Linda's World

 

 

                     Happy 4th of July everyone!            It's America's 232nd birthday and my grand daughter's 16th birthday.

May we all once again stop and reflect about what went into making America what it is today.  Oh sure, we're not perfect...but millions of people have come here seeking a better way of life so we must be doing something right.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day, whether you just stay home or travel across town or farther to spend the day with family and/or friends. 

 

My grand daughter Meghanne was born ( a few weeks early) on a rainy 4th of July in 1992.  Her brother, Harrison was just 14 months old at the time.  So this grandma got a call early in the morning that I needed to come across town and get him, so his daddy could take his mommy to the hospital.  Like I said....Meghanne was early and had to be delivered by emergency C-section.  Even after my daughter was discharged, Meghanne had to stay behind in the hospital for awhile.  But, we thank God...she was soon released and has grown into a beautiful young lady.

My family has a lot to celebrate on this day......take care and have a safe and sane 4th.........Linda

 

 

lsfp1960 at 11:11:59 PM PDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 14 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

My brother brought back the 2 tickets for the 4th of July fireworks cruise.  They can't use them after all. 

But, I've found somebody who is thrilled about using them.  Stay tuned....more later....we'll for sure have pictures.  I'm excited about the prospect of good....no, very good pictures !!!!

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The weather started to turn sour last night about 9pm with a clap of thunder.  The light's flickered until I finally turned them out & decided to fall asleep.  Through out the night I woke to lightening & thunder but not until this morning did I see the rain that came with it. Now a little after 10:30 in the morning the rain has stopped (right here anyway) but the TV weather guy just interrupted regular programing to pass on a severe weather warning for the people up north east of Seattle. "Lightening, thunder, penny hail to continue for several hours."  I can still hear the thunder off in the distance. 

Meanwhile, I'm continuing to prepare for our Friday, 4th of July adventure.  Bob will bringing the big truck & camper in, we'll get it loaded up and he'll head down to the waterfront area later this afternoon to spend the night.  I guess if the rain continues and it seems likely that it will be miserable to be down there on Friday, he can always leave there in the morning and the grand kids & I won't go down there. You never know...Friday's weather could be absolutely perfect to enjoy the festivities.

 

On another note, it was announced late yesterday that the Seattle Super Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City.  My thought on this ~  good riddance!  Basically it boils down to the fact that Seattle wouldn't spend a bunch of money to upgrade the Key Arena (where they play their games)  to their specifications.  Ahhhhh that's so sad. They're forking over $45 million to the city of Seattle in order to get out of their contract with the city....so why couldn't they upgrade the facility themselves?  Meanwhile the University of Washington has an old stadium in desperate need of updating.  If any money is spent on this sort of facility it should be for the university's stadium.  Heck with those over paid prima dona professional basketball players (the Sonics). 

Ok...I'm off to make a big batch of potato salad.     Linda

P.S. Note to Jimmy ~ yes I can !!

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.........the weather man that is.  Now he's saying that on the 4th we can expect about 71*, some sun & some showers.  So what's it going to be?  I guess a couple of days will tell all.

Meanwhile I went to Fred Meyer today and bought all the necessary food items for our "camp out" down at the waterfront with Bob and my grand kids.  I made a list, checked it twice but forgot the mustard.  I even bought a small birthday cake for my grand daughter who turns 16 on the 4th.  But I forgot the mustard.  I hope I have enough for a little dab in the potato salad I'll be making Thursday and then the hot dogs on Friday.

While I was at Fred's I wandered thru their great garden shop.  I found bedding plants in 4" pots "buy 2 get 1 free." They had some beautiful marigolds and even though I've never been a fan of marigolds I bought some to put in the planters on my little porch/deck off my dining room.  I also got 4 little containers of alyssum.  And some other marigolds and salvia to put out in another area n my front yard.  I was glad I had some $$ left on my Mother's Day gift card so I could add to my flower garden.

I've got the back yard all squared away for the fireworks that will be coming over the fence.  Last night I finished the mowing & used the weed wacker to get the tall grass that's growing along the border between my yard & the one next door.  I watered for awhile out there today and will turn the sprinkler on full blast tomorrow & let it run until late Friday night or Saturday morning.

My sister in law came by this afternoon and picked up the tickets for the 4th of July boat ride.  We decided there's just no way we could make it work.  Bob's camper will be parked & blocked in at a location along one section of the waterfront and the boat departs from another waterway several miles away.  And apparently there's no shuttle service between the two points.  I told her to take lots of pictures.

I think the U.S. Air Force must have received their monthly jet fuel allotment...because they've been doing their "touch & goes" pretty much non-stop the last couple days.   Yesterday the C-17's were flying so low and making so much noise that they were setting off car alarms all over the neighborhood. 

I still haven't heard from the computer fix it place, so I'm hoping they didn't put my P.C. up for adoption.  They said they'd call and let me know what's what but so far nothing.  Well, maybe they said they'd call if they found something different from the diagnosis I gave them.  Now I'm confused.

So that's about it from my little corner of our great big world.  I hope everyone is having a good week....it's almost over.  The holiday weekend is almost here. 

I can't believe I forgot the mustard, it was #1 on the list.

Until next time,  Linda

 

lsfp1960 at 8:35:35 PM PDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 15 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

Yesterday when I got gas, I was using my debit card at the pump.  I was having trouble completing the transaction, so after 4 attempts I pressed the "Help" button on the pump and an employee came out to help me.  Meanwhile, I had swiped my debit card 4 times & entered my PIN number.  Then on the 5th attempt (with his help), I got my $20 worth of gas.  And away I went. 

Well,this morning I looked at my bank account on line and about choked when I saw 4 pending withdrawals for $75 from this gas station plus the 1 for $20.   The lady at the bank explained that with gas prices as they are, if you use a debit card...they are automatically freezing anywhere from $50-$100 to make sure there's money in your account to cover your gas purchase. She suggested that if you are given a choice of "debit"or "credit" at the pump....push the "credit" button so that the amount you pump comes out instantly & they won't freeze an amount in your checking account. 

She also told me that the way the four  $75 amounts are coded, they will fall off tomorrow.  So that was a relief for me. 

So again...if you use a debit card, make sure it runs thru as a "credit."    You learn something new everyday. 

And in today's paper it talks about our gas tax going up 1.5 cents a gallon.  It's the final installment of a 9.5 cents a gallon increase approved by the Legislature in 2005 to pay for "hundreds of transportation projects." (I'm still wondering where those projects are)  Our total state gas tax is 37.5 cents a gallon. 

So far this morning at 10:30am it's overcast and cool....ahhhh refreshing cool air.  The thermometer that read over 95* on Monday is at a cool 58* this morning.  I know some of you are really suffering in the heat...I hope you're able to stay cool and hydrated.   Until next time........Linda

 

 

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Well, you're in luck.  The city of Seattle is getting ready to remove their 5 fancy sidewalk toilets because they have become  havens for "ladies of the evening" and drug users.  They were a great idea for tourist use but the bad apples have ruined it for everybody.  They are stainless steel looking and they self clean when you shut the door after use. 

The toilets will be removed starting August 1st and be auctioned off on eBay...each toilet will have an auction starting price of $90,000.  (that would be ninety thousand).  So count your pennies and start watching eBay in August if your in the market for an outdoor toilet. 

lsfp1960 at 6:52:52 PM PDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 16 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

It's in the high 80's here today, with a really nice breeze.  Last night it got overcast and the wind picked up, so I went out and mowed the front lawn a little after 8pm.  By 10pm the house had cooled off to a comfortable level.  There was a magnificent "light show" to the east of here between about 9pm & 10pm.  The thunder storms they predicted were a reality.  Fortunately it was near the Cascades, so wasn't close to here.  They are saying there may be another thunder storm tonight in the same area.  It wouldn't hurt my feelings if we got a good rain fall overnight.  By Wednesday, I'll have to start my sprinkler in the back yard because the inconsiderate people who live on the other side of the fence from me, let their kids shoot fireworks over into my back yard.  And when it's dry like this, I worry about fire.

I took my P.C. into the shop today.  If it's what I think it is, it will cost $65 to fix.  Either way they will call me & let me know the damage before they complete the work.   I'm just glad I have the laptop.  They said they are attempting to get everything that was brought in thru today, fixed by Thursday afternoon because they will be closed Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

I delivered a couple Avon order's while I was out today, went to the hospital pharmacy & picked up a prescription.  Usually I have them mailed to me but decided to make a trip there so I could have a chance to visit with some of my former co-workers at the family practice clinic near the pharmacy. I also stopped at the newspaper office and picked up the tickets I won for the 4th of July evening boat ride.  After reading over the information that came with the tickets....I'm not sure we'll be able to use them.  The boat departs from a totally different area from where we'll be planted along our city's waterfront.  And unless they have a shuttle running between the two places, the tickets will do us no good.  Tuesday, I will call around and see if there is a shuttle.   Also...there are raindrops on Friday's TV weather forecast.  So it's all up in the air at this point.

Starting tomorrow, July 1st there are some changes here in Washington state .  The toll on the newest Narrow's Bridge goes up by $1.00.  The bridge hasn't even been open a year yet and already they are raising the toll.  Also, the new law regarding cell phone use while driving goes into effect.  They won't stop you if your using your phone while driving, but if they observe you breaking another law or if you get into an accident, you'll get an additional $110 ticket.  And I can't find my Bluetooth thingy.  I may have to buy another one.  Although, I rarely talk on my cell phone while driving.  And another bad thing that happens tomorrow is that our gas tax goes up.  I can't remember the exact amount (I think a couple cents a gallon)  but I believe we have one of the highest gas tax rates in the U.S.  All for roads.....but yet some of the secondary roads have pot holes that a PT Cruiser would get lost in.  (Ok they're not that bad but almost....) I got $20 worth of gas today at a Valero station, regular unleaded at that station was $4.319.  I've seen it at other stations for up to $4.70.

Bob and I watched an interesting movie last night.  It was "Jack and the Beanstalk; The Real Story."  It starred Matthew Modine and was quite good actually.  So I was thinking today about some of the other stories we grew up with and what the "Real Story" movies would be like.  Consider "The Old Woman That Lived in a Shoe; The Real Story"  and "Jack & Jill Went Up The Hill; The Real Story"  and the list goes on.....(I bet Jimmy or DB could come up with some real good versions of these two childhood fairy tales.)

If you haven't already, please stop by and leave your condolences with my dear journal friend Barbara (Confessions of an Angel Waitress)...she lost her mother over the weekend.  Barbara has always been so supportive of others in JLand & now is the time for us to shower her and her family with our loving support,   God Bless you Barbara, know that we are standing with you at this time.

Well that's all for now folks....I have no more news to report at this time.   Until next time.........Linda

 

 

 

lsfp1960 at 6:12:27 PM PDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 12 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

It's 94* in the living room.....I've got a big standing fan going on one side of the room and a small fan sitting on the wood stove, on the other side.  Oh and I turned the furnace summer fan on.  They are all blowing the hot air around.  The sun is hidden by the clouds that are rolling in....the TV weather guy says the hot air will be trapped by the clouds, the humidity will rise and we may have thunder storms tonight.  Tomorrow is supposed to be in the high 80's. 

My dream for perfect weather~maximum high temperature...75*, a nice breeze, rain during the night between 12 midnight & 3am, never colder that 45*.  

Gabi has been laid out either on the kitchen floor or the wooden entry way all day.  Once again I have suggested several times that she might consider taking off her fur coat but she just stares at me.

I tried working outside earlier in a shady part of the front yard, but even that was too hot.  I did however manage to get a few of my roses dead-headed before I gave up and came back in the house. 

It's time to get out the Christmas CD's......"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....."

Hope everyone has had a good weekend.  And that it's not too hot where you are.   Until next time, Linda

 

 

lsfp1960 at 6:26:57 PM PDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 13 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

I was on line this morning...then logged off AOL while Bob & I went and had buffet lunch at a nearby Casino (no I didn't gamble).  After that we stopped at a couple garage sales, then he went to Wal Mart...I sat in the car with the AC going.  I came home,tried to log on and got nothing!  The monitor screen was blank, the PC was powered on so I turned it off hoping it would re-boot the unit.  Then it wouldn't turn back on. So after sending Robin a text message (like she could help me all the way in Florida)  I put out a frantic call to my son in law & grandson and after their dinner they came over. They tried in vain to get it to come on.  So they finally disconnected the millions of wires & cords going into the back of the unit and we hooked up my laptop.  Monday morning, I'll be at the P.C. repair shop and hopefully it won't cost me an arm & a leg.

My intention was to show you all what I got at the last garage sale ~for free.  The nice lady there even helped me "gather it" together.  I have pictures and will show you, when my computer is back in working order.  

It was very warm here today, too hot !!!  But don't let Bill know I was complaining...ok?   

So that's what's going on here....it's hot & my 'puter is broke. It's a sad state of affairs.

 

lsfp1960 at 9:57:25 PM PDT Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 14 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

The TV weather guy claims by Sunday we'll see temperatures up to 90° (notice how I made that degree sign?) and the bad thing is Bill (justplainbill) says he doesn't want to hear me complain about warm weather so my lips are sealed. At least for today. LOL

I have accomplished very little today so far, other than making a bunch of business related phone calls, that I've been putting off.  I had 5 places I needed to call about this or that and I finally took the time to do it. Oh and I've done two loads of laundry. Oh and I vacuumed the whole house & scrubbed the floors in both bathrooms.

When it cools off a little, I'm going to go out & mow the front lawn.  The dandelions are getting tall again. The back yard is not too bad because I don't water it as much as the front lawn....no one sees it if it turns brown, except the Air Force pilots going over my house all day long. 

I've had quite a few comments & emails about my eBay business.  The links to my eBay site as well as my Avon site are on my sidebar.  Under the heading "Favorite Sites." I am going to be re-listing a lot of stuff in the next few days.

Our dear friend Sugar started a new thing today in her journal. And she welcomes anyone to join in. So I will do my part.

 

My contribution; Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

2 cups sliced strawberries, 2 cups bite size pieces rhubarb, mix in ¼ cup Minute Tapioca, 1 ¼ cup sugar (I have used Splenda~works great) Let mixture stand for 15 minutes then scoop out into a prepared pie crust (either your own or one from the store).  Dot with 1 tablespoon butter and put top crust into place, crimping edges. Cut some vent slits in the top, sprinkle granulated sugar over the top and bake in preheated 400° oven for 45-50 minutes.  Cool and enjoy with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.   Yummy !!!

 

 So easy even some of the guys could do it. This recipe is on the back of the Minute Tapioca box too.  I think I hear a strawberry rhubarb pie calling my name. 

Until next time, have a wonderful Friday evening...Linda

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