July 11, 2020
Covid be damned. Go away and to never return. Yeah right. Not going to happen anytime soon,
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Monday, August 1, 2016
Music
It's been quite awhile since I have really liked anything new music-wise.
Is that a word? Music-wise. Well, auto correct didn't highlight it. So I
guess maybe it is.
Anyway.... heard a song on the radio last night. Middle of the night.
About 2 am or, so. It caught my attention immediately. First off, I
was thinking, is this Paul Simon? I thought I knew most, if not all of
his music. Because I really like his music. I grew up listening
to him and Art Garfunkel for years. Ninth grade was the beginning
of being a fan. Bridge Over Troubled Water. Remember that one?
Well he's at it again. His newest album, Stranger to Stranger is
out. And, it's got some great music on it. There is one though....
it's so compelling and it's got quite the ear worm hook to it. Here
it is. Let me know what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lJHVpH5v8Q
Is that a word? Music-wise. Well, auto correct didn't highlight it. So I
guess maybe it is.
Anyway.... heard a song on the radio last night. Middle of the night.
About 2 am or, so. It caught my attention immediately. First off, I
was thinking, is this Paul Simon? I thought I knew most, if not all of
his music. Because I really like his music. I grew up listening
to him and Art Garfunkel for years. Ninth grade was the beginning
of being a fan. Bridge Over Troubled Water. Remember that one?
Well he's at it again. His newest album, Stranger to Stranger is
out. And, it's got some great music on it. There is one though....
it's so compelling and it's got quite the ear worm hook to it. Here
it is. Let me know what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lJHVpH5v8Q
Monday, February 29, 2016
Winter Weather
Lately we have been hit every week with some really nasty winter weather. This is after having a brown Christmas and a very mild January. And, then came February. Ha!
We broke a record two weeks ago for snow amount in one day that had held since 1895! We got dumped on with over 2 feet of snow. And, the world stood still. It was incredible. I am originally from Vermont and, I don't remember ever getting that snowed in.
Though there was the time in New Hampshire way back in the mid 70s when the police had to come and take me to work. I worked the overnight shift in a small hospital and I was 50% of the staff. I had to get there. It was more like a blizzard than a snow storm. Any number of cars and trucks were in the ditches that night. This was the first and only time I have ever ridden in a cop car. I swear it!
One week ago we had freezing rain, followed by snow and then freezing rain again. My one thought was there was hopefully not enough weight on the power lines to bring them down. Down they came all around us but, this time we were spared. We didn't loose power.
The thing with loosing power is we are not set up for it. When the power goes out we lose water as we have a well pump which runs with electricity. A pellet stove with an auger motor that moves the pellets down into the firebox and it has a motor which runs the fan to push the heat out of the box. Oh and a couple of space heaters. When it's cold outside, it's dangerous in the house as the heat dissipates quickly. (When finances lighten up a bit, we're buying a generator.)
This morning I woke to an ice skating rink for a driveway. The ice glistened off the trees and many branches on the cedars fell from the ice weight. One of my clients had to stay home as the buses were not running. I spent a good portion of my morning handling the fall out.
The driveway was a mess. I slid only once leaving the house's drive. The plows had been out by the time I hit the main roads. They were pretty much cleared off. Surprises of surprises, my own driveway was worse. I ended up backing in and as I hit the ice.... the truck went sideways. Ha ha ha. That was fun only because I was safely home. I got the truck turned around and parked and went inside. Slipping and sliding all the way as I walked to our front door.
Now the future doesn't look all that great. There's a major low pressure system coming at us from Texas. Shit. We're looking at probably 10 to 15 inches of snow. With periods of freezing rain. Oh goody sometime tuesday night into wednesday.
I am sincerely and truly over winter this year. I think if it had been spread out more over the past couple of months, this wouldn't feel as bad as it is. One good thing..... Spring is March 21st. That's only 21 days away. I hope Mother Nature decides to cooperate.
We broke a record two weeks ago for snow amount in one day that had held since 1895! We got dumped on with over 2 feet of snow. And, the world stood still. It was incredible. I am originally from Vermont and, I don't remember ever getting that snowed in.
Though there was the time in New Hampshire way back in the mid 70s when the police had to come and take me to work. I worked the overnight shift in a small hospital and I was 50% of the staff. I had to get there. It was more like a blizzard than a snow storm. Any number of cars and trucks were in the ditches that night. This was the first and only time I have ever ridden in a cop car. I swear it!
One week ago we had freezing rain, followed by snow and then freezing rain again. My one thought was there was hopefully not enough weight on the power lines to bring them down. Down they came all around us but, this time we were spared. We didn't loose power.
The thing with loosing power is we are not set up for it. When the power goes out we lose water as we have a well pump which runs with electricity. A pellet stove with an auger motor that moves the pellets down into the firebox and it has a motor which runs the fan to push the heat out of the box. Oh and a couple of space heaters. When it's cold outside, it's dangerous in the house as the heat dissipates quickly. (When finances lighten up a bit, we're buying a generator.)
This morning I woke to an ice skating rink for a driveway. The ice glistened off the trees and many branches on the cedars fell from the ice weight. One of my clients had to stay home as the buses were not running. I spent a good portion of my morning handling the fall out.
The driveway was a mess. I slid only once leaving the house's drive. The plows had been out by the time I hit the main roads. They were pretty much cleared off. Surprises of surprises, my own driveway was worse. I ended up backing in and as I hit the ice.... the truck went sideways. Ha ha ha. That was fun only because I was safely home. I got the truck turned around and parked and went inside. Slipping and sliding all the way as I walked to our front door.
Now the future doesn't look all that great. There's a major low pressure system coming at us from Texas. Shit. We're looking at probably 10 to 15 inches of snow. With periods of freezing rain. Oh goody sometime tuesday night into wednesday.
I am sincerely and truly over winter this year. I think if it had been spread out more over the past couple of months, this wouldn't feel as bad as it is. One good thing..... Spring is March 21st. That's only 21 days away. I hope Mother Nature decides to cooperate.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Costly Plumbing Repairs
Why is it that during the dead of winter is when all of our biggest problems occur? I know to some of you, you won't understand what a well pump is or, does. It's part and parcel of our rural life. It brings the water from our well into our house. It's life living outside a city with water mains and water costs.
Our well pump which was near to 40 years old finally gave up the ghost. This was about 2 weeks ago. The pump whenever water was run in the house would cycle on. Then in less than 5 seconds would cycle off. Then on, then off. You get the picture? Oh and let's not talk about what that was doing to our hydro (electric) bill.
The tank that was our reservoir had become water logged. The tank had no holding capacity any longer. Alongside that most of the connections were starting to leak. And, with those leaks there was rust happening. BAD RUST! Look at this picture. I wasn't exaggerating.
Our well pump which was near to 40 years old finally gave up the ghost. This was about 2 weeks ago. The pump whenever water was run in the house would cycle on. Then in less than 5 seconds would cycle off. Then on, then off. You get the picture? Oh and let's not talk about what that was doing to our hydro (electric) bill.
The tank that was our reservoir had become water logged. The tank had no holding capacity any longer. Alongside that most of the connections were starting to leak. And, with those leaks there was rust happening. BAD RUST! Look at this picture. I wasn't exaggerating.
So I bit the bullet. Went online and learned how to hire a plumber. Thank you to Angie's List where I found a written article about things to ask, notice and request when talking to a plumber. I asked around to friends and co-workers for recommendations for a "good" plumber. I found one.
Yesterday for 4+ hours the plumber was here in my house. Working. And, working hard. I watched and learned. Should anyone ask... I would recommend this plumber and his plumbing company in a heart beat. Hey and he even cleaned up after himself. That's not a bad thing in the least.
Here are the result of the plumbers visit. I won't mention what it cost because it had to be done and it was well worth the peace of mind I once again have about our water systems.
Did I not tell you I also got my kitchen sink faucet replaced at the same time? You can see the rust stains on the sink from the previous faucet's leaking. The poor plumber had to saws-all the old one out as the bolts underneath the faucet were rusted so badly he couldn't get them to move at all. Sigh... no job in this house has ever been easy to do.
Life.....
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Friday, December 25, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
RIP Sweet Sally
That's her on the right side of this picture. The pretty little blue one.
We will miss her dearly.
She was a sweet friend to all of us,
Mark, Gracie, Sonny, Lucky
and me.
Fly again sweet Sally.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
ALL PAWS MATTER DOG RESCUE
I am very pleased to say I have finally joined a dog rescue. It's a long story how it came about but, I will try hard to shorten it for your reading pleasure.
Here is the story of my start;
I saw a post on Facebook about 4 dogs in Mexico who were being shipped here to Canada so they would have a chance at a forever home. The post went on to say these dogs needed someone who was flying back from Mexico to be on the same plane with them. One of the many nurses I know was going to a wedding in Cancun. She was agreeable to help out. Well.... there was a snag in this plan. Air Canada wanted too much money to ship the dog. So the offer fell thru. But, the story ends well.....there were enough people who were traveling via other airlines and there was even someone who paid all the airfare for one of the dogs and.....the dogs all got to Canada. Since this happened, all the dogs have been either fostered out or, adopted.
Thru this one incident I started writing to the woman who started this rescue. One thing lead to another ( I offered my help) and I joined the rescue whose name is the title to this post.
My heart is swelled well beyond it's normal size this morning.... I was able to do some fund raising for the group and will know I have helped the dogs. My eyes are tearing up.
Here's a rescue dog.... Sonny as a puppy.
Here is the story of my start;
I saw a post on Facebook about 4 dogs in Mexico who were being shipped here to Canada so they would have a chance at a forever home. The post went on to say these dogs needed someone who was flying back from Mexico to be on the same plane with them. One of the many nurses I know was going to a wedding in Cancun. She was agreeable to help out. Well.... there was a snag in this plan. Air Canada wanted too much money to ship the dog. So the offer fell thru. But, the story ends well.....there were enough people who were traveling via other airlines and there was even someone who paid all the airfare for one of the dogs and.....the dogs all got to Canada. Since this happened, all the dogs have been either fostered out or, adopted.
Thru this one incident I started writing to the woman who started this rescue. One thing lead to another ( I offered my help) and I joined the rescue whose name is the title to this post.
My heart is swelled well beyond it's normal size this morning.... I was able to do some fund raising for the group and will know I have helped the dogs. My eyes are tearing up.
Here's a rescue dog.... Sonny as a puppy.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
A Bit Early.
This maybe a bit early but, then again I am working tomorrow and wanted to get this posted.
To all my family, friends and visitors to my blog,
Happy New Year
and may 2015 be an even better year for everyone!
Much love,
Phyllis
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Monsanto continued
Found the Facebook link I spoke of in my last blog entry.
Here it is;
http://tiny.cc/joi2qx
Here it is;
http://tiny.cc/joi2qx
Monsanto
I was going to post a Facebook page here but, can no longer find it. Damn it.
The gist of the article was how Monsanto's stock is falling. The thought is that
with all the negative press GMOs are getting is causing this to happen.
If this is true... come on people keep it up. Let's crush this piece of shit company
that is harming the planet and us.
Monsanto Company is a publicly traded American multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. It is a leading producer of genetically engineered seed and of the herbicide glyphosate, which it markets under the Roundup brand.
Here's their address should you choose to write them;
800 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St Louis, MO 63167
Missouri
314-694-1000
314-694-8394
If you want a name to post on that letter, here's one to use.
Hugh Grant CEO
The gist of the article was how Monsanto's stock is falling. The thought is that
with all the negative press GMOs are getting is causing this to happen.
If this is true... come on people keep it up. Let's crush this piece of shit company
that is harming the planet and us.
Monsanto Company is a publicly traded American multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. It is a leading producer of genetically engineered seed and of the herbicide glyphosate, which it markets under the Roundup brand.
Here's their address should you choose to write them;
800 North Lindbergh Boulevard
St Louis, MO 63167
Missouri
314-694-1000
314-694-8394
If you want a name to post on that letter, here's one to use.
Hugh Grant CEO
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
I Used to Hate Brussels Sprouts
I really used to hate Brussels Sprouts till I found out how good they taste roasted.
Here's my favorite recipe for roasted sprouts.
Enjoy!
Here's my favorite recipe for roasted sprouts.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, rinsed, ends trimmed, rough outer leaves of larger sprouts removed
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Method
1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place brussels sprouts in a cast iron frying pan
(or a roasting pan, but a cast iron frying pan will work great for this
recipe). Toss in the garlic. Sprinkle Brussels sprouts with lemon juice.
Toss with oil so that the sprouts are well coated. Sprinkle generously
with salt (at least a half teaspoon) and a few turns of black pepper grinder.
2 Put brussels sprouts in oven on top rack, cook for 20 minutes, then stir so that the sprouts get coated with the oil in the pan. Cook for another 10 minutes. Then sprinkle with Parmesan (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes.
Adjust the timing depending on the size of the sprouts and your particular oven. The sprouts should be nicely browned, some of the outside leaves crunchy, the interior should be cooked through. So if the sprouts look like they are getting too browned (they should be well browned, not burnt), move them to a lower rack or lower the heat.
Add more salt to taste. (Salting sufficiently is the key to success with this recipe.)
2 Put brussels sprouts in oven on top rack, cook for 20 minutes, then stir so that the sprouts get coated with the oil in the pan. Cook for another 10 minutes. Then sprinkle with Parmesan (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes.
Adjust the timing depending on the size of the sprouts and your particular oven. The sprouts should be nicely browned, some of the outside leaves crunchy, the interior should be cooked through. So if the sprouts look like they are getting too browned (they should be well browned, not burnt), move them to a lower rack or lower the heat.
Add more salt to taste. (Salting sufficiently is the key to success with this recipe.)
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Tractor Update
The evening of the part replacement turned into a comedy of errors.
1. Appt time change phone call from the mechanic turned from 5 pm to the ubiquitous later turned into 7:30. Remember I live in the NE and that means daylight outside at 5 pm and no need for extra lighting to pitch black at 7:30 and the yell of, "Phyllis where are the *%?#^ flashlights?"
2. Mechanic arrived at our house without the part. Didn't realize it till he pulled into our driveway. Good thing he only lives 20 minutes away. Had to race home to get it. One of the reasons for the need for the flashlights.
3. Parts originally removed from the tractor to get to the broken part, "Phyllis, where are the extra parts at? We need them so we can reinstall the part now and I can't find them."
4. I am particular about saving receipts and instruction manuals that come with big ticket items. Our mechanic had used one of those saved books to order the part for the tractor. Promised me he would return it. Funny thing, once he had left that evening.... I was asking hubby about the missing booklet and the phone rang. It was my favorite mechanic laughing on the other end of the line. He still had the booklet on the front seat of his truck. Which was now parked in his driveway. AGH! What else?
The end shot? The tractor works like a charm. BIG sigh of relief here.
1. Appt time change phone call from the mechanic turned from 5 pm to the ubiquitous later turned into 7:30. Remember I live in the NE and that means daylight outside at 5 pm and no need for extra lighting to pitch black at 7:30 and the yell of, "Phyllis where are the *%?#^ flashlights?"
2. Mechanic arrived at our house without the part. Didn't realize it till he pulled into our driveway. Good thing he only lives 20 minutes away. Had to race home to get it. One of the reasons for the need for the flashlights.
3. Parts originally removed from the tractor to get to the broken part, "Phyllis, where are the extra parts at? We need them so we can reinstall the part now and I can't find them."
4. I am particular about saving receipts and instruction manuals that come with big ticket items. Our mechanic had used one of those saved books to order the part for the tractor. Promised me he would return it. Funny thing, once he had left that evening.... I was asking hubby about the missing booklet and the phone rang. It was my favorite mechanic laughing on the other end of the line. He still had the booklet on the front seat of his truck. Which was now parked in his driveway. AGH! What else?
The end shot? The tractor works like a charm. BIG sigh of relief here.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
The Lawn Tractor
Never really thought I'd be so dependent on a machine before . But, this summer showed both hubby and myself exactly how much we need and depend on our lawn tractor.
We bought the damn thing from Sears, four years ago. That was after we moved into our first ever home and were buying tools for this and tools for that to maintain the home. One thing I did learn, I will never buy another Sears product ever again.
That bears repeating, EVER AGAIN.
We bought the tractor from Sears.... so excited we were. But, I should have known better when I had to fight with the store manager to get a bill of sale for the tractor. That took me probably close to 4 months. I won't go into details but, it got pretty nasty and I am sure my blood pressure was 20 digits higher than normal during all the time it took me to get the bill from the manager.
Then there was the mulching. Something I wanted to do with the mower. I had to special order four bolts I would be needing to hold the mower deck on in a certain manner. I fought and fought with the 1-800 Sears people all summer long after I placed the order for those bolts. Needless to say those "special" bolts never arrived. Hubby jury rigged 4 extra long 10 penny nails in place of those bolts.
Now this summer.... something (not sure what to call it) broke that held the mower deck up off the lawn
at specific heights. Our mechanic (god love him) tried to get the part ordered from Sears. To no avail. He quit after two months of trying with 1-800 Sears telling him lies about the part being in Calgary.... and then it was not there any number of times.
He finally after many phone calls got the money credited back on his credit card.... and then took the part to a machine shop. They fabricated the piece in less than a week. My favorite mechanic is coming over this
evening and reinstalling the part. Woo Hoo!We will once again have our lovely tractor working again.
We bought the damn thing from Sears, four years ago. That was after we moved into our first ever home and were buying tools for this and tools for that to maintain the home. One thing I did learn, I will never buy another Sears product ever again.
That bears repeating, EVER AGAIN.
We bought the tractor from Sears.... so excited we were. But, I should have known better when I had to fight with the store manager to get a bill of sale for the tractor. That took me probably close to 4 months. I won't go into details but, it got pretty nasty and I am sure my blood pressure was 20 digits higher than normal during all the time it took me to get the bill from the manager.
Then there was the mulching. Something I wanted to do with the mower. I had to special order four bolts I would be needing to hold the mower deck on in a certain manner. I fought and fought with the 1-800 Sears people all summer long after I placed the order for those bolts. Needless to say those "special" bolts never arrived. Hubby jury rigged 4 extra long 10 penny nails in place of those bolts.
Now this summer.... something (not sure what to call it) broke that held the mower deck up off the lawn
at specific heights. Our mechanic (god love him) tried to get the part ordered from Sears. To no avail. He quit after two months of trying with 1-800 Sears telling him lies about the part being in Calgary.... and then it was not there any number of times.
He finally after many phone calls got the money credited back on his credit card.... and then took the part to a machine shop. They fabricated the piece in less than a week. My favorite mechanic is coming over this
evening and reinstalling the part. Woo Hoo!We will once again have our lovely tractor working again.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
AGH!
That day I fear each and every growing season has finally arrived.
The temperature is going to drop to zero tonight.
AGH!!! Patchy frost predicted.
Must, must, must get out in the garden today and pick everything left there.
Run and do not stop till all is harvested.
The temperature is going to drop to zero tonight.
AGH!!! Patchy frost predicted.
Must, must, must get out in the garden today and pick everything left there.
Run and do not stop till all is harvested.
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