My Bluetooth Headset

So -- here's the update on me and my new smartphone. IT'S AMAZING. lol...After YEARS of resistance -- I am totally hooked and cannot imagine how (or why) I ever tried to live without one..

And, Please-- Jane, Pat, Susan, Roberta, and Judy -- do not even bother to tell me "I told you so..."  You were right and I was wrong..

Of course, the REASON I finally caved in to a monthly data fee was because my new car didn't have a CD player....and listening to books on tape is one of my FAVORITE THINGS TO DO.

Thanks to lots of help from YOU'ALL...I finally figured out how to use the wonderful free library app -- LIBBY.  I linked it to my library card, and now I can listen to books all the time.  And -- the best part?  I NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FINDING ALL THE CD'S OR PAYING A LIBRARY FINE... 

Libby has definitely been my best discovery for 2020.

I use it ALL THE TIME when I'm driving...and also, if I'm sewing, cleaning, or walking on my treadmill.  No problem.  I AM LOVING IT...

I really, really wanted to figure out how to listen to a book while I was doing my exercises in the swimming pool...because it is sooo boring...!.

But that proved to be problematic.

The first set of ear buds I bought just didn't work.  They were SO SMALL...and didn't want to stay in my ears...the controls were impossible  -- and they kept falling out of my ears...ugh...

But, then -- I tried again (thanks, Amazon!) -- and -- NOW WE HAVE A WINNER...

These Letscom Bluetooth Headphones ARE AMAZING.  First of all -- I really like the soft loop that goes behind my ears...and, obviously, the fact that they have a connecting cord to wrap around the back of my neck makes them PERFECT for water aerobics.

 

I am going to give you the direct link to Amazon -- because they are on sale for $17 -- which is an UNBELIEVABLE BARGAIN...

Hopefully -- this link will work...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DXQTCQL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tomorrow -- I'm going to share MY FAVORITE AUDIOBOOKS...

Old Fashioned Sunday DRIVE

This summer has been ALL ABOUT THE ROAD TRIPS...and, of course -- I'm fine with that...

Because, and I may have mentioned this a time or two -- Elliott GAVE ME A CAR....

 

When I was a kid -- taking a "Sunday Drive" was something our family did fairly often. I don't remember that we had a particular destination in mind...but I do remember that Dad was a little short on patience.

John and I usually take a drive up "north" every Fall. Although it's a little early to see the leaves turning...I decided Sunday was the perfect day to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.

I picked a new place for us to eat breakfast. Jenny's Diner in Clinton, Iowa. AND IT WAS AMAZING.  I had their specialty -- eggs, home fries and kielbasa!! DELISH...

This is the first year I did all the driving...(John is holding my breakfast leftovers)

After breakfast -- we drove to Eagle Point Park. The kids and I often visit this park -- but John hasn't been there for many years. The damage from the August 11th Derecho was still evident everywhere...

There are several bluff overlooks -- with spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

 

Then -- as we rounded a corner -- we had a BIG SURPRISE...

THERE WAS A FOX...

I got out my phone/camera as quick as I could...he was crossing the road right in front of the car.

 

I think seeing a fox is a very rare thing.   But -- YOU JUST NEVER KNOW, DO YOU?? 

The last time I saw a fox on the road -- he was dead...squished...I was in New York...and Carol Godsave was driving. (she didn't actually kill the fox...but I remember taking a picture!)

IT'S Oatmeal TIME..!!

I LOVE THE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS. Of course, I can say this because it's almost October -- the most beautiful month of the year. 

Everything is different...the air is changing...the leaves are turning...it's wonderfully cool at night...

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT OCTOBER.

The change in the weather means it's time to change our wardrobes -- SWEATERS, PEOPLE..!! I have some magnificent sweaters and it's always fun to get them out and become reacquainted...

And it also means a change in what we eat.  TIME FOR OATMEAL...!!

I made a big batch of plain, old-fashioned oatmeal for John -- and put it in baggies for his breakfast.

However -- MY SPECIAL OATMEAL is a bit more complicated. It involves chopped apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, cinnamon and honey...YUMMO...

I love steel cut oats...but you have to cook them for about 30 minutes.

I add half the apples and cranberries during the last 5 minutes of cooking...then, I cover the pot and turn off the heat.

I stir in everything else right at the end...with a LOT OF CINNAMON...

Then, I just add some milk...OH, HEAVEN...

I put it in sandwich bags and flatten it -- so it's a quick thaw in the microwave.

 

Here's my recipe (or, at least, how I made it the other day). 

6 cups of water 

2 1/2 cups of steel cut oats 

1 tsp of salt 

 Bring to a boil...stir often, keep to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, I add 1/2 cup of chopped apples, and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.

After 25 minutes, put a lid on the pot and turn off the heat.

Right before serving, add another 1/2 cup of chopped apple, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1 cup of chopped walnuts,  2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of honey. (the apples and cranberries do most of the sweetening).

*******

People who live in California or Florida probably never get hungry for oatmeal...and I pity them.  Really.  They just don't know what they're missing...

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 

There have been so many stories written (not to mention two movies) about Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

None more interesting than this story, written by her granddaughter for Vogue magazine.

https://www.vogue.com/article/may-every-woman-find-her-marty-ginsburg-rbg?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Halloween: Then and Now...

Warren started asking, "how many days until it's Halloween, Grandma?" about a month ago. He is SO EXCITED....like lots of kids, Halloween has replaced Christmas as his favorite holiday! 

 What does Halloween 2020 look like?  

When I was a kid, it was ALL ABOUT THE TRICK OR TREATING...we had minimal costumes (there was an army of hobos and ghosts)...and maximum walking around town, collecting a MAXIMUM amount of candy.

For Lilly and Warren, the costumes are much more elaborate. Princeton also had a costume parade, and a party for the children at the fire station.  All followed, of course -- by the main event.  TRICK OR TREATING...

Of course, nobody I know thinks that's gonna happen this year...Certainly, there won't be a community party..

.and I'm pretty sure most towns are going to ban trick-or-treating...

So -- is Halloween canceled this year?

Who's going to tell Warren...?.

 

Our New Normal

 September has been a STUNNING month here in Iowa.  Beautiful weather -- no bugs -- lots of breezy days -- it is SO MUCH FUN to hang the sheets out on the line...and have them dry in just a few hours. And they SMELL DIVINE...it is a pleasure to make the bed with fresh line-dried bedding.

Fall is my favorite season. I always think it's EVERYBODY's favorite season. In times past, it was the month kids went back to school...

I remember those Septembers, when Ross and Elliott were growing up, September was all about shopping for back-to-school clothes, lining up their classroom supplies...getting the bus schedule figured out...the anticipation of the first day of school -- meeting their new teacher...it was such a joy-filled, special time.

And didn't it all feel so ordinary?  So normal?

Maybe it's always been true that life looks simpler in the rear view mirror...

Because, this year, because of the pandemic, there is no such thing as a joyful "back-to-school"

Parents and teachers are worried...terrified, even. Most of the children have been isolated for months, not being able to see their friends or socialize in the usual ways.

There were no good choices for the schools. I certainly get that...

Iowa went back into the classroom.  Or, at least, they are TRYING to. It is so complicated...I'm not even going to try to explain the covid protocols...but, it's a lot.  Right now, our high school has been shut down for two weeks because of an outbreak -- even the Superintendent of Schools has Covid!  

Like everybody else in the country -- I feel so helpless...and -- what can anybody do?

For me, it's about keeping things as normal as possible...and that means, usually, Friday Night Movies and popcorn...and Saturday morning breakfast on the porch...

 

I am always aware that THIS IS THE SUMMER Lilly and Warren will always remember.  And, of course, I want our Grandma time to be part of those memories...

So, in my mind, our Saturday morning breakfasts on the porch have never been more important.

 

Every Saturday morning...no matter what else is on the breakfast menu -- THERE IS BACON..!!

Poached eggs are a favorite, (I think Lilly will want this pan when she goes away to college.)..

We often have pancakes, waffles or french toast. But a DUTCH BABY pancake is a rare treat.

So, I decided on a beautiful Saturday morning in September --it was time to make a Dutch Baby Pancake.

It's SO EASY.  Just pre-heat your cast iron frying pan in a 420 degree oven...then, pour in the batter, which is simply the popover recipe (on the sidebar of this blog for almost 10 years)...

Do NOT OPEN THE OVEN door for 25 minute...and this is what you get. 

Blogger Links, Andrew Carnegie and McKenzie Childs

Okay -- I am experimenting with HOW TO PUBLISH A LINK in this new blogger format. Unfortunately, I can't make it work yet...but here's my temporary work-around... 

 

This next link is all about Andrew Carnegie, and the influence he had in building libraries. But, anything I try to do just links you BACK to this blog. So --if you left click...and shade the entire link...then right click...you'll have an option that says:  Open Link...and THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE STORY...

 https://getpocket.com/explore/item/what-hundreds-of-american-public-libraries-owe-to-carnegie-s-disdain-for-inherited-wealth?utm_source=pocket-newtab 

SO -- if that works -- can I get you to the page where the wonderful McKenzie Childs auction results are all listed...?? Here goes....GOOD LUCK, NANCY HARP...

https://stenzelauction.hibid.com/catalog/204762/high-end-estate-auction---lorrainne-lynch-estate/?cpage=2

Rockford, Illinois Road Trip

So, last week's adventure was something very special. I was meeting up with Deanna (from Beaver Dam) and Rhonda (from Chicagoland)...We triangulated our three locations -- and ended up meeting in Rockford, Illinois. It was less than two hours for all of us.

Rockford was a new destination for us -- so I Googled it and picked a thrift store location for us to meet at.  That way -- if somebody is late, the others have an interesting activity that is FREE...

There's a store in Rockford called Sharestuff Upscale Thrift Store. It is actually two different buildings...one chock full of clothes...the second, packed with furniture and household goods.  SO MUCH FUN, EH??

Rhonda found this snazzy summer jacket -- that JUST HAPPENED TO PERFECTLY MATCH the skirt she was wearing!!

This was a HUGE, well organized thrift store. I bought two fabulous Hawaiian shirts (for Elliott), and several pairs of pants (for Warren), and a shockingly perfect pair of corduroy pants (for me -- more about that later)...My whole bill was $14...

 

BUT -- of course -- THE MAIN EVENT was lunch!! And we had some VERY interesting restaurant choices. Because Mary wasn't able to join us (it would've been a 12 hour drive for her)...we decided to eat at a place called THE NORWEGIAN in her honor.  Apparently, there is a large Scandanavian population in Rockford -- because there's also a place called the Swedish Inn...

Thanks to Covid, The Norwegian installed these semi-permanent outdoor booth cabanas (complete with ceiling fans, and heat lamps)...

I didn't realize Deanna hasn't been inside a restaurant since MARCH...so, it was great to have the outdoor option...This is a pic of the three of us -- and I'm holding a book with Mary's headshot...(thanks, Marion -- more about this book later)...

 

Rhonda brought the new needle packaging...

Deanna brought the NEW NZP quilting rulers

 

WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME...

 Rhonda and I have been meeting up pretty regularly this summer -- but Deanna REALLY NEEDED A BREAK. She just came off the first virtual Great Wisconsin Quilt Show (which happened last week). They had a wonderful attendance...and it's interesting to discuss how this whole thing is going to work...going forward. 

Anyway -- when it comes to TAKING A BREAK -- I am damn near an expert!!

Remember, people -- PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT..!!

End of Summer Porch Parties

 I'm sorry the links in the last blog post didn't work.  The problem seems to be that BLOGGER has a completely new "interface" -- and I still cannot figure out how the damn LINK works.  I tried "open in new page" -- but that didn't work at all.

Beckie said she got to the page by using Google...and if you use the links in her comments, I think it'll take you there.

This blog is always a work in progress...and I'm still learning. Maybe one day, eh?

Last week, I had TWO porch parties...celebrating the COMING OF FALL. Our weather had been just stunning. Cool nights, breezy days...this is when I realize how much I love the CHANGING OF THE SEASONS...

I had Cal and Jeanne over for his birthday steak dinner...which was delayed from August (cuz they were in Florida). Altho, the steak was tough and the potatoes were overcooked...that meal came under the category of "it's the thought that counts"...

Then, later in the week -- I invited the MDF for a Fall Luncheon.  We've been getting together every week this summer -- and these women ALWAYS notice every little thing I change, or sew, or paint, or rearrange...

Sandy, Sue, Evie and me.  Because NONE OF THEM SEWS -- they act like everything I do is magic.  On this day, they acted like the dress I was wearing could have launched a rocket...(picture to follow)...

 

 

But the real purpose of this lunch was to show Sue now easy it is to COOK RAW SHRIMP.  HyVee had some wonderful 16-20 raw shrimp on sale...so I did a cooking demo.  The shrimp TURNED OUT GREAT...

THANK YOU McKenzie Child..

My posts about McKenzie Childs have been SO INTERESTING...on many levels...

 for one thing -- Leanne found THIS LINK -- which will show you ALL the things that were sold that day, and the exact prices they "realized"...(my guesses were off)...

https://stenzelauction.hibid.com/catalog/204762/high-end-estate-auction---lorrainne-lynch-estate/?cpage=2

 

Remember this fabulous fish chair??

 

My friend Nancy found this article -- ABOUT THIS MCKENZIE CHILD CHAIR...OMG..!!

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-a-fish-chair-tattoo-inspired-a-facebook-groups-300-mile-journey/

2020 Birthday Parties

To review -- my life works the way it does because I try to have ONE SPECIAL THING to look forward to each week. Of course, there are so many wonderful things that happen EACH AND EVERY WEEK...Carrie comes to clean on Monday, I have breakfast with the TMBC on Tuesday, I pick up the kids on Friday, we go trippin' on Saturday... 

All of that means my ONE SPECIAL THING has to happen on a Wednesday or a Thursday.

 NO PROBLEM...

Last week, I planned a special Birthday Lunch for two of my long-time high school friends...

And, I picked our surprise location -- THE FOUNDRY -- a new restaurant that opened just a month before Covid.  Ugh.  A coupla weeks ago, Rhonda Pierce was driving through my area, and we met here for lunch.  It was my first time...and this place is doing a lot of things right...

ESPECIALLY THE POUTINE...!!

 

THEY LOVED IT..!!  (I think the Farmer's sausage was a nice touch for these two Iowa Farm girls)...

 

It was so much fun to introduce Barb and Sue to this famous Canadian delicacy...

Then -- it was time for GIFTS.

We had a lovely party...and I am very content to celebrate birthdays one (or two) friends at a time...

Auction Results

I was hoping to give you a link to the auction results -- because they got some CRAZY prices for things. But, alas, Stenzel removed the catalog the day after the sale...but I'm just glad I snagged some pictures off their site before they took it down.

This rug sold for $850...and the two chairs went for $550. each

There were three different teapots -- and they went for $540, $500 and $520

Which made this fish chair look like a serious bargain -- it sold for $310

The sunflower stools (there were 6 of them) went for $660 each.

This floor lamp went for $1650. The leather Lazyboy recliners went for $800 each.

There were TWO Smeg Dolce and Gabanna toasters -- the first one sold for $450, and the second one went for over $600.

AND MY DREAM REFRIGERATOR?? I swear -- I fought with myself for two full days. I sent the picture of the frig to many of my friends and asked, "should I try to buy this?"

Mostly, I got a lot of encouragement...things like -- "this is a once in a lifetime opportunity...

or -- wouldn't you smile every time you walked into your kitchen?"

YES, I WOULD...I REALLY, REALLY WOULD... 

But, then, I'd think about HOW MUCH WORK IT WOULD BE...I'd have to borrow a pick-up truck, drive to Cambridge, have the boys come help me get the new frig into the house...and what would I do with my current frig?  And how many cubic feet is this beautiful work of art? No matter how gorgeous it is -- I can't live with a small refrigerator in my kitchen....and John would really, really hate it...(yes, that sometimes factors into my decisions...)

MY BRAIN WAS SIZZLING FOR TWO DAYS...

Sunday, I was glued to the computer for hours and hours -- watching the live bidding...waiting for the refrigerator to come up...it was on Page Six of the catalog....I was going back and forth in my own head...

should I or shouldn't I?  Will I or won't I?

When the big moment came -- I could not pull the trigger....  

The hand-painted Dolce and Gabanna Smeg Refrigerator -- which was sold for $50,000 at Nieman Marcus -- sold at the auction for $1.680.....

I am quite sure I WILL NEVER AGAIN HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY....and I went to bed dreaming about that refrigerator...but I'm getting over it...

And, hey -- I completely realize there are bigger problems in this world than NOT having a Dolce and Gabanna refrigerator in your kitchen...

An Auction in Cambridge, Illinois

You already know that going to AUCTIONS is another one of my main entertainments.

Unfortunately, since the Coronavirus shutdown -- attending a live auctions has not been an option.

But, Stenzel Auction, one of my favorites, has mastered the art of on-line bidding...and -- last Sunday -- they had a LIVE AUCTION -- combined with on-line bidding.

They do a WONDERFUL job, showing hundreds of photographs of the things that will be auctioned...and I often mosey on to their website, just to see what I'm missing.

Fortunately, they're located in Cambridge, Illinois -- which is about an hour away -- so the drive discouraged me from bidding....

BUT THEN -- I SAW THESE PICTURES...!!  This "high-end" estate auction happened on Sunday, September 13th...

NINE (9) PAGES OF FABULOUS STUFF..!!  SOOO MUCH MCKENZIE CHILD -- I could not believe it!!  Lamps, rugs, chairs...

This estate had THREE McKenzie Child teapots!!

Chairs...

Stools...tables, nightstands, outdoor furniture...housewares of ALL shapes and sizes...

Lamps, tv trays...OMG...OMG...OMG.....;over 400 McKenzie Child items for sale in this auction catalog!!

There were TWO Dolce and Gabanna toasters, people!! (retail is $800 at Willams and Sonoma)

But -- the REASON I was watching this sale all day last Sunday? I didn't even know this was happening, people....

A Dolce and Gabanna Smeg Refrigerator!!

Here's what I know. This refrigerator was only available at Nieman-Marcus...and it sold for $50,000...!!

So -- I WAS GLUED TO MY LAPTOP all Sunday afternoon.  It was exciting to watch the bidding...and, believe me, they got some very high prices.  Bids were coming in from all over the country -- California, Florida, Pennsylvania...

But, my thinking was that nobody would want to SHIP a refrigerator halfway across the country...so...maybe...just maybe...I could afford it..??