Way to Go MacKenzie Scott

Influenced by Warren Buffet and the Giving Pledge, MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon's Jeff Bezos, has given away $4.16 Million Dollars to various organizations.  

Here in Texas, she donated millions to Prairie View A&M University which is a mostly black university down the road from Houston, and more millions to Texas A&M International University at Laredo (Texas) which is mostly Hispanic.  Both are well-regarded satellite campus/universities of The Texas A&M University System.   

Closer to home, MacKenzie Scott's also donated to the YMCA of Greater Houston, Easter Seals of Greater Houston, and Meals on Wheels of Greater Montgomery County (which is one of the counties that borders Houston/Harris County).  

I read that most of MacKenzie Scott's money comes from the Amazon stock she received in her divorce/community property settlement.  I have to say that, although I swear each order off Amazon will be my last and that I will not contribute further to Jeff Bezos, the thought that at least a few of my pennies spent there have now gone to deserving causes makes me happy.  

Have you read about any donations in your area?  Here is an NPR article that tells a little more.  

I am hoping that the children of Sam Walton and the owners of the Walmart stock will step up to the plate next.  Alice, Jim, and Rob Walton are the 10th, 11th, and 12th richest on the Forbes List just above MacKenzie at 13.  

Above the Waltons are numbers 1-9: Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffet, Larry Ellison, Steve Ballmer, Elon Musk, Larry Page, and Sergey Brin.  

I feel like sending all 400 on the Forbes 400 List a challenge reminding them that without all of us little people they would not have their fortunes.  Some like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet has made nice donations but we all, including my social security based income, should do a better job of helping those in need.  

Anybody want to contribute to Barbara's Go Fund Me account?   Hahahaha.  Just kidding.  

Here is my Christmas gift to myself.  Two 8x10 photo stands from Shutterfly.com using the pictures of last year's attendance at the Christmas Carol play at the Alley. 

 

More later .... 

Extremely Lazy and Extremely Productive

Well Hi There,  I've been both extremely lazy and extremely productive since I last posted.  Hard to figure that one out except to say I've been decluttering and binge-watching TV.  And, if you have noticed a lack of comments from me on your blog, it is because  I had to remove myself from all the negativity surrounding us and just stop exposing myself to news from/about the outside world. Hence, I put that time to good use with decluttering and watching prime channels with no news.  

So back to decluttering. It started with the extra bedroom closet again.  Do you have an area that always gets junked up?  In the big picture of my life, this closet is of little importance except in it's ability to drive me crazy.  

We have a bench in the mailbox area and I discovered that putting things there with a note that they needed a new home can save me a trip to Goodwill and make some senior happy with a new trinket - so that is where many decluttered items have gone.  I even put Christmas decorations and Christmas coffee cups out there.  But I'll talk more about that another time. 

I'm sleeping days again so I have plenty of time to declutter while being locked in the house.  I have also been binge-watching TV.  I'm rewatching The West Wing.  I really enjoyed it when it was originally released but after the last four years, it has new meaning for me.   I have to say it has given me new hope for the next four years.  Just please let us win in Georgia so every little proposal in the Senate won't lead to major conflicts.  

I've got pictures to share but I'll save them for the next post. 

More later.  

Out of Thanksgiving and into Christmas

Howdy Y'all.  It's been a while.  

I've spent an awful lot of time entering contests.  I was quite sure I was in store for something big when the end of October contests closed.  It sometimes takes two weeks or so before you hear the results.  Oh well.  I am actually getting quite burned out on entering.  After Christmas, I will take a break for a while.  

My health is always a roller coaster ride.  I had quite a long spell of not feeling good.  I felt like it lasted about a month this time.  Then one day it just adjusted itself and I am doing pretty good.  My Endocrinologist retired and I have to start over with a new one.  So many questions and words of advice.  Also time for an eye exam and mammogram.  I would like to get it done this year but need to get off my caboose and do it.  

The election had me quite stressed out.  I just didn't think I could live through another four years of him.  I started feeling a little better until I figured out he was going to be holding on to the door frame as they dragged him out.  I've been playing catchup, but I've read most of your posts by now.  I understand many of you guys are feeling the same way.  I would say let's just get to the Inauguration but I fully expect him to continue holding "events" and come up with a slogan about the steal.  I don't think we've heard the last of him.  

I spent Thanksgiving home alone.  I talked to a few neighbors on my first dog walk and then some others on my second outing.  I thought my sister was bringing over some food for me but I guess we got our wires crossed.  It was probably a good thing or I would have been eating pie all day with the rest of the Thanksgiving meal as a side.  My son and daughter each had Thanksgiving at their own home with just their families.  I was invited to all but I just couldn't risk it. 

I thought I would be more let down because I love the whole Thanksgiving food and family get together but I guess all the quarantining has become my norm.  It felt like any other day and I did feel superior for not having overindulged in sweets.  

I ordered some new Christmas stencils and here is one I did yesterday.  

 

Black Friday tomorrow.  I realized looking at all the sales brochures and emails that I really didn't need anything.  I did buy myself a gorgeous KitchenAid Mixer for $199 but then canceled the order and bought one for $10.  I'm sure the $10 won't be great but as little as I will use it for making cookies with the Grand Girls, it will be fine.  Besides, who am I kidding?  No diabetic needs a fancy mixer that will beg to be used to make cookies and cakes.  Nope, hand-mixer will be fine.  

I did order a Dyson Pet Hair Special vacuum.  It really does make a difference.  I'm not going to tell you I had to empty it twice during the whole apartment extra special clean up.  That would be embarrassing.  

I was always the one who liked electrical items for presents.  It didn't matter if it came from Home Depot or Target, I loved it.  My poor Mom kept trying to give me beautiful china and glasswares until the year she gave me something with a plug apologizing and I don't remember what it was except I loved it.  Strange child I was. I blame it on the 60s.  

More later ...

A few words and a lot of pictures

I've been busy entering contests.  There are quite a few contests ending on October 31 so I've been trying to make sure I had them all covered.  The prizes from the Maker's Mark contest came in and my son was overjoyed with the loot.  There was an outdoor projector and large screen, two very nice blankets, two excellent lawn chairs and an outdoor light.  Here are three of the four boxes.

 

Then I picked up my knitting again.  I started on a scarf for the oldest Grand Girl.  I thought my daughter had the second skein but she says no.  I hope I can find it or the scarf may not be long enough with just one skein so we'll see.  I'm using the child-size needles I bought for the oldest Grand Girl.  She was dying to learn how to knit but gave it up. Too slow I think. 

 

My daughter added me to her Costco account so I had to go and get a membership card.  While I was there I stopped to see what was in the girls' section.  They already had a few fancy dresses out.  I loved this one but I know better than to buy a dress without the girls approval.  I sent the oldest this picture and she liked it so maybe they will still be in stock next time she visits.  

And finally, the first of several Holidays I will probably miss.  This was the Halloween get together last year.  Since the kids were old enough, my son covered the table with pumpkins and turned them loose.  It was so messy but fun.  

Well, that catches you up with what I've been doing.  I'll be catching up with all of you in the next few days.  

More later ..... 

Nothing big to report

No wins to report.  The pickings have been kind of slim but they'll probably pick up around the holidays.  

I had a rather strange thing happen.  I think I've talked about Ziggy my Blue Delta Male Beta.  Well, he died Sunday night after I had gotten an algae eater and algae ball that weekend.  I called the store and told them but honestly, I thought I would cry on the phone.  That little rascal was such a pet.  When I got out of my chair he would race to the front to see if I was gonna feed him.  He would go in his castle at night when he wanted me to turn off the aquarium light.  He would follow your finger when you moved it across the outside glass.  He was just so much fun.  I feel like I did something wrong and feel so guilty.  I'll probably get another beta but I'm still in grief.  Who knew you could grieve for a fish?  

Another reason I haven't gone to the pet store is the rain we've had from TS/Hurricane Beta.  Since I've been staying away from the news I almost missed it coming this way.  The apartments have me so well trained now that I took my plants down without being asked.  I just lowered them to the floor but we didn't have any high winds here, just lots of light, picture-perfect rain.  

My son is on vacation and flew over California.  He sent me a picture of the fire through his airplane window.  It was so sad.  What a terrible year this has been. 

Everyone is healthy around here.  I hope my Son and DIL are still healthy when they get back but I refuse to let myself worry.  

More later ....

Another Win

But first, a catch-up.  I received the $250 Visa today from Quaker.  How fun is that?  

I received a response from Bob's Red Mill stating that they didn't even have a contest going on Instagram but would send me some samples for my troubles and thanked me for informing them. That was nice of them and I was glad to learn they were not the source of the scam.  

Now, the new win was $2,000 put into a Nest529 College Savings account in the name of my Granddaughter.  You can only use it for college expenses like tuition and books. You cannot pull the money out if the Granddaughter does not go to college.  In fact, you have very little control over it except for submitting receipts for college.  This account is owned by the Nebraska Education Savings Plan Trust.   I'm not familiar with Nebraska law but 529s are run a little bit differently in Texas, if I remember correctly from my working days.  I wish it was $2,000 in my bank account but I am truly grateful that I am able to do this for my granddaughter and son. 

You guessed it.  I have a big smile on my face and in my heart.  

More later ....

Instagram and my scam experience

I won two Instagram contests over the weekend.  The first was for a yarn giveaway which I was very excited to win. However, an odd thing was that I was required to sign up online with some movie platform for a free week in order to win my free yarn.  I didn't want to belong to this movie platform but I read all the fine print that said I could cancel after my free period and there would be no further charge.  Yea, right. I did it though and monitored my bank account carefully.  There was a $1 pending charge from them but it dropped off.  

Then I was notified I won the contest from Bob's Red Mill.  I've heard of them but I was again sent to a different but exactly the same movie platform.  This time I really rebelled.  I told them I didn't want it and gave them my address and said to send the prize to myself.  They refused and said it was required.  So I tried to log on and the site wouldn't let me.  I can only assume it was because I entered then canceled from the yarn win.  I called the helpline and the woman kept telling me something to do and then would try to get off the phone before I could even try her suggestion.  I never was able to log on. I contacted the contest people again but since it was the holiday weekend I got no response.  I contacted Bob's corporate headquarters and the same, no response because of the holiday.  So I waited and no response from either after three days.  

Yesterday I saw a post from the yarn lady saying someone was hijacking her account and she would never ask for a credit card number.  I'm going to contact her shortly and let her know about my experience. 

I've tried to be patient through this but today I decided to post on Bob's Red Mill Instagram account, his corporate contact page, and the latest giveaway that Bob has posted to warn future entrants.  

Wild, huh?  I did want the Bob's prize but I don't really expect to hear from anyone.  Then, after all that, I got an email from Quaker Chewey contest I won.  I received a large box from them already and they originally told me the "gift card" would come under separate cover.  

When you hear gift card do you think something like Visa or a store card to be spent one place?  I just wasn't sure so I've been patiently waiting and hoping it is a Visa, supposedly in the amount of $250. That is a nice bit of change and I'm going to believe it when I see it.  Anyway, the email I just received said it is on its way by Fed Ex.  I can only hope.  

More later ...

Another Win and a Missed Birthday Celebration

I received my latest win from @narwhalblueberry on Instagram.  I absolutely love it.  It will be my little piece of beach that I never got to see this summer.  I recommend her if you are looking for a gift for yourself or someone else.  She is in Guadalajara, Spain, however, and mail being what it is - don't even be in a hurry.  #$%$%# (cursing at the orange one).  

I've been watching way too much TV lately but many of them have been foreign films - because I've already binge-watched everything I thought I could possibly like.  What I like about foreign films is seeing the countryside or city views.  I wonder if the moviemakers use the same locations as an American director would?  Do we see more of the real Belgium, for instance, if it is a Belgium production?  I saw one that was set in Bath, England.  It was the most beautiful ancient city I have ever seen.  If I ran away from home, that is where I would go.  

One thing I see a lot of is the wind turbines.  I've never seen one up close, of course, not too many in downtown Houston but since I have traveled so little over the last couple of years there might be amazing things out there I am missing.  That why I love you bloggers, you have shared so much I'll never get to see.

I did not get to celebrate my Son's birthday last week.  That is the 4th birthday we have not been able to celebrate as a family.  I miss my Grand Girls so much but every time I think I'll break the quarantine, I think of how long I've already been inside and it only takes one exposure.  I miss family celebrations more than anything else.  Darn my diabetes and the added risk that adds.

A lot of contests expired at the end of August so I am hoping that I can report another win in the near future.  

More later.... 

Missed Me, Missed Me, Now You Gotta Kiss Me

 So glad to report the hurricane came nowhere near us.  Not a drop of rain or windy breeze.  I was thoroughly prepared, or at least as good as I could be, but when you face that strong of a hurricane I don't know what would have happened.  I'm glad to be safe and I really am sorry for those that suffered through it.  

Nothing much to tell.  Swept the balcony and moved all of my plants back outside.  Worked up such a sweat I had to take an afternoon nap.  

So did Buddy.  

Checking in with My Kids and the RNC

Continuing to get prepared - just in case.  I filled up my car and got cash.  I texted my kids and their spouses reminded them that when the electricity goes off, there is a good chance that ATM and Bank links will go down which means you can't buy gas, or check into a hotel, let alone wash your clothes, or keep the freezer from melting.  

My previous experience has been that if you fill the bathtub with water, you will be able to flush the toilet.  Also placing milk jugs of water in the freezer will keep items cool for a while and then you can also use those jugs to drink, bathe or flush after it stops keeping the freezer cool.  

My friend around the corner has already brought her small stuff in.  She has a lot of those really big tree size pots.  I think they are probably to heavy to move except for maybe pushing them up against the wall.  In fact there are a lot of plants around here in those really big pots.  My first hurricane living here so I'll have to see what all happens. 

I've been considering what I will do with my plants.  I really don't want to lose my ferns so I'll bring them in but the rest I may just dump in the front flower bed and then repot what I can find that is still alive when this is over.  

I'm not panicking but I'd like to have a few plans in place to choose from.  You remember the pictures I shared of Hurricane Harvey?  Well I'm still in the same general area.  In fact, anywhere can be a flood zone when the rain clouds stall out over you. 

Still wishing I had a battery operated fan.  Going to look into that for next year.  

I watched part of the RNC Convention.  I missed most of it but I did see Tim Scott, black Senator from South Carolina.  He gave a great speech and I believe we will see more of him in politics.  However, even though I respected the person, I did not agree with what he saw in this president.

I read this, and I think it to be true.  Republicans and Democrats do not see the last four years in the same way.  Many Republicans that think DT has done a good job.  We know he has kept a good portion of his base and I guess that is why.  We just see it differently.

I think it is similar to an accident with 12 witnesses.  Police say that 12 witnesses often give 12 different descriptions of the perpretator.  Some descriptions might be similar but others can be total opposites.  

I think that is what is happening.  We are each digesting what we see and hear differently.  

But enough of politics, I will continue to watch the RNC because I want to know what they are thinking and what they see. I also expect a greater televised event and that interests me.  

And finally, my Buddy.  The idiot has learned how to crawl under the couch from the backside but cannot get out the front so I have to go and pick a corner of the couch out so he can get out.  Next time I'll get a picture.  Appears I am not the only one who has gained weight during the virus!

More later....

Hurricane Preparedness

If anyone is still watching the news (I'm not) you probably heard about the two tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico.  Since I wasn't paying attention it snuck up on me when I saw a blurb with the path pointing to Houston last night.  

Well, it is not actually headed to Houston right now but those of us in the know still get prepared anyway.  So this evening I headed to Walmart and picked up extra insulin, puppy pads, and water.  

I like to buy the Kroger brand of small water bottles.  I don't drink very fast and the little ones will stay cool until I finish if I am lucky.  I placed a pick-up order at Kroger last night for tonight.  I was notified that they did not have any little bottles and did I want the regular size.  No thanks.  

While I was at Walmart I saw people with carts loaded with water, diapers, and toilet paper.  I didn't need diapers but decided I would buy extra puppy pads.  I meant to get toilet paper too but forgot.  That's ok, I still have enough, I hope.  

Walmart didn't have small bottles of water so I went ahead and got two cases of regular size.   I passed the yarn aisle on the way to check-out so I bought two skeins of that really big yarn.  That will give me something to do if the electricity goes off.  

I forgot to fill up the car but will do that tomorrow.  During a real hurricane when people are trying to evacuate filling stations often run out of gas and sitting on the freeway in a traffic jam can also burn up extra fuel.  

Don't know that I would evacuate.  I'm on the second story so not worried about flooding.  My bathroom is in the middle of the apartment and has no window so I feel ok with hiding in there.  

My plants will all have to come in off the balcony and that will be a drag but I do have a big plastic sheet to put on the floor.  

I could always go to either of my children's' houses but I'd rather sit it out in the quiet of my own home.  I was thinking this morning that, horror of horrors, my coffee pot would be out if the electricity goes, which it almost always does.  Wish I could get a small contraption like I have for my phone to plug my coffee pot into.  

I'm not really worried at this point.  Anything can happen as a tropical storm travels, including dying a quiet death.  

I hope no one heard me wishing it would swing around and head for DC.  Would love to see the RNC hurt.  Anger begets anger.  Sorry/Not Sorry.  

More later ... 

We can only be hopeful for the future

I did manage to watch bits and pieces of the entire Convention.  There were a few snags but I think it went pretty well.  My favorites were Elizabeth Warren and the former Surgeon General.  Lots of little blurbs from everyday people which was nice.  All in all, I think I liked it better than the adult-themed pep rally that is the norm for Conventions.  I did miss the balloon drop but that is all I missed about it.  I only watched it to see what it would be like and I'm sure most people who watched had already made up their mind like I have.  I don't think they really convince anybody who is undecided so it was a lot of money for what.  Personally, I think they should do away with the electoral college and just have the popular vote but there is so much I don't know about politics that my opinion and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee - but not at Starbucks.

The next couple of months are going to be awful.  He will stir up so much anger and hatred.  Then if he is re-elected he will go after every person who spoke against him and make all the little people pay.  I really feel hopeless about the whole thing.  But, life goes on, and if I'm lucky, I'll hear be able to miss most of the rhetoric until it is over.   

I do have a new TV option to keep me busy.  I had to renew my Xfinity internet connection.  They don't want you to have just internet so they wrap a package up that is cheaper than the internet alone (which is still too much for a retired lady).  Last package I had they gave me a few tv channels which I never watched and didn't plug in the box.  I have a Roku TV and although Roku offers some free channel I usually watch Netflix or Prime Video.  

This time they gave me a cable box but call it a flexbox that carries Peacock.  I don't know all the ins and outs yet but I was able to start watching Yellowstone with Kevin Costner.  It is set in beautiful Montana (or at least says it is) and the sky, trees, rolling hills, and mountains are to die for.  If I were a young thing I'd be packing my bags, it calls my name so strongly.  

I'll give you my opinion of Peacock after I've given it a good test.  

That's about all I know.  

More later ....

Of course I watched the Democratic Convention

Actually, I don't usually watch televised programs like the debates, etc., but I was kinda curious to see the platform and staging they would use.  I thought it was pretty good.  I'll try to watch Biden's part tomorrow if I can remember.  I forgot tonight and got in during the middle.  I'm curious to see what Trump's platform and staging will be like.  He should still have some good connections to the film industry and could have a really good program (politics aside) but if he tries to take charge then it may be like everything else he mismanages.   

I had intended to mail in my vote but now I'm not so sure.  If I have to I'll vote in person but really did not want to stand in those lines with all those people.  

Oh, by the way, my favorite line from Day 1 of the Convention was Beto - he said that we are the calvary (as in no one else is going to save us).  For me, that was motivating.  

Elsewhere around the campus:  My daughter and her girlfriend got married early this month.  Of course, the Church was closed and it was a big rigamarole to make appointments to get license from the courthouse and then schedule an appointment with JP.  It was just a small affair.  There could only be 6 people so it was the two of them, their/her son, Daughter's best friend and her son, who is my daughter's godchild, and then my Grandson who was the family representative.  The pictures with the face masks are hilarious.  They all wore fancy tennis shoes with their fancy clothes.  Yes, that is my daughter's sense of humor.  Daughter wore a cute islet white sundress and they celebrated with a fancy cake and fake champagne.  All in all, it was a very cute wedding.  

Well, I haven't won any contest since I last posted.  I'm sure that million-dollar prize is just around the corner though.  

I'm still spending my days entering sweepstakes, painting rocks, and canvas panels and trying to clean out the extra/girls' closet.  It is mostly neat and organized but I am having trouble getting rid of some of my craft/junk things.  You know the feeling?  "But I might want it someday."  Yeah, like not in the past 5 years but someday I might.   

Well, that's about it.  Stay safe. 

More later .....

I can't believe it myself

There was a lot of frantic activity in the #Sweepstaking World over the last month because of an unusually large number of #sweepstakes that expired on July 31.  I entered so many #sweeps that I was sure I would win at least one.  

July 31st was on a Friday so I waited impatiently Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.  While waiting on Monday and Tuesday I started planning my next post wailing that I had not won one #sweepstakes out of what felt like thousands of entries I had made.  

Then when you least expect it... I sat down to check my mail and write my post and Whammo - I got a winning email.  I won a Maker's Mark #sweepstakes and the prize was ...

One video projector, one projector screen, one branded bluetooth speaker, two branded blankets, two branded chairs, one branded cooler and one branded bar tool kit

Like the Quaker Chewy #sweeps I won, there was paperwork to fill out and send in.  By the way, I still have not received the prize for this but did receive an email saying they received my paperwork and it was fine.  I don't remember what the prize was but I'm sure the Grands will love it.  

And today I won another one!  It has something to do with Minecraft the computer game.  I sent a copy of the email to my daughter and asked her to explain what I won.  I remember the young men in our family played in these contests years ago but name recognition is about all I remember.  

I fell like a "professional" now.  Did you ever see The Contest Winner of Defiance, Ohio with Julianne Moore?  I may have to see if that is available anywhere on cable.  

I've entered several contests with automobiles as the prize.  Hahaha.  Well, I wouldn't say no if they picked me!

More later ....

Another #Sweepstakes Win

Another win.  This one is from Quacker products.  I was one of many winners so not sure what all.  Here is the blurb.   

I am one of 500 winners in the Quaker Chewy Camp Chewy Sweepstakes.
$250.00 multi-merchant gift card, select Quaker Chewy products of Sponsor’s choice , and Quaker Chewy “Camp Chewy” items, which shall include the following:Camp Chewy Sign, Two Camp Chewy Logo Patches, Camp Chewy Snack Sack/Fanny Pack, Camp Chewy Mini Lantern, Tie Dye Kit Inflatable Bowling Set, Stomp Rocket, Portable Bags Set 

If anyone is a Packers fan let me know.  I have an easy contest from the Greenbay Packers.

I'm back on mornings again and I really love it.  My blood sugar was just right the other morning and I did a half dozen chores I'd been needing to do.  I understand now what they mean when they say that sense of accomplishment when you get up early and get to it.

Its been pretty muggy and uncomfortable here but at least that heatwave broke.  I can't imagine what my utility bill will be this month and next.

Tropical Storm cautions are out as a slight possibility.  I need to start stacking up on my bottled water and other supplies.  My grocery already runs out of bottled water at times so add storm preparations to the mix and it will be impossible to find bottled water. 

I've spent a lot of time doing contests because the TV has been so pitiful.  My sister, BIL and her daughter came over Sunday and bought me so plants and lunch.  I really didn't want them to come but I guessed she needed an excuse to get out so I went along.  I kept my mask on.

Speaking of Masks, I saw a City Bus drive by, and on the digital signboard above the windshield it flashed back and forth between the name of the route and "masks are required."  I think it is already a state or city ordinance but I thought it was interesting to see.

Another mask story, I saw a City Garbage Truck, the kind with the long arms that reach out and dump the garbage in the back, and supposedly no personal interaction is needed between the driver, the garbage cans, and their owners.  The driver, the sole occupant, was wearing a mask.  I guess it is part of the City health ordinances.

I don't wear mine in the car because no one is with me.  I have it on walking to the car and then I take it off until I get ready to exit the car.  Do you wear your mask in the car?

I guess you have heard the bruhaha that the school Barron Trump goes to will not be open for face to face for the coming school year.  What does that say about the Prez trying to force schools to open everywhere else.  I'm sure he will say something about it being a private school over which he does not have control.   I guess this case that what is good for the goose is Not good for the gander.

I shouldn't spread this but I will.  If you ever go on Twitter, check out #IfMomsRan2020.  I haven't read all the posts but there were some cute ones and some whose opinions I agree with.  Thank goodness I'm not a Mom of small children now.  My heart breaks for all they go through.

You've heard Texas is still one of the hotspots.  I'm so thankful to say I do not know anyone who has been hospitalized or died from COVID.

I liked Princess Beatrice's wedding dress.  I'm a little plain so it might just be my type of dress, plus I like that it was her Grandmother's dress.

More later ....

Another Baseball #Sweepstakes

Win a Jersey from your favorite Baseball Team.  Easy Entry.  See checkbox under phone number - do not check the box unless you want to receive texts.  Not a big win but fun for baseball fans.

https://www.mlb.com/forms/budweiser-best-buds-opening-day-sweepstakes

Take that Goya

Unfortunately, I don't think I have ever used any Goya products so they will not feel the pinch from me when I don't use them.  I just want them to know they are not wanted at my house. 

Link

Speaking of food, I have decided to try to start cooking again.  I haven't cooked-cooked in years.  I can open a can, a frozen dinner,  make a sandwich or cereal.  Occasionally,  I get on a breakfast craving and have eggs and bacon and Bisquick biscuits - that's cooking for me. 

With the cost of groceries rising as well as my blood sugar levels, I decided to see if I could make a change in my habits.  I will say on my own behalf that if you had to figure out 30 carbs and 15 protein with each meal you ate - you would hate the thought of fixing a meal too. 

Anyway, I ordered a new crockpot and a couple of crockpot cookbooks and I will see how it goes.  If you've ever cooked for one you know how boring it is and the amount of fresh food that can be wasted. 

I never was a great cook or an imaginative cook or even really enjoyed cooking.  So this will be a Pandemic as well as healthy/wealthy attempt at finding something to do.  Wish me luck.  Hahaha.

Telescope #Sweepstakes

This is a contest for a fancy-smancy $2000 telescope.  Whats better than to take up astronomy during the Pandemic.  Do not check any of the boxes unless you are interested in receiving info from them. Go straight to Enter.

https://sweeps.penguinrandomhouse.com/enter/galaxies-and-celestron

Baseball #Sweepstakes

Here is an easy contest for you Baseball Lovers (Margaret).  If you win ($100,000), don't say I never gave you anything. 

https://www.mlb.com/opening-day-pick-em

It's a Heat Wave

If 2020 wasn't bad enough we are having a Heat Wave (link to Martha and the Vandellas) here and it is a killer.  It took me a day or two before I checked the weather reports and learned that it really was as hot outside as it felt.  Buddy and I both can hardly make the block anymore it is that hot.  They say the Heat Wave will settle in for several weeks in some places. I'm saving now for my utility bill.

I saw this funny somewhere.  It is not Buddy but looks just like him.  I may ask the Artist Grand Girl to make some faces for me.

I'm still hearing bits about not letting the Republican Convention come here.  Some people are really mad at the Mayor and others agree that it should not happen.  I saw the Prez had a face mask on at the Walter Reed Hospital.  Thank you big dummy.

The Texas Governor is threatening serious lockdown/facemask/whatever if we don't get the new virus to calm down.  And then there is the idiot in Florida who wants school children back in school.  I know a couple of mothers who would go for that.  Hahaha.  It does seem that children don't catch if very often but we are seeing more young adults/teens who are catching it now.

Here is my latest rock.  The colors came out really well and I'm pleased.  I wonder if I can start a business like the Pet Rock phase, only call it the Pandemic Rock.  Hahaha.
I've spent a lot of time entering giveaways.  I won another giveaway from a Chakra Incense company.  They emailed me that my prize is on the way.  I remember it included Essential Oil and Incense but I don't remember the other two things.  It will be fun to see.

 It seems like I haven't seen a real person, except for the grocery store, in so long.  I talked to my sister and my best friend for about an hour each.  My sister thought she had a version of COVID because she slept for about 5 days straight.  Several other people she works with got the same thing.  Have you heard of anyone reacting like that?  I have been worried about her because she had the breast cancer/radiation that they caught early.  But she is keeping in touch with all her doctors and has had her meds changed in case that was it.

I am back to watching documentaries for lack of anything better.  I watched one on this Japanese military guy who they say really started the whole Japanese aggression a good while before WWII.  It was really interesting to see the films from the pre-WWII era to the end.  I also watched a separate one on the fight for Burma.  That was incredible what they went through.  These types of documentaries should really be shown to the high school students.  It makes such a difference over what you read in a history book.

I know, I'm strange.  It's my parent's fault.  My Dad loved being a Marine and we watched every war movie with him. What little girl didn't want to sit beside Dad and watch movies.  My Mom loved PBS and Documentaries.  And remember, this was in the days of 1 TV in the house.

My daughter and her girlfriend were supposed to get married next month.  She said she called the Courthouse to check on the marriage license since the Governor was closing things down.  She was to call and make an appointment to get the license and then they will just go to the JP.  She had intended to have an outside wedding at the Church but it's locked up.  She was told they could only have 6 people at the JP wedding.  That takes the pressure off me.  They will have a big party when things are back to normal.  I'm afraid they will have a lot of time to save up.

More later. ..