Saturday, August 16, 2025

Dentist, Reorganizing, New Phone, and Mowing the Lawn

This week started with a bang. I went to the dentist needing 1 tooth crowned, but then the doctor found the tooth beside it also needed a crown. They put the temporary crowns on them, and I go back on Tuesday for the permanent ones. My mouth has hurt all week from this. In the afternoon, Don went for physical therapy. He hoped he could start back exercising, but he still can’t. Since he can’t get on the foam roller, the doctor recommended that he start with rolled-up towels.

The worst thing that happened was that my iPhone XS died on Tuesday. I was able to text my sister, log in to MyFitnessPal, and check my steps from the day before. 30 minutes later, my phone was dead. I tried different charging cables and got nothing. When we went to the center, I tried someone else’s cable, but it still didn’t work. So, as soon as the Apple store opened at the mall, we were there. I bought an iPhone 16pro. What was shocking was that the guy plugged in my old phone and it came on. I got $80 trade-in for my old phone, and he was able to transfer everything from my old phone to my new phone. What a relief! Of course, I had to order a new case from Amazon.

I also worked on reorganizing the kitchen. I cleaned out the pantry and got rid of all of the out-of-date food, and now my shelves look empty. We went to Dollar Tree for baskets, and I’m organizing some of the food into the baskets. One basket has all the different teas, another is holding boxed stuff like pasta, and the last one is holding beans. I have 2 more baskets that I am going to fill, but haven’t decided what I want to put n them yet. I’m also clearing off the dining room table and getting rid of old food and putting away stuff that shouldn’t be in there.

Our lawnmower was returned on Thursday, and we are very happy with the guy who worked on it. He replaced the deck belt and fixed a tire. He also fixed our Honda 2000 generator. On Friday, Don was able to mow the lawn, and it needed it! I need to go rake up all the dead grass, but it rained last night, and it’s too wet to rake up. Maybe tomorrow.

This morning, when Don got up, he didn’t want to fix his breakfast, but I had already eaten. So, we went to McDonald's and he got a chicken biscuit meal. I think I’m feeling pretty lazy today. I may work in the dining room some more this morning and then get on a knitting Zoom at 3.

I hope everyone has a nice week!




Original photos by Pat Hensley

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Rain, August gnome, and lawnmower repairs


We had a lot of rain this week, so I didn’t do much outside. Most afternoons, I was able to knit and spin. I finished the pair of socks I’ve been making. I also finished the gnome for July that we are going to gift to Don’s physical therapist.

On Tuesday, I went to my knitting group and had a good time. My friend Dagmar’s husband made a red dragon for me on his 3D printer. I sent it to my great-niece Kaeli on Wednesday. I hope she likes it.
On Wednesday, I was able to get out and do some weeding. I spent a couple of hours, but you really can’t tell I made a dent in the weeds. Of course, it set off my allergies, and my sinuses were messed up for 2 days.

Thursday was a quiet day. We ended up going to our local hardware store, which was able to recommend someone who could fix our lawnmower. He sounded very nice on the phone. When I gave him our address, he said his grandmother lives nearby.

On Friday, after Don’s board meeting, we went grocery shopping. Of course, Don was happy with going shopping. I was just glad to get the things I needed.

On Saturday, the guy came and picked up our lawnmower in the morning. We really liked him, so we also asked him to take our small generator with him to get fixed also.

This week, I also worked on washing my salt and pepper shaker collection, and Don helped me put them up on the shelves. I don’t have any more room for any more, so I need to stop finding cute ones at the antique store!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Original photos by Pat Hensley



Sunday, August 3, 2025

Summer Harvest: Watermelons



The #5004 2015 First‑Class Forever Stamp – Summer Harvest: Watermelons celebrates one of America’s sweetest summer fruits. It is one of a block of 4 Forever stamps (2015 Summer Harvest - Block of 4 Forever Stamps - Scott #5004-7). Issued on July 11, 2015, at the California State Fair in Sacramento, it’s part of a four‑stamp booklet featuring corn, cantaloupes, tomatoes, and watermelons. Each stamp, including the watermelon one, is a Forever stamp, which means it always pays the 1‑ounce first‑class postage, regardless of price changes.

This watermelon stamp draws its design from vintage crate labels used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Back then, farmers packed produce in wooden crates and used bright, eye‑catching labels to stand out on the railroad and market shelves. The design mirrors old seed packets and catalog art. The bold lettering and ripe watermelon illustration were drawn by artist Michael Doret, following early art director sketches by Richard Sheaff and design by Antonio Alcalá. These details make it a great item for stamp collectors and a fun way for kids to learn about history, art, and how mail works—all in one little square!

National Watermelon Day is celebrated every year on August 3, and it’s a special time to enjoy one of summer’s most refreshing fruits. This juicy day honors watermelon’s long history, dating back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, when watermelon seeds were even found in King Tut’s tomb. Watermelon is made of about 92% water, so it helps keep us cool and hydrated, especially on hot summer days. On this day, families and friends enjoy watermelon in many fun ways: cutting slices, making fruit salads, having seed-spitting contests, and even carving giant slices into creative shapes. It’s a tasty, healthy, and playful celebration that makes summer even sweeter!

References:

https://stamps.org/collect/new-issues/year/2015-01-01/end/2016-01-01
https://foreverstampsshop.com/products/us_summer-harvest_2015
https://www.mysticstamp.com/5004-2015-first-class-forever-stamp-summer-harvest-watermelons
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-watermelon-day-august-3
https://www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca/hortonblog/national-watermelon-day
https://nationaltoday.com/national-watermelon-day/

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Walking, Mowing the Lawn, and Visiting a Friend

It was a nice week this week even though it was very hot.

We walked at the senior center every day except Tuesday because the gym wasn’t open. Don seems to be walking easier every day.

On Tuesday, I finally fixed my spinning wheel. After 2 years of not being able to spin my yarn, I can finally use my wheel again. I'm so excited. I spun so much that my legs felt like rubber when I stopped for dinner! 

On Thursday, we went out to breakfast with our friends from the center. I had been bragging about the French toast at IHOP, so we went there. I ended up being the only one who got the French toast. When we got home, I played around with making cards and hand-embroidering designs on them. 

On Thursday afternoon, Don had physical therapy, and he seems to be improving. On the therapist’s recommendation, we bought a therapy log that Don is supposed to lie on to help his upper back.

After walking on Friday, Don mowed the lawn. We had to add air to the back right tire again. After mowing the whole front lawn and most of the back, the belt broke on the lawnmower. Now we have to figure out how to get it fixed. We went to the John Deere dealer, and it looks like it might cost $500 to get it fixed. We are looking to see if we can find anyone else who works on it.

On Saturday, I went to visit my friend Sandy, who lives with her son one week and her daughter the next. It was really great to see her again. I can tell how much her family loves her and is taking good care of her.




original photos by Pat Hensley

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Charpex 2025

We left home at 6:30 and drove north on I-85, which was a mistake. At that time of day, the rising sun was blinding! There were several times, I could hardly see the road, and I spent a lot of time praying that we didn’t get in an accident. If I did this again next year, I would leave at 7 am and go to I-26 to get on I-85 in Spartanburg.

We got to the place at 8:30, and I’m glad we did because I wasn’t sure where we needed to park. We found the free parking garage and got a great parking space. Even though we were early, we went into the Worrell Building at the Central Piedmont Community College, and people were busy setting up. Susan (the wife of the President of the Charlotte Stamp Club) was working at the welcome desk, and she was very nice. We found the “free” table and got some good stuff that I took to the car before the show started. Our friend, Robert M., from the Palm Beach Stamp Club, arrived, so we visited with him until the exhibit hall opened.

Don also joined the club for $5 as a way to support the club. They meet once a month on the first Sunday of the month. I don’t know if he will go next Sunday or not.

There were a lot of vendors in this gym, but my favorite things to see were the exhibits. All attendees were given a voting slip, and we could vote for our favorite exhibit. My favorite was the World Rarities and Uniquities, which had a lot of usual stuff, including great write-ups about why it was rare or unique. I also talked to Mick Zais, Past President of the American Philatelic Society. (I met him in 2017 at the Southeastern Stamp Expo in Atlanta. He was also the South Carolina Superintendent of Education from 2011 - 15. He was also the US Deputy Secretary of Education and then Secretary of Education in 2021)

After I found a dealer with $1 postcards, I showed Don where they were, and he spent most of his time there. I sat outside in the lobby and knit while I listened to an audiobook. At lunchtime, we walked to Burger King (about 2 blocks away). Don was in a lot of pain, so we stopped at the car and he put his back brace on, but he forgot to bring a t-shirt. When we got back to the show, Don went back to look for more postcards. About 3 pm, we left for home.

We thought we would go a different way home and take I-77 and then go through Union, SC, but when we started to get on I-77, it was a parking lot!. We got right off the next exit and found a place to pull over to figure out how to get back to I-85. Traffic was heavy going home, but it was easier going home without the sun in our eyes. We stopped at Carolina Fine Foods to pick up dinner on the way home.



Original photos by Pat Hensley

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Hot days, Tiny Knitting, and Weeding

It’s been a very hot week. The temperatures have been higher than normal, and the humidity has been awful.

We finished week 3 of my graduate class. Everyone seems to be doing well. It’s really gone by fast, and hard to believe that next week is the last week.

We also had our knitting guild picnic this week, and I brought my watergate salad. There was also a yarn sale where members sell their own yarn, so I picked up 3 skeins of Miss Babs yarn from my friend Cathi for $5.

We also met the Old Hikers group for lunch at Sweet Catherine's. Jean brought a couple of old photos to share, and I showed everyone how I took a picture of them and could enlarge it on my phone to see the people's faces better. We had a huge crowd. I think it was the largest we've ever had. I saw some people I haven't seen in years. It was good to see Doris B. and Scott W. again! 


There was a cancellation at the physical therapist’s office, so Don got to go for physical therapy. I think he is finally starting to feel better. He felt well enough to mow the lawn on Friday.


On Saturday and Sunday morning, before it got hot, I was able to get out in the yard and do some weeding. Once my class ends, I will be able to get out every morning after walking at the center and hopefully get ahead of the weeds.

I’ve been making some tiny knit toys. I made a tiny cherry pie and a tiny chicken. This helped me try to decide what I wanted to make next for my big project. I’ve decided to make the Bonfire Tee with the yarn I just bought. 



Original photos by Pat Hensley

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Back Pain, Farmer’s Markets, and Wedding Gowns

We completed Week 2 of my graduate class, which I’m teaching. All of my students are doing well. It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through already.

Don’s back was still giving him a lot of pain, but he had physical therapy again on Wednesday. The therapist really worked hard on his back, which was quite painful. But as they say, no pain, no gain, because the next day he felt better than he had in months. Each day, he seems to be getting a little stronger, but when he gets tired, his back starts to ache. But the ache is not like the excruciating pain he had been having. Now that the hot tub is up and running, he has gotten in it a couple of times, which I think helps him. I’m just glad he is starting to feel better.

Today, we went to IHOP for breakfast and then went to two Farmer’s Markets. At the one in Simpsonville, my friends set up a booth to sell dishcloths and baked goods to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Many of us knit or crocheted dishcloths for them to sell. When it was over, they raised about $600, so I’m happy for them.


We also visited the Fountain Inn Museum, which has a special exhibit called “Cherished.” It features vintage wedding gowns, and my wedding gown was included in the exhibit. It was very nicely done. The exhibit runs through September.
 

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Friday, July 4, 2025

First Week of July

It was a busy week and very hot too.

On Monday (June 30), my grad class, EDEX 962/963, began. We met on Zoom, and we prepared for our first day with students on July 1.

Summer Learning Place 2025 started on July 1. We have the children Monday through Thursday for the next four weeks. This week, the children started on Tuesday. The teachers (my students) assessed them in reading, math, writing, and behavior.

Meanwhile, hubby is still having severe back pain. We walked for an hour on Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday, he was in excruciating pain. On Wednesday afternoon, he had physical therapy, but I’m not sure if it helped because on Thursday and Friday, he was really hurting. On Thursday, he spent most of the day in bed

Every day, I worked a little in the kitchen. I’m slowly emptying bags and boxes. Everything has to be washed before it can be put away.

Thursday evening was our town’s fireworks festival. My friend Sheila came over at 8:30 pm and then at 9:30 pm, we sat in the front yard and watched the fireworks. Don stayed in bed. They lasted about 15 minutes. The location was moved this year, and instead of shooting them from Woodside Park, they moved it to PD Terry Park. So, we sat in the front yard and faced towards the park and we had a clear view of all the fireworks.


On the 4th of July, we got up early and did our grocery shopping. We went at 8 am and there were no crowds or traffic. When we got home, I finished knitting my shawl and washed and blocked it. For lunch, we walked to Bucky’s BBQ and binge-watched Mission: Impossible Movies.




Wednesday, July 2, 2025

World UFO Day

The #SPC1470 Roswell UFO Encounter 50th Anniversary cover was released in 1997 to remember the strange event that happened in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. The cover features a special postmark from the event and two space-related stamps: #966 and a stamp from the Space Fantasy set.

In 1947, something crashed on a farm, and people thought it might be a UFO, or a spaceship from another planet. The U.S. military first said it was a “flying disc,” but later said it was just a weather balloon. This made many people believe there was a cover-up.

World UFO Day is celebrated every year on July 2nd. This day is meant for people to look up at the sky and think about the possibility of life beyond Earth. UFO stands for "Unidentified Flying Object," which means anything in the sky that cannot be easily explained. Some people believe that UFOs are spaceships from other planets. Others think they might just be airplanes, weather balloons, or even tricks of light.

July 2nd was chosen because it is the date of a famous event called the Roswell Incident. In 1947, something strange crashed on a farm near Roswell, New Mexico. At first, the U.S. military said it was a “flying disc,” but later claimed it was just a weather balloon. This made many people wonder if the government was hiding something about aliens. Over time, Roswell became one of the most well-known UFO stories in the world.

People celebrate World UFO Day in different ways. Some host sky-watching parties or UFO-themed events. Others use the day to talk about space, aliens, or the possibility of life on other planets. The main idea is to think about the mysteries of the universe and to keep an open mind. Whether or not UFOs are real, World UFO Day reminds us to be curious and to explore the unknown.

References:
Mystic Stamp Company. (n.d.). 1997 32c Roswell Alien. Retrieved from https://www.mysticstamp.com
History.com Editors. (2018). Roswell. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/paranormal/roswell 
World UFO Day Organization. (n.d.). What is World UFO Day? Retrieved from https://www.worldufoday.com
https://www.wincalendar.com/World-UFO-Day

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Long Week

We worked on our kitchen this week. We decided to paint the cabinets ourselves. My husband is a much better painter than I am, so I was the main helper. Unfortunately, he was in a lot of back pain and he finally went to the doctor. He fractured his back while we were having to shift the appliances in order to paint. After finding this out from X-rays and an MRI, he was told not to do anything strenuous and not to lift anything until he heals. So, I was able to put the hardware back on and started to put things back in the kitchen. The kitchen looks much better now.


Original photos by Pat Hensley

Sunday, June 1, 2025

2019 First-Class Forever Stamp, Oscar the Grouch

June 1 is Oscar the Grouch Day. If you were around in the 70s, like I was, you would have heard about Oscar the Grouch.

In 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, the United States Postal Service released a special set of Forever stamps featuring 16 beloved characters from the show. One of these stamps showcased Oscar the Grouch, the grumpy green Muppet who lives in a trash can. The stamp was designed by art director Derry Noyes using a photograph of Oscar. It was officially released on June 22, 2019, during a ceremony in Detroit, Michigan, as part of the "Sesame Street Road Trip"—a celebration event held in 10 cities across the U.S.

The Oscar the Grouch stamp was part of a pane of 16 stamps, each featuring a different character from Sesame Street, such as Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster. These stamps were issued as Forever stamps. A total of 62 million of these stamps were printed by Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. The back of the stamp pane displayed special artwork celebrating the show's 50th anniversary.

Oscar the Grouch is a fuzzy green character from the children's TV show Sesame Street. He lives in a trash can and loves everything dirty, messy, and smelly! Unlike most of the friendly characters on the show, Oscar is grumpy and enjoys complaining. But even though he seems mean, Oscar teaches kids that it’s okay to have different feelings and that everyone is unique in their own way. He even has a pet worm named Slimey and lots of strange things in his trash can home.

Oscar was first seen on Sesame Street when the show started in 1969. He was originally orange, but he later became green. He was created by Jim Henson and played by puppeteer Caroll Spinney for many years. Even though Oscar doesn’t like being happy, he’s an important part of Sesame Street because he helps show that people can be different and still be part of a community. He’s grouchy, but deep down, he has a big heart!

References:

Saturday, May 24, 2025

New Roof and Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday was quiet and we relaxed all day.

On Monday, we went to the senior center to walk for an hour and then attend Heather’s exercise class. It felt good to work out! When we got home, we worked in the yard, trimming bushes.. The azaleas needed a good trim after blooming, or they would grow out of control.

On Tuesday morning, the roofing materials were delivered, and the delivery guy was really nice. We stood and chatted for a long time! He has 5 children and they live on a farm. They homeschool all their children. In the evening, I went to my local knitting group, and I always enjoy the time I spend with the.

Wednesday and Thursday involved watching the roofers and the progress of replacing the roof. It was pretty interesting how much the materials and technology have changed over the years. Wednesday brought 5 roofers, and they worked hard for 14 hours! They even brought their microwave! At lunchtime, they were relaxing under a tree and even taking a nap (which was well deserved). On Thursday, only 3 guys worked on the roof.

We left on Thursday around 4 pm to meet our senior center group at Travinia’s for dinner. Luckily, we were able to walk to the restaurant. There were about 17 of us. The food was very good, but the service was meh. We bought cannolis to bring home and have for dessert, but they weren’t as good as the ones we got years ago in Boston. We still had a great time with the group and hope to go out more with them.





On Friday, an elderly man (Mr. James) came to do a magnetized cleaning for nails. I called the project manager to make sure that he was with the company, and he was. We found some small concerns we wanted to discuss during the final inspection, which was around 4:30 pm. We walked around the house with Jonah and showed him the concerns. He fixed most of them, but they will have to come out and repair a screen and clean the siding. He got on the ladder and found about 5 more things they need to seal up when they come out. Overall, I like our new roof! Our Sounds of the Summer concert series started downtown, and I was able to hear the music in my sunroom with the windows closed. 🙂

While the roof was being replaced, I was able to get a lot of knitting done. The noise didn’t bother me. I’m trying to relax more and de-stress so I can get over these shingles faster.


This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and we won’t do anything special. We tend to stay home and off the roads during holidays because of the crazy drivers.

Original photos by Pat Hensley

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Shingles and other…fun

This week started off pretty normal. On Monday, I had my knitting guild meeting, which I attended on Zoom.
 
Tuesday, my hubby finally talked me into going to the doctor about this rash on my arm. It seems like the pain is getting worse, and by Monday night, it was very hot and hurt to touch. So, off to the doctor we go. I thought it might be poison ivy, and hubby thought it was a spider bite. Nope, it is shingles! I didn’t think I had ever had chicken pox, so I couldn’t get the vaccine, and didn’t think I would get shingles. I did have a touch of it somewhere along the line in the past 65 years so here I am with shingles! The doctor says the shingles are due to stress, and I need to find a way to deal with it.

On Wednesday, we went to exercise class and I struggled with some of the exercises, but I think the exercise is good for my stress levels.

Thursday, we went car shopping, not that we need a new car, but we have been thinking about getting a new car with all the safety features. We want another Prius if we get a new car because ours is 11 years old. Of course, we aren’t in a rush, so we are just looking.

On Friday, we went back to exercise class and then ran errands. Hubby mowed the lawn when we got back, and the weather was perfect for that. After lunch, I spent the day knitting. I haven’t been working on my big shawl project because of the pain, but I finished some little projects like 2 charity hats and a washcloth.

On Saturday, we went to an Antique Festival where my hubby found lots of treasures. I saw interesting things but resisted the urge to buy things. We did some car shopping (remember - not ready to buy, just looking) and somehow I lost my hubby’s favorite sunglasses. Luckily, I went on Amazon and ordered him another pair (which helped get me out of the doghouse!). The rest of the day, we watched my great-niece’s softball games online, and I was so glad her team won both of them!

I'm so happy to see all my flowers blooming, and they make me feel happy!






Original photos by Pat Hensley


Tuesday, May 13, 2025

55¢ Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park stamp (US #5468)

The U.S. Postal Service released a special stamp in 2020 to honor Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Florida. This stamp, numbered 5468, is part of the "American Gardens" series, which features ten beautiful gardens from across the United States. The photograph on the stamp, taken by Allen Rokach, shows a lovely walkway lined with pink and white flowers. The stamp was first issued on May 13, 2020, in Winterthur, Delaware, as part of a collection celebrating the beauty of public gardens.​

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is located in Tallahassee, Florida. Alfred and Louise Maclay began creating the gardens in 1923, combining native and exotic plants to design a scenic landscape. They wanted the gardens to bloom in winter and early spring, the time they spent there. After Alfred died in 1944, Louise opened the gardens to the public and later donated them to the state in 1953. In 1965, the gardens were renamed to honor Alfred B. Maclay.

Today, the park is known for its beautiful camellias and azaleas, with over 150 types of camellias and more than 60 varieties of azaleas. Visitors can enjoy the colorful blooms, especially in mid-March. The gardens are maintained to look as they did in 1953, offering a glimpse into the past. This special stamp helps share the story and beauty of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park with people all over the country.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Georgia Aquarium

Click here for more pictures.

On Monday, we went on a field trip to the Georgia Aquarium with other seniors. This trip was sponsored by the City of Fountain Inn and organized by Sue Grubbs and Heather Johnson. This trip was so well organized and thoughtfully planned! The city paid for our chartered bus (for 56 people), t-shirts, entrance tickets, and our meal at the Varsity. We are truly grateful to everyone involved in making this trip an amazing experience!

We met at 7:15, and the bus left promptly at 7:30. On the trip, we played a trivia game, and prizes were given out. I had time to knit and visit with others on the long drive to Atlanta. The bus driver was a hoot, and she made the trip fun too! The bus dropped us off practically at the front door and we each got our ticket as we got off the bus. We were instructed to meet at this exact place no later than 1:30. 

After a group picture, we were all on our own. Don and I wandered through all the sections and enjoyed seeing some of the strangest creatures. I enjoyed the Beluga whales, but Don’s favorite was the seadragons. We were scheduled for the Dolphin Presentation at 11:3,0 so at 11, they announced that we could make our way to our seats. We got fantastic seats in the middle of the “theater” and 2 rows beyond the Soak Zone! I loved watching the dolphins perform and would definitely go see them again. After the show, we walked around some more in the aquarium and revisited our favorite sea creatures. Then we walked outside to admire downtown Atlanta. We walked to the World of Coca-Cola, which was right across from the aquarium, to stretch our legs before the long bus ride home. 

By then, the bus arrived and we boarded the bus exactly on schedule. Our next stop was The Varsity in Norcross, where we had a late lunch. As we got off the bus, we were each given a voucher card which showed our menu options on the back. We ordered our food, which was quickly served and enjoyed our lunch. We sat with Shawn (from our exercise class) and got to know her a little better.

By 3:30, we were back on our bus and heading home. We even got home early! I’m so glad we were on a bus because after seeing the traffic on the interstate, I would not have enjoyed the trip at all if I had had to drive to the Aquarium.

It was a wonderful trip and I'm so glad we live in a town like Fountain Inn! 







Original photos by Pat Hensley