Visiting Magpie

 There was a magpie in the yard today. First one I have seen here. I usually see them at work which is only a few miles away, but never here.

It is a yellow billed magpie.

Lamp Fixed

The lamp is fixed and in it's spot. I think it is really pretty and the plants are going to enjoy having a light on during the gloomy winter months.

I had to order a pot online for my prayer plant on the table. They are hard to find since the virus began. I have found most of my pots on Amazon or eBay. I was lucky early on to find some at Home Depot. I just keep looking online to find more. Stores here are sold out. 

I am also having trouble with the mail. Not just USPS but UPS and FedEx too. I think if anyone is shipping for Christmas you might want to send as soon as possible so gifts arrive on time. Also get insurance because they are not being careful with fragile things. Tracking is a must!

Happy Fall! Let's hope this season goes smoothly!

 

BROKEN!

 I ordered an antique lamp base. I told you about it a week or so ago. Anyhow it arrives today broken.

Ughhhhhh. I hate when that happens. I wrote the person who I bought it from on eBay and they did not respond. So I filed a claim with FedEx.

I want to keep the lamp and will buy new parts to fix it because it is a nice lamp base.

But who mails stuff in a box to small and expects it to survive?

You can see in picture below the box was to small.

So this part needs to be replaced.

10 bucks maybe?

Ughhhh

Off to the hardware store I go.

I will take a picture when it is all fixed and in it's new forever spot.

Blooms and Fil

Summer is really winding down fast.

The last burst of blooms will be happening soon.

I am waiting patiently.

 

Since It Is Smokey Outside

The fires in California and Oregon are terrible. The sky is full of smoke. 

It reminds me of two years ago and the terrible fire we had here in town.

School is open so I am going to work, but when I get home I am staying inside.

Which means looking around thinking about adding something new.

Which, reminded me that I had a slag glass lamp shade in the cupboard I haven't used yet.

So I looked on eBay to find an antique bronze base that would go with it.

Well not only did I find one, but I found one exactly like the one that I have that was my Moms.

Was it a sign?

I always think those things. 😊

Of course I got it.

Should be here next Wednesday or Thursday.

Never Forget

Today is 9-11

I will never forget waking up that morning.

The news was on as it always was and suddenly they said they had breaking news of a plane crashing into the twin towers. As the news person was talking another plane crashed.

I just stared at the t.v.

They were showing the planes crashing through the buildings. 

It seemed unreal.

I remember the shock I felt. I couldn't even say a word.

I knew it was not an accident.

I woke up my husband.

My friend and I both saw it on the news and were talking. Then she said her local news was reporting in PA about a plane crash.

Later we would find out about that.

I went to school that day. 

Everyone was watching the news.

It was silent there.

People were praying to God.

So many lives were destroyed that day.

Our hearts were broken for all the loss.

So many hero's stepped up to the plate.

Our Country United.

Flags were flying everywhere.

People were hugging each other.

Praying together.

Crying together.

It was a time of great strength.

It was a time to remember.

It was a time to never forget.

I will never forget.

Prayers to all that lost loved ones that day.

Happy Labor Day!

I hope you get a nice day of relaxation!

Not much outside stuff happening here due to the smoke from fires in California and the excessive heat. Yesterday it was 113 degrees!

Today it is suppose to be hotter.

I will stay inside.

And dream of cooler days!

Fish Update

I know you are dying to know how the algae eater is doing.

He is actually doing better.

I think he will survive as long as Joanie doesn't grab him with her claw.

I have named him Headwound Harry after the SNL skit in the 90's

Summers Last Hurrah

Summer is winding down fast. This is usually the last big weekend here locally for camping, boating, swimming, water park etc.

Due to the Rona and the smoke in the air not much happening.

Speaking of smoke, today it was almost like a cloudy day. It was so dark with smoke.

It was not a typical end of summer weekend.

It was still hot, just smokey and miserable.

I am so glad to see summer ending. 

Maybe things will be better next year. Even the plants agree.

They all struggled this year too.

Until next spring I will have some pictures to remember this year by.

Enjoy your last big weekend!

Fall is within sight!

Half A Face

An algae eater was bit by Joanie.

I felt terrible and mad at the same time.

She already ate all the molly fish.

But then I realized that it was part of nature. 

The algae eater is surviving. 

It does have the sucker part of his face. 

Maybe that will be enough.

Stay tuned for more adventures of Joanie.

I really like Joanie. I know she can't help it.

Happy First Day of September!

Although it feels more like July, it is a welcome month. It means soon it will be Fall and we can get down to a nicer temperature here. I can't keep melting every time I go outdoors!

The bad news is we have a few more 110 degree days to get through coming up soon.

My poor plants are so unhappy with the heat.

I was hoping for a nice Fall and seeing all the roses bloom again etc. That may or may not happen.

Everything is covered with a fine dusting of ash from the fires.

It has been a long month of fires and hot temperatures.

I am looking forward to cooler days and no smoke except from a wood burning woodstove or fireplace!