This week saw a bit of everything going on, including the puzzle, weather, painting, a trip to the Mayo Clinic, etc. None were major but in combination the week was more interesting than some recently.
Becky took a break from puzzling to do some sewing. We now have a new and unique clothespin holder for the laundry room. Becky reports this project included learning some new techniques of stitching and working with ribbon. I think the bag turned out great.
Pam began adding details to the downstairs bath by painting stencils and hearts above the door. While the project is still in infancy, details like this give a hint as to what the final product will look like.
Pam completed another decorating task by adding a banner over the entry to the library — it ties in with the library theme.
I contributed a bit to Heart House decor by putting up one of my “aspen tree” photos in the stairwell. This 16″ x 20″ is printed on canvas. The tree photo was taken at the end of Handcart Gulch near Breckenridge, Colorado.
All of us continued to work on the 2,000 piece puzzle. Pam and Becky most of all; I add only a piece or two now and then. Here is the puzzle as it currently stands.
We finished our taxes, both Federal and Iowa, and mailed in the forms. Finishing taxes is always a great relief for us. We had to pay Iowa, as we expected, but chose to put our Federal refund toward next year’s total so we will not get any cash back this year.
My Mayo excursion on Thursday, a six month checkup, included three appointments and took most of the day. First was a blood draw, followed by a doctor consult, followed by my hormone infusion. The first was at 11:00 AM and the last at 3:45 PM. Adding in the 90 minute commute each way, it made for a full day. The evening commute was accomplished in a light snowstorm.
Between the first and second appointments I visited a Walmart store to pick up a few supplies and groceries. While I found almost everything on my list, it looks like supply chain issues still have a way to go before shopping returns to normal.
A couple of our favorite noodle brands are “No Yolk” and “Barilla” and both were almost non-existent on the shelves. Here is a photo of the Walmart pasta aisle:
I left without finding the spaghetti and broad noodles on the shopping list. Other shelves also had bare spots.
The Mayo appointments themselves were pretty routine. My PSA level is still undetectable; this is what the doctor wanted. My blood sugar levels are high, which I expected, which tells me I do need to get more waking/exercise done. With better weather I will begin my longer routine walks again, which will help with my ongoing diabetes.
Back in Elma, there were chores to get done on Friday. After a light snow had fallen, I took out the John Deere LX176 and blade to clear the sidewalks.
One item I had purchased at Wal-World was a pair of short LED lights that I plan to mount over my garage work spaces. Here is one of them mounted near my drill press and vise.
The weather is gradually improving but we still had a couple below-zero nights last week. None are in the 10-day forecast so we hope we are over the worst of the winter weather. The local weatherman mentioned that we are about 12 inches below normal for snow for the season but there are several weeks of winter to go.
You might think small town Iowa is immune from police activity. Apparently not. One of our neighbors is in trouble with the law. We witnessed several county sheriff’s cars at the house to our immediate south on 7th street, across the alley from us. A one-car garage was opened and the vehicle inside was trucked away. The Mr. was taken away in handcuffs. I did not recognize the car’s brand but it appeared to be a foreign vehicle. With no idea of what circumstances triggered this action, I assume the car is either 1. Evidence. 2. Stolen or 3. Repossessed. I doubt if they would have arrested the guy if the action was a repossession. Anyway, I’ll continue to watch from afar to see if there are any new developments. Maybe they’ll have some info at the local lumber yard…
Projects were begun and completed, others continue. Life goes on.
Photo Archive
I have several “artsy” shots to showcase this week.
That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!
Pam’s Penny
The winter storm this past week featured thunder snow, lighting, and ice pellets. Wow. Glare ice was so intense I had to rig up some fabric on the catio ramp so the cats could climb up and down for access. A person almost needed a spotter to walk on the sidewalks. Not a fan.
Happy Trails.