Today Is Monday, September 18, 2023: This Is What Happened.

 

Frankly, sometimes I'm clueless about what to blog about. My life is a repeat, repeat, repeat, and more duplicate.
This morning, we finished filling out the form for social security. And mailed a copy of marriage our marriage certificate. The first monthly Social Security check in 1940 was written for $22.40, worth about $491 today.
For some reason, as in Social Security, they are adding an extra $35, and I am still trying to figure out why. It is something about marriage benefits. Not widows. Many of our safety net programs need to be updated, including social security.

Murphy and I went into the senior center for lunch. They had spaghetti.

I made up some more envelopes to hold my thumb drives in. I created another artist trading card to take into Tea Scarlet studio for our local community trade.
And order three items from Amazon.

Coffee is on, and stay safe.

Today is Sunday, September 17, 2023: This Is What Happened.

 

The first thing I did this morning was get up and have coffee—yesterday's POST. Mention Murphy's cousin's land, regardless of how we feel about the land situation. Steve's cousin got land from his mom, and he sold it. To someone we don't know, which is all legal. We were curious about what was being done with the land, and that's all.

Now, it's time to move on. Put in my bullet journal. What do I plan or attempt to complete this upcoming week? Just one project a day. Some days, I might get more than one done. The first thing on my list is to wash the sliding glass door, and the last thing, or number 7, is to make a haul to the dump. That is if the garbage cans are entirely full. If the cans aren't full, it's on to my dresser.

I now start on my envelopes that will fit my thumb drives in. I tried labeling the thumb drives, but the labels kept falling up. This way, I can put a thumb drive in the envelopes and write on them what it is.

It took me three templates to get it to what I needed. So I ended up with seven. In the next few days, I will make up some more. I should get more.

I laid out my quilt, and I'm happy with the size. I will do the so-called backside as the front side. Well, the colors will be slightly different. I wasn't planning to have it color-coordinated.

I am still making progress with the embroidery.

Today Is Saturday, September 16, 2023: This Is What Happened.

It's clueless why I couldn't get my photos off my camera and onto my laptop. Today, it all works. I decided not to load all the pictures I talked about yesterday.

It can be appalling when a person needs or wants about around a dozen of an item—been looking for envelopes 2.5 by 3.5. The only thing I can find is a package of 100 or more. I might try stopping in at our local florist store. They have gift cards, and hopefully, they have some extra envelopes they are willing to sell. Another thing is a local pawn shop. Usually, they handle coins, which are also known as coin envelopes.

Murphy and I went to town this morning. The first stop was to vacuum out the pickup. Cost .75 for about 15 minutes. The first one we went to, the vacuum didn't suck anything.

Then we drive up the North Hill. Murphy's cousin, Laim, inherited his mom's property. For now, the word "inherited" is the best way to explain it. Family soap operas can take a bit to explain, not into typing a novel.

Well, his cousin sold the land, and Murphy wants to know if the new owners have started to log it. Well, no sign of logging. And if we're logging it, no one can do anything about it.

Then we stop at the hardware store. We need a few things so we can continue painting the house. I stayed in the rig as Murphy went to the store. I read.

Then, we drove back downhill. The city parking lot is where the Farmer Market is held. Two tables were set up in the parking lot for the petition drive. To change Idaho from a closed primary to an open one. Murphy and I signed the petition.

Murphy went back to the pickup, and I walked over to TEASCARLET. I took my three artist cards and got my three. She asks if I plan to do any more. I more or less said, "Yes."

Then, up on South Hill, we mainly got groceries. The only nonfood item we got was a pair of mouse traps for $2.20.

The top three is the ones I did. 

Today would have been my mother's 100 birthday.

Today Is Friday, September 15, 2023: This Is What Happened.

Took a short walk this morning to the end of the road.

Yesterday, I went down to Sandpoint. I took Regis with me. We both had DVDs to take back. I picked up three movies. They're The Big Picture, Word Play, and Art in the twenty-first century, number 9.

Then we went over to Good Will, and guess what! I got myself two jeans. Jeans are hard for me to find that fit me, mainly around the hips.

And a fun pair of pants.

The last place in Sandpoint we went to was Walmart. Nothing is exciting there. If memory serves me right, I only spent around $23.00

We went up to the three-mile cafe to have a piece of pie. Regis had coconut cream, and I had peach. Both of us agree the pastry was a bit too sweet.

Just want to bang my head against a brick hall. I have loaded photos from the camera(s) to my laptop. Not one photo today; I couldn't get the images onto my laptop. I had planned to show my fun pants I bought.

Over at our local art gallery in Bonners Ferry, TEA SCARLET is putting on a local "ARTIST TRADING CARDS." I have done some in the past. But it has been a while since I've done any cards.

Murphy and I need to go into town. Our first stop will be our local farmer's market. Someone will be at the market with a petition. To get rid of the close primary in Idaho. I have remarked that I only get votes up or down in Idaho, the Republican party, like the old Communist party in Russia. We have some terrifying nut cases here.

After that, I will drop off my A.T.C. (Artist Trading Cards) and then go to the food stores; we don't need that much.

For the home project, we put the last part of the door sweep, the kitchen door, on the inside. Wash the outside kitchen window, and clean off some dead leaves of the wonder Jew plant.

Coffee is on, and stay safe.

Today Is Wednesday, September 13, 2023: This Is What Happened.

 

I should get right to the news of my retirement amount. Looks like it will be $463 a month. Over the phone, the lady from Social Security read my work history amount from 1981 on. It was low amounts throughout my work years.
I become teary-eyed depressed, and feel like I failed. I didn't make more money.
The highest wage I made was over $16 an hour. It is not right what is paid people who take care of others, mainly the vulnerable.
But it is what it is.

If I understand, I get an extra $35 off my husband's social security for being married for a long time.

At this time, there are a few things I can do to help us along. I lowered my mobile phone down to $35 a month. I have an internet phone, which costs us $43 a year. Which I consider my landline. I know I get some taken off of the internet bill. In most other safety net programs, we have too many personal resources. As in bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and IRA (Individual Retirement Account)
Some might suggest we spend our resources down. That is fine. But if the government thinks one spends resources deliberately to get help for a safety net program. You could possibly be charged with fraud.

I managed to get in a walk this morning. For a week, my hip seemed to be seizing up. Yesterday, I got another roll done in the quilt I'm working on.
I went to my art group class down at our local fairground. It was a lovely day, with blue skies. A squirrel was up in a tree, and he/she knocked some tree bark on my art.

Coffee is on, and stay safe.

Today Is Sunday, September 10, 2023: This Is What Happened.

 

Went nowhere and made sure all legal papers were. I need it all lined up. If they weren't here. I would have to take a trip to town and get those papers out of the safety deposit box.

A Friendly bird, or maybe not so friendly, poop on the North side of the house. So we wash it off.

Since being on the latter bothers both Murphy and I. We're planning to hire the neighbor boy. To paint the four top boards of the house. The rest we can reach from the ground level.

Started putting the rows of throw quilt together. I didn't go out and buy special new fabric for this quilt. Got them from thrift stores, rummage, and yard sales. I'm unsure how I want to finish the second to last part. I know the last thing I will do to it is tie it.

I worry if I repeat or keep needling on the same subject. As many of you have heard, we're heading to the Bay Area, San Francisco. One of the places on our agenda is to visit the SF MONA. I have wondered about putting on an exhibit. Every little detail of it. From the meeting of the minds to the close of the show. The show's finale is the right word. But I understand. One of the EXHIBITs will be on cruising. I cruised back in my day. I hear now young people don't cruise.

Question time...If you could pick a theme for an art exhibit, what would it be? 

I have many. But for now, I will go with cleaning the home. I can imagine showing different styles of mops, brooms, sinks, etc.

New week coming up. I have seven projects, like washing the curtain above the kitchen sink. Murphy is taller, so he can get them down. As the curtains are off, we should clean the windows.

I'm sure we will get more done on the list, than one thing.

Coffee is on, and stay safe.

Today Is Saturday, September 9, 2023: This Is What Happened.

 

It has been a while since I took part in Saturday Nine. Today's theme comes from CHEESE BURGER IN PARADISE. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? HERE IT IS.

1) In this song, Jimmy Buffett briefly attempts a healthier diet, which includes sunflower seeds, carrot juice, zucchini, and Bulgar wheat. Do you pay attention to your daily consumption of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, etc.? As I get older, I do watch I eat more. I keep track of the foods I read. As well as my exercise. Using MY F.AT SECRET. I like to keep my calorie count around 2,200; that way, I lose between half to a pound a week. Really not getting hungry. 

2) Jimmy sings that he'd like french fries with his burger. Do you prefer to dip your fries or drizzle the ketchup over them? I'm a dipper. Actually, I will ask for a side of Roquefort dressing.

3) Which cheese would make yours a cheeseburger in paradise: American, cheddar, Swiss, bleu, Muenster, or Monterrey Jack? No one can have too much on hamburgers. As for which cheese. I can't decide. I prefer a sharper cheese. I've never tried blue on a burger. But one thing I do like on my burger is mushrooms. 

 

4) Buffett fans call themselves Parrot heads. Concert attire for a well-dressed Parrot-head often includes a Hawaiian shirt and a foam fin hat. What will you be wearing tonight? What I am wearing is black jean shorts and a flower pullover top. I thought this might be an excellent place to put a link, PARROT AS AN SPIRIT ANIMAL

 

5) Jimmy is very busy for someone with such an easygoing and laid-back vibe. His business ventures include liquors, restaurants, and hotels. He's also published eight books. All this in addition to making music! How would you rate yourself this morning on a scale of 1 to 10 -- with 1 being lazy and 10 being highly motivated? 3.7. I have been pretty sore the last couple of days. Will explain later in my post.

6) Jimmy has some very famous fans. Paul McCartney asked him to play at one of his parties, and Barack Obama invited him to perform at a fundraiser. If you could invite anyone -- anyone at all! -- to play at your party, who would you ask? Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks. 

7) Jimmy was born on Christmas Day. Does your birthday fall on a major holiday? If yes, do you mind "sharing" your special day? My birthday is the same day as Abraham Lincoln. My middle name comes from one of my maternal great-grandmothers, Ann. And she was born Lincoln last birthday. He was shot the following April. 

8} In 1978, the year this song was popular, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first minted. The initial design was not a hit with the public because vending machines could not accept it. What's the last thing you bought from a vending machine? I haven't used a vending machine this year. I hardly use them. 

9) Random question -- If today's your birthday, your zodiac sign is Virgo. When did you last check your horoscope? Since I have seen this question. I thought I would take a quick look and see what it says for AQUARIUS

Now, I want to extend my answer on number 5. If there is a slight chance that someone is going to be frustrated. My anxiety kicked into high gear. As some of you already know, we are painting the house with primer. My muscles got really tense and froze. Muscles wouldn't relax. So I drove to Cour d Alene to see my ear, nose, and throat doctor. Came straight back home. I drove it pretty well without a break. I stopped in Sandpoint and had Reuben Sandwich at Arbys. With Fries and a special sauce to dip it in. I'm curious if having tight muscles can cause damage to the joints. If I sit too long and be in the same position for any time, I seize up. Well, about every two hours, I walk around the house. It helps.

During Gunsmoke, I work on my embroidery project. I decided to get back on the quilt I started a while back. I cut a few sashing strips for the quilt. I wonder why they called it sashing. It would be easier to call it framing. As one can see, I press some fabrics.

I have been reading the letters of JOHN ADAMS, and he talks about growing flax, hemp, and Hyssop. I knew flax and hemp could be made into fabrics. But I didn't realize that Hyssop could be made into cloth. The little I read on Hyssop is made of material. It is a sturdy fabric.

Today Is Thursday, September 7, 2023: This Is What Happened

Yesterday, September, I stopped in at ANDREW, and he posted FIVE QUESTION, which he got from HELS.

1. Are you a native Australian? How many generations of your family were born there? I don't live in Australia. When I was younger, I wanted to migrate to Australia. 

   I live in America; most of my ancestors came from the Island of Great Britain. Ancestry dot com. Says I'm almost 40% Scottish. Most of them came over in the 1600's. I do have some that my mother's side came off in about. The last ancestor who came to the United States was my third great-grandfather, who arrived in the United States on September 12, 1846. My ancestors colonized the United States. As far as I know, none of my direct ancestors enslaved people. The other 5 break down England-Northwest Europe, Sweden-Denmark, Wales, Germanic Europe, and Norway. The author words a European mutt.

   2. If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be and why? That is a hard one since I'm a history buff. Ana Mendieta. I think it would be best to read Goodreads book review on HER

   3. What would you consider your greatest accomplishment? I'm still accomplishing daily. I would be showing my horses when I was younger.

   4. What is your most treasured possession besides your loved ones? Life itself.

   5 Before blogging, what, if any, was your main mode of personal expression? I didn't have any way of self-expression when I was young. I never kept a diary. I was so afraid my dad would find my diary, and he would use it as evidence against me.

   Well, we finished up the first coat of primer. Both hubby and I are pleased. One more coat of primer to go on. And the second coat will go on easier. 

   Took a morning walk. I talked to the neighbor, Bovine. Mr Bovine. And his lady friend with the calves. This afternoon, I went to town. Drop off a sack of things for the thrift store. I looked for a few things, like a door, and saw them at the thrift store. 

Looking at the label maker. I also saw them at a thrift store. And the last thing I look for is corrugated flexible plastic. No luck!

Pick up my inter-library loan book from the local library. John Adams Papers, 1755 to 1733

Got a cookie from Under the Sun. Then, I went to therapy. On the way home, I stopped at the store and got a few things. 

Had ham sandwich for dinner.

 

 
ho

I have been working on embroidery quilt block for about an hour each day a week. I don't know if you can see the progress I made this week.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and won't be posting. Will be back on Saturday. 

Today Is Wednesday, September 6, 2023. This Is What Happened

We have made our painting goal today. Tomorrow, we will finish putting the first coat of primer. Depends on the weather and drying time. I'm guessing we will start on a second coat of primer on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

I don't know when we will start on the green. But hopefully before the 15th.

Not long ago, I asked on my Facebook page this question...Suppose you were going to move to a new area or community. What five things would you need or want in your community/region?

Here is what I list.

1. Population 60,000 or less.

2. Elected officials are well-balanced, not leaning one way or another. It could be a purple state. In other words, a SWING STATE.

3. Not high humidity.

4. Community offers arts and culture.

5. A place to walk, hike, and bike.

Actually, my community is lacking. This is number 2, and I'm trying to figure out how to get more left-leaning people to move here. Then, number 4, we're slowly getting more arts and culture here.

Did some embroidery. I've been working on a quilt block with The Wizard of Oz theme. So now Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man are done. Just start on the city of Oz in the background.

I thought of buying a small weighted blanket, a small one. I've tried a few, and a child with one or more, like a lap blanket, would be best. The one that goes above my belly buttons, I feel trapped.

Try them below my belly button. It made me feel quite comfortable.

So, I started a quilt some time ago. Which would be the perfect size for a weighted blanket. I won't have to spend any money.

I just like something loosely covering my feet.

I have art this evening.

Coffee is on, and stay safe.

Today Is Tuesday, September 5, 2023: This Is What Happened.

 

I slept weirdly last night. Had trouble settling down. And hubby ended up with an upset stomach. So I made the bed, did a load of laundry, took care of the dishes, read, and embroidered.

I'm pretty much done with the tin-man from Wizard of Oz.

Weigh in today, numbers down. We had a local T.O.P.S  here. Well, once Covid showed up. It dissolved. But some of us are in contact, and we all weigh in at our homes on Tuesday.

Coffee is on, and stay safe.

Today Is Sunday, September 3, 2023: This Is What Happened.

 

Murphy and I got the new gear on one of the lawn mower blades. My main worry was that Murphy would become frustrated. It seems he becomes frustrated over almost nothing. Well, I think it's nothing. Confession time...I don't handle other people's frustration well. When I go into my therapy session on Thursday. I have issues with other people's frustrations. 

The good news is. Fixing the lawn mower didn't go all that bad.

Been working on my well-being. Without the stress of having a job. I am making better choices when it comes to my well-being.

If I keep my calorie count to 2,200 on that average. I tend to drop half a pound a week. Plus, I don't get hungry.

Now it is Monday, September 4, 2023. Life still goes on.

Murphy and I are going down to the Bay area on October 2. We will be there for four whole days. My sister-in-law has a place in Navato.

I did my morning exercise. Scrub two of the dining room chairs. They look a lot better. I went over to Liz and visited for maybe an hour and a half. She doing good.

She gave me part of her food box. That the Mormon church gave her. Food prices are ridiculous. Bought 5 items and almost paid $20.

When I got home. Murphy and I went through some shoes. Some went into the trash, and others headed to the thrift store. There are some I need to try on, which I can do tomorrow.

Now on to PBS news and will embroidery.