Weather folks are talking snow in Dallas - some even infer snow here in Houston but I seriously doubt it - although it has snowed 4 times since the turn of this century where as the last century it snowed twice in Houston - Now in Austin probably since it is away from the Gulf Coast.

Just about have all my Christmas taken down - two wreathes without boxes that I'm not sure if a plastic sack will be enough - trying to decide if I should just throw out the batteries from the tiny indoor tree or save them - they would probably be more than half used.

Keep reading how in order to save many today are cooking once a month and freezing a variety of meals - not sure I would want to go through all the work to gather for an entire month but I really need to look at having a weeks worth of meals in the freezer from my own cooking rather than buying frozen meals - Amazon has 10 containers with lids freezer to microwave for $11.something that I'm thinking I should just go ahead and get them committing me to cooking a larger or double chicken and veggies or a larger pot of stew. I think the reason I have not done this before is I've been so focused on unpacking and putting things in their new home - deciding where that new home should be located is more than half the battle. I think I'm about ready to branch out now and just start living... a few shelves and closets need organizing where I just stuffed things to get them out of the way but organizing shelves and closets is a regular task moving in or not...

Haha writing this and I figure things out tra la... wishing y'all a tra la moment today - made me smile and hopefully one of those moments happen so y'all can smile...

I've been having trouble with my computer all day.  I don't know if this message will post but I'm going to try. If it does, I'm going to head for the haystack as soon as I finish up some chores and see if it works in the morning.  I hope you all have a peaceful night's sleep and a good day tomorrow.  And that's all I'm going to type.  I hope this works!

HOORAY!!!

Good morning..

Another chilly morning  with a temp of -1°. Good day to stay inside and keep warm.  Many things to do just need to pick one...

MG, our van needs a washing but until the weather warms up is is not happening.

Jane, hope your computer behaves today.

Patricia, I would really like some warmer weather......not hot just warmer that when you go out your breath doesn't  freeze in front of you.

Barb, I am finding when I cook extra then vacuum seal it  a meal is quick to make. Just pop it in the micro/airfryer or a pot of hot water to heat up...depends on the food which one is choosen.

Time to get the day started.

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Good Morning!  The computer still seems to be working!  I have a casserole in the fridge to bake for supper and Cooper has been fed and had his walk in the icy weather.  Right now it's up to 22 degrees with a "feels like temp of 7 degrees.  It was even colder when we went for our first walk this morning!

Christy is coming up from Maryland today.  She's supposed to text me when she's on the way and she hasn't texted yet.  Cathy will be picking me up for a dr. appt. this afternoon and my guess is, that Christy will be on the way after lunch. 

AMY, I'll take the warmer temps too.  I'm ready for Spring!  I have decided tha I do NOT LIKE WINTER! 

I guess I better get back to work.  Things have to be done whether we feel like doing them or not!  I wish you all a good day.  Make it your own in every way!  Do whatever suits your fancy and if that turns out to be NOTHING, that's fine!

Good idea Amy vacuum sealing a meal - forgot I have a vacuum sealer - just now getting to the point where I am living again rather than existing while unpacking - haven't really cooked during these last 2  years and need to review what I own - when I moved I tossed so much and then replaced some of it when Amazon had their annual sale soon after I moved in and forgot what I purchased... Here I was going to buy plastic containers that went from freezer to microwave and I don't have to do that at all - as you say, just use the vacuum sealer.

Good late morning,its been busy with feeding Farrah, meet and greets and a grocery run all by 11.55.

Amy, our cold spell is over with yesterday and today well into the pluses. No humidity, no snow during the cold and now the weekend into Monday has icy rain in the forecast. Since we've gone from never having icy rain to it becoming common this year, you have to wonder if this is a new normal.

I've never used a vacuum sealer, I use those borosilicate glass dishes with multiple sizes and the snap on lids. They go from freezer to table to fridge safely and easily. I used to meal prep when I was married and then before I retired.

Now, my freezer is stuffed and I need to pull everything out, inventory the contents, eat what I have and go from there. I eat so little even compared with only a few years ago. My mindset is get what you can, when you can because you may not always have a ride, this leads to too much.

Barb, I did my first de-clutter in 2013 when I retired and periodically since then. The only issue I have is there is no shop for those who cannot always afford office or interview clothes. I have several blazers, scarves and skirts that I would love to donate to such a place but the one we had closed long ago.

Since then I've tried to follow the one in and one out rule. My apartment has two walk-in closets and a small storage room at the end of the hall that I tend to stuff and then clear out each subsequent de-clutter. I keep telling myself I don't need anymore but that self doesn't always listen.

OH Patricia we could be twins in everything you said  - with groceries delivered I've ended up with the same mindset - I might need it and there is no quick run to the store without it costing me, between tip and cost of a shopper $15 and so like you I get too much and after a few days hope against hope I can eat it all and also like you, saying I'm going on a no spend month or half year then I keep finding excuses to shop when I see what would be helpful or would make a great gift and oh it's on sale or it hardly cost anything...

My weakness is books and I've too many - some, yes, I want to refer to as I read other books but all the knitting and outdoor books is really from another life - first need to get these closets, shelves and the office desk organized and then like you a clear out -

I like to have a box or two for the Disabled Veterans - they come by every other month or so. They do send out a postcard saying when they will be on the street and all I have to do is call or email but as long as I'm giving that is the group I feel compelled to support.

That is the group I ended up giving most of my professional clothes to - even if they have a storefront and sell them I feel they are getting the profit and someone is wearing really nice things that many probably have no clue there original value -

Once I got past hanging onto things because of their value or some because how much or long I had to save to make some of those purchases - it got easier - the other that helped is being aware after I die my stuff will be either donated or trashed and so I might as well be the one to decide where to donate - None of what I have will have meaning - we lived at a different time when craftsmanship was even evident in a purchased blouse much less slips that no one wears any longer.  I also notice they no longer business appropriate dress as we did as recently as 10 years ago - I think Covid changed a lot of that. I'm just hoping my good Geiger skirts and short jackets did not end up in a garbage pile in Africa or Indonesia. If so, I guess since we disintegrate after our life is lived then so too will many of our things. Talk about coming to terms with our life, Blowing in the Wind

Good morning..
We didn't get the snow yesterday and there is no snow in the forcast....just cold weather.

Need to make some inquiries  as two more requests came in for quilts, one is fine but the direrctions for the other are not.

Barb,my vacuum ssealer saves a lot,no freezer burnt meats and a meal ready in minutes.

Patricia, I buy when sales are on  but like you need to pull apart the freezer to see just what all is there.

Jane, I am with you on wanting Spring, I love Spring a new birth on everything.......but the bugs aka sketters and blackflies can stay away.


Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Some years back I saw something about what happens to our throw-away/donated clothing when it gets sent to Africa. Some of it is picked up and resold in the street markets, but a lot do go to the dump. The pictures that have stuck with me are of resourceful women and children sifting through the piles for colorful pieces were then cut into strips and patches, then sewn into colorful skirts, shifts and what-not.

In my pile of crafting books and articles (not all made it to the apartment, however) I had instructions for cutting down and making interesting things from worn clothing. From rag rugs, and quilts, to patchwork items like vests, to purses and cup holders made from jeans.

Good morning, Amy, et.al.

I was going to say  Good "Morning" but I'm changing that to Good Afternoon!  My visit to the chiropractor this morning was very successfu!  She took care of me and then she and my daughter Christy had a great visit.  Christy used to work for her and they've been friends both bofore and after that time. 

Now I'm going to make this one a shorty because Christy is still here and she's leaving tomorrow.  I want to visit as much as possible before she leaves!  I wish you all a great rest of the day.  Do whatever suits your fancy!

Good late morning at 11:15. I've been busy with meet and greets, feeding Farrah and myself, making needed calls and guzzling black coffee. My cold seems to be on the  mend but several symptoms are doggedly hanging on.

Barb, the majority of my working life was unfortunately spent in hotel and retail middle management which I don't recommend as a career path. I usually work late afternoon into evening or all nighters which is still an influence on me.

You mention books, I have hardbacks in both cooking/recipes and home organization and on my Kindle for escapism.
Which is important, I'm on my fourth Kindle and Amazon has taken to sending me, Christmas cards...

I've taken seriously the one in and one out rule and no more clothes! My gullibility is home organization and de cluttering and I've come to the point of being full with that as well. I see something bright and shiny and my heat speeds up and my head starts shaking no and my stomach doesn't know whether to be good, going with the brain or appeasing those heart strings.

MG, you and my mother would have been soulmates per fabric ideas!

Amy, I wish I had your energy and commitment. Even if I write a weekly or daily list on the fly, it may take the entire week to finish instead of the day or two I imagine.  That freezer is still waiting and hopefully is first on tomorrow's agenda. I'm wishing both of us luck!

I had to come by and see what you were all up to but I'm heading off to bed when I finish here.  Christy is watching a movie on TV and I don't have any idea what it's about.  I've already fallen asleep twice in about a half hour.  And Cooper will be here a bit before 6 tomorrow so I'll have to be up and attem and ready for him! 

Frankie was over this afternoon to give him a bath and she spent some time  visiting with her mom!  That was a nice time!

I'm ready to throw in the towel and konk out for the night.  I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a great day tomorrow!  Make the day your own in every way and let us know how you did that.  We might copy you! 

Fell asleep on the sofa again watching TV and now can't get to bed - turned to news which is full of the California Fires and now they have people setting more fires on purpose as they ransack empty houses some of which are all ready on fire - this is surreal as we see the worst of man's behavior running rampant - reminded me of stories vaguely remember from the Bible where Israel was engulfed in flames -

I cannot imagine how this entire area of California completely destroyed is going to affect all of us - certainly the movie industry will take a further hit but with so many average middle class families now homeless and their home insurance only pulled a couple of weeks ago - one thing the wealthy but the news is not speaking to the middle class whose home was passed down in the family purchased back when homes were still affordable in California. But what is really base is looting from people who have already suffered - I can't believe I'm witnessing all this on top of hearing from my daughter again earlier this evening as she continues to share the devastation to families in her area of North Carolina.

I m trying to focus on my little area of the world where my life is centered which is all I can actually affect - it is difficult - the TV is full of one horror after the other, from weather, to wars, to unbelievable criminal behavior from those who we expected better, random murders and now these gut wrenching disasters. I'm finding it difficult to ignore all this with lively music or reading or watching a riveting or cozy movie. I guess all I can do is pray - that is it, yes, I just want to feel better but then all the wounded people will not feel better for a long time.

One thing I realize people will take advantage of whatever they can for their own ends and some will do it without thought for those they affect or for the laws that help control and foster reasonable behavior. 

Well one more day of this cold front and then a warm up - maybe that is all I need is a change in the weather 

Good morning..

Starting off at - 2° , with talk of snow later this evening. Busy day ahead pick up meds then home to take the garbage away.Need to figure out something for supper tonight.

Watched the news and saw the fires,such devistation and I wonder how anyone comes back from all this. Those that pillage the empty homes should be dealt with harshly..not just a slap on the wrist.

Jane, enjoy  your time with Christy!

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

Too much sad news.  Barb, We'll keep the Movie business going for you. My Home Town is now calling itself "Hollywood On The Hudson". Currently a couple of Studios are building facilities here. Some movie and TV stuff already done. The bad part is that they are grabbing old, beautiful, parts of the City and putting up massive concrete structures. Wait till everyone realizes we have a problem providing water and sewer services to cover the new structures.

I have my own feelings about looters of those burned out homes - but feel better not posting them.

We're starting out at 20° and sunny bright.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  It's still dark out there but Cooper will be along in about a half hour.  I have my breakfast in front of me and I hope I have it eaten by the time he shows up.

Christy has gone home.  She's supposed to have a class on beekeeping today and I wonder how that will go!  It's also supposed to be snowing where she lives in Maryland!  Then she'll be back to take me to her house and a also for a short visit with my 91 year old sister who lives not too far from her.  I don't get to see my sister much any more so it will be a nice visit all around!

Today I'll be finishing the laundry and getting my packing started.  I'll also be looking after Cooper.  I wish you all a great day.  Make it your own in every way!  I also am worrying over the bad weather that has hit parts of the country.  Not much I can do about it but worry.  I do hope things improve!  People sometimes don't help they hinder but we can always hope!

Try to enjoy your day!  It's important to you!

Good morning..
We has rain last night then it turned into snow. I may just leave what little fell so we have something to walk on other than ice. Looking after Callie cat today, trying to get  her to eat is a full time job. She may eat salmon or sardines one day but not the next.
Laundry day and making a pot of soup and any other chore I may have to do.

Patricia, FWIW I didn't get the freezer cleaned out.....procrastination?

Jane, you have a busy time ahead of you.

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

We'rre starting off with about an inch of white out there - unexpected.I think it has stopped so I will wish for some solar snow removal.

Rick, our snow was 3+ and the dance is done. Thankfully it was easy to move...everything is done out front out back and me!

Good late morning, while my cold is disappearing, so is my energy. I did get a few things done, even, sorry, Amy, my freezer. I went to all the people who keep bringing me stuff and gave it all to them. I made sure to get out of there fast. A sort of pass and go, hit and run routine.

Our cold spell left last week. We've been in the twenties most of the week, today is thirty three presently and Sunday's high is to be 45. Tuesday and Wednesday will be snow days according to the forecast. We had our icy rain in the latter part of last week.

Meet and greets went well enough, everyone has been under the weather and growly with it.  Farrah has been happy this week now that her treats are back. So far she accepts that if she doesn't finish her tablespoon of wet food, she gets no treats. Her cup of dry food takes her four or five days to get thru.

The vet says older cats and dogs aren't as active similar to older people so they simply don't eat as much and it takes patience to get them to eat what they should. I understand how she feels and don't eat as I used to either.

Today is packages day and I'm accepting a meals on Wheels for one neighbor and a food box for another. These are two of the group that received some of yesterdays shock and go food deliveries of my own. I have two Amazon deliveries of my own coming today or Monday, some books and a new type of cat treat.  Then later next week back downtown for returns and some other errands.

Jane, you're so busy with Cooper, walks, and friends and family, I envy you.

Amy, procrastination and I are old friends. I used to have a daily cleaning schedule and now if it's done once a week I'm happy. My morning routine is enough most days.

Rick and any others stopping by, I hope you have a great day as you like it.

Where has the time gone - here it is after 1:30 in the afternoon already - appears we may be one of the few areas in this state that did NOT get even a sprinkle of snow - today is not as cold as the last few days and where there is no spike it is the start of the warmup.

Since it is much more humid here than living all those years in Austin I did not follow my usual during a cold spell of keeping a pot of water cooking on the stove with cloves and a cinnamon stick - with all the heat I decided to do it yesterday all day and I think it was a good thing - when the furnace caught up and stopped for a bit the moisture seemed to hold the warm air a bit longer plus my sinuses were not plugged up - may do it again this evening as it gets colder.

Here y'all are cleaning out freezers which is a nudge for me - not my freezer but my frig - what I really need to do is make a large pot of whatever soup.

First I really need to write a couple of letters that are long overdue - one to my cousin who is a year younger and now in a nursing home - not happy - none of her 6 kids have a life that they could take her in and she recently had a serious heart attack followed by a stroke so that she needs care - She misses all her 'things' and in order to swing the cost they had to empty her home in a week and sell it so the speed of the change I think is more than likely a big contributor to her feeling abandoned. And then I owe a letter to my old neighbor in Austin - we miss each other and she updates me on the construction of where my house was - they took it down to the slab and are building a 2 story in its place that took them forever to start - they may have finished in time for the holidays but I don't know till we talk.

Strange feeling learning the house you lived in for 55 years no longer even exists - We had it built and so we were the only family that lived in the house - a couple of houses from my youth no longer exist - strange to realize only our memory keeps things alive

With all the cold I brought in my Christmas Cactus which surprise surprise is still blooming up a storm and then, they were getting rid of Cyclamens before Christmas, selling them for would you believe $1.41 - I thought at that price even if it only lasts a week or two - well I fed it a spoon of Epsom salts and a spoon of sugar which allows a plant to absorb nourishment from the soil it is planted in and where there were a couple of buds not only have they bloomed but it has put out more and more buds - I've never been good with indoor plants and this is my daily surprise blooming up a storm in my kitchen.

Sounds like everyone is doing their thing - tra la... have a good one...

Well, I'm off to the haystack!  Everything is done for today except the last eyedrops.  My timer on my phone is set and as soon as it goes off and I can do the eyedrops, I'll be in the haystack!

I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a great tomorrow.  Cooper will be here a bit before six so our day will be off to an early start.  I'll be in to greet you whenever the time allows!

[/b]Good Morning Everyfriend!

Good morning..
Starting off a little warmer at 17° and no new snow to deal with.

I didn't get that pot of soup on the roll ,so today it is! Not  sure if it will be beef barley or meatball bean soup. Oh these culinary decisions!

Cutting up more fabric this afternoon and then just coasting the day in.

Enjoy your day and stay safe.

We had broccoli cheese soup delivered from Panera last night for a
warm supper on a very cold evening.  So good!

Winter has come to the South.   So cold and supposed to be this way for the next several days.  Warm house, furry throw, hot tea and soup...these are a few of my favorite things.     

Special Weather Statement issued January 12 at 1:56AM AKST by NWS Fairbanks AK

A strong chinook will bring strong winds and very warm air across the Alaska Range today. Some of these winds are expected to make it to the Fairbanks area with gusts of 30 to 40 mph being possible Sunday and again on Monday as winds go from southeast to southwest. This pattern will bring unseasonably warm to near record temperatures from Fairbanks to Delta Junction today.

Expected high temperatures in the valley are expected to be up near the low 40 degree range with the Fairbanks Hills possibly as high as the mid to upper 40s. Places near the Alaska Range such as Delta Junction will also push into the mid to upper 40 degree range.

For reference, the daily record maximum temperature for Fairbanks today is 39 degrees.

Strong winds could cause tree limbs to fall along with localized power outages around the Fairbanks area since there remains some limited snow on trees. Road conditions could be impacted with temperatures above freezing today, and then refreezing overnight Sunday.

© 2025 National Weather Service

Plus 42 presently with an expected low of plus 27.

Well, I got a lot done today and I'm tired all the way up the gazoo and all the way down past my toes!  Cooper is spending the night and he's already in bed and he's told me twice already that it's time to hit the haystack.  I think I'll take his advice!  I see you all in the morning!  I don't have to set the alarm so I'm just taking my chances!  We shall see!  Good night Everyfriend.  Sleep well and wake refreshed! 

Sorry to read about the cold temperatures many of you are having.  It is bad when you have the freezing temperatures and do not get any moisture with it. 

Sadly, I heard on the news that the LA area had not had any moisture in 8 months....that is frightening. It is extremely dry here in Arizona as well and they are warning people to be prepared for fire happening here like the ones in CA😩

Our family in the south sure are not enjoying the cold weather and snow.

We are enjoying our time here. Saturday we attended our 6 year old grandson's basketballl. I did not expect it to be nearly as fun to watch as it was‼️

I can't seem to keep my eyes open so I will say goodnight‼️

ENJOY a good week EVERYFRIEND.

Good Morning Everyfriend! DENVER, how nice to come in and see a post from you.  I for one, miss you when you don't stop by!  You must really be enjoying being around your family members! 

When I finish my coffee, I'll be heading back to the bedroom to get dressed, make the bed and get ready to take Cooper for a walk as soon as it's light enough!  I'm not in favor of all this darkness!

I wish you all a great day!  Make it your own in every way!