My Question For The Day is......What Did You Do For Fun in the Old Days.

Kids these days turn to technology for fun.  When grandkids ask me "what did you do in the old days Gram?  It must have been dull for you with nothing to do."
Let me tell you, it was never dull.  We were healthier back then because we got outdoors in the sunshine and stayed active from morning til night.

My question of the day is "What did you do for fun before TV?"
For me it was being outdoors with friends.  I was a kid when we got our first TV.  Back in the day it was only on for a limited number of hours a day, in black and white, and very few shows were for kids.  Every nite when it shut down they played christian music and showed the clouds and heavens on the screen.  Anyway, we were never glued to it because of lack of interest back then.
I played outdoor games every day on the pavement in front of our buildings.  Kick the Can, Tag, Freeze, Hide and Seek, Jump Rope, Dodge Ball, a ball game tossing the ball against the brick wall of a building and doing different moves as we got futher into the game, like one plain toss, 2 tosses with a bounce, 3 rapid moves, 4 from behind our back and so on.  Oh darn, what's the game with a pretty piece of glass you tossed from block to block, 1-9 and hopped up the first 3, split your legs, then one in the middle and then a split at the end???????  I remember we used to hunt for a nice piece of old glass in empty lots to use to toss from block to block.  Got it!  Hop Scotch!
 And then we had game cards that we tossed against the wall to see who won the cards by being the furtherest or a leaner or landing on top of another card. They were mostly baseball players cards.  Also marbles, with the clear ones and the tiny ones and the monster marbles.
We also had comic books that we swapped.  We could buy them cheap at the corner store if they had the top half of the front page removed.  That meant the store owner could not sell it so the supplier let them have it for a smaller price after tearing the cover in half and the top part away and he let us kids have them a lot cheaper than the new ones.   I think they were a nickel at our corner store.  We would bring out our collection to swap other kids for theirs to read and enjoy.  I used to love the Casper comics best.  We also had those old roller skates with the key that you tightened around your shoe.  Only worked well on paved sidewalks, not the brick ones, of which we had lots.  The bricks would heave during the winter and have dips and hollows.  If you tried skating over them, the skates usually split in half.
I was out in all kinds of weather.  In the winter, I was out til I got really cold or my mittens and bottoms of my dungarees got wet and then I would go indoors, open the oven door on our oil-fired cooking/heating kitchen stove, pull up a chair in front of the store and put my stocking feet on the fender and the mittens over the oven door, til they were dry and I could go outdoors again.  Weather didn't stop us.  I think that's why we were more trim in those days.  I remember very few kids with overweight problems.  In fact, I can only think of one from my early teen days and she was from a further neighborhood and was a bit older and had a reputation for 'being with boys' was the term back then, so we never associated with her.
I can honestly say I was never bored and I was healthy and trim and active in my youth without games on computers and telephones.

If you lived on a farm you had your chores to keep you busy. Feeding the chickens, weeding the garden, harvesting the vegetables.  All good fresh air every day. 

Unfortunately these days its sitting if front of a boob tube or computer day after day.  No fresh air, no activity and eating snacks and getting chubby and maybe being more susceptible to colds and flu and things that make youth ill.  I feel badly for our youth.

Of course at this moment we are all in isolation because of a new and deadly virus.  Technology seems to be the way to handle isolation with kids in doing their school work from home and playing games to keep their brains busy.  They should not be out socializing with their peers today.  Times have changed and in this case, for the better for isolation purposes for our youth.  They at least have something to keep their brains active.

Stay safe everyone  Take care of yourself.  Help another if possible.  

I Made Egg Yolk and Potato Salad

I continue to make foods that will last me a few meals.  Living alone, that's not difficult.  Today I made my Egg Yolk and Potato Salad which I love.  It also has chopped onion and very thinly sliced cucumber with the seeds removed but the green skins still intact and salt and pepper to taste.

If you want my recipe, go back to July 23, 2019 and find it in pictures.  I give the step-by-step instructions for this tasty salad.

I eat eggs, but am not a fan of egg whites so I make mine with hard-boiled eggs with the egg whites removed.  Hence the title, Egg Yolk and Potato Salad.

The good thing about this is it will last me at least 4 or 5 meals as a side dish.  Makes my food rations last longer.

Another tip that works for me...…....  Living alone, my stash of dirty dishes is not very much each day so I usually do them once an evening all at once.  I just pile them up in the sink til I am ready to wash them, running some hot water over them to soak off any hard bits.   Today I started doing them every two days instead.  That way my Dawn dish detergent will last twice as long and I do not have to buy more as often leaving more Dawn on the shelves for larger families that need it.

I hope everyone is being careful, especially us older folks.  I am staying isolated and when I go out to take out the trash or do my laundry, I wear my N95 germ mask/respirator.  I also take along a disinfectant wipe to wipe down things I have to touch or after I have touched them, too.  

Stay safe everyone.

This May Help Prevent Viral Infection. Please Read....

I learned later that the following article is a hoax.  Still, I find that some of the things look logical to me so I will try them to stay safe while I am isolated from the public.  Use your own judgement.

Subject: COVID-19 Prince of Wales Hospital ADVICE

NURSE CURRENTLY AT PRINCE OF WALES PASSED ON THE ADVICE THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN. PLEASE READ.At The Princess of Wales hospital. NHS staff have been sent this:

This is the advice given to hospital staff.
It explains the virus and hopefully, how to prevent getting it.
Please share with family, friends and work colleagues.

Virus Detection:

The simplest way to distinguish Coronavirus from a Common Cold is that the COVID-19 infection does not cause a cold nose or cough with cold, but it does create a dry and rough cough.
The virus is typically first installed in the throat causing inflammation and a feeling of dryness. This symptom can last between 3 and 4 days.
The virus typically then travels through the moisture present in the airways, goes down to the trachea and installs in the lungs, causing pneumonia that lasts about 5 or 6 days.
Pneumonia manifests with a high fever and difficulty breathing. The Common Cold is not accompanied, but there may be a choking sensation. In this case, the doctor should be called immediately.

Experts suggest doing this simple verification every morning: Breathe in deeply and hold your breath for 10 seconds. If this can be done without coughing, without difficulty, this shows that there is no fibrosis in the lungs, indicating the absence of infection. It is recommended to do this control every morning to help detect infection.

Prevention:
The virus hates heat and dies if it is exposed to temperatures greater than 80°F (27°C). Therefore hot drinks such as infusions, broths or simply hot water should be consumed abundantly during the day. These hot liquids kill the virus and are easy to ingest.
Avoid drinking ice water or drinks with ice cubes.

Ensure that your mouth and throat are always wet, never DRY. You should drink a sip of water at least every 15 minutes. WHY? Even when the virus enters water or other liquids through the mouth, it will get flushed through the oesophagus directly into the stomach where gastric acids destroy the virus. If there is not enough water, the virus can pass into the trachea and from there to the lungs, where it is very dangerous.

For those who can, sunbathe. The Sun's UV rays kill the virus and the vitamin D is good for you.
The Coronavirus has a large size (diameter of 400-500 nanometers) so face masks can stop it, no special face masks are needed in daily life.
If an infected person sneezes nearby, stay 10 feet (3.3 meters) away to allow the virus fall to the ground and prevent it from falling on you.
When the virus is on hard surfaces, it survives about 12 hours, therefore when hard surfaces such as doors, appliances, railings, etc. are touched, hands should be washed thoroughly and/or disinfected with alcoholic gel The virus can live nested in clothes and tissues between 6 and 12 hours. Common detergents can kill it. Things that cannot be washed should be exposed to the Sun and the virus will die.
The transmission of the virus usually occurs by direct infection, touching fabrics, tissues or materials on which the virus is present.
Washing your hands is essential.
The virus survives on our hands for only about 10 minutes. In that time many things can happen, rubbing the eyes, touching the nose or lips. This allows the virus to enter your throat. Therefore, for your good and the good of all, wash your hands very often and disinfect them.
You can gargle with disinfectant solutions (i.e. Listerine or Hydrogen Peroxide) that eliminate or minimize the amount of virus that can enter the throat. Doing so removes the virus before it goes down to the trachea and then to the lungs.
Disinfect things touched often: mobile phone, keyboard, mouse, car steering wheel, door handles, etc ....

TIme For Doing Things In Isolation

With this CoronoVirus upon us, its time to say indoors as much as possible and do things to keep ourselves occupied.
If I were still a gardener, like many of you are, I would be starting seeds indoors and watching them grow.  Since those days are behind me and my health problem means limitations, I have turned to crochet projects.
I managed to make a few spring hanging dish towels.

Two are in teal and two are in the same pink, tho I notice that the pink on the left looks sort of tangerine.  Trust me, they are both pink like the one on the right.
I managed those pretty well.  It makes a break from watching my favorite homestead channels on youtube and my favorite Britcoms and British mysteries on either AcornTV or Britbox which I get for a small fee each month.
My son, bless him, went shopping for me this weekend but did not stay after delivery.  He did not want to chance it since he works among the public every day.  I gave him one of my germ masks/respirator type and urged him to wear it while at work.  He seems to think that you only need that if you are the one infected.  If that's the case, then tell me why doctors and nurses wear a mask when seeing patients.  They are not infected.  They are trying to stay that way by wearing a mask when seeing the public.  I think everyone should wear one when with other people.  I had mine on when my son dropped off my groceries.
It seems some things are still difficult to get at the grocery store.  One he could not get me were chicken breasts but he got me steak, stew beef and ground beef.  I have some chicken in the freezer so I am alright for meats for awhile.
Also toilet paper.  I have some anyway, since I have always kept a store of a few things in case I could  not get out to shop.  No regular eggs so he bought me organic which were about 3 times the cost of normal large eggs but I love eggs so that's OK.  Also no blue Dawn, my favorite dish detergent.  Again, I have a bit on hand.   My favorite cheddar cheese, Cabot's Vermont Sharp, was out of stock.  He was limited to buying only 2 rolls of paper towels.  No problem with foods at the deli or fresh produce this week.
As for myself getting out to shop, our local Parks and Rec bus (which normally takes several non-driving elderly to the town's main shopping center once a week)  has been stopped for at least a month and will make decisions at that time whether to start again.  But they are a good group.  Getting together with our local Food Pantry, if any of their elderly patrons need food, we have just to call the town office and they will see that the Pantry takes a delivery box to our door.  So kind. People are good when all is said and done.
What else should one do to keep occupied...
Games online like America Says and Common Knowledge are fun.  There are lot of free games available online if you just go to Google.  How about crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.  Do you sew?  Get back to making some sewing projects.  Do you quilt?  How about making some table runners or totes or some quilted art to hang on your front door or your walls.  Reading has always been a wonderful way to pass the time and gain fun or interest or knowledge in the doing.
Now is a great time for a good old-fashioned Spring cleaning like its never been done before.
With satellite TV and cable TV there are plenty of movies and informative shows.  I like National Geographic and NatGeoWild to learn more about wild animals around the world.  There are a few shows there made at zoos and they are so very informative.  It never hurts to learn more about the world around us.
So do not despair when you have to stay at home.  You can find things to do if you try.  Stay busy and away from the public.  If you must be out in the world, keep your distance and try to wear a germ mask.  It can't hurt.  And don't try to hoard all the goods in sight.  Buy only what you and your family needs for a few weeks, thereby giving the stores a chance to restock their shelves of new goods.
Stay healthy friends.  Wishing you all the best of health.

March to Come in Like a Lion

Our weather report is usual for this time of year.  We are expecting March to come 'in like a lion' as seems common for Maine each year.
We have had some nice sunny weather lately, with temps days in the 30os to 40sF every day.  Some rain but not much for the month.  Some snow, but again, not much or usual for Feb.  Mostly sunny days.
Yet this week looks bleak.
Rain, rain, rain and possibly even snow for the next 4 days after our lovely sunshine day today.
I guess that means I will be staying indoors.  I hope I do not lose power but I am prepared with my battery lanterns, extra food and water, and even some snacks.  And books to read.
I have received a few Dana Stabenow novels recently and am imbibing.  I love a good mystery.  Now Dana is an Alaskan with roots that run deep.  She tells a good story, usually murder mysteries, and throws in lots of Alaskan knowledge for us to enjoy. Her protagonist is a female who lives and breathes Alaska, one Kate Shuglak.  Kate's companion thru all these travails is a half-wolf sidekick known as Mutt who does her share at keeping her human partner safe.  I am really enjoying these books.

I want to thank a quilting buddy, Holly, for sending me 3 of these.  Thanks, Holly.

I am also enjoying my Britcoms and Brit Mysteries thanks to subscribing to Britcom and AcornTV which carries that line of enjoyment online.  My computer brings me many happy hours whether watching these programs, checking into my favorite homesteaders on YouTube, and playing Solitaire on my screen when needing a change.
I am still having medical issues but hope things change for the better sometime in March after seeing an expert who can put me on meds that work without making me light-headed every day whenever I walk.  With that to contend with, I am literally a homebody, ordering my groceries online since I cannot shop myself.  I manage to clean my house here and there every few days as long as I can sit and rest in between chores.  So life goes on as best as can be managed.  I know that I am in better shape than many who are far more ill so I keep staying positive and try to laugh a little every day.  As they say, and I believe it, 'laughter is the best medicine."  I always feel better after a good, belly-jiggling laugh.
Stay well my friends.  I will check in again soon.  Smile.

Just Checking In. A Little Snow is Falling.

I am watching the snow fall outside my window.  Its so pretty.  The snow on the trees across the river are still full and white.  Its in the high 30sF today so not so bad for a Feb. winter day here in southwestern Maine.

Nothing new to report.  I have lost a total of 18 lbs. since my ailment in early Dec. and I am trying to keep it off and even drop a lot more if I can.

My method is half meals.  Instead of 2 sandwiches, I make only one.  Instead of a full bowl of soup, I serve myself only half a bowl.  In the snack dept I just don't buy them as in the past.  A bit of chocolate now and then, my chips are the No-salt ones and since they are not very tasty (but they make a good accompaniment with a sandwich instead of fries) I don't eat too many.  Of those kind I can truly say "I can only eat just one."  I eat more salads which tend to fill my empty spaces more reliably.  You know, after being careful for a few weeks, it tends to get easier not to over-indulge.

My order of Farmer's Cheese from Andrulis in Michigan is expected today.  I have already planned my menu to include only the cheese and a simple cukes and tomato salad with very little dressing.  If anyone is interested, try
https://andrulischeese.com

I buy the plain cheese to which you can add whatever seasonings you prefer as you dine.

I wish you all a good day.
Hugs from the north country.

We Had Some Snow

Its been a while but we had some snow yesterday.  It looks so darn pretty out there today from my living room windows.

The view of the river outside my window.

The birdhouses surrounded by snow.

The view of the waterfall.  Its not rushing very hard today.

A view thru the trees.

A view of the reservoir with the flowing river on the mid-left as it meanders along.

A view of the bridge to the next town.

Its been a good day to check out homesteading videos on Utube this morning.  Tho I no longer garden and enjoy living in the country, I can get my kicks by watching other homesteaders in their endeavors.

I also ordered some Farmer's Cheese from Andrulis in Michigan.  They have the best hard block Farmer's Cheese I could find.  Reminds me of the old days (1940s and 50s) when my grandmother made hers and then dried it on the kitchen window sill a few hours every day.  Mmmm, it was darn good.  I don't have her knack for drying, but Andrulis's solid form cheese is terribly good.

Reminding me of favorites, I guess I will have to make some potato pancakes today served with a sour cream topping.  Another old favorite from long ago.  I had been putting it off since my carpal tunnel wrist had been acting up.  I was taken off all my vitamins and supplements when I had my heart scare in early Dec.  I have just now gone back to taking them, including Moringa which has been so good for my system keeping aches and pains at bay.  With my wrist now feeling almost normal again, I plan to enjoy grating those potatoes this afternoon.

I wish everyone a good day filled with love and good food and good wishes.  Hugs, S