Trials and tribulations ?!

Water on floor under sink

Stuff removed

Please, “pretty please,” not a roof leak!! Not another BIG expense on top of air-conditioner purchase. Within weeks after I purchased this trailer (2014), I needed a new roof. Too soon (imho) for another repair.

Taking care of business !!

So many outdoor projects have been neglected!! Neighbors have returned from a one-month motorhome trip; time to return Shirley’s ladder. In an effort to prevent theft of the ladder (again) I added her name for identification. Likewise, my name on my recently acquired (from a yard sale) ladder.

Shirley's ladder

Lorraine's ladder

.

Fels-Naptha sprayed on nestI followed directions and chose to spray (with Fels-Naptha) the wasp nest first thing this morning (or late evening recommended). No wasps in the new trap. ~~ Then I started the project inserting screen on the vent door. I’ll complete… in the comfort of my air-conditioned home.

.

Getting ready to install screen

One inserted

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Postscript, same day, 2:30 PM: This crazy old lady gardener made a special trip to Livingston for a short piece of plastic tubing. She’s eager to get the fountain going!! Home again and picture taken to document the heat and humidity. Last picture illustrates “faux pas.”

Temperature at two

Wrong size tubing

Do it myself, thank you !!

Fully an hour was spent–at Lowe’s–reading labels and trying to decide on a wasp-killer. I’m so sensitive to odors, I hate chemical products!! Before I hire an exterminator, I thought I’d try this “environmentally responsible” trap. Hopefully a “responsible” $20.00 investment?! (See my earlier blog message.)

See the wasp?

Trap for wasps

.

Moved the WHY trapChecking Internet web sites, I learned the trap should be at least twenty feet from the patio. I didn’t read anything about twenty feet from the nest but concluded I should move the WHY trap. Now it is time to “wait and see.”

Hurricane preparedness !!

Hurricane preparationRecently, the director of the CARE Center handed out a list of things “they” want the residents to do in preparation for a hurricane. On a day when too beastly hot to be outdoors, I assembled emergency radio, flashlights (and batteries), blanket, pillow, towel, toiletries, clothes, water, etc. If we are evacuated, it could be several days before we return home. Depending upon the weather, a change of clothes may be needed?! Frankly, I’m proactive because I have multiple items so I can share with resident-neighbors who may have failed to pack a bag. 

Keep it simple and smart

Blanket, pillow, towel, etc.

Suitcase all zipped up

Smaller bag addedI’m fond of saying “Keep It Simple Senior” (KISS). Today (prior to my trip to Lowe’s), I visited my storage unit (down the highway) and retrieved my large suitcase and companion “carry on” bag. **If** we have to evacuate, I’d rather travel with “wheels” rather than struggle with four bags!! I’ve shifted the contents from the four bags to two. Frankly, my personal items take less than half the space; paper towels, toilet tissue, Handi-wipes, zip lock bags, etc., are bulky items.

(Originally published on 8/11/16; updated and re-published 8/12/16.)

Keep it simple

New (used) fountain / bird-bath

Impulse shopping; I couldn’t resist!! I have a very satisfactory fountain/bird-bath but succumbed to the temptation to purchase the cement fountain. The several pieces weigh a lot; I needed to recruit a strong man to help me get it into the desired position. Our CARE Thrift ‘n Gift Shop benefited from the sale; my yard gained a sculpture.

Planter delivered

David moved the heavy pieces of fountain

Five pieces of cement

Plastic tubing needed

.

A length of plastic tubing needs to be purchased before the pump cascades water from top to center, to lower. I’ll watch for something large and decorative for the top. This bird would be appropriate, and the angel is adorable.

Cement bird for fountain bird-bath

Angel garden ornament

“Wash” so I can “wear” !!

All my summer wardrobe was dirty!! I couldn’t procrastinate any longer!! At 5:30 AM, I was in the laundry room of the adjacent RV Park. Even with an air-conditioner running (and I was the only customer), the laundry room felt like a sauna (at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, etc.). If I’d been a Hershey’s bar, I would have melted; likewise, a stick of butter…. No relief whatsoever from the heat, outdoors before sunrise!! It was such a joy to return to my cool and comfortable trailer home–at eight o’clock. As I mentioned on a picture, clothes may not “air dry” due to dense humidity (84%).

Temperature at eight, thermometer in lawn chair

Clothes may not air dry

Temperature at eight

Fullscreen capture 8112016 83625 AM.bmpThe temperature may vary between thermometers but miserably hot any way you look at it.

.

Clothes to put away

Long skirts hanging outdoors

.

“Laundry” is a service I’m entitled to–part of the monthly fee to live at the CARE Center. However, I’m persnickety about my clothes!! This old lady likes to wear long skirts rather than shorts or pants (and I receive compliments regarding my wardrobe). My skirts (like my garden) need “tender loving care.” I wash them in cold water and do not run them through the dryer.

Tender love and care

Temperature at three PM

Fullscreen capture 8112016 30149 PM.bmp

.

Skirts moved indoors

Skirts hanging in shower

.

The wind came up, the sky darkened. I thought we might have a thunderstorm so I brought the skirts indoors. Sadly, no rain and we continue to bake in the extreme heat.

Quick as a wink !!

Angry waspWasp nest behind the refrigerator?? Next time David is here, I’ll have him investigate. This morning I was stung by a wasp–inside my trailer home. I was walking around bare foot and “quick as a wink” I experienced instant pain. I’d stepped on the wasp!! I’ve checked the Internet for answers; I’ve done self-remedy.

Smiley Face varietyAccidents happen so quickly–especially as we get older. More recently, I’ve been concerned I might trip and fall because a cat has adopted me. In my “yarden,” it follows me around–like my shadow–and forcefully rubs against my legs. He belongs to a neighbor and I’m not “encouraging” him to stay. Plants, and pets, welcome!! Insects, and snakes, welcome but I prefer they keep their distance!!

Tanner at my feet

Cat adopted me