Clocks Spring Forward

The Mister has jumped on the daylight saving time change and has already started setting the clocks ahead. First he set his wristwatch and then, before breakfast he set the microwave oven. Before lunch he set the one outdoors on the front porch eaves. Why so early? I don't know except he is a bit bored. Now there are more to go.

There is one on the wall behind the dining room table.

There is one on the wall over the large living room TV.

There is one on the shelf in the bathroom.

There is one on his bedroom dresser.

There is one on my bedroom dresser.

There is one in the car.

I think the TV's set themselves as do the computers.

There is one that we only set once in a while when we start it up to keep it in good functioning condition. 

This cuckoo clock was a gift to the cabin a very long time ago and, though not particularly valuable in $ it IS valuable in memories! Yes, the cuckoo bird still pops out of the little green door and sings his song on every half and full hour!

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This Year is Different

Last year on March 9, I took off James' scarf and bell. Last year on March 9 I took this picture of daffodils poking up through the soil in front on the cabin. Last year ALL the wonderful spring daffodils were in bloom on April 15.

March 9, 2020

April 15, 2020 

Would you believe that it is VERY different this year? The snow is still piled up over that same flowerbed and not a trace of earth is showing. Today is the first day that the degree has gone up to 40 since autumn. So I was prompted to look back a few years. Mother Nature knows what she's doing, I know......

May 2, 2018

May 2, 2018

April 13, 2017

April 13, 2017

April 13, 2017

April 18, 2015

April 2, 2014

April 24, 2013

April 15, 2012

April 27, 2011

The year James was created~

April 10, 2010

It looks like April is the month that the daffodils really pop up and out! I'll have to wait.

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Closet Checking

One of my friends said she is keeping an old blanket from when she was a child and doesn't know why. I think I know why. Our childhood treasures remind us of the past in a good way. Her note prompted me to check out two items that I have and treasure them as well. So, I dug deep, took them out of their protective wraps and - lo and behold - they are still in great condition! (I do not know how to get wrinkles out of old muslin that was washed and put away a long time ago, though.)

The first is this muslin candlewick coverlet that my mother made for me either before or soon after I was born. I'm not sure of the date. She did tell me that it kept her busy learning how to design it. It measures 42" x 66" and might have shrunk when it was washed. Nice pattern, don't you think?

The next item has handwritten note that Mother wrote. Isn't her penmanship lovely? It measures 26" x 36" which is just right for a cover in the baby carriage in the winter! I have a picture of "Aunt Ida" that I treasure too.

Those were the days!!

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If you would like instructions for candlewicking please click on link Candlewicking Embroidery

Keeping Warm

Well, I'll bet a bunch that you never would think of someone writing about a red rubber bottle! It just popped into my mind and I have to get the memory out. OUT! I say, "OUT!!"

First, I would like to say that I love my electric blanket that our daughter gave to me a couple of years ago. I never thought I would use one. When we moved into the cabin in 1997 there were two here and I gave them away because I was afraid of them catching fire. They were old. I started using my new one and now really count on it to keep my feet and legs warm in the winter months. No more wearing long johns and socks to bed! Even when I would stand in front of the fireplace gas insert to warm up and make a 'dash' to the bed, the heat would be gone and I'd have a hard time getting to sleep. Not now. 

As a child of the 40's and 50's the bedding covers were older quilts, lined with wool batting. They were tattered and heavy, we were young, I don't remember being cold. BUT! When we were sick, the hot water bottle was called into action as a belly warmer, foot warmer, neck warmer and more. I think it was common custom to find the red rubber bottle with all of the extra 'parts' hanging on hooks on the back of bathroom doors. At least several were in that exact same place when I used friend's bathrooms! It was common. Never once did I wonder what the extra tubes were for. Now I know. I have no idea if ours were ever used. I just remember the comfort of that red rubber bottle, filled with hot water and covered in a flannel slip-on made a difference. I see they are still sold. Do you have one? I don't. 

 

Buttered Buttermilk Biscuits and Bacon Breakfast

 What?!!! No eggs???? Well yes, we have eggs but had a large scrambled omelette yesterday for lunch so.....

For a change of pace something that we rarely have. A real treat!

Sing the song with me...B...B...B...& BB!

Be still my heart ~~~~~

Reminder...

This is a re-post from nine years ago. I must remember how hard it was then and how much easier it is now to keep warm.  Just click on the link below.

 Heating in the "old days"

Boys

Yesterday was the birthday of both a grandson and a great grandson. Alex is now 32 and Angelo is 26. Alex loves his little twin nephews, age 2. Angelo is the father of two boys, ages almost 2 and almost 6. 

Boys are full of great things, adventurous things, magical things, wild things, active things, and sweet things! Keep plenty of bandaids in Stock!

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Saturday Happenings

The Mister fell AGAIN this morning as he was walking cross the living room to the kitchen to refill the humidifier container. It seems that when he is carrying something in one hand it puts his balance off enough to cause the fall. This time a nasty elbow skin tear. Lots of blood. He simply does NOT pay attention and moves along without thinking. He did not trip! He just fell over. I watched it happen. DANG do I EVER HATE cleaning up the bloody messes. I have to move a kitchen chair next to him so he can pull himself up to a standing position. 

Today it's raining and I have been busy - before the fall - slicing and dicing fresh carrots and celery in prep for stew or soup or something. I also have a loaf of bread just out of the oven. It is the frozen style and bakes really well and is easy peasy! Rhodes is the brand. There are packs of either 3 or 5 frozen loaves in a bag. The cost is about $1.00 per loaf and it is very good!

Now back to nurse duty as most of the bleeding has stopped and  bandaging is required. See attached photos of injury.

Hangin' in here....Not a happy camper. 

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Almost March..

Each day brings us closer to less snow, more mud, but it's OK, it's nature's way.  We got out this morning to pick up Ed's meds and to get our two week laundry done. The driveway was a sheet of ice here and we were lucky enough to be able to find an 8 lb. container of snow melt stuff; wouldn't want to have the Schwan's delivery guy fall when bring our frozen foods next Tuesday! Also it will be safer taking our trash to the curb on Tuesday as well. The Mister takes the car to the mailbox instead of tempting fate! He did loose his balance in the parking lot of the hardware store today, fell right down and cut his finger and bruised hand but otherwise not hurt. Guess having a cane in one hand and the snow melt in the other when trying to open the back door of the car was just too much. There goes my dishwasher for another week or so!!

Looking  back, what  was the thing to do when driveways and walkways were slippery? Wood ashes were spread. Not anymore.

Friends in Barre, Ontario Canada sent pictures today. The images below show what they have there.

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