Thursday, August 2nd
The photos for this post include a sunrise as seen from our porch. The sunrises in Arizona can be as spectacular as sunsets.
The crew and I are outside in the cool of early morning.
Previously I bought concrete blocks and patio blocks to make a place for the rain barrel underneath the new downspout Mike will install.
My plan is to create a little patio and then build an elevated platform for the rain barrel. (Elevation is important to create pressure for water flow and room for watering cans under the faucet.)
The next photo shows the project in progress. It will look a lot different when done.
You can see how important the garden cart is.
I would’ve had a very tough time carrying concrete blocks from the back of the Perfect Tow Vehicle to the rain barrel’s location!
I also use the cart to empty the Best Little Trailer. I’m taking everything out and hauling it over to the patio for sorting. A lot of items carried in the PTV and the BLT all these years now can be stored at the house. It’s nice to be able to lighten the load, yet still have rarely used stuff available when we are house-docked.
I change my mind.
I mention in a previous post that I would leave the grapes for the birds, lizards, and any other creatures that want them. During these very hot days the sparrows and finches visit the grape vine often. I hear Lattice Lizard in the leaves.
Well, I’m hit with a terrible craving for sweets, which I don’t keep in the house. When that happens I usually eat watermelon. But I’m all out of watermelon. Soon visions of white cake with buttercream frosting tempt me to go to the grocery store. If I give in, I’ll be zooming over to the bakery area, for sure. Then I remember:
Grapes!
I take the colander out the back door to pick a few clusters.
Wow!
I had no idea there are so many grapes!
You know how you go out to the vegetable garden to pick a couple tomatoes for sandwiches? You bend down and lift the leaves out of the way and there’s this incredible cluster of big, beautiful, red tomatoes you didn’t know was there? That’s what I experience when I lift the grape leaves out of the way.
The grapes are small. Doesn’t matter. They’re sweet and there are plenty for the critters and me.
I keep a supply of grapes chilled in the refrigerator. Whenever that sweet craving returns, I do a refrigerator walk-by and grab a handful.
Today is a very productive day!
Besides emptying the BLT and building the rain barrel station, in the early evening I mix up a batch of Quikcrete and repair the cracked concrete of a raised bed. Actually it’s worse than cracked; big chunks have come loose.
According to the folks of Quikcrete, set up time is 5 minutes. Right. On a hot, dry day the set up time is more like 2 minutes.
Boy, do I make that concrete fly!
Friday, August 3rd
Mike and his helper work on the roof.
In spite of the intense heat, they complete the most difficult part, laying the last of the fabric, making it fit around the skylights, and topping the fabric with black gunk. It all has to set for a week before the next two layers (white) go on. As usual they can only work a couple of hours before the heat drives them off the roof.
While Mike and I share a bowl of chilled grapes, I ask him if the location of the rain barrel will be okay for the downspout’s angle to the opening in the top. He approves. We discuss the platform design.
I show him the two kinds of spigots I bought.
(Two spigots need replacing.) Typically, the other day when I go to pick out the spigots, I come upon a dilemma. You see, I know I need to buy 3/4 inch spigots but I didn’t check whether they should be “innies” or “outies.”
Late in the afternoon I return the female spigots. I buy three air conditioner filters, a pack of tortillas, two watermelons, a box of fresh strawberries, among other items.
Saturday, August 4th
Today’s breakfast smoothie is almond milk, peanut butter powder, a few grapes, and lots of fresh strawberries.
Pretty good!
I want to dive into more projects, but my energy level is very low.
Yesterday afternoon, I notice the first signs. This depletion of vitality happens a couple times a year, a lifelong pattern, and I’ve learned that there’s no sense in fighting it.
I try to blog without success. I watch a movie. I sit on the porch. I nap a few times . . . as much as Roger and Reggie will allow.
rvsue
NOTE: It’s Sunday and I’m feeling much better! BTW, aren’t my boys cute as buttons? — Sue
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First???
HOORAY FOR ELAINE! FIRST PLACE!
Making progress…gotta feel good.
HOORAY FOR ANNETTE! IT’S A TIE FOR FIRST PLACE!
Yay! Been waiting and watching for this post. So addicted. The pics look great. Now, I’ll go back and read. Thanks for the new blog! 😊
You’re welcome, Judy. I always feel bad when a day goes by without making a post.
This is one place where addiction is a good thing. 🙂
Sue, we love grapes and try to have them handy for snaking all the time…to make them
Last longer you can clean them and freeze them and take out as needed…oh and they are good frozen!!!
Yes, your babies are adorable…I could just
Pick them up and hug on them…which they probably wouldn’t want as they seem to like being free!!
Hi, Susan,
Yes, frozen grapes! They add sweetness to smoothies, too. 🙂
This is exactly what I was thinking! Thanks sue for the idea, I’m off to acquire me some grapes!
Ha!
Hi, Cat Lady! I wonder if anyone is off to buy filters for their a/c. 🙂
Speaking of grapes, while at Aldi’s today they had two huge displays of red grapes. They were 79 cents/pound. Every cart had a bag of them. Now to freeze some. I have never tried that and hope that cures my sweet tooth.
The boys certainly are cute.
Frozen grapes are good to suck on when your mouth is dry as they create saliva – just as putting a pebble in your mouth would do; but the grapes taste better and you can swallow them. Learned this from Jim’s HH nurse since Jim is on limited fluids.
Hi, Emily!
That’s a good tip to remember. Sending best wishes to you and Jim….
4th place! Yay!
Close enough! Hi, Renee!
Hi Sue!
Those grapes look so good. Your sunrise picture is amazing as usual, I’m not good at sunrise or sunset pictures. And yes the boys are cuties. It will be nice to see the downspout and rain barrel project when finished.
Hi, Lisa & Connie!
Hmm… Sparks, NV. We should go there someday…
Thanks for noting my sunrise pics.
Sweet Lord, your sunrises are glorious! I’m sure you know one cause of that is the dust particles in the air. Little comfort for those that recently endured dust storms in Arizona, but oh my, it must be wonderful for you, Sue. Yes, your boys are cute as buttons, 🙂 .
Lifting concrete blocks is really hard work, boy, you have been getting a lot done. I had wondered about a black roof in the desert, I’m relieved to know the top coats will be white. Great idea to have your grapes as a sweet treat, I’m having some as I type. Earlier I used avocado slices to dip some hummus in, but really wanted a sweet dessert, too. I’m glad you’re feeling much better today. Thanks for using your energy to produce another delightful post. I love the header photo, do you remember where it’s from?
Hi, weather!
I love a comment that has details about what is going on in a blogorino’s day.
Avocado dipped in hummus… Why don’t I like hummus? Do you make your own or is it store-bought?
I bought spicy guacamole and it’s not very good. I’ll use it up in Mexican pizzas and hot pockets. WalMart had avocados selling for 33 cents each. I like them in green salads.
Thanks for the compliment on the sunrise pics. Couldn’t have done it without a lot of help. 🙂
The header photo was taken at Miller Lake, Oregon. The campsite was above the lake a short distance and I remember I sat in the lounger to watch the sunrise.
33 cent avacados….wow! That is better than our grapes.
They’re kind of small. Really good though and one is just right to top a salad.
This hummus was store bought, Sabra brand with roasted red pepper, it’s not bad for a packaged product. It’s tart yet the sweetness of the peppers tempers that quite a bit. I recently had freshly made hummus at a restaurant, I love that, it’s just a bit of lemon and tahini, coarsely ground chick peas and garlic with lots of olive oil. They served it with warm pita bread. I’ve considered making my own, just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Thanks for the details on that, weather. The recipe for fresh hummus does sound tasty.
Hi, Sue,
If you have access to a Trader Joe’s, their roasted red pepper hummus is delicious! I like their brand because it is creamier/smoother than others. I don’t care for the mouth feel of somehing gritty….unless it is toothpaste! 🙂
Hah hah! Closest Trader Joe’s was 85 miles one way in Dewitt, near Syracuse.
When it opened a couple of years before we moved…one Sunday I woke up with a craving for their Almond Croissants. Jules had the same craving.
I’m going for a drive! Grabbed 10 boxes and filled the freezer!
I know what you mean, Cinandjules! The nearest TJ’s was 2 hours away. Several co-workers and I are fans. Every other month or so, one of us would make the trek, with several shopping lists in hand. We did that for several years.
Now that there is a TJ’s in Richmond, I shop there maybe a few times a year. The shopping center does not have enough parking to support the volume of shoppers. Maybe this is part of a marketing plan…to create a sense of exclusivity? It is always a zoo trying to get in and out. Forget about it in the weekend!
This morning I read the posts about your stay at Digit Point campground on Miller Lake. I know you are dealing with high temperatures now, yet I’m glad you aren’t trying to escape smoke and avoid wildfires like you did that summer.
The local news channel here showed over a hundred people in line waiting to register their children for the 60 openings at the only affordable daycare in the city. It reminded me of our having mentioned before how few people are being trained to go into many important types of work. I am so grateful to have skilled people that help me take care of my home, car and life. I’m know you are very grateful to have Mike helping you, too.
That’s right, weather. Mike is good at what he does because he LOVES what he does using the talents he was given and the skills he has learned. A travesty to see everyone, regardless of talent, intelligence or ability, forced on a path to seek an advanced degree and “career,” when they could enjoy a satisfying life and make a good living doing important work for which they are suited.
Agree about running from smoke and wildfires. It was tiring.
Hi, Sue,
Progress on the roof has to be a good thing. I like Mike a lot and I’ve never met him.
I, too, have wrestled with the “energy thing” and thankfully it only rolls around periodically. Us active types hate it when that happens.
Stay cool out there.
Hi, Joe!
You have spells of energy depletion, too. One of the many benefits of being retired is I can ride out the low-energy times. It was murder when I had to teach, no matter what.
I hope you’re keeping cool, too. I imagine it can get pretty hot and humid in Tennessee, unless you’re on top of a mountain.
Mike is a great guy. You would like him in person, too. He has taught me a lot about living in Arizona (He enjoys talking). The other day he gave me a lesson on mesquite trees: How they grow, what attacks them, the different varieties (Ours are Honey Mesquite), etc. He volunteers to fix things like replacing leaky spigots and gives me ideas and instruction how to fix things that are within my capability.
Happy Sunday!
Yes, those fuzzy kiddos are sooo cute! They would MAKE great buttons; the kind with photos that one could wear on a hat or backpack.
You have been getting so much done. Wow. Gosh, I need a nap just looking at your hardscape project.
You had brought up ice cream trucks a few posts back. Thoughts of special treat came to mind. Does anyone remember the name? On a stick … chocolate covered … banana split layered ice cream…? Was that a bomb pop or …?
A long time favorite is the creamsicle. Wonder if they could be made into a smoothie? Something creamy and something orangy. Yummmm.
Sitting in that lounger in the header would be the perfect place to be today.
Hi, MV gal!
Creamsicles are in the top ten food inventions in my opinion. 🙂 I wondered the same thing about creamsicle smoothies. I combined almond milk, oranges, and OJ…. nope, gotta’ have ice cream to make it good and I’m trying to stay away from that.
Bomb pops… I think those are the red, white, and blue food coloring frozen on a stick kind…
You guessed why I chose that scene for the header!
Yes, orange juice and French vanilla ice cream used to be one of our treats until I confirmed that dairy is my enemy. If you find a workable substitute, I’d love to read about it.
My new fav is the minty-chocolaty chip sandwiches. I think the foil wrapped ones are Klondike bars. Big splurge is Haagen Das (sp?) mocha ice cream bars with toffee or almonds in the chocolate coating. Can’t find a way to keep them from messing up whatever I wear. Well, to be honest, a lot of food ends up on my clothes. 😀
Woohoo, top twenty!!
Enjoy those grapes and take care of yourself.
Thanks, Lisa! I’m doing both. Hi to Dad, Tommie and Buddy, too!
So hot and humid in the panhandle today, Chuck and I are staying in where it’s cool and watching TV!💗
The Header photo is cooling me off just looking at it! *sizzle*! 😂
Glad your down time was short lived and you are back to normal hustle and bustle getting ready for Nancy!
Chuck went to the VA in Tallahassee Thursday for his new hearing aids! They will be ready next month! Yay!
I used my cart yesterday for carrying the load of freshly washed clothes over to the clothes line to be hung! Much easier than carrying that heavy clothes basket!
Can’t wait to see the rain barrel hooked up! Progress! Hugs to the terrible twosome! Smother them with hugs and kisses! We love ya Sue!
Hi, Geri! Love your newsy comment!
I’m glad Chuck will get hearing aids. He won’t have any excuse not to hear what you want him to do. 🙂
The cart with a hundred uses, right? I’m appreciating the fact that our patio is ground level right up to the back door.
Love you, too!
Happy Sunday Sue!! I am glad you are feeling better. Down times are the pits and I think most people go through them at times. I know I do as well.
Glad the roof is progressing. It sounds like you are getting settled in. It won’t be long until your sister and her crew is there! So much fun that will be!!
Have a great week!
Hi, Jolene! Happy Sunday to you, too!
Gee, here I thought I was unique with my bouts of low energy. 🙂
You have a great week,too!
Hi Sue-
I have to admit it- I’m jealous of your grapes! They look so good! I planted a grapevine 3 years ago. So far it makes lots of leaves, but not one grape! Oh well, maybe next year…
Your boys are adorable as always- there is something about Roger’s face- he looks like a ” deep thinker”. It was a lucky day when he crossed paths with you and Reggie.
Hi, Becky!
You got me curious about your grapevine and I found this article: “Grapevine Not Bearing.” There are several possible reasons.
Roger, a deep thinker? I don’t know about that! He can have that expression on his face and, when Reggie comes walking by, he leaps to lock his jaws on Reggie’s flank like it’s a pork chop. That’s his deep thinking for ya!
Wow. Sue, you’re sunrise picture is gorgeous! I never thought about freezing grapes 🍇 or using them in smoothies. Both ideas sound great. You are wise not to get sweets 🍭. My current downfall is an ice cream sandwich that goes by the name of Fat Boy! It lives up to its name and is so tasty. My cat gets very excited when I take one out of the freezer as she knows I will let her get her licks in.
I got a rare treat this weekend. I splurged and went to a concert of my favorite singer, Mary Chapin Carpenter. She had a wonderful show! It was a little exciting as a woman sitting in front of me went into labor during the concert. I also got to visit with a good friend. All in all it has been an enjoyable weekend.
I am glad you are feeling better! Just a few more days and your sister and Marg will be home!
Gosh, Dawn, that’s a weekend to remember. I wonder if the woman will name her baby Mary. 🙂 I’m glad you had a fun weekend.
Oh, an ice cream named Fat Boy has to be good. I love those thick squares of vanilla ice cream covered in chocolate. They come wrapped in foil. Can’t remember the name as I repress those kinds of memories.
Yep, it won’t be long. Nancy’s arrival is planned for the 18th.
Klondike, Sue. I personally love Dove ice cream bars. I refuse to bring in the house.
What would you do for……….a Klondike bar! 🎼
Have you ever had an “it’s it” San Francisco based..vanilla ice cream between two cookies covered in chocolate?
Oh dear…I can see an ice cream run happening in the near future!
My all time favorites are chocolate chip and coffee from Baskin Robbins. Back in the day we had these “coupon books” you could use for a scoop. Think it was 25cents back then.
Love ‘it’s it’. My fave for many years. Klondike bars are good but too plain for me. I like the chocolate coating with crunch in it, like the Nestle bars. But my all time fave is Ben and Jerry’s Heathbar crunch. Yum!
Comments about ice cream bars/sandwiches make me think the times when as kids we’d go swimming in the local pool and emerge hungry as bears. The snack bar had Sidewalk Sundaes and Nutty Buddies, and waaay back then they were much bigger (and probably cost a dime) and oh-so-delicious! Nowadays the hubster and I are hooked on Magnum Bars (caramel/chocolate) but they come in a box with three which is awkward, but that’s a good thing as they are expensive so we don’t indulge very often.
Latest news from our camping front is that we sold our Heartland Edge to a local couple and they were so excited to get it they slept in it while parked in their driveway. Turned out that while we loved the trailer, the bed just wasn’t long enough for my tall spouse and after a few nights his back would act up. So the latest thing is we are actually going to try tent camping at the coast this week, something I haven’t done in 30 years. Wish me luck. 🙂
Robin
Good luck, Robin! Enjoy your trip! 🙂
Hi, RobinB!
Isn’t it funny how life takes these turns? A too short bed leads to backaches for your husband leads to a decision to sell your travel trailer and now you’re going to be tenting on the coast! All because of a too short bed! 🙂
I hope you make special memories together this week and recall good ones from 30 years ago.
Sometimes impulsive decisions work out the best. Thanks for the good wishes. However, if y’all don’t hear from me by Friday, send help. 🙂
Well, low energy times may not be all that unusual among us in our age group…I certainly have days I have to stop and basically do nothing…recharge…glad you are better!! I do think in heat I get depleted of potassium…so you know, bananas, potatoes, almonds…and no doubt other things, can help…
The dogs ARE very cute!! I love their markings…it helps show their personalities.
This might not help your lethargy but remember about coconut water.
Marilyn, I told Mike about the benefits of coconut water for anyone out in the sun and heat.
Hi, Elizabeth! I’m eating bananas again in my smoothies.
Good! Tasty too!!
Wow! I don’t remember that header photo ever! I really really REALLY love it!
Cool grapes are refreshing! Remember none for the crew! I tend to like the red grapes better than the green ones.
Creamsicles…..we called them 50/50 bars. They have yoplait yogurt in that flavor…and Schwann’s truck has summer dreams 1/2 gallons..which is seasonal!
The boys have that “hand over some rotisserie chicken and no one gets hurt” look!
Rest up woman….your body is telling ya!
Hi, Cinandjules!
I don’t think I’ve ever posted that photo before. I found it on an old Sandisk card. I like it, too, because the light on the chair helps my memory of sunrises there.
That Yoplait flavor is one of my favorites. 🙂
I like your translation of the crew faces. In truth they’re saying, “Why do you keep pointing that black thing at me?”
Your sunrise/set photos are beautiful; I really miss those Arizona morning and evening horizons. I love your cute buttons! They get cuter every week.
Hi, Shawna!
Thank you for loving my cuties and also for appreciating my photos. I understand you missing Arizona light shows. 🙂
Reggie and Roger are still cute, and you catch it well in your pictures.
The sunrises are all beautiful. I wouldn’t care to choose one over another.
I have “downtime” to the level where it’s a diagnosis and I am on a disability for it. I continue to work on that, and I’m making some progress. The good news is that I’m this far down in the comments because I’m finding ways to get out and do things, even in this humidity.
Thank you, Calvin! I wish you continued progress.
Well, you’ve done it again. Your last line gave me a rush of happiness for you.
So I had bad news yesterday. Due to financial issues my company is closing and I’m out of a job. Plus, that job was also my main social activity, they were my friends. they will still be friends but I won’t be talking to them daily. I’m pretty sad. Going to have to rethink my whole life plan and plan different daily activities. Have to figure another way to earn money as well. I’m just not sure what I want to do on a daily basis but not sleep and eat all day, like today. Anyone have any good ideas?
So sorry to hear that, Desert Ginger! Does your RV Park have planned functions that you could take part in? Is there a YMCA nearby? They offer sliding scale memberships and have lots of classes, exercise and others.. Does your town or County have a department of recreation? They might offer some classes and social opportunities. Have you considered tutoring or writing resumes? Keeping you in my prayers and sending you a big *hug*.
I’m sorry for your sadness at these losses, Ginger, and the adjustments you have to make.
I don’t have any suggestions — Denise gave you some good ones. I can say that we can trust there is more to come that holds the promise of happiness. We just can’t see it from where we stand.
Hang in there…. You’ve overcome worse challenges and disappointments than this, however bad it feels right now.
Wow….huge transition for all involved. I’m sure you will all stay in contact.
Hmm……more time to spend on you….and Ms Chloe! Small work out plans to increase your endurance. Not sure if you are still on O2 or not. Maybe see what your Dr or PT suggests.
You’re the energizer bunny…you’ll figure it out!
These are hard times for so many…sorry Ginger! Both my daughters jobs have some “iffy” stuff going on…we just never know where it is going to end up!! Wishing you all the best!!
Sorry to hear that DG. Hope all works out for you. Denise’s are ideas that I use to keep active & social. The Council on Ageing might also be of some assistance for ideas. We have a Fifty Forward here where they have all kinds of things available for seniors.
Hi, Sue,
Sounds like you have had a very productive few weeks. That cart is a backsaver, for sure! How many concrete blocks can it hold….I really should be asking how many were you comfortable moving? That cart must have decent weight limit. Those large wheels make moving heavy, bulky items easier, too.
I am glad that you are enjoying your bounty of grapes; are they seedless? Mike is a treasure…I have said that before, but it is worth repeating. When he finishes the roof, it will be well sealed and worry free for many years to come. I am glad that the leak made itself known before furniture was moved in and possibly ruined. Had you painted the ceiling where the leak was? Did you have to repaint that area?
Take time to recharge your batteries! Nancy and Marg will be here before you know if! It’s ok to catch up with yourself. I understand! Sometimes I cannot get motivated to work on projects, or even do something fun, like sew. When a planned 1/2 hour nap turns into a couple hours, I figure I needed it. Rest, relax, eat something good, view those beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and give Reggie and Roger lots of love! You will feel refreshed soon! 🙂
I have spent the afternoon sorting through stuff on my guest bedroom bed, a.k.a., the catch-all. Unfortunately there was a lot of paperwork to sort through. You know, papers that need to be looked at one by one and possibly shredded. Some things should have been pitched a long time ago – it was silly to have been holding onto them for so long! Made a huge dent!
I hope you have a relaxing evening, Sue! Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! Your boys are so adorable! 🙂
Hope all is well with all of the blogorinos! 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to create this post, Sue. You are appreciated! 🙂 xo
You’re welcome, Denise, and I thank you for your loyal and kind support. 🙂
🙂 xo
Your sorting stuff on the bed mirrors what I was doing during my rest from work projects. I’ve been going through a box of papers going back to 2011 when I retired! Some of it was useless paper from a time before I conducted most business online. I remember when I had a desk drawer of file folders back in my pre-computer days. Ugh! Good for you getting rid of your clutter, too. 🙂
You asked about the cart. I only moved two of the full-sized concrete blocks in a load or four of the small (cube) blocks. The cart is designed to handle up to 600 lbs but I wanted to be cautious for the benefit of the tires. My air pressure gauge died (I ordered a new one from Amazon) and I’m not sure the tires are inflated as they should be.
It is so easy to pull and turn that cart, no matter what I put in it. 🙂
The grapes are seedless! I forgot to include that important info. I’m so spoiled with seedless grapes and seedless watermelon, I forget all about when one had to deal with seeds. Another great advancement/invention along with Creamsicles. 🙂
Very thoughtful of you to think of our ceiling and my paint job in regards to the leak. No, the leak was in the hall. Nancy and I are waiting until she is here to make a decision on paint color for the dining room, kitchen and living room and the hall will be that same color. Yes, the roof will last for many years.
I hope you and Gracie pup are enjoying your evening, too. Thanks again, Denise.
All of this talk about ice cream and Creamsicles has me craving some cool, creamy goodness! No ice cream in the freezer, but there were some cherries in the fridge! Yum! 🙂
Kroger has had cherries on sale between $1.49 – $1.99/lb for the past month or so. I am trying to remember to stock up on blueberries while they are in season through the end of the month. 🙂
N’nite! 🙂
N’nite! 🙂
Your boys are adorable ! I dont know if anyone else mentioned this , but you can also freeze your clusters of grapes. Then eat them frozen for a super sweet yummy snack !
Hi, Carol! Yes, we were talking about freezing grapes. EmilyO mentioned how frozen grapes help curb “dry mouth” and are suggested for people who must restrict liquid intake. I’ve never tried grapes frozen. I put some in the freezer a short while ago. 🙂
Definitely cute as buttons! 🐾🐾
Hi Sue! The grapes look yummy. The blueberries have been good around here lately so I’ve been eating a lot of those instead of desserts. It does help to have something good for you sitting there that you can just pop in your mouth when a craving hits. I’m thinking blueberries are better than doughnuts! LOL!
We had major flooding in my town last week. We even made the national news! My property is on high ground but others were not so fortunate. So…I’m trying to quit whining about the gnats, skeeters, chiggers and humidity…..and count my blessings instead.
Countdown to sister’s arrival! I know you’re excited!
Love from VA!
MB, Wyn and Bella
I’m sure the critters don’t mind sharing some of their grapes! I used to love picking them off the vine while I was working outside and popping them in my mouth right there. So yummy. You’re sure keeping busy, glad you’re also getting some movie watching and naps tucked in there as well. Yes, your boys are adorable!
What a nice post! I love the sky pictures! And, of course, the boys are a joy to all of us. I hit the comment button to suggest frozen grapes, but I see MANY people beat me to it! It will be interesting to see if you’re a member of the fan club after yours have time to freeze.
Frozen grapes. Always makes me think when Richard Simmons was in his heyday. Went to our local mall to see him. The one thing I took away was his frozen grapes hint. All the exercise hints didn’t seem to stick! An idea for those needing more potassium: low sodium V8 1180 mg. in a 11.5 oz. can! Praying for you, Dessert Ginger. We have a 66 yo single friend going through the same thing. She’s really on a roller coaster ride emotionally. Trusting something even better will work out for you.
P.S. Missing your posts, Rusty. Be well!
Sometimes, when there is a sale on very nice grapes at the store, I buy a bunch and make RAISINS!! It is VERY easy! Just pick them over to remove any with blemishes, blanche them for about 2 minutes in scalding water, and spread on a cookie tray covered with a parchment liner. (Parchment is cheap, and it has improved my cookie baking skills immensely.) Stick them in your oven set to 175 or 180 and let them go for about 16 hours. You can give them a “stir” every 3 or 4 hours, but it is not crucial. I give them a nice mix and spread them out before I go to bed, then turn off the oven when I get up the next day. By the time they have cooled enough to gather up, I have had my coffee! They make the BEST Oatmeal Raisin cookies!
Good morning, Carol!
Baking grapes into raisins — definitely a winter project. I love oatmeal raisin cookies and I bet yours are sublime. 🙂
Happy Monday!
Howdy, Sue!
Yes please! I would like to see the demonstration on the dumping cart.
Your place there seems prefect for one of my top sensual experiences. Having a private outdoor shower. When I had a lovely first shower in the sun on a vacation, I knew I would have to do my best to make them a part of my life. So, each place I’ve called home since then has had some type of them. So very easy to put together. Some have a limited hot water supply but great pressure. The best is with full pressure and nonstop, adjustable heated water. I am in the process of rigging a portable and packable kit and one for RV applications. Sadly, here, they can’t be used year round (or rather, I am not willing to shower outside in freezing weather). That useful runoff water goes right to plants and not into the septic system.
Wishing you full rain barrels,
MV gal
Hmm the rain barrel with a small portable water pump from amazon would warm in the heat of Arizona and not need the heater. Now what to do with run off from the shower. Lol. But a plastic shower drain. Saw one once under an upstairs automatic washer. They were afraid that water accidents would damage the downstairs ceiling. A hula hoop and something to suspend it with a new shower curtain and organic soap and cheap showers. Not sure why water costs there but with a little effort doable.
Hi, Ozarkjoy,
My rain barrel had too much debris in it even with a screened filter. It got a little warm but not enough. A rain barrel that got hot would probably grow some nasty stuff. I use a marine (white) grade hose from the house spigot on a ‘y’ or gang adapter with an inline on/off valve and an outside on-demand propane shower set up. Eccotemp.
I have also used 200+’ x 1/2″ black drip irrigation tube rigged with a multi setting garden nozzle. The tubing is either put up on the roof, snaking back and forth or just set on the lawn/ground in the sun. About 2 hours then on low pressure, I have very nice water for about 5 minutes total. Shut off between lather/soap ups and it is a good clean wash. It can get way too hot if not used at the ‘ready’ time.
I got a pop-up shower from Sue’s Amazon and it works ok. I did some tweaking and it is better. The hula-hoop is my next project but, these days, where to find them? Don’t want to run all over. At my last house, I used a clearance/marked-down gazebo. Used only 3 sides for privacy and used some water resistant material for ‘drapes’. I found a plastic pallet to stand on and trenched drain to garden.
I guess building working things that are usefu,l within my wheelhouse, is my creative side. Can’t draw, can’t sing well, have been accused that burning water is my cooking skill. So I putter. And really enjoy chatting about such things with folks.
The small pump idea is a good one. They have those, too at ‘Sue’s Store’ that are battery operated. Fill up some water/milk jugs, solar cook, and when warm put them in a clean bucket or tub.
I like the way your brain works! I don’t feel so alone.
In the summer here there is no such thing as cold water. Some people actually turn their hot water heaters off!
116 degrees tomorrow!
Walmart has hula hoops!
Well that makes an outdoor shower much easier. So refreshing. No bathroom mugginess. Ok, so a few gnats and tree needles stick to ya. Can see it now, after a ‘solar’ shower, Sue looks down to see Toady and Lattice Lizard and Spigot Lizard have joined her then scurry away to their stations.
Thanks for the Wally tip. By the way …how did you know? Were you in the toy aisle on a mission? 🙂
I’ve been wanting an outdoor shower & tub for years. Maybe this year it will happen.
What would you need to make it happen?
Sue, I know you say you experience this lethargy a few times a year but honestly, you have been so busy doing chores around the house and yard in the heat – I can’t believe you aren’t totally exhausted! I know it’s not as hot here in California as it is there and I am all tuckered out by early afternoon each day. I’m glad you’re feeling more energized!!
Years ago when we were remodeling our bathroom in our previous home, my husband mixed up a batch of Quikcrete in which to “set” the new bathtub. By the time we went down three flights of stairs (we lived on the side of a hill) to the garage to get the tub and bring it upstairs, the Quikcrete had hardened to the point we couldn’t get the tub set properly. He had to chip out all the Quikcrete and mix a new batch before we could get the tub in. All in the middle of an August heat wave!!!
And yes, your boys are the sweetest and cutest!!
Good morning, Cynthia!
Yeah, that Quikcrete is a tough taskmaster! What an ordeal, having to chip out and start over. From now on I’m making very small batches.
I’m all tuckered out by afternoon, too. Temps are going over 107 degrees…. We did have a nice, windy rainstorm yesterday afternoon which left us slightly cooler but with humidity. Our “grass” is growing like crazy!
The photos of the boys are really great. The are both just a cute as they can be.
Wish I had the time and the ambition to get my projects done. Working with a non-furnished house is much easier.
I have so much clutter to get rid of. Instead of having my sister come up and paint, maybe she should just help me clean out the house, so I can start over. Then I could probably paint myself, after she helps me with the colors.
Clearing out what you don’t need or want first, before painting, sounds like a good plan, Barbara. Getting started is the hard part. I’m glad you have a sister to call. 🙂
Yum those grapes look delish. Oh, I googled roof covering to learn. I’ve always wanted a metal roof covering for my rez home. I didn’t realize that was a roof covering. If you plant flowers or garden, that rain barrel will come in handy. Yes, the heat will also deplete your energy. I can only go out in evening since I’m not a morning person. Once I was but not anymore. I’m up at between 7 and 8 a.m. and I go to bed between 10-11 p.m. When I was working, I’d get up early and do home chores and water plants before leaving for work. I use to love the birds chirping before sun rise at home and in the plaza where our office was located. They had a coffee shop below our building and I’d grab coffee and sit in the plaza. Now I’m in pjs when I prepare my coffee and read in the morning or run errands, nap after lunch, do a second watering of flower beds before I turn in for the night.
Spectacular sunrise pictures! I love AZ sunsets and sunrises! Has your sister ever been to AZ, RV Sue? Is she prepared?😂😂 Love your wagon, too! I have one just like it. I use it to haul my groceries up to the house, and to haul leaves and sticks, and anything else that needs hauling! It is truly a necessity! And thoses pups ARE cute! Have a good day.
Thank you and good morning, Terri!
No, Nancy hasn’t ever been to Arizona. I don’t think she’s ever been to the western states (I keep forgetting to ask her.). Over the years she’s used her vacation time to visit FL and our parents when she lived in NY. The when she moved to FL she flew to NY to visit her family living there.
Hi Sue, The sun and heat gets to me and drains my energy (I’m 64) I drank Zeal while I was taking chemo for breast cancer. I drink it on days when I am losing energy and it’s available from Amazon. I enjoy your blog. I RV around TX and live in a tiny house on a lake. Best to you RR