cous and salad and hope I can get George out for his late pee break around 9pm.

Lin ~ You must of course do what you feel comfortable with regarding that wretched carpet so although I agree with Phoebe, if it's not in you to confront the interested buyers then you mustn't. You'll know what you're prepared to deduct from the sale price to get the deal done but try not to let them push you into a corner. My friend is loving her new car and the funny thing is now when we get back from dog walkies on the moors she's checking her shoes for sheep poo, something she didn't bother about in the old one!! Not sure how long this will last though with a Jack Russell puppy who gets nose and paws into every hole or muddy bog!!

Anne ~ You do seem to be getting unsettled weather this year don't you and I see from a;message left by Shirley that it's currently raining at the wedding venue in Michigan, at least I think that's where she was off to. Just keep it on your side of the pond please!

Marie ~ You were doing so well on the last diet but were you missing meat? My freezer only has fish and vegetarian quorn in it so I rarely eat meat myself but every now and then feel the need!

Sandy ~ if Violet joined me for my cuppa she didn't let on!! I hate to say she's been quiet for some time because that's bound to wake her but I'll let you know if my mackeral and cous cous takes on the smell of cocoa, something she did many years ago when a friend and I were in the kitchen making Russian Draniki pancakes. That was the time I called out to her to stop mucking about and all the lights went out!!!

Gone 6pm so I must get on before my backside refuses to lift from the chair.... Ooh-Argh, too many aches tonight!

Jackie

And now I'll be riddled with curiosity wondering if your mackerel really DID take on the smell of cocoa when you ate it round about now JACKIE! I hope you aren't thinking of chopping the greengage tree down by yourself, what with the hip/knee etc pain, and plus my dire warnings about my DILs dads fate! There was some talk at the time of his death about me moving out of this house and into his modern newly renovated one. The house would have been lovely to live in, especially the gorgeous kitchen, but I couldn't imagine coping with all the fruit trees and a HUGE garden. Worse, her dad was such a busy soul, and died so unexpectedly I was quite relieved when THAT idea went out of the window, because if anyone was going to haunt a house it would be him! Nice chap but I wouldn't have liked to have got up in the middle of the night to find him in HIS old master bedroom peering at me. Brrrrrrrr. Lol!
Anne.
Hi MARIE, you just beat me in posting. I was so surprised to see you suddenly pop up between me and Jackie, but a nice surprise I must say. For protein I eat lots of fish and eggs. Don't you like fish? I don't think I've ever seen you mention it. It's easy on the stomach, much easier than meat or beans. Anne.

It was such an unaccustomed hot, hot day I felt totally unprepared on how to deal with it. The doggies are napping right in front of fans. I convinced John to come inside and quit working in the garden. I have barely been able to move. 100+ degrees and the humidity must be over 75%. Miserable weather.

I have been having great difficulty sleeping but I don't have sleep aids so I think eventually nature will have take its course. Sleep is something that evades most of us as we age. John is threatening to rock me to sleep with big rocks if I can't doze off tonight.
I think this will be a nice salad night. A few watermelon pieces and my evening yoga. Done for the day.

I have been thinking of 4th of July and watching "Yankee doodle dandy." I love those songs. I remembered where I stored our flag so I'll get that out tomorrow to hang up. We don't eat hamburger or hot dogs but I'll fix John something that looks like a picnic. Sadly, no ketchup or French fries either.

I wonder if the the sun spots/storms could be the reason for our computer problems? They were to hit earth today and there were emissions earlier last week. They are known to cause havock with satillites. I think this whole business will require an aspirin.
Stay cool my friends,
Patsy

What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours.... hum along if you know it!! My walk with George this morning was in soaking fine rain with my head in the low clouds; couldn't see much at all and I was the only mad dog walker on that section of moorland, just a few sheep! George has had a rub down followed by brunch and is now doing what we call zoomies around the cottage with a squeaky toy in his mouth. He's still wet in spite of a good toweling but I'm planning to trim his facial fur so it should be easier while it's damp.

Patsy ~ What wonderful Nasturtiams you have on your porch.... not a bramble in sight so you both did a good job there! Do you add the flowers to a salad to brighten it up and add that gorgeous peppery flavour? It seems John isn't ready to give in to any age issues just yet which is a worry for you, especially in such uncomfortable weather so what's the answer? I'm not sure there is one and who knows, he'll carry on doing what he wants to maintain property and garden until he's 100! Sometimes, as much as we want to, we can't wrap our loved ones in cotton wool.

Marie ~ That broccoli salad sounds gorgeous and I'd say your food choices are great although fish would certainly add another dimension and more importantly Omega 3. I remember you showing us photos of your son and all the fish he caught a couple of years ago. If he does that again, fill your freezer!!

Anne ~ My greengage tree is only about 4 years old and has never given me one little plum so although it seems to have put all its energy into shooting up and out I don't think it will be a major task to cut down, in fact most of the branches can be taken off with a lopper. My meal last night tasted as it should but here's the funny thing, about 10 pm and planning to stay up to watch England v Canada girls world cup football (never made it to midnight!!) I suddenly fancied a mug of chocolate, something I rarely drink. It must have been in my head after our post exchanges! I'd certainly not want a familiar ghost drifting about giving an opinion. I'm still dealing with a visit I made with recently bereaved friend to a spiritualist and what was conveyed, apparently from her late husband. I'm totally cynical about such things but left the meeting feeling stunned and am continuing to look for a logical explanation but so far can't come up with one!

Lin ~ What a perfect day you had looking at all those wonderful art displays and holding tight to those purse strings!! Hopefully you're feeling rested and relaxed having enjoyed the show, lovely weather and most importantly the garden pees, one of my favourites!

Whoa, nearly lost my post when the battery died so having plugged in for a recharge I'm now off to make myself some lunch. Happy Sunday everyone!

Jackie

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Had a great evening with Mike's Honor Flight Guardian and his wife at a darling Italian restaurant in Lake Worth last night. We are much older than either of their parents, but it was a magical connection!
Today I drove through horrendous rainstorms thinking our drive to Hatcher Mango Hill would be a waste of time as they would probably close because of weather, but they were open, and we got a huge hug and greeting and bought a dozen of the best mangoes in the world! When people say they don't like mangoes, it must be because they have bought them in supermarkets and found them stringy and tasting like turpentine. These mangoes are a bit of heaven, and too juicy to eat without a bib!
Thanks again for your birthday wishes (MARIE, I turned 88) and GAYLA and JERI (what an exquisite orchid!), it's never late!!! OXOXO!
SANDY, I'm too cheap to go to Best Buy! Actually, I bought a 3 year warranty, so Dell was very helpful. And I hate to let a computer get the best of me!
Today, I got a call from my bank, which I refused to accept. I called the bank back and sure enough someone had tried to charge several things on my Visa card the bank said was compromised last month! The charges did not go through. PHOEBE, I hope you had a wonderful peach for me! Sooner or later we all have bladder problems! But 2 of my friends have had to have some kind of mesh support removed, so do plenty of research! Your soft pillow solution for back problems reminds me that our ComfortAire mattress was the solution to back trouble about 16 years ago, and neither of us has had a backache since we went to our air mattress! Select Comfort was opened by former employees of ComfortAire and I imagine they are very similar! Each side of our bed has its own remote control for softness (for me) or firmer for Mike. JACKIE, Don't ALL Englishwomen have ghosts and poltergeists? But your cat story gave me goose bumps! And Anne's explanation adds to the mystery!
I seem to have forgotten simple formulas for glitter graphics so if it didn't work...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIANE!
My iPad came and it is so intuitive and I was talking to my son on it in no time! Will I ever remember where everything is? My password is far too long, as they ask for it frequently and the keyboard takes me forever to print my password! I love it!
Must go have a bite as it's late. SHIRLEY, PATSY, Hi to you, too! LIN, I kept trying to think of how I might have handled the carpet bit, but I just came up blank! That's how I know it's time to leave!
Buzz

Hi to you all from very hot and dry Saskatchewan! It seems no matter how much we water our lawns stay dry. I call the lawn my straw.

Gayla, that is our yard exactly!
Lin, glad you had a good day. Hope your rib pain is better.
Spent two days sewing, patching is more like it.
Sleepy now.
Nite
Phoebe

Morning, the sun is actually out. Unlike PHOEBE and GAYLA, my lawn is beginning to resemble the wetlands and marshlands. I expect to grow bulrushes soon! Oh BUZZ, I hope these scam (scum) artists haven't sold your info to each other!
I think JACKIE's explanation that ghost sightings are related to gin and tonics, and since I rarely drink, probably explains why I've never had the dubious pleasure of meeting one! That coupled with fog, wind moaning down the chimney, creaky old pipes and floorboards could account for most British sightings, BUT, as JACKIE said, doesn't account for kitty Muffin or the smell of baking and violets. So like Jackie I remain open minded! Just plain doubting might conjure one up, and no thanks! Lol.
PATSY, you had a "poorly" day yesterday, so I hope you are feeling more like the old feisty Patsy today. You have a real green thumb when it comes to flower containers. Beautiful. I haven't an air conditioner either, but haven't needed one so far this year.
Sorry about your recent health issues PHOEBE, and LIN, is your poor rib cage on the mend? SANDY, SHIRLEY, MARIE. EVERYBODY, have a happy Monday.
Anne.
PS: I'm watching Last tango in Halifax on PBS.

Jackie I need to look up a recipe for bean burger for some reason I do not want to eat the frozen ones with all that crap in it. So wonderful; hearing from gayla this morning not to mention Phoebe too. My 2 oldest friends on the internet. over 10 years Love you two.
We were all three posting on a thread and we were the maverite ( I don't think the spell check told me right) We three posted on a thread by our self. It was a windy plan. none of us made any headways It was My first forum

have a great day all of the sneakers. What a bunch of nice gals.
Marie