Saturday, March 30, 2019
Rainy Saturday Cup
But it is nearly April...and in a few more weeks Morels won't be far behind!
And car shows!!!
But today it is raining and gray...an inside day. Time to continue the Spring Cleaning...maybe work on my painting of The Angel Oak...and bake some custard with nutmeg & make tea...a good bubble bath...somewhere, in there, a nap.
Started the week with Chris at The Breakfast Company for Brunch. So wonderful. He is so excited about his classes and his professors and soon an internship and embarking on his Cisco career.
It is incredible to watch and listen to someone who is so completely engaged in something they obviously love.
Doubly so when it is your kid, and their future.
He tried their Greek Breakfast...and I sampled their Greek Lunch.
Such a great addition to our little community...and they are doing quite well. Always packed.
Found my tattoo this week
and going to add
(or maybe only "breathe"...but definitely in this script)
I love the watercolour spatter effect.
Now to make the appointment to have it done.
Speaking of tattoos...this is what happens when you are on Spring Break and Your Dad (James) used to do tattoos . Relax it is Sharpie.
Nice job!
Sofi and Shelby the dynamic duo again...well...except for when the carpet cleaner arrived...lol
Shelby immediately became "hidden bathtub kitty" and Sofi escorted herself to her crate where she stayed watching until he was done.
A local service at very reasonable prices (new) and I have him scheduled 4x a year now. Steam cleaning, and breathing new life into old carpeting. Looks great.
The cats weren't so impressed by the still damp carpets, however.
Shelby just had a WTH look on her face...but Sofi was priceless as she walked out on them...then lifted each paw shaking it like
"What has he done to the carpet, Mom???"
Every time she took a step.
"We're sinking!!!"
"RUN!"
And she quickly climbed onto a chair next to me and stayed there for the rest of the evening.
Diane and I had a Friday Brunch together at KFC...then did our pre-weekend shopping together...even found a hard-shell eyeglass case and some strong reading glasses (cheaters) to take out to Loretta tomorrow when Amber and I visit.
We are taking her to Cracker Barrel and out for some shopping on Sunday. It is suppose to be beautiful out.
She can't wait!
Sad news yesterday from Barbara who let me know the old farmhouse (homestead) that was now occupied by Beth and Johnny was gutted by fire that morning.
They managed to get the dogs out and Johnny was hospitalized with smoke inhalation...but the firefighters say it is a total loss and everything inside is gone.
Spent a lot of good times here and out back by the barn and stage during Johnnypalooza every summer.
sigh
At least they are okay, and they got the dogs out.
Everything else is just stuff.
Barb set up a Gofundme and we have discussed a Johnny-thon (...just like he and the guys did a Bill-athon when Bill was diagnosed with leukemia years ago)
https://www.facebook.com/donate/269696107291304/10157411724254260/
The local Red Cross Chapter has been amazing...them, literally left with only the clothes on their backs.
The Red Cross immediately provided shelter (hotel) and $$$ for some clothing/food/et al.
Although the contents were not insured the house was...so by next week some of that will be sorted.
At least they are okay.
"Idgy" and I looking forward to our Spring Adventure
only
from now...and planning a Trek to Opa's for Greek (Our Big Fat Combined Greek Birthdays?) and Hobby Lobby (...who has the BEST silk flowers and art supplies).
For my trip down in September she has discovered THIS new shop in her town.
Can't wait!
The shoes have arrived and match my hat perfectly. Everything is together for the kids wedding in May.
Renay (a friend who does jewelry) is soon to fix my pearl problem. It is nearly impossible for me to wear 18" necklaces of any kind now, independently, because of the clasps. She has found attractive silver magnetic clasps and it going to afffix them to some of my shorter neck chains and strands of pearls thereby solving the problem...and making it possible for me to wear my favorite strand to the wedding.
The Movie this Week
A lot like The Fault is in Our Stars...but grittier.
Teens in love...with Cystic Fibrosis. Protocol keeping them six feet apart to avoid cross contamination in their hospital setting.
Less uplifting and darker than Green's Fault in Our Stars...but more emotional and thought-provoking.
You will think about this film long after it is over.
Well worth a watch.
The Book
A fictional first person narrative of an elderly Irishman set in a Pub as he reflects on the decades, loves, and losses of his life.
I loved this book.
It would have had much less impact had it just been told as a story...but to use her main character with his Irish brogue and colloquialisms to TELL the story, made it perfect.
A must read.
And politics.
What can you say?
Where the 400+ page Mueller Report was condensed into the 4 Page Barr Summary.
"No...I won't let anyone actually read it...but I'll tell you what it says." -AG BARR
So....yeah...that is not flying with Congress...who have now given them until April 2nd to produce the report in its entirety or face Subpoena.
And Trump taking a premature (or possibly just immature) victory lap saying the Report totally exonerates him...
Even though the Barr Summary states in B&W that it clearly does not.
And if it did...why would they fight so hard to keep the entire report under wraps????
If it actually did exonerate Trump and the GOP...don't you think they would be wallpapering the men's room with it...air-dropping it over the cities...and Trump would be releasing it 240 characters at a time on Twitter to own the Dems and Libs and whoever else he was pissed off at...at that time.
It will be interesting to see what Barr conveniently left out.
Just saying.
And so proud of Adam Schiff who used the 9 GOP's air-time when they asked him to RESIGN to instead do a complete list of Trump's Impeachable Crimes over the past two years in a controlled and calm demeanor.
Absolutely BRILLIANT.
The is the way we need to respond from now till election 2020...every goddamned time.
No more free passes.
No hyperbole or hysteria.
Just facts...and on live television when possible.
And another thing...
During the primaries...no attacking our own.
Thoughtful debate...letting each candidate showcase their strengths but no attacking our own...let the primary process sort it out.
Then unity behind the candidate that emerges as the nominee.
No shades of blue.
Just BLUE.
Straight Party Ticket in 2020
This is how we win and keep the House and flip the Senate.
More Anon..
Guess I shouldn't have complained about the rain...because it turned into THIS.
sigh
I want my SPRING back!
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Life List #19: The Holland Tulip Fields
It's Spring!
And nothing smells or says Spring quite like tulips.
By the handful...in a basket or vase
I have has the privilege of experiencing Holland Michigan in bloom...but today we are exploring the REAL Holland. Holland Netherlands.
Virtually, of course.
And just in time for their Tulip Festival Amsterdam (April 1st- May 19th this year)
Bringing home a tissue wrapped bunch (real) from the florist for the table top, too.
We will be seeing Keukenhoff Gardens
The Flower Fields
The Flower Parade
The Helicopter Sightseeing Tour: Tulips from the Air
The 30 minute private helicopter flight over the fields will set you back 1161 Euros. (around $1300 USD)
The Tour from Amsterdam ending with a Guided Tour of A Tulip Field 69 Euros
(roughly $77 USD)
Today is is all FREE,
(...well except the tulips...they cost $5.00...)
Come with me!
The Keukenhoff Gardens
Awash with colorful blooms, water features and windmills.
The name means Kitchen Garden in Dutch. It is also known as The Garden of Europe. It is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, and covers 79 acres.
There are an estimated 7 million bulbs planted here.
Situated in Lisse, South Holland-Netherlands the gardens are open from Mid-March to May with the best flower viewing in April.
The gardens were first established in 1949 to show off the hybrid bulbs of the day.
Tour of Gardens 2019 Opening Ceremony
https://youtu.be/KVkVK3WJ0-k
Garden Tour (BEST)
https://youtu.be/a6LODxsVjyQ
A Dutch Bulb Documentary and a peek at the Tulip Parade
https://youtu.be/8ngKpn7x5Wo
Castle Tour
https://youtu.be/NbYw8XPQfDQ
The castle is open year-round on the grounds, and available to rent for events.
Although the vast lines of tulips one expects lay outside the gardens proper..
The Tulip Fields
And seen from the air.
Can you even imagine what walking through here in full bloom would smell like!
Aerial Video
https://youtu.be/GUHx6YLHjNE
Time Lapse of Blooming Tulip
https://youtu.be/2PpfUXdv38A
Bulbs available online for Fall Planting.
www.dutchgrown.com
and Tulip scented oil and candles...
https://www.courtneyscandles.com
I hope you have enjoyed tiptoeing through the tulips with me...lol
https://youtu.be/zcSlcNfThUA
Sorry...it had to be done.
More Anon...
And nothing smells or says Spring quite like tulips.
By the handful...in a basket or vase
I have has the privilege of experiencing Holland Michigan in bloom...but today we are exploring the REAL Holland. Holland Netherlands.
Virtually, of course.
And just in time for their Tulip Festival Amsterdam (April 1st- May 19th this year)
Bringing home a tissue wrapped bunch (real) from the florist for the table top, too.
We will be seeing Keukenhoff Gardens
The Flower Fields
The Flower Parade
The Helicopter Sightseeing Tour: Tulips from the Air
The 30 minute private helicopter flight over the fields will set you back 1161 Euros. (around $1300 USD)
The Tour from Amsterdam ending with a Guided Tour of A Tulip Field 69 Euros
(roughly $77 USD)
Today is is all FREE,
(...well except the tulips...they cost $5.00...)
Come with me!
The Keukenhoff Gardens
Awash with colorful blooms, water features and windmills.
The name means Kitchen Garden in Dutch. It is also known as The Garden of Europe. It is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, and covers 79 acres.
There are an estimated 7 million bulbs planted here.
Situated in Lisse, South Holland-Netherlands the gardens are open from Mid-March to May with the best flower viewing in April.
The gardens were first established in 1949 to show off the hybrid bulbs of the day.
Tour of Gardens 2019 Opening Ceremony
https://youtu.be/KVkVK3WJ0-k
Garden Tour (BEST)
https://youtu.be/a6LODxsVjyQ
A Dutch Bulb Documentary and a peek at the Tulip Parade
https://youtu.be/8ngKpn7x5Wo
Castle Tour
https://youtu.be/NbYw8XPQfDQ
The castle is open year-round on the grounds, and available to rent for events.
Although the vast lines of tulips one expects lay outside the gardens proper..
The Tulip Fields
And seen from the air.
Can you even imagine what walking through here in full bloom would smell like!
Aerial Video
https://youtu.be/GUHx6YLHjNE
Time Lapse of Blooming Tulip
https://youtu.be/2PpfUXdv38A
Bulbs available online for Fall Planting.
www.dutchgrown.com
and Tulip scented oil and candles...
https://www.courtneyscandles.com
I hope you have enjoyed tiptoeing through the tulips with me...lol
https://youtu.be/zcSlcNfThUA
Sorry...it had to be done.
More Anon...
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Life List #18: Bolivian Salt Flat- Border Between Heaven and Earth
Saw this recently mentioned and knew I had to experience it...even virtually.
This is something...were I there...would have to set up a fresh canvas and paint. Or do some photography.
It is The World's Largest Salt Flat. Once a vast inland salt lake.
The Salar De Uyuni
It sits nearly 12000 feet above sea level now and is over 4000 square miles. The mirror effect occurs in the rainy season. (January-April)
Tour
https://youtu.be/yOQAXdmsCrQ
During the dry season
And at night with the Milky Way.
Nothing short of Spectacular!
I have experienced the salt flats in Nevada (which are incredible)...but nothing like this before.
Now I've seen it...and so have you!
More Anon...
This is something...were I there...would have to set up a fresh canvas and paint. Or do some photography.
It is The World's Largest Salt Flat. Once a vast inland salt lake.
The Salar De Uyuni
It sits nearly 12000 feet above sea level now and is over 4000 square miles. The mirror effect occurs in the rainy season. (January-April)
Tour
https://youtu.be/yOQAXdmsCrQ
During the dry season
And at night with the Milky Way.
Nothing short of Spectacular!
I have experienced the salt flats in Nevada (which are incredible)...but nothing like this before.
Now I've seen it...and so have you!
More Anon...
Saturday, March 23, 2019
End of the Week...Mueller's Report...#Florida Man...and Nunes' Cow
Settled in for a quiet weekend here.
Some of us, more snuggled than others...lol!
Sofi has claimed the fuzzy taffy blanket as "her's" along with the cat tree, I'm afraid.
Finally recovered from our beginning of the week adventure...and the next one already planned and booked. This time we've managed to find a hot tub suite without the accompanying "cave" for an early birthday celebration together.
The last year of my 50's...how can that be right?
It's just a number. Most days I feel about 45...except this Wednesday morning when I felt about 106.
You wreck me, honey....
But only temporarily.
The HUGE news is, of course, the completion of the Mueller Report!
Barr received it yesterday...Congress will review it soon...and so now
WE WAIT.
And to amuse ourselves during said wait...we have #FloridaMan Challenge....which is basically Googling the Month and Day you are born and the words Florida Man.
Showing us,once again, things really ARE a bit more surrealistic in the Sunshine State.
See what I mean...???
And Devin Nunes became completely unhinged after a parody site
Devin Nunes' Cow
arrived on the twitter scene...even filing suit...to which the twitterverse responded with a resounding
MOO
And it has sort of devolved from there.
People showing up at his rally in cow costumes...many others just mooing...being trolled mercilessly...and now this
The Official Devin Nunes Cow Tee Shirt
Available for order here
https://resistbay.com/product/devin-nunes-cow-fan-club-short-sleeve-unisex-t-shirt/
Yes...let the merchandising begin!
Spring temps have arrived...and slowly beginning the tidying outside and decided to put the forced bulbs in a patio planter to finish their blooming. Soon to add touches of yellow (silk daffodils and forsythia) to the spring decor in the house.
Tried on the Pearl Blue Lace Dress for Chris and Tina's wedding and am pleasantly surprised. Great fit and looks lovely. Still vacillating over the hat and shoes...but there is time!
Tina has started painting her WarHammer Orcs and is doing a great job!
And I have invited Chris and James to experience the Breakfast Company with me in the coming week!
Nicole and Emma have been having an adventure with hair...and now Emma is sporting a new look!
Love it!!!
And she is ready for Spring Softball.
Hoping to see my granddaughter, Hannah, for her birthday soon.
And my Florida friend Vicki, and her husband Mark, report the resurgence of 14 Monarch Caterpillars in their butterfly garden.
"We're gonna need more milkweed!!!"
Yep...they plant and grow butterflies!
No movie this week...
The Book...a collection of essays entitled
Essays taking a hard look at relationships.
Between husbands and wives...between sisters and friends...between flatmates and co-workers. Mothers and their children.
You'll find yourself nodding and sighing...and sometimes smiling. And maybe a few tears.
Well written. Very enjoyable.
Finishing the tidying and wash here. Loving the new dryer...then beginning the background and sky for my second attempt at capturing The Angel Oak in acrylics.
More Anon...
Some of us, more snuggled than others...lol!
Sofi has claimed the fuzzy taffy blanket as "her's" along with the cat tree, I'm afraid.
Finally recovered from our beginning of the week adventure...and the next one already planned and booked. This time we've managed to find a hot tub suite without the accompanying "cave" for an early birthday celebration together.
The last year of my 50's...how can that be right?
It's just a number. Most days I feel about 45...except this Wednesday morning when I felt about 106.
You wreck me, honey....
But only temporarily.
The HUGE news is, of course, the completion of the Mueller Report!
Barr received it yesterday...Congress will review it soon...and so now
WE WAIT.
And to amuse ourselves during said wait...we have #FloridaMan Challenge....which is basically Googling the Month and Day you are born and the words Florida Man.
Showing us,once again, things really ARE a bit more surrealistic in the Sunshine State.
Florida man slapped with Big Mouth Billy Bass Singing Fish After Argument
See what I mean...???
And Devin Nunes became completely unhinged after a parody site
Devin Nunes' Cow
arrived on the twitter scene...even filing suit...to which the twitterverse responded with a resounding
MOO
And it has sort of devolved from there.
People showing up at his rally in cow costumes...many others just mooing...being trolled mercilessly...and now this
The Official Devin Nunes Cow Tee Shirt
Available for order here
https://resistbay.com/product/devin-nunes-cow-fan-club-short-sleeve-unisex-t-shirt/
Yes...let the merchandising begin!
Spring temps have arrived...and slowly beginning the tidying outside and decided to put the forced bulbs in a patio planter to finish their blooming. Soon to add touches of yellow (silk daffodils and forsythia) to the spring decor in the house.
Tried on the Pearl Blue Lace Dress for Chris and Tina's wedding and am pleasantly surprised. Great fit and looks lovely. Still vacillating over the hat and shoes...but there is time!
Tina has started painting her WarHammer Orcs and is doing a great job!
And I have invited Chris and James to experience the Breakfast Company with me in the coming week!
Nicole and Emma have been having an adventure with hair...and now Emma is sporting a new look!
Love it!!!
And she is ready for Spring Softball.
Hoping to see my granddaughter, Hannah, for her birthday soon.
And my Florida friend Vicki, and her husband Mark, report the resurgence of 14 Monarch Caterpillars in their butterfly garden.
"We're gonna need more milkweed!!!"
Yep...they plant and grow butterflies!
No movie this week...
The Book...a collection of essays entitled
Essays taking a hard look at relationships.
Between husbands and wives...between sisters and friends...between flatmates and co-workers. Mothers and their children.
You'll find yourself nodding and sighing...and sometimes smiling. And maybe a few tears.
Well written. Very enjoyable.
Finishing the tidying and wash here. Loving the new dryer...then beginning the background and sky for my second attempt at capturing The Angel Oak in acrylics.
More Anon...
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