Month: July 2025

Different neighbor set off fireworks this year. And in the morning tidy hay bales fill the field.

Patrick arrived yesterday in time to go to wine tasting. A very fun evening of good company and some very nice wines that needed to be ordered for holiday consumption.

This morning we got busy on his list of almost ten things to do around here…adjust refrigerator doors, re-pound nails in the door of antique Chinese cabinet, adjust the bidet I installed by 1/2″ (it makes a difference!), sharpen all knives, replace nozzle on kitchen faucet, remove sticker from toilet in guest bathroom, replace furnace/AC filter in ceiling, check ceiling vents to make sure they were open, and most important of all was hang the punching bag he brought down for me. Here it is in place in the garage…

And with accessory he brought down to help me punch harder and longer….

This little juvenile bluebird showed up for a visit.

And this got my attention after my PT rearranged the cushions on the bench by the front door.

Seems you can herd cats by carrying a multi-tipped whip and putting a fish on your head.

It is very hot and humid here so we are staying indoors and having salad for dinner. First I have a PT session, then a drink before dinner. The last thing on the list is hanging artwork spot lights. We have to wait for it to be dark first. Tomorrow we are going to rearrange some artwork and package some up for him to take back home.

Tomorrow just a few friends are coming over to meet Patrick, talk about wood turning and Harley Davidson motorcycles. An interesting evening for sure.

That is about it for now. My 7,000 step goal is close and should be met by the time I dance around getting punches in.

Til later…

A friend sent me this picture when I was at the No Kings Rally.  After the election last November I claimed to not want to be a flag-waving American. But with the celebrations of the Fourth of July and our Independence/Freedom from being herded, what do I find tied to my mailbox yesterday? Some stars and stripes. Stars and stripes on the day our pitiful representation in Washington vote to deny benefits to those in need and give more money to the coffers of those who can afford to rent Venice, Italy for three days. No, this woman does not want to cheer the country on. It takes a pride I no longer have. A trust that no longer exists. And whose mailbox is it anyway? I am pretty sure it is mine! If I want to hang something from it, it will be my choice.

Years ago I went to visit a relative who lives in a subdivision where they had to hang seasonal flags off their mailboxes. I asked what would happen if someone simply said they were not going to do it. They answered that no one knew because no one ever dared not to.  Can you imagine!

At my age I want to hang on to the independence I have left.

Back in my studio, I am working on another short story. And doing more small watercolor drawings of leaves…herbs mostly.

Later today my PT comes by to put me through the paces of balance and some boxing. I look forward to it. I will be well over my step goal for the day by the time we do three three-minute spars around the house. I hit with the correct punch as he calls out the assigned number for it while shuffling forward, backward and in circles. Feet keep moving, fists keep flying and I keep breathing and staying upright. It makes me feel good all over!

Patrick arrives next week to put the boxing bag up in the garage and check on what else I can use a hand with. For sure some dinners out and nice cocktails at home. He is a fun drinking companion. Maybe we will get a take out of oyster shooters and popovers from our favorite restaurant.

That is about it for now.

Til later….