I got nuthin for the blog about nothing. It’s going to be super hot for a couple days which won’t bother me. Today however is our church picnic at noon and usually the men move tables outside under the trees and it’s lovely. It won’t surprise me if we eat in the basement today – nobody will want to eat outside in the heat which will make this just an ordinary potluck.
Here’s my contribution:
Like most Iowans I am livid that we weren’t allowed to watch The Fever last night. It was blocked for all of Iowa because it was in Minneapolis. The Target Center was packed to the rafters and by the sound of it you’d have thought The Fever was playing at home. The Fever lost to The Lynx 90-80 but I still wanted to watch Caitlyn.
Jo in Wyoming sent these pictures of the fire that’s burning there – she says it’s probably only about 100 miles from Betty. Of course my first thoughts are of the wildlife that are burning to death.
I went to visit Hank yesterday. He’s such a sweet boy!
I’m still getting cards in the mail and it’s so kind of you to send them. I just have to take the time to clear off my table – and also take more pictures of some of the very best cards!!
I’m slow getting the pattern orders filled due to lack of a copier but I think tomorrow I’ll make a point of going to Staples and get one. Everybody keeps telling me about their inexpensive copiers but unless yours will copy an 11×17 pieces of paper, I don’t want to hear it. If you’ve ordered a pattern from me you’d see that everything is printed on 11×17 and most home copiers only use 8-1/2×11.
Time to head off to church where I’ll freeze during the service – like everything else, couldnt we have a happy medium?
Sandy, so sorry for your loss
Sandy, so sorry for your loss. May your memories of him bring you comfort in the days ahead. We are here for you. Hank is a truly handsome boy, wow he has grown and looks so healthy and loved.
I tried my hand at making my own sundried tomatoes, hopefully they work out well in some recipes in the coming year. The plants produced so many tomatoes that I had to get creative in using them. I did make some yard sauce and will share with the kids. Yard sauce is easy and so versatile. I use Jo Country blog to make it: https://www.joscountryjunction.com/yard-sauce/
Sandy, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn, wishing strength for you to handle your many challenges.
I hope to finish a quilt this week; just need to finish hand stitching the binding.
Sandy, my deepest sympathies for your loss. A loved one going to heaven is never easy on those they leave behind. God bless you and your family and
wishes for enduring peace.
The pictures of the wildfires are horrible. I too worry about all the wildlife that suffer and those left homeless, poor babies.
And Mr Hank, what a hunk! Goldens, my all time favorite loyal dogs. Never met one I didn’t fall in love with. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if puppies – housebroken of course – stayed puppies for at least a year so we could absorb more of that extreme cuteness!
Blessing to you Mary and all my fellow followers of you, I think we can all use blessings!
Linda – could you send a picture of your dogs some time? Anxious to see Nelson all grown up. How are things going for you?
Mary – I’m back! Have had a nice break. Lots of rest. Had a 2-day getaway with my sister, her two dogs, and my two cats. All 4 get along which was good. But on the other hand, it was never a dull moment.
My great niece goes in to see the doctor at Fred Hutch in Seattle on Friday. Fridays appt is getting the thyroid cancer plan in place. I am just heartbroken that another family member is ill.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sandy. Take care.
Caroline – so sorry you have Covid and hope your hubby doesn’t get it. Take care.
Hank is beautiful. And getting so grown up!
The potato salad looked yummy!
Thank you for the blog about nothing, Mary.
Take care everyone.
Sharon G – so glad you took that break! And who better than taking a break with than pets and sister? I hope the ill family member is not too serious.
Sandy, my heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of your husband. It is never easy, that’s for sure. Sending prayers that you and your sons will find comfort in the days ahead. My husband has been gone for nearly six years already and although I’m glad he is not suffering anymore, I miss him every day.
Mary, I’m remembering that one of your readers sent a super toy to Hazel or Telly that was nearly indestructible. Do you know where she bought it and what was the brand name? The in-house dog at the place where I have been going for physical therapy has become attached to me, and me to her. She is on my therapy bench waiting for me before I can even get signed in. I only have a couple more sessions and would like to get her a toy before I finish. Yes, I’m walking without the use of a walker now. How great is that?
It has been over two months since I was hospitalized with a gastro bleed. I will continue to do exercises and ride my recumbent bicycle at home hoping that will keep my legs and feet strong and working as they should.
Thanks for the info. Jeanne in Co.
Jeanne – I believe Rose got it on Amazon but I can’t remember which toy you mean. My dogs love the rolling ball that makes noise. Is your dog friend a rough player? Does she like to fetch balls? My dogs love anything with a squeaker!
Mary, Maybe Jeanne was talking about that possum toy that your dogs took turns carrying around. I remember you putting a link to the toy. Pretty sure it was from Amazon.
Connie R – oh, I’ll bet you’re right! And it’s still a favorite even tho it’s half the size and ragged by now!
Thank you for sharing pictures Of Hank. He sure has grown. I enjoy seeing his pictures. I wont be getting another dog as 2 1/2 months ago I was put on oxygen 24/7 and leashed to the condenser in house and portable oxygen outside of house. I am the caregiver for my husband that has Alzheimer. Last week I had to have our 14 year cat put down due to cancer. Today I tested positive for covid. Now to keep husband from getting covid is my priority . Praying things work out for you Mary. Carolyn b Shenandoah Valley Va
Carolyn – oh my word, Carolyn!! We are all so sorry to hear this – how can you possibly take care of your husband if you have Covid? Aren’t you feeling quite sick? And your senior cat – I am so sorry. Seems like you’ve had your fair share of heartache recently. If I lived close I’d be there to help you in any way I could. What happened 2-1/2 years ago that put you on oxygen 24/7? Do you have anyone to help you? How long has your husband had Alzheimer’s? Oh, I hope your hubby doesn’t get Covid but if you’re his caregiver, I don’t know how you’d avoid that. I’m saying a prayer for you.
Handsome Hank is sooooo handsome! Hope you are feeling better Miss Mary! Sending a couple of Penny and Lucy pictures working hard in my sewing room 🤭. Sending you a card off tomorrow ❤️
So sorry to hear about your loss, Sandy. 🤗 Take Care.
Mary, it was nice you could visit Handsome Hank; he is a beauty. My first grandbaby was a Golden puppy named Gabe; I called him Robert Redford.
I have been making microwave cozies for our frequently used bowls. I was thinking they would make nice Christmas gifts, but you would need bowl sizes for them to be effective. I guess I will keep plugging away on my dress shirt quilt.
Thanks, Mary. Stay Cool, 🥰
I made several bowl cozies a few years ago, using a variety of fabrics and loved the simplicity of them and the usefulness. I found a pattern that had two sizes and I used the largest size. It handily holds large (and I truly mean large) soup and ice cream bowls. If you want something larger for melting and mixing bowls for the microwave, it would take some math. (Yee, goodness. Remember when we thought math was something we wouldn’t use when we were in high school?) Quilting and sewing are all about math. Ah, your handsome dog, Robert Redford. I had to laugh.
A couple of years ago our church council agreed that the thermostat would be set at 23*C (73*F) all year round, so that everyone could dress according to how that suited themselves. And it works really well!
I just wish shops and shopping centres would adjust temperatures, because staff shouldn’t be wearing short sleeves in winter 🙄
Pauline in South Australia
Pauline – what a wonderful solution! I’m going to quote you!!
Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Yes it is a warm one! Great day for potato salad.
It was chilly in our church too this am. Was so happy to be able to go back to our church, the first time for services in the church after 9 weeks . The basement isn’t finished and it will be months Reverend said this morning. It was awesome to be back tho.
Sandy I’m sorry for your loss.
The fires are awful, so devastating!
Hank is beautiful!
Have a good evening!
Joy – was your church able to be saved basically? Is it just the basement still needing work? Oh, I’d miss my church so much – we were pretty full this morning with a business meeting that followed. Our church had to be all repaired with tuckpointing, foundation, AC, etc etc to the tune of $360,000!!! But the good news is that we’re only $18,000 short. It was just as matter of time. Was your church in Rock Valley? I can’t exactly remember.
Thanks for the pattern, Mary. It will be fun to make. I enjoyed seeing the handmade cards. That is not a craft I do, but I save and enjoy the ones I receive. Hank is beautiful and he looks so well behaved! We have a new baby in our neighborhood, Alfie—12 week old Shitz Tsu—not sure how to spell that😹😹. He is sooo adorable. He snuggled right into me😀😀. Hot and soooo dry here. It rains North of us , but not on us.
Diane – oh, I have to see Alfie!!! You are so lucky to “live” with all your neighborhood dogs – and now a puppy!!! Very hot here today, too. First time we’ve run our AC
It was 94* here today. Alfie hasn’t been out in this heat and I walk pretty early when it is hot so I have only seen him once. I will definitely take a picture as soon as he’s out. He had to get his last shots before he could meet the other neighbor dogs. I do love seeing them and giving them treats , but am responsible only for Squeak and Buddy😺😺.
Mary, sorry you couldn’t watch The Fever last night. I subscribed to the WNBA app for the season so we can watch games that aren’t broadcast on regular TV or cable channels. Last night The Fever game was shown on it and I think several of their upcoming games are to be shown on the WNBA app. The app was supposed to be $34.99 for the year and $2.99 for a single game. When I subscribed I somehow was only charged about $15 for the year. We’ve started watching some of the other teams’ games when Caitlin isn’t playing. And replays are sometimes available.
I always take a light jacket no matter where we go. So many restaurants also have the AC cranked up so I’m always cold.
Vicki – I bought the app during the college season when C was playing. How mad do you think it made me when I was blocked out after paying for it month after month? I live too close to Mpls I guess but it was not broadcast on any station we could get. Yes, I also have gotten acquainted with other teams through the app and love it. Too bad there’s no one to complain to.
Hi Mary, sad news, my husband died last night, chest infection, he hasn’t been well since first chest infection in april, it’s been a gradual decline.He was very well cared for at the rest home,amazing work the nursing staff do. We are all coping well, all arrangements set in place, and my sobs are a big help. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy. Sons it should say!
Sincere sympathies to you, Sandy. Sorry for your loss.
Dear Sandy sending prayers , hope, and love to you. Sympathy from one who knows the loss of a husband. Take it one day at a time , one bite at a time . Take care of you too. Francine from Iowa.
So sorry to hear that, Sandy. You are in my heart. It is so good your sons can help.
Sandy – oh, Sandy, I am so sorry! We readers don’t know when husbands are ill or hurt or hospitalized and I don’t really know how to fix that unless we each write it in our comments. How I wish we were all in a neighborhood to support each other. Consider this blog about nothing to be your close friends who wish we could help in some way. How long were you married? Tell us a bit about your hubby if you like.
Sandy, I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. It’s a difficult time. Lean on your son and your blog friends. We are here for you.
Stay busy, hugs to you.
Jo in Wyoming
I’m so sorry Sandy. Praying for you, take care.
Sandy, so sorry about the passing of your husband. May sweet memories bring you comfort..
Sandy, I’m so sorry. You and your family will certainly be remembered in my prayer tonight.
Sandy. I am so very sorry for your loss. We will be your sounding board for you at this difficult time.
I’m so very sorry for your and your sons’ loss. You have my most sincere sympathy and prayers as you remember the best times of your life together.
I am so sorry. It is great your sons are a big help. This is a difficult time to sort through so many things while dealing with grief. I remember when my Dad died, our sons and I would sit and reminisce now and then about fun things we remembered about my Dad. Sometimes it was something simple like, “he made the best buttered popcorn.” It is funny how I still remember that 25 years later. Hold those memories. Hugs to you.
Mary, I enjoyed hearing you and Becky share your musical talents at your church service today!
Hope you had a fun church Potluck.
Wish we could share some of our cool temperatures with you. I have been wearing my fleece jacket for a few days now but thankful for the rains we are getting.
Prayers for all those affected by the wildfires.
Vicki – thanks, Vickie! It Is No Secret is such an old song but all the old people in church just love it so we do it every year.
Our church potluck picnic was today too but we are at camp and attended a really nice international potluck dinner with two campers providing guitar music we sang along to. What a melting pot of foods served ….today we are having leftovers a lady shared with us of her sauerkraut and pork, potato salad, and Buffalo chicken dip another gave us so I’m loving all these good cooks here. I shared loaded mashed potatoes with others. Add the farm market in across the street with the apples just picked, fresh cider and peach ice cream sundaes, I’m enjoying it all. I was chatting with a fellow resident here and another man pulled up in his golf cart and said, “ how come you haven’t been visiting with us this weekend.” And I replied all I’ve done is eat this weekend it feels like. My husband just bought an electric lawn mower from a lady who sold her place here due to husbands medical issues and trust me when I say, my husband never wanted to own an electric one. He sure changed his tune when he saw how much easier it was to use on our small plots here. So quiet too. Never say never.
Looking at the wildfire pictures is hard to imagine the devastation left behind.
So sad to me knowing how many lives have changed with these wildfires.
Off to sit at the beach and people watch even though I bring a book along.
The wildfires are so scary! And so heartbreaking. Hank looks good! Has he gotten darker in color? I am keeping my son’s 2 dogs for the weekend, they are having fun wrestling & playing with my dog!
Debra – yes, I think Hank has gotten darker red – almost like an Irish Setter. Such a sweet dog! It’s nice your three can get along!!
Hank is a handsome dog! Thank you for sharing pictures of him.
My daughter and I took a trip to the Santa Barbara CA area for some wine tours and learned a lot about wine and enjoyed some beautiful weather and country side. Since returning home I’ve been trying to read all the comments on the blogs about nothing. Certainly enjoyed the pictures of gardens, our weather has been hot this year and hard to keep things growing, totally gave up on my flower pots they all became crispy critters!
To answer tour question, I am able to read your blog on email and when clicking read the blog. To make a comment I have to do that by clicking read the blog. Seems reasonable way to make a comment to me.
Connie in NV – I just hope everybody can figure out their own way of reading the comments because they’re the best part!
We couldn’t get the game to connect via phone but it would by laptop.
Handsome Hank is living up to his name.
Hank is cool! The prairie fires are stunning, hope it was mother nature who started it and not some idiot.
Mary, I hope this will post, I’m having troubles with my iPad.
Most of the wildlife will escape the fires. The birds have the hardest time. After the fires, there is no vegetation for them to eat and all the migrating creatures pathways are destroyed in that area.
Your potato salad looks yummy, even for breakfast this morning. Hank is a beautiful dog. He looks very well behaved too. I’m sure he has moments, all puppies do. Once I kept a golden retriever for a neighbor. A very expensive golden retriever. Well, it ate an entire tube sock and Lord knows what else. I thought I just bought an expensive, dead dog! The vet said it would come out either from the front or back. It did come out. The dog dug up my back yard, side yard and carpet. We spent a lot of time on the floor with that puppy.
Jo in Wyoming – Hank’s brother Bentley ate socks, too, as well as another friend’s golden. Not good! Oh, the poor birds – those fires are just terrifying to me, Midwest native that I am. I can’t imagine a fire of that magnitude.
I’m glad you got to see Hank. He’s such a handsome boy. His coloring so reminds me of the dog I grew up with – part Chow and German Shepherd – although my dog’s coloring was a little darker. Hank’s eyes are special.
The pictures of fire in Wyoming are heartbreaking to see for the people, and yes, Mary for the fauna, too.
Stay hydrated all.
Jan
I always take a sweater to church with me in the summer because of the A/C. It seems crazy, but some like it cold!
Such devastation from the fires. We have no idea what that is like here in Iowa. I will take Iowa over any other state, and I was born and raised in MN!
Still picking a lot of cucumbers. I take them to church to share with others. We didn’t think the first ones were going to come up, and a lot of them didn’t, but then planted more, and now we have an abundance. I only made some freezer pickles with them, but how many can two people eat? I’m happy to share, but do not enjoy the picking! Have a wonderful Sunday.
Jeanine – I ALWAYS need a sweater in church! It’s the men who set the thermostat at 67!