11/29/20

 

solved a mystery at the happy place yesterday -- pine cones keep showing up in the porch -- the enclosed - no animals, no wholes in the screen porch -- porch  ... ah -- but there is a pine cone wreath hanging outside the french doors ... it's only taken two months 

I've managed to waste away most of the day -- 

1.  3 loads of laundry ( it never ends )
2.  loaded up bookcase from home and delivered it to the office -- it will be free on the curb tomorrow
3.  re-placed the furniture / computer set up in the file room and carried all of the boxes of year end packet crap to the front room 
4.  cleaned off my desk
5.  moved tables to the front room to hold the crap from the file room
6.  moved cube gizmo to the green room
7.  installed window kits in file room and fridge closet 
8.  scrubbed surfaces in file room and fridge room
9.  cardboard and extra rug into the back of my truck
10. washed truck ... 1/2 hour wait in line -- it looks much better
11. hemmed two pairs of pants for mom
12  spent way to much time surfing the internet  
              where I scored a Lands End down jacket for $36 ...

LE had 60% off for cyber Monday on Sunday -- scored a pair of clearance sandals too -- or at least the email I received from them had 60% off coupon -- evidently I shop there way to much ... it kind of irks me that they are in Kohls now -- 

The elders drove to Perkins in lower north for supper -- take out --- I knew this wasn't the best idea -- but they tried it ... #1 is a big fan of their tilapia --    they'll be purchasing it at HyVee and grilling it on their own in the future ... they were Saturday night regulars at Perkins ( in lower north )  ... like 52 times a year -- and haven't been there since March -- we've tried most of the local joints for take out -- #1's eating & swallowing limits the selections --

I think #1 is purchasing a new truck tomorrow -- his new-to-me boat is in the shed -- it's kinda cute ... little job with a 40hsp -- a tad bit smaller than the 115hsp he had on the ship.  

enough rambling for a Sunday 

be well

 

11/27/20. Cabin day pix heavy

 

3:45 as the sun was dropping

yes, a boat went past .. he was fishing

I spent a good portion of the day at the cabin -- I hauled in some furniture -- ate lunch, read my book .. and just stared at the lake -- 50' and wonderful ... hauled out cushions and sat on the porch daydreaming .. we all need to daydream more :)  

2020 has blessed us with the bluest skies and coolest clouds .. 

the lake was a dark blue too ... and it's dropping fast ... 

our sandy beach is getting larger .... 

alas -- I headed home when the wind picked up .... ( and the water is turned off and after using the "final" flush) - still need to dash out this afternoon and spread the mouse bait ... 

mediacomm has buried the line to the house -- so now we need the techy dude to hook us up ... the modem has arrived -- Friday we ordered a new gas stove -- it will take a month to get here -- the plumbers have been lined up to install a gas line to said stove ... small steps

11/26/20

Live from the surface pro -- while sitting on the bed and watching TV ... the surface pro doesn't have a lot of pictures on it ... miles, but not pictures.  

I took this last summer when I was cloud and sunset chasing with my still camera -- hanging out on the ATV and cruising the prairie.  I miss those summer nights -- cruising the prairie -- if it warms up enough over the weekend -- I'll cruise it to the office and Nick can put the snow plow on it .. 

I think we are going to try and spend some time at the cabin on Saturday -- no ice yet, we still have heat and turning on the water seems to be a somewhat easy task.  We had a cabin meeting after lunch and decided to order a new stove and have it delivered and while the plumber dude is there -- have him add a gas line and install said stove.  A basic gas stove ( with a window in the door ) ... Lee didn't see the need for a window in the door .. we're getting one with a window ... . 

The Gansen's came for dinner -- across the field .. pretty low key .. lunch, nap, desert and all went home.  

Kate's daycare diva tested Negative so V gets to return to daycare on Monday, and Kate gets to come back to work.  A good thing.  It was good to see Mrs. H on Tuesday -- 
 

Today would have been Joyce's 90th birthday .. 90 -- I can't imagine Joyce at 90 -- I'm losing track of time .. she died in 2007 -- 13 years -- time flies ... every holiday she always came for supper and the leftovers ..  we miss her ... and today we are thankful for all the memories and moments -- she was a wonderful part of our lives.   Her iris are still blooming -- elder #1 carefully mows around them and I even caught him weeding them last Spring.  It is always the little moments isn't it ...

gobble gobble

11/25/20

I need to get outdoors.

Fresh air will cure all that ails me.

I drove Ruby to work today -- I keep thinking this will be the last day ... might be another week the "no snow" forecast is looking promising.  

I went home early last night (before 5:00) read my book, ate 1/2 bagel, finished my latest diamond art project and started to diddle with the next one.  

this is #3 it is 14 x 20 and there is a zillion little diamond crystals in it ... too large takes to long to finish but it keeps me busy -- might be the reason there hasn't been any sewing lately

11/23/20 messages

shots from the breakfast table 

the birds seem to dine in groups ... woodpeckers, chickadees and finally the cardinals this mama C was at the grouping of feeders mid-yard -- the males were hanging out on the deck and I couldn't see them from my seat ... 

I was headed out to the cabin and checked in with the Gansen's -- they had been there so ....  I didn't go -- good news -- internet has arrived on Maple Drive ... bring on the electronics :)

so I opted for a drive to the bison range, loaded up elder #2 and she convinced elder #1 to ride along -- drove down there -- and drum rolll ..... the bison drive was CLOSED :::::  closed for a youth deer hunt -- wth ... evidently the bison were penned up in the "yard" and the kids were hunting.  seriously ?????  

text arrived from secretary -- possible exposure to COVID at daycare --- off to be tested ... which timing of the testing is an issue, test now or wait a couple of days .... 

Saturday night I finally received my test results from last Tuesday ... 4 days ... Negative ... I'm not sure if the "spit" testing sites are faster.  most likely -- they are all overwhelmed with testing and cannot process them fast enough ... just another pandemic struggle

This weeks projects on Third:

1.  finish installing the plastic on the windows (4 to go)

2.  clean clean clean

3.  get the portal software working and install on two more desks

4.  payroll, planning, payroll, planning

5.  get the year end packets finalized and to the printer

6.  wash both vehicles -- get Ruby to storage

7.  install the technology at the cabin (and at the office)

8.  move furniture -- back office, hallway and my office

9.  walk -- get moving

10 rest

 

11/22/20 the day of rest?

 

Life is a journey -- let us hope we all make a difference 

family friend lost his battle with a myriad of issues last night -- my heart aches -- a life well lived - just too short -- not being able to physically support his family in the covid era has been difficult for elder #1 .. the feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming  - comfort comes with the passage of time 

Today I am on "get 'er done" mode --- 

1.  laundry ( it's happening)

2.  return shit to Kohls -- I've attempted to purchase jeans and bras online.  epic fail -- 3 bras and 3 pairs of jeans returned and an expensive pair of boots for those of us with chubby legs.  I was a bit impressed -- everyone was routed thru one door and directed on departments.  After the returns (which they do well) .. I made a loop thru the store and of course, purchased more clothes -- I was looking for a leather pair of sneakers and that didn't happen.

3. carry stuff out of basement -- deliver to office -- I have a pile of clean throw rugs ready to go back to town -- ditto towels and cleaning supplies  -- I scored on toilet bowl cleaner this week -- office depot.  

4.  start the purge in the sewing space.  make contact with a charity quilter and donate fabric.  I have lots of fabric.  

5.  drive out and check on the cabin -- #2 is taking a nap -- we'll head out for a drive with the beverages and check on the place.  It's been two weeks since I've been there -- miss it :)

11/21/20 Epic Day ...

 A project started two years ago -- with the assistance of a YouTube video  --  Jean and I started the deconstruction of the piano -- the really old piano in the basement ... 

It came to Daisy Lane in the early '70's -- it went to the basement after the living room floor started to sag ... I think 1978 was the move downward -- there was a lot of swearing, beer, a tractor and a chainsaw involved ... and today ...

it left the property -- mom was babbling yesterday that it was going to leave -- no one mentioned it to me -- and well, I was being productive at the office (really productive) ... 

Mom calls frantically that #1 wasn't home and the piano was gone -- and then I received a text video of it rolling across the field in the bucket of the Massey ... a wonderful sight.

Now the fun begins -- i thing there is a basement remodel/re-configure in my future .. first I have to part with some of my fabric/craft treasures ( I have too many ) ... peeps, change is in the wind.   My Saturday nights are going to be busy :)

11/20/20 the last hurrah ... for

    the next 4 weeks -- lets hope the mini-shutdown delivers what it is designed to deliver...not sure anymore  -- the office is closed off to peeps.  I had my COVID test last Tuesday and no one from the mass testing has received their results.  weird.

This post from 4 years ago popped up in my facebook memories .. the last hurrah of the patch ... I'm kind of a sap -- I decided that (being an emotional sap) is okay.  

And somedays I'm a smart ass sap.  The goat shot also roamed thru Wastebook. 

seriously being a goat might not be all bad .. somedays  --types --  the idiot who sees her tush in the security camera every morning.  frightening peeps frightening.

I do enjoy surfing back and reading old posts .. my roots keep me grounded -- good skills for a goat.

11/19/20 part two

Since nobody (well, very few) read this ( or have access to this) -- it has become my COVID dumping ground - I truly think dumping may be the only sane thing I accomplish some days

good grief -- 420 peeps read the 11/16/20 post -- I changed the settings ... that won't happen again

I miss my deck chair.  Really miss my deck chair.  

8 hours of continuing education today -- 4 hours of ethics, which weren't too bad - kept my attention and I crochet thru most of it -- answered emails too ... there was several thousand of them 

had a lunch break -- 30 minutes of more emails

and then 4 hours of Minnesota Revenue -- worst 4 hours ever -- worthless, totally worthless - and I spent good money watching these clowns.  I actually typed that in my course review email ... what a freaking joke -- seriously -- "email your questions - we're working at home and can't answer the phones" "we don't have access to the systems"   shit show of epic proportions 

then Mom calls -- "we're having Mc Donalds for supper" oh?  seriously?  go early, there will be a really long line -- and your order might get goofed up. 

 

I got 6 more months of this .. 6 long dark months -- I should be grateful --  I'm working on grateful tonight .. maybe I'll start over tomorrow .... 

where there is another 4 hour zoom gig ... maybe, just maybe I'll have "unstable" internet and just work instead -- my plexiglass arrived -- I'll be spending time on the ladder !

 

11/19/20 Here we go again

seminar day -- all day today -- me, the screens, and working on the side 

8 more hours ... ethics and Minnesota Updates

life at the front door at 4:30 am ish

Jessica has named her goat -- Hazel, Ethel ??? 

Mine needs a name 

Pandemic shutdowns begin anew on Friday 11:59pm

we can do this 

we have to do this

 

11/17/20 Taking Charge

 

The hyper one took charge today!  First COVID test in the books.  Nicollet County Public Health held a mass testing event -- I pre-registered, put on my big girl panties and got my test.  

Like everything else in life -- I expected it to be a lot worse than it was ... seriously, the PH Staff were very fun :)  even for a chicken like me.

Taking Charge.

Next step -- attempting to get all the stuff off of my desk before the weekend.  1 live meeting, 4 zoom meetings, yoga and 1 client gig and 1/2 of one payroll to go.  

I got this.

edit: I finally get home from work and #1 is out on the couch ... too much crawling around on the skidloader fixing it and #2 is well, in the "room" ... argh  I really need to get them out of the house and away from the projects ... 

11/16/20

 Covid -- I hate the freaking word.  Monday, Wednesday and Friday I tend to watch the Dept of Health and Governor Walz briefings.  It is scary shit.  

 I keep thinking that I'm doing everything I can do to be safe.  But I've come to accept -- no matter how careful and cautious I am in my actions -- it will happen.  

 I haven't ate in a restaurant since February, the only store I've been to on a regular basis is the grocery store and I go there at 6:00 am.  I've been to Target to return something, ditto Kohls.  I go to the drive up at the bank -- only went in to sign loan papers.  The haircut lady comes to the office -- I pay for gas at the pump -- I have been to Walgreens -- early am when Mom has her quack appointment.

  I have had food delivered or had take out from every restaurant in town -- some are better than others .. it has been fun to sample their offerings.

  I voted by mail :) ... 

 I shop on line for stuff -- I always have.  It is bizarre to order instant tea from Amazon -- none at the grocery store this week -- 6 jars at a time and less expensive .. the UPS and Fed Ex dudes make regular stops -- 

 I attend in person meetings only when necessary and follow protocols -- I hate the mask, but I wear the damn things ... all the time.  

 I cancelled my weekend jaunt -- crafting with the girls .. I'll craft at home ... 

 I give thanks daily for our summer at the cabin -- first the treehouse rental and our own happy space -- I'd be nuts by now without having a place to go -- now that it is cold again -- I'm struggling I feel like I live in a bubble and my bubble is wobbling -- 

 Everyone's bubble is wobbling -- time for the pitty party to end .. there are many many others that have it worse than I ... 

I signed up for testing tomorrow -- Nicollet County is hosting a mass testing event.  All are encouraged to attend and get tested.

 

11/15/20

the struggle is real .. again ...

selecting the official Christmas Card Picture ..

on the more important side of life .. my weekend list of projects and accomplishments is good I managed to 

1.  move/install/covert our 1099 software to the cloud and have access from everywhere

2.  move/download/covert our W2 software to my new desktop computer

3.  prep and print the 1099 packets for 1099 clients

4.  finish window kits in the front room, green room and my office

5.  ordered more window kits

6.  finished up 3 months of financial statements for a client

this weeks list includes

1.  installing/prepping the new document mgmt software and portal building

2.  finishing the window kits (after they arrive)

3.  moving the furniture in my office and deep cleaning

4.  deep cleaning everywhere

I cancelled my mini vacation for next weekend so I'm going to pretend I'm on vacation and do fun things on Friday afternoon, evening and all day Saturday -- might have to have a sewing blitz.  Considering I haven't seriously sewed since last November.  wth.  

 

11/13/20

missing the happy place and it's lake views today ... it keeps me calm(er)

the season of working early morning, all day and nights has begun 

supper = beer sticks, cheese, crackers, dip and raspberries w/a cup of coffee to wash it all down -- might just explain the acid reflux issues eh?

and my new wardrobe choices --- horizontal striped leggings ..

it's good to be 60 and think/imagine you're 20

actually as leggings go they feel pretty good -- and have a pocket ...

which after losing my credit card this week ... might be a good thing

and my seminar set up --- streaming on the desk top, manual ( i printed the entire 600 pages as opposed to having a pdf on another screen - i like to write in the margins ) .. and the surface pro is my email checking, internet surfing, note taking machine  .... what a disaster ...

16 hours in 2 days .. it was so so ...

 

11/12/20

 

who knew - the surface pro takes pictures -- I have it set up to take notes, check email and surf the www while attending the zoom seminar ... 

yikes, there's a lot of stuff on that bookcase

my desk is moving back to the old floor plan this weekend .. it's (a) warmer for me and (b) gives us the ability to distance a bit more ... the plexiglass is ordered and it will be either hung from the ceiling (front room) or attached to my desk .. I have a cordless drill -- I can do anything.

hate it, just hate it

on the flip side -- I have crochet 3 wash clothes and am working on #4 ...

and today's wardrobe choices -- striped leggings (ya) and a dark sweatshirt with hiking boots ... I think I'm 20 not 60 :)

11/11/20

 

1040 School -- 16 hours of continuing education -- live and virtual ... the presenter/speaker/host pings us every 13 minutes with a question for us to answer to prove attendance.  

Normally, during these gigs I  (a) clean my desk, (b) read the paper, (c) surf the internet, (d) respond to emails and (e) crochet ...  so far today I'm answering questions every 13 minutes ... 

Some topics are better than others -- I took the morning coffee break and shoveled a third of the sidewalk .. will eat lunch during the presentation and finish the shoveling during the scheduled lunch break .. 

I couldn't find the appropriate image to best describe my state of mind this morning -- so this old shot from this summer will have to do -- 

11/09/20

 I should title this "self portrait - crazy old woman driving on sidewalk" ...

gotta love the Ring camera on the front door -- it sees everything -- 

early Sunday morning ( like 7:00am) I came to the office to haul away 4 piles of accumulated brush -- I spent the week trimming stuff when I needed fresh air ... the piles between me and the bar ... are best loaded from the sidewalk ... hence the driving on the sidewalk ...

I made it home before 8 -- had a shower and breakfast and Jean texted me ... time for leaf bagging at the cabin -- 17 bags later ... the truck was full -- including the backseat ... can't believe I did that ... we had a few "enjoy the view" breaks... and back home for projects at home

at 7:00pm I had a "oh the windows at the cabin are open moment" ... and the furnace is set at 55' .. so it was either drive back last night or this morning.  37 minutes round trip .. mom and I dashed out there last night ... it's a whole new world in the dark :)   

so most of the images on the Ring camera are me ... getting the paper, getting the mail, watering the flowers, pushing the lawn mower  .. bent over tush in the air ... it's not good peeps.

be well

stay safe

11/07/20

and today it appears Vice President Biden is now President Elect Biden 

wow -- what a ride eh?  

let the healing begin -- unity should be the theme

after the quacky chiro appointment Mom and I went to the cabin 

( while she was in the appointment - I hit up the Kwik Trip car wash -- and the store -- a pit stop at Walgreens -- the Walgreens in Upper North is quite nice ) 

Upon arrival at Maple Drive ...

we got grass seed and straw matts

not sure if it's going to grow .

 it was an awesome balmy 75' -- a spot of wind ..

I managed to plant 8 hills of red tulips -- need better equipment for the white ones 

vac'd the entire joint -- opened windows and got the stuff smell out and the heat in

here is our old place/neighbors -- BW still has his boat in the water ... 

I did see a couple of fishermen today -- they had the lake to themselves :)

tomorrow I think I'm going to haul out some furniture -- I've got a couple bookcases at the office -- and then one from home goes to town -- the kitchen island has arrived and "some assembly required" .. waiting for a deal on beds ... I think Lee is going to blow out the water lines soon .. although next weekends forecast isn't too bad either ... 

I'm not giving it up until it freezes over ... and then think of the fun !!!!

11/06/20

 we Minnesotan's complain about the weather ALL THE TIME.  today, it's 75' again -- I'm in shorts, a t shirt and sneakers, the furnace is off, the doors are open ... let the fresh air in.  i am most grateful for the warmth of our indian summer

yesterday I mowed the office grass -- dad did the farm lawn with his fancy vac thingy.  tomorrow I hope to plant tulips at the cabin .... I've been trying that for 3 weeks -- will take the appropriate tools to get the job done ... 

be well

M

11/05/20

 oh weee ... 

can you imagine the conversations happening in the White House ... Mr. President isn't gracious when he wins so I can only imagine what's happening in there with the waiting.  And his children also need a few lessons in good manners.   enough.

Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to VOTE and to know that all votes matter.

be well.

11/04/20

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to vote 

 

"Today, think about yourself and others.  At the end of the day, we need to remember that what makes America so special is the community, the camaraderie, the compassion and love.  Let's make America kind, compassionate and empathetic again.  One ballot at a time."

I saw this quote on an instagram page yesterday and didn't paste the source when I was "borrowing" it ... what a night peeps ... our local races were close ... 

I was running unopposed ... it was the "uncampaign - campaign" ... no mailings, no advertising -- just a forum and responding to position statements for various publications.

I truly am not sure what to think this morning.  I am impressed/awed at our voter turnout -- here in Nicollet County we always have a great turnout -- 

Dad was re-elected to his township supervisor position also ..

we need to let the dust settle and

be diligent in our COVID awareness

11/3/2020

Today we need to be thankful for the opportunity to choose -- VOTING is right and an opportunity -- make the most of your rights and opportunities.

I'm not one to express my political choices vocally -- but today's election is probably the most important one of my lifetime.  

No matter the outcome -- I will be strong, I will be respectful and I will work toward change for the good of all --- my wish is that others take the same actions.

VOTE !!!!!

 

Give Thanks

 

every day we should be grateful and give thanks for all things in life -- I'm struggling with pandemic related life -- and decided I needed to journal in my paper journal 30 blessings -- I'm getting a late start because of the damn pandemic ... struggling with what my new normal is going look like

Blessing #1 -- finding our new happy place -- peeps, we got lucky -- location is wonderful, features are perfect for us -- price was too much :) -- and well the seller liked our offer ... we have much to be thankful for .... 

it's the normal monday mania around here ... phones, people, issues and weird shit.  but that is what we do.  it is normal.  the forecast is delightful - so I hope to get some fall yardwork done here at the office and at the farm - there is much to do ...

Make the moments count ...

We spent most of yesterday afternoon at the cabin -- it was cold and really windy.  We (mom and I) had picked up lunch at Taco Johns on the way out -- we sat in the porch and watched the neighbors bring in their boat/dock and well, it was entertaining -- the cold drove us indoors .. on a good note -- the mediacomm dude marked the line from the box to the cabin.  That is progress.

I had turned the hot water on and punched up the furnace.  Our day started at her Saturday chiro appointment with the quack .. then it was Sam's Club -- their app wasn't working so we had to go inside.   I'm not going back until the pandemic is over.  It was overcrowded, we had trouble with a gift card at the self checkout and the "in my face" clerk really needed to back off.   She voided the transaction and made us go thru a different line (worthless effort) .. and the gift card still didn't work -- by now there is steam rolling from my ears.  We paid and left.  $300 later -- I encouraged #2 to stock up for winter and potential pandemic related shortages.  Translation == buy shit now because I'm not bringing you back here any time soon.  

The only project on my agenda for today -- get my truck cleaned out.  The dead flowers are in the compost pile, the busted up cement blocks are in the dumpster and all of the cardboard from the office is at recycling.  I should be vac'ing it out and giving it a bath.  Too cold -- 

When I get done with my Sunday life/week planning I may work up the enthusiasm to sew -- or keep purging down there.  

Making the moments count ... my new motto in life.