schoolhouse, wouldn't it be nice if we could just figure out how to grow a few inches taller? I am the perfect weight for 5'8". The problem is that I am 5'3". It would also be nice to reach the top shelf.

Still doing coffee this morning.

MObound I am so sorry about your headache. I just hate to have them. Fortunately I do not get them often and try to head them off when do feel one coming on with aspirin too. And some times a short nap will stop it or cure it. I think most of mine are stress related. Awful to say but when I was younger and had to go see my adoptive mother I always came home with a migraine. I even tried taking aspirin prior to going to stop them. And added to it I had those kaleidoscope like eye things that I found out are also a version of a migraine. Those are not painful but creepy weird and always leave me feeling just off. Hard to describe.

I finished up the closet put away and re-arranged the extra curtains I keep because I love change and go to them often for a new look with out cost. This effectively removed all the need for storage on my top closet shelf and now adding pretties up there.

the person supposed to come this morning has not arrived yet so was plowing through paper work until I could not stand it any more. Sigh. Also opened a bag of dog food and it was moldy so I need to take it back. I just got it a couple of weeks ago and it has been in my closet so dry. It had to have come this way. Darn and it is 32 pounds I have to schlep back.

Schoolhouse. I thought when I had to lose 100 pounds it would be impossible. I was 65years old to start and now 67 and in my records I have lost 91 pounds but doc says it is a 100. We must have started with a different number. It has taken me almost two years. Slow is best. For me I just eliminated the carbs down to almost nothing eating mostly meat and I no not exercise. I always keep in mind a person can not out run their fork. Some thing I read when I first started eating this way again. The biggest part is I never cheat. NEVER. I did this way of eating for years back in the 70's the old Dr Atkins approach and stayed very slender for well over 25 years. Then life happened and I drifted back to eating carbs and blew up. I am at the higher end of my healthy weight . I am 5'5" and weigh 139. But to look at me I am really thin now. I have a large frame. Tiny waist only a inch bigger than it was in high school.I am 38-27-37 and the largest part of my thigh is 19. A real shocker going to this from a size 22.Top of my thighs were 26. So you can do this. Try not to look at the big number. Try for maybe a loss of 5 pounds per month. Or even less some times.

You and me, missouribound!

It will require coffee eventually but I am going to debone chicken in a little bit. My other job for today is my sewing room. I have decided to pack as much as possible, put the cover thingy on the sewing machine and quit feeling guilty that I am not making quits for the church.

It's such a beautiful day I should be outside. It's hard to plan ahead when the weather forecast doesn't carry over from the 10 PM news until the 6 AM news.

ImHappy I get you on the feeling guilty but really if what you are trying to do for others is taking away from your mental happiness then let it go. I had to do that so long ago. Now it comes easier for me to just say no.

I do have sewing to do so I guess I will get after that while waiting for the guy to come by. I did not want to dive into a big project when some one is coming but he is 2 hours late so he will have to deal with my mess. I was going to make new curtains for the studio room shelves but in shifting around the old curtains I found some I can make work by cutting them down. Course this will have to be done from the top side because the bottom edge has pretty decorative trim.

I also need to run up to the post office before it closes so will go do that right now and leave a note on my front door that I will be right back.

Shades- I get those weird headaches...the kaleidoscope kind. The first time it freaked me out! Was I having a stroke??? Went to the doctor and he said...it's like a migraine...you're just lucky it wasn't worse. Uh, thanks?

So, researched on my own. Seems to be stress related (isn't everything?) but also if my back is 'out' in can be due to change in blood flow through neck area (okay) and lack of water. So dehydrated. Could it be any more vague.

But, now if I get them, I take an Advil, lie down in a dark room for a few minutes and wait it out. After about 20 minutes it gets better. Worse time. it started on the other side...but finally went away.

Now, I drink a LOT of water if I'm going to be digging or moving furniture, painting, etc. And I take an Advil ahead of time. Also, stretching and yoga seem to help. I've started that again and I feel better and I'm losing weight. Also riding my husband's stationary exercise bike a mile a day...which also helps.

I used to be so good about cooking and diet...then my husband got sick and I was too preoccupied to care. But at least I don't eat fast food, so that helped. Not really willpower, just can't eat MSG. Now, I need to lose about 20 pounds (pure vanity) for a picture on the internet. Once it's out there, it's there forever...so my horses are on my author page right now. LOL

Out to garden and finish moving the plants! The weather is supposed to stay in the 60s and 70s, but I have a feeling I better finish moving the big stuff today. And we all ignore those feelings at our peril, if you know what I mean. Tom Selleck used to call it his little voice, on Magnum PI. : )

Oh, meant to add....I saw this on Facebook and it's so amazing! My horses and I can do the part, where I stand in the field and they come running up. They'll even line up for grain. But that's it : )

https://www.facebook.com/HsnTalalTiwana/videos/1050161528412915/

I spent the morning watering everything. Outside plants were not too bad but the ground is very dry and we are not due for rain anytime soon. I also watered all the houseplants. I need to clean up the kitchen from breakfast and do some other cleaning chores. The animals are napping. All is right with their world. :)

Had a delightful gift at the post office. A friend crochet a lovely turquoise and blue shawl for me. Sending me an everlasting hug. So sweet.

When I got home the front tree finally had it's last straw with me and I chopped the bottom up so it is not dragging on the car roof. the car is a low Ford focus. the branches were hanging pretty darn low. Aldo out into the street. A farmer is hauling either haylage or silage. Going by too fast to tell. I am thinking silage. Been hauling for three days so far and it is exhaustion to hear the four trucks running from daylight to dark. Up and down the road. Some years it is grain going the other way. Some years both. I bet I am as excited tor them to get to the last row as they are to see it coming.

Just as I was walking out the door the guy called and said he would be here in an hour. Hummm By the looks of my last post he has 4 more minutes. And then I am hauling out the sewing. LOL

LL that is such a cool video. I can not imagine how he rides the rumps of those horses one foot on each horse. wonderful to view.

Yes, an amazing video. I think I have seen something of him before. Do you know what kind of horses they are? Fantastic. I guess I better go do something productive with this afternoon.

That is an amazing video LL. I love watching horses. Did the guy come Shades?

I went to an optometrist this afternoon. My retina specialist thought he might be able to tweak my glasses so I could at least read street signs. But no, the dr said there is nothing he can do. My prescription would be almost exactly the same as it is now. So I guess I will wait until I am unable to drive at all and then go get another opinion on the vitrectomy. I'm really bummed.

MObound so bummed about your eyes. I could not see when my cataracts were getting bad. It is so dang frustrating and some times so exhausting. Ware me out trying to see things. Now my eyes are better but still only 20/40 with correction and there is no making them get any better.

Yes the guy came with his darling girlfriend too. Still trying to talk me into doing some thing different with the little bit of money Joe left to me but I am not changing my mind and told him so. SMH. He is a sweet guy but I do not like his options. UGH I wish he would not spend so much time on this and told him so.

He is gone now. I held off eating breakfast because he was coming and I was in a hurry to get things done around the house before he got here and they did not leave until 6PM. So I guess I just skipped breakfast and lunch and went right to dinner. Good thing eating this way I rarely get hungry. I will not be eating again tonight for sure. I had a cheese burger ,no bun of course, cottage cheese and tomatoes. Yum yum. My favorite meal.

I am going to turn on a movie and start on those curtains while watching it. Funny so many people can not believe I do not care about having TV. I am just fine watching one movie in the evening or none like last night cause I was busy. and never turning it on during the day. I bet it might even save electricity only having it on a couple of hours a day. Probably not enough to count for much though.

OH I am drinking Lemon ginger tea tonight. Feels good on my tummy that is in knots from today.

The gravel road that goes past my house is the short cut from town to the blacktop road and the interstate interchange 1/4 mile north of me. It's also a direct route for a factory farm or 3 and all their traffic. I have assorted huge farm machinery, semi trucks, all sorts of large business vehicles, passenger cars and pick ups. I want a hedge to block the dust. I've tried a few things along the road but nothing likes it there. I'm going to try lilac next. Harvest season is right around the corner followed by manure hauling and SPREADING 24/7. Can't wait.

It's going to be hot and humid today.

I would think Lilac would be a good one to plant. I am going to try to get cuttings started off of mine . I have two small starts from the plant exchange growing in my big flower tank in the potager. I plan on adding more. Have my rooting hormone and need to research it to see if fall would be the right time to get them started and maybe in the house or if I should wait until spring.

It rained again last night a little bit. Not enough to keep me from having to start another round of watering in the yard though. Chilly this morning. Smells good out side.

The farm trucks ran until 9PM last night. I bet they were working late to beat the rain. Although with silage I am not sure that really matters. We are also the designated truck rout and about 1/4 mile, 5 houses, from the highway. And the cattle rout.

Sorry both of you are on a road that gets trucks. But Shades, that cattle route was pretty neat if I am correctly remembering your photos.

When I lived farther north (but not as far up as both of you), people planted juniper trees that grew really tall and were evergreen so helped in the winter too.

I am cooking and packing now.

Oh, and finally some good news for us. The hvac guy was here today to look over the buyer's list of repairs. One thing he looked at, shook his head, and said he didn't know why the inspector would make note of that because code didn't require it. The other thing the inspector noted was that the vents in the new dining room weren't putting out enough air and the temperature was 8 degree different than the rest of the house. After crawling up there (and it's difficult to get to) to look it over, the hvac guy asked me who installed it, and I told him his company did. We did? Are you sure, he asked. I got the invoice and he looked at it and said, yeah, we did. He didn't tell me what all he found up there, but he wasn't pleased and said they would be doing it all over, no charge.

Second fairly good news. Our realtor called yesterday after talking with the people who own the land we are buying. Same people who put restrictions that no RVs shall be visible on property. He asked if we could have temporary permission to put an RV out there to live in while the barndominium is being built and they said yes. So whew! We won't be totally homeless. Both dh & I have been calling places for weeks trying to find a short term lease. Shortest we've found is a 6 month at an apartment, with a $4500 penalty for early termination.

I've started taking the cat for short trips in the pickup. Short as in to the end of the driveway and back. I finally got a purr out of him last night but his eyes were still as big as saucers, and he totally freaks out when I pick him up to bring him back inside. Also bought a wire cage for him to sleep in, so he can still see us. Dh thinks he will quit yowling after a week. I have my doubts.

I'm limited on what my hedge can be since it's under the power line. Shades, let me know what you find out about the lilac. My cousin has a whole windbreak so I thought I'd get some from him instead of disturbing my antique bush. I thought maybe half a dozen in Oct. and see how they do. Then I can always add more.

What an amazing video of the horses and their man. My heart is still thumping.

I had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day yesterday. Even Alexander would have to admit my day was pretty darn bad.

I'm chugging hot Lipton's and trying to recuperate today.

Forgive me. I need to rant. I am at my wits end.

My "problem" is a nice woman we hire to come in for four hours, twice a month, to help me with lifting and carrying heavy items, and housework chores I cannot do on my own. This sounds like such a blessing, right?

The main on-going problem is her interactions with my dogs and keeping the doors tightly shut.

I have asked her, many times, to not pet or speak to my dogs. I have emphasized how important it is to keep all doors and gates completely and tightly shut.

They...will...escape. They...will...not...return. They...will...get...harmed.

I love my dogs and they are petted, played with, and spoiled rotten, but I know how to interact with them. She squeaks and squeals, and antagonizes them to the point there's no calming them down short of sharp discipline, isolation, and near hysteria on my part to get...her...to...stop.

My dogs are high-strung hunters. DH hasn't been home to take them out on the prairie for their 10 mile runs. They "know" it's hunting season and they are even more wired. Their nervous energy level is at the busting point. They have to be kept calm.

Harry is old. He cannot get overstimulated without causing all sorts of issues. He falls; he injures his bad hips; he vomits; he has even lost bowel control after falling a couple of times. He has far more wonderful, happy days than bad days.

Here she comes, all squeaky baby-voice getting the dogs riled up to the point of insanity. I asked her twice to not talk to them; I've explained the reasons ad nauseam. Yesterday was nice I let Sam out in the backyard to spare his nerves; he was happy; he had squirrels to chase from tree to tree to tree. She was to mop the floors.

I was going to take a quick shower and run to the base to pick up a prescription. While I was gone she would be sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the mudroom, kitchen, living room, hallway, bathroom, and den.

I re-emphasized not "playing" with Harry, leaving Sam outside, and keeping all the doors shut tightly.

I jump in the shower and in about five minutes I hear yelling and distress from the basement. "Oh Harry's down here and he fell." I jump out of the shower, (thinking why is she in the basement?) pull clothes over a wet body and get downstairs. I was so pissed.

"WHY did you leave the basement door open? All doors must be tightly closed."

"Well, I didn't think he'd come downstairs." I took a few moments to beat my head against the concrete block walls, then, since I can hardly get up the stairs myself, I had to show her how Harry has to be supported behind his back legs and his rear lifted up each of the 14 steps as he moves his front legs forward. He cannot get up the stairs alone.

We get him up the stairs and outside "just in in time." The pain and excitement was too much for him.

I finish the worlds fastest shower and come out to see she has now left the freaking front door open about two inches. "Well he can't...." she starts...

Yes; he can, and will, open the door if it's ajar even a half-inch. He can, and will, open the storm door. The rule is "Never leave a door ajar. Closed, closed tightly, and locked, if it has a lock." Why is this so difficult for her to follow?

I talked to her again about the doors. I asked if she could keep them closed and ignore the dog for one hour. I had to have this med; I'd already missed one dose.

When I got back the doors were all closed. Sam was still outside and Harry was sleeping on his loveseat.

There was a bucket of muddy mop water in the mudroom; wet rags in both the kitchen and mudroom sinks, the end of the broom handle was broken, and she was reading a magazine all cozy in my recliner.

I did ask if she could stay at the house until I returned. 2:30 was her quitting time. I came home at 2:20.

I paid her, she left, I went to bed and slept until 4:30.

Harry is gimpy today from his stairs-adventure; he was moaning last night. It breaks my heart.

I need the household help. There is no one else in town that does housekeeping for hire. For someone to come out from Grand Forks, 45 miles, would be impossible. I can lock Sam up, but why can't "My House, My Rules" apply to keeping the doors shut and not over-exciting the dogs?

I don't know what I'm going to do. She's supposed to come back next Tuesday. My stomach cramps just thinking about it.

There were a couple other "issues," but not securing the doors and causing Harry pain are first and foremost.

I am not overbearing and my dogs are not idiots. We had company a few weeks ago including two 'tween children. I briefly explained the "keep doors closed" and no hysterics. They played with and entertained the dogs to no end. Not once did the kids squeal, squeak, or get the dogs overly excited. Were the dogs Happy? Yes! Full of excitement? Yes! Hysterically hyper? No.

The kids were so careful with the doors. The girl took Sam out back for "rough play" and the boy took Harry for "slow walk." That was a joy for them, the dogs, and myself. The boy wound up "sneaking" out of his bed that night and sleeping on the love seat with Harry.

Oh man caroline, I would be upset too! What about a teenager from the local high school. They are used to taking direction, can certainly do some labor, and always need money. I bet there is someone, a stay at home mom even, who would like to work one day a week. My next door neighbor cares for an elderly couple, doing pretty much what you describe, and she does it one evening a week, after her regular job.

Oh Caroline! What a nightmare! I'm sorry Harry is hurting. I can't understand how someone could not follow simple instructions. And such dangerous consequences. I hope you can find someone else.

Missouribound, that is such sad news about your eyes. I hope you can get a better result some time. Our sight is certainly not to be taken for granted. Good news on your house and RV though, so that is something.

Imhappy, I hope you can find something suitable for your hedge. Sounds like you could really use it.

Shades, sorry your guy gave you more grief than help. And to have to wait all day to eat! Your dinner does sound good though. :)

Today I went up to the farm where I used to keep my horse and got to ride my friend's horse along with two other friends. We had a nice time, early before it got hot. When we were coming out of the woods and along the pasture line, I saw all the geldings up in one corner. That was strange. They have 30 acres and they never crowd together like that. Then we heard voices of people we know. Here they had just put down two horses that had chronic lameness and were just in too much pain anymore. The other horses were there to say goodbye to their friends. These two will be buried next to my Teddy. That was sad, even though the quality of life for these horses had gotten to that point. I'm sure their horse friends will miss them.

It is pretty hot here again today. I had the windows open all night and today but when I got home from the farm, it was just too hot so I closed everything up and turned on the a/c. I have a fan on me and the dogs are finally comfortably sleeping. We do worry about our animals, don't we?

I have tried to find someone else, believe me. We're so far out in the wilderness...

I do have a 12-year-old boy that can dog sit in the summer, and on rare Saturdays. He is so dependable; he took notes on our first "interview," asked sensible questions, and does a perfect job of letting the dogs in and out, one at a time of course. He plays with them, refills the water bowls, and just hangs out with them when I need to go somewhere. Because of school, he can't work in the winter.

The first time he came his Mom came with him. She wanted to check us out, too - as she should. A good laugh was had by all when she realized her AF cop-husband had been stationed for years with my AF cop-husband. She asked the son questions about what I had told him and made sure he understood the responsibilities.

I interviewed two "adults" about the occasional dog-sitting. Actually it's just stopping by 2-3 times a day to let them in and out and check the water. They don't stay long. Neither person showed the interest and alertness the kiddo did. One left the gate open, so he's off the list forever.

I will keep looking and asking around. I do like this woman; she has a sweet soul, but I have to work so hard before, during, and after her visits. The day after she is here I am a near-comatose nervous wreck.

We're going to meet for coffee before her next appointment. I will try to not hurt her feelings, but something has to change. For one thing, I think I'll cut back to a two-hour session of just a short "to do" list and maybe one floor. It won't tire me out so much. If she can't use the two hours instead of four, then I'll be back to trudging along on my own.

She won't use the mop and bucket. She likes to mop on her hands and knees. That takes so much more time, and my floors won't stay clean more than a day with the two dogs and hubby. I'm going to suggest that she sweep/vacuum, then she can crawl all around the baseboards and outer edges of the floor with the rags while I follow up in the middles with the mop and bucket. I can do one room, maybe two, before I collapse.

I will also set all the supplies out on top of the washer so she doesn't have to go looking. I keep Mr. Clean and Windex under all the sinks but she didn't see any and went searching in the basement.

I don't know how I can make it any easier for her.

I suppose there is a reason the dogs can't be in a bedroom with the door shut while she's there? And if one or both need to go out, you would be there to do it?

Sam can be outside when the weather permits. Or he can be in the mudroom, (about 10x11) since there is a gate between the mudroom and kitchen. This works only if she will latch the gate behind her. She empties the mop buckets in the mudroom sink, but they could be poured down the potty.

Neither dog can be in a room with a regular door. They would come through it, one way or the other. Also, Sam and Harry can't be in the same room without supervision. Harry is old, slow, and gimpy; Sam is an aggressive bully and while he doesn't "attack" Harry, he pushes him around, won't let him sleep, and puts him in a nervous state with all the bad consequences. When I go somewhere for less than two hours I lock Sam in the mudroom and let Harry hang out in the living room.

This winter Sam can be in the X-large crate for an hour or so, but Harry can't get up or down in it. So Sam could be in the crate, in the mudroom, while Harry is loose in the mudroom, but I never leave Sam there more than 90 minutes. I think time in crates are cruel unless closely monitored.

I'll figure it out. If she would simply shut the doors and not pay attention to the guys, there would be no problem.

We were so fortunate to have Harry's mother with us for the last six months of her life. BeeGee and Harry loved each other; I know they "remembered" they were mom and son, and they would share the kennel. Harry, on left, was about 7 here.

This was right after we moved into the Little House of Horrors on the Prairie. Ignore all the moving in clutter!

Thanks for the words of encouragement, re the weight loss. I did it before too, lost 34lbs. and have kept it off for 10yrs. Mostly by eating smaller portions and keeping active. If I really put my mind to it, I can lose quite a bit. Not sure about 100lbs. though, but like you say slow and steady is the best.

wow caroline! I'd never allow her in my house again. does she understand English? (I am assuming you speak english - lol!)

I would flat out ask her that - in a very serious tone. IF she can't follow instructions, she'd be gone. from what I read, she can't.

how about that young man? he sounds like a goodie! would he like a few hrs of chores for pay? I doubt that woman isn't doing anything a guy can't do - and shouldn't know how to do. And maybe he would like some spending money. talk to his mom about it to see if she'd ok it.

If not him, I would ask around in case there is someone around there who would like a few hrs of work a month but figure it wouldn't be worth the long trip to the local town in time/gas. you might ask at a local church in case a member lives in your area and would like a few hrs a month.

caroline - that's mama in the crate with Harry? that's wonderful they got to reunite for a time.

OH Caroline. What a terrible experience for you and harry. So sorry. I hope you can resolve this some how for you and the pups.

I think Lilacs would be the perfect hedge. If some one has well established hedge give it a good soaking then look for the shoots growing at the bottom of the mother plant not too close. Tie that plastic tape on the stalk them take a sharp shovel and cut down through the off shoot root this stalk is growing on but do not dig it out. Just cut the root and leave it there. In the spring go back and dig it and bu then it will have made nice roots of it's own and will transplant nicely.

Or you can do the cutting of a stem and rooting hormone and poke them in a big pot until they grow their own roots and plant out. I have not found out the best time to do this part.My lilacs are not setting out side shoots. Well I need to look closer maybe they are.

Yesterday was another busy run around day for me. I did sew the do over curtains for the studio and I am pleased with them. Pictures later. Today is going to be just a catch up day. No big projects planned. I am suddenly very tired. Feeling good on what I have accomplished I just need a little break. Mother Nature did me a huge favor and it rained hard last night so I do not need to be watering the yard. Happy for me sorry for the farmers that had hay down. I made a list of things I still need to do so I can get them off my brain and just look to the list when I am feeling energetic again.

Thanks, Shades. We can do that.

Caroline, Harry and his mamma are precious! Hard to believe they can both fit in that crate so easily!! :)

This morning the pups went off to the groomer. I decided to go have breakfast out since my choices at home were not what I was wanting. I got an omelette and instead of potatoes, I got greens. Hoping to start making better choices. When I got home I had a nice long conversation with a good friend until it was time to go get the kids. They now smell nice and look good. I had to close the windows and turn the air back on again. It is still hot here.

They are just too cute!

Thanks, eld. Carmelita's bow is orange and black. Not sure if it is for Halloween or because Carmelita roots for the Bengals.

They are so cute!!!! I do miss my dog grooming days. I had so many little doggie buddies. The funny thing is none of my little pups coming in were ever afraid to come for grooming. We had a good time. And when I would go visit their owners at their houses the pups made a beeline for me. My poor body can not do the lifting required now or I would be right back at it. Dog groomers in this country are far and few between. I wish I could still do it. I made good money doing it.

Their groomer is a good friend. She does a great job with Fred. Everyone who sees him comments on how good he looks. And I wouldn't even have Carmelita if not for Julie. She had a puppy from our breeder and gave me her name. Havanese are not very common, at least around here.

I think if I wanted to work, grooming dogs would be a fun thing to do. Knowing what I pay Julie, I am sure it is a well paying job!!

I love all your dogs. Caroline, if this woman causes you anxiety before she even comes, I think you'd be better without her no matter how nice she is. If this young man can't work winter, maybe he knows someone. You can ask him to put the word out, and you can put the word out too. Stress is hard on your body too, IMO.

And yesterday and today they are hauling hay out. This time DOWN the road which points right at the house. I think the double trucks hold 30 ton. Glad they are going slow down the hill.

I did notice when I went to the farm yesterday that lots of trucks are hauling hay right now. They always seem to take up more than one lane and it can get a little hairy when passing them. But they seem to know what they are doing and are usually very cautious around other cars. I love the drive up to the farm. It takes an hour to get there and most of the drive is a two lane road through farms and a couple of small towns. So peaceful out there in the country!!