5 thing Friday - crockpot pork, new ladder, daylight bulbs, sewing, gin

 Its been a long week.

On Wednesday, I bought a few groceries, and as per usual, I looked at the marked downs in the meat department.  I found some boneless seasoned pork ribs for $3.91 after markdown and partner card (thanks, Scout!)  Popped them into my crockpot for about 7 hours yesterday - no need to add liquid.

They came out tender and juicy and I managed to get 5 meals' worth out of them, plus the stock they created.  Boneless pork in the crockpot is one of those good things in life. With the shredded meat you can do tacos, sammies, soup, a dinner salad...the meat is so tender and delicious!

Said pork on a salad of romaine and avocado with balsamic dressing.

I grew soooo weary of trying to use the heavy as crap giant ladder that Mark bought just before he died.  So, I finally bought my own ladder. (no idea what I will do with the other one)  This one has two top step platforms and a task tray you can hook on.  I already love it and have many projects in mind where it will come in handy. 

Yes I did try it out to see if I could use it to paint in the front rooms and den. I just need to work on that fear of heights I have.

While I was in Home Depot I found some small daylight bulbs for the fan fixture in the sewing room.  How did light bulbs become so expensive?!  These were $6 APIECE. But I can tell the difference in visibility.

They add much needed light on sewing and craft projects.

Like these bookmarks I made for the reading library in our work breakroom.  "Leave a book, take a bookmark".  The last batch lasted about 2 weeks.  I spent $4 on interfacing and 74 cents on ribbon.  It will take me quite some time to use up all the fabric scraps I have.

Yesterday evening I went to a gin tasting featuring Hendricks Gin at Total Wine that was actually quite fun.  We got a welcome cocktail, then got to mix two of our own.  They also had fruit and cheese trays with my current obsession - Manchego.

The woman seated in front of me was solo, too, and very fun and friendly.  I was kicking myself for not hanging out with her for a bit. She looked about 10 years older and maybe a widow, too.  Note to self: getting out there requires that you put some effort in!  There's always next time.  First day of PT today for my shoulder - wish me luck!

Gina

Big project: painting the sewing room

Last week I spiffed up the walls in the sewing room, kinda like I did for the office.  Not using a terribly different color, just giving it a refresh. After a few years, all of my paint for touch ups had bit the dust.  But I wanted to keep a neutral color.

I settled on "Spiced Vinegar" by Glidden.  It didn't look all that different in the can, but it did dry a shade or so darker than the previous sandy color. Since my dental office rescheduled me, I figured no time like the present. 

 Within an hour I had the paint bought and the room as empty as it needed to be for the task.  One wall down and I was starting to question the color! (to the left is the new one)

As it dried it looked super blotchy, but I ignored that and pressed on!  I only put one coat of paint on since the color was so similar.  I used a roller for textured walls and got good coverage.

(I really need some daylight bulbs in here!)

The darker areas in this photo show the true color.

It evened out, but took a bit longer to dry for some reason.  Could be the high humidity we've been having.  But when it was mostly dry to the touch I went ahead and put the outlet covers back on, and moved furniture back in place.

I think it only looks like it has a yellow tint because of the lighting.  I could be wrong.  In any case, it took me less than 3 hours start to finish and around $40 and it's DONE.  No more nail holes or scuff marks.  Before I get the carpet replaced, I will go around in each room and spiff up the trim and baseboards.

With the overhead lights off, the walls are a soothing light brown.  This room looks fairly empty but it is the perfect space for creative projects!

Gina 

5 thing Friday - concert, deck, pastimes, music, paint plans

 At the end of June I went to another concert:

All three acts were so good!

{The Hip Abduction, Stephen Marley, Stick Figure}

The music had everyone dancing and singling along the whole time!

It was hot out, but we haven't hit those 100 degree days yet, so it was tolerably in the low 90s.  The Girl took me there AND picked me up with a snack and a bottle of water.  I still ended up walking what felt like miles and was on my feet most of the time.  I was pretty tired the next day but it was worth it!

This deck is the source of some aggravated shoulder issues recently.  I should have just power-washed it to begin with, but no, I scrubbed it TWICE with some deck cleaner, then sealed it.  It came out looking blotchy, even though it is clean.  Next June: power-washing, not scrubbing.  I gave the chairs and table a spiff with black spray paint, and called it done.  I am literally the only person who sees this.

Learning something new, too.  I've been catching up on my reading and focusing on eating more healthily.

Multiple attempts at getting the turntable hooked up just left me frustrated, so I scrapped that idea and bought something to listen to tapes and albums with.  {it also has a radio and CD player, but I will rarely use those} This is where the TV used to live - there are assorted stereo components down below.

I added a tap light on an auto shut-off timer, some command hooks for the album cover of what is playing, and some small baskets for 45s and record-cleaning supplies.

The sound quality is just OK, but I having fun tripping down memory lane with some of my old vinyl.  I just close up the cabinet when I'm done.  The TV went to live in a closet until I decide to get rid of it forever - I literally never watch TV.

I finished up puzzle #2 and am diligently working on #3 and meanwhile, found another three puzzles at Half Price Books. Its a nice calm activity while I listen to music and enjoy the A/C.

The next big project is painting the sewing room.  It should take me about 4 hours total, including moving things, painting, spiffing up the trim, and moving everything back.  The color I chose is about one shade darker than it is now, called Spiced Vinegar.  I also put up the memo board you see.  Its been a lovely space to craft some things lately.  The long hot afternoons were made for creative pursuits!

Gina

Random thoughts #2

Another booger of a week and I'm blaming this one on the heat, and shoulder pain.

a win this week: getting a Kenalog shot in my shoulder

This week I have discovered that I cannot work at the same intensity and for the same amount of time as I used to be able to in the summer.  The last four years has made a big dent in my stamina and overall health.  Where I felt capable and strong physically, I now feel like I need to be very mindful of the way I approach big projects and heavy lifting. I always have felt like a strong person, but there are limits that come with aging.  To help with that, I will be seeing a physical therapist and working on building some shoulder and upper arm strength.

All that to say: I don't have a 5 thing Friday post.  Just some random thoughts about dealing with ricketty A/C joints, and Central Texas summer heat, which is kicking my rear.

Just another reminder to me to sloooowww dowwwnnn.

Happy Independence Day Weekend,

Gina

Big project: repairing the garage screen door

I got a wild hair last week and decided to tackle a project that's been on my list of things to do for months - repair the screen on the door leading into the garage. (Actually it was more like a year and some change.)  I had all of the supplies for it except the spray paint but I thought "well, why don't I see if I can take the door down first?".  Just do the first step, no pressure.

Ok, well I could.  Then I thought, Oh man, this is also going to have to be sanded and repainted. And the hardware needs repainting, too.

That flat bar across the screen was to keep the kids from pushing directly on the screen and it did a great job until the screen part just wore out. (its a 30 year old screen door!) That bar will have to be removed and cleaned up.

I removed the torn screen and the hardware, then scrubbed the whole thing.  Sanded some rough spots.  Then taped up the remaining screen to prevent overspray.

I set it on top of a big leftover piece of plywood out in the garage. 

I taped off the door sweep - I had replaced that not too long ago. Then I stopped here because I had to buy paint. And lately, it works better if I divide these kinds of projects into manageable chunks.

The next day the hardware got a fresh coat of black paint.  Then I sprayed the door, let dry, turned the door over, sprayed the other side.  It was tedious, but we had a 93% humidity day and I knew that painting was going to be the most time consuming part of this project.  Could I have just replaced the screen without spiffing up the door and hardware? Yes.  But not really.

Day three I got out here and started replacing the screen.  I had a new package of spline and found the tool plus a small roll of screen fabric out in the tool chest.  Hooray for saving those two things.

The hardest part was being on my old lady knees on concrete!  I used a flat head screw driver to make sure the spline was deep into the corners.  Then I trimmed it all up with a utility knife.

A break for lunch then I will do any needed paint touch ups and put the hardware back on. It was so hot out here I thought I might melt.

Re-hanging the door was HARD.  But I was home by my lonesome and as we know, it doesn't take whiskers.  You just have to think out what you're going to do, then calmly proceed.  I remind myself often that Mark wasn't born knowing how to do these things, and he learned them so I can too.

The solid door got a good scrub and I even painted the trim around the screen frame with leftover paint from painting the garage.  So clean and neat!

What a difference painting out here made, not to mention repair of the screen and previous purging of all the junk that was sitting near this door as you walked out of the house.  The screen door took three days of slow and steady work, but I'm very pleased that this project is crossed off the list! 

Gina

5 thing Friday - walking, scrub shopping, sewing plans, beer, spiffing

I have been good at walking lately.  But because the heat and humidity is a beast, I am going on shorter walks. Which is OK since I average four days a week of it, plus yard work, projects around the house, and my job.  Still haven't learned the hula hoop, but the summer is not over yet!

Lots of baby deer in my neighborhood as I walk.  And lately I have switched from listening to Brene Brown, to listening to Buddha teachings.  Very enlightening.

I went to a specific Wal-Mart because a work friend told me they had printed scrub tops.  Also, I needed spray paint for two projects.  And Twizzlers - very important.  On sale these tops were $5 and $13.  Cheap by scrub tops standards and they are nice tops.  Black is the color assigned to us, but we can wear "child friendly" printed tops. 

I also found 10 spools of thread for $5.  Beautiful colors for me to make more quilted hearts with.  With JoAnn gone, I will have to rely on Hob Lob and Wal-Mart for sewing supplies.

I took one of the new quilted hearts to a local spot to sit and sip while I journaled.  (then I left it there for someone to find) I haven't been to this brewery in forever - last time with a friend and with Mark the time before that.  Beer is my bevvie of choice in the summer - its just too hot for afternoon coffee.

Tiny project to do: replacement button covers for my 30 year old faucets. Moen doesn't make them anymore, and I had ordered some that never arrived.  Ebay to the rescue.

I could have left the covers off,

But they make the faucet look so much better.

Now, on to a big project.

Gina

Going it alone

 This is my family blog, yes, but more and more its just about little ole me, here, living life on my own.  I've become more and more comfortable being solo, moving through life at my own pace.  I have been to movies, coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, parks, and live events all on my own. I bought a car by myself.  Tackled big projects alone. Every now and then I think it would be great to have someone to share experiences with, but then I realize that I AM experiencing life with other people - just not ones I currently know, ha ha.  And that leaves me open to meeting and seeing more people. Case in point is this coming weekend, when I will attend a Stick Figure concert in Austin at Circuit of the Americas. 

Have I ever been there? No. Is anyone going with me? No, but The Girl is going to give me a ride (in a weird role reversal!).  Its going to be hot, crowded, loud, probably full of all ages, and GREAT.  And the experience may push my comfort level a bit, being in a big scene by myself, but since I love the music and having fun I feel like it will all fall into place.  No matter your age, there might be worries, but live music tends to bring people together for fun and I will be well-prepared.  I'm never going to be this young again and I don't want to miss out on things.  What are your thoughts?  Have you had to be brave and go it alone?

Gina