Update From The Compound

 Things have been pretty busy here at The Compound the past couple of days, and I will stay busy for a while.  Last week, I signed up for a fall craft bazaar in November. I had great $ucce$$ at the bazaar in the spring, so I'm going to try it again.  The Old Man and I chose two Christmas ornaments I am going to make.  After three trips to Hobby Lobby this week, I have enough supplies to keep me busy for about a month.  Luckily I have a box of about 500 bottle caps I got from eBay in the spring.  

Stay tuned. 

Flashback Friday

 

That time my Sweet Mother won a ribbon at the Kentucky State Fair. 

Whatever Happened To . . .

Whatever happened to pagers, aka beepers?  Doctors and first responders probably haven't used them in years. They were the rage in the late 80s and early 90s.  Of course, I had one before cell phones came on the market. FYI - my pager was red.  

Something You Don't See Every Day

 I went through the drive-thru yesterday at the liquor store up the road to get my Powerball tickets, and as I was driving off, once again something in the garbage can caught my eye.  There on top of the heap of cans and bottles was a cardboard box - not just any cardboard box - this was an empty box that a Hamilton Beach blender came in,  

Monday, Monday

 I apologize to my faithful readers for not posting the past few days.  I just needed some time to decompress after the visit with the kinfolk.

Large Marge Memorial Garden Update - not much new to report.  After using some Miracle Gro last week, I did see some blooms on the cucumber plant and some blooms on one of the tomato plants.  I'm not giving up.  I water and fertilize faithfully.

Not much else to report here.  We are enjoying a nice afternoon here in the a/c reading.

Flashback Friday

 Jefferson County Public Schools started back yesterday.  Some school districts in southern Indiana started back last week.  And the majority got out for their summer break the first week of June.  So the kids only had two months off summer vacation.  

Back in the ancient days when I was in school, we got out usually the Friday before Memorial Day and started back after Labor Day.  That's what I call a summer vacation. 

Something You Don't See Every Day

 I ran up to the Dollar General to get some plain potato chips for the Old Man, and as I got out of the van I noticed an odd site on the ground.  There were about a dozen bandaid wrappers, along with a bunch of the little strips you peel off to expose the sticky part of the bandaids.   I can only imagine what kind of crime scene that could have been. 

Quasi Family Reunion, Days 2 and 3

 Day 2 of the quasi family reunion went great.  We spent a lot of time reminiscing and laughing as the Old Man told stories about his dad and grandpa.  For supper we had great fish from the legendary Mike Linning;s.

Day 3 went great, too.  My Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband arrived in the afternoon.  I spent the morning making a big pot of chili, using my Grandma's recipe.  I made a batch a month or two ago, and the Old Man and I finally agreed that something wasn't quite the same.  It was good, but not the same as Grandma's. We figured out what it was - she used Mexene chili powder, while I had been using Bloemer's.  I went to Kroger and they were out of the Mexene, so I did the next best thing: bought it on Amazon and it was here Sunday morning.  I felt like a chef when everyone at the dinner table bragged about how good it was.  

Stay tuned. 

Quasi Family Reunion, Day 1

 Day 1 of our sorta family reunion was great.  The Alabama Cousin and his wife didn't leave until almost 11:00 last night.  We reminisced, we laughed, we cried and we had awesome pizza from our fave old place, Bonnie and Clyde's.  This morning, the Old Man said he thinks last night was the best visit we've ever had with them. I have to agree.  

Today's visit will include sitting out on the back porch visiting and enjoying the much cooler temperature.

Stay tuned.

Garden Update

 You can't imagine how thrilled I was when I picked one of my sweet peppers yesterday.  I carried it to the house as if I was holding a delicate vase.  And I noticed that my almost dead cucumber plant is now green with a few leaves on it.  

Stay tuned. 

Time To TCB

 The Cousins and their spouses are converging here at The Compound this weekend.  The Alabama Cousin and his wife will be here Saturday afternoon. Luckily, they always stay at the Comfort Inn up on Dixie Highway.  Then on Monday afternoon, my Favorite Cousin and her dear husband will arrive.  They will stay here until they head back up to Indiana on Wednesday.  So all of this means I need to bust a move and TCB today and tomorrow.  Today's agenda is cleaning the kitchen and the back bedroom.

Stay tuned. 

Garden Update

 We had one heck of a storm last night - we got over an inch of rain here at The Compound.  No damage here, thank goodness.  I'm just happy I didn't have to water the garden today.  

Stay tuned. 

Garden Update

 My Large Marge Memorial Garden is not doing as well as I thought it would.  Today, I have a few green cherry tomatoes, and about a ping pong ball sized green regular tomato.  The best plants doing well now are my mini bell peppers and my regular bell peppers.  I hope to pick some of the mini bell peppers tomorrow and have them with supper tomorrow night.  But I am still bummed about the cucumbers.  I'm not giving up, though.  The plants can still bounce back, I hope. 

Stay tuned. 

Happy Day After Life Day

 I went out earlier to water the plants in the Large Marge Memorial Garden, and I was so happy to see that the cucumber plant is thriving again.  I watered it, and also gave it some Mirace Gro a few days ago, so hopefully it will keep on keeping on. 

Happy Life Day

 Happy Life Day to me! It's hard to believe that it is my Life Day again - the year has flown by. For those that don't know about it, today is my Life Day - on this day in 1992, I was almost killed in a car wreck. But the Lord had other plans for me. So on this day every year, I celebrate my Life Day.

Every Life Day, I celebrate by doing something different or new, and this Life Day is no exception: I am going to make a peach cobbler.

Happy Life Day to me.

Flashback Friday

 

Last week, I posted about the tiny packets of Chicklets.  Here is a pick of the full-size Chicklets from back in the day.  

The fruit flavors like these were my favorite.  I would chew all of the other flavors and would save the green Chicklets for last because I didn't like the taste.  

Update From The Compound

 Yesterday, our neighbor across the road came over and patched up the back porch rail.  He said when he had the time later this week, he'd get more braces, etc and come back and reinforce more of the rails.  This morning, I took pictures and measured the pieces he used yesterday and went to Home Depot to get more supplies.  As I type this I have my heavy-duty Black and Decker battery powered drill getting charged up and later tonight or tomorrow I will attempt to reinforce the ramp posts myself. 

Stay tuned. 

Garden Update

 I had (key word) 3 good-sized cucumbers on the plant, until this weekend.  Yesterday I found one of them in the pen, half eaten, courtesy of a squirrel.  Then this morning, I found another half-eaten cucumber.  I'm just glad I picked one yesterday for the Old Man.

My project this week is to find/buy some chicken wire and make some cages to put around my plants. 

Stay tuned. 

Update From The Compound

 I haven't killed any other plants in the Large Marge Memorial Garden.  But we are still waiting for the cucumbers to green up so I can pick them for the Old Man. They are growing, and are far from the "mini" size they said they'd be.  I hope they green up soon to make the Old Man happy.  And we will be having some fried green tomatoes tonight from the garden!!

Stay tuned. 

A Sad Day At The Compound

 Today is a sad day here for me and the Old Man.  This morning, we had our last hair cut with the stylist that has cut my hair for over 40 years, Denise.  She is retiring and moving down to Rough River.  It was a bittersweet morning.  The Old Man and I got our usual great hair cuts, but it was a weepy moment when Denise hugged us both before we left.  There's not much else I can say right now, unless it's I hope our next stylist does at least half a good of a job as Denise has done.  

Monday, Monday

 I didn't sleep well last night - I was worrying about something that is silly, so I didn't have a good sleep. So this morning, I'm tired and still worrying. I definitely see a nap in my future. 

Garden Update

I'm sorry to report that one of my cucumber plants and a tomato plant didn't make it.  But on a positive note, my mini cucumber plant is really producing - I have 4 pretty good sized cucumbers on the vine, that just need to green up before I can pick them.  And yesterday I picked a pretty good sized green bell pepper.  Over all, I am still happy with my first attempt at farming.

Stay tuned. 

Flashback Friday

 

It's strange - back when I was a kid, I loved to chew gum.  For the past 40 years, I can't stand to chew gum.  And even more, I can't stand to listen to people around me chewing and popping their gum.  In fact, as I was in the dermatologist's waiting room this morning, half of the full waiting room was smacking and popping their gum. But I digress.

As a kid, I loved the tiny pack of Chiclets.  It was a contest to see if anyone could chew the whole pack at once.  

Update From The Compound

 My faith in my gardening skills has been restored.  This morning when I was watering the plants, I saw 3 mini cucumbers on the vine.  They sure will make the Old Man happy.  

Update From The Compound

 I just came from watering and praying over my garden pots in the Large Marge Memorial Garden.  The cherry tomato plant is thriving, and the bell pepper plant is also thriving.  That's about it.  I will see if the green pepper grows any more in the next couple of days and then pick it.  I am hoping the cherry tomatoes will start turning red.

Stay tuned. 

Update From The Compound

 I am sorry to say I don't have a happy update from The Compound.  The Old Man's burpless cucumber plant has withered away, as did a tomato plant.  It's not from lack of tending to them - I've watered and fertilized them.  It just is what it is.  

Stay tuned.  Still hoping for a little more success from the other plants. 

Peace At The Compound

 Last night was the first peaceful night's sleep that we've had here at The Compound since last Wednesday night.  The fireworks were going off Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.  Last night it was quiet.  For that we are thankful. 

Happy Fourth Of July

 

Happy Fourth of July from The Compound. 

Happy National Joke Day

 A traveling saleswoman is driving toward home in Arizona when she sees an old Indian woman hitchhiking. She stops the car and the Indian woman gets in. After a bit of small talk, the Indian woman notices a brown bag on the front seat. "What in bag?", she asks. "It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband".

The Indian woman is silent for a while, then nods and says "Good trade".

Welcome July

 It's July 1, and hard to believe that the first half of the year is gone.  With the crazy snow and ice we had in January and February, and the flooding we had in March and April, the first half of 2025 has sure been crazy here.  I am crossing my fingers for a more calm last half of 2025.

Stay tuned. 

Update From The Compound

A few days ago when we had our regularly scheduled afternoon monsoon, the Old Man noticed water dripping down from a corner of the gutter by the fireplace.  I texted Neighbor Nick and asked him if he could come check it out when the weather cleared up and when he had time.  He came over yesterday morning with his ladder and fixed a sagging part of the gutter. He also went around the whole house and cleared out all of the downspouts.  I will say this again - we have been blessed with great neighbors. 

Flashback Friday

 Way back in the day, Friday nights meant I could watch the Dukes of Hazzard and then Dallas. It was a highlight of the week.  It meant Saturday was the next day, and that meant watching Buggs Bunny et al cartoons for a couple of hours.

That's about all I got today. 

Garden Update

 This morning when I went out to water the Large Marge Memorial Garden, I counted 9 golf ball sized tomatoes on my biggest tomato plant.  You can't imagine how happy that makes me.

Stay tuned. 

Garden Update

 

I am beyond happy to share a picture of my first harvest from the Large Marge Memorial Garden.  Yesterday morning, I picked a mini cucumber. It was about four inches long, and as I was peeling it and slicing it for the Old Man's supper, I'm here to tell you it smelled wonderful.  I'm not a cucumber fan unless it is shredded in Benedictine or in dill pickle form, but the Old Man loves them and said it tasted great.

Stay tuned.

I'm Calling B.S.

 For the third time in a month and a half, I intended to stop at McDonalds for chocolate shakes for me and the Old Man for our noon-time treat.  And for three times, I had to go up a block to Burger King to get our shakes because McDonald's ice cream machine was "not working."  I've read a lot of reports over the past few years about McDonalds ice cream machine being down.  I'm calling B.S. on that.  If they took the time to clean it, or have corporate come and repair it, their customers would be happy with shakes, cones, and their much advertised McFlurry.  

Nuff said. 

Something You Don't See Everyday

 I went through the drive-thru at the corner liquor store yesterday to get my Powerball tickets, and as I drove off, something caught my eye.  At the end of the drive-thru at the back corner of the store is a big garbage can.  It's usually full of empty beer cans, liquor bottles and fast food bags.  Yesterday, the big garbage can had two empty Blue Bell half-gallon ice cream cartons.  There are no words. 

Flashback Friday

 

Back in the late 60s through the 70s, there was a very cool hamburger place here on Dixie Highway called the Red Barn.  Use your imagination and you will be able to see the reason for the name.  But I digress.  It was a typical fast food joint, with tables for dining in. It was my favorite burger place to go because they had something "new" - a toppings bar.  The toppings were nothing out of the ordinary - pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard and mayo.  But you could put as much on your burger as you wanted.  

Our neighbor Alice, aka Muggs, would take me there on Fridays.  Friday morning was her weekly trip to the beauty parlor and I would go with her. Afterward, we'd go about five minutes away to the Red Barn for lunch.  Good times. 

Cooking Update

 I am thrilled to report that my zucchini fritters and potato salad turned out great according to the Old Man.

The fritters were crispy and had a great taste; I even went out of my comfort zone and added some finely chopped green onions to them.  Martha Stewart knocked it out of the ball park with this recipe. My potato salad turned out just like I wanted.  The Old Man told me to be sure and put the leftovers in the fridge to have again tonight.

Stay Tuned

 I was surfing online at recipes while I was doing my stepping today on our Elipse electric stepper, and printed out half a dozen recipes I want to try.  A couple are out of my comfort zone, but I am going to try them.  A couple of weeks ago, I bought a small fryer from Amazon, and I am going to make some hushpuppies in them later this week.  Today, I am going to make Martha Stewart's zucchini fritters, and tomorrow I am going to try my hand at potato salad again. 

Stay tuned for reviews on the dishes I fix. 

Happy Day After Fathers Day

 I've said it before and I will say it again - I think everyday here in this house is Fathers Day. The Old Man agrees.  Nuff said. 

Happy Fathers Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish a happy Fathers Day to all of the fathers that are my faithful readers. 

The Old Man said he wanted cereal with a banana this morning for breakfast, and that's what he got.  He will be getting a glass of Moscato wine shortly, and then tonight he will have Impossible Zucchini Pie and beef tenderloin tips for supper, followed by vanilla ice cream with strawberries for dessert.

Enjoy - and celebrate and embrace your fathers.v

Fathers Day Eve

 Celebrating Fathers Day has already started.  I got the Old Man his favorite bakery's jelly donut for breakfast this morning.  And I got him his favorite Mexican place's quesadilla and awesome cheese dip for supper tonight.   And as I type this, he is rared back in his Lazy Boy sipping on some Scotch.  You can best bet we will continue the festivities tomorrow. 

A Better Wednesday

 Yesterday was better, and today is better than yesterday.  That's all I can ask for.  

I Hope Today Is Better

 Yesterday was truly one of the worst days I have had in years.  I can't get into it, but suffice to say I screwed up bigtime.  I felt conviction as soon as I did it, and I asked the Lord for forgiveness.  I even slept better last night than I have in a week or two.  Now it's up to someone else to forgive me.  

New To Me Product Review

 

Yesterday while buying our favorite coffee at GFS, on my way up to check out, my eye caught this black cherry berry tea on the shelf next to the coffee.  I had to buy it, being a big cherry fan.  I was sure not disappointed.  Earlier this afternoon, I made a cup of hot tea for the Old Man, and let my cup sit for a while and put ice in it. , and sweetened with local honey.  We both were impressed at the cherry flavor.  The Old Man said for me to always make sure we have a box on hand. And better yet, it is decaffeinated.  

Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry Berry Teat most definitely gets two thumbs up from TWIT. 

An Odd Day At The Compound

 I was outside today a few times, running errands and going out to check my garden.  Each time I went out, it still seemed odd not to see Tiny in the carport.  But I had a few texts today from my old boss, saying again and again how much they love Tiny.  That makes the oddity worth while.  

Happy National Donut Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you,, faithful readers, a very happy National Donut Day.  We celebrated by getting donuts from one of our favorite donut shops, King Donuts.  We sure enjoyed our jelly donuts. 

Happy National Cheese Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a very happy National Cheese Day.  In few minutes, the Old Man and I will have some Brie, pepper jack, along with grapes and crackers to celebrate. Enjoy your cheese today. 

My Favorite Day Of The Year

 Ode To Billy Joe 

It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day
I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was balin' hay
And at dinner time we stopped and we walked back to the house to eat
And mama hollered at the back door "y'all remember to wipe your feet"
And then she said she got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge
Today Billie Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

Papa said to mama as he passed around the blackeyed peas
"Well, Billie Joe never had a lick of sense, pass the biscuits, please"
"There's five more acres in the lower forty I've got to plow"
Mama said it was shame about Billie Joe, anyhow
Seems like nothin' ever comes to no good up on Choctaw Ridge
And now Billie Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And brother said he recollected when he and Tom and Billie Joe
Put a frog down my back at the Carroll County picture show
And wasn't I talkin' to him after church last Sunday night?
"I'll have another piece of apple pie, you know it just don't seem right"
"I saw him at the sawmill yesterday on Choctaw Ridge"
"And now you tell me Billie Joe's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge"

Mama said to me "Child, what's happened to your appetite?"
"I've been cookin' all morning and you haven't touched a single bite"
"That nice young preacher, Brother Taylor, dropped by today"
"Said he'd be pleased to have dinner on Sunday, oh, by the way"
"He said he saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge"
"And she and Billie Joe was throwing somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge"

A year has come 'n' gone since we heard the news 'bout Billie Joe
Brother married Becky Thompson, they bought a store in Tupelo
There was a virus going 'round, papa caught it and he died last Spring
And now mama doesn't seem to want to do much of anything
And me, I spend a lot of time pickin' flowers up on Choctaw Ridge

And drop them into the muddy water off the Tallahatchie Bridge

Update From The Compound

 Yesterday, our very kind neighbor Marvin from across the road came over to ask if we would mind if he came and weed-eated all of the grass and weeds growing up in the cracks on the driveway.  I told him we would be grateful for him to do it.  But he didn't stop there.  After he weed-eated, he came back and sprayed weed killer in the cracks.  But he didn't stop there.  He used his backpack blower and cleared all of the grass off, and also cleared out all of the leaves that were around and under the back porch ramp.  But he didn't stop there.  He cut down a big bush at the end of our driveway that obscured my view when pulling out of the drive, and he also pulled out saplings that had grown in some big flower pots by the ramp.  That prompted me to go out this morning and get two more tomato plants to add to the Large Marge Memorial Garden.  

We have always been so blessed with such good neighbors.  For that, we are so grateful and thankful. 

Mullet Watch

 It's been quite a while since I spotted a good mullet, but I sure enough saw one yesterday at the grocery store.  A little boy came out of the store with his parents, and he was sporting a great mullet.  It looked to have been recently cut, but it was long in the back and short on the front - or as mullet aficionados say, it was all business in the front and a party in the back. 

Flashback Friday

 In our district, all of the high schools had their graduations this week.  I couldn't help but remember my high school graduation in May of 1981.

My Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband loaded up their two little boys in their restored 1955 Cadillac and traveled from California to here just for my graduation.  He drove us all to my graduation, and let me say that with five adults and two kids in the car, there was still room for more.  But I digress.  The graduation was very memorable - before they started handing out the diplomas, they announced the school's four-year business award.  Lo and behold, they called my name.  It was definitely a proud moment.  Our neighbors and my adopted grandparents Alice and Jones were there, along with their daughter and his husband.  When they called my name to get my diploma, I can still remember hearing them clap and cheer.  On the way home from the ceremony, we stopped and got some bags of White Castles, and when we got home, we had the sliders along with champagne.  Yes, I was only 18 but they still gave me a glass of champagne.  Good times. 

Apologies

 I apologize, faithful readers, for not posting for a few days.  There is no real reason for not posting - other than I've had a lazy spell this week.  There's not much newsworthy to report from here at The Compound, so luckily for us that means no drama.  And my Large Marge Memorial Garden is growing!! 

New Product Review

This post should probably be titled "To Me Product Review", but I digress.  I was in WalMart the other day, and as I was walking up the chips and snacks aisle to check out, I passed by the popcorn section and something caught my eye: Orville Redenbacher's White Cheddar Popcorn Seasoning.  The Old Man and I both love good, fresh (key word) cheese popcorn, but the bagged popcorn isn't always the freshest.  For a night-time snack, I popped a bag of microwave popcorn and generously sprinkled the seasoning on it.  Game Changer.  Best of all, it doesn't make your fingers orange like bagged cheese popcorn.   This most definitely receives the TWIT Seal of Approval. 

Thankful Friday

 The Old Man and I are very thankful today.  We got great news yesterday from five friends and family that needed healing.  And by golly they got the healing!  That's about all I can say about that.  

We Dodged Another Bullet

 The weatherazzi had said we would get not one but two rounds of severe weather yesterday.  Luckily we didn't.  We had a good amount of rain and some thunder early yesterday morning, and the same last night after supper.  As I type this, it is gorgeous - sunny and not a cloud in the sky.  That makes for perfect gardening weather later today. 

Update From The Compound

 I am happy to report that the Large Marge Memorial Garden is doing pretty good.  The five vegetable plants are still alive and growing.  I am going to get a couple of tomato plants from a friend up the road and plant them later today.  

Stay tuned. 

We Dodged Another Bullet

 The weatherazzi was right again - they had been talking about a mega storm to come through last night, and at about 9:00 it hit and hit hard.  Once again, we were spared here in this little pocket by the river.  Lightning was wicked and the wind was crazy. A few times, we thought the wind was going to force open the French doors in the family room.  Luckily for us, the was no damage here, and thankfully we didn't have to worry about limbs from Neighbor Nick's trees falling on our house. 

As I type this, the sun is shining brightly on our old Kentucky home. 

Something You Don't See Every Day

After running errands yesterday, I passed by our local ice cream shop.  They had a big sign/flag saying "Hunts Brothers Pizza Served Here."   I know that the majority of the old school ice cream shops sell hot dogs, and more importantly chili dogs, but I've never heard of an ice cream shop selling pizza.  

Bring On Summer

 I took the Silver Bullet to the repair shop this morning to get the a/c recharged for the summer.  I did a quick check through the repair receipts I've kept, and it had been 7 years since we had the a/c recharged.  The repair shop today said that was a pretty darned good record.  I'm glad I did it today - tomorrow and Friday, I have to do some medical transport for a friend having eye surgery, and it's supposed to be almost 90 the rest of the week.  

Bring on summer.  We're ready. 

Happy Kentucky Big Red Day

 On my way home from the monthly Women On Mission meeting from church this morning, I stopped to pick up something from the super Kroger.  I was heading to park the car, and saw a canopy set up by the entrance.  Low and behold, it was the Big Red folks, celebrating Kentucky Big Red Day.  I had planned on getting a 2 liter of Big Red when I went in; I was going to stop to get us White Castles, and of course you have to have Big Red with White Castiles. They were giving away cans of Big Red. I pulled over to the booth, and asked if I could have 2 cans for me and the Old Man.  They immediately gave me two ice cold cans, along with two Koozies, and they also gave me a 12 pack.  Score!!!  What a great Big Red Day this has been!

Manic Monday

 It was a rough morning here at The Compound.  The Old Man and I bumped heads earlier.  After some quiet time to think and pray, all is good now.  

I just went out to water the plants in the Large Marge Memorial Garden, and they are all looking pretty good.

That's about all I have today.

Stay tuned. 

Happy Mothers Day

 

Flashback Friday

 Good

That time I rode a camel.  Good times. 

Update From The Compound

 I can't remember if I told this or not, so if it is a repeat, bear with me because I am getting old and forgetful. When Large Marge left us for the great chicken coop in the sky, the Old Man suggested I use the fenced in chicken pen to put some small potted vegetable plants - a grape tomato plant, a mini-cucumber plant, and a mini-sweet pepper plant.  I should have listened to him instead of assing around and procrastinating.  

When I planted the plants, I put each one in a 12-inch pot.  I kept them on the back porch in places they would get sun.  I did not inherit a green thumb like my parents and grandparents, and the pepper and cucumber plants shriveled up after a few days.  But the tomato plant was growing and looked great and healthy.  I was not going to give up, so I ordered another set of the three plants from QVC and they arrived on Saturday. The instructions said to put them outside for a few days to get acclimated. So when I got home from my Bible study yesterday, I decided to plant them.  I am rewinding a bit: while my Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband were here this weekend, the Old Man asked him if he could do us a favor - if he could get the dolly cart and move a huge plastic pot that was by the back porch ramp to the chicken pen for me to use.  Fast forward to yesterday afternoon.  When I was walking into the house from my Bible study, I stopped on the back porch and moved the pot with the tomato plant out to the landing on the back porch ramp so it could get some sun.  I'd planned to carry it out later to put in the pen.  I changed clothes and headed out to do my planting, and much to my surprise, I saw a squirrel running away from the back porch ramp.  I reached down to pick up the tomato plant only to find that it was gone.  I cussed that squirrel and said out loud "I hope you choke on my tomato plant. "

It didn't take long to get my "garden" ready - I got a small shovel and dug out the weeds from the pot and then churned up the dirt and added some potting soil and carefully planted my three little plants.  Now I just hope they grow.  But they will be protected from heavy rain and more importantly, from squirrels. 

Update On The Old Man

 I am very happy to report that the Old Man got a great report from his annual visit to the heart failure center.  His doctor told him to keep on doing what he's doing, and that she'd see him in a year unless he needs them.  His bloodwork results came back about an hour after we got home, and all of the numbers have stabilized.  For that we are thankful.  

A Day Of Rest

 I'm not ashamed to say the Old Man and I were tuckered out from our long Derby weekend.  I had some errands to run today, and shortly I will go to our favorite Mexican place and get us some chili rellenos to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  

I bought some more tomato, pepper and cucumber plants and are waiting for the rain to stop so I can get out and plant them in the Large Marge Memorial Garden. 

Stay tuned. 

Derby Day Report

 It rained most of the day yesterday, but that didn't make a bit of difference to us.  We started the morning out with awesome big donuts from King's.  After breakfast and coffee, we got down to business and studied our racing forms.  Unfortunately, none of us four won a race all day long.  But we had great food, some adult beverages, and most of all had great laughs and talked about great memories from back in the day.

It was a great Derby long weekend.  We four sure know how to pack in a lot of fun in a few days.

Oaks Day Report

 I am very happy to report that out of the bets made yesterday on Oaks Day, I only lost $4.80.  That makes me a big winner in my book.  The Old Man was feeling good, and we went out for Mexican for an early dinner.  Of course, when we got back, we did have some adult beverages.

More good news to report from The Compound: my Favorite Cousin's Dear Husband was able to get Tiny, aka the red Ranger, started.  He went out this morning before the rain and put the trickle charger on the battery to get it fully charged up.  That having been said, I am selling Tiny this week.  My former boss is going to buy it.  

All in all, it was a very good Oaks Day.  

Thurby Report

I am happy to report we had a great Thurby.  We  ate, drank some adult beverages, laughed and had a great afternoon and evening.  We decided to have Mike Linig's fish for supper and it was great as usual.  Before we went to bed last night, we all spent some time looking over the racing form for the Oaks day races.  I was happy that the rain held off for yesterday's races.  According to the weatherazzi, the folks at the track might no be as lucky today and tomorrow.

Stay tuned. 

Pre-Derby Update

 Our Derby kinfolk will be arriving late afternoon, and we are ready.  Food and adult beverages have been purchased, and the house is clean and tidy for our visitors.  

The Old Man and I have some new duds to wear tonight when we go out for Mexican, so we will both be styling.

As they say here in Louisville, Happy Thurby!

Pre-Derby Update

 I apologize for a delay in posting.  The past few days have gotten by.  The cleaning here is on schedule for our Derby guests to arrive on Thursday evening. Menus have been planned; a shopping list has been made and will be filled tomorrow afternoon; cleaning is almost done.  I'm taking a few minutes now to rest my back after sweeping and then Swiffer Power Mopping the family room, kitchen, dining room and the big bathroom.  I deserve a break. Tomorrow after I get home from BSF, I will dust and then sweep and vacuum. We are on schedule.  

Stay tuned. 

Pre-Derby Update

Things are moving along for our pre-Derby cleaning and prep work.  We have our menu planned our for Thursday through Sunday next week, and other than getting fresh veggies and deli meats and cheeses, I have just about everything bought for our Derby extended weekend party. I like being ahead of the game.  

Stay tuned. 

Pre-Derby Report

 It's hard to believe Derby is a week and a day away.  My Favorite Cousin and her Dear Husband will be heading down next Thursday afternoon to party with us.  So today, I will start the house cleaning and will make a list of food and adult beverages to get before they come.  

Stay tuned. 

Happy Earth Day

 TWIT and I would like to wish you, faithful readers, a happy Earth Day.  I am doing my part today. I will plant a memorial Large Marge garden.  I will use the chicken pen, that gets a lot of sun during the day.  Stay tuned for pictures and updates.  

Good Monday

 It's cloudy and raining, but it is still a good Monday.  I got my federal income tax refund and my second Social Security "check".  I am splurging on a few things for me and the Old Man. We deserve it. 

Happy Easter

 Dolly Parton and I would like to wish you, faithful readers a Happy Easter. 

Dolly Parton - He's Alive - YouTube

Easter Eve

 The more I thought about it today, I remembered that on the first trip to Las Vegas that Diva Stacy and I made, we took the Lil' Traveler with us.  Not sure why, but at the time we thought he needed to be with us in Las Vegas.  Good memories.  

Flashback Friday

 

Happy Thursday

 The happy days continue here at The Compound. The Old Man and I had hair cuts this morning, and it made me beyond happy that his hip and back wasn't hurting when we went out. For that, I sure am thankful.  

Happy Wednesday

 The happiness continues here with me.  At BSF today, I got to visit with some friends that were in my first two years' groups.  It made me even more happy that the first thing that the four of them said was how the Old Man is doing.  That sure warmed my heart. 

Tomorrow is hair cut day, so I'm hoping for a Happy Thursday.

Stay tuned. 

Happy Tuesday

 Today is another happy day here at The Compound.  Me and the Old Man are having no arthritis pain today.  And best news of all, Diva Stacy is back in her home and she has power - so no more cowboy cooking in her fireplace to make coffee or to heat up food.  For these things, we are thankful. 

Happy Monday

 It's been a very happy Monday.  First of all, I got $1.20 off per gallon of gas at Kroger today, which made me very happy.  Then I got my Kentucky state income tax refund.  All in all, it was a very good day. 

Craft Bazaar Wrap-Up

 I am beyond thrilled to report that Carla's Crazy Daisies' first craft bazaar was a big success.  I sold almost $200 worth of my Crazy Daisies.  Everyone I met was so nice and friendly - the customers, the volunteers, and the other vendors.  I learned a few things for the next bazaar.  The woman in the booth next to me told me to download the PayPal and Venmo QR codes for people to use that didn't have cash.  She had a framed sign in her booth of the codes so people could just scan them with their phones.  One of the volunteers (who bought 3 of the ornaments) gave a good suggestion - to put magnets on the back so people could put them on their refrigerator.  I'd not thought of that; because you can never have too many refrigerator magnets.  I also got an idea from another vendor who was selling stained glass pictures.  He had a big rack made of PVC pipe that he hung the pictures from.  I took a picture of it, and am going to make a smaller version to hang my magnets on.  The biggest suggestion I took away from my first bazaar is to bring a cushion for the chair.  The metal folding church chairs are probably the most uncomfortable chairs ever, next to the old school web outdoor chairs.  Other than my back killing me, my first attempt was a great experience.  I can't wait to do it again. 

Wish Me Luck

 

My booth is set up at the Bethany Methodist Church's craft bazaar for tomorrow.   I am happy with the way it turned out.  

I don't really care if sell anything - I can't begin to explain how much fun I have had in the past six months bending, painting and gluing bottle caps into pictures.  This might be a new "career."  

Stay tuned. 

Good News From The Compound

 I am very happy to report that the Ohio River crested yesterday morning and the flood waters are going down.  Luckily, the water down below us just rose to the base of the flood wall.  The weatherazzi says storms will move through right at bed time, but they said they should not be severe. They also said that by Sunday, the Ohio River should be back within its banks.  For that, we are all thankful. 

Ohio Valley Weather Update

 On my way home from a meeting at church this morning, I drove down to the boat ramp to see what the situation was.  The gate is up, preventing people from driving up the floodwall and down to the parking lot.  Good thing, because the upper (main) parking lot was under water.  The big pavilion was almost under water, and the water was almost at the base of the flood wall.  

Stay tuned. 

Ohio Valley Weather Update

 As I type this, the sun is shining brightly on our old Kentucky home!!  Since my report yesterday, our rain total here is 10.8 inches.  There is no rain in the forecast until a 40% chance on Wednesday.   Yesterday afternoon, Neighbor Nick reported that the river had covered the main parking lot down at the boat ramp.  I will say it again - I am thankful for the floodwall. 

Ohio Valley Weather Update

As I type this, it isn't raining.  It's going to start soon, but for now we get a break.  As of this morning, we've had 10.6 inches of rain here at The Compound. I just checked a weather app, and luckily today's rain will be sporadic and will be light - so no heavy downpours or storms today.

The Great Lawn and Waterfront Park downtown are under water, and this caused the cancellation of Thunder Over Louisville that was scheduled for next Saturday.  

Yesterday afternoon, Diva Stacy and her beloved little dog Marley left her house that is right on the river and are staying in an Air BNB on much higher ground.  With the river cresting on Wednesday, she figures that she will have 4 or 5 feet of water in her house before it's over.

I don't think I've ever done this much continuous praying in my life.

The Monsoon Continues

 As of 8:00 tonight, we have had 8.8 inches since this whole mess started on Wednesday.  The weatherazzi says the end is in sight on Monday.  I'm not holding my breath. 

Good Thing I Can Swim

 We had another storm roll through at about 5:00 this morning.  It wasn't severe, just loud.  As of 9:30 this a.m., we have had 5.1 inches of rain so far.  Of course, more rain is coming through early Monday.  Guess I'll swim to the drugstore to pick up a prescription for the Old Man.  

We Dodged Another Bullet

 Stormageddon started rolling through here at about 9:00 last night, and didn't move out until after 1:00. It was rough here during that time, but fortunately for us, we didn't have any tornadoes near us.  I want to give the county emergency management folks a big thank you for the civil defense sirens they put up about a quarter of a mile from The Compound.  You had no trouble hearing them during the storm.

Now we get to have more less-severe storms throughout the next four days, along with a forecasted 7+ inches of rain.

Stay tuned. 

Batten Down The Hatches Again

 I am sorry to report that once again, the weatherazzi says we will have bad ass storms tonight.  They've bumped our area to the "moderate risk" area.  They said the big storm should start to move through the Ville at around 8:00 tonight and should be on through by midnight.  As if that isn't bad enough, another storm front will move through tomorrow, and it will stay right over our area until Sunday.  The weather models predict a total of about 8 inches of rain between tonight and Sunday.  As I felt on Sunday, I'm more worried about the flooding than I am the risk of tornadoes and hail.  

Stay tuned. 

I Miss You, Mom

 Today was my Sweet Mother's favorite day of the year - April Fools Day.  She would get up before I did in the morning, and be ready to get me.  Usually within two minutes of when I walked into the kitchen, she would get me.  I will attribute that to not being fully awake.  But the pranks would continue all day.  She would always catch me off guard.  She would call me at work a time or two and once again, Naive Puddin would fall for it.  

April Fool's Day hasn't been the same without my Sweet Mother. 

We Dodged A Bullet

 We dodged a big bullet last night.  The first round of bad storms missed us, and the second round hit us but it was earlier than the weatherazzi had predicted.  It was pretty bad for about half an hour, with tornado warnings all around us.  But once again, we were safe here in our little spot close to the Ohio River.  We didn't get any of the big hail, either.  

Now to get ready for the monsoon that is supposed to start Wednesday.  As of yesterday morning, the weatherazzi are predicting 6 - 7 inches of rain.  Wish us luck. 

Batten Down The Hatches

 The weatherazzi is calling for big ass storms tonight.  Unfortunately, the Ville is right in the center of the most severe weather, calling for tornadoes and hail.  In Kansas, this storm has already produced 2.5 inch hail.  Hunker down and remember to keep your cell phone charged up today.  

Flashback Friday

 The Old Man and I were watching an episode of MASH the other day.  Col. Blake's wife mailed him her cancelled checks and check stubs, for him to reconcile the checking account for her. That immediately made me think of what happened to cancelled checks?

Of course, the obvious answer is today's technology.  But I remember back in the day when your bank or credit union would mail you the cancelled checks that you wrote in the previous month.  I realize that there is a generation (or two) today that have no idea what I am talking about.  I can vividly remember my Grandmother and Mother at the kitchen table with their checkbook registers (another thing that has gone by the way) and going over the cancelled checks to reconcile their checking account.  And when I had my first checking account, I did the same thing until everything went online.  Today's generation are lucky to have all of this taken care of for them. 

Play Ball

 Today is the Old Man's favorite day of the year - MLB opening day.  I printed out the Reds schedule for the season in a spreadsheet for him to keep track of the games and more importantly, of their wins and losses.  In keeping with our opening day tradition, we will be wearing Reds t-shirts and have ballpark food for supper: hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn and a good cold beer.   Go Reds. 

Welcome Sunny D

A month ago, our neighbors lost their awesome and gorgeous rooster, Duke.  Things were quiet around The Compound until this morning.  As I was walking out to the garage to leave for my BSF group, I heard a rooster crow.  It sounded very very close. I knew immediately it wasn't from the farm a few houses down.  This afternoon, I was happy to find that one of the neighbor's chickens passed adolescence and is a full-fledged rooster.  His crow was music to my ears.  Welcome, Sunny D.   

Updates From The Compound

 The Old Man is happy today - first, because he is over his nasty cold he had for a week, and second, because MLB opening day is on Thursday.  I just printed out the Reds schedule spreadsheet that he follows every game, and we have provisions for our traditional opening day supper - hot dogs and nachos.  It's on.  Now it's just up to the Reds to win.  

What A Great Day This Is

 What a great day this is!!! First of all, the Old Man is over his cold and feels great.  Second, the sun is shining and no rain in the forecast today.  Thirdly, I got my first Social Security "check" today.  Life is good. 

Updates From The Compound

 I am happy to report once more that the Old Man is feeling and sounding better.  I just asked him and he said that other than feeling drained from being sick this week, he feels pretty good.

An update on my Crazy Daisies pictures:  production is still going strong to build up inventory for the April 12 craft bazaar.  Today's project is to screw in cup hooks on a 3-foot piece of 1-by-4 so I can have a way to display the banners.  Stay tuned. 

Flashback Friday

When I was growing up in the 60's (damn, that sounds old) stores and gas stations in our area would give their customers Top Value stamps.  Some stores here gave out S & H Green stamps, but in keeping with the family tradition, we only saved Top Value.

When Dad would put gas in the car, the attendant handed him Top Value stamps.  When we bought groceries, the cashier would give us stamps from a dispenser that sat beside the cash register.  When Mom and Grandma changed purses, a few Top Value stamps would fall out, stuck to a Kleenax or a Certs wrapper. When I would go with my family to get gas or groceries, if I behaved and didn't act up in the store, I would get the stamps.  That was incentive enough to be on my best behavior.  As soon as we would get home, I would run and get the cigar box from underneath my bed that held the priceless stamp books, and the pasting would begin.  I still remember what was at the top of each page - "Paste one single stamp in each of the fifty blocks on this page or paste one Top Value 50 here."  The coveted 50's!! I usually had singles, but they all added up.  I remember how if I didn't move fast enough, the stamps would start to dry after I licked them, and then I'd have to get the glue. You had to be very careful when using the glue, because it would seep through the little perforations on the stamps and before you knew it, you'd glue the pages together. 

When I thought I had "enough" books, Mom and Grandma would take me to the Top Value catalog store, where I could buy something with my books of stamps.  The store clerk carefully inspected the books, counting points per page to catch any attempts to defraud Top Value.  I still have one item I bought with my books of stamps - a shiny copper cookie press. 

Shopping with stamps wasn't the only way to acquire sixtie's era stuff without paying for it.  We had a set of drinking glasses from the gas station whose value rested on the number of gallons purchased.  At today's prices, they should hand out Bacarat crystal.  And we owned quite a few towels that were included in boxes of Breeze detergent, so happily advertised by Dolly Parton on "The Porter Waggoner Show."  People went after this stuff the way kids paw to the bottom of a box of Cracker Jacks looking for "the prize."

I like remembering that I was once so young that my most immediate goal in life was to fill five books of Top Value stamps.  I'd like for things to be that simple again, even for just a little while.