We all did so much in June, hope everyone keeps up the great work this month!

Here is a link back to June:

June Productivity Part 4

It was forecasted yesterday to be extreme heat, but we had such a beautiful breeze here all day it was delightful. I even made a bowl of potato salad and started empanadas.

I took some time yesterday to sand and paint a small table that was really ugly. Unfortunately, I didn't wear a mask (I was outside) and the dust nearly choked me to death. I got the table painted and want to try glazing it, but it already looks so great! Amazing what a little paint does, isn't it?

Mary is loving living here, it's so nice to see someone who truly loves their new home. I am back and forth there as much as when mom was alive, LOL. (But, without the stress)

I took a shower and washed my hair, put on a cool dress. Later, Mary stopped over with the baby to cut some dill, and the baby played in the yard with Finn watching her.

I slept till 9:15 this morning instead of the usual 5 am! I feel like my day is half gone!

I cannot believe it is July. It continues to be rainy here but quite humid too.

DS's team had their first tournament game yesterday and won 24-2 in only 3 innings. By then it was raining so hard they called for a rain delay. Then after checking on Little League rules the other team forfeited the game which just basically means we didn't have to wait around for the rain to stop or postpone the finish until today.

Felt bad for the other team, but we've been on that side of the equation before too. On the plus side I knew two families from the other team so got to catch up with them which was nice.

After the game we had many phone calls to make to update family and friends and then went to visit the in-laws (DFIL recuperating from hip replacement surgery). Then back home where I will admit that we were very lazy. I did do one load of laundry so the uniform is ready again for today but that was about it!

Game today is not until 3:00. Will have to be to the field early but should have time to get some things done. A quick tidy in the main living area of the house would make me feel much better. So far no rain today either!

I met with friends last evening and we danced and laughed until 3:00. Got up at 10:00 feeling very good. I had brunch on the patio, still had Bless's French toast on my mind so made some, but I eat it with maple syrup! I picked up a few things around the place; DS hasn't been here since Thursday so it's in pretty good shape, tee hee. Then I took out the remaining receipts in my wallet and wrapped up June on my budgeting excel sheet.

Now I'm sipping my tea and wondering what I'll do for the rest of the day. Beautiful outside but hot, would like to throw in exercising but not sure in which form. I'd also like to work on decluttering DD's bedroom she said she'd come over a few days next week (crafts mixed in with papers to file and extra stuff). Have some meat thawing and waiting to turn into meals; I'll be working days so need to have suppers ready.

Lost power, but that didn't stop me! LOL Did some branch work, reading, embroidery, seeping, and made a braclet!

Waterlady, I did the same thing with a table the other week. Yes, great what a coat of paint can do for the look!

Fun and productive day...washed and folded 3 loads of laundry, took DS to the spraygrounds for a few hrs of fun in the crazy heat. Funny when "only 94 degrees" seems like a break.



Picked up essentials at grocery store on the way home and will submit that receipt for a grocery store rebate. Took an afternoon nap, DH made homemade pizza, and I made a new recipe of white chicken enchiladas for tmorrow and beyond. Put away clean dishes and washed all dirty ones for today. Friend brought back a basinnette that we've been passing back and forth, and gifted us with some clothes for DS that her son had outgrown. Gave her some goodies in return.

DH fixed his car a/c problem today after several hours of research. He figures he saved over 500 from taking it to the shop. Very cool. Back to work tmorrow for 2 days.

Everyone was safe at the parade, PTL! We were definitely ready for the AC!

Had a great day at church, and even let the dds invite two friends over for the afternoon. Don't know why I don't do that more often.

DH had to work, but was off by 3pm. That was a nice little treat. Looking forward to him having ALL of Wednesday off for the 4th. First full day off in a while. Poor thing.

Busy week planned. Will have to stay on my toes to keep things going! Will try to keep you updated as I go!
Cya!

Went through the bathroom cabinets and drawers, moved some bookcases around, did several baby steps in the 3rd room, did some paperwork/filing, scrubbed the burner liners I had put to soak, and sewed.

I've gone a bit potty today:

1. Cut the roses and trees back, everything is growing way to much.
2. Changed all the beds and remade them.
3. Did two loads of washing.
4. Cleaned a bit more up in my bedroom.
5. Put the last of the Winter clothes in the loft/attic.
6. Found the video list, so I can now go through it all and chuck the ones I don't want to copy to DVD.
7. Wrote out the remainder of the 12 times tables onto flash cards to learn in the next few weeks.

I still want to get some ironing done but I may leave that until Wednesday.

Whew! Yesterday was hot! Again, I had a beautiful breeze (a hot one but still a breeze) I decided to not do much and stay cool.

Did some of the Sunday crossword. Played on the computer a while. Laura came over and we had something to eat.

Finished making the empanadas, I bake them to save calories by brushing them with oil and putting them in the oven. Last night I took the toaster oven on the deck and did them in there. So glad I have a plug out there for hot nights. I sometimes use the electric frying pan as well outside.

There must be something roaming around, Finn is acting strange. Last night he suddenly darted for the fence and got halfway under it in seconds. He has never done that! I have chain link around the house, but I don't have the pole across the bottom. Oh well, I was thinking of getting stockade fencing this year.

Have some work today later in the morning. I should be home early enough to work outside some more.

Wendy
Glad the parade went well and all okay.

Fleur:
At first I thought the water was a puppy! ROTFLOL DS is growing leaps and bounds! Nothing like water for little kids to play in. Use to put the sprinklers on for the kids to run in.

WL:
Been in the house for 4 days straight. Cooler this morning so going to go do errands and grocery shopping. Good idea to cook outside if your house is so small...and hot!

Bless:
You did good!

Purdy:
Hope you plan on resting today. You were really going for it!

Wendy: Happy to hear the parade went well and you didn't overheat!
~~~~~~~~~~
We just have not gotten much summer here in the PW Northwest. I'm sure it will arrive one of these days.

Well, DS's team won their game again yesterday (11-1 in 4 innings) and so they play again tonight. If they win this game, they will go to the championship game on Friday. So high excitement in this house! In the meantime, they will ride through the parade on the 4th.

Today we are going to see the movie Brave. Shopping for the 4th of July (finalizing my recipe choices and making my shopping list) and then back home to get ready for the game.

Have a couple bags of donations that I need to get into the van today to drop at DGM's. The donation van comes this week. Kids need to clean up the living room floor since I didn't have them do that last night and it's mostly their stuff. I have a few things to put away too. And I need to find my trifle dish for the 4th. I think it's in storage in the garage as I don't use it very much. Hopefully it will be a quick search.

Thanks Jodi and Diana! I think between the Lord blessing and us being better prepared it did the trick!

Today I've been alternating between helping the girls with their chores, making phones calls and plans for the week, and getting my own stuff done.

DD#2 and I are working on the 5th load of laundry. We brought about a load of new to us clothes home on Saturday, and DD#1 couldn't do much laundry with us gone a lot. The clotheslines are definitely getting their workout!

DD#1 did the dishes and will soon have to put them away. She's working on her clothes right now. I started helping her again. She wasn't keeping her dresser neat because she had too many clothes. She had too many because she wasn't getting rid of the ones she doesn't wear. So now her closet and her dresser are sorted and she has a HUGE pile of unwanted clothes in the middle of her floor. Most we'll put aside for DD#2 to grow into.

DD#2 started doing the same thing with her clothes. Yipee!! She even asked me if I need to do the same with mine! I said that I do regularly purge my clothes. I just got some new-to-me ones Saturday, so as I add these, I'll take away the others. Gotta like that!

I didn't get to make my bread, so I think I'll have to get up early and do it tomorrow.

Well hope you have a great day!

What busy bees we are! I too have started July very productively

Sunday - I went through the shed and organized it and tossed some items. I put the ground sheet down for the rest of the paving slabs to go on. I vacuumed the ground floor and wiped all the surfaces too. I shredded some paperwork.

Today - We went to the store to fetch some more sand and edging for the garden project, but it rained all day so we were unable to anything outside. So I sorted through all the kitchen cupboards bar two reorganizing and cleaning them. This evening I have sorted through some drawers in the bedrooms.

Tomorrow - We are at the in-laws doing some jobs for them, but I am hoping the sun comes out so I can get back to work in my garden too. Night everyone!

I knew it! Diana is friends with the energizer bunny! Even without power she still goes on and on!

Waterlady what a good idea to cook outside with the electric cooking devices! I use the bbq a lot but never thought about using electricity outside.

Wendy, I use to have friends over for DD and DS almost every weekend, hardly heard them bickering as they entertained each other. Glad everyone was fine at the parade.

Fleur, my a/c gave up on me too the week before last and I'm afraid I don't have another choice but to take it to the shop Glad your DH could find the problem!

*
I was sitting on the patio with a cool beverage when it started to rain, no matter I live on the second floor and there is another patio above, sat calmly while the rain intensified. Then I realized I had left my sun roof slightly tilted! Was soaked by the time I got back up the stairs, so I changed into my pyjama. I gave myself a pedicure and prepared the things I’ll need tomorrow ‘cause we’re going to the beach with the kids at work! Work done on the street will cut off the water for most of the day so we’re going on an outing! I hope the sun will be at the rendez-vous

Did not do all of my cooking yesterday so will continue that shortly and have supper. Then branch work and fold the laundry I did before leaving for work this morning. More reading before bed and that’s about it!

Made my July list of goals. Starting small as can expand if needed.

Family: plan trip to visit our daughter next month (2 weeks-plus!)
Health: call dr for appointment; lose 2 lbs
Home: inventory food pantry and go shopping for what's needed
Family tree research: continue work on Dad's album and his line.
Photos: organize the June digital photos and then work backwards by month
Yard: put mulch around. pull up spreading ground cover.

Today: I took a load of tossed items to charity.
Wrote two letters and numerous emails.
Vacuumed the floors.
Grocery-shopped.
Walked treadmill 1/2 hour.
Start next painting project.

Great job all! Busy day at work....will have to do some reorganizing as I lost some space and have to find other ways to store the stuff. Hung out with the family after coming home, ds enjoying his new blowup pool. Did quick cleanup of our messy kitchen, washed dirty dishes, cleaned and cleared countertops. Looks good now. Going to watch mindless tv now and hit the sack. Think we may do evening fireworks show tmrrow night.

Dianaro - Nope I didnt' but today is pretty light with the dailies and I just did a few of the video sorting this morning.

I blame it on these American Military Cadences I downloaded to my MP4, you just have to get up and do something when you've been listening to them.

Hi all, sorry to disappear for a few weeks there!

I've had a busy day doing all the little jobs I've been putting off, so I've paid bills, booked appointments, written a letter and ordered things. Nothing large, but all the bits that add up to making life a bit easier.

Will have to catch up on what everyone else is up to! Have a good day, very wet and rainy here and I need to collect DD from school. We are heading towards the end of term and the next couple of weeks are a bit lively!

It is just pouring down rain here today! So dreary. But hopefully it will all clear so we can have a nice 4th.

DS's team won their game last night 10-0 so they are going to the championship game on Friday evening. We are so happy and proud of all of them. If they win Friday they will go to State.

My shopping list is made, decided to do that today instead of yesterday. Probably best as I need to pick up some posterboard and paint for the parade entry for the baseball team. Pulled out the other decorations from last year's parade that can still be used. Could not find my trifle dish so am borrowing my DM's. There is a lot of sorting that needs to be done in the upstairs of the garage. Lots that needs to be donated. Filled one box that will go with me today along with the two bags already in the van. Can't believe how much baby stuff we still have!

So today will be filled with work and errands and this evening will be cooking and getting ready for the parade and other July 4 activities.

Woo Hoo! Another page since I posted!

Jodi, great news about the big win!!

VanHW: glad you are back, see how busy we all have been!!

Purdy, I'll have to check out the cadences.

Fleur, bet DS is loving the pool in this heat.

Jo, your list looks like a lot of work to me!

BBGum, Yes, nothing like taking the heat out of the kitchen and go outdoors.

Karen, I could use some pavers here. Maybe in the fall.

Wendy, I'm always tossing, I think the clothes multiply at night just like the papers in the kitchen.

Diana, it's still very hot here also, but we haven't lost power.

Hope I didn't miss anyone!

Yesterday I worked and came home and pulled some weeds. Then I hooked up the feeder to the hose and put in some plant food and watered everything. Had to tie the chain link gate to the bottom pole on the gate so Finn can't get out. Got the kitchen cleaned up, and Mary came over with the baby and then Laura came over too.

We sat outside till dark talking. Went to bed and had a good night's sleep.

This morning I had a big service appointment with one of my favorite customers/friend. Stopped at the grocery store on the way home, then did the usual post office, etc. Too hot to walk the dog so I'll see if he will play with a toy to get him some exercise.

Not planning anything else for the holiday tomorrow, just work around the house.

Today I weeded my neighbors garden (wedding gift from me is to fix their garden), went to my chiropractors appointment, then went and did some shopping.

This afternoon we went to the in-laws and DH and I did the following:
weeded the front garden
emptied the pots and chucked the dead plants
emptied the pond and destroyed the pond liner
filled the pond in with soil
covered it with weed membrane then gravel
cut the hedges

Needless to say we are both pooped so are off to bed. Night all!

Karen I understand you needing a chiropractor! Landscaping is hard on the back!

The beach with kids at work was fun, we divided the group in two, they’re much more manageable when fewer characters interact... swam, laid in the sun, great picnic, more games and swimming, then back home. I had to help out the two other girls with some kids that weren't reacting in a normal way but worked out in the end. I was with a new guy in training and had the most difficult but he did wonderful!

All the others left on arrival and even though I had already done 30min overtime, I stayed to exchange information with the evening shift people. Boss said thank you but did it mostly for my fellow workers and for me as I have no one at home and do like to 'wind down' and tie loose strings before leaving for home.

I ate, chatted on the net with friends, wanted to take a nap but DS came home, so talked with him, he hasn't been home since middle of last week. I unpacked today's stuff and put a load in the washer, then dried and put away. Going to bring a chair in the bathroom and clean out my vanity drawers (branch work) then finish picking up in the kitchen, have clean dishes to put away and tomorrow's breakfast to think about (I bring it to work, get sick when I eat too early and 5h30 is way too early!) Shower, nice pj and reading in bed! I'm pooped!

Gosh you all are working so hard!

Karen:
That was a lot of yard work, and hard work. Sure you will sleep well.

Bubblegum:
Glad the beach was fun.

Jodi:
CONGRATULATIONS to DS and his team.

Waterlady:
Hope you take some you time tomorrow also.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Watered flowers, made a couple of items for tomorrow and fnished up the spiffying. Even was able to do a few embroidery stitches.

Thanks gals! Baseball is a pretty big part of our life so we're all excited. DS and DH will be in the parade tomorrow. I have the decorations all ready to drop off in the morning and have the signs painted. Used paper plates that already have a baseball design and added the boys' names and uniform numbers. Am also going to paint a sign to wave at DS as he goes through the parade.

Unfortunately my grocery shopping had to be done after work tonight...not good. Didn't get home until 7:00. Then made a pound cake trifle with strawberries and blueberries and smore cookie bars.

Heading down to breakfast with the family tomorrow (a family tradition). Then will decorate the parade entry, probably wander over and look at the chainsaw carvings, enjoy the parade and then a family potluck. In the evening a BBQ with friends and fireworks. Will be a very busy day. Our town goes all out for the 4th. Oldest annual 4th of July celebration in the state of Washington.

Hope everyone has an enjoyable 4th!

Bubblegum - My chiropractor was not impressed when I told him I did all the weeding before I came to see him so that he could put right any damage I did He would rather I didn't do it at all, but that is not going to happen. The beach day sounded great.

Diana - I did and I was up early and back out there

So I had the energy bottle again and even though it is only 10.45am here I have done the following:
branch work in the bathroom and downstairs toilet
tarpaulined a third of the neighbors garden then moved some gravel to cover it.

I am just going to do DS's letters with him then I am off to soak in the bath before going to school this afternoon. I foresee an early night tonight lol.

Forgot to say happy Independance day to all my American friends enjoy!

Vanilla - Forgot to say welcome back!

Waterlady - I would love to come to your state and help with the paving such a shame I live so far away.

Happy Independance Day to you all!

Today I went a bit potty. I've vacuumed all the way through including the bedrooms and got some cobwebs down. I am totally stumped with the ones on the stairs, Iv tried tennis balls in socks being chucked etc, and the sock on a broom wont reach. Anyone got any suggestions?

Happy 4th July everyone! I have also found the just do it thread on the motivation board, more accountability is good.

I'm catching up on the small things again, the weather has improved unexpectedly this morning so I'm putting some laundry outside while I have the chance - it may not last long!

Purdy - will the vacuum tube reach? I used to have this problem, I could stretch across the landing and get some corners that way.

Karen - you'll need more than a chiropractor with that kinda landscaping! Take it easy!

Thanks for the welcome back too, I look forward to catching up with everyone.

Happy fourth!

Had busy two days at work, rushed home and got packed to go to local 4th festival and fireworks with IL's. Had a blast, going back later today to use up kids amusement tickets. Walked the dogs, taking a shower, and headed to another local celebration this morning. Today is my dad's bday...downloading pics and videos to send to him in a min. Free icees and coffees today for us.

Happy 4th Everyone. Sounds like lots of fun and plans for all of us today.

Happy Fourth to all!

Everyone is still going strong! Yay to all of you!

I watered all the flowers again yesterday, it's been so hot.

Got a little cleaning up done, then Mary and the baby came over with Laura. We were outside until dark again with snacks and drinks. I got nominated to make 5 lbs of potato salad for later today which I just finished. Just hope the weather holds out.

Finn has been rolling in the dirt (which is now dust, grass is dead) and is filthy, he'll be getting a bath today. Karen, sure wish you lived here, the pavers would help a lot. Post a picture of all your hard work when you can!

Hope everyone in the States enjoys today and celebrates this wonderful country we live in!

Vanilla: I just take the vacuum with me up to the landing and it does well.

I found the socks with tennis balls do work, but you have to be very accurate when chucking them at the corners to get the cobwebs down. It's been fun and taking me back to my netball playing days in my teens.

I've tided up the front room and did a mountain of ironing. I've got another pile to do and to put it all away.

Got everything ready yesterday for my luncheon, and had time to relax before everyone arrived.

Had a lovely day with family, old friends and new friends meeting. They all said it was great to have a name to go along with the name!

Planning on getting things back together today, and relaxing and staying inside!

Well, we've been out this morning and bought a new TV. We've even got it up and working, which is a bonus! Our old TV was 10 years old and huge, so this is a definite improvement! I'm just trying to find a new TV stand that doesn't have black glass shelves (they show the dust too easily ...).

Going to pick DD up from school soon, and then we'll go to an 'art display' that the children have done. I suspect it's to raise funds for the school really, as you have the 'opportunity' to purchase a framed print. We will also be able to look at the full-sized version of the whole school photo they took for the Jubilee year.

Have a good day, especially if you are getting over the 4th July celebrations!

Yesterday was very productive:
Did the usual: laundry, ironed two weeks-worth of clothes, washed hair, exercised.

Then I made progress on the heritage album. I photographed some of Dad's WW2 mementoes and put the photo into the album. Found info on the internet about where he was then, as he didn't talk about it. Also printing out what I find in family tree research to go along with it. So it's not simply sticking photos into albums! My children didn't know him so it's important to preserve what memories I can.

I'm going to post my productivity, then go back and catch up with all you gals have done!!

Yesterday I finally baked my bread. Then the rest of the family helped put together a veggie tray to take to a church family who just had a baby. DD#1 washed the dishes as we went along. That was so nice! DD#2 made some fruit "cream" for us later on.

Then went to deliver all the goodies and head to my inloves. Had a great time with them, swimming, eating and swimming some more. Then off to church for short service and ice cream fellowship. (That's why we made the fruit "cream".) It's just plain frozen fruit put through a juicer and comes out in the consistency of ice cream. LOVE IT! Just natural fruit, nothing added! Yum!

This morning my girls and I got up around 5am and went to a woodpile to get a truck load. SO love how they didn't complain. I kept telling them how thankful Daddy's going to be to see that truck full of wood!

Now we're about cleaned up from that and will head out for our dentist's appts. Busy, busy!! But I just love getting things done!!

Catch up with you all later! Cya!

Purdy, sounds like you made a good dent in the ironing.

Diana, GON'er mom, of course you had time to relax!

VanHW, I love my new flat screen tv here.

Jo, you are doing great on that album, how nice to keep those memories alive!

Wendy, 5 am woodpile? God bless!

Well, I got some yardwork done yesterday, then cleaned off the tables and the stacking chairs. Put some flowers in the ground.

Scrubbed the deck down, put some things in the basement that were laying around.

Neighbors came over around 6 and we had our little get-together for the Fourth. Mary's baby started to run a little fever, so they didn't stay too long.

Not working today, was hoping the handyman was coming, I called last week and thought I made an appointment with him for today.

My DGF who moved to TN just popped in to say hello! Was soooo nice to see her, she is in town for a wedding this weekend.

Guess I should get moving here and get something done before it gets too hot. Diana, I see you are getting 103 degrees today, be careful!!

Yesterday, I took the opportunity to do 3 loads of laundry, catch up on paperwork & filing, as well as water the back garden and bake some apple turnovers. Oh, and "trimmed" DD's hair (cut off about 8 inches - it used to be below her waist, now it's just below her shoulders).

Productivity today has been a thorough cleaning of the ground floor. I also met up with my friends for a catch up and entertained my granddad from 4pm to 9pm.

I am taking some much need time off work. I go back Tuesday. I didn't do much yesterday. I started out this morning with an early orthodontist appointment. I went shopping for new bathroom stuff and went out to the granite place to sign papers for the vanity.

I did several loads of laundry (rugs, blankets, a few clothes, old shower curtain) while packing for a weekend road trip. I cleaned the living room (not cluttered).

I've made a big mess in our guest room because that's where I've been staging my declutter project so I can get like items together. I got in there and neatened it up today because I could barely make my way through without falling! I may put some boxes together tonight to get some of this stuff contained and ready to leave the house.

We got a reasonable offer on my mom's house today so the decluttering is going to have to go into overdrive this month in both houses! Good news is I can take much of the stuff I don't want to her house for the estate sale.

Off to clean the kitchen. My most dreaded task.

Texas Girl, glad you are taking time off work to recharge!

Had a great 4th, went to a local celebration in the morning complete with kids activities and kids bike/scooter parade, had lunch out. Back home for a nap, then back out again for round two of kids activities at another location and fireworks.

Busy day at work today, DH cooked chicken on the grill tonight. Hung out with neighbors outside while our DS' played.

Tmorrow want to get in a quick bike ride before heading out to hopefully get some clothing bargains for DS, then have a playdate. Have a ton of stuff to do around the house and still have yet to get DS' room decluttered so we can transition his crib into a toddler bed. Will make a bank run to deposit checks tmorrow and need to get the mortgage check out in the next few days.

Hope to post alot of productivity in the next few days!

Got quite a bit done today dispite the heat. Sorted thru some material to bring for lap robes for the vets, put more dishes away, gathered up some of the decorations, cleaned both freezers (trash pick up tomorrow), watered the outside plants, finished the vanity cleaning in my bathroom. Tossed some nail polish, and cologne to donations (6 total).

Yes it was 103, but other than getting mail, letting Gypsy out, and putting the trash cans out and watering the flowers, I kept myself inside!

Diana, I just saw on tv how the roads are buckling in your area from the heat. It's coming this way today even though yesterday was in the high 90's here.

I am truly blessed with this wonderful breeze, I didn't turn on the air conditioning yet. My trees need to be trimmed, but it is keeping the yard very shaded and cooler.

I was glad I didn't have work yesterday, was just tired all day. I measured up my kitchen for new countertops and a new floor. Nothing fancy, I plan on getting the ready made countertops in HD or Lowe's. Then I priced out kitchen cabinets, I don't think I will do that in the near future though. I'll do the floor myself with a floating floor and if my handyman is around I'll get a price for him to do the countertops.

Neighbors came over later and we sat outside until dark again. Tonight we are all going down to the lake for a concert on the beach.

Finn still didn't get a bath, maybe today.

Getting an early start this morning. Since I FINALLY got to bed early last night, I woke up early enough to see DH off. Even made him a fruit smoothie to take to work!

Then caught up with stuff on here, watered some plants, unloaded wood and ran. BTW, have to tell you how blessed I am with my girls. DD#2 woke up around 6:30 as I was getting ready to go unload wood. I told her if DD#1 woke up, then get dressed and come out to help. (TBH, I wasn't sure they would come) Before long, BOTH of them were out there helping me! Then afterwards, they biked with me while I ran!!!!! I've got the BEST girls!!!

Now off to cool down and make some smoothies for us! Cya!

WL;
That was in downtown Chicago the streets buckling....it does happen though.

Sounds like fun to plan different things in your kichen.
I would love to replace the countertops, and the wall oven (why? I don't care to just cook for myself, ) and pretty much use the toaster oven for myself. Nice to use it for the 4th for a change to see if it is still working! It is, but the thermostat is off, so the hanging thermometer lets me adjust the temp.

Wendy:
Your girls are wonderful young gals. My goodness isn't it too hot to do all that physical stuff? Please be careful and don't over do it! Did you get a wood delivery for the winter?

Well hoping to get lots done today while I stay inside!

Stay cool everyone!

Yesterday's productivity included having the gardener replace the sprinkler heads in the front garden and cleaning the kitchen (cleared & wiped counters, swept & mopped the floor, etc.)

At Doctors today, no Diabetes but I do have an infection so more antibotics. I took a rest day off and probably will tomorrow as well if I'm lucky.

Hope you feel better fast Purdy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~Been sorting more material (by colors and then will do more intensive sorting). I even added some of my own material to the donations! Some in and some out! LOL

One of the UFP gals came over thinking we were meeting, nicely brought my empty trash cans up to the garage! I said she could stay, but she wanted to go home.

Did the outside frig in the garage and packed another bag of items for the trash pick up next week. I put it in a bag I can grab easily, but left it all in the freezer. Have a couple of boxes of pop to put back out there and then the garage frig will be completed. I can then start on my inside frig. Don't have a large separate freezer anymore, so I have to curtail my shopping, with seeing what I tossed this week. The freezers are just top freezers, so items get lost in the back! Also I need to make my ice cubes the old fashioned way in trays, as the well water would NOT be good for anything but washing ,etc not consumed!

Walked the dogs the morning, took out my road bike for 6.5 miles and felt great. Packed up cooler, picked up clothes for ds for a bargain, playground and splash pad play date with friends, hung out w. neighbors, eating homemade Popsicles, nap for all. Dh had to steam clean carpets from dog pee accidents, buy some more cleaner, and worked on his garden. He made BBQ chicken on the grill along w. our first harvested greens last night.
Also got some checks deposited today.

Just getting little things picked up around the house. Have a good Netflix movie to watch tonight. Going to be a triple digit wkend

Purdy - I hope the antibiotics do the trick

Well I came home Friday around 4pm and sat on the settee and fell asleep. Four hours later I woke feeling refreshed and I lazy evening watching tv.

I think all the manual labor caught up with me Speaking of which the sun is shining today, so I am off to the garden to put some paving stones down. Catch you all later!

With all this heat, everyone is still going strong!!


I had a burst of energy when I got up yesterday.

Cleaned out the medicine cabinet, scrubbed the tub surround and tub. Deep cleaned the bathroom floor. Watered the outside plants. Cleaned the kitchen back door.

Vacuumed the downstairs, washed the kitchen floor. Took Finn for an early morning walk while it was cool out.

Took out my steamer with all intentions of steam cleaning the furniture and rugs, but I couldn't open the vessel! I brought it over to Mary's husband to see if he could open it and he ended up taking it to work with him. I think the threads got seized. I hope not, it was quite expensive and I don't see a replacement available online. It has every imaginable attachment.

Called the boy next door, and he offered to hang my new screen door today. Yippee!!

Took a shower, washed my hair, went to the bank. Styled my hair once it dried (I need a haircut!) and did my nails. Cooked some sausage on the grill for a fast dinner and then we (Laura, Mary and the baby) went down to the lake for the 60's 70's concert. There was a gorgeous breeze coming down the lake and we had a really good time.

We met a friend there with her husband that had introduced herself at my garage sale last year. I got her phone number and we plan to get together as she is a not only looking for a garage sale buddy, but she is very creative with all types of mediums. We got home a little after 9 and I went straight to bed.

Planning on doing some branch work this morning. The vanity in the bathroom needs some straightening and that branch is done. Hoping Mary's husband will get the mower started for me and he also offered to hang my bathroom light that has been in a box for over 3 years!!

Fell asleep during the movie last night, guess I was tired...only saw a few snippets Maybe can watch it again over the wkend.

Woke up early this morning, took dogs for a walk, headed out for garage sale, dropped off mortgage ck, came back home to make coffee cake for neighborhood potluck, went back out to another sale, back home from potluck. Came home empty handed from the sales, but pretty inspired by one woman who cleared out her house of excess stuff. So hot here, going to get some things done around the house and think I may just turn on the sprinkers in the backyard and let DS play. DH and brother helping pick up furniture for family in need per request of my MIL.

Sounds like everyone has been very busy.

Thursday we ran a couple errands like to the bank, to the store (ordered a new mattress for our bed and some medical supplies).

Friday was grocery shopping day- we need a serious pantry restock so we went to 5 different stores and got some great days.

Dianaro and Karen - Thanks it's my second course and a longer one so crossed fingers that this will work.

I've rested the majority of the day and watched TV.

Fingers are crossed for you Purdy

Today's productivity has been:
Outside
*4 paving slabs done (DH laid them)
*Log edging (part 1 of it)put in place at the back of the slabs
*Soil moved to that bed and tarpaulin put down to stop the weeds
*Gravel moved to the bed
*More soil moved to the back of the garden to level that bed
*Benches x 2 given a coat of wood stain
*Tarpaulin down in neighbors garden finished and more gravel moved to there.

Inside
*Load of laundry done
*The fronts of the cupboards in the kitchen wiped down(branch work)

After a nap we went to the in-laws for dinner. On the way home we dropped off cards and gifts for the coming weeks birthdays. Off to bed now night all and keep up the good work!

Diana, no, we don't have wood delivery. There's a business in town that makes railroad ties. The end pieces are put in an area where anyone can pick them up for free! Sometimes the pieces are less than one inch thick and some are even FOUR inches thick!! (They're the pretreated kind) They drop them off at their own leisure, so you never know when there'll be a load of wood. You just have to check.

So the girls helped me load up the truck, then unload them when we get home. We have a place behind our garage where we make a huge pile. DH thinks it takes well over 20 loads to heat a normal winter. (Last year was pretty mild) So I guess we have our work cut out for us! That's if we don't cut our own trees.

The business opens the gate before 6:30am, so we got the wood loaded before 7:30. Then the next morning we unloaded it before 8am. So it was still cooler than the afternoons. We don't do much of anything in the afternoons with this heat. Thanks for looking out for us!

Purdy, so glad to hear of no diabetes! That's great!

Fleur, good ride on your bike! Exercise does feel good. (I'm finally admitting it!) Sorry you missed your movie!

Karen, glad you were able to rest. Our bodies tend to let us know when they've had enough, huh? WOW! look at the work you did today!! Way to go!!!!

Waterlady, you rock!! You got a lot done! And such blessings your friends are! How sweet!

Tina, good for you on the deals! Super!

We were blessed to have DH home with us this weekend. This will be his only one for a couple of months. We've had a great time just enjoying each other, yet also getting some things done.

We started out the weekend last night with a southern gospel concert! The two groups are ones that I had seen at the music school I attended last year, who just happen to be attending again this year! So neat to be able to introduce them to my family!

This morning we got up and lazily decided to go get wood together. It was a chance, because we weren't sure the business would be open on Saturdays. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't. But, they were open! It was nice to be able to work together as a family!

We stopped by the store to pick up a few things. That was nice too as we weren't in any hurry and could check things out. Picked up a movie at the library on the way home.

DH and I unloaded the wood, while the girls...I'm not sure what they did! LOL For the rest of the day, (not in this order) we cut veggies, washed dishes, put out two loads of laundry, ate lunch, took a nap, straightened a little in the pantry room, played games, took care of a computer problem, checked out things online, made homemade pizza, ate said pizza (yum!), showered, vegged some more and now ready for bed!!

We finally got some rain today! First in a LONG time! Ponds have really been drying up around here. It was a good rain. But the winds were atrocious! DH helped me bring the laundry in from the line and I thought Dorothy and Toto were going to land any minute!

Well, going to hit the hay, so we can enjoy at day at church with DH with us!! Woo Hoo!

Cya!

Nice to read how productive everyone has been, even those in areas where it is hot. We have finally been having summer weather and we are enjoying it...but then it's not too hot here.

We had a great 4th of July and then yesterday DS's baseball team won their district tournament (they went 4-0 and outscored the other teams played 55-3) so they are headed to the state tournament next weekend. It has been a very exciting week.

Today we went to breakfast at DM's and then DD went with her Aunt, Uncle and cousin for the day. DH, DS and I drove to the baseball tournament for the older boys to watch their first game. Then to Costco, to pick up DD and back home. Since then I have been washing my throw rugs, swept and mopped the kitchen and laundry floor. Cleaned the front of the freezer and the oven. Folded the back-up of clean laundry and got that all put away (with the help of the kids). DH cleaned up the kitchen.

We have friends moving to Idaho and they are taking a quick trip over there for the next few days. We are going to watch both of their boys for them through Monday morning and then one will be going to another friend's home and we'll keep one until Wednesday. Tomorrow we have a hike planned for our Amazing Race challenge. I also have a big work meeting on Monday that I need to finish preparing for.

Hope everyone continues to enjoy their weekend!

Everyone is doing so great here!!

Karen, still wish you lived closer, I do love to garden and tackle jobs myself. I'm still waiting for the mulch to be delivered, it's so late this year. I'm just not up to getting it this year (was too hot) and hauling it off my truck.

Jodi, that is wonderful news about DS's team! Congratulations! My, you keep a hectic schedule!

Wendy, do you burn the pressure treated wood inside? Free is always good no matter how much energy it takes, IMHO.

Purdy, hope you are feeling better.

Tina, sounds like you are settling in.

Well we were on severe t-storm warnings from noon to 8 pm. We didn't get the terrible heat as forecasted as it was cloudy all day. Major storms swirled around and we missed all of them. We could have used the rain for sure. I used my time to do kitchen branch work, got four drawers done and two shelves. Did some tossing as well.

The kid next door hung my screen door, he is such a nice guy. I tipped him $20 as he didn't want any money, (he parks his car in my lot and I don't charge him, he is very grateful for the parking space). He is a carpenter, and did a nice job. Today I will cut out the bottom screen and make my "doggie" door for Finn. He forgot yesterday it was a new door and went slamming into it, ROFL!!

Laura came over with dinner and we hung out a while. Mary invited us to go swimming at her old house and then watch the fireworks on the lake, but we both declined. I didn't want to leave the dog although he is very good with the firework noise.

I sat on my back deck in the cool evening breeze and was able to see a lot of them off my deck. Finn laid quietly next to me.

Had to water the yard last night as things were looking stressed.

Today Laura and I are going to HD to get Mary a housewarming gift of a garden hose and a mister. She hates the heat and is always outside with the baby. That will keep her nice and cool, and also they have no hose! (I always think practical) I need a few items there myself as well.

Thanks everyone!

I took another rest day, I've done the must dailies and that is it.

Had fun relaxing yesterday afternoon...DS and I stayed cool by hanging out in the inflatable pool that I blew up in the backyard. Cleaned out washing machine with vinager rinse, swept hardwood floors. DH had a boys day with golf and payperview fight. Made salad and hummus for dinner, cleaned up my mess, hung out with neighbors, got to rewatch the movie I missed. Woke up early this morning and took the road bike out for 8.5 miles, put away all dirty dishes and washed a boat load more, made pancakes for DS, wiped countertops, cleaned microwave, cleaned out 3 spaces in the fridge and threw away alot of science projects (still have 1/2 of the fridge to go through).

Decided to tackle our mess of a living room. Had to roll up our area rug several weeks ago since our older dog started peeing on it and on the hardwoods, so our couches/chairs have been moved around. Haven't been able to have folks over bc it is a disaster in there. Swept the hardwoods and in the middle of mopping. Had DH put the rug in our closet until the dog will stop peeing in that are (which is not anytime soon). Almost done with this part, weeding out toys to put away while in the process.

Whew, you ladies tire me out! So busy.

Wendy: WL and I both wonder about the treated wood in the house.

WL: You could play in my yard all you wish! I will make sandwiches and iced tea! I just do not enjoy gardening, but love the yeards I see with people that do. Mine is basic and perennial!

Love the practical gifts. Great that the new screened door is in, and the guy was so nice about it. Poor Finn. LOL

~~~~~~~~~~~
Finally all the entertainment items are put away along with the inside decorations. Leaving the outside ones up for the month.

Doing laundry and taking a neighbor out for lunch and a movie for her birthday today.

Wendy, I was wondering the same about the treated wood; I went online to research it. I'd be careful of creosote build up in the chimney; I do hope you have it cleaned regularly. I also read the workers handle the wood with gloves, could be a good idea if you are to haul around that many pieces for you and DDs to protect yourselves... Very lovely of them to be so helpful!

Too bad you are so far away Diana, I'd help! Loooove to work in the yard (miss it more than the actual house I had) and hmmmm homemade iced tea!

Everyone is so busy indeed! I had a difficult start this morning, I was working the evening shift and DS left the place a bit of a mess. I find it harder to clean when I'm not the one who made the mess! None the less, can't start a vacation in a disaster area. I started outside, did the front and back porches, swept and watered plants. I also finished last week's branch and cleaned the bathroom.

PUPA in the living room took care of the messy look. Cushions went back on the couch, dishes went back to the kitchen and flyers and papers on the coffee table went to the recycling bin.

I've got a load of clothes to switch and will throw in the bed sheets to wash, I took 5 minutes to clean the top of my dresser (which also serves as my bedside table), put all of the remaining magazines in a bag; will take them to work for art projects. I give up; I can't go through all of them, too tired of the piles! Victory!

Then to tackle the dishes. Getting tired of that too, might as well call and see when I can schedule the repairs for the dishwasher. Hate making calls but starting to hate doing the dishes more. Besides I've made reservations for a two day stay at a hotel with DD, spa treatment and all. I didn’t die or nothing so will take advantage of the momentum and make all the other calls at once!

Wendy, I'll add my concerns to those of others, about burning pre-treated wood.

*********

I've been busy with the usual errands, such as taking DD to gymnastics and a friend's house, putting gas to the car, doing the groceries, going to the library, and so forth. But I don't know if that is the same as being productive.

I also made a trip to the hardware store to find some items I need to repair the lock to the sliding glass door and the china cabinet, but they didn't have what I needed. Will need to try one of the other stores.

Returned home from a weekend road trip. Most everything is unpacked, I just need to put up the suitcase.

I went back to my front room project and made some progress there. I also updated the "during" pictures. I will have a complete slide show to document the progress whether it was positive or negative throughout the project.

I still have a few things in the room that don't belong because of the bathroom remodel. I will take a bag of clothes to the children's home tomorrow and I posted a few things on Craiglist to give away.

I have to start on the closet next. I am not thrilled about that part of the project, but it has to be done. This closet is stuffed full of random stuff just like all the other closets, so I am not really looking forward to it. I am off work tomorrow so I hope to get a lot done.

Small success: I want to get rid of most of my landscaping as it is not anything that I would have planted. I posted a picture of the shrubs on Craigslist "FREE" stating that anyone can have the shrubs if they will dig them up. I got back from my weekend trip and they were gone. I was so excited because I didn't think the people would actually show up! That was free labor for me and I feel better that they are being replanted. I've got more to give away!!

Today's productivity included watering the garden, both front and back; scrubbing 1 bathtub and washing the walls and the ceiling of the smaller bathroom; running the dishwasher and cleaning the kitchen counters and stove top (again - I'm a messy cook!) and wiping the microwave.

Oh ladies, thank you for looking out for us. I guess I typed pretreated, thinking it would explain that these pieces are not treated at all. They cut the wood, then dump these end pieces for anyone to pick up. The railroad ties are treated AFTER they cut them to the right measurements. So no treated wood for us. Just good ole fresh wood. And we do use gloves anyway because of splinters! Got another load today! Will be going back tomorrow as it looked like there was plenty more. Large pieces more than two inches thick and about a 4"x6" rectangle. Good sizes for me to handle during the winter.

Going to get ready for another dentist appt. DD#1 is going to get a work up done to see if she's needing braces. Are we really in that stage already???!!??

Cya!

That's good news Wendy! You had me worried!

Purdy, another rest day is fine, you probably need it with all the work you've been doing.

Fleur, all that work and a long bike ride too? Send some energy here please!

Diana, hope you enjoyed the lunch out.

BBGum, I love yard work too, my DGF and I used to share plants but she moved and noone else around me is a gardener. Why don't you get some paper plates in the meantime for some of the quick meals, I've been doing that. Helps keep the sink from being full.

Bless, busy as usual! I'm a messy cook too.

TxGirl, I am imagining coming home and finding my yard all dug up, LOL! Babysteps on your project!!

Yesterday Laura and I went to HD and WalMart for a few things. Came home and I worked on the new screen door. Finn has his new "flap" door opening and is happy to go in and out.

I finally gave him a bath, he behaved well for me. Now he is white again where he should be. Unfortunately, he turned quickly on the deck and pulled out his leg and has been limping again. I massaged it a few times last night and this morning, he seems better.

It is totally gorgeous out, I think I will attempt to stain the new door. I got a late start this morning but have cleaned out the refrigerator already and got most of the garbage out for tomorrow's pickup.

Got hold of the handyman yesterday, he is definitely coming this Thursday, so I MUST empty that section of the garage by then. It's pleasant enough weather, I have no more excuses!

Have a great day everyone!

Today I went and bought 2 lamps at Ikea, they both broke the same week! One went crashing to the floor and the other one was too old, the screw holding the post gave out after too much tightening. I was with DGF, she needed some stuff for the house, I like it when my bill is smaller than hers! Then went across the road to Costco, got fruits and veggies plus meat. Only splurge item was a pair of walking shorts, can dress up or down, great length for work.

After that we went on a walk for an hour, in this heat! Whew, what a good sweat! I feel so heavy when I walk, hate the giggly parts, been out walking 3 times this week, have to keep this up, things have to change. I measured myself last week, been watching what I eat too.

Assembled the lamps, dusted the living room furniture, and swept the floors. Going to fix myself a salad with a hardboiled egg and fresh raspberries on vanilla yogurt for dessert. Then wind down in front of the TV a bit.

Have a great evening all!

Boy, we are passing the energy bottle! Busy, busy, and productive....Love it.

Did my branch work I listed yesterday for today, then got the laundry finished, sorted more material, (just have to pack it up by color, I think.), put the 4th decorations bin back to the garage, cleaned behind and under the frig, YUCK!, and went out to lunch.

Bubblegum: I have some of those "giggly" parts, myself.

**********

Today's productivity:

- A.M. appt. with Financial Planner: he says I should continue to do what I've been doing. No changes recommended.
- Went to the crafts store with DD; she bought some clay, yarn, and a sketch book; I bought some yarn to knit a baby blanket for a colleague whose wife is expecting their first baby.
- Went to the home improvement store in the same complex to buy the clips I needed to fix the china cabinet glass; came home and fixed the glass, then, took everything out of the cabinet, cleaned the shelves, washed everything and polished the silver and put everything back.
- Took the trash cans to the curb

Waterlady - I wish I lived closer too! I would love to visit

Diana - Yes my body let me know I needed rest.

I have had a cough for a few weeks that hasn't slowed me down, but is annoying as there is so much rubbish from it. Sunday I started with a sinus infection I felt like someone was crushing my head Needless to say that managed to slow me down I went to the docs and I have an upper respiratory infection as well, so I am on antibiotics for a week to try and clear it.

As well as the visit to the doc I was in school all day. When I got home I printed some photos of the kids from school off, and wrote half of my farewell cards. I can't believe school ends next week I will miss them.

Karen
That did go quickly. Obviously you enjoyed it! You will get credit for all your hard work for school of course.
So sorry about the infections. Those sinus and upper resp are so tough to deal with! Get better soon, and REST

Bless:
You are so darn busy all the time. I cannot believe all you do in a day!

BBG, I love Ikea, haven't been there in ages.

Diana, I did under the refrigerator too, yuck is right.

Bless, my china closet really needs a cleaning, I keep putting it off.

Karen, ouch! I've had those sinus infections, not fun! Take care of yourself.

Well, I stained the screen door yesterday, it looks so nice. However, the door trim now looks old and ugly, does it ever end? ROFL!

I'll have to dig out the trim paint.

I worked a little in the garage, still need to clear the corner for Ray for Thursday.

Went to the supplier today, then to a customer's house and the part didn't work, back to the "drawing board" as they say.

Sold a system to a customer I saw a few weeks ago, just have to set up the installation date. Yippee! I'll make it through this month!!

Stopped at the dollar store and got some plastic boxes for some smaller items in the garage, then to the farmer's market. Finally the tomatoes, zucchini are coming in! Grabbed two for later.

Came home and heard a crash outside, a car hit a motorcycle, so lots of activity going on out there now. Looks like everyone is ok TYG. There is a bad intersection to the left and right of my small street.

OK, I'm off to the garage to get some work done.

Got my list for today done. Hope to get more embroidery done.

Had a busy few days at work and got an overdue project finally done which felt good. Have a few upcoming deadlines aside from my daily responsibilities which is always hard given that I am a procrastinator. Off for the next few days and going to be rainy which is a break from all the heat.

Had gotten the dining room cleared off the other day and now its all cluttered again. oh well..will try again. Hoping to get alot done and have fun in the next couple of days!

Today, after work, I went with DD to the pet store to buy kitty litter and then, to one of the shops to pay a bill for my cousin who is out of the country. Came home and made dinner, did the dishes, watered the indoor plants. Didn't do everything I had on my to do list, but it's too hot (temps. in the triple digits) to bother.

Bless:
I don't know how you can do anything without AC! I know you have a window unit in your bedroom,I believe, but that is really cause to rest. You can get so ill. I hope you go out to the car for an AC break here and there. (((((HUGS)))))))

Probably won't have much to report today, just doing the usual JDI today. Out most of the day.

I believe the kitchen branch is done for me.

WOOO HOOO!! 8 pages already! I'm going to close this out and start Part 2. See you all over there!!