Houston TV meteorologist’ say we are experiencing “Mayuary” weather. No, I didn’t make a spelling error; it’s a combination of May and February. Last night, all night, door and windows open; I slept comfortably under a sheet.

Here in Southeast Texas, we enjoy the pleasant weather at odd times of the year. In a few months, miserable humid, hot temperatures!!

Number One: I am extremely sensitive to odors!! While I worked on the earlier blog, and thereafter, I’ve had a monster headache. Again (as I said in the earlier blog), the door was open all night. When I went outdoors–about ten-fifteen–I quickly detected the strong odor of propane. I picked up the end of the hose, felt the pressure of escaping propane, and then (foolishly) put the end near my nose. I didn’t bother with a phone call; I rushed to the office to report the situation. Moments later, a maintenance man arrived and explained “faulty regulator.” ~~ The “big tank” had been removed about nine, and transported to be refilled. See the small tank (in the picture)? I’m waiting for my handyman, Jim, to take it for re-certification and refilling (tag expired three years ago). Number Two: I’m sick!! Over an hour inhaling fumes. As soon as I “publish” this, I’m heading for the shower. Quite possibly, I have the propane odor clinging to my nostrils, hair, and clothes?!

Washing dishes, glanced out my kitchen window and saw the Bluebird couple on the bird house, and later in a nearby tree. I rushed out to take pictures–and set up a new mealworm feeder just for my new tenants. I checked… and several eggs in the nest.

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Perhaps my new-observation Bluebird couple was photographed, earlier, on the “always available” feeder? ~~ My oft-repeated statement: “I love Bluebirds.”

I’ve been in the doldrums lately  (but mum’s the word). I cannot overemphasize my pleasure when the CARE maintenance supervisor arrived and installed the plaque on the door of my storage building. Ron and Janet Pagotto made a sizable donation to CARE and they chose my site for their “thank you” plaque. ~~ Brightened my day considerably!!

…that is the question.

That’s my paraphrase of William Shakespeare’s “To be or not to be, that is the question.”

I spent hours attempting to gather the needed information. Some sites good, some sites appeared to be an advertisement for their paid services. I’m uncertain whether I’ve learned a substantive answer to my question.

First one read:  Resolution Rules of Thumb for Scanning Old Family Photos and Documents

Spend money, take an instructional course: Digitize Your Family History

This link about scanning photos: Genealogy Weekend Warrior Project 4: Find, Scan, and Save Your Photos

This link possibly the best information for me at this time: Sort, Scan, Share: How to NOT Drown in Family Memorabilia/

No, no, this one is even better: Your Personal Archiving Project: Where Do You Start?

New England Boiled Dinner.

Not long ago, a friend invited me to dinner–and it was my favorite: Corned Beef, potatoes, carrots and cabbage. I was too polite to say “This doesn’t satisfy my craving for corned beef.” (I didn’t ask for a “doggie bag.”) Saint Patrick’s Day is a couple of weeks away; I’ll celebrate early!!

This morning, I grocery shopped–and spent more than $83.00. I “dwaddled” about two hours in the market because I read labels, etc., etc. I probably buy the most expensive items because I look for non-GMO, organic, whole wheat, etc. I don’t shop at Walmart; I go to a less-known store that my neighbors swear is “much more expensive.” Well, I’m worth it (lol)!! I’d like to think that I “paid it forward”–half my lifetime–conscientious about nutrition.

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En route home (it was right on my way), I stopped at the SPCA thrift shop looking for bottles and/or vases. I especially need white, and red, for patriotic “tree” displays. My search was rewarded; I came home with eleven slender white (simulated milk glass) vases. I just have to continue to double-check Dollar Tree for red vases. “Patriotic” for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

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“Eleven” is exactly how many I need for this bottle tree display. Thirty-two branches; three colors. Pictured (above left): A display that has been up since November voting, and Veteran’s Day.

Pain is inevitable but misery is optional
So, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy!!

As you well know (if you have been following my blog), I’m attempting to “downsize.” However, at every turn, I slow down to look at a book, etc., etc. This morning the above titled book caught my attention and I browsed it again. (Given to me by a dear friend in [perhaps] 2004 or 2005.)

The World’s Greatest Need

A little more kindness and a little less greed;
A little more giving and little less need;
A little more smile and a little less frown;
A little less kicking, a man when he’s down;
A little more “we” and a little less “I”;
A little more laughs and a little less cry;
A little more flowers on the pathway of life;
And fewer on graves at the end of the strife.

• author unknown

Likewise, this caught my eye:
“If only I could get that wonderful feeling of accomplishment without having to accomplish anything.” by Ashleigh Brilliant

I’m overwhelmed by my projects–and proposed projects!! Every time I open a box, there is a reminder of the family that has rejected me. I live with that pain daily.

She waited for the call
that never came; searched every mail
for a letter, or a note,
or card,
that bore his name;
and on her knees
at night
and on her feet
all day, she stormed Heaven’s Gate
in his behalf;
she plead for him
in Heaven’s High court;
“Be still and wait,”
the word He gave;
and so she knew
He would
do in, and for,
and with him,
that which she never could.
Doubts ignored,
she went about her chores
with joy;
knowing, though spurned,
His word was true.
The prodigal had not returned
but God was God,
and there was work to do.

No, I don’t sit around with my eyes on the indoor-outdoor thermometer.

It just happens; I “just happen” to glance at the thermometer and, voila, there are matching numbers.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Beautiful afternoon!!

A “screen capture” from the e-book about memory. I’m reading it while eating a healthy salad, and taking my nutritional supplements (with a meal). I’m encouraged, somewhat, by the paragraph that says: “The pathways we do not use tend to degenerate over time. It seems that we must exercise our brains to keep them healthy after all. It’s the same with our real muscles, which can serve us as long as we exercise them regularly throughout our lives.” I believe I can safely say I have exercised my brain as well as exercising my body. Some times I amaze myself as I recall (and speak, or write) genealogical material I processed twenty years ago. As you know, I search the Internet for information regarding many topics, including flowers and garden problems/solutions. I’m only on page twenty-eight of one-hundred-sixty-nine pages. Very interesting reading.

This is my Gullible??  Maybe!!  follow-up blog message.

Beautiful afternoon!! I’d love to be working in my “yarden.”