Good evening. Good to hear from everyone today.

Anne, I hope the celebration of Mark’s birthday was a very happy event. The new and interesting dishes you are cooking sound intriguing. I ate so much meat as a child and young adult that I think I had my lifetime quota. Actually, the look, the smell, the whole idea of eating any sort of meat now makes me quite ill. I am wild about soy products. Good substitute for me. Happy weekend.

Patsy, my goodness, Katie is going to the vet on Saturday! Best wishes. It sounds like a potentially traumatic event. For everyone. I hope all goes well for Damon as he continues with maintenance. It really sounds quite difficult.

Jackie, thanks for the photo. What a darling little dog. She seems quite mild mannered. I hope everything works out for her in her new home. Is George feeling better? I thought of you touching up paint again and I felt so bad for you. It needs to be 100% perfect the first time. Darn masking tape!

Sandy, well done getting everything accomplished. Excellent! I hope you are having fun this weekend.

Nothing interesting here today except a friend who is on vacation in the Northern part of the state had to hit a shelter late this afternoon as a tornado touched down close to where she was staying. That is not something you want to do, whether at home or on vacation.

I ate a handful of these darling tomatoes today. They are really very good. Discerning when a green cherry tomato is actually ripe, very difficult.



I think this is a German teapot.



Be safe everyone.

Lin🙋🏼‍♀️
❤️❤️

HAPPY SATURDAY ALL !

Been taking advantage of every hot/humid day. The NYS Fair so = lowest attendance in 40 years. Social distancing was 10 times easier than grocery shopping. Fun but felt bad for vendors. Jean took in REO Speedwagon concert at night the day we went. And a 2nd day w/ 2 friends. We will go again for The Mavericks and perhaps Herman’s Hermits. Also spent a day by the lake. Her sunflowers came in beautiful and I might make some note cards.

Here are 3 pics for a general idea of things. Thunderstorms expected tomorrow.









Anne – You are so right about Clementine! So horrible what is going on re: the unnecessary disaster in Afghanistan. It didn’t have to be that way and think it is appalling how our “leader” treated allies etc. My questions would be similar to those asked by world leaders and Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller! I’ll leave it there.

https://freebeacon.com/national-security/marine-battalion-commander-blasts-inept-military-leadership-over-afghanistan-withdrawal/

Pretty sure you are safe from “hell” as you say. Hope your weather becomes more to your liking and that Bean is enjoying life too! Ps – I have to look into “Glitch.”

Patsy – Loved your “engagement” story. Like you my Catholic school was pretty small but the students were close regardless of grade. It closed (turned into parking lot) and I had to go to a much larger Catholic school for a few years but I didn’t enjoy it as much.

With regards to politics I am going to zip it for the most part. You are right about there always being “much more” and clearly you have had some 1st hand situations many haven’t experienced.

Cardiologist appointment went well and all holding steady. Have appt for repeat sleep study to see about getting rid of CPAP machine in view of weight loss and reduced issues. Went to rheumatologist and I have had so “off” blood work this year…might adjust Rx to improve red blood cell numbers – after we see what yesterday’s numbers turn out to be.

Your “huge salad” sounded good, but think I might substitute “tofu” for something else. LOL

Sandy – I will pass along your dog compliment to Uncle Jack. As for “convent” girls – one of my older sisters (now deceased) almost became a nun. She was a postulate and a monastery but in the end left. She married and was told she couldn’t have children. Nine (9) years later – out of the blue – walla – a baby boy followed by another boy and then 2 girls! But that first one was like a miracle.

Hope your weather has been improving. I must say I have embraced the hot/humid weather by thinking up the upcoming winter days and the days of super-fatdom that made those temps unbearable. I even rode the “sky-ride” at the Fair this year. Something I hadn’t done since my daughter was knee-high. Have a great weekend.

Lin – I must say you seem to be a good friend to others. Reminds me of Jean when you talk of phone calls, giggles and various situations (good/bad). In many ways, I think for the most part it is a woman thing (men bond but it is different). I LOVE when Jean is on the phone or sharing a good time with a girlfriend. Never been jealous…learned not to be way back in the Jr high “going steady” LOL.

Hope you accomplish a lot this weekend – or just sit back and relax!

Jackie – Do you ever relax? You work so hard, it makes me think I am lazy – not to worry I get over that feeling fast LOL. Your mornings always sound wonderful, if not active / entertaining between chores, George and walks. That was an emotional story about Bella --- made me think of Jean’s cousin that has a couple rescue dogs and has had them for years. She had three until the past year, but the oldest died. She still cries over that one. Like Jean, she is a sensitive person.

With regards to a sense of humor – you are right it gets us thru most – if not all the rough patches. I always tell people Jean has been laughing ever sense our wedding night when I I got undressed. Hahaha.

At the cardiologist a situation came up and the doctor asked who my rheumatologist was… I responded “your wife.”

She really is my rheumatologist – different practices obviously and they go by different last names but someone had clued me in several years ago. He laughed and said “have you seen her recently?” and I replied… she normally only calls when her husband goes to work! He burst out laughing.

Try and stay warm…I love the autumn weather…but it is always a reminder of the reality around the corner.

Gotta run – haven’t been to the gym yet… hope everyone has a great weekend! Stay healthy! Bob

Saturday fun and frolic…sort of. It looks like a nice sunny mild day. And I do believe In animal ESP. Katie seems to know that something evil is afoot! She will not eat her breakfast. A rarity! She is a chow hound. And she is hanging outside instead of bouncing around with a toy in her mouth, ready for her morning ball game or toy toss. Hummmm and there are people who don’t believe animals can understand what we are saying to each other. I hate to see her so full of anxiety. I mentioned the word VET to John and needing to leave early.

Today was the end of the big Hood to Coast relay race. It is a 200 mile relay with literally thousands of racers. They run right past our house. It is a huge event with support cars decorated, cheers all along the way as they switch racers. Cars honking, and often racers in costumes. There are always a few amazing women pushing a baby carriage along as they run. This year they must wear masks at the check points and at the finish line, at the beach in Seaside Oregon. John ran it when he was at the college years ago. His team were all teachers. There was also a student team.years and years ago now……he laughed that he couldn’t even get out of the support car fast enough, let alone catch the baton as the team leader handed it off. Of course this year there are far less runners because of the pandemic.

Must get ready to leave, it will be an interesting drive to the Vets office. We must negotiate around the big race and attending organizers, support, emergency stations and waiting ambulances etc. it is a traveling circus.

Believe it!
Patsy☘️

No LIN you didn't miss me. Just a quiet day here in the old homestead. And quiet it is, I haven't seen one car roll up to look at the mansion next door.

Just the usual cleanup and I spent some time looking at the tragedy that is called Afghanistan. I keep looking JACKIE to see if Mr. Farthing got out with his 200 rescue dogs and cats and the staff at his Kabul animal shelter. I know he got clearance finally when they realized the animals will be in the aircraft hold and not taking up room in the passenger part of the plane. Maybe they will travel back with the military? Bella is indeed a sweet faced little dog.

I also watched a video of the demise of the British Empire and how America is now following the same path. Another interesting fact emerged, Canada's population is only one third white Caucasian now. Plus it was interesting during the campaign for re election Trudeaus bus and Trudeau had to be rescued by the police from an angry bunch of folks in a small town north of here. We live in interesting times don't we.

Thank goodness for the Jilly Beans, the Katies, the Bellas, the Daisies, the Georges, the Bradys, the Bettys, the chickens and all creatures great and small to distract us from human news! I haven't forgotten your little puss Bob but regret I can't recall her name at the moment. Its called Old age. Not Puss, ME!

See you all on a news free Sunday,
Anne.

PS. I believe Mr Farthing and the animals got out on his chartered plane, but sadly the Taliban wouldn't let his staff fly out with him...Daily Mail.

Hello and happy Sunday. A perfect morning with early mist in the valleys and wall to wall sunshine so I was walking with George and Betty on the moors by 7.30. The sheep and lambs were on the move crossing the road to find a shady spot to spend their day and young bunnies were sunning themselves on rocks after a cool night.
I’m finishing breakfast on the deck with a strong mug of coffee watching butterflies flit round a white buddleia, listening to the local St Cleer church bells and will soon make up my mind what I want to do first, gardening or more decorating.
I’ve now seen what my not so pleasant neighbour was doing to make George bark at him yesterday. A black plastic panel about 6’ high has been put up on the edge of his new patio. Not at all environmentally friendly, not that I’m surprised, but I will soon erect wooden trellis to hide it from my sight and grow flowering climbers. At least I have regained some privacy.
My weight isn’t going down and I suppose I should be grateful it’s not increasing either but as I sit I am aware of a roll across my midriff that shouldn’t be there! 🥺

Amazing photos Bob but I see what you mean about social distancing. So quiet but well done to Jean and you for supporting the event. Doesn’t Jean’s sunflower prove just how amazing nature is to create a perfect symmetrical pattern. I hope you made it to at least one of the concerts. My choice would of course be Herman’s Hermits although the Mavericks come in a close second.
It seems you enjoyed a thorough check over and I’m sure being able to sleep without the breathing apparatus would be a Godsend. A friend has sleep apnea and I remember the first time we shared a hotel room when travelling somewhere just how frightening it was for me to hear her stop breathing then gasp! She had no idea at the time she was doing it.

Well I hope you all awake to as beautiful a day as I did… so good for the soul. 😊
Take care and stay safe.
Jackie 🥰

Sunday morning and a cloudy and a bit hazy-smoky from the California fires. I am praying that something can help control and put out that terrible wildfire. It is so huge, poor California has had a bad time lately!

Yesterday was quite stressful for us. First to our dear sweet Katie. Because of the raging return of the virus here in Oregon, our vet has gone back to us waiting in the car with our pets, then when the vet is ready, a tech comes out to the parking lot and takes the pet in the pet clinic to the vet. Poor Katie had the worst experience ever. She was terrified just going into the building without us. Things only got worse! When they tried to cut her toenails, she had to be muzzled. And it took two techs and the vet to get it done. Katie was so stressed she was panting a hundred miles an hour and her heart was beating so hard and fast we were very very worried about her. The vet came out and said he really didn’t like to do this but Katie gets so stressed and afraid, he wants to give her a relaxant before she comes in next time. She is very healthy but the emotional reaction was very dramatic. It took literally an hour sitting with her and soothing her to slow her heart beat and stop the panting. I was in tears and John was so worried he called the vet and they had a long chat about our dear Katie. I had a bad feeling about this appointment. I trust and know our vet is good but Katie is just extraordinarily sensitive. She came that way……..

Then next to the post office and received a long letter from my oldest and longest college friend. She is in deep depression over Breast cancer diagnosis. She is ready to give up and die. Trying to call her but no answer. I will keep trying then will call police for a well being check in a couple of hours.
Things will work out but it was just a worrying kind of day and continues until I can talk My friend.
Patsy☘️

Hi! I am a lost cause for catching up on things.

I was just getting started yesterday afternoon when the phone rang and you guessed it, on the phone for an extended period and didn’t get much of anything done. I just got going when I found my glue bottle was blocked. I dug out a lot of dried glue and cleaned the spout as best I could. The day was about shot at that point so I watered plants again and read part of a book.

I shouldn’t have long conversations for a while. I think I have run out of friends!

Watched church online and then attended an online funeral service.

Now back to cards. I need to get the fronts completed so I can put everything aside and start September birthday cards.

Anne, sorry to hear you have a bee sting. Ouch! I hope you enjoyed a nap. I am sure Bean always does.

Jackie, well done with the painting. Good job! Your day sounds quite lovely with the exception of your neighbor’s atrocity. I hope your trellis covers things up completely.

Sandy, did you see any photos of the house in Ohio? Enjoy the rest of your day.

Patsy, I am so sorry to hear of the miserable appointment with the vet. My vet didn’t do well with certain dogs. My male dog was one of them. He had me drug the dog before coming in but my dog knew something was up and he fought the drug until the appointment was finished. Then he promptly went to sleep. I was frazzled as was the vet.

Well everyone, try to stay safe!

Lin🙋🏼‍♀️
❤️❤️

A teapot shaped building.

I'm beginning to feel really sorry for my ex. Me as well if it comes to that. He was released from hospital on Sunday after a ten day stay and the leg wound is healing nicely but after losing his wife a month ago his closest sister Pat is very seriously ill in hospital and almost died this past weekend. He lost Pauline, his youngest sister earlier. I was very fond of Pauline and actually loved his mother and father as well so it's almost like losing my own family all over again. We never lost touch and I'll never forget them saying I would always be their sister in law. Poor old ex, trouble is coming in spades.

Three lots of people viewed the house this past Sunday SANDY. Two Indian families and two very burly caucasians with a wisp of a lady in tow. The trouble is. it LOOKS okay and also much nicer since the tarmac drive was laid. I think it is empty of the afghan family. Haven't seen them for days.

Its still very hot here, 31 degrees this afternoon, but looking at the weather channel things should start to cool down a bit tomorrow at 26 and then 23 on Wednesday. I can't wait to get out into the garden again especially as my bee stung finger is looking a more normal size after blowing up like a throbbing red balloon. I will wear gloves for sure! Even if they are my leather dress ones until I can find normal gardening gloves!

Hope Katie is back to her old happy self PATSY and the painting finally finished JACKIE. I know LIN will be creating and picking her veggies.

Alls well with the world except for poor old Annsies ex.
Anne.

We seem to have lost our sunshine but it remains dry. A short walk this morning because George’s groomer was booked for midday and I didn’t want him getting mucky. He was so good while the clippers ran over him and is now looking very cute! While she worked I chatted about Betty’s constant moulting so she offered to wash her in her bath/tank and rub out what she could and that worked a treat, plus Betty didn’t mind at all whereas if I use my shower she panics. If nothing else she smells sweeter!
My afternoon was spent in the garden and I’m now bringing as much out of the spare room as possible to see what gets kept and what goes to the tip… the tip is winning, especially all the 1980/90’s music cassette tapes! My favourites were duplicated with CD’s.

Work continues next door but easily ignored now I no longer see them. Here’s half the plastic panel Sandy. It’s twice as long and once I’ve given my shrubs their Autumn trim will be an eyesore, hence the planned trellis. I did smile when, from the bottom of my garden, I saw their builder spending time leaning on it for a rest!


Did I mention our national shortage of timber due to so many garden and house projects during the lockdowns? The country has run out and not much being imported because we also have a shortage of truck drivers with so many cases of Covid self isolation. I’m hoping by the Autumn when I’ll plant climbers, trellis panels will be available and not cost a small fortune.

A no painting day but I’ll continue tomorrow as I’m finding the occasional break revitalises my energy levels. It should all be finished by the end of the week although didn’t I say that last week?

Poor Katie and poor you Patsy. This business of not being able to be with our pets for vet visits is upsetting because we know stress levels would be low if we could be there. George has never run out of the vet practice open door as he did last week! I do hope you managed to talk to your friend you are so worried about. Being able to talk to each other will be the best thing for both of you.

That’s a fun teapot house Lin. I see the price on the petrol pumps is in a $ sign so not British. Long phone chats are perfect for catching up but like you, I do easily lose a day.

I hope your finger had stopped throbbing Anne and thunder didn’t arrive to disturb the peace. The good thing about beekeeping is the protective gear although I often didn’t bother with gloves. All depended on the Queen’s temperament and I did occasionally get caught out!

I see America is no longer on our green list for travel but I’m sure Canada now is so I’m not sure how these decisions are made…. names in a hat probably!

Time to relax with feet up.
Take care and stay safe.
Jackie 🥰

Mornin Mornin –

It’s a great day today with sunshine and temps expected to hit 77 – nice. Beautiful sunrise this morning.
We have been taking our usual rides/walks. We even took in a great-nephews Kool-aide stand LOL. The son of one of Jean’s life-long friends is the drummer for Staind (on reunion tour) and they cancelled their 2 CNY shows I think due to Covid rescheduling issues. At least he posted a few pics. We are trying to enjoy as much as possible. Living in a “Blue” state things could change at any time.







Jean has been to the NYS Fair a couple times with 2 girlfriends. Out of the blue she got a text this morning from our niece (in her 40’s) asking if Jean wanted to go with her (and her son & his friend). So she will be leaving soon. Tonight it is an outdoor park concert for us. I have grocery shopping etc. to do this morning.

OMG – just after typing above…niece showed up early and Jean ran out…only to run back for her “mask” as they are required inside all buildings. I snapped a pic of her sprint LOL.




Sandy – Hope all went well on the weekend with those home projects, time with kiddo’s and dinner… yes – family times are fun times.

Anne – There always seems to be that usual clean-up that needs to be done.

As for the tragedy of Afghanistan – it sickens me. Biden betrayed allies. I do not blame other countries that have expressed an inability to trust the USA under this feckless Biden administration. The mainstream media is trying to change the narrative and it won’t work. I go to British, Australian and other news sources for a real perspective. Mainstream media has covered for Biden since before the election… a 50 year record of failure. Just this morning I watch Nigel Farage on British TV outline exactly why Biden is clearly not up to the job and outlining how America has been humiliated on the world stage. And maybe we all now face the increased risk of terrorism in our own countries.

Last night I watched Carl Higbie of Newsmax, a combat veteran, recount the loss of life from the failed withdrawal from Afghanistan, reflects on the true cost of war… https://youtu.be/0_T5TV0ho-U

I watched two Gold Star Fathers say they saw Biden repeatedly checking his watch during the Dignified Transfer Ceremony and one of them says it was “the most disrespectful thing” he has “ever seen”. Biden checked his watch on EVERY SINGLE CASKET THAT CAME OUT… It didn’t happen just once. He looked down at his watch all 13!
Former press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said it best: "Biden is callous and cruel not caring or compassionate...He simply does not care"

OK – enough politics…. I could go on for pages…

Jackie - I just realized I spent too much time venting above and was going to check out – BUT – then I saw your comment “Doesn’t Jean’s sunflower prove just how amazing nature is to create a perfect symmetrical pattern” and I re-focused. A great observation…thanks for that!

A friend went to see Herman’s Hermits but I haven’t heard back yet. He has been here several times and always a huge crowd-pleaser. I am sure the crowd was probably 25% of the norm. Yesterday’s attendance was roughly 40,000 vs. the normal 75-125,000 daily number. Mavericks is a “for sure” as long as the weather isn’t ridiculously horrible.

Your assessment on sleep apnea is accurate – waking up gasping for breath can be frightening. When it first was happening I didn’t notice either…then it worsened and wasn’t fun…. So I guess we’ll see. Hoping to ditch the CPAP.

Gotta run for now. Hope everyone has an awesome day! Bob

My day is another routine one. We had a lovely walk although it’s suddenly much cooler and my big excitement was mucking out the chooks…3 eggs found buried in their bedding!
I’m gradually clearing my spare room and adding to the tip pile, this time a large carrier of cassette tapes. Rod Stewart Unplugged, Chris Rhea Auberge, The Best of Janis Ian and also The Eagles; even Faure’s Requiem. I have kept a box of newsy tapes I exchanged with my mother back in the mid 70’s when I lived in Toronto although can’t bring myself to listen to them.

That’s it really. Not getting into the politics of Afghanistan because I think all Western politicians involved in the past 20 years have been at fault so still on the subject of my music collection, Joan Baez singing Where Have All The Flowers Gone…. When Will They Ever Learn comes to mind!

A Max toy Lin… that’s just perfect. 😊

Masking tape is calling!!
Jackie 🥰

😬😲🥴 lost my post!! Where do they go when they slide off into a corner? No amount of searching brought it back but it began with Happy September greetings and I can’t start all over right now because coffee is finished and I have a garden job to complete before lunch. The weather is changing and Autumn is in the air! On our walk this morning I watched as a bank of thick clouds arrived over the horizon to block the warm sunshine. 😢😭


Once again, happy September… where is this year going?
Jackie