Coloratura Craziness

Waking Up Mid Sleep

My sleep pattern has gotten goofy. I'm tired and fall asleep early, but lately I keep waking up. Generally I fall back to sleep quickly...but it's a bit annoying.

New Job?

Anyone want to give me a new job? Preferably $65,000 a year or more with health insurance, paid vacation and sick time, pleasant co-workers and supervisors...or at least people who don't actively try to make your life miserable? I have a Masters Degree and supervisory experience. Anyone? Anyone?

Photo Phriday - Rose of Sharon

Raise Awareness Wednesday - Chinese Chicken "Treats"

You want to give your dogs good treats. You also don't want to pay a fortune. You see some neat, healthy looking treats in the store-dried chicken wrapped around some fruit, perhaps-so you buy it. The problem is that lots of dog treats are made in China, and there have been numerous accounts of dogs getting ill, and even dying, from eating these treats. I know I look carefully at the labels now and will refuse to take a chance. I will not buy any treat made in China. You have to be careful though. I saw a package with a US flag on it and bought it. When I looked more closely I saw that it was packaged in the USA-but made in China! Here's a link to the latest USDA Product Safety Information with Questions and Answers Regarding Chicken Jerky Treats from China. It was updated today. Be careful and support US jobs-look for products made in the USA.

Worth it?

Work is very stressful. That's the nature of the job itself. That would be fine...but administration and coworkers are making it miserable. And it's only going to get worse. It could be a wonderful job, even now I quite enjoy it at times...but I don't see it getting better. I can retire in 15 years...I don't know if I can make 15 months. The problem is that I make good money and have great benefits. In fact, I just got a raise. I enjoy my lifestyle, and I'm not willing to give it up. It's by no means exorbitant. I also have health issues and require good insurance...which I have. But I'm not happy, I'm stressed. My hair is falling out (although that could be age and genetics). A former supervisor retired not that long ago due to health issues. Tonight I learned that she's going blind due to complications from diabetes, and that her husband just died. He was only 59. One of my first supervisors at my current job retired a few years ago...he was dead within 2 years. I need to find a balance-a job that won't kill me, but will pay me a good wage and benefits. And make me happy. Is that too much to ask?

Norah Jones - Summertime

Too Hot

I know that compared to other parts of the world, it's not that bad, but for me it is nightmarishly hot here in WNY. My computer says it's 87 degrees with high humidity. I just stepped outside for a few minutes to let Sam do his business. We came right back in-I could barely breathe. Later on, hoping it'll get a bit cooler, I'll visit Harley and give him a bath. It's just too hot for me to want to even leave the house.

Photo Phriday - New Pear Tree

Here's my new tree. It's a seckel pear.

Adding to the Orchard

When I bought my home it had 3 lovely old fruit trees, an apple, pear, and cherry. The former owners' neglect, along with age, and bad weather caused me to lose those trees, but I'm slowly adding fruit trees to my land. I put in the apple tree first, then 2 cherry trees, one sweet and one sour. I just bought a pear tree and an apricot tree and they'll be planted tomorrow. I enjoy having my own little orchard, hopefully Mother Nature will help them thrive enough so that I'll have something to harvest!

One Month From Today

One month from today I plan to launch my new blog. I look to inform you, inspire you, and make you spend money. What's this blog about? What do you think?

Photo Phriday - New Cube

Independence Day!

I hope you have an enjoyable and safe 4th of July. I'm off to work.

Raise Awareness Wednesday - July 4th

With Independence Day tomorrow and hot summer weather bringing thunderstorms, some dogs are in for a scary time. While it may be tempting to bring your dog with you as you celebrate the 4th, keep in mind what's best for him. Fireworks can be scary things-what if your dog panics and runs away? What about the heat? Will your dog really be comfortable with soaring temperatures and crowds? Make sure he's wearing tags, more dogs are lost at this time of year than any other! You're probably better off leaving him home. Odds are your canine companion will be happier there, especially if you have air conditioning and special treat!

Fruits of the Season

On Saturday I went to the farmers market and picked up a few things-including blueberries and cherries. I went to my mom's house and she had been to her farmers market and also picked up a few things, including strawberries, sending some home with me. When I got home from work Sunday night I decided to treat myself to the fruits of the season. I cut up some of the strawberries, threw in a handful of blueberries, and pitted some cherries-adding them to the mix. I needed something to drink,so befitting the local harvest and sharing by loved ones, I opened the bottle of Woodbury Vineyards Chocolate with a hint of Cherry wine given to me by my Uncle Steve. What a locavore delight. I admit to adding one ingredient that may not have been local-the whipped cream I added to the fruit. However, I got the Wegman's brand-so at least it was distributed in Rochester!