It’s still winter, at least for this past week. We had bitter cold (for us) with temperatures in the teens and twenties along with high winds that only made it feel colder. One good thing is that when Pepper needs to go outside, she gets the “job” done quickly!

I don’t mind the snow (retired and all that) but those winds ripping through hats, coats, gloves/mittens, pants, and boots are wicked.

what I’m reading

The articles about Joann’s closing 500+ stores is saddening. My local store is now a “liquidation store” with sale prices hovering around 20% off retail. I realize they are trying to recoup some losses but will wait for deeper cuts before I buy the flannel I need to sew burp cloths. The only other fabric option within 50-miles is Walmart.

what I’m watching

Two turkey vultures were scoping out the surrounding area this week for snacks or lunch. I usually see these huge birds gliding above the trees so this was a real treat.

They were probably 20-24 inches tall just chatting away or whatever birds do when they rest in the trees.

Pepper stayed in the house for the hour or two that they were there. I know they feed off of dead carcasses but I didn’t want to give them any ideas that she was around.

what I’m not missing

I’ve used a wireless keyboard and mouse for many, many years and when they decided to stop working, I went back to the wired ones that came with my computer (close to ten years ago). These cords are long enough that they don’t pull when I use them. The mouse died first about a year ago and no matter how many times I tried different mouse pads or replaced the batteries, it would skip, not click, double click, not move or move on it’s own. Ain’t nobody got time for dat.

The keyboard lived until a few weeks ago. Most keyboards have the same key placement though does take awhile to get used to the different feel and pressure/touch of the keys.

I am not missing the cordless features.

what I’m working on

Our priest adopted a three years old basset/terrier mix dog earlier this month. He doesn’t have to deal with the biting, chewing and teething stage that new puppies go through but there is definitely a learning curve for both of them.

People are gifting treats, toys, and advice. I made a dog poop bag holder that he can clip on his belt loop or dog leash. The pattern is free when you sign up for the weekly newsletter.

I used some bone printed fabric I got from my BFF. it’s easy to refill with the zipper opening. The open space on the bottom is where the roll of bags can be pulled out as seen below.

I try to take most of my indoor photos in the window seat in the guest room. A piece of white felt on top of the padded seat helps reflect light without glare. Pepper had to do the sniff test and see what was going on.

till next week…