November

 Wow, a whole month went by when I wasn't looking. We've had some outings. On the 10th Daughter and I met the Princess in Birmingham to celebrate her 20th Birthday. She came up from college. We met at Cheesecake Factory. It was a vey rainy day. Jim stayed that weekend with an old friend from college, who is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. The wife went for a football weekend.

On the 18th, Jim and I went to Ellijay again and stayed in this cabin for a few days. It was right on the river.

Lots of country lanes to walk on.

Then a week later, I stayed at a friend's house on Smith Lake. This is the view from her back porch.

It was so relaxing being there. While I was gone, Jim delivered meals on wheels and had a hard time finding the places he was supposed to visit. He is going to do that once a  month.

We are still walking at least 5 days a week, sometimes 6. This week was a challenge with very cold mornings.

Yesterday, we went to vote, of course. I chose to go at 9:30 in the morning, thinking to miss morning work traffic and before the lunch break crowd. There was a line but it moved quickly and we were back home within the hour.

I've been on the phone with  my sister a lot as she has had Covid 19.  She is doing well now but hasn't tested negative as yet.

Been visiting other blogs this morning, hoping to be inspired to start or finish some projects. I want to crochet some dish cloths.

Ok, that's all I have for now. Maybe I'll post again before another month goes buy.

Mama Bear

A New Week

 Good Morning,

We've had our walk, we walked one and a half miles this morning. It was around 48 degrees when we started out. It is now 61 so more pleasant. So much different than a few weeks ago. My idea would be days in the 70s and nights in the 50s.

Our leaves are only starting to turn color but some are falling to the ground. It is interesting how different houses are decorating for Fall or Halloween. I, myself, do not decorate for Halloween, only Fall. 

I have an artificial pumpkin out there but I didn't get a picture.

Tomorrow Daughter and I are driving to Birmingham to a meeting. Then on Saturday, we're going back there to meet up with the princess for lunch. It will be her 20th Birthday. Amazing! She is our youngest Grandchild. She is attending Auburn University and Birmingham is about half way for the meet up. We're supposed to have lunch at Cheesecake Factory.

Saturday, I made a pot of Chicken Tortilla Soup. I left the black beans and corn out of the recipe so it wouldn't be so high carb. I did add one can of chili beans but there would be only a small amount in each bowl. We do eat carbs on the weekend but we try to still limit them. I'm hoping I reach my goal when I weigh in on Friday. Then I may set a new goal.  We'll see.

Do you decorate for Fall, Halloween?

Have you made any good food Lately?

Thankful Thursday

 

Its been a while since I've done one of these.

Today I'm thankful for the cooler temperatures. It hasn't been that long since the weather broke, actually it was pretty warm on Monday.

I'm thankful that I am motivated to get up early and go walking. That I have a partner to walk with me.

I'm thankful that the pantry is stocked and I have ingredients to make Chicken Tortilla Soup on Saturday.

For the chance to have lunch with my Daughter on Monday.

And most of all that we have remained healthy during this epidemic. I am still cautious because of my Asthma. 

Its all a little depressive if you dwell on it but there is much about this time that is good. And the changing season has certainly helped with that.

Wednesday

 

1. When is the last time you experienced nostalgia? 

Sometimes, a song can remind one of where they were when they first heard it. I was thinking about my weather checks each morning before my walk when I remembered the first time I saw The weather Channel on TV. We were in Washington DC visiting a friend who was temporarily working there at the apartment provided by his employer. His wife had met us there and we were allowed to sleep at a vacant apartment, also, paid for by the employer. Each morning, early, we would get up, dress and go to our friend's apartment for breakfast before starting our day of sight-seeing. He would always have that channel on the television set.

 2. September 29th is National Coffee Day. Do we need this? Ha! So are you a coffee drinker? If so how many cups per day, and tell us how you like it. Is there a recipe you enjoy that calls for coffee as one of the ingredients? 

Yes, definitely have to have that first cup upon arising, from my timed coffee pot. Lately, my husband and I get up around 6:00 to beat the heat, for our walk and always take time to have that first cup. I take mine with just  little milk. After our return, I'll have two more cups, Latte style cups. I love Tiramisu. I do not like to have conversation before drinking my coffee.

 3. Do you find praise or criticism to be more motivating? Explain. Certainly for me it would be praise. If someone tells me what I did wrong without asking if they can make suggestions, it feels like a criticism of me personally. For instance, if my Husband critiques my writing, it hurts my feelings and I get defensive.

 4.  What's a television series you keep coming back to and re-watching? Lost and maybe Grey's Anatomy.

 5. As the month of September draws to a close give us three words to describe your mood. 

Excited, Contemplative, Concerned

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

Fall is my favorite time of the year. So I'm excited that the temperatures are lower and there's a crispness to the air. This also means we can sleep a little later before our walk in the morning. I don't know about you, but since we're sheltering at home, our need for cute outfits has declined. I have begun to wear some of my clothes(normally saved for outings) at home. There isn't the desire to shop for clothes. I have started my Christmas shopping online.

These questions are courtesy of Joyce.

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Wednesday

 Sometimes I get in the mood to visit old friends, not necessarily old but long time friends. I wonder what they're up to these days and really wish I could hear from them.

These days we pretty much are home except for the grocery store. Recently my husband's sister dies after a 3 week hospital stay. She had this virus as well as pneumonia. The family were unable to visit her and for ten days could not even talk to her on the phone because she was sedated and on a respirator. The day they weaned her from these she was able to talk briefly with family. She had improved. Two days later she was dead. A lot of mystery surrounds these things when you cannot advocate for the patient.  

We get up every morning at 6:00 a.m., have coffee then walk a mile. It is good to get out and be in the fresh air and nature. I am thankful for Birds, Sunshine, and my companion on these walks. We meet many of our near and distant neighbors, being careful to walk on separate sides of the street whenever we pass with a "Good Morning".  Sometimes we see dogs out with their owners or cats on their own. We see flowers, changing leaf colors, and Fall decorations.

Honey Bear still has his garden, Okra is still producing, although, that will change now that the weather at night is in the 50's.  He has a routine, goes out to feed the fish, take treats to the chickens, or just piddle around in the yard.

I had been suffering from mild depression and not being motivated to create. Monday I decided to work on the heritage quilt. It is a quilt top that was found when his Grandparents house was sold and the furnishings dispersed. It was missing the border on two sides. I matched the color as best I could and am adding the missing sides. Then I will quilt it. For the last few years, I've had labels for my quilts made by friend on their embroidery machine. I've been thinking about what to put on this one. I'm not sure if the quilt top was pieced by his Grandmother or one of his Aunts. All are deceased so I can't ask. I may just put "pieced by Robinson women" and add my name as the finisher with date. I'd like to know how old it is and maybe someone could tell by the prints, I don't know.

Another bit of news: I have been following a low carb, low sugar diet since April. Honey Bear had been doing this for a number of years. I've tried it once before but gave it up after losing 10 pounds. Also, I fast from about 6:00 at night until 12:00 the next day. I've lot 10 more pounds. I would like to lose 5 more but it has gotten harder to lose lately.

What are you up to these days. I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

Mama Bear

Soft Opening

I read that the President has stated that states with lower statistics could begin with a soft opening...Young people, upon hearing that in Florida flocked to beaches....I think it will escalate the number of cases if we begin to soon...We have to pay attention to our state officials and adhere to the rules for the beginning of soft openings....It is a little scary. I haven't really been out that much...I went to the veterinary clinic on Friday to pick up medication for Smokey...He has an over active thyroid and has to take a little pill every day...the staff came to the car, took my payment and brought back the prescription, they were all wearing their masks and came to the passenger side of my car, thus creating a distance. Honey Bear has been going to the grocery store to pick up our order and sometimes just going in for produce...he reported that young people are not wearing masks.

Monday is moving day for our Daughter...I may have said that she has built a house around the corner from us...yesterday we went to the house so Honey Bear could assemble some furniture for her and I could clean the cabinets and refrigerator, line the cabinets with shelf paper. She came in for a brief time to deliver some items like hanging clothes and bedding. We were in the same room talking but not in each others face.

Honey Bear and I continue taking daily walks when the weather permits, despite the pollen which has affected my Asthma so that I am doing my breathing treatments.

It was raining when I got up this morning and very dark in the house...I could have easily gone back to sleep but didn't. Now, several hours later the sun is shinning but rain is expected late afternoon. 

Easter Sunday

So,I cannot say I've always attended church on Easter Sunday because obviously there have been times when we were traveling or one of my children or I were ill and I had to stay home but those times are rare. Easter Sunday services have changed for me through the years from decking out in the new dress, shoes, hat and gloves to just the dress and hat or no hat. I do like to wear hats but I don't always wear one because its not as common as it once was.

I can say I've never not had the option of attending church somewhere on Easter Sunday. I've even gotten up and attended sunrise service.

This year is really different. We watched the service on line. The church we attend always has an online service as an option. When we attend church here at the local building, the praise part of the service is local but the message is a podcast from the main church in Birmingham.

I did feel like I had been to church even though I didn't actually go somewhere.

We didn't have a family dinner as we would usually and there were no colored eggs or egg hunts as in the past.

What was your Easter like this year??

Good Friday

We walked Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday,  we had to do a bit of cleaning to do as the girls couldn't come by to do it. I switched litter boxes, washed out the used one, vacuumed and mopped the pantry and laundry area...Honey Bear came in about that time, emptied the trash, vacuumed the kitchen and living room...I swiffered the kitchen and watered the plants...Wednesday we were expecting storms so didn't plan to walk, sometime during the day my hip started to hurt when I walked or stood.

Thursday I decided to see if I could walk it off, it quit hurting after we got going but when we got back home it got worse...So I took some Prednisone, half a pain pill and an ibuprofen and applied heat. Last night, once I found a tolerable position in bed, I was fine until morning. I don't know what brought this on unless it was the cleaning I did Tuesday...Today is better, we didn't walk this morning, Honey Bear went to Walmart with his gloves and mask about 8:00. The weather has turned colder just for today and tonight, typical of Good Friday here. I remember when I was growing up, this was the day we planted the garden. I think that was because Daddy followed the advice of the Almanac.

I have decorated for Easter with the eggs on my tree but also crosses, ever conscious of the real reason for the Holiday..This year will be different...Sitting outside on the front porch Wednesday Happy Hour, we saw three rabbits together in the front yard. It is Spring for sure.

Daughter and Granddaughter are coming by with lunch. Since we cannot sit outside because of the cold wind, we will eat in the living room staying 6 feet apart...Then they'll go do a walk through of the new house...I've not been able to help with packing but I might still figure a way to do that when Daughter is at work(pharmacy)and Granddaughter is in her room with the virtual class room.

Stay Safe,
Mama Bear

Tuesday Four

                                                       Found this meme on From My House.                                                    Here is the link for the questions Tuesday's Place      

1. Do you like the way your home is decorated or would you tweak things a bit if budget allowed?
If I had the budget, I would have an
entirely new home...
I have a sort of country comfy style
and yes I could stand to update it.
2. Do you have any plans/dreams to change anything about your home?
We've replaced carpet in the living
 room and dining room with
 hardwood and I would like to
do that in two of the bedrooms

3. What style of furniture do you have or want to have in your home and why?
As I stated above,I have sort of
a country,comfy style and I like
it. I think it reflects my
personality. I have friends who
live in homes decorated by
professionals and I think I
would be uncomfortable in that
style.

4. Tell us about your dream home or dream kitchen if you prefer.
I would like a french country
kitchen with a big center island
and a comfy sitting area.

A Simple Woman at home...

Today is Thursday, April 2, 2020

Outside my window I can see the chickens

in their pen...pink azeleas and ground

cover blooms in purple, yellow and blue...a blue bird on

the suet...

I am wearing black knit pants and a black & White

striped top...

I am reading The Pearl Brooch by Katherine

Lowry Logan

In the Kitchen pantry we are well stocked as

we picked up a Kroger order on Tuesday...

The house is sort of clean as the girls

came to clean on Tuesday...

Plans for the day include a walk and

a plan for lunch and dinner that

I haven't made yet....

As for as my stitching and quilting:

I haven't been working on anything...I 

was all set to put together the 

blocks and borders of my Maple Leaf Quilt

and make the sandwich at retreat March 23-25..

but that was canceled and I guess I haven't

been motivated to do it since...

Hope you are not too bored or

depressed by the present situation...

Sheltering in place...

Wednesday Hodge Podge

1. Has spring sprung in your part of the world? How can you tell? Did March come in like a lion where you live? Going out like a lamb or something more ferocious?
Until yesterday, we had our AC on because the temps were in the high 70s and 80...we have been taking our walks in short sleeves and Honey Bear has been busy as a beaver in the yard and garden.....plus things are green, the trees have leaves and blooms.
We've had Spring storms so like a lion is definitely the way she blows.

2. The last thing that caused you to spring to your feet?
Not me but at 3:00 in the morning a couple of weeks ago, I woke Honey Bear because I heard the chickens....he sprung to his feet and went to check. They had been locked out of the coop the night before and could have been attacked by a raccoon...thankfully we have adjusted the timer on the door now to reflect the change in sundown. All is safe.

3. Do you have a spring clean to-do list? What's one chore on the list you've already managed to accomplish? What spring clean chore do you most dread?
I do not have a list...earlier in the year, I cleaned and rearranged my pantry....

4. Tell us something you've learned about yourself or the wider world as a result of social distancing/the virus crisis. 
We have to sift the data we're fed on media and decide what is true or false....it can cause some people to panic and think the end of the world is imminent....I hope that the fact families are being forced to be home with their children will teach them what is important and the breakdown of the family can be reversed, children taught some values...I know here in our neighborhood with people working from home and spending more time outdoors we have met neighbors for the first time. I've seen children outside playing where I didn't even know children lived....

5. Something you love that's the color pink?
I love seeing the pink of Spring trees blooming.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
I just want to let all of my blog friends know: I recently changed my email address and as a result, am locked out of my blog: Bears at Home...come an visit me at Home in Alabama.

Shelter at Home Day 10

I have not been anywhere in 10 days.  I visited the emergency room on 3/18 with a severe headache, found out I had a sinus infection and just finished the antibiotic. Honey Bear and I have been walking in our neighborhood and visited outside with our daughter and granddaughter on Thursday. Other than that we are staying inside or in the yard avoiding people.

I changed my email address and could no longer sign in to any of my previous blogs so was forced to start a new one.  I'm hoping that all of my friends will follow me here.

How are you handling this isolation?