Early Christmas Gift

Someone from across the Pacific Ocean has sent me a wonderful box full of cheeses and meats. The word must have gotten out that I'm the mouse slayer in the area. Well this is staying indoors and only being eaten by hungry humans. Wonderful surprise! There are also chocolate covered almonds, crackers and olives!  I sure love cheeses and these are soooo special.

I've been working on Christmas cards. I first created an image. I had to be sure to only use colors that would be functional by my failing printer. It only will print colors - no black. When I proceeded to change the empty black cartridge with a new replacement - it failed. I put the empty one back in and the color would print! I ordered another black cartridge and it too, wasn't recognized by the printer. Well, the color would work so that is how I created my card image. Would you believe that the XXX old printer then would print only 4 pages (4 images each one) with my brand new photo paper! Then it absolutely refused to print on photo paper and made lots of rattling noise. I finished off the project by printing a few sheets of 'regular paper' and am finished with this project. Yes, I know I need a new printer. Maybe.....after the holidays. This one has functioned fantastically for many years and I should NOT complain! I still can print all other documents on plain paper if I make the text be red, blue, or green. I'll use up the color cartridge and then decide what to do. The scanner still works fine! Never a dull moment down on this farm! My hand had a workout writing to and from addresses on the envelopes. 

"Make it do or do without!"

The Day Before

American flags wave at Cabin Tranquillity on Lake Chrisann. It's hopeful that more rain won't spoil this significant holiday which gave us independence and freedom from control by another country. We are sincere patriots. 

Today's the day before our Lake Association fishing contest, which the Mister and daughter and grandson anticipate.  Many of the families already have guests here who are swimming (YES!) and fishing and boating. Golf carts zip by and walkers and joggers are many. In spite of the activities, it is very peaceful and quiet. 

The Mister and most people have just completed lawn mowing and weed whacking projects. 

It is also the first day I have been able to hang laundry on the outdoor line! The checkered quilt that I made a long time ago is wool lined. The thick tapestry piece is used as a draft drape in the winter to cover the window which contains the air conditioner. There is a light breeze and the temperature at 11am was 68° which is perfect for drying.

I must confess that I "jury-rigged" the flagpole on the driveway side. Around here we often "make do." It is only temporary and my makeshift fix works well.

Young neighbors came to fish a bit today. Our boat still gets some good use.

Alyssa and Kyle

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