Day 164

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED

how uncomfortable lady golfers look with the clothes they wear?

I've been watching the LPGA Championship at Sahalee this weekend. Dave would tell you that the ladies are much more enjoyable to watch than the men. Duh! They ARE women. Of course, he is really referring to the effortless look of their swing. They really are a joy to watch. 

However, as I was watching I told Dave that their clothing makes me itch.Well, not really itch, but they just look so uncomfortable! I suppose they would wonder just what I'm talking about, but if you watch the guys, they have nice loose-fitting slacks and shirts. They don't have to walk around all bound up! The ladies, on the other hand, are wearing skorts, shorts or tight pants. Their tops are all tight. Some of them had stretch pants on (tight and wrinkly) and some hems were above their ankles. 

As I watched them, I remember how I usually feel on the golf course. My clothes are usually my biggest issue. Everything is too tight! TIGHT, TIGHT, TIGHT! We have bumps in front and our shirts would look like tents if we tried to wear our tops as loose as the men. And don't those lady golfers feel their underpants bunching up? And don't they have a bra strap that slips from time to time?

I wonder how the men would golf if they had to wear some of the get-ups that ladies wear. I'm just sayin'!

For example:

I mean really, doesn't this look more comfortable??

Day 163

NO MORE GETTING ON THE FLOOR

to pin my quilt layers together

Boy was I happy when I somehow discovered this technique for pinning my quilt layers together. With my knee problems, this will be a real "knee saver!" Here is a link to the tutorial if you want the details. 

I had Dave go to the hardware store and purchase two 4" x 8' pieces of MDF. He cut them down to 2 five foot pieces (I doubt I will be making quilts wider than 60") and the remaining 3 foot sections I can use for pinning narrow wall hangings.

I'm not going to write out all the details of this, but you can get an idea from the photos of how this works. LOVE IT!!! Both the backing and quilt top are rolled onto the slats, then unrolled one turn at a time with the batting flipping back and forth and smoothed down before pinning the layers. I pinned it together this morning and am in the process of free-motion quilting the layers together. Then binding and putting a label on it and it will be finished. I will post a photo of the finished quilt as soon as I get it done. Not tonight!

Day 162

BLOOMING

just a few beauties

One of several hydrangeas

This lily is blooming, others are not open yet

I bought this perennial from Riz Reyes (RHR Horticulture) a few years ago when he came to our garden club to do a presentation. This is a rather difficult to find plant and I can't remember the name of it. Notice the lavender underside of the petals.

Day 161

VITAMIX

is the best

 We've had this machine for 20 plus years

That center gear finally gave out and I found a replacement on Ebay for about $8. Easy Peasy!

We were rather disappointed when tour Vitamix began making a horrible screeching noise a couple of weeks ago. Uh-Oh! It has finally pooped out. Upon further inspection we discovered that the center gear thingy was cracked. After removing the old one we could tell that the motor was still intact. Yippee!!

I know there are some other good super-blenders out there but I didn't want to have to replace this one or try a different brand. So, when I found the part on Ebay I quickly ordered it and we are back in blender business!

Day 160

 PRESCHOOL GRADUATION

tonight was the almost two hour ceremony

Both Hailey and Charlotte have each spent 3 years at the Children's Garden School

The masks that the children wore as they entered the room

watching the "bee" video that the kids took part in

Honey Bee teachers

Intermission. Time to have a snack and visit

Kids are playing as parents watch and talk

Charlotte swinging with her friend, Eloise and cousin, GiGi

Hailey and her cousin, Ella. Such love!

Charlotte listening to the teachers remarks about what makes Charlotte special

That's all folks!

Day 159

WHAT?? JURY DUTY AGAIN?

I just served on a jury last June

Look what came in today's mail. Another jury duty summons. I have already served on 3 trials. First was a 2 day drug deal at the Seattle courthouse fifteen or more years ago. Then I had a month and a half or was it 2 month murder trial more than a dozen years ago. Then last June I served on a two-week civil trial. All guilty verdicts. Since the last trial was a civil trial, we DIDN'T find the defendant guilty. But finding FOR the defendant made me feel like the plaintiff was GUILTY. Really, that plaintiff needed a spanking! And the plaintiff's attorneys needed to get in line for a spanking for taking this case! Seems like a pattern, doesn't it!? Yup, you guessed it....I'm tough on crime.

So why do I have yet another summons?? I know lots of people who never even get called for jury duty. I guess once you are in the system, your number keeps popping up. I should be so lucky with the lottery. Oh, I forgot....I have to buy a ticket first. 

But really. This is getting a little ridiculous. I must admit that it is interesting to serve on a jury. It is nothing like TV! I have found myself questioning the lawyers. "Object, object!" I shout to myself. What are they thinking anyway? Why isn't the judge stopping this banter? "No, no, no....don't have her testify!" But, I am relegated to taking notes. Page after page of notes that later I have trouble deciphering! And then when the trial is over and we need to deliberate, we look over all the physical evidence, our notes, court documents and we discuss. Verdict reached. It's finally time to go home. Oh wait. The prosecutors, defense attorneys and the judge are available to those of us who want to talk with them and ask questions. Like "Why did this ever come to trial??" That's me. I DO, I DO, I DO want to meet with them! That part goes quickly and we discover things that couldn't be admitted in the trial. Now I get to go home. And I can finally talk about the trial. That is the difficult part. Having to keep it all to myself, make up my own mind, discuss and perhaps strongly disagree if necessary. Vote. Discuss. Revote. Sternly discuss and you guessed it. REVOTE! And let it go. On to real life. 

If you haven't served on a trial, and you receive a summons in the mail, I suggest you go. You might just find it interesting and you will have the pleasure of knowing you exercised your brain and made a difference. Oh well, for me, I definitely made a difference. GUILTY!! Gosh I hope it is not another long trial........

Day 158

SHEETS, SHEETS, SHEETS

how much do I need to spend for comfortable sheets?

I have complained for many years about sheets. Who would think that is a huge problem?? I guess I do! I remember the old days....prior to the '80's....when you could find cotton percale sheets at Sears and JC Penney's that felt nice and crisp and cool. Now mostly what I see is 400 or 500 or 600 and even 800 count Egyptian Cotton sheets. They are too soft, wrinke easily and become worn and torn quickly. 

So enough people buy these sheets and don't seem to complain, so what is my problem?? I hate buying new sheets when I cannot find what I want. One problem over the years has been to find the right "pocket" depth. If it is too small, the bottom sheet slips off and if it is too big, it gets wrinkled when you are tossing and turning while trying to sleep. Ugh. OK, so Tempurpedic to the rescue. Love our mattress. Um, now I don't need the deep pocket bottom sheet, but do they even make regular ones anymore?

There are now so many choices, with price tags that are exorbitant. Flannel sheets are way too warm and not for us. Jersey sheets are too stretchy and still too warm. Polyester sheets just don't sound right. Rayon? No. Silk? Never tried them, but maybe I should. Then there is microfiber.

Enter Costco. When I was shopping a month or so ago at Costco they had a representative promoting Jennifer Adams Microfiber Sheets. $99.99 for a king size set. Gulp. At the high end (for me) but I bought them hoping they would live up to the Costco standards. I finally put them on the bed last week. The first morning Dave said, "These sheets were making me too warm." As the nights went on, we both found that though they were comfortable enough, neither one of us could stand trying to sleep with these sheets making us overheated. It must be that they are microfiber. So, off they came and Dave will be returning them for a refund. (Thank you Costco!)

Oh, and yes, we do have air conditioning so it was definitely the sheets! Since it has been a few years since I have purchased new sheets, I may have to look and see if there are some improvements in the current supply of cotton percale sheets. Or maybe I should look at the Goodwill and see if I can find a set of 1960's sheets. NOT!!!

Day 157

NAPPING AND WATCHING TV

tomorrow can't come soon enough

Day 156

GUESS YOU CAN TELL WHAT IS ON MY MIND

still....

I've been trying to diagnose my knee problem, but not having much success. I cannot walk without serious pain. I'm frustrated. I'm loopy from the hydrocodone. My body itches from the hydrocodone. I am bored just waiting until Monday morning's doctor appointment.

or none of the above.

Day 155

A VISIT FROM SHAUNA AND CHARLOTTE

love, love, love that they live close enough to just pop in

Shauna and Pete have been talking about moving. Perhaps selling their house and moving to Snoqualmie Ridge. I'm happy for them. I think it could be a great experience for them to live in a neighborhood and have fewer projects to do around the house.

However....I'm not as happy for me! I like having them close enough that I can babysit at the drop of a hat if needed. Or just pop by for a visit. After all, when our boys were toddlers, we built a house that looked out over my parents four acres. We could just go through the pasture to get to their house. My parents babysat for us often. And it was easy since they were so proximate. My dad used to drive his backhoe up the driveway to our house from time to time and the kids really knew their grandparents. I always hoped we would have the same experience with our kids and grandkids, but the reality is that it is just too complicated.

I know lots of people who have followed their kids and grandkids to a new city or even state. But, how can we leave our friends and our church family? I would have no problem as far as making new friends and getting established, but the thought of moving away from those with whom we have shared so much of our lives seems just too sad.

Also, I don't ever want to live in a multi-level home again. I've had too many foot and knee problems over the years and can only anticipate a future which includes mobility problems. Aside from medical issues, I much prefer living on one level. I especially like the ability to go directly out to the patio and carport. Have you looked for a one level home recently? Sure you can find them here and there but mostly they are in older neighborhoods that can be quite run down. So, moving nearer the kids, should they actually make the decision to move, would be pretty much impossible, because newer neighborhoods are almost all multi-level. And no thank you.....I would hate having to rely on an elevator. What happens when the power goes out?? Not my kind of lifestyle for sure.

Another thing is that we love living in an over-55 community. It is so peaceful with no little ones screaming, teenagers revving their engines, crowded sidewalks with kids on trikes, bikes, skateboards or rollerblades. I always have someone nearby to talk to or play a game with. There are loads of activities to take part in if you are so inclined. Dave and I have always enjoyed being in the company of older folks, so this neighborhood just feels right. I have never understood how some people feel like they aren't "old enough" to go to the senior center or move to a retirement community. To me that seems silly. Age is just a number. People are people. We like younger adults as well as oldsters. I would hate to be so vain that I wouldn't want to admit my age. I'm pretty pleased that I have lived as long as I have!

It is almost impossible to find an over-55 community. Have you looked? I have, and the options are few and far between. There is nothing in all of Snoqualmie Ridge. Not that we are moving! I have asked Dave over the past 30 years or so, "Why don't you build an over-55 community? There will be a huge need by the time we are ready to downsize." It always came down to land cost and zoning. Where can you find a hunk of land close to amenities that is big enough to create the kind of environment we would want? There is the reason we don't see any newer age-appropriate communities being developed. But, wah, wah, wah....sob, sob, sob. I want what I want!!

Getting back to the idea of moving. Dave and I are definitely opposites. I can't quite stand the thought of living in one house my whole adult life. I like change too much. Dave is content to live wherever he finds himself! Shauna is just like me. She also has a bit of wanderlust, and is happy to move and meet new people. The older she gets, the more I see how much we have in common. Right down to loving turquoise. I am so happy that the good Lord saw fit to bless us with a daughter. I love my two sons, so don't misunderstand! There is just something special about a daughter. We get each other. Girl to girl. 

Silly Charlotte, still doesn't want her picture taken

Day 154

THANKFUL

for good friends

This afternoon we went out to lunch with Ann and John. I have gotten to know Ann through my pinochle group and Dave has helped her husband with computer problems over the past few months. They wanted to take us out to dinner to "repay" Dave for all his geekish help.

My knee was hurting so bad I could barely walk and after we got home Ann called to ask if I would like to borrow her walker. She brought it right over. (They do not live in our neighborhood but only a couple of miles away.)

What a relief! I had just told Dave that I thought I should borrow one for a while so I can get around a bit better and it was perfect that Ann recognized that I could benefit from using one.

Once again, I am thankful. Thankful for people who will go out of their way to lend a hand. Not so thankful for my bum knee, but in time it will get better. I also began using a stronger pain medication so I feel just a bit of relief. Even though I'm somewhat groggy! 

Day 153

HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE

a family favorite

I have been making homemade macaroni and cheese forever. Of course, it is the same recipe my mom used. Very simple, but always with Kraft American Cheese in the two pound block. I haven't been able to find said cheese for a long time. When Dave suggested we have his brother over for dinner, my first thought was mac and cheese. Bob is a picky eater and I was certain he would enjoy it. Now I needed to figure out where I could find the box of cheese. When I searched online I discovered that Kraft had discontinued the 2 pound block and that others had used deli American cheese. 

QFC was my favorite grocery deli and I did find Boar's Head American cheese so I bought 1 3/4 lb of the yellow American cheese (they also had white) which was almost fifteen dollars a pound. Pricey cheese! But it tasted good so think it will make a very creamy mac and cheese. By the way, everything I try made by Boar's Head has been top drawer. I'm spoiled and hate paying the higher prices that they charge, but it is so much better than Safeway's deli cold cuts. Or Costco. Yup, you get a good buy, but at the cost of wonderful taste and texture.

Ready to go into the oven.

After baking. Everyone loved it!

Bob and Beemer

Wiggly dog wants to give Bob a kiss. 

Yum Yum. Jason had to leave shortly after dinner because he has 3 volleyball games this evening.

We talked about football, golf, the Mariners, cell phones, Jason's work, among other topics. Bob had 3 helpings of mac and cheese. I guess he approved!  We also had some green beans with bacon bits which Bob didn't eat, as well as some sweetened fresh strawberries with a dab of balsamic vinegar. Then....the coup de gras...ice cream for dessert. 7:45 pm and Dave just arrived from taking Bob home. A fine evening.

Day 152

WORSENING KNEE

new anti-inflammatory medication to try

Today I have been limping around and frustrated with this knee of mine. The pain has become quite problematic after my little "walk" yesterday. I went in this morning to get some xrays done and they show mild arthritic changes but no indication of why I'm in such pain. I have been referred to my orthopedic doctor who did my knee replacement but can't get in to see him for two weeks. I suspect that if this anti-inflammatory/pain medication and ice and rest don't do the trick, I will need an MRI to see the soft tissue in my knee, Xrays can only show so much. 

Drat! I've got things to do. Places to go, people to see!  Well, so to speak anyway. I HATE having yet another medical situation to deal with. And here I am, in teriffic health! Well, at least my blood pressure, thyroid, etc, etc, etc are all fine. I am very pleased that I don't seem to have more serious problems, but sure get discouraged with this aging process and its effects on my bones! 

Day 151

MEMORIAL DAY

remembering those who lost their lives while serving our country

We don't normally do anything special for Memorial Day but I suggested to Dave that we drive out to Tahoma National Cemetery prior to their festivities at 1:00. As we walked out the door to our car, we heard a loud roar right above our house. It was a WWII vintage plane circling around low. I don't know for sure, but suspect it was part of the nearby Greenwood Cemetery celebration at 11 am.

When we arrived at Tahoma National, there were cars parked all along the street and people walking toward the entrance. It was packed with people. Tons of cars, motorcycles, adults, kids, babies and FLAGS! It made me regret that we hadn't honored our service people properly when our kids were young.We were able to drive in and quickly discovered that we were in need of turning around and leaving. It was over an hour until the ceremony was to begin and we were not prepared to remain there. Here are a few photos.

Later in the afternoon, I took Beemer for a walk to the practice golf area within our neighborhood where Dave was hitting golf balls. My knee was hurting (not the one with the knee replacement) so I was glad Dave said he would walk Beemer home and I could drive the car back. 

My knee is another story. Don't now what is wrong with it. Have seen the doctor and she diagnosed it as "posterior cruciate ligament sprain" and gave me instructions to do some rehab exercises and two weeks of ibuprofin 3 times a day. So far, it hasn't improved and she said it should in two weeks, or contact her. I guess I will need to have further testing done. Between my bum foot and this newish knee problem, I haven't been out walking or golfing. It looks as though I will not be golfing this summer at all. 

Day 150

CAR RIDE AND COMPANY

Another laid back day

"You take me for a ride and I'm stuck in a bag! I'm not happy!"

Great time with Mary and Don

Day 149

Chocolate Sheet Cake

Yummy! It's the Pioneer Woman's recipe

I made this cake this morning after seeing the recipe online.  Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever   I knew our friends the Bantells would be coming over for coffee this afternoon. When they showed up, Mer brought a beautiful fancy covered bowl of strawberries which turned out to go perfectly with the cake. I love when things come together with no planning!

Tomorrow our friends the Gores will be coming over to visit so lucky me, we have lots of cake left. I used dark dutch cocoa so my cake and frosting turned out darker than the Pioneer Lady's cake, but it so so good. Next I hope to try a coconut cream cake from one of my favorite dessert cookbooks. Tonight's dinner was angel hair spaghetti with some frozen spaghetti sauce that I made last summer from fresh tomatoes. It was a bit watery but had good flavor. Especially with lots of Parmesan cheese on top.

Day 148

WHY USE MY BED

when I can be near my beloved heat register

Day 147

DAVE AND JASON

Our son brought his dad an early Father's Day gift

Jason knows his dad is a kid at heart who loves all manner of flying

I was glad I had enough Chicken Divan for dinner tonight since Jason was able to join us. We had fun talking, laughing and just enjoying some quality time together. 

Day 146

THANKS FOR THE MEMORY

a perfect reminder of Pete & Shauna for gifting me a beautiful peony plant

A few years ago I received a beautiful peony plant for Mother's Day and it continues to delight me each spring with huge flowers.

Sometimes I wonder why I insist on growing a vegetable garden. What I REALLY like is flowers so next year I think I will skip much of the veggies and plant some flowers instead. I need to make a list of my favorites. One of my absolute favorites is gardenias but I have not had the best of luck with the hardy variety, BUT I think I will try again! Oh my, I have several Asiatic Lillies that are gorgeous and my Helleborus is in full bloom right now. It is white and I have ordered another one since white is not my favorite. Dahlias are gorgeous but I'm too lazy to dig them up and store them properly so I will forgo those. I have Astilbe in my garden but could use a bit more. They need shade and the one I planted in the shade of the huge rhodies didn't get enough shade so it fried to death last summer. The hardy fuchsias that survived winter are doing OK but not spectacularly so don't hold out much hope for them. Heuchera (coral bells) of the newer variety with colored leaves are pretty nifty and I have one which I am hoping will survive. I planted some Crocosmia corms but when the landscapers dug out our rhododendron roots they got disturbed and have not popped up so I guess I will need to replant next year. I have some beautiful Siberian Iris that is blooming right now and I have ordered some special colors of iris that will arrive for fall planting season. Ack and I must get more Canna!

I remember digging up all the iris tubers at our "farm" house many years ago because they had not been divided properly and they were an ugly twisted mess. I much prefer gladiolas so I may add some of those in the fall as well. At least we don't have deer in our development to eat them before I can enjoy their beauty.

Let's see. What else am I particularly fond of? Of course there is lavendar. I only have one plant so may need to find a different variety for next year. Who doesn't love pinks? I don't have any but I do have a huge clump of candy tuft. Once again, white! I must buy some Rudbeckia (coneflower) but only a bit because I much prefer the Ecinacea purpurea or purple coneflower.

I remember when I painstakingly planted Anenome corms all along the variegated boxwood by the deck at our last house. I was so excited to watch it come up and discovered much to my dismay that Dave thought they were weeds and pulled every last one up as they popped through the dirt. I was not amused! But I learned that I needed to keep reminding him of what I planted where.

Then there is Columbine which I think is such a delicate and delightful plant. I wish my Bleeding Heart would bloom longer than it does but I do enjoy it for what it is. Daisies...I have one clump and once again....white. Not that I hate white! It's just that there are so many luscious colors out there to choose from. Why do I need white?? Well, an accent here and there is fine. And they do add something to a flower arrangement. 

Which reminds me. I need more green stuff that I can cut for flower arrangements. Oh shucks. This is a tiny yard so I guess I should just stop thinking about all this right now. I only have so much space and even if I use my vegetable containers I won't be able to have all my favorites anyway. And I haven't even mentioned Poppies and Lupine and Hollyhock and Forget-Me-Nots and Alstromeria and Sweet Violets and Allium (I remember spray painting the "flowers" red after they bloomed years ago and from a distance they looked like they were still in bloom) and Fritillaria. O MY!! 

Did I mention how much I love flowers??