Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Marching in Place

Blogger is refusing to load photos--a glitch of several days now.  Apparently it is happening to others.  There is supposedly a 'work-around' but I am releuctant to fuss with it.
The above photo was taken last week and I had loaded it and didn't get back to load the rest, so there you have it, Bobby and Nellie surveying the back yard from the box elder tree--while the neighbor's dogs made a quick pass through.
We've seen the two old labs before--one black, one yellow--this time they were accompanied by a stout creature that resembled a Blue Heeler.
They never stay long and their only interest seems to be scoping the cat dishes in the car port.

 We've had a number of grey and chilly days, but several sunny ones as well.
When the sun shines I go outdoors even if the air if cold.
I walk along the back boundary that edges the woods and pick up slender branches for fire starting.
J. supplies proper 'kindling' but I like the crackle of twigs for a starter.

The necessary housework--meals, laundry, light cleaning--gets done after a fashion.
I've stayed up late reading by the fire after J. turns off the TV.
Its one of the perks of retirement--knowing that a deliberately late bedtime or a night when I don't sleep well isn't going to mean heading to work stupidly tired!

I built a fire downstairs this afternoon and got at some sewing.
Last year I picked up a wool kilt/skirt in Black Watch plaid--a very good make.
It didn't fit, but the fabric was too nice to waste.
I picked out the stiches holding the pleats, steam pressed the resulting wide chunk of fabric and cut out a skirt for G.  She had a remment of gold satin which she insisted would make an ideal lining, I found a zipper in my box of goodies, and so a spiffy lined wool skirt for my daughter has been produced for the queenly sum of 25 cents--the cost of the kilt at a local charity shop!
I am pleased when I can 're-purpose' something good.

A batch of choc chip brownies filled the house with the luscious smell of butter and chocolate.
The cats prowled in and out through the side slider door.
Bluebirds bounced in the branches of the box elder [too near the cat yard!] and flitted about in the old crab apple near the clothesline.
Pebbles the Horse stood facing the sun, dozing on her feet.

I won't put another chunk in my downstairs fire tonight, but am headed back downstairs to enjoy the lingering warmth while I tidy up my sewing area and preen over my accomplishments of the day!

20 comments:

  1. Well done on making the skirt:) I've read several blogs where they are having trouble uploading photos. I haven't tried yet so don't know whether it's OK for me or not.

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    1. Rowan; If I felt I could transfer my whole blog to wordpress without making a hash of it, I'd probably do so, but there it is. I suspect blogger makes too frequent 'updates' and doesn't get the bugs out before going with a new system.

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  2. I've been reading about a lot of bloggers having difficulties with uploading pictures. I have been using Windows live writer to create my posts.

    Your day sounds like a lovely one. It's 2:26 a.m., I've been up about 45 minutes. Just couldn't sleep anymore.

    I love your header picture.

    Have another great day ~ FlowerLady Lorraine

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    1. Hi Lorraine; The wee dark hours of the morning are so difficult if we are sad, anxious or over-tired. It does seem that all the concerns we can keep at bay during the daylight hours come back full force in the middle of the night. My only recourse at such times is to get up, make a mug of tea adn try to read. I hope tonight is better.

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  3. We use dead gorse as kindling as there's so much of it on the moor. It burns at an incredibly high temperature (so I'm told) so is great. I agree....twigs are best!

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    1. Em; The popping of twigs in the fire somehow convinces me I'm getting warm, even before the heat really beins to radiate from the stove.

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  4. I use Firefox browser and don't have any trouble, don't know if it will help you.
    Briony
    x

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    1. Hi Briony; I'm using Goggle Chrome--which isn't supposed to be affected by the current problem, but it is [sigh.] I"m reluctant to muddle about installing a different browser--if that comes to be the only option I'll try your recommendation of Foxfire.

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  5. You're so right about retirement, my husband hasn't worn a watch since he retired and everything is done "by ear" when we feel like it. We stay up late, sleep late and feel so much better than when we were working.

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    1. Janet; I'm trying to count the 'good things' about retirement--being older and having less money isn't on the list, but keeping our own hours is pretty nice!

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  6. Blogger was doing odd things to my blog last week but seems to have sorted itself out now.

    Well done for recycling that thrifty skirt!

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    1. Ann; I have always enjoyed sewing/tailoring with wool and this was such a nice piece--too good to pass up.
      I hope blogger gets sorted--it does seem to have a lot of glitches.

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  7. Hello, I just found your blog and was taken by the title as I had seen a kestral this morning! I too have been having problems with photographs. My last post was all 'used before' ones!. How good it is to find like minded people from across the world! Jane

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    1. Hello, Jane; I've met quite a few 'kindred spirits' through blogging--the kind of folks who enjoy books and gardens--and cats--and tea---I think we could all sit down together and feel right at home. I hope you will visit again.

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  8. Sounds lovely. I love your photos, especially your header so I hope blogger gets sorted soon. Retirement sounds lovely. With the way things are going with the economy and pensions and such I sure hope my husband and I actually get to experience retirement someday.

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    1. Hi Softie; I think you are expressing a very valid concern--my husband retired earlier than he had planned [he was a building contractor] as it didn't seem wise to keep going. We've never been spenders, but it is definitely daunting to see how the economy is going and meanwhile try to be as frugal as possible.

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  9. I havent been able to post any pics for a few days now its very annoying.Your pic is lovely even if you have shown it before.Love Jill xx

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    1. Hi Jill; It seems like the photo issue is rather spotty--perhaps as Briony suggested above it has to do with the browser we are using. I get annoyed when things get technical--I just want it to work!

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  10. Oh, a nice homey post! But I am also interested in the problem you are having with loading pictures, - I can load from my phone, my web camera, a Picasa album, but I can't browse the computer for the pictures I want. Do you suppose it will change soon, - I can't find any place to complain!!!

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  11. I've just tried to get to your 'Winter on the Creek Bank' post and it's telling me the page doesn't exist.....just thought I should let you know!

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