Mish Mash

I have to give it up to Home Advisor.  Little did I know when I started this project they would be so helpful.  Phil the contractor repeatedly ignored my calls to finish the job on my front porch and walkway.  Apparently when they sign up with Home Advisor, they get lots of business.  Bad ratings get them kicked out of the program.

The crew didn't show up until 1:00 on the second day, making me rather nervous, but they made it and completed the job.  They even sealed the pavers, which almost killed me.  That stuff is VERY toxic smelling.  I opened every window, a job in itself since I'm sure they haven't been opened since the dawn of time, and turned on every ceiling fan looking for fresh air.

The good news is we all woke up this morning, albeit short a few brain cells, and Momma hummer is back on her nest which hangs out over the walkway.  The last thing Phil said to me was be sure and change that rating to 5 star.  Sure Phil, sure ... but actually, he's going to be lucky to get 4 .... maybe even 3!!

Remember this?  It gives me the shivers.  Thanks to the contractor who said he would do it, then canceled on me, then called back and again said he would do it, all this mess got fixed.

So ... just so you know my good luck hasn't changed one bit, as I was cooking breakfast yesterday, my usual scrambled egg.  You really should not wash dishes while you are cooking.  A huge big plop of soapy water went directly into my just-scrambled egg mixture.  How does that happen?  It all went in the trash and I had pizza instead.  

I can't TELL you how happy I am that this is the last of the chicken hot dogs.  I discovered if you burn them enough, it masks the flavor, making it easier to choke down.  I'm hoping that second package I have in the freezer magically disappears.

Just because there is craziness going on outside my doors with the flu and all, doesn't mean it's quiet and safe in my sanctuary.  There I was, washing my face like I do every morning when I looked down to see this.  No, he is NOT dead.  OMG where did he come from?  My washcloth?  He wasn't there a second ago!!!  I yelled .... the dogs came running!!

I frantically searched for more, just in case, as I turned on the hot water and let it run.  I'm guessing $10 worth went down the drain, but the spider never wavered.  TWO MINUTES LATER he was still kicking.  Good grief!!!  At long last I smashed him flat with the bottom of my hairspray can.  Thank goodness for hairspray!!  Down the drain he went, followed by another $10 worth of water, just to be sure he was dead!!  

My heart was still racing as I put together a crockpot stew for dinner.  It turned out perfectly, meaning I now have food for four days, 3 meals every day.  It's hard cooking for one.

Here's another picture of my tree in the morning light.  The picture doesn't do it justice at all.  It's absolutely fabulous and as yellow as can be.  I've never seen it like this before.  

The day finally ended, but not with this beautiful sunset.  This was a couple of days ago.  I have to say the weather could not be any better.  It's been mid 40's at night and mid 70's during the day.  

Now that all my projects are complete, I've got nothing to worry about except doing my taxes, getting my vehicles registered and renewing my driver's license, none of which can be done online.  I tried calling for information, but California DMV doesn't even have people on their phone system.  Just a recording.  In no time I will be completely illegal, for which they will have no sympathy, in spite of the pandemic.  California is after all, California.