September

 

Hello and Happy Labor Day! I for one am always glad for the "official" reminder that a lot of the things we take for granted - set working hours, a limit to working hours, etc. - are in place thanks to labor unions. Even if you are not a union member, you benefit from many things they fought long and hard to gain.

So here we are with Labor Day actually taking place on the first day of September, which for many people, marks the start of a new year. I have been out of school since approximately 1893, and I still think of Labor Day and the beginning of September as a new start. This year is no different, but I'm taking a slightly different approach.

As you may have heard me blather on about mention, I have been working hard to create new exercise/activity habits, along with my niece Amanda and my friend Lisa. We all keep each other updated and accountable, and I have to say, this has worked better for me than anything else. Having support and people who give you grace when you fall short of what you hoped to do is game-changing in my life. Not that I didn't have support from The Tim before, but it makes a big difference when you are also supporting the others as well. The Tim has always been pretty fit and never has health issues for the most part, so he didn't really need me saying "Good job" to encourage him to continue.

My niece Amanda has a personal practice that I'm going to try to adopt for myself. Instead of trying to keep track of overarching goals over the course of a whole year, she thinks about what she hopes each new month can be. In her case, she creates a type of vision board and uses it as her wallpaper on her phone. I am not that advanced, but I like the idea of thinking/working on a month-by-month basis rather than a yearly one. So starting this month, that's my new practice. I have a few things roughly thought out, but one of my activities today is to actually put them on paper - yes, I still use paper! - so I can see them and remember them more clearly than if I just tried to put them in my brain for storage. 

I'll let you know how/if this works for me, in case you are interested in trying it. Though it wouldn't be surprising to know that a lot of you already do this type of thing, since you are more on top of your lives than I may be. 😊

So here we go - enjoy these -BER months!

*****

Thank you for the nice comments for me and especially for Alfie and his newfound freedom to roam in the garden. We spent a good deal of time out there this weekend, and here he is just enjoying the chance to be outside. 

In the comments, Jose asked if Alfie was on pain medication because I mentioned that he is declawed. First of all, before you give me a lecture about the evils of declawing cats, please know that when we got him, he was a three-legged, declawed cat already. So we were not in any way involved in that. 

But to answer the question, Alfie doesn't take medication at all. He doesn't seem to be in any pain, and gets around very well - especially if he is chasing something! He goes to the vet regularly (as do the others), and we have never had any indication that he is uncomfortable. So as far as we can tell, and based on his activity levels, Alfie seems to be just fine as he is.  He was on medication briefly last year for ear problems, but those are resolved, and now he's just busy in his true destiny of Nature Cat. 

I hope all of you have a good holiday, if Labor Day happens where you are. Unfortunately, it turns out that The Tim did in fact have to labor today, so we'll be glad to see him later to have a good evening. I'm going to attempt to make shrimp kebabs for dinner, so wish me luck!

Yes, Cat Dreams Do Come True

Especially if your name is Alfie.

As you may or may not remember, a few years back (prior to the pandemic), we took down the door that leads to our garden in our outside entryway. It was already in place when we moved in, and had simply rotted to the point that there wasn't much left of it.

Now this wasn't really a huge problem in the grand scheme of things. It did mean there was slightly less privacy if we were in that area of the garden, but the biggest issue was that if the cats were outside in the garden with us, they could just stroll out onto the street, which is less than an optimal situation. So we knew we needed to replace it, but at the time funding was extremely low. And the garden was seriously full of mosquitoes, so we didn't spend any time out there unless we had to. 

Over the past few years, we've been able to make some headway cleaning things up, and though the mosquitoes were still in force, at least the garden wasn't a complete mess and eyesore anymore. And once our mortgage was paid, we suddenly had some available cash to make some of the repairs and improvements we'd had to delay.

The first few things that were the most necessary were taken care of, and so now we could move on to thinking about other projects that had been waiting. I was "assigned" by The Tim the project of getting the garden door replaced.

Of all of our most recent cats, Alfie was the one who insisted - no, NEEDED - to go out into the garden whenever we went outside, even if for just 5 minutes. And then he would immediately run out onto the street as part of his routine. That is of course dangerous for any cat, but Alfie has only three paws, and is declawed. And let's just say his reaction times to things are not in the top 5 percent. It drove him crazy that he could not go out, because as far as he is concerned, he is a Nature Cat. I kept promising him that we would get a new garden door, and his dream has finally come true.

I was finally able to find someone to come and give us an estimate, in the first place, which was no easy feat. The person was just one of those people you can tell are the real deal when you meet them, you know what I mean? And he was very fond of Alfie, which of course Alfie assumes everyone is. And so this past Monday, one of the guys who works in the company came and both built and installed a new garden door!

Going into the garden (yeah, a weird angle because the entryway is very narrow and this is the best way I could take a photo):

And then if you are leaving the garden to go out onto the street:

It's a nice, solid, cedar wood door and it took the person about 5 hours from start to finish to get it all accomplished. The handle is a simple latch, which is nice. Now you may be saying, "Aren't you going to install a lock on it?" and yes, we could, but in order to get into the entryway where you could then open the door into the garden, you would have to get through a wrought-iron gate. And frankly, if you can figure that out, a simple lock isn't gonna hold you back. So for now, we're leaving it alone. This coming weekend, The Tim is going to put a cedar finish on it, for weather protection and aesthetics. But it's finally in place, and Alfie and I ventured into the garden yesterday, and he was the happiest cat in Philadelphia, I'm pretty sure. 

As soon as I finish this post, I'm heading downstairs to go into to the garden - with Alfie, of course - to water the plants, replenish the birdbath, and fill the bird feeder. I have found a mosquito repellent "system" that seems to be working pretty well for us, so now I don't need to put on long pants and long sleeves for those activities, which is nice. So it's actually nice to be out there. I'm hoping that we can spend some time there this weekend and into the fall, since during the heat and humidity of the summer, none of us has much interest in being out there unless we have to.

But Alfie would like you to know that after waiting SO long and hearing promise after promise, his fondest wish is now a reality. He can truly enjoy his role as Nature Cat of the Outdoors. So remember that if you just wait and hope long enough, perhaps your dreams can come true as well! 😊

*****

No major plans here for Labor Day weekend. As I said, The Tim is planning to work on putting the finish on the new door. In a pleasant turn of events, he may not have to work on Labor Day like he usually does. So it would be nice if the long weekend would be a long weekend for him for a change. I'm on a bit of a decluttering spree, so I'll likely spend at least some of the time working on that. But it sounds like it will be a good few days for walking, bike riding, and just generally being outside, so I'm sure we'll find a way to take advantage of that.

Here's hoping that your Labor Day weekend, or just your weekend in general since - GASP! Everyone doesn't live in the U.S. - is a good one, and that you can enjoy it however you like. 

As the song says, "See You In September." 

Some Friday Letters

Today seems like a good day for some letters, don't you think?

Dear Summer People: 

Well, you've had more than what you wished for this summer, haven't you? Heat, heat, humidity, humidity. You know, what you love and can't wait to celebrate. I hope you soaked in every second, and I hope you enjoyed it, since you love it so much. But let's agree that we're all ready to move along, OK?

Dear People Who Are Having Babies:

If having a baby means you need to take your pet or pets to a shelter, or even worse, just abandon them, maybe you should never have a pet - or even a baby - in the first place. You, my friends, are the worst of us. I am curious - when you have a second baby, are you going to take the first one to a shelter because you "won't have the time" to care for it?

Dear Louis de Joy:

May you die a long, painful, terrible death, unable to get the medication you need because it is being delivered through the USPS, and you have ruined it so much, people are lucky if they even get their bills on time. You're welcome.

Dear Guy Who Sings While Walking Down the Street Every Afternoon:

You do you. Your singing is terrible and too loud, but you are clearly so happy, just keep going. The world needs more terrible, loud, happy singers.

Dear People Driving Cars:

You do realize that some people actually walk around, right? And that you can't move until the light turns green? So maybe don't honk at people who you think are moving too slow through the crosswalk, while the light is still red. Particularly you, guy in the green Lexus, who also added a "Hurry up" yell to an elderly man who was crossing the street. May someone key your precious Lexus accidentally on purpose one day.

Dear Bees and Butterflies:

Please hang in there. Our asters didn't do as well this summer because we couldn't keep them from frying in the sun. Hopefully they will be back and do better next summer, and I'm also going to try to plant more flowers that you like next year. 

Dear Fall Weather:

Anytime you feel like showing up, I'll be here - and more than happy to see you!

******

It's a long Labor Day weekend here in the U.S., so if you have plans, enjoy!  We have no specific plans, which is fine with us. Hopefully we can have our picnic dinner that we missed having on July 4th since Covid came to visit for that holiday.

In any case, no matter where you are or what you do/do not celebrate, just enjoy the time however you can.

Labor Day 2020

"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity" 

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Like so many things this year, even Labor Day is changed.  For a lot of us, it's another day at home, doing what we can and trying to stay safe, not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones.   

One thing that has not changed is the meaning of Labor Day.  Maybe this year we even realize it more than usual, because for some people there has been no staying at home and/or working from home.  They have gotten up every single day and gone to work not just so we have health care, but so we have groceries, mail service, public transportation, trash pickup, etc.  And yes, they are heroes, but they are mostly brave because the majority of these "other" workers have little or no choice.

So - even though many of them are working today - let's still keep a thought for the people who keep things going all of the time.  For as awful as things are right now, they could be a lot worse if these Laborers didn't go to work.

Enjoy your day however you can, and remember to thank others.

Labor Day 2019

Labor Day finds no laboring at our house.

For those who are laboring, bless you for working on a day a lot of us have a holiday.

Whatever you are doing - relaxing, picnicking, spending the day with family, anything at all - I hope you enjoy it!

A TGIF Where the First Thing Is a Rant

For a lot of people, Labor Day means the end of summer.  Schools either have already started or will start next week, vacations have been taken, and school supply lists are providing a last gasp of required shopping.  Around here, it usually means that last of the big beach weekends, and on Monday the news will spend a whole lot of time covering traffic jams from the beach back to the city.

We didn't make it to see the ocean once this summer.  Sigh.

Anyway, I've decided that it's time for a TGIF post, and as warned above, the first one is a rant.

Thinking About - how correct spelling seems to be lower and lower down on the list of things people care about.  This morning on the local news, they were teasing a story after the commercial about Hurricane Dorian threatening those in Florida.  It showed am image of a marina, with the caption "YATCH CLUB THREATENED."  The other day, they promised us a "WENDSDAY FOURCAST."  Really?  I understand that on social media for example, not everyone is a native English speaker and I am willing to let a lot slide there.  But one would hope that on a TV station (or print media or wherever things are "official"), that there are people checking things, and then correcting them if there is a problem.  Yes, I knew it was a Wednesday Forecast coming up, but that's not the point.  When The Tim used to work in publishing, he would often receive resumes with cover letters saying that the sender was interested in a job as an "edditor." 

Having said all of that, I guess I'm glad that I don't own a yatch, and have to worry about it.  I mentioned this to The Tim, and he agreed, though he did point out that it's unlikely we could afford a yatch anyway ...

Getting Ready For - the long weekend, and all of next week, when I will be off work!  For once, my vacation time was approved, and I'm trying to make a more conscious effort this year to be able to use my vacation time so I don't lose a lot of it, as has happened over the last few years.  We have an extremely short-staffed department, so it's hard to get time off approved in the first place.  And since we can't carry any time over, you just lose it, which galls me to my core.  I have no specific plans for next week, other than to just not be at work, which is the best plan of all!

Interested In - spending at least some of the next week getting rid o' crap.  Too much is piled up and it's making me nuts, so I'm hoping to do enough of a cleanout to feel that I've made a good dent in all of it.

Feeling - happy that the summer is winding down, though I know there is still plenty left.  And looking forward to next weekend, when we are going to the New Jersey Sheep and Fiber Festival, which is always so good.  It's not that far away, and it's extremely manageable.  I don't necessarily have plans to buy anything, but I love looking at all the yarns and other goodies, and especially seeing the sweet animals. 

I hope those of you that live in the U.S. have a lovely long weekend for Labor Day, and that everyone else has a good weekend.  See you next week!

Furball Friday

Jetsam is ready to relax over this coming long weekend ... are you? 

Whatever you do or don't do (I'm in the latter category), enjoy!

Have a Good Labor Day Weekend!

Ah, Labor Day weekend ... when I was a kid, it truly meant the end of summer.  Most of the time, school started the day after, and even though I liked school well enough, I liked being at home and doing my own thing much more.  I haven't been in school for a long time, but I still feel like this weekend is slightly bittersweet.

For a lot of people I know, and for a lot of those in blogland, it is also a time to start fresh.  Just as you started the new school year with new shoes and new pencils, etc., as an adult Labor Day can be the same kind of milestone.  In that vein, I took the last half hour of my workday today to give my desk and my workspace a good clean.  Frankly, it was overdue - I mean, that place was gross!  But now when I return on Tuesday, it will be nice and clean and fresh - at least for a half hour or so ... :-)

What are you up to this weekend?  We don't have any specific plans.  The Tim is working during the day on Sunday and Monday, so we might have a picnic dinner on Monday evening, but that's about it.  I am planning to spend at least part of one day going through my closet.  For whatever reason, this summer I really slobbed it up - just kind of throwing things in there, and it's a mess and I'm sure there are a lot of things I can just donate or throw away.  (Another fresh start - hm, it's like a theme I was not expecting ...)

But mostly I want to just relax and do whatever I decide to do.  I worked especially physically hard this week at work, as in lifting 40-lb. boxes, shifting books, shelving stuff, etc., so I definitely got a workout.  This evening, however, I have to say that I'm feeling it!

I also want to see if I can finish or come close to finishing my watermelon-yarn socks.  The first sock is done, and I would like to get the other one finished sooner rather than later because a) it's been way too long working on them, and b) I want to start another pair for a Halloween gift, and told myself my own pair needed to be completed first.

I hope you have some nice plans for the long weekend.  Labor Day is an important day to note, and I don't think a lot of people really understand why it even exists.  Those of us who are not working this weekend, or who are not *required* to work more than 40 hours a week, have laborers and labor unions to thank for it.  (I have an acquaintance who really and truly thought that it was to honor mothers since they go through labor to give birth.  What an eejit.)

"Thunder is good, thunder is impressive;

but it is lightning that does the work"

-- Mark Twain

The world is a strange, confusing, dangerous, and crazy place these days.  Each one of us can only do so much to help or make it better.  So I hope that this weekend, *your* life and your world can be a happy and safe place.

Hopefully, the next time you hear from me, I'll have some knitting pictures and who knows, maybe even TWO socks to show you!  It could happen ...

Take care.

Labor Day Weekend

Here in the U.S., it's Labor Day weekend.  The Tim has had to work Saturday, Sunday, and then this evening, so we haven't done anything too elaborate.  I made a picnic-y dinner for us last night, and this a.m. we went out to breakfast, so that was our big excitement.

I had big plans for this weekend, and to some extent, I did get things done.  We have a room that was the craft room/office/dump-everything room that we have been fixing up, and I wanted to make some progress on that.  I did, and though it's not in its final version, it's close and you can more easily walk around than you could before.  :-)  That plan = good result.

I also wanted to knit a swatch of a project I have had in my head, thinking that I might actually submit it for publication.  The actual item is knit in the round, and I knitted the swatch according to some directions I found on someone's blog a while back.  It turned out looking like C.R.A.P.  So, no submission there, but down the road, it might become a freebie.   That plan = mixed results.

I was going to mail some of the blogiversary packages.  Got them packed up nicely and ready to go.  However, our local P.O. turned out to be closed on Saturday as well as Sunday and today.  So at the latest, I'll have to try next weekend.  That plan = bad results.

I was hoping to give the house a good clean, since it has been a while and the place is kinda disgusting.  But the entire weekend seemed to be a heat and humidity fest, and without a/c, there was just no way cleaning could happen and I could not make myself sick.  I did however, get the laundry finished.  So, that plan = mixed results.

You can see it's been a mixed bag of a weekend.  At first I was disappointed, but you know what?  I'm not gonna let myself be disappointed.  I got some things accomplished, and that counts!  Plus, it was a holiday weekend, and those are just too few and far between to feel bad about anything.

I hope all of you had a good holiday weekend.  I'm gonna get a few things organized to make the morning simpler tomorrow, and then it's time to read or knit, and relax.

September is here.  :-)