Stampin' Up!

I promise, I have been playing with my paper supplies, but some of them aren't SU.  I'm trying to use my stash and what better way than making and sending note cards to friends and family.

These two cards are made with the Beautiful You Stamps that can be either wood mounted or used with clear blocks.  There is a price difference.  I use mostly clear blocks as it takes up less room to store.  Also, this set has 13 stamps.  Three ladies and 8 sayings and two 'squiggles' that are stamped over the image as in the card on the right

The note cards (5 x 3 1/2 inches) can be bought in packs of 20.  I used Sweet Sugarplum ink.  

Just a plain and simple card to help keep in touch with loved ones.

Head over to my site to order, or contact me for more information

Weather here in the Valley

It's really nippy outside!  Yesterday our high topped out around 94 degrees.  Right now it's 62 outside, no sun and a slight breeze out of the North West.  Predicted high?  79 degrees!!  I love it...we also had some rain over night.  I love hearing it on the roof...lulled me right back to sleep.

This will last a couple days and by mid week we could see temperatures top 100.

The last two days have been good for me.  I made some soup and froze some for later.  I've been able to do my chores (dang) and even managed a couple of walks.  I know the walking helps keep me in shape, but it also helps keep my hips from hurting so much.  The sciatica is still lingering (toes are numb and at times my left calf is painful) but isn't as debilitating as it once was.  If it never comes back I'll be one happy camper.

Now that our neighbors have pulled out I can enjoy their flowers.  Anne's site has a beautiful bougainvillea and a hedge of  a plant I can't remember the name of.  I miss Anne and Scotty,

 but I'm enjoying the view.

Bentsen Palm Resort has been planted with trees, bushes and local flora to attract birds and butterflies.  One of the World Birding Centers is at the Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park practically across the road from us.  Down the street is the National Butterfly Center.

Migration is an interesting time here.  Both Autumn and Spring.  They do a hawk count at the state park and that event brings folks from all over.  Birders 'flock' to the area during migrations!

It's 0930 and I guess I'll have to pry Jim out of bed.  He must have had a rough night.  His alarm went off and he just turned if off and went back to bed two hours ago.

All is right in our world

Long Overdue Update

This seems to be the easiest way to update all my friends and family about my condition....Apparently I'm going to be blessed with pain (perhaps daily) for the rest of my natural life.  I do have some days where I have hours that I'm pain free but I have to work at it.  Medication (naproxen or tylenol), Lidocaine patches, Tens Unit, Heating Pad and ice packs are part of my daily routine now.

I suppose I could just sit in my recliner all day but even that becomes uncomfortable after awhile!  

Jim is very helpful and when needed does my chores.  We've been eating out quite a bit and at home we're eating MRE'S.  Meals Ready to Eat from the freezer section of the grocery store.  Standing and prepping foods to cook can be quite uncomfortable.  I'm surprised I haven't gained weight from all the 'comfort' foods.  I've decided, when I can, I'll chop and dice and fix foods I should eat (Jim Too!) so they'll be ready in the fridge or freezer.

To that end I bought an Instant Pot from Amazon...I've not used it but once and made some fried rice that turned out pretty good.  I just need to find recipes that I can veganize and I'll be good to go.  Sonsearae helps with this.

Enough about me!  

Jim is officially working...not difficult, but he takes care of the pool and gates and has a golf cart.  Last night we rode around the resort and it's pretty empty around here.  About six rigs with people in them.  A lot of folks (snowbirds) leave their rigs here.

Anne and Scotty left a couple days ago, heading to Kentucky to visit friends before they head to Vermont.  Of the work campers only three couples remain.

Boo and I continue to suffer periodically from bug bites.  I think his have all cleared up so it's time for a bath.  Keeping him medicated internally and externally is a chore but we don't get much sleep if he scratches all night.

Do what you can
Where you are
With what you have