Journey's End

The girls are back, although I haven't yet spoken to either of them.  I received a msg from Jeannie at 7:30 this morning saying they had driven all night and had just arrived.  I think the distance was something like 700 miles, which I've done many times.  The difference is that I've always started between 4 and 5am and stopped when the sun went down.  I don't think I could drive all night unless it was a dire emergency.  I'm glad they are back and off the roads today.  We had some very strong rains this afternoon, and it is still raining off and on.  I just hope we get more rain - a little each day would be great!

I have been freezing all day and haven't really done much except wrap up in a blanket.  I haven't had the pilot light on the furnace lit so far this year and I rarely use the furnace anyway.   Sometimes when it is really cold in the morning I turn it on for a few minutes to take the chill off, but I couldn't afford to run that thing all the time!   I'd rather use a space heater when I'm sitting down with the computer, or the one in the bathroom when I shower.  The two heaters I have work well - I've tried others that have tripped the power and it's just not worth bothering with trying to fix it.  My electrical wiring leaves a lot to be desired.

Speaking of electric, Steve noticed that I have a 220V outlet in the vicinity of my washing machine.  I'd like to get a new, small washer with no fancy cycles on it, and he says I can also have a dryer.  I may go to Sears outlet one of these days to see what they might have to offer.  I am looking for just a basic washing machine and a basic dryer.    That would be nice for me in the winter to not have to take my laundry across the street, although the dryer would send my electric bill skyrocketing.  On nice sunny days I could still take everything over to the clothesline and air dry them, which is what I prefer anyway.

The rain has started up again and it's really coming down.  I read this morning that Sacramento had reached 80% of normal rainfall for this time of year.  Today should bring us up a little closer to the norm.  My hummingbirds don't let the rain stop them - they've been at the feeder all day long, and it makes me so happy to see them.   I still want to get a bird feeder if I can find one that I can hang in a location the birds won't be in danger from predators.


I've just finished watching Season 8 of Bob Ross (at 13 episodes per).  I truly wish I had gone that route first instead of acrylic, although I would probably not want to paint as often if I had to deal with the cleanup of oils, thinner, etc.  I just love about every one of the 100+ paintings he's done, but most of all I love the calm confidence he inspires.  But there is a reason for everything under the sun!

Have a great week, as I hope to.