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.)

.

Checking 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.”

Recently, 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. 

I’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.)

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.

.

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.

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%).

The temperature may vary between thermometers but miserably hot any way you look at it.

.

.

“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.

.

.

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.

.

…and sorting through stacks of magazines, paperwork, etc., and discarding….

Wasp 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.

Accidents 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!!

Why wait for David?? I’ll do it myself!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Yours truly has been inconsistent!! I write that I am **NOT** going to bore you with endless pictures of thermometers. However, when I see triple digits, the camera comes out and I record the temperature. Forgive me?! Currently, I’m curious about the “inconsistent” messages about the heat. The sensor for my indoor-outdoor weather station is in shade, in a tree. It says 100 while the thermometer in my rocking lawn chair–in the shade of the awning–says (approximately) 94. AccuWeather says 96. ~~ Oh well, when it’s this hot, why question four or six degrees? “Real Feel” is 108 degrees.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

.

One thing is consistent: Eighty-three degrees inside my trailer home. During the extreme heat of the day, that’s the best temperature my air-conditioner can produce.

Originally published July 11th, 2016. Revised while watching the Olympics (in my rear view mirror).

A CARE resident is on vacation and asked me to “care” for his plants. Early the morning of July eleventh (6:15 AM), I watered the plants in his yard. His “house” plants were already in my custody. Not in the instructions, unscheduled, I brought the hanging baskets back to my yard. They were “bone dry” so I gave them a soaking. I need (needed) to do some Internet searches to become familiar with several of the plants. Maybe I can (could) revive them?? The African Violet is a challenge; I know nothing about them!!

.

.

.

.

“Plant sitting” has been a volunteer task the past couple of years. Last Winter I sheltered a Begonia from freezing temperature. It was my opinion the plant needed trimming. I did… and stuck the cuttings into planters. They are doing well and will eventually go to our Thrift ‘n Gift Shop, for sale.

.

A Christmas Cactus was nurtured and thrived. See November 2015 pictures. ~~ Other plants given tender loving care.

.

.

Postscript, Aug. 8, 2016: At 6:15 AM, I walked the football-field-length to CARE neighbor’s yard–planning to water his plants. “He’s home!” ~~ So his houseplants were moved to the patio and are ready and waiting….