Modern Reader

Ada has a new way of reading. She’s getting books on her IPad. She can probably use the device better than I. I read this way too but I enjoy a real book in hand much more. Last Saturday, before going on her weekly visit to the Boone county Lubrary she made a list of books she wanted to read. Then she and Erin scurried around the book shelves finding those she chose.

 

Puzzled

Ada enjoys reading. I hope it’s a lifetime habit. 

I finished the succulents puzzle yesterday. I may go to the library and get a puzzle. This one was 500 pieces. Sigrid does 1000 piece one’s. I don’t have room on the card table for that big of a puzzle, but I probably could not finish one that big anyway.

I made a baby blanket for a friend’s great grandchild. His dad loved the little hat and said he wished he had one. I fixed him up.

I remember Grandma Powell making this dress with her treadle  sewing machine.That’s embroidery around the hem. It was black checked material. She made a covered belt to match. She wore ear rings. Clip ons and face powder—very visible. Her hands were always busy. She braided a huge rug that covered her entire living room. Her rose bush is in the background. She enjoyed gardening and flowers. She didn’t like cleaning house. My DNA matches her family highly. I’m lot like Grandma.

 

Last Year

We have not had snow this year. The picture is from one year past. 

I bought a puzzle from Hobby Lobby. I was able to put it together. It was smaller but I was pleased as I’m not good at this. I started one I had in the closet. I’ve got the outside together. 

I went to the gym to start lifting weights. The machines are all a new type. I’ll have to be taught to use them. It was frustrating. I’m trying to be strong at home. I do chair sits and rises. I’m going to shoot for 50 a day. I plan to do these when I get up before my coffee. I have to have a plan or time slips by and I do nothing. So I can’t have coffee until I sit and get up 45 times. Laura says use it or lose it.  The other five I’ve chosen to do are squats, hip hinge, overhead press, row, and chest press. My plan is to do these T and Th. I must call the gym and see how to get assistances with the machines. 

I’m liking my new side by side. It’s diesel. Sort of noisy but they last.
 

Side by Side Ride

For Christmas in 2008, Larry bought me the Mule. We both enjoyed have it and it’s been very dependable. I became afraid it would bite the dust. I bought a Kubota side by side to replace it. With my knee being weak, I need to be able to get around the Meadow. It’s not brand new, but a 2022 model. It only had 44 hours of use and I have known the owner for 50 years. I’m loving the power steering. I can have it serviced at Kubota or maybe Logan can do it. This is another alternative to knee replacement.

 

New Do

 

Ada decided to get her hair cut in a new style. She can comb it herself. She looks older. Those two missing teeth are returning. Children change so quickly. “Don’t buy me what you wish you had, teach me what you wish you’d known.”

The bone doctor X-rays show bone on bone. I’ll continue on for now doing my best to maintain my knee. I must limit over doing but have to keep doing. Walking a tightrope rope!

A Mile

On Monday I walked to the pond. It was .9 of a mile. Today I’m going to the orthopedic doctor. I just want to establish care with him. Hoping to keep on keeping on,

We’ve had some beautiful January days. I’m thankful for the weather. January will soon be half over. 
 

Tote it

I finished a cotton two strand tote! Can you see the heart. This is for my red headed girl!

Monday for back to school for Eric, Siggie, and herself Laura made cinnamon rolls to get it started off sweet. She brought me two so the last two mornings my day has started off super sweetly!

 

Jig a Saw

I’ve been working on this puzzle for a couple of weeks. I’m not very good at zig saws but Larry was a pro as are his two girls and all his grands. Laura said sort the pieces by color and then by shape. Oh, dear so much work.  I just search for a piece. Sigrid and Logan E. came to see me and in less than an hour it was done. Should I try another puzzle?

 

Sunday

Finished a baby blanket and hat plus some bread dough covers. On to my next project.

 Today is my sister Fleta’s birthday. I won’t say her age but she’s older than me. She still works a full time job. Takes care of herself and others. Walks almost daily. She is amazing. 

Spirits Lifted

Sister came and lifted my spirits. We had a good breakfast thanks to many. Laura made the homemade loaf bread using Grandma Powell’s recipe. Fleta brought the ham gifted by Tyson’s. I think she’s worked there 39 years. I supplied the eggs poached in the egg poacher Erin bought me from Amazon. It takes a village. I told Fleta that I hope we pass on the same day so one won’t be left behind. She laughed but I’m serious!

 

Starting New

Ada has more than love of reading in common with me. She loves nature and the outdoors. She started her year with a hike. This is the Koen Trail near Erbie. The Koen Trail was designed for kids with plenty of signs to identify trees and information to read along the way. What a great way to begin 2026.

 

New Year 2026

Happy New year to all and blessings in 2026!

This is an old Puritan prayer from their beginnings in the 1600’s. I like the message but I surely don’t like to be jolted into reality.  I prefer comfort and smooth sailing. Now, even the smallest occurrence seems to rattle me. 

Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Sigrid celebrated the New Year in our town. Several of her friends did too. This is her first New Year with her own Logan. 

The black rabbit coat Sig is wearing, I purchased over 30 years ago. It blessed my heart to see her wearing it. Somethings don’t go out of style.

Ingrid was featured on the website of her new employer. It explains what she does. I’m really proud of her but miss her being near.