Oil Change

I did it! Now I just hope that I did it correctly. I changed the oil in my new lawn tractor, it was pretty simple...assuming I did it right. My only real concern was not adding enough oil after I drained the old stuff. But, if I read the dip stick correctly, I'm good. The problem is that you can't see the oil level at all. The gas level is also hard to see. I'll probably try to fill that before I mow again. After I changed the oil, checked for leaks (non, thank you very much) I mowed inside the fenced part of my lawn. It worked-so it's promising I did a good job. Now I just have to figure out what to do with the old oil!

Photo Phriday - Napoleon in a Drawer

I let the new boys free range for the first time while I cleaned their cage. I looked to see Napoleon in a drawer!

Pillows

I sleep with 2 regular sized pillows. Lately, I noticed that my pillows were getting really flat, hardly pillows at all. I realized that I've had them for years...honestly, I don't think I've changed them since I've been in this house, which, if you remember I celebrated my anniversary, has been over 8 years. While at Target I was wandering in the bedding aisles and decided to get 2 new pillows. They were nice and fluffy. So I brought them home and stripped the bed-new pillows deserved fresh clean sheets. When I put the pillows in the pillow cases, I noticed something a bit odd. The cases were MUCH longer than the pillows...I mean MUCH! The pillows, in the meantime, seemed as high as they were long. While they are nice and fluffy, they are much higher than my old squashed pillows and are taking some getting used to. Still, I guess I'll squish them into shape soon enough.

Catch Up

I'm behind in several series, both TV and book. I need to catch up...Top Chef, Bones, Ugly Betty (I missed the whole final season), and too many mysteries to name!

Vodka

I like vodka. I enjoy both vodka made from grain and potato...I've even had, and enjoyed, vodka made from honey! Generally, I like my vodka cold (I store it in my wine fridge) and straight up. Sometimes, I'll add a squeeze of lime. Although I generally don't mix at home, I do, periodically, enjoy a vodka cocktail. At The Johnson House I almost always order a Cosmopolitan and I'm still dreaming about the caramel apple martini I had in Ohio. Now you don't have to mix to get a flavored drink; there are a multitude of flavored vodkas to choose from. There are many fruits-cherry, grape, orange, pineapple (great mixed with lemonade); I hear my favorite fruit also exists as a vodka-but I've yet to see my lychee vodka in stores. There are also more unique varieties. I've seen root beer, caramel, espresso, cotton candy, and whipped cream! I have heard there is also a bacon flavored vodka. Now, while I do believe that everything is better with bacon, this example seems a bit extreme. However, it would make for one hell of a Bloody Mary! Have you tried any different vodkas? I just couldn't resist a bottle of whipped cream flavored vodka-I think I'll add it to a cup of hot chocolate!

6 Word - Today's Horse Ride

We were an off-balance, tripping mess.

My Anniversary

Today is my anniversary. Nine years ago today I arrived in Rochester from Austin and eight years ago today I got the keys to this house. So, what did I do on my special day? I went to the Spencerport Canal Days. Then I did some errands-post office, dollar store, library, liquor store, and Target-where I scored some deals. I dead headed the roses and did a load of laundry, which is now drying on the line outside. I've got the champagne chilling! Welcome home.

Humidity & Headache

Today's humidity was unbelievable. Walking out of work at 7AM was like walking into a furnace. I stayed in all day. I have a nasty headache too, due, I'm pretty sure, to this weather. I'm hoping tomorrow will be nicer as I have plans. For now, it's almost time to pour a drink and watch the season finale of Doctor Who followed by the season premier of Being Human. Cheers!

Photo Phriday - Roses of Sharon

Why do I Look?

Why do I look? I've been virtually fostering a dog (actually 2 dogs and 2 cats) on Facebook. These are actual animals in shelters, available for adoption. Well, I've fallen for Sheila. However, she's just north of Toronto and I don't even know if they'd adopt to someone in the US. Then, I was browsing the web and found Lucy Dolan...and I want to bring her home. She's an 8 year old German Shepard/Greyhound mix whose owner lost his house and had to move in to a hotel. She's near Cuba...but Cuba, NY, which isn't that far away. Closer than Toronto. And in the same country. It doesn't say if she's good with cats. I certainly don't need a dog. It's certainly easier without one. But that face...

AM/PM

Aughhhhh. I woke up and it was dark. Not good in summer. I looked it was after 9PM. What happened to my alarm?!?!?! Stupid AM/PM. I missed my programs, so much for my gnocchi with garlic scape pesto. Now I'm rushing so I'm not late for work.

Badger Balm

There is such a thing as great customer service. I recently placed a large order of products from Badger Balm. A friend ordered some things and I ordered a lot, mainly as gifts. The order arrived quickly and I just went through it. All my friends items arrived, and most of mine did. However, I did not see the 2 gardener gift packs I ordered, but did see 2 lip balm gift packs. Hmmm. I looked at the packing list and saw the 2 gardener packs listed...and no balms. So I called the company. Sure enough I was charged for the gardener packs, but somehow, the lip balms went into my box instead. So they will ship out the gardener packs tomorrow-and I get to keep the lip balms. Since I was in no rush to get the products it works out great for me-I love their lip balms too. I highly recommend their products and their company.

The Heat

I'm ready for winter. OK, maybe not winter, but fall. I'm definitely ready for fall. For some reason the heat is really getting to me this summer. I'm sweaty, dizzy, and dehydrated. Well, not right now, but you get the idea. I'd love to partake in more summer outdoorsy activities-but the heat just makes me ill. I'm going to 2 outdoor events in August-an art festival and a wine festival. I'm praying for cooler weather so that I can enjoy myself!

Vladimir Nabokov

I write like
Vladimir Nabokov

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

I guess I really need to read Lolita! I used a wine article for this test. I'll have to test using a blog entry too.