Maps

Thursday happy things:

• Day three of work this week and I made it  through the entire shift.  Strangely enough,  I started out not feeling well (but better than last night) and felt better as the night progressed.
• Google Maps has a way to follow people (or at least their phone) and find them on the map.  This is how I know my friend Kimberly is in Cambodia and Keziah is still at work.  This is also how I have a fairly good idea where Gideon's phone is.  He thinks it fell out of his pocket on the bus.  I think I know where they park the buses!  😄
• Here is the sunset, and Christmas trees for sale.

☮

Currently listening to: Ridgeline, by Michael Punke.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Finding the Good in the Not-so-Good

Happy Wednesday things:

• Day two of my work week did not go as I'd hoped.  I only worked about two hours and went home not feeling well.  My not feeling well seems to be almost a normal thing lately, last night it was more intense.  The good part is that I have some appointments coming up that I can address this in.  Also, there are anti nausea meds left over from when I had covid that will come with me to work tonight.
• The moon was pretty.

The way my camera phone sees the moon.
I believe the small spots are a reflection, not stars.

• Even though I still wasn't feeling great in the early afternoon, I decided to go for a walk out back.  This proved to be a bad idea.  It has been quite a while since a human has wandered through there and the multiflora, and other thorn producing plants, have taken over many parts of what were trails.  But, what we like to call the “Witch Tree” is still standing.  It was good to see that again.  There is also ice on some of the wetland.  When I wasn't getting stabbed, it was quite lovely.  🥰

There once was a trail here...

And here.

Ice!

The Witch Tree.

Thorns.

Thorn.

☮

Finished listening to: Blizzard! The Storm That Changed America, by Jim Murphy.

Currently listening to: Ridgeline, by Michael Punke.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

A Nest

Some happy things from Tuesday:

• This week I am scheduled to work 50 hours at ten hours a day.  I'm trying to be good to myself and got out an hour early today.  I figure that my normal week is 30 hours so I can get away with less than 50, especially since I was sick a few weeks ago.  Yay! Day one is over.
• After work I watched a movie.  I planned to turn it off in the middle to do other things, but it sucked me in.  There were tears.  I think that means I liked it.  😉
• As the sun was setting I took a few minutes to go outside to appreciate it.  I found something else, too.  Now that the leaves are gone I found a nest in the lilac tree.  I think it is some kind of hornet nest.  It is too cold for anything to be flying around it to help me identify it.

Nest

Sunset

☮

Currently listening to: Blizzard! The Storm That Changed America, by Jim Murphy.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Books

Happy Monday things:

• This morning I went on a search for the next book to listen to.  There were a few that I put a hold on and two that I borrowed.  One of those was not an audio book, but a children's picture book.  After reading it I loved it so much that I wanted Keziah to read it.  She found it online with someone reading it.  I'm not sure if this is the same recording, but if you have an extra five minutes or less, here is a link to My Powerful Hair.  
• The book I started listening to today, Blizzard, is about a blizzard storm in 1888 that hit the east coast of the United States.  It is also aimed at children, but older ones. It seems the author did a lot of research of newspapers and diaries from that time.
• Last night,  it rained.  When I looked outside this morning the sky still had some colors from the sunrise and there were little water droplets hanging from the trees. 

Late part of sunrise

☮

Started listening to: Blizzard! The Storm That Changed America, by Jim Murphy.

Read: My Powerful Hair, by Carole Lindstrom.  Illustrations by Steph Littlebird.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Communication

Happy Sunday things:

• Communication has changed over my lifetime and even more over that of my parent's. My mother was a switchboard operator (this is apparently still a job, but updated) for a while. She would direct calls by talking with a person and then plugging their line into the right outlet. I'm sure there was more to it than that. As a kid, one place where we lived had a party line. Somehow different numbers went to the same line and the phone rang differently for the different homes. The phone bills were based partly on the service area. A person was charged if the phone number wasn't local based on how long they talked. Today, many of us use cellular phones and we pay one fee and can talk with anyone in the same country as long as we want and pay the same price (usually high). It depends on a person's cellular company and plan. The point I am trying to make with this very wordy section, is that I was able to talk with TF in Texas for over two hours today and it won't change how much my bill is. It can make budgeting easier and conversations more relaxed. I remember watching the clock so my bill wouldn't be too high. TF and I were able to catch up since our last call, a week or two ago? 😄
• Today was mostly a day of rest for me. I snuggled in my warm bed and finished listening to my book and played games on my phone…and talked on it.
• While watching things this evening Winston, the orange tabby, curled up on the blanket on my lap. He let me pet him for close to an hour. This is odd for either of our cats. It has been almost three years and I think they are finally getting more cuddly. Perhaps it is because they are getting older?

☮

Finished listening to: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Small Business Saturday

Happy Saturday things:

• Despite staying in bed for hours after waking this morning, I couldn't get back to sleep.  I've decided that my sleep is enough of a problem that I am going to look for and apply for a different job.  I'm ready to have a daytime job again and, oddly, I'm a little excited for this possibility. 
• Today was Small Business Saturday.  Keziah's store was busy, but not as busy as she expected.  It is really good to see fabric selling so well at the sale price.  I helped put out a bunch of scrapbooking and other supplies today.  At the end of the day she decided to “pay” herself and brought home some lovely natural fiber fabrics.

Keziah sorting in the backroom.

Filling the shelves!

• Some friends were also at the store today and it was good to get to visit with them.
• When we got home from the store, Gideon brought my attention to the night sky.  There weren't a lot of stars visible, but the moon was shining and lighting up the thin clouds.  It was very pretty.

☮

Currently listening to: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. 

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Black Friday

Some happy things from today:

• I did absolutely no shopping.
• The Friday after Thanksgiving is a work day for me.  They basically have us do a part day on Thanksgiving and a part day after to do one day's work.  Friday is not my normal day but mandatory extended time because of the season.  What that means is that there were two crews in.  A manager told me that they only expected about 60% of the people staffed to show up.  We all came.  There were so many people that we got way ahead of ourselves with the work.  Eventually, many people left and just a small crew stayed to finish up.  I am one of the people that stayed.  It was a nice short workday.
• Keziah's store was open for Black Friday.  She said she had wonderful sales today (all the fabric is half priced).  She had Zeke helping her and didn't need me to come in.  I'm so proud of her and all she is accomplishing.  
• Instead of the sunset, I got to see a little of the sunrise on my way to work.  

☮

Finished listening to: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

Currently listening to: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain.   (This library audio book is only available for a few days.  Since I started listening to it months ago, I hope to finish it over the weekend.  The waiting list is long.)

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Thanksgiving

 Happy things from Thanksgiving Day:

Sunset

• Work had us scheduled for a full shift this morning (1:20 - 11:50 AM).  We were able to leave just before nine if we wanted.  Yay!  A coworker had plans to go to breakfast with her daughter at the Red Arrow Diner.  We started talking about the stuffed French toast there and I got really hungry.   😋
• When I got home, Zed was just finishing making bacon and eggs for breakfast.  It was perfect timing, and so good!
• After a nap, I went to Zed's Dad's house to share a meal with their family.  Zed's adorable four month old nephew was there.  While Keziah was holding him, he grabbed onto my hand and decided my fingers were his dinner.  Yay, baby!

That's my thumb he is sucking on!

☮

Currently listening to: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Almost Thanksgiving

Some happy things from the day before Thanksgiving:

• Last night it snowed.  I knew it was supposed to snow.  Of course, I forgot that when I was getting ready for work.  I let myself rest a few minutes instead of leaving as early as I usually do.  Then I stepped outside into a winter wonderland.  I got the car cleaned off and drove about 10 miles per hour below the speed limit and still made it to work on time, safely.

• The Safety Committee had a meeting at the end of the work day.  I'm pleased to say that I spoke up about some things and didn't just sit and listen.  We are entering peak season when things will be very busy.  Discussing how to stay safe during this time is good.
• Keziah is getting ready for Black Friday sales at her shop.  I'm not sure if I will be able to help her or not because I am working at least part of the day.  I'm excited for her and all she is doing to make her store successful.  I stopped in just for a few minutes to drop Gideon off.  She is doing such a great job!
• Christmas trees are for sale!

☮

Currently listening to: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Back to Work

Happy happenings from today:

• The first night back to work after covid went alright.  I'm getting tired easier, which I expected.  I also just reached 20,000 steps for the day.  I don't think I reached 10,000 for the week while I was sick.  That means I really should expect to be tired!
• At home, I no longer need to be masked or in isolation.  I sat in the living room and watched a movie while I ate.  Soon I'll be looking for Christmas movies to watch.
• Zed, my son-in-law, tested negative for covid today.  Soon we will all be able to spend time together again.
• Gideon, my grandson, came home from school and we were able to talk, face to face.  It is interesting the things we take for granted until they are gone.  Gideon has a long weekend off from school and he is very excited about all the upcoming holidays.

☮

Currently listening to: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Memories

Today's happy things:

• Every once in a while I go through and backup my photos onto an external hard drive.  Because of that, I can tell you that a year ago today I saw some of my family, and went to a friend’s baby shower.  Around this time last year I was in a pottery class.  Memories, especially the ones I take pictures of, can be good.
• Today my mom would have been 86 years old.  I remember one year we went to Washington DC to see the cherry blossoms in spring.  My kids were little and went too.  We were told it was the best year for blossoms that they had had in a while.  That is a very happy memory, Mom had such a good time.
• My Covid test was negative again today.  Now that can also be a memory.  I go back to work tonight.  

Today's sunset.

Rhododendron bud.

☮

Currently listening to: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

An Outing

Happy things from today:

• My days have been starting a lot later than they should be.  It was after lunch by the time I got moving.  When I take a shower I listen to music.  A sign that I am feeling better is that I sang in the shower today.  I haven't felt like singing with Covid.
• Keziah’s store is open on Sundays until Christmas.  She forgot something and asked me to bring it to the store for her.  So I had my first outing since having Covid.  I brought her what she needed, I visited (masked) with her for a little bit, and I took a short walk down Main St.  It is nice to be feeling better.

All this stuff is going on sale soon!

• Until the holidays, the other part of Keziah’s store has popup art and craft shops.  One of the artists brings his dog.  So I also got some time with his dog, Jazzy.  

Jazzy is wondering why I am only using one hand to pet them.

☮

Currently listening to: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Negative

 Happy things for today:

• This morning I tested negative for covid.  This means that I check it again in two days and if I am still negative I go back to work.  This also means that I can move around the house more, still with a mask on.  
• Gideon and I got to heat up leftovers for dinner tonight, together, in the same room!
• Silly proof of life photo:

☮

Currently listening to: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Getting Better

Some happy things for this lovely Friday:

• Monday morning is when I took the Covid test and discovered the cold that I thought I was getting, wasn't a cold.  Today, I went outside for the first time since Sunday.  It was glorious.  There was a breeze and the temperatures were in the middle 60's.  I could hear birds chirp, grass sway, and leaves rustle.  I just walked around the backyard for a bit.

• I started listening  to The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.  I'm glad I refreshed my memories of the original trilogy first.  I can already tell that reading them mattered.
• I can tell I'm getting back to more normal because I moved around-the-clock and a lot more than I have been.  

☮

Currently listening to: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Cleanliness

Some happy things from today:

• One of things I haven't done since finding out I have Covid is to take a shower.  Today, I took a shower.  It was good, but tiring.
• Zed and I are the only two in the house with Covid.  At dinnertime I was feeling well enough to suggest we have dinner together.  Isolating from the healthy people in the family is fine, but the two sick folk could share a meal.  It was nice to have a face to face conversation. 
• Today I finished listening to the book I started yesterday.  
• While scrolling Facebook I stumbled across the following picture.  It is a computer with a Studio Ghibli theme.  I just think it is cool that someone could do that. 

☮

Finished listening to: Mocking Jay, by Suzanne Collins

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Wednesday, I'm Still Here

Some happy things:

• Staying in my room all day because I have Covid isn't hard when I have a good book to listen to.
• There is an entire world outside the bathroom window.

☮

Currently listening to: Mocking Jay, by Suzanne Collins

Finished listening to: Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Food

Happy things from today:

• My daughter, Keziah, is a wonderful human.  She has made sure that Zed and I are fed all day.  She leaves food outside my door.  
• Zed's mom made chicken soup with rice for us.  It was delicious.  

• Today I slept a lot, but not as much as yesterday, the first covid day.

☮

Currently listening to: Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Ugh

This morning I tested positive for Covid.  Here are some happy things for today:

• My family is wonderful.  Keziah and Zed came home a few hours early from their weekend away, they picked up meds for me, and they brought me food.
• Keziah talked with a friend about the best ways to isolate so that is done too. I'm in my room until further notice. 

☮

Currently listening to: Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Short Post

 Happy things for today:

• There has been a cold going around.  I think I caught it.  (Not a happy thing)  Most of my day was spent listening to my book.  I finished it and started the next book in the series. (Happy thing)
• With Keziah and Zed gone, Winston, the orange tabby, has been wanting attention from me. This is unusual, but good.  He got on top of me while I was listening to my book.   

☮

Finished listening to: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

Currently listening to: Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Wood Blocks

Happy Veteran's Day.  

• My day started slow.  I made the mistake of sitting down.  I think I needed that.  It was a nice Saturday morning rest.
• For the first time in a long time, I went to the studio.  My objective was to do some cleaning and look for some missing felt squares.  I did some straightening, but I couldn't find the broom to sweep.  I didn't find what I was looking for.  I did work on a kumihimo piece that I have had for a while.  That is a few more inches longer now.  I listened to my book a lot.

• Keziah went to the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, MA today.  She brought home some of the blocks that were used for printing in papers or magazines.  One of them is dated 1966.  They are parts of NH.  They are a neat piece of history to have.  

☮

Currently listening to: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Hair

Happy Friday things:

• This morning I struggled with getting my hair to go where I wanted it to.  Then I remembered a thing I wanted to try.  I took my two braids and tied them up like a shoe.  Then I sewed the middle part together so it wouldn't untie.  It worked!  My hair stayed out of my way and was faster to do than when I sew all my hair up.  The pictures don't show what I did well.

Before sewing.

After sewing and a busy day 

• Most of my afternoon was spent at Keziah’s store.  Someone put the letter 'A' on the sequin fabric sensory board.  Later, someone else added a plus sign. The store has been graded!

☮

Currently listening to: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

First Snow of the Season

Happy things from today:

• On the way to work last night I saw a coyote run into the bushes.
• Since I had to leave work anyway for an appointment, I put my name on the board to take voluntary time off if it was available.  I worked about two hours before they let me go.  At that time, sleet had started to fall.  I thought about just staying in the car until it got late enough for the road crews to get out.  I decided to try the drive home instead.  Before I left, I made mental notes of the parking lots I could use if the roads were bad.  Before passing the first parking lot, I carefully checked the car to see how it handled.  The roads were just wet, the only places that seemed slippery were the two bridges I drove over.  I had no problems with the new Kia, and got home safe.  

Nanni checking out the snow.

• Before going to my appointment I was able to have a nice nap and visit a little with the family before they went to school and work.  
• At home, I was productive.  Laundry, dishes, and general picking up are things I accomplished.
• After Gideon got home from school we went to Kiaya's store to help out there until she closed.  Earlier, a friend and her children had visited the store.  They had fun playing with the wood that is for sale.

• Some other pictures from today:

☮

Currently listening to: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.