Tag Archives: Pepper

four things | seven

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Today is the beginning of a new month. A transition month where we (hopefully) say goodbye to winter and welcome spring. We had cloudy, overcast, cold days and sunshine and warmer days this week. One little clump of snow hung around in a shady part of our yard till midweek but it’s now melted into the ground.

In trying to find something uplifting I’ve got four things that I’m loving.

what I’m loving – one

Apricots. When I was little my grandmother got me (and perhaps my sister and brother) hooked on apricots. It was a real treat to have sweet-leathery dried apricots as a snack. I think she only bought them when she made her special apricot spread. We used to slather it on her homemade toasted bread so thick that it dripped off the sides. We, of course, slurped up whatever fell onto our plates. I’ve never found anything quite like hers and the recipe is long gone. I’m pretty sure it did not contain pectin but thickened with cornstarch.

I recently discovered these Mariani dried apricots* at my local grocery store. They remind me of the sweet-leathery dried apricots my grandmother had. I’ve tried other brands but I like this the best. A bonus is that they contain added probiotics. At my age I need all the help I can get.

what I’m loving – two

I used to use a fountain pen all the time. I liked the flow of the ink. I didn’t have to scribble on anything to get it to work. I could customize the ink color by mixing two or three colors together. I had two different fountain pens: one used ink cartridge refills and the other was a lever-fill type. Click here for more info on the types.

When duplicate checks became readily available, I had to switch to ballpoint pens. With a fountain pen, nothing would appear on the duplicate as I didn’t have to press hard at all to write with it. I would often have to rewrite everything on the duplicate which was not very efficient.

A few weeks ago I bought an inexpensive cartridge fountain pen* to see if I still liked writing with one. I do. When I write a check, I go with the other kind. I’m writing with it in my paper planner and book club notebook. (Yes, I still use a paper planner AND appointments on my phone.) I’m going to go with the refills for now. They don’t seem to be any more expensive than a good ballpoint or gel pen but I’ll save the empty cartridges and refill them with my own custom color.

what I’m loving – three

Our new-to-us veterinarian is outstanding. Our previous vet was okay but we didn’t feel all the comfortable with his office procedures. He had his patients call the office when they arrived and wait in their vehicles until he or someone came out to bring them in. He had just one examining room right inside the door. It was small and cramped. His son, also a vet, assisted but we usually “helped” if Pepper got antsy. If Pepper needed medicine, we had to go to his office to get it. That was a 40-mile round trip. Everything just seemed inconvenient for us.

Our new vet is one of several doctors in an animal hospital. They have several vet techs to assist, a lobby with a receptionist, and a pharmacy. We can order routine meds from online businesses, if needed, instead of going to the office for pickup. The vet tech asked us questions and listened to our questions and concerns before the vet came into the examining room. It was a fantastic experience for all of us. Even Pepper…except for the annual shots. Another plus is this place is only eight miles away.

You’re probably wondering why we didn’t change before now. Yeah, we should have. Pepper was treated quickly around last Christmas for an ear issue. Having to drive so far in the cold, dreary, winter and waiting in the car before being called inside helped us decide on a different vet, and we are very glad we did.

what I’m loving – four

Green toes for St. Patrick’s Day this month! I really needed a boost this week so I made a pedicure appointment. The icy blue toenails in January/February were fun for a time until the February Funk set in and I was ready for a brighter outlook.

I’m also loving how the sun comes through the arched window framing my feet.

Have a happy weekend!

*This is not a sponsored post. All reviews and opinions expressed are based on my personal views and experiences.

four things | six

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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…

Patti

four things | five

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Mother Nature reminded us that it’s still winter in this part of the world and gifted us with about an inch of snow on Tuesday. It continued to snow albeit very fine flakes all night with a total accumulation of three to three and a half inches by Wednesday afternoon. Warmer temperatures and sunshine early on Thursday melted 90% of it but the winds picked up and it was downright blustery by late afternoon.

I like the four seasons though not necessarily when we’re smackdab in the middle of them. I’m already thinking of what I will plant in the flower pots on the front porch and deck for spring and summer.

what I’m reading

I just began reading Loving Frank by Nancy Horan a historical fiction book based on Frank Lloyd Wright, his mistress and her untimely death. Frank Lloyd Wright is one of my favorite people of the twentieth century. I always wanted to be an architect ever since I was a young girl. Although that dream never became a reality, I still like to read about architecture and look at blueprints and architectural drawings.

Wright’s Falling Water and Kentuck Knob are within a couple of hours from me. I’ve been to Falling Water several times in the 1970’s and 80’s but never to Kentuck Knob as it was not open to the public until 1996 and by then my life revolved around other things. A visit to both are on my bucket list this year.

what I’m watching

Source: tribute.ca

Mr. Aitch and I cut the cable cord to the TV many years years ago. Now we stream what we watch when we want to watch. I’m currently watching Father Brown (season 10) on Brit Box. I would classify this as a “cozy mystery” series as it’s never too graphic nor shocking. Father Brown (played by Mark Williams) helps the police solve crimes in the Cotswold fictional village of Kembleford whether they like it or not. It’s always interesting how he just happens to get involved.

what I’m loving

Board Butter aka Spoon Butter. It’s a concoction of beeswax and food grade mineral oil* and used to moisturize and condition wooden utensils i.e. cutting boards, spoons, salad bowls, knife handles, etc. You can find any number of “recipes” online but they all have the same basic measurements. How-to one and two.

It’s very easy to make but use common sense. Oil and wax are flammable!

I only had a small amount of wax so I only made a small amount. This stuff does not get hard so if you make some, keep it in a lidded container. I used a square of cheesecloth to dip some out and rubbed it into my cutting boards and knife handles. After letting them sit for an hour, I buffed the extra wax/oil off.

The cutting board was gifted to us last Christmas so it wasn’t too dry but the knives are several years old. The wood absorbed it in the handles on the left. They almost look new!

*Food grade mineral oil is a petroleum-based product with a very long shelf life. The amount your food may absorb from the cutting board is miniscule. It’s used in cosmetics, skin care products, shampoos, gives store-bought shine to your fruits and veggies along with many other uses. Vegetable oils, seed oils, and coconut oils can go rancid quickly.

what I’m working on

Pepper decided to try her paws at winding yarn into a ball. Or maybe she was trying to rewind it. Whatever. I’m now trying to untangle her attempt.

till next week…

Patti

Socks, KAL, Snow, Door, Bread

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First: The Socks I am on track to finish the second Broken Seed Stitch sock by the end of next week.

I just finished the heel flap on sock #2 and am ready to turn the heel. Then the gusset (which I detest), the rest of the foot, and finally the toe!

This picture is the side where the colors change. You can really see the jog in the stitches on sock #1 on the right. I tried to tighten the yarn at the color change point a bit on sock #2 so it isn’t as noticeable.

Second: KAL Winwick Mum is having a Winter Haven KAL. (That’s code for Knit-A-Long) One doesn’t have to knit the same thing as everyone else but she’s included a free sock pattern if desired. She has other patterns as well. The requirements are easy to join the KAL: knit one of her patterns or use one of her yarns from West Yorkshire Spinners. The Easy Mosaic socks I recently finished is one of her free patterns.

I’ve never done a KAL before but I’m going to try this one and use her free pattern called Trailblazer socks. I have to finish the BSS socks before I start on these as I need the short circular needle from those socks. Plus I need to shop my stash for the right yarn.

Third: Snow Mother Nature dropped 6-7 inches of snow on us Sunday night and Monday. We weren’t surprised that schools were closed on Monday and possibly Tuesday. But Wednesday and Thursday?? The roads were clear by Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Aitch emailed a teacher friend about no school. Evidently the wind chill factor was so low, the powers-that-be decided it was too cold for the kids to wait for the bus. 99.99% of the kids ride a bus and sit in their parent’s warm car/truck/SUV when waiting for the bus. Whatever. We don’t have kids in school and we’re both retired so it shouldn’t concern me.

Pepper loves the snow but hates getting her sweater on. Is it because it goes over her head? It’s a struggle but I put it on her if it’s below 25oF.

Fourth: Door Our front door was bare after I took down the Christmas decorations on Monday. I thought this was perfect.

Fifth: Bread I took advantage of the below freezing temperatures this week and baked bread to help heat the house. Two beautiful loaves of bread warmed us inside and out.

In fact this was lunch the day I baked it along with a glass of wine. I still haven’t found the perfect “sandwich” type bread recipe as mine always seem to have a course crumb. Any help would be appreciated.

I had a home improvement hack and some other things to talk about but this post was long enough.

Patti nona