Fixed!

I teamed up with the neighbor today and he and I managed between us to get the downspout fixed--we think. I bought the long black hose and fitting yesterday. The fitting that didn't fit. He searched online and found that Ace Hardware might have what we needed. So I gave him some cash and he went to see. They did have exactly what we needed so he got it and installed it. Now we need some rain to test our fix. They're saying it'll rain tomorrow. Time will tell. I'll return the fitting that didn't fit. This morning I bought some caulk that he can use to seal up around the glass blocks in the window well. Hopefully that'll take care of that problem too, at least for now.

 

Look who visited the backyard this morning. The hen turkey and the poults (aka babies). They were under the birdfeeders and as soon as I came into the room they took off running so I could only photograph them through the screen and reflection on the patio door. I was glad to see them even if they did run off.

 

Yesterday afternoon I made more Jello. This time it's cherry. Not as good as lime or the other citrus flavors but good for a change. Plus I love the deep red color. It's probably not good for me, artificial color and all that, but it's pretty.

 

This morning after my shower and other hygiene pursuits, I colored in the mandala instead of drawing a new prompt. It was kind of fun but a lot of tiny places that needed coloring. I had to sharpen quite a few of the colored pencils so I could squeeze the color in between the lines. I like the way it turned out.

 

Dad's rose is blooming again! See the pretty bud opening? It's covered with raindrops. Very artistic.

 

In the afternoon I worked on another story start, trying to turn it into a short story. It's another pretty short one, just 3 pages. There have to be some that turn out longer. I'll keep plugging away at them. With 47 of them, there's bound to be another one that's longer. It stands to reason.

 

Here's today's gratitude journal page. I'm mostly grateful for having the downspout fixed but also for the dishwasher. I purely dislike washing dishes by hand so being able to stash them in the dishwasher and run it when I'm running out of silverware is lovely.

 

After supper I decided to paint. This is a project out of Art for Joy's Sake. It's not my best, not by a long shot. This is painted following the layering rules and I think it's too pale and uninspired. I'll do better when I paint the next one using the author's method of slapping on vivid color to start.

 

My stupid knee is still hurting me. I keep rubbing arnica gel on it and taking a dual pain reliever. It starts out okay in the morning but I usually manage to irritate it by bending down or walking too much. It's really starting to irk me.

--Barbara