I mowed my lawn today
It's not as easy as it sounds.
Because Jackie needs help during the day, I mow for 30 minutes then check for messages on my phone. On the hour I go in the house and see if she is ok.
Today went well on that front.
My back yard is like a roller coaster. I have dips and drops big enough to churn my stomach when I mow.
And there are the obstacles.
My mower fits exactly between my raised gardens. Or it did until the shield strap broke and I didn't have anything to hold the shield up, so I backed into the space and mowed while holding the shield up with my right hand.
The shield is useless because I have a mulching mower and there is no side discharge. But the shield has to be there to meet safety standards. I just need to figure out how to take it off myself.
I ran over a sign. I could not figure out where all the paper was coming from, and then I noticed the lawn care sign I had on the mower was gone. Shredded.
And then there is the dog doo. I pick up before I mow, but there are always a couple hiding in the grass.
I also started cutting up boxes.
I am crazy. I have wanted to plant a natural garden in the back for years. I thought I could save boxes, cut them up, and put them around the plants as a weed barrier. Then I would mulch over the top to hold it all in place.
So I have been saving boxes since Christmas. I have a lot of cardboard.
My plan was to sucker people into helping by having a plant the garden day with doughnuts and pizza and liquid refreshments.....but Covid might have a say in those plans.
I got half the boxes cut up. I have a lot of boxes.
Hopefully I can finish tomorrow.
It's a good activity to do by myself, in keeping with the times.
Stay healthy. Stay safe.
Peace and Love
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Monday, April 6, 2020
day 21
Is it over yet? I can't watch
Is this really day 21 for me to be "confined?" I have been pretty good about not going places. But how long can that last?
We finally put out our meager Easter decorations Sunday. I think we lost track of time. When Easter comes, we will pack them up....so it will only be out a week or so.
Luckily there are not a lot of decorations.
We do have a 5 foot tall wooden rabbit. The first night it was up, I had had some wine. When I got up for my 2 a.m. prostate exercise, I walked into the living room and the thing scared the bee jee bees out of me! I thought it was Harvey, that invisible rabbit friend of Elwood P. Dowd. Only this time it was visible.
So now I put the alarm on at night. Hopefully that will help me sleep.
I also have not had wine in over a week, which will allow me to think more clearly at 2 a.m.
Technology is amazing. In the past four days I have talked with my Swiss daughter face to face on Skype. I have seen my little block playing buddy and heard her sing a Frozen song on Messenger. We have talked to Jackie's brother and his wife in Florida on Facetime. I took part in two Zoom meetings, seeing actual faces of people who were talking. And I have not left the house to do any of that.
Hell, a few months ago I didn't know how to use most of that stuff, so it has been a learning experience.
I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.
Stay safe. Stay home. Stay connected.
Peace and Love
Is this really day 21 for me to be "confined?" I have been pretty good about not going places. But how long can that last?
We finally put out our meager Easter decorations Sunday. I think we lost track of time. When Easter comes, we will pack them up....so it will only be out a week or so.
Luckily there are not a lot of decorations.
We do have a 5 foot tall wooden rabbit. The first night it was up, I had had some wine. When I got up for my 2 a.m. prostate exercise, I walked into the living room and the thing scared the bee jee bees out of me! I thought it was Harvey, that invisible rabbit friend of Elwood P. Dowd. Only this time it was visible.
So now I put the alarm on at night. Hopefully that will help me sleep.
I also have not had wine in over a week, which will allow me to think more clearly at 2 a.m.
Technology is amazing. In the past four days I have talked with my Swiss daughter face to face on Skype. I have seen my little block playing buddy and heard her sing a Frozen song on Messenger. We have talked to Jackie's brother and his wife in Florida on Facetime. I took part in two Zoom meetings, seeing actual faces of people who were talking. And I have not left the house to do any of that.
Hell, a few months ago I didn't know how to use most of that stuff, so it has been a learning experience.
I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.
Stay safe. Stay home. Stay connected.
Peace and Love
Sunday, April 5, 2020
day 20
I violated stay at home directives today
I went to a Apple Rive Canyon State Park, Dewey Lake in Michigan, and Corseaux, Switzerland.
And I did it in less than two hours.
How? A magic fire.
This was one of my goals for the next couple of weeks...burn off the pile.
I discovered there were 3 Christmas trees there, not two. It was long over due for burning.
So, why is it magic?
I lay down in the grass and closed my eyes.
A neighbor was mowing, and the purr of the mower took me back to Dewey Lake. I spent many summer days laying on the porch, reading comic books, and listening to the boats purr across the lake. These were my aunt's and uncle's cottages, and they were heaven.
Sometimes I would hear the Jennings/O'Reilly kids down by the lake and I would rush out to swim with Deannie and Beth and their six sisters. We'd play in the sand and laugh. Done with swimming, we'd end up playing a never ending game of Monopoly.....nobody ever went broke or got rich. We just played.
My brothers would sometimes be there, or cousins, or other relatives. For a 12 year old kid it was heaven.
We stopped going there when I was maybe 16. I was working, my mother was working, my brothers were either at school or in the service and we didn't have the time to go anymore.
I still miss it.
The fire crackled and popped and with my eyes closed I could picture the campground at Apple River, with John and Dave and me sitting around the fire. Sometimes talking, sometimes listening, sometimes just sitting quietly. Three old guys who have been friends for most of their lives.
I treasure those times.
A breeze picked up and suddenly I was napping on Julia's glider on her balcony in Switzerland. I was chilly, but it didn't matter. I could see Lake Geneva and the boats sailing effortlessly across the waters. I could see the snow capped Alps on the other side, and I was cold yet warm at the same time.
I must have been there an hour. During that time I forgot about Covid-19. I had no responsibilities.
It was magic.
I hope you all can find a magic fire in these challenging times.
Sadly, mine is now gone.
Be safe, stay healthy.
Peace and Love
I went to a Apple Rive Canyon State Park, Dewey Lake in Michigan, and Corseaux, Switzerland.
And I did it in less than two hours.
How? A magic fire.
I discovered there were 3 Christmas trees there, not two. It was long over due for burning.
So, why is it magic?
I lay down in the grass and closed my eyes.
A neighbor was mowing, and the purr of the mower took me back to Dewey Lake. I spent many summer days laying on the porch, reading comic books, and listening to the boats purr across the lake. These were my aunt's and uncle's cottages, and they were heaven.
Sometimes I would hear the Jennings/O'Reilly kids down by the lake and I would rush out to swim with Deannie and Beth and their six sisters. We'd play in the sand and laugh. Done with swimming, we'd end up playing a never ending game of Monopoly.....nobody ever went broke or got rich. We just played.
My brothers would sometimes be there, or cousins, or other relatives. For a 12 year old kid it was heaven.
We stopped going there when I was maybe 16. I was working, my mother was working, my brothers were either at school or in the service and we didn't have the time to go anymore.
I still miss it.
The fire crackled and popped and with my eyes closed I could picture the campground at Apple River, with John and Dave and me sitting around the fire. Sometimes talking, sometimes listening, sometimes just sitting quietly. Three old guys who have been friends for most of their lives.
I treasure those times.
A breeze picked up and suddenly I was napping on Julia's glider on her balcony in Switzerland. I was chilly, but it didn't matter. I could see Lake Geneva and the boats sailing effortlessly across the waters. I could see the snow capped Alps on the other side, and I was cold yet warm at the same time.
I must have been there an hour. During that time I forgot about Covid-19. I had no responsibilities.
It was magic.
I hope you all can find a magic fire in these challenging times.
Sadly, mine is now gone.
Be safe, stay healthy.
Peace and Love
Saturday, April 4, 2020
day 19
I felt a little off today
Not off, as in sick. But off, as in not with it.
I saw several neighbors out working in their yards...picking up sticks, dethatching their lawn, just puttering in the sun.
I saw people walking, riding bikes down our street, roller blading, walking their dogs.
I sat in the house.
I did ventrue out on the deck for a few minutes, but it was still a little chilly for me. I can't work outside when I am cold. I can't ride my bike when it is cold.
I am a wimp.
Tomorrow I plan to plant peas in the garden and burn off my burn pile. Hopefully I will have the time to do that.
I still have to finalize plans for my nature garden in the back of the yard. I have been planning this for months and if I don't get it in this year, it won't go in at all.
I have waited too long as it is.
I also took out the garbage. I know, no big deal, right? But our trash is picked up on Friday...which means I filled a bag in one day!
That's what happens when you order out two nights in a row! Lots of containers.
I am careful. I wipe the bags off, then take the food out, being careful not to touch it with my bare hands. I roll it onto a plate then toss out the bag and all the wrappings. Then I wipe down the counters where all the stuff sat. I also use a sanitizing wipe to clean my credit card. I also got gas for the mower. Put on a disposable glove and tossed it when done, then sanitized my hands.
It might be overkill, but I am taking no chances.
For the next several weeks I have a few projects:
Put together my Switzerland book from last summer
Put together my new puzzle
Plant part of the garden
Burn the pile
Go through the 8,673 pictures I have on the computer and eliminate most of them
Go through slides in the box in the basement
Cut out magzine pictures for the zoo
Learn how to flamenco dance
Develop a super power
Clean the den
Time will tell which ones get done, and which ones are skipped.
Be safe my friends. Stay at home. Stay healthy.
Peace and Love
Not off, as in sick. But off, as in not with it.
I saw several neighbors out working in their yards...picking up sticks, dethatching their lawn, just puttering in the sun.
I saw people walking, riding bikes down our street, roller blading, walking their dogs.
I sat in the house.
I did ventrue out on the deck for a few minutes, but it was still a little chilly for me. I can't work outside when I am cold. I can't ride my bike when it is cold.
I am a wimp.
Tomorrow I plan to plant peas in the garden and burn off my burn pile. Hopefully I will have the time to do that.
I still have to finalize plans for my nature garden in the back of the yard. I have been planning this for months and if I don't get it in this year, it won't go in at all.
I have waited too long as it is.
I also took out the garbage. I know, no big deal, right? But our trash is picked up on Friday...which means I filled a bag in one day!
That's what happens when you order out two nights in a row! Lots of containers.
I am careful. I wipe the bags off, then take the food out, being careful not to touch it with my bare hands. I roll it onto a plate then toss out the bag and all the wrappings. Then I wipe down the counters where all the stuff sat. I also use a sanitizing wipe to clean my credit card. I also got gas for the mower. Put on a disposable glove and tossed it when done, then sanitized my hands.
It might be overkill, but I am taking no chances.
For the next several weeks I have a few projects:
Put together my Switzerland book from last summer
Put together my new puzzle
Plant part of the garden
Burn the pile
Go through the 8,673 pictures I have on the computer and eliminate most of them
Go through slides in the box in the basement
Cut out magzine pictures for the zoo
Learn how to flamenco dance
Develop a super power
Clean the den
Time will tell which ones get done, and which ones are skipped.
Be safe my friends. Stay at home. Stay healthy.
Peace and Love
Friday, April 3, 2020
day 18
Another day....another, what? I'm confused
I still have a lot to learn about Jackie's car.
It will always be Jackie's car, because she wanted it. I drive it.
Yesterday I discovered that Corki is not light enough to not trigger the seat belt warning beep.
In answer to a trivia question...42. That's the number of times the car chimes if the front seat passenger isn't belted up. Oh! Did I mention that it does that about every 15 minutes the car is running?
I had the radio blasting and could still hear it. After a while you start counting, wondering just how many beeps will sound. I counted 42, which I thought was a very random number. Why not 40? Or 50?
There I was, cruising down the highway, radio on high, roof open and the wind roaring through and I could still heard that damn beep beep beep....I will not do 42, just to spare you.
Julia told me today I should have connected the belt before putting Corki in the car. I wish I had known that.
Supported a local restaurant with a pizza pick up tonight. I sometimes forget Vince's, which does have really good pizza. We now get mediums, because that lasts us at least 2 meals and a lunch. Larges last forever.
Took the old girl for a short walk today. Corki. Not Jackie. I did that two days ago (again, Corki, just to clarify) and picked up litter along the way. I carried a garbage bag with me and almost filled it with paper, plastic bottles and other crap. Couple of beer cans, McDonald's cup and a Portillos's cup.
What the hell! Portillos is in DeKalb and Rockford. Some idiot bought at least a drink there and drove with it for at least 20 miles before figuring it was cluttering up the car and tossed it out the window.
Or it blew out of the back of a pick up truck. Or it dropped from an airplane flying overhead.
I don't understand why people think littering is acceptable.
I have to go to bed early tonight....will need all day to make a mask I can wear out in public. Folding cloth is not one of my skills.
Stay healthy. Stay home.
Pete and Love
I still have a lot to learn about Jackie's car.
It will always be Jackie's car, because she wanted it. I drive it.
Yesterday I discovered that Corki is not light enough to not trigger the seat belt warning beep.
In answer to a trivia question...42. That's the number of times the car chimes if the front seat passenger isn't belted up. Oh! Did I mention that it does that about every 15 minutes the car is running?
I had the radio blasting and could still hear it. After a while you start counting, wondering just how many beeps will sound. I counted 42, which I thought was a very random number. Why not 40? Or 50?
There I was, cruising down the highway, radio on high, roof open and the wind roaring through and I could still heard that damn beep beep beep....I will not do 42, just to spare you.
Julia told me today I should have connected the belt before putting Corki in the car. I wish I had known that.
Supported a local restaurant with a pizza pick up tonight. I sometimes forget Vince's, which does have really good pizza. We now get mediums, because that lasts us at least 2 meals and a lunch. Larges last forever.
Took the old girl for a short walk today. Corki. Not Jackie. I did that two days ago (again, Corki, just to clarify) and picked up litter along the way. I carried a garbage bag with me and almost filled it with paper, plastic bottles and other crap. Couple of beer cans, McDonald's cup and a Portillos's cup.
What the hell! Portillos is in DeKalb and Rockford. Some idiot bought at least a drink there and drove with it for at least 20 miles before figuring it was cluttering up the car and tossed it out the window.
Or it blew out of the back of a pick up truck. Or it dropped from an airplane flying overhead.
I don't understand why people think littering is acceptable.
I have to go to bed early tonight....will need all day to make a mask I can wear out in public. Folding cloth is not one of my skills.
Stay healthy. Stay home.
Pete and Love
Thursday, April 2, 2020
day 17
I couldn't take it anymore
I went to Starbucks. Today. I drove 20 miles for a white chocolate raspberry mocha. It felt good. And it tasted good.
I would buy that at Cypress House, but can't.
So Corki and I made the drive.
We went through drive up and when they took my card, Steven looked at Corki and said, "Aw what a cute dog." Then he called the other workers over and Miss Corki took in a few minutes of adulation.
He also gave me a small cup with some whipped cream, which Corki enjoyed immensely.
Emily dropped off groceries that she and John have bought for us. I am still not allowed to go into stores. And I did check, she said Starbucks was ok. I in turn dropped some stuff off at Linda and Dan's since it was on the way.
By the way, I used a sanitizing wipe on my card after it was given back to me. Then I wiped the sides, top and bottom of the cup. Then I sanitized my hands and that was all before the first sip.
When I got home, I settled in and got a text from Emily telling me to look by the back door. I did, and this is what I found.
I went to Starbucks. Today. I drove 20 miles for a white chocolate raspberry mocha. It felt good. And it tasted good.
I would buy that at Cypress House, but can't.
So Corki and I made the drive.
We went through drive up and when they took my card, Steven looked at Corki and said, "Aw what a cute dog." Then he called the other workers over and Miss Corki took in a few minutes of adulation.
He also gave me a small cup with some whipped cream, which Corki enjoyed immensely.
Emily dropped off groceries that she and John have bought for us. I am still not allowed to go into stores. And I did check, she said Starbucks was ok. I in turn dropped some stuff off at Linda and Dan's since it was on the way.
By the way, I used a sanitizing wipe on my card after it was given back to me. Then I wiped the sides, top and bottom of the cup. Then I sanitized my hands and that was all before the first sip.
When I got home, I settled in and got a text from Emily telling me to look by the back door. I did, and this is what I found.
 |
| A new puzzle!
Those of you who know me realize I have a love for France, especially Paris. When I work on this puzzle, I will try to have a glass of wine, or a coffee and croissant, close at hand.
Just noticed I don't have my glasses on....wonder where the hell I left them this time.
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay healthy
Peace and Love
|
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
day 16
it's not funny, or is it?
Going stir crazy.
I gave some thought to tv shows. Not a lot of thought. Just some.
I watch a lot of tv. I like Modern Family, Bob Hearts Abishola, Mom, Schitt'$ Creek to name a few.
I had to stop listening to crime shows because I was convinced we were going to be robbed every night. I even put in an alarm system. If only it worked for viruses.
I came up with some pitches for shows. If you know a Hollywood producer, feel free to contact them with any or all of my ideas.
Balcony of Love.........Lisa lives on the third floor of Brookstone Manor while Bill lives on the fifth floor. The have seen each other in the elevator, but have never really talked. When a disaster hits and they are confined to their houses, they take to singing on the balcony every night at 8. After 4 months, they fall in love. No longer having to stay at home, they end up at Bill's apartment where to Lisa's horror, he has 15 live cats plus 23 stuffed felines scattered throughout his home. Each cat is named Harvey. Lisa is so taken aback and broken hearted she moves out of the city and becomes a nun.
Mission Improbable......A spy thriller! Charmin is a spy, a very good spy. She works for the Deep State Department using her disguise as a reporter. Charmin's task, should she accept it, is to find out who is hoarding toilet paper, a valuable commodity in 2025. Charmin is pursued by an enemy agent, Mr. Whipple, who is obsessed with squeezing the life out of Charmin.
Whose Lie is it Anyway? This weekly game show fatures politicians from all levels of government who must answer difficult questions with a lie. However, one contestant, George Potus, must always tell the truth! The panel of dimly witted people must find the truth teller in this weekly show.
Dog Eats Dogs......Follow the adventures of Mitch the Mutt as his owners train him to be a champion hot dog eater. Watch Mitch grow from a puppy to a full lap dog, all the while learning how to eat hot dogs competitively. The neutering episode is especially fascinating.
None Sense......Lisa has moved on from Bill in this spinoff. She is in her first year at the nunnery when she meets an unconventional priest. During an especially poignant scene in this rom-com, Father Frank turns to Sister Lisa and says quietly, "Nun, you have a habit I'd like to get into." Finding true love, they run from the nunnery and join a circus, where he discovers a talent for clowning and she learns she is multi jointed and is billed as the "The Amazing Jelly Lady." They live happily ever after and have 12 children..
So, that is my list of ideas for tv shows.
Like I said, feel free to pass them on.
Peace and Love and stay safe and healthy
Going stir crazy.
I gave some thought to tv shows. Not a lot of thought. Just some.
I watch a lot of tv. I like Modern Family, Bob Hearts Abishola, Mom, Schitt'$ Creek to name a few.
I had to stop listening to crime shows because I was convinced we were going to be robbed every night. I even put in an alarm system. If only it worked for viruses.
I came up with some pitches for shows. If you know a Hollywood producer, feel free to contact them with any or all of my ideas.
Balcony of Love.........Lisa lives on the third floor of Brookstone Manor while Bill lives on the fifth floor. The have seen each other in the elevator, but have never really talked. When a disaster hits and they are confined to their houses, they take to singing on the balcony every night at 8. After 4 months, they fall in love. No longer having to stay at home, they end up at Bill's apartment where to Lisa's horror, he has 15 live cats plus 23 stuffed felines scattered throughout his home. Each cat is named Harvey. Lisa is so taken aback and broken hearted she moves out of the city and becomes a nun.
Mission Improbable......A spy thriller! Charmin is a spy, a very good spy. She works for the Deep State Department using her disguise as a reporter. Charmin's task, should she accept it, is to find out who is hoarding toilet paper, a valuable commodity in 2025. Charmin is pursued by an enemy agent, Mr. Whipple, who is obsessed with squeezing the life out of Charmin.
Whose Lie is it Anyway? This weekly game show fatures politicians from all levels of government who must answer difficult questions with a lie. However, one contestant, George Potus, must always tell the truth! The panel of dimly witted people must find the truth teller in this weekly show.
Dog Eats Dogs......Follow the adventures of Mitch the Mutt as his owners train him to be a champion hot dog eater. Watch Mitch grow from a puppy to a full lap dog, all the while learning how to eat hot dogs competitively. The neutering episode is especially fascinating.
None Sense......Lisa has moved on from Bill in this spinoff. She is in her first year at the nunnery when she meets an unconventional priest. During an especially poignant scene in this rom-com, Father Frank turns to Sister Lisa and says quietly, "Nun, you have a habit I'd like to get into." Finding true love, they run from the nunnery and join a circus, where he discovers a talent for clowning and she learns she is multi jointed and is billed as the "The Amazing Jelly Lady." They live happily ever after and have 12 children..
So, that is my list of ideas for tv shows.
Like I said, feel free to pass them on.
Peace and Love and stay safe and healthy
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