NORASPAT's SparkPeople Blog

Back in the yard today-NOW it is a safer place to be.

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:58:31 EST

I went out in the yard to put the filter on for the pool.
SNAP!!! it came on and went right off. I went downstairs to press the pool circuit breaker-NOTHING.

I decided to see if the circuit breaker was bad or the pool switch. I put the pump plug in to the garage socket and the pool ran fine.
The Circuit breaker is exclusive to the pool. Nothing else can be tied in to that to make sure the pool is safe.
I called the electrician. He came in an hour and I asked him to ...

The rest of the story in pictures.

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:15:13 EST

Today the pool is well on it's way to be clear thanks to chlorine bleach. It always works for us.

Looking good after 38 years old.
These are my gnomes in my memorial garden

I have always loved gnomes and I am glad SP has one for me to give to friends as GOODIES.
...

I am posting my garden pictures for my friend Elaine.

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:23:07 EST

Today I feel I have accomplished a lot. I am really pleased with the outcome and I know my small annuals will grow much bigger so that will make the yard look better. It is just very special to me and DH. We had a really nice day today. We stayed home so DH could talk to our sons.

We had a good dinner including Kale and we both like it better as a side made with bacon and onions. Finally I am able to cook it and eat it, next step is to LIKE it. I am getting there, so is DH.
...

I had hoped to post pictures of locker garden and flowers. Eyes are needing rest.

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:42:19 EST

Hi friends it has been a very busy day. I had to use more prednisone for my eyes. I have been missing my Melatonin and I am not sleeping well. Actually I am sleeping by the clock but I am having nightmares. They disturb sleep. DH says I was talking in my sleep about snow mobiles - never been near one???
My eyes are not liking the drops and they are blurry it is late so tomorrow I will blog earlier.
So sorry Hugs Pat in Maine. 304 Spark Friends.

Good weather for once but what a day-what a week in fact.

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:49:17 EST

The pool is open.
It had a huge water table below the vinyl liner. We have been with this company since we put the pool in for our kids and myself in 1975.

They came yesterday and took off the cover, what a mess. The water had floated the liner out again just like last year. This time the owner who is an amazing man came up with another idea of his own he bought a super pump and in 15 minutes the guys watched as the liner went back.
They were really in awe of what they ...

We opened the pool so far so good.

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:08:19 EST

Our old in ground pool is 38 years old. For many years we have expected it to need so much work we would need to fill it in.
This year I would like to have it usable so out three grand kids can swim in it. We shall see. Right now the pool is full but the vinyl liner is floating off the bottom. That happens because out neighborhood is built on Blue clay.
When they dug up the yard so long ago there was no-one to say this is not a good plan but after we put the pool in there were a nu...

It has been a good day but a very wet day. Lots of cleaning replaced walking.

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:47:30 EST

I took out my umbrella and headed for the rail trail in the van. As soon as I got there and opened the car door I was surprised at the wind and the rain.
I started across the car park and the umbrella was being tugged from my hands. As the umbrella was pulled upwards the rain was in my face. Needless to say this walk in these conditions was now out of the question.
I drove back home and decided to clean the kitchen floor. It needed doing since I was busy with yard work over the we...

Getting to bed earlier.

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:48:33 EST

Coach Nicole is trying to convince me going to bed too late will lead to another Plateau.
I am hoping to be there by 10 .00pm.

I have to wonder if I go that early I undoubtedly will be up before the sun tomorrow. We shall see.
Rain all day and in the future forecast.
I am hoping to get to some much needed house organizing. It just needs to decide where to start.
I would like to get our sons to sort out their many belongings that are still here at home base. ...

I feel like I am really back now. I walked our rail trail with just one walking buddy. it was GREAT!

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:38:30 EST

I awoke way too early and remembered I had a mammogram. I had looked for the paper-work to see what was needed, no use I never have found it.
I was going to do a walk I have not been able to walk the Rail Trail for almost a month. A walking Buddy called to say she was coming in to town and asked could I walk.
Yes for sure was the answer so I did some yard work swinging my 14 pound hammer to get the fence posts back in to the ground. The frost pushed them up with little problem but...

We needed the TV fixed so we asked the Satellite company.

Sun, 9 Jun 2013 23:45:08 EST

Our satellite TV was doing very well till suddenly the sound was not sharp. I thought it was my hearing and DH thought it was his.
I called the TV Satellite company and they set up the appointment next day Sunday afternoon between 12 to 4 pm.
Confirmation and appointment was made with an electronic message system.

At 2pm the system called to say the man was running late.
At the end of that hour 3 pm the electronic message system asked if we were still wanting the t...

It's been a very cool long day, I met a sick friend after a very long time and we visited

Sat, 8 Jun 2013 23:49:53 EST

Today an old friend came back to Maine. She is a great advocate and employee of the lung association. She never smoked but she now has cancer and is going through the chemo etc.
She and her DH and DH and I sat with them in Sam's club a for a very long time. We caught up on lots if things and they will be in Maine through the summer so we plan to get together.
I had not heard from her and we were so happy to see them.

My eyes were blurry and I called her name but I overl...

My eye is doing so well. Now Dr. wants to do the other one.

Fri, 7 Jun 2013 23:11:11 EST

DH and I had eye Dr. appointments all afternoon. DH at 1pm to see the low vision Dr. Then he had MD pictures taken and he was dilated so that takes some time. My appointment was at 3PM and I was hoping no dilation would be needed. Happily it was not.

DH had a good visit, he uses eye drops but the MD was progressing rapidly, it was still the same at this time so whatever the Dr. changed his eye drops to may have been helpful. The low vision Dr. is always helping DH to understand wh...

I SEE MY EYE DOCTOR TOMORROW, I hope all is well.

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 22:12:16 EST

I did a nice walk today but it was on hills I did not expect. I was struggling but breathing much faster than on the rail trail.
We were walking a hilly road and it had just been graded so it was tough going and there was a lot of dust. I had on my dark glasses from the eye Dr.
I had lunch with my friend at her home so we made wraps. Roast turkey left overs and vegetables no mayo just a sprinkle of black pepper.
I drove the minivan to get there and it was 25 miles away. DH wa...

Fabulous day but no time to stay.

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 23:48:33 EST

Today was super busy. DH had a major check up and all is well.

I went back to the eye Dr vision center and asked to have the clear lens put in to my glasses to check how my eye is doing now. It has been sight seeing most of the day. We drove to Bar Harbor to check out where our family will be staying. Now we have seen the place we are much happier about where they will be.

On the drive back I was able to catch up with another Spark Friend. We met in McDonalds to save tim...

Today was another nice day. I tried to open the pool.

Tue, 4 Jun 2013 23:16:21 EST

Our pool has been here for 38 years , now there is no-one swimming in it. It is an in ground pool and I used to love swimming laps.
The kids were always there to keep me company or to get in my way, now the nest is empty. Our Grand's have used it now for about 12 years but now they are teens there is little interest in Grandmas pool. Grand's grow up and expand their horizons.
We have decided to open the pool probably for the last time. This visit will be of great importance so we ...

THANKS, I thought they were important. Now I can give it up THANKS!!

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 13:14:40 EST

When I first began with Spark I added some things in to the fitness tracker and I got a reply that I was messing up the Spark America totals. I thought they were very important.
I have all the reports each week and I look at them and erase them I got very little out of them except I saw my name in 2 small teams.

EGO I guess !!!

Now you lovely people have made m y day. Now I can stop getting 10 extra e-mails what a relief. If you all do not do this extra step, it le...

Frustrating day trying to get my Spark America points again.

Sun, 2 Jun 2013 23:37:50 EST

I looked at the team leaders and in my two smaller teams I like to see where I am. Again my name was not there and only 3 out of 5 names were there that meant my name is once again off the leaderboards.

I had been knocked off before so I tried to add my name back. I cannot find the page. I have it all printed off and kit is not the same . I searched for the comment when I first had the problem and the answer is the same but the page is different now..

I have wasted so m...

DH helped me to get some yard work done. I was sidewalk supervisor but I did get lots of steps.

Sat, 1 Jun 2013 23:51:02 EST

We were able to get the soil in the rest of the lockers and it took a lot of potting soil. I have all of my seeds except Butternut squash I must search for it tomorrow, I love that stuff and if I can grow a nice big one it will be for our Thanksgiving dinner.
Tomatoes are looking very good. Tomorrow we should have them planted an d then I can make the pansy planters I love pansies too.
I want the yard to be festive this year since I am hoping the family will come home to celebrate ...

Cataract surgery went well except restrictions on my exercises.

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:13:37 EST

Only for a week but I was ready to start the Spark Solution.
Now I cannot exercise, my Eye Dr has limited my exercise and strength training till he checks my eyes again next Friday. It's a nuisance but I have to take care of this peepers for certain so I will just do as I am told.

I have read all of the great information in the first chapters, and now I am looking at the recipe pages and the format for the 14 days. it will give me time to better go over it and decide how I ...

Spark Solution is doing it for me. This is my take on it.

Thu, 30 May 2013 18:10:10 EST

I love being on this website.
My cataract surgery is over and I am feeling well.
I was given very little information going in to this from the Dr's office but in the days leading up to the surgery many of you were able to calm me down. Spark Friends shared their experiences with me, all on the positive side.
You are great and I am so Grateful for your support. 304 252

THIS IS THE REST OF THE STORY, MY SPARK SOLUTIO!

I bought the ...

Eye surgery tomorrow, very early so I need to go to bed early.

Wed, 29 May 2013 22:59:04 EST

We had rain all day and now the fog is very dense. We have a fairly long drive so I hope the fog will be gone by morning.

I am not in a very good mood. Very anxious in fact. I will tell you the rest of the story as soon as I can use the computer.
I will be logging in tomorrow before we go.
Thanks for the nice comments. It is suppose to be 80 degrees tomorrow but Oh will it be HUMID!

Pat in Maine. GOODNIGHT !!

My locker raised bed is in place. WOO-HOO DH was surprised.!!!

Tue, 28 May 2013 20:04:43 EST

Today I was determined to get the locker in place. DH said we needed help to move it. DH originally emptied it to take to the dump. As soon as I saw it lying on its back I felt sure it would get me a little vegetable garden.
DH rolled his eyes and said I am a hoarder. Well we shall see. After all if it fails it can still go to the dump. Just let me try.
This is the locker. DH wanted to buy a metal drill bit to take the doors off.
I had a better idea, hammer and screwdriver pop...

My locker raised bed is in place. WOO-HOO DH was surprised.!!!

Tue, 28 May 2013 19:50:05 EST

Today I was determined to get the locker in place. DH said we needed help to move it. DH originally emptied it to take to the dump. As soon as I saw it lying on its back I felt sure it would get me a little vegetable garden.
DH roiled his eyes and said I am a hoarder. Well we shall see. After all if it fails it can still go to the dump. Just let me try.
This is the locker. DH wanted to but a metal drill bit to take the doors off.
I had a better idea, hammer and screwdriver pop...

The sun came out and I hope to get the locker in place tomorrow.

Mon, 27 May 2013 23:18:41 EST

Today I was very happy to be able to get out and finish planting flowers. The yard was flooded so I had wet feet all day.
I have the yard well organized and tomorrow our neighbors will help us carry the locker to its place in the yard. DH is finally on board helping me plan my vegetables. The neighbors keep coming over to see what I am up to.

Toady I have been answering questions on Rice bags.
I am so glad I decided to make some, they make great gifts for people. I know ...

Still raining so I did the rice bag blog so you can see what they are like .

Sun, 26 May 2013 23:35:30 EST

I use rice bags to warm body parts. Most parts are fairly flat but I wanted them to contour to the body instead of being lumpy, if there is such word. I want it warm and comfortable.

I use 100% cotton fabric because any fabric with man made fibers can overheat and melt. That can cause a burn so Rice bags should be used carefully.

My rice bags are bigger than most because I like a good area of warmth, I find it more soothing.

They are heated in a microwave oven...

It was too wet to photograph the locker, I made rice bags instead.We needed to replace the others.

Sat, 25 May 2013 23:36:25 EST

I was going to photograph the empty locker but there was too much rain every time I looked out. I will do it tomorrow, I know it will be showers but hopefully not the deluge we have had all day.

I stayed indoors and made rice bags. I love them and mine are old so I made a bunch more of them. I used to make and sell them in my shop. One of the Drs asked me to make him some and I gave him some for the office. One day I was having a chelation therapy and the liquid was not heated my a...

I am making "Locker "raised beds woo hoo I hope it works.

Fri, 24 May 2013 23:25:07 EST

I had hoped to do the straw bale garden but they were all sold out of straw bales in my area.
DH had decided to clear out the garage. I had been looking at the old metal lockers we used to keep kids stuff in. Now it only holds chemicals.
I looked at it and realized I am sure I can make myself raised beds.
DH was not enthusiastic he said he would have to drill out the rivets. I decided to get drastic.
I took a hammer and a screwdriver and I got the rivets to break. DH wa...

Flowers from the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:29:30 EST

I am feeling guilty about not showing you the pictures from the Gardens. We did not take pictures because of the rain.
These are pictures I had taken a few days earlier. The first photos are of the Cobra Lilly it is the only one still there and I have watched it come up for several years. You will see the label on the plant.

It looks jus...

I enjoyed having my Spark Friend in town.

Wed, 22 May 2013 23:24:08 EST

I am hoping to get a lot of yard work done tomorrow, I am needing to get our plants in to the ground and then I will be able to sit back and rest. I am hoping our grand's will be coming to the house for Memorial day, nothing is ever carved in stone so I wait till they are on the road.
We are not able to drive over much as I would have preferred it. I like to be off the roads on Memorial weekend but at this time the long journey is out of the question for DH and I . I need to be home to ...

After a long day with my Spark friend I left no time to blog.

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:41:27 EST

I took pictures from the garden, it was a really good day. A girls only day and it was an excellent choice. We spent the entire day just cruising around in the rain seeing the sights of Maine. It was so nice to have such a long conversation and day.
My friend will be gone tomorrow but today it was all about us and our get together.

We gave ourselves QUALITY TIME. I will talk to my other friends tomorrow. We are off to bed now it is almost midnight. Pat in Maine.

Walking with a spark friend today.

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:07:53 EST

This morning I went walking with my walking buddies. We walked at the Y because it was raining and I walked 4 miles.

After the walk I went looking for PANSIES with FACES. There were none. They were all in the expensive pots so I had to settle for violas. I bought lots of flowers and I am hoping they will fill out.

Tomorrow we will be going to The Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. So we will be walking and eating great food. it is such a great place.
We are sparking t...

Busy Sunday, busy weekend 2 concerts back to back.

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:55:47 EST

Yesterday we did the concert for meals on wheels. Today was out final concert of the 10th year series.
We had ERICA BROWN and the BLUE GRASS BAND for our last concert of the season. These are afternoon concerts and the sun was shining we had almost a full house which was great.
DH and I were setting up and taking tickets and giving out programs.
After intermission I was not feeling good my back was hurting from the seats in the auditorium.
I left and took a fast walk rou...

Sorry I missed two blog entries.I love the new features I have today.THANK YOU SPARK!.

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:46:30 EST

Thursday I had entered my log in spins and was doing fine.
I wanted to get out to the yard work so I was writing an early blog and adding my nutrition. I had big problems with the tracker. I eventfully gave up and went to add some message board posts. The computer was slow so I tried to run a scan.
There was a website that came up as I was trying to run Norton. It was headlined as a Microsoft product so I started the scan. It said I had hundreds of problems and I recognized it as a...

The procedure went well and my new Dr. was really caring. I was spreading the Spark today.

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:14:08 EST

I was asked my weight and the nurse had old notes in the office. They were surprised I had lost so much weight. So I jumped right in and as they prepped me I was telling them all about the program. They are amazed it was free. The Male anesthesiologist actually looked up the website.

Then the Dr arrived and I was sleeping then awakening. The procedure was so different from the last two.
The prep was changed this one was totally tasteless. I added it to a white peach juice an...

An early blog, an early night and an early appointment in the morning.

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:45:10 EST

In the morning I will be having my follow up colonoscopy.

This is a new Dr and I have never had a prep like this one, just put the powder in juice and it tastes like just the sweet juice. I have had a head ache all day, I ate very little fiber yesterday. That is what is written and so far I just feel blah.

I really do not want to have to repeat this but all I want to do is sleep. I am starting to question what I am doing wrong.
I think I am just being impatient with...

Same old, same old but it is looking so much better.

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:11:42 EST

Of course I am talking about our yard. Today I used my saw again and now DH can mow under the junipers easily.
I took off many of the branches so the sun gets beneath them and the grass will grow.

An 11am phone call from walking buddies interrupted my work, they want to walk after lunch. We said YES!

I have a procedure at the hospital on Wednesday so they decided to do it today, they might walk but I will not be able to do the Wednesday walk or the postponed ...

Today was a good day despite the rain.

Sun, 12 May 2013 23:53:02 EST

I went to breakfast with DH.
I had a discount at KOHL'S and i told DH I wanted to go there. He said no problem drop me at home and enjoy yourself.
I did, i bought a skirt Me in a skirt. I have not worn one in a very long time. Maine just seems to need pants on your legs.

This year is my Skirts year. I bought a swingy skirt and 2 tops to go with it. I bought a really nice sweater too.

I bought kids clothes and Daughters in laws clothes. We have decided i will ...

Rainy day in Maine, I could not work outdoors so we went to buy the plants and soil.

Sat, 11 May 2013 23:56:50 EST

Today was perfect for my garden since I had transplanted more perennials and the transplants were thoroughly watered.

I did not hear from the kids by mail so I hope to hear their voices tomorrow. They all know that is THE most important thing for special days and birthdays. It costs less money and it brings so much more joy.

DH and I have been planning what to buy for vegetables. I have already bought tomatoes. I hope to do some chard or kale, perhaps some green beans an...

Today I went to the COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS to walk .

Fri, 10 May 2013 23:25:22 EST

The forecast was for rain so we were determined to still go. We all took umbrellas.
It ended up in the low 70's and that was great or walking uo hills and through the woods.
My pedometer gave my 12656 steps and 3 miles in my Exercise page.
We ate there and I had chicken salad with grape halves and a very thick bed of greens and Radicchio and mesclun. Balsamic Vinegar was great. I ordered a side of Grain salad which we all shared and another friend shared a fresh fruit cup. Lemo...

Bombarded with pictures from Las Vegas.

Thu, 9 May 2013 23:51:09 EST

Just another crazy day in paradise.

Went to Drs office with DH- Blood work and left with a referral.

Left the Drs office and drove to Dental lab to pick up my partial, they were so cooperative and I am sure my very understanding dentist was the reason it was done so fast. We drove 165 miles in 2 days to get my smile back.

As soon as we got back home I did more yard work it had to be done before more rain. I have planted all of the hostas I dug up. They are pla...

My Walk was Great but by 12-30pm began my nightmare thanks to a very sweet PEAR.

Wed, 8 May 2013 22:08:57 EST

DH and I got up early had a good breakfast and joined our friends for our Wednesday walk. 4 miles on the rail trail and then a cup of coffee at the bakery café. Today DH and I did not buy anything to share. We decided it was not a good idea. His buddy is diabetic but he is trying to get of medication so I declined and said I really must say no thank you.
I do not need the goodies there is way too much sugar in the huge cookies for me.

My declining started a conversation and e...

A very interesting day at senior college. A lecture by a man from Mississippi.

Tue, 7 May 2013 23:35:26 EST

DH and I went to another lecture.
It was called carpetbaggers and skallywags. I should have known by the title I would be in deep water.

The lecturer is actually an MD, he seems to be able to remember EVERYTHING,
and everywhere he goes he has a lap top and some other small device.

As soon as he needs an answer he hits the computer and tells us all about it.

Some days in his company I am totally overwhelmed with information, today was just such a ...

A quickie blog, it is way too late again.

Mon, 6 May 2013 23:40:33 EST

we had a meeting today at senior college 12 noon. I just remembered I wanted to roast 2 chickens, and 2 pork roasts to put in the freezer so i will not need to hat up the house if i have a stock of cooked meat in the freezer,
I will have plenty of stock to use for soups since we eat them year round. I had an empty shelf in the oven so I made 3 crust less spinach and 3 crustless Kale and sun dried tomato quiches.

Then off to meeting. DH had another meeting so I walked on camp...

DH and I went to a really good play this afternoon with our walking buddies..

Sun, 5 May 2013 23:56:06 EST

First I must tell you I had not been told the correct title.
It was not "A Fine Romance" it was in fact "The Last Romance" Sorry I misspoke.

The Public Theater in Lewiston Maine has had it's share of excellent performers.
The play today had only 4 players and a DOG.

The cast was P.J.BENJAMIN, he has spent the last five years doing the smash hit “WICKED”, he was the Wizard of OZ in that show -a musical and today he sang and he has very good voice.
His...

Thanks for comments on my Wildflowers Wednesday.

Sat, 4 May 2013 23:26:27 EST

It was interesting to read feed back from others around the US and some from other countries. I was not expecting that and I should have because I am in this group with a classmate from Northern Ireland and we have other wildflowers that look the same with different names and also having the same name and different flowers. It depends what country you grew up in I guess.

It is a similar situation with birds. The English Robin is a very small bird and a very friendly bird. They rare...

My Wildflowers Wednesday BLOG. Thanks for your patience.

Fri, 3 May 2013 23:42:55 EST

This should have been yesterday's Blog about my Wiidflower Wednesday class at our senior college class at the University of Maine in Augusta.
My Wildflower class species list will be below. These are not my photographs my camera has a problem I think I tried too hard to get the photos to my blog so the settings are all messed up.

We also looked for blooming shrubs, we found Forsythia and it was blossomed to the top a very bright yellow this year. Some years they were only ha...

I cannot get my photos to my page I will need help sorry.

Thu, 2 May 2013 22:35:55 EST

I have been trying to get my pictures to my Blog but it says they cannot be copied the folder is empty but I am looking right at them.
Tomorrow I will be in another CLASS "The National Parks of the Western area of the US." The instructor is in my wildflower class so I will ask her if she can help me to get the pictures on to my computer I was hoping it would work like last time. Now it is late again. I have to finish up here.

No need to comment sorry to waste your time. It'a ...

Walking with others looking at Wild flowers.

Wed, 1 May 2013 23:24:37 EST

I am really tired I walked the rail trail and I am weary.

I did 4 miles on the trail had a quick lunch and then went out of town to look for wild flowers there were 16 of us there.

We did have a great time, great weather and now I am too tired to write.
I have 15696 steps and over 6.5 miles so I am going to bed check out my Blog for tomorrow so i can get it right. Hugs I will try to do it first instead of last.

Pat in Maine.

Thank you Spark friends for the uplifting comments on my scale venting.

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:23:31 EST

I appreciated all of your comments. DH and I had a long talk about it too. I came downstairs to over 100 e-mails and we had to get to our lecture series early since DH was helping set up.
We also had to take down and I was actually feeling hungry, a rare occurrence for me.
We ate fast food. I had a side salad and grilled chicken and 2 cups of coffee with cream and I was satisfied.

We got home a little late I was trying to find a book on HAY BALE GARDENING but our libra...

THE DREADED SCALE!!! I am happy till I step on it SO, I will not step there.

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 22:55:49 EST

I had a streak of three days in bed by 10 am.
I am on a roll with my yard work. I think it is because I have just a few months to enjoy it living here in Maine.
Most of the time it is too cold for me to go out there without my layers.
I am always cold and poor DH is always hot . Yesterday I had on long sleeves-NO SWEAT and I was the one digging and hauling dirt.

DH took a little walk round the block he comes back soaked with sweat, he is trying to get back to a fa...