MN trip

Monday I returned from my week long visit in Minnesota. This year I decided to fly instead of driving two days coming and going. I spent time almost every day with my Mom who is 89. She still lives alone in a senior apartment. My sister Marge and I made chicken noodle soup and lasagna for her. We froze it into one meal portions. Time was also spent with all of my brothers and sisters. My three sisters and brother's significant other, together with Mom, spent a day at one sisters apartment in Sioux Falls, SD. We helped her empty boxes, sort and organize and decorate (put up pictures). It was fun doing a project together. I told them next year we should do this at my house.

I have returned to my painting project. The ceilings about did in my neck, but I survived. It is not quite ready to post pictures (a bit of a problem since my NEW camera died, but it is on warranty so I am not crying). I will be dealing with that today.

Fun painting and mowing

I know, I know, I haven't posted for a long time. On Wednesday I mowed all day. The grass was so long and thick that I had to go slow. I did some trimming too. The "big deal" was that I changed the oil in the riding mower. Whenever I checked it, it was so black, but DH never got around to it. I was proud of myself. It never hurts to have a new skill.

Then I spent a day painting: ceilings in the walk in closets and bathroom and walls in the closets (this was primer). Wow, was I stiff this morning. Next is the ceiling in the bedroom. I may go buy an extender so I don't have to keep moving the ladder. I spent all morning reading on how to actually paint (techniques on cutting in and such) so when I get the actual top coat I know what I am doing. There is a lot to learn. Thank goodness for the Internet! All this so I can save some money on the decorating budget. The money is being spent on nice faucets.

Have paint

The Master Bedroom and bath project is moving forward slowly but surely. Yesterday I spent $350 on paint. This did include primer for the basement walls. Today I am shopping for the light fixtures so Gerry can have the electrical in and the walls repaired ready for me to start painting. I will post pictures of the progress. I am hoping to have the painting finished by the end of May. There will be a week trip to Minnesota during that time. I have had only one person volunteer to help with the painting. Thanks Stacey.

Appliance rebate program

What would I do with out a computer and internet? There is a cash for clunkers rebate program for appliances in Ohio. It was extended today because there was some money left. We will need a new washer and dryer soon so I started researching the best ones to buy. It appears you cannot buy online but have to buy with a store that is participating in the program. The rebate is $150 for a washer. Dryers are not in the program. What I found is that I can save more than the $150 by just ordering it on line. And the shipping is free. Go figure. I also saved time and gas money by looking on line instead of driving all around. I know many of you tech people already know this.

Book Sale

The AAUW chapter that I belong to has an annual used book sale as their major fundraiser. The money is given as scholarships for "non-traditional" women students. For example an older women going back to school or a Mom seeking a degree. I donated two boxes of books. Tonight was the kickoff of the sale. Members could buy for the first hour before the public arrived. I only bought 8 books, six for my grandchildren and two for me, a very technical book that explains how a digital camera works and a cook book of "secret" recipes from famous restaurants. It appears I am going the right direction with the editing of my stuff

Tax day again

Taxes gave me fits this year. First of all my desk top computer wouldn't work the program. Computer guru (Shawn) thinks it is because of the virus we got. So I did it on the laptop. All went well until I tried to E file. IRS rejected it and I did not have enough time refile electronically (and get verification they received it) so I decided to print it and send it by snail mail. That was a great plan until the printer died. Gerry was able to get my photo printer hooked to the laptop and I printed the forms on that. I was up until 2:30 AM. A note here: Please do not feel too sorry for me. After all I was the one who procrastinated. :(

I am going to celebrate today by getting my tires rotated and an oil change in my car.

Pictures again

On Saturday our Car club group played Whirly ball. These men all drive British cars, so the size of these cars didn't bother them much. Gerry really gets into this type of thing. Guess he has a competitive nature.

One of the cars was not going fast enough so a "time out" was called for repairs.

Another bit of news. My blog readers may notice I am again including pictures. That is because I now have a new camera. I got a Canon Rebel dSLR. So far I love it. It has a lot of potential. I just need to study the instruction manual and understand all it can do.