Category: Friday Five

I want to know, where is the summer going? Here we are on August 3rd! The first Friday of the month, but all too soon, it will be time for the summer to end the school buses to start coming along down our roads. This summer really has flown by. Am I ready for the summer to end? Well, since we have had one of the hottest summers that I can recall, yes, yes I am! I am ready for cool temperatures, bright Autumn leaves, and believe it or not, shorter days.

So as this week comes to a close, here are the five things that have been on my mind this week.

1. Our hot-water/heating-system is all repaired and it did not completely brake our bank. The company that did the work was polite, considered what we could afford, and worked hard to stay in our price range. They did all of this, and provided a new master control system for us!
2. Jack got the results back from his biopsy and it is a Basil Cell Cancer on his nose. Unfortunately, they did not get it all and he will need Mohs Surgery to get the remainder of it. Boy, can I relate to that!
3. Speaking of Jack, his flip phone is now a thing of the past, and slowly, Jack is learning to use my old Galaxy S5. He knows how to answer it, and how to make a call.

   

   That was lesson #1. The Galaxy S5 is actually a pretty easy phone to use. I have gotten Jack a blue case, as I felt the hot pink wasn’t really his style!

4. It has been so hot! In the upper 80’s and lower 90’s with high humidity and high dew points. What this all boils down to is that it’s just plain miserable. I hate to leave our air-conditioned house and go out. Worst of all, it is supposed to be like this for the next week!
5. I did well at Weight Watchers this week, losing one pound! I think my next step, now that I understand the eating plan is to slowly work in a walking plan. I’ve noticed in the last few weeks that my knees have gotten a bit stiff. Old age wear and tear, but time to work them out, so I keep them moving.

So that wraps us this week and brings us to the end of the first week in August. I just know, before I know it, it will be September 1st! Summer will be over!

This has been an amazingly crazy week for me. But really, it’s all good! One thing I will say about this week overall is that it has been hot, humid, hazy and very wet! We have a rain gauge and just this week we have had three inches of rain!

Kind of funny about the rain. Most of it has come down in absolutely heavy downpours! Not even the dogs want to go outside! And when they do go outside, they get absolutely soaking wet! In fact, as I write this on Thursday at noontime, it has just started to rain again! And Jack, who was outside with Lili, got soaked!

So here I go, with the five things, besides the weather, that has been happening in my corner of the world!

1. The Plumbing and Heating Workers have been here three days this week. They are completely redoing our system and when they are done, not only will our hot water problem be fixed, but our entire home heating system will not only be fixed but will be working in a more economical way. I am so impressed with all the men who have worked on our system. In particular, Will, who designed the entire new wiring and plumbing system. He is here today (Thursday) to finish up the system and do all the tests. In many ways, although we did not need a new furnace or hot water heater, this Digital Control Center is more costly than one can imagine.
2. The Air Conditioner in our bedroom died. And it died on one of the hottest and most humid of days. And it died at 5:30 in the evening. I need an 8000 BTU unit for that room, and I knew pretty much what I wanted. Our electric company is giving rebates if you get an energy saving machine, so I knew specifically the one I wanted. Well, it’s July, and our store doesn’t have much inventory left. So I was in the position of ordering online. The first order was rejected by my credit card! Huh? So I called and they told me that this National and well-known company, has a reputation with their website about not being secure. I had to use a different card and talk to the Company, and finally, the machine was ordered and it should be here on Friday. It has not been easy. Meanwhile, I am sleeping in a room where it is 80 degrees and a fan is my only friend.
3. While grocery shopping on Wednesday I noted that they had Soft-Shell Lobsters for $4.99 a pound. Now at this time of year, the Soft-Shell Lobsters are so tender and sweet. Yum! I immediately sent Jack over to pick out two for our dinner. We also picked up two ears of corn, and some California White Potatoes to boil.

   

   The above picture was taken a couple of years ago by my cousin Janet.

   In the evening, I boiled up the Lobsters, melted some butter, cooked the potatoes and corn, and we sat down to quite a feast! We ate and moaned with enjoyment and both of us commented that this was one delicious and very special meal!

4. Jack’s flip cell phone has died and he is now switching over to my Galaxy S5. I have the phone all cleaned and programmed for him, but last night when I tried to switch it over I learned something new (for me anyway). I need a SIM card for his phone.

   

   Apparently, when I bought my Galaxy S8, the clerk took the old SIM card out of the Galaxy S5 and put it into my S8. Groan. So I ordered one from Verizon and it will also arrive on Friday. Then I can finish the switch. Then the real learning process starts for Jack. I have an entire box of stylists at the ready so he can use the phone easily

5. .Jack had minor surgery this week to remove a skin cancer. They are hoping it is a Basil Cell Skin cancer, but since he has had Melanoma, before, and it was very close to this site, they are doing a biopsy of the tissue removed. Currently, I am once again his nurse. I have all kinds of sympathy for anyone having surgery to remove cancer on their nose. This was much smaller, but it is close to his eye, and that makes putting on the band-aid really tough. We will learn the results of the biopsy next week, but I am holding out good thoughts on all of this.

So these are the things that have been going on and keeping me occupied. Aside from the skin cancer for Jack, it’s all pretty much positive, and interesting. A new air conditioner, new heating system, fresh lobsters, new(er) cell phone for Jack, and the growth removed from Jack’s nose. (He didn’t want to show it or even the bandage) A full week I think!

Have a great weekend everyone!

I cannot believe how quickly this year is going by! Or do I say that at the end of every week? In any case, this past week flew by rather quickly and as I sit here writing this, I find that I would like to take a day and just move at a slightly slower pace.

Aside from making Jack his favorite Lamb Paprikash for dinner, I really do not have anything big planned. So, here is my list of the five things that have been on my mind this week.

1. On Wednesday I had to have another MRI on this darn lump under my left arm. I dreaded this because my left shoulder can be very painful, and lying still for the exam might cause discomfort. However, the doctor and technicians worked quite hard to locate the lump, and then position me, comfortably. The exam took 1 hour and 45 minutes! In the end, I was only slightly stiff. I will get the results soon.
2. The funniest thing happened on the way down to the test. The hospital had called asking me to come in early. I told them I was on my way and could be there in 45 minutes. Then, a Police K9 Car got in front of me on the highway, and he was going about 80 MPH! So I got behind him, in the center lane and followed him right along. Because it was a Police Car, the other cars on the road moved right aside. It was like the parting of the Seas! I made it in 30 minutes, give or take to the appointment!
3. After said appointment, I needed to drive to my daughter’s house to drop some things off. Since I’d missed lunch (It was now 2:15 PM) when I saw Dairy Queen looming in the distance, I swung over and bought myself a small Kiddie Cone. That cone tasted so good and I enjoyed every bite until I realized I had dripped on my nice pants! Ugh!
4. After stopping at Mandy’s, I hit the highway again to stop at three stores. Let me just say, I really was not feeling much like shopping, but…the dogs needed food, the cupboards were bare, and I had a gas tank that was showing E in a bright red flashing light!I picked up a rotisserie chicken at Market Basket and drove over to get gas. At the filling station, I was next in line when a pick-up truck drove over the curb and cut in line! I was not amused! The car ahead of this cheater pulled away, so I pulled the Highlander in, and left my back end sticking out! My car was empty and took a lot of fuel. So, while I pumped away, the cheater was trapped behind me. I hope he thinks about this before he pulls this on some other person, but probably not.
5. Time was ticking by and I needed to be home by 5 o’clock to feed the hounds! I knew I could not make the drive in time, so I called Jack and told him to ignore the dogs. I would be there 10 minutes late to feed them. Then a State Police Car passed me going 80 + MPH, and once he pulled back into the slow lane, I followed him, going 80 until my exit. I drove the rest of the way at the speed limit, and then pulled the car around the house to the back door, jumped out, came into the house and it was 4:55! I made it! I quickly gave the girls their medications, doled out the crunchies and then the canned foods. And at the stroke of 5 PM, the dogs were fed!

So that was the middle to end of my week to the end. All in all, a good week for sure. The weekend will be filled with the usual laundry, and cleaning, as I start the packing process for my trip.

I hope you all have a great Friday and enjoy this summery weekend!

Here we are! The first Friday in July! Now, where is the year 2018 going? Seems to me, that it is flying by! As the week comes to a close, here are the five things on my mind right now.

1. I cannot tell you how much fun it was to babysit the children with their other grandmother! Mary is such a wonderful woman, and we really had a good time, enjoying the children together.
2. I now remember why I wanted to move back to New England after six years of living in Florida. Six years of High Heat, & High Humidity, made me realize, I am just not cut out for this type of weather. I will be happy when we go back into the 70’s and lower humidity!
3. Greta is continuing her slow decline. It breaks my heart. Each day I spend a lot of time, snuggling her in my chair. Each day is a gift.
4. I soaked a piece of steak yesterday in a Smokey Apple Marinade. It had a good 8 hours to set, and when I cooked it last night it came out perfectly! Tonight is fish! Probably Haddock.
5. My sister arrives for a short visit tomorrow, so I will be running the dust mop and vacuum today and making beds! Sister visits are never long enough!

 

Here we are, the last week of June! I cannot believe it. I have been so busy, as my friend, Gail has been here. We have done so much visiting and sharing, and had such a great time. Here was our day today! (Thursday)

1. I went to the Outlets to find a dress for the wedding I am attending on Saturday. I refuse to buy anything at full price, so bargain hunting is what I am the best at.
2. I went to Talbots and selected four dresses to try on. The first one I simply loved, but when I put it on, I didn’t like it at all! Ugh.
3. The next dress made me think of Mandy as they were all her colors. But I loved how it fit me. And it was literally half price! I got a piece of costume jewelry to wear at the neck, and I already earrings and a bracelet that match.
4. Then we went for lunch and went shopping for dinner food for Mandy and family. And then I took Gail to see Mandy’s home.
5. We really enjoyed our time with Mandy, Matt, and the kids. As well as dinner. Once we got done cleaning up and chatting, it was time to head out and come back to Meredith. We arrived about 15 minutes after darkness, which worked out well.

It was a very full Friday!

 

 

The week has gone by so quickly. I’ve been incredibly busy with so many really great things. Here are the five things that topped my list this week.

1. Wednesday I went to Weight Watchers and lost 3 pounds! That is a total of 9 pounds in the three weeks since I returned to class. I really love the new program, and I am excited about the progress I am having.
2. Both Jack and I had appointments in different places on Wednesday. So he went off in his car to his and I went off in my car to mine. I arrived at my test early, and lucky for me they took me in about a half an hour before my exam was scheduled for.
3. The funny thing was, on our way home I was about 15 minutes ahead of Jack. So we decided I would go home and take care of the dogs and he would get the mail.
4. We’ve been trying really hard not to leave Greta alone for too long. She does sleep a lot now, but she also needs very frequent potty breaks. But on Wednesday, she did just fine.
5. Thursday found me cleaning and tidying. Friday I want to shampoo two carpets and get our guest bath and guest room all ready for my girlfriend’s arrival on Monday!

Happy Weekend!

I am finding that this year is slipping by far faster than I anticipated. Is that because I’m getting older, or is the time really flying by? I was looking at pictures of darling Quinn and he has been growing so quickly and changing so much, just in the few months since his birthday! See…

The left is his second birthday in March and the right is at the end of May, at Savannah’s birthday. He went from toddler to a little boy!

In any case, here are the five things I am thinking about this Friday.

1. The French Open Tennis has been a real surprise. Well, except for Raphael Nadal, who will more than likely win it all. I think the most exciting thing this year is all the young newcomers. I will miss the older generation when they retire, but there are so many you, energetic and healthy young players.
2. I’ve been trying new recipes this week and have a new salad recipe. It includes the usual things like lettuce and cukes and tomatoes, but I added a few strawberries and mandarin oranges! All I can say is…YUM!
3. It’s the start of Motorcycle Week here in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Motorcyclists from all over descend upon our area and take over. The drone of bikes permeates my house from morning till night! And forget about going to the grocery store or Post Office. The roads are clogged and there are no parking places! Ugh!
4. It has been overcast and humid the last few days. Not exactly beautiful, but at least it is not raining, and the temperatures have been in the 70’s.
5. What are my plans for the weekend? Laundry and housework! I need to catch up. It seems like the perfect time.

Have a great weekend!

Well folks, here we are, the first Friday in June! Where is the time going? I started to think today, that I need to sit down and make a Christmas gift list and then start picking things up as I go. Crazy, yes?

So as we end this week, here are the five things happening in my life right now.

1. Our old, but tried and true push lawn mower died. We use it to go into tight places and do the trim mowing. So, we started to look around. I told Jack that this time we had to get a self propelled mower because I can no longer handle the old push mowers. It’s not that I expect I will be doing much with this mower, but in the event, I need to use it, I should be able to handle it with some ease. We drove down to Lowes, found the model I liked and brought it home. Jack set about putting it together, only to find an integral screw missing! We immediately called and they said to bring it back in the morning and they would have one all set up for us.
2. Off we went on Thursday morning to bring back the first one and bring home the second one. Wonderful, right? Well, no one knew anything at first and I could see real fear on the face of the Customer Service Agent. I told her to relax. I knew that it was there, and it was just a matter of finding it. Sure enough, after several minutes, Becky came out rolling the new machine. Patrick lifted the old one out of the Highlander and picked up and loaded the new one into it. Thus operation new lawn mower was complete! And at this point, Jack has already used it and it looks as dirty as our very old one! Ha!
3. Today (Friday) the family is getting together for a quiet celebration of Savannah’s birthday. She will have her kids party on Sunday. I’m driving down myself and will enjoy watching Savi open her gifts. I got her some really sweet stuff! Shhhhh! No telling what it is!
4. I am being plagued by the telemarketer from He!!. In the last 24 hours, he has called 12 times and counting. I have filed several complaints with the Do Not Call Agency in Washington. I have the name of the person through caller ID and the phone number. The first few times I answered and asked him not to call. The last time I answered I told him I had reported him, and yet the calls persist. We are no longer answering our landline. So if you need to reach me, either call my cell phone or message me on Facebook. Honestly, I have never been harassed like this before! Not even during elections!
5. Wednesday I returned to Weight Watchers. I am not happy with my weight, and so back to class, I went. I was greeted with many hugs, open arms, and the feeling like I was not alone. At the ripe old age of 59 ½, I am no longer looking for a quick fix diet. I need something that will help me understand food, and how to plan out what I am eating. I’m writing everything down, so I can get used to their new program. After class, five of us went out to lunch, and we were good little WW members. One of us ordered Haddock, and the rest of us ordered a Spring Berry and Chicken salad! We talked and laughed and had such a great time. It felt so good to be back with my friends!

So that is it for the last week in May and the first day of June 2018. I hope you have something wonderful planned to do that will make you smile!