A Voice of Reason

So. 

I have survived the human construct that is the New Year, and the sun has decided to return to glory yet again. Unlike many years past, this year Sweetie and I went out with friends to celebrate at midnight at Montgomery City's oldest bar. It's a tiny joint and has been in operation since 1962. It was fun, we wore silly hats and beads and leis, and there were noise makers available. 

We returned on New Year's Day for free Bloody Marys, black eyed peas, and Hoppin' John. Free! (I did leave the wonderful bartender a nice tip, though.) The TV was tuned to American Top Gear, and everyone had a good time mocking that as well as the commercials. It's a good bar, need I say, one that opens at 9 am, with an older clientele. Like me. It's a safe place for women to go either alone or in a group.

It's been a nice holiday, with Sweetie having 8 days off over the past two weeks. Still, I hate having my schedule disrupted for so long. Not that I have much of a schedule really, but I do love my alone time and I haven't had that recently.

Corky is improving daily! I bought some Tea Tree Oil shampoo and spray, along with ear mite medicine from 1-800-Petmeds.com and it has made a huge difference! That and the new diet of lamb and rice or chicken and rice where the first ingredient isn't corn. So many animals are allergic to corn, and I may be, too. 


Tea Tree Oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. I think that Corky was afflicted with both in different areas of his body, and all that was complicated by his corn allergy. He has become one with the family, and even Reece's has finally learned to tolerate him and his herding instincts. Several swipes with claws to the nose has helped.

I don't do resolutions, but I would like to lose weight this year. I 'blossomed' this past year, in more ways than one. Only a very few of my clothes fit anymore. On the other hand, I have made strides recently towards 'taking better care of myself.' The therapist, eye exams, teeth exams, well-woman exams. My bone density is good! Yay me! Also, I don't have signs of glaucoma or macular degeneration, and I only have one cavity to fret about. 

It is a sobering (hah) thought, though, that in a mere fifteen years, I will be seventy - should I live so long.

Oil Thoroughly Before Use

Look what Janet found in the back room of the antique shop. I was able to take a box of parts and assemble them, for the most part. I'm missing the part that holds one end of the flyer, and I have two pieces that don't seem to fit anywhere. There are no maker marks on it and, despite some mold, it appears to be in good shape.

Here's the flyer and a bobbin, and the two extra things.

There are two extra bobbins, even. I've been able to turn the wheel with the treadle. Figure I will clean it up and oil it, then look into finding the missing piece. If anyone has suggestions, please don't be shy of leaving a comment.

Two of my favorite holiday songs. This one:

and this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9H9Fi4Qcus&feature=colike

It was a dark and stormy night.

It is a dark and stormy night. 

(If you are my age or thereabouts, you will get the reference. Bless you, Mr. Bulyer Litton and Snoopy.)

Eye appointment today; my eyes have changed only a little bit from 5 years ago. I still wear sunglasses made from my 1985 prescription, for driving! Yay me! A pair of those big big ol' frames of that era. In twenty years, fun will be poked at the little rectangle glasses that everyone is currently wearing. I would love to find a pair of frames like the ones I had in '74. Large and round. 

Also saw my primary care giver. My blood pressure is way too high, yet my mood is so much better. I credit the fish oil-3 and the vitamin D-3, and the therapy for that. The supplements seem to have made a big difference. Also, this town is much less stressful and I am not in fear of stalkers. At all. We've not gotten involved in local politics, and have no intention of doing so. I listen to the gossip and keep my lips zipped.

My camera has breathed it's last. I believe Sweetie has bought me a new one. l gave him his present the other day - a Snuggie. He's a poor little Chihuahua, always looking for a warm spot! Moi, I am so warm that I keep the thermostat between 60 and 62º. 

I am glad to have a FREE day tomorrow! No appointments, no work save for Domestic Goddess chores.  Which are sorely needed.

My Sad Little Homage to Xmas

Hi Ho chitlin's! Hope that you all are doing well. Since I don't "do" christmas, I am the least stressed person I know right now, save for Sweetie. Although? I did buy him a present that I will know he will like.

Also bought two books: Dr. Weill's Spontaneously Happy and another one whose name escapes me at the moment. Her book is UFO: Pilots, Generals (etc.)

I know Sweetie will love them both. 

The Pink Section

I have made a bit o' cash at the little cottage this past week! That makes me happy. Business is starting to pick up at both buildings lately. I have the cottage while Leslie manages the much larger antique and collectible building. I can hardly believe that I have the equivalent of my old Arts & Artisans shop again! Without much of the overhead which had dealt the death blow to my shop in Indiana. Artists and craftspeople are finding their way to me, just like before. This place is gonna rock!

This time last year was pure turmoil. Job uncertainty, housing uncertainty, loneliness, and a lot of bad ass winter weather. Now, I am so happy with this house and this town, and I am delighted to have found friends, and Sweetie has a better job with better pay and better insurance. 

Me happy.

Moisten thoroughly in mouth.

It gets dark around 4:30 here; too dark for me to drive even. The solstice though? She is on the way.

In spite of having less than 10 hours of sunlight a day, I am feeling remarkably well. What's up with that? Daily dosing with omega-3 fish oil and vitamin D is what I am thinking. I also take a vitamin B complex pill. The upshot is that I have some energy, and am not curled into a ball waiting to die. Maybe the therapy is helping, too. I've finished painting the kitchen, and begun some Goddess work in the office area. I even bought new towels today for the first time in... let me see..... forever! Or at least many many years.

Good beer can't hurt, either.

Have made appointments to get my teeth cleaned and my eyes examined in the next few weeks. Sweetie's insurance allows one free trip a year to both and I am going to take advantage of it, especially they are both within few blocks of home.

Oh, and my Sweetie? Bought me this the other day. Look closely at the head and feet. Makes me miss my girls.

Hand Tighten

So.  Tuesday, I worked. Wednesday was therapy. Yesterday, I took the day off. I watched several movies on NetFlix, drank good beer, and knit. (I did manage a few Domestic Goddess duties such as laundry and dishes and vacuuming.) Still, I knit.

Tomato and Strawberry Hats

Berry/Eggplant Hat

Silly little things, but they make me happy. 

The socks seldom receive attention, but still they are halfway through the heel flap stage. I have begun wearing socks with my sandals as it is getting cold. No snow yet, and I'm cool with that.

Corky is doing well! Millie is still teaching him to leave the cats alone, and he and Princess almost play together. His skin is much less scabby and red, and fur is starting to grow back. He seems glad to be here.