Post-op Visit

I had my post-op appointment with my ob/gyn doctor early in the morning a few days ago and we just chatted. I doubt I could have stood him viewing his handiwork anyway. The day after surgery was his planned vacation to the East Coast. He had given me his cell phone number before he left with specific instructions that I was to call him if any problem arose but I wasn't about to interrupt his vacation. When I went into ER, that doctor had no such compunctions, however. She was a feisty little thing and I immediately liked her.

Anyway, she caught him in a cooking class in North Carolina. I think his wife planned this event for him. Initially, he didn't want to go but then he was glad because he learned how to make the perfect pie crust. He likes to bake and Tomato Pie was something he wanted to try.

His lesson taught him to use high protein flour—cake flour—and lard. Butter has too low a melting point but lard/Crisco shortening doesn't so it gives the pie its flakiness without melding the layers together. Interesting conversation. I really like him. I did tell him I'd want a piece of a pie he baked however.

I told him my family history about not liking to take pain killers and he said he and I had similar histories in regards to them but he told me I definitely needed to keep taking them. So I'm on my third week of pain killers as I write this. I'm pretty loopy most of the time. I write down every single time I take a pill so I won't forget but hubs takes good care of me since he's home with me all the time. (A positive side of being retired!)

But that day since we were already out, I told him let's pop over to WM and get a few things. After several minutes in the store I started getting woozy and nauseous and informed hubs he'd better get me out asap. He did. I went home, took a pain pill, parked my hiney on the living room sofa and stayed there for a couple of hours.

Then towards the afternoon I asked him to take me to Joanns Fabrics as I hadn't been there in months and had some ideas rolling around in my head that needed a visit to Joanns to set my plans in motion. I'll post pictures of what I got and what I'm doing with some of it very soon. He did and I was fine. I do think I was a bit too aggressive with the activity that day, however.

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Another exquisitely and stunning white bedroom.

A small balcony made gorgeous with flowers and pillows. I really do like this inviting space.

I have wanted one of these carpet bags for about a year now but just cannot bring myself to pay the prices they want for these. This one is one of my favorites though.

A cute vintage and rustic Hoosier cabinet.

Beautiful blues along with pink and a rosie red rug.

Collection of vintage china. I'd take any one of those plates and be happy!

Some tulip eye candy for you.

Just a beautiful old building somewhere in Europe from the looks of it.

A coffee grinder made glam.

A table setting to colorful to pass up.

Simple white canvas with splashes of pink color. Delightful.

I don't know why this little cottage intrigued me but it did. Just quaint, neat, colorful and delightful to look at.

I wouldn't mind doing dishes in this charming kitchen.

Azaleas and rhododendrons always remind me of Virginia. They don't grow especially well here in the deserts but I'd love to be able to have some here. Too dry.

Stunning arches with ivy trim.

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Linking with The Dedicated House.

On Being Famous

As I've stated before, we moved to this town of about 90,000 to get out of a very small (5,000 population) town as I realized after a few years I was not a small town girl. I've lived in large cities most of my life. I feel a certain safety living in anonymity. Small duck in a large pond instead of a large duck in a small pond. I've always felt that way. I cannot explain what originally led us to move to a small town but we did, which led us to here.

So several months ago I received an invitation to have my house photographed for a famous magazine. While it was very flattering, I decided to not accept their offer.

Then again a few months ago another magazine contacted me with the same offer. Again, I said no, thank you. I was again flattered. But I'm not sure I want the fame that comes with that or the trouble and anticipation of doing an actual photo shoot. While I splash all kinds of photos on this blog, there is still some anonymity for me, which brings me to a recent tragedy in Colorado. Horrible, horrible thing to happen to those innocent men, women and children.

I have read some of the articles of what people thought would make a man kill that many people in a theater. Some said it was the fault of guns. Nope, I don't think so. We have guns and have never shot anyone and if someone sane with a gun had been there that night I think fewer people would have died. I believe he is mentally unbalanced, plus it was his quest for fame. (Remember, for us, the desire to have guns comes from being robbed 3 times and walking in on 2 guys, one who came at me with a screwdriver. Hubby subdued him but it was absolutely terrifying for me to face a man with a potential weapon. Never again!)

Hear me out.

We have instant gratification now with iPhones and cameras recording every single act we can photograph. These people have serious psychological problems. Their quest is fame. We see it all around us every single day on news sites, youtube, facebook and it's getting ridiculous. I hate what social media has become. A faux pas moment can instantly be caught and sent around the world in mere seconds to the embarrassment of the person being photographed. That gets the photographer FAME. And the ones being photographed fame also, but most of the time it's embarrassing or criminal fame. If the media didn't bring the acts to everyone in the world, then it might stop. I certainly don't know, but I doubt that's going to happen. News is news to stations fighting for ratings. Sad, very sad. My heart just crumbled for those people facing such a situation. I know, however, that my hubs would protect me with his very own life should this happen. He carries a gun and while the decision to use it would wrack him with grief, I know he'd take that chance to save his or his family's lives.

I have used my camera phone one time and only once. It was a shopping situation where I had to send a photo of an item to a friend to see if it was something she wanted me to buy for her since she lives about an hour's drive from shopping. I don't text; I talk on my phone. I'm one who wants to hear their voice and emotions. And yes, my kids get on me all the time about not texting but I just won't succumb. I don't need to. I've lived without texting for 70 years and so have billions of other people. I don't think we need it as much as others think we do.

So bottom line on this is: I'm not itchin' to become famous. I love my privacy and anonymity much more.
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This is another “dream bedroom” of mine. I think it’s gorgeous.

Another beautiful one I adore. I think it’s the dripping linens on the bed that drew me to this one however.

I like the duvet in this one a lot.

This looks like it’s in Europe somewhere. I love my backyard but I could get used to living here for a while, maybe summers here. No backyard neighbors. ☺

I try to avoid stairs at all costs anymore but I do love this look. The wisteria would smell so good though.

A little rental in France.

I think these are the prettiest afghan pillows I’ve ever seen. Just love all the colors she’s used.

A serene place to rest.

If you’re inclined to vacation like this then this would be an excellent spot to do it.

I would LOVE to have a tub like this in our backyard. It’s secreted so no one could see you and that’s what I’d like. Oooooh, this really speaks to me.

What a darling room with all white cushions and pink roses for a touch of color. Fabulous.

This shower I could see in my backyard also. Taking a shower out here in the summer would be a lot of fun.

I cannot possibly see anyone sleeping like this. I’d get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, step off and kill myself flopping to the floor below. This is just not kid-friendly and I think the owner should be smacked for letting a kid sleep on it. Can you imagine?

Another interesting place to dream.

Isn’t this cute?! I love how it’s decorated.

This is the most interesting pantry I’ve ever seen. I still think I’d put doors on it though. Very pretty.

Ooooooh, yeah. In a heartbeat!!!!!

And a perfect farmhouse for all you wanna-be farmers out there.

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Linking up with At the Picket Fence and French Country Cottage

Laundry Rooms 2

A few thoughts before I show you these gorgeous laundry rooms and accoutrements.

Why is it when a hubby retires all of a sudden my cabinets and pantry need rearranging? Or I can't cook?! I've done these things for him—even while maintaining a job—for over 51 years. It's getting out of control around here and I'm going to have to put my foot down, perhaps on HIS foot. ;-) I love keeping my home...MY way.
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One of the reasons for my recent surgery involved birthing 9 pound babies. Our daughter was 9 lbs. 1 oz. She was also 23" long. Hubs told someone the other night she was 24". I said, No, she was 23" and he looked at me and said, "I was there." I looked at him and said, "No, you weren't. You dropped me off at the hospital and returned the car we had to borrow to get there. But I was definitely there and have the birth certificate to prove it." I had to call him on the phone and tell him she had arrived. Father's memories, hah!
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Why should we have to tip at the ice cream parlor? They scoop up an ice cream cone and hand it to me after I've waited in line for several minutes. They get a wage. And at almost $9 for 2 dishes of ice cream I don't think I should have to tip. Same with buffets. I do all the work except clean up the table. Wait. Sometimes, we even do that! You want a tip, give me some real service. And I tip restaurants nicely for good service also.
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It is not from the benevolence of the butcher or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from a regard to their own interest. Greed was what compels every business to serve its customers. It's what has guaranteed the best product at the best price. I pay premium prices for the best meat and expect my butcher to sell me the best quality and if, after cooking, it doesn't measure up, then I take the receipt back and expect either money back or another piece of meat. It hasn't happened often, but it has happened and I've been compensated with a smile. That's what good companies do and good customers expect.
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My hubs has often not heard my yes or no answer to a question or has misinterpreted it. I now answer right or correct to his question.

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I loved this little sign when I saw it and have no doubt you'll also drool over it. Your hubs could make it easily for you.

Small, economical and it works!

This also is tiny and can work well.

We need a new laundry hamper and I'm leaning towards one like this. Looks sturdier than the one we have now.

The color is what drew me here. You can tell, right?

Small, tidy, efficient and could also be done in a garage laundry area.

Okay, so some megabucks people live here and it would be a waste of space for me but it sure is pretty for the maid when doing laundry.

Cute and colorful.

Even getting back to basics can be cute and updated!

I've always liked the idea of pretty containers for laundry soap in my laundry room.

Just too much room for me and th' hubs but it looks like they've adapted it to gift wrapping also. This room has more cabinet space than I have in my whole house!

I'd love to have that soap dish and container hanging on the wall. Cute and practical.

A homeowner revamped her basement to make it user-friendly and pretty when she has chores to do down there. She's hidden all kinds of pipes and ugly walls with just curtains. Works magically. Lovely.

Small, elegant and cute.

Part of a laundry room. I like how the owner used the door knobs as holders though.

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Answering the Front Door

The flowers in this mosaic are all from my gardens.

The winner of the giveaway is Olivia of Olivia's Romantic Home. She's been notified and is very excited! Olivia, I've told you before that you have one of my favorite names. I also want to thank you for joining in. The ribbon tree, Living Beautifully book and coffee filter roses have truly found a darling home in which to live, Sugar!
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We have a security system in our home. We had one in California and after several years here, I decided to have one installed in our new house. Just a precaution after a bit of a scary experience once when hubs wasn't home. The security system was installed by a professional. We installed cameras where I can see who is on our property around the house. Very simple and easy to do. The significant fact here is that hubs is gregarious and I'm not. He chats up anybody!

Anyway, sitting here in my office/computer room or sitting in our living room are 2 small (by today's standards) 19" televisions I purchased at a thrift store for $10 and $15 a piece. I don't have to answer my door if I don't want to. And I don't if I don't recognize the person at the door. There's also a sign out front that says: 'Absolutely Positively No Soliciting of any kind!!!' You'd be astounded at the people who cannot read! I've been thinking of adding 'And we've found Jesus', but if they can't read the first part then why would I presume that they could read the second part either. Sigh.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, the doorbell rang. Hubs was in his office and can't hear the doorbell in there. I looked at the TV and it wasn't anyone I knew. I went in to ask th' hubs if he recognized the man out front with a clipboard (Does this not scream solicitor?!). He said no, but he was edging toward the door. I stopped him immediately because 1) He's a sucker for any sales pitch, especially if it's a woman. 2) He'd invite anyone in just to chat. He kept edging and I kept holding his arm to keep him from opening the door. In the end, I won, but I could tell he was itching to open that door and see what the guy wanted. I'm not so curious. ;-) However, next time, I may just have break his arm to keep him from answering the door.
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A quaint and pretty restaurant entrance in France.

I just thought this photo was so colorful and cute with that darling lamp and shade, wallpaper and table I had to share it with you.

A pretty gravel-strewn patio for resting and eating. Looks like a restaurant. Certainly, one I'd want to visit.

Colorful door and enchanting entrance, even if the photo is not very good.

Pretty roses-strewn vintage, rustic gate.

Probably a store with luxurious white goods, towels, sheets, gowns, pillows, etc.

More luxurious embroidered linens.

A dreamy sitting/living/music room.

Today I'm wishing I were here as I've been stuck in this house now for a week without going anywhere. Sigh...

Colorful quilts and linens. I must be on a linen kick here! ;-)

The minute I saw this patio with the red umbrellas I was enthralled. An old stone building that the resident in this apartment jazzed up with vibrant color.

Lamps are a weakness of mine and I change them more often than most people do. I truly believe they add one of the essential finishing touches to a room. Hubs agrees with me on this. And, trust me, he doesn't agree with much of what I do in the way of decorating but he lets me fly on my own wings. He loves me beyond any reason I can comprehend.

I have no clue where this mall is but a mall that has this gorgeous lighting is a place I'd love to shop.

A luxury bath I thought you'd like to see and dream about.

Just a bit of eye candy to leave you with today.

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 By creating beauty and order where you live and work, you will be controlling the private hours of your life.
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Linking up with Mosaic Monday.