What's Happening With My Hard Wiring

Well, not mine, but in the kitchen. After further examination, the burning of the hard wiring in the under cabinet light fixture was caused by the use of  inadequate size of wire nuts. This is the forth wiring that has burned in my house since I had some remodel work done about five years ago. First, it was the front porch light. Second, it was the small bathroom light switches and Thirdly, the main bathroom over sink light fixture! The licensed contractor has been called "a crook" by several contractors that I have met since the work was done on my house. It is really sad when someone does such shabby work.  I am sure glad that I did not have major work done by him because almost all of the work he performed has issues. There is a lot to the saying, "Measure twice, cut once".

The wires burned because the wire nuts that were used should have been the larger red ones for four 12-gauge wires and not the yellow ones for three 12-gauge wires.  And, because of the wires burning, they are to short to be fastened securely with wire nuts. Additional splicing would be too bulky for the limited space. I was fortunate to find a replacement fixture that is the exact model as the one that burned for only $10.   I have ordered a the new fixture, it should arrive tomorrow. I am quite confident I will be able to hard wire the fixture without difficulty. I am trying to avoid calling this happy little man.

But, fear not. If it is necessary, I will call him.

I have some very good "Do-It-Yourself" books and there are many handyman (or handywomen) websites to learn everything you ever needed to know about under cabinet light fixture installation. It really only takes a basic understanding of electrical wiring. The extent of my electrical tools could be better and I may need to buy a new wire stripper.

It is somewhat amazing to me how much I miss the light and plug in the kitchen next to the sink. I guess that is the spot where I do most of the food prep and of course the making of the ever important coffee making!



When this project is finished, please celebrate with me over a cup of pretty coffee. Maybe, we will add a little Baileys Irish Cream!

Melt In Your Mouth Delicious

I guess that title fits a lot of foods that we love. But, Baked Egg and Avocado really got my attention a few days ago. So, today was the day to make this high protein - healthy fat combo. Oh my, Oh my, it was so good. Of course, you could dress it up with cheese, bacon bits or whatever sounds good. But, I thoroughly enjoyed it plain with the salt and pepper and a slice of toast and a glass of orange juice . Omitting the addition of  yummy toppings will hold down the calorie count. And, it is so easy. Be sure and check out the link above to Cook Lisa Cook.

 It was so good. Oh, I already said that. Sorry. From what I have noticed, this little tasty morsel is circulating around blogland. If you like eggs and avocado, jump on the bandwagon. You won't be disappointed.

I am begining to think that I am making up for what may have been "cooking/baking withdrawal". Doesn't it appear that I am blogging a lot lately about food preparation? I have always enjoyed making different and new recipes.

Happy Eating and try to eat with a Friend.

What Is Your Position

How about a little Sleep Trivia today.  What was your position last night?

Trolling through blogland can teach you all kinds of trivia that you never thought you needed to know! I wish I could remember where I saw this bit of trivia so I could give credit. Description of sleep positions is something I had never seen before and find it  quite amusing.

I think my position of choice is a modified fetus position generally lying on my right side because my back pain is most prominent on the left side. However, since receiving the epidural injections in my left low back I am having less discomfort . And, I find that I am now able to sleep on either side but with my legs extended. So, I guess, it is a combination of fetus and log. 

 

Fetus: This is the most common sleeping position with 41% of people calling themselves Fetus sleepers. Fetus sleepers are curved, side sleepers with knees drawn up toward the chest; sometimes sleeping with 1 arm beneath a pillow, other times with both arms bent to cradle a pillow. More than twice as many women sleep in this position than men. People who curl up in this position are described as being emotional. Their relationships with others is often intense. Fetus sleepers are sensitive inwardly, but their outside display is one of toughness. They are gentle and kind, but often scarred from being hurt emotionally.

Log: This sleeping position, adopted by 15% of people includes lying on the side with both arms held along the body. These sleepers are easy-going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd. They are trusting of strangers, sometimes to the point of being gullible. Log sleepers are more carefree than others. This relaxed, symmetrical sleeping position represents the calm inner self of the sleeper.

Yearner: The Yearner is described as a side sleeper having a straight back, slightly bent legs, head cradled off center of one's pillow and arms stretched outward. 13% of people surveyed sleep in this position. The personalities of Yearner sleepers are the most complex of all the sleeping positions.Yearners are said to have a friendly and open nature, but they can be cynical and suspicious. They are slow in making decisions, but once made, it is tough to change. Yearners are devoted. When truly committed, they make the best of friends.

Soldier: The Soldier position is characterized by sleeping on the back, face to the ceiling, legs straight, and arms pinned to the sides or slightly moved outward. 8% of people sleep in the Soldier position. The personalities of Soldier sleepers tend to be reserved and quiet. They may not show them, but they have very strong internal emotions. Soldier sleepers do not like commotion. They set others and themselves to high standards. They are very loyal and committed to protect the people closest to them and they strongly value those bonds.

Starfish: The Starfish sleeper lies on his back with arms slightly to fully spread up wards and slightly to fully spread legs. The Starfish position is adopted by 5% of sleepers. These sleepers are outstanding listeners. This trait makes them a great confidante and friend - always ready to listen and help. Starfish sleepers do not like to be the center of attention.

Freefallers: Freefallers lie on their front side with head turned, arms upward, elbows bent, both legs straight or one slightly bent up wards toward the chest. 7% of sleepers are Freefallers. Their personalities lead them to be very intense, brash, and gregarious on the outside, but sensitive and nervy underneath - i.e. thin-skinned. They love freedom and do not like extreme situations or criticism.

Wishing you a Good Nights Sleep.                          

Let's Have Breakfast

I love it when I have a nice assortment of fresh fruit to prepare for breakfast. I think the pears are going to have to wait a few days before they ripen. That's OK, it will be something to look forward to.

It seems like I spend a lot more time preparing healthy meals. And, there is always the cleanup. But, it is so worth it to feel the best I can.

I like Greek yogurt with my fruit. And, it is good and healthy. I recently changed to the plain instead of honey added yogurt and I like it just as well. The fruit has a lot of sweetness.

A little freshly grated nutmeg on the fruit and a half bagel and cup of fresh brewed coffee and I was all set.

It was so tasty. It wasn't until I had finished eating the bowl of fruit that I realized that I forgot to add some of the fresh blueberries that I just purchased. Oh well, I'll add them next time - tomorrow.

Have a Wonderful Day.

Short Homecoming

My friend has come home from her forth and last chemotherapy appointment to recover from the weakness, pain and general sick feeling. She will return in about a month for consultations with a surgeon regarding additional surgery to remove additional lymph nodes. Following whatever  surgery she may undergo,  she will start with the radiation treatment. I believe they are planning on 30. My heart goes out to her.

 

She came over for about 10 minutes today after going to the post office. And, she was out of breath and exhausted. It hurts me so much to see her in this condition. "Cabin fever" was getting to her and she said she had to get out of the house for a short time. She still has her fighting spirit and that is great. As before, she needs lots of positive thoughts.

Until next time.

Beautiful Surprise ~ Thank You

How lovely is this? Friends are the greatest.

To All of You ~ Take Good Care of YOURSELF and remember YOU are Important and YOU Count.

When Life Gives You Beautiful Lemons

Make lemon cubes  in ice cube trays. Aren't these the most beautiful lemons? I could not pass them up in the store.  And, at $2.99 for a 2 pound bag it would have been so foolish. That price is a lot better than 2 lemons for $1.00!!!

 

A lot of the recipes that I have been looking at lately ask for fresh squeezed lemon juice. And, I like the added flavor it gives to the food.  Tonight I will be having white fish baked in white wine, mushrooms, green onions, salt and pepper and a splash of lemon juice. No recipe, just fixing as I go.  At least that is what I think I will do.

I have had this juicer for many years. It isn't something that I use often. But, it sure is nice to have  when I want to make fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast which is something I like to do when I can get nice "juice oranges". It is a nice size juicer and it does a great job.

There is a little more than 1  1/2 cups pure lemon juice. And, no seeds because they are in the strainer at the top of the juicer.

And, now I will have 16 cubes (2 in another tray) that are approximately 2 tablespoons each.  When they are frozen I will take them out of the trays and put them in a freezer bag. They will be ready whenever I need lemon juice. How great is that?

 

Even though I have an automatic ice maker in my freezer, I have kept the trays for this sort of thing. Every once in a while I use them for something and it reminds me why I kept them!

Hope you are having a Sunshiny Day. The lemons make me think of sunshine. 

My Bluebird Returns

The reality is that he never left.

But, was sitting nearby waiting for me to learn some new lessons that would make me a stronger, healthier person.  It is a nice refresher lesson to know that Happiness is so close if we just pay attention. Getting caught up in destructive behaviors serves no value but if we learn something helpful it is less painful. 

Listen! I think I can hear him singing!

We have had a couple beautiful sunny days.  I was out  'n' about and it was in the high seventies.  The Quince is blooming. Fabulous!

If interested, this is a little story about my tattoo ~ Hello Bluebird.

Mindy Came To Play And Hookie Business

What a fun Saturday evening. Lily had a visitor and I had a "doggie sitting" job while the parents were out for the evening. The best descriptor for the evening would be PLAY, PLAY and some more PLAY.  Wow, would I ever like some of that energy and stamina. And - - - then they fell asleep. But - - - not for long! I am surprised I could get these photos because these two little girls can move fast.

Since I am way overdue to enjoy some "hookie business", it was time to retrieve my Stripey Blanket from the deep recesses of my craft room and "get to hookin"! Oh, was I ever feeling excited with all those bright colors draped across my lap just saying "hold me - hold me". So much joy in the fact that I was doing something again that I really enjoy and that I have missed for way to0 long.

I am not caring much for the borders that I have already tried, so I am going to take a another look at these books for ideas.

And, after the border or intermittently while I do the border, I must start weaving in all the ends! As you know it is a rather mindless activity that can seem like it goes on forever. But perhaps, that is good for me at this time of decompression from the recent past super challenges. 

I hope you are having a Fabulous Day.



Is Something Burning

My laptop may be - - - -

 The hard drive may have crashed and burned! 

Please tell me it isn't so.

Don't you just hate that black screen?

                     I clearly need help!

Please send the Doctor - - -

For the past six weeks I have periodically been working (tinkering) on my laptop trying to get it in working order. I may have just dug myself a deeper hole. I have no idea what to do at this point. I guess it will just have to sit until I can get some professional help. And, I don't know when my budget will permit it.

It is so grand that I have the desktop computer which makes all this less painful.

Send out the fairies with some "fix it" fairy dust!

And, be kind to your computer.

Note: Does this post look like I have too much time on my hands? I don't ~ just having fun!

If Nothing Ever Changed There'd Be No Butterflies

I see the Butterflies. And, what a good feeling. I have started to "re-enter society" and WOW! The love I have received is making me feel breathless.

My stomach issues are healing and my body and mind have returned to a place of peacefulness and calm. I have been able to discontinue one of the medications that the Gastroenterologist prescribed. My healthy dietary regime has made a huge improvement in my overall health.

I am so happy to tell you that my epidural injections have continued to give me relief from the nerve pain (which is different from other pain) in my left leg. Occasionally, when I get up in the morning I feel some familiar unwanted sensations but it is minimal and soon disappears. It has been five weeks and what a difference it has made in my life. Along with all the other good changes in my life the absence of nerve pain is really "the frosting on the cake". I continue to experience periodic back pain but it is very tolerable.

I am continually assessing what I will do with my gardening when the season changes. Generally, I would be getting anxious to get out there and "get to work". It really isn't the work that excites me but the RESULT of my efforts. In addition, the WONDERFUL SUNSHINE has always been a magnet and eases Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, since the large diseased oak tree outside my living room window was removed I have felt profoundly better than in the past. The additional natural light in my house has been a great blessing. 

It is nice that I have documented my previous gardens with photos and I can revisit "my garden" any time I wish.
 

Watch Carefully ~~~ You may see some butterflies! 

Fear Not

So, so many changes in my life. When I saw this charming little picture in blogland it really struck me in a way that it never would have in the years past. It is so great to have freedom to maintain my home and myself as well as come and go as I wish without constant questions!  However, I will always welcome healthy attention and sharing. 

I am feeling so good even though there is a long list of projects that need attention. And, that list includes repairing the kitchen sink reverse-osmosis water filtration system. Annoyingly, it hasn't been working for the past two years.

The front and back door need to be painted because Lily tends to scratch when she wants to come in. Because I did not start her with the pet door when she was very young she has a big aversion to it. One reason may be that it is spring-loaded. However, I recently removed the spring mechanism but it hasn't changed her behavior. I guess this shows how important "early training" can be!

With this cold weather that we are having at the present, I am constantly reminded that the weather stripping/insulation on the doors need to be installed. However, I would like to paint the door frames and doors before putting the weather stripping on. The weather prediction includes snow.

Those seem to be the most urgent tasks. And, of course, the under-cabinet kitchen fixture takes priority.

And, then there are the fun projects (sewing, knitting, crocheting, thrifting, home decor, crafting, cooking and baking) that I am eager to pursue again on a regular basis.

LILY UPDATE: She has resumed her Happy-Healthy behavior and personality. We are blessed.

Take Good Care of Yourself and Others.

I Love My Under Cabinet Light Fixtures

But, look what has happened. Firstly, when I turned on the coffee maker it would not work and I thought the coffee maker was broken which did not make me very happy since it is relatively new. However, the light on the fixture was working. For the past two days I have heard a sound (that I didn't like) when I turned the coffee maker on.

After determining that the coffee maker was not the problem (I plugged it into another outlet) and came to realize it was something different.

In my typical fashion, I started taking the light fixture apart. And, that is when I found the burned wires. At that time, I thought "This is the time to turn the power off". And, I will - when I decide to move forward and fix the "darn thing". Lately, I have to "be in the mood" before I tackle this kind of a problem. It falls into the same category as the computer repair!

So, that is where I am with this problem. And, I hope within a few days it will be put back together and work and look like new.

GOOD NEWS - GOOD NEWS!  Lily is showing signs of improved health, even though during the night she felt like she had a fever! She is not totally back to her usual happy, playful health, but I trust she will get there soon, maybe tomorrow. Thank you for your concern and good wishes. See - - - it alway helps!

Hug your pets today - - - and everyday.