Picnic with Mermaids and Dolphins

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Today unfolded without a negative hitch. Beautiful day. Quiet, peaceful, and with great company. Our fur babies were snuggling, and our schedule was empty to enjoy whatever came our way. This gave Terry plenty of time to relax and enjoy the book he was reading, and gave me time to complete a few more pieces to add to the jewelry collection I had underway. It was a productive day. 

This piece came about because the original necklace made by another brand had fallen apart. I used the pieces to create two other necklaces. I was happy with the results. I felt the first one in the photo above deserved the title, "Blue Lotus." 

But my favorite of the two built from pieces of the original was titled "Moon & Sun" because of the silver bead in the center. The bead has the sun on one side and the moon on the other. It is crafted with Venus jasper rounds, dangling from a connector from the original necklace. The earrings are included with the set. In fact, if this one doesn't sell soon, I will be wearing it as one of mine. Why? Because I like it and I can. 

With a gold chain and using one faux white pearl, I crafted one called "Solitary," a very simple yet fun necklace. 

After completing this necklace, I went back in and took out the two jump rings holding the pearl in place. I connected it directly to the chain instead, giving it a look of smoother connection. 

I added two more necklace sets for the upcoming Día de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, the Mexican celebration of the lives of those loved ones they have lost. Candy skulls and bright colors are typically the theme for the day. I named this one, "Hearts & Candy Skulls." The second necklace set under this theme is the "Day of the Dead" Celebration Necklace Set. I used the colored skulls to complete the idea of having color associated with the day. 

On the other side of the spectrum, I crafted a couple of necklaces that were of a more spiritual theme. 

"Chakras Align" has now been added to the store as well. I really liked this one. 

Following that, I completed one with a miniature dreamcatcher and a "loved" focal piece on a double-layered necklace. I loved this one too. 

"Dreams of Love" was added to the collection, and that was my work for the day. 

***

Like I said, it was a productive day. Terry enjoyed his cigars and his book for a while, then asked if I would like to go on our weekend picnic. Um, of course, sweet man!

We cleaned up and loaded the cooler into the truck. Today, Terry wanted to try something different. We went into the local deli and asked for a couple of sandwiches. Terry had a Reuben, and I ordered a classic club sandwich. Off we went to see our beautiful friend, the leaning blue spruce tree. Our chairs were situated on the hill, we unloaded the cooler, the deli bag, and began our feast. 

The deli sandwiches were awesome. We have eaten there before and enjoyed the food then, but had not returned for a while. Not for any reason, we just don't think of the place. 

We chatted and then watched a few videos of singers we enjoy. It was a very pleasant evening. The food was awesome, the company even "awesomer." Yes, I actually said that. Whut are werds? Bestest partner in crime I could have. 

I don't pay attention to time. It's never been my thing, but today, I could tell we had been there for some time, as my ass was going numb. Ouch. Upon standing, it took a moment to get some blood to flow back into the legs, and especially my ankle, before I took a step. Making it to the car, we loaded up both chairs, ice chest, and our remnants of dinner. 

Upon returning home, we watched a bit of our show, Transplant, then off we went into different spaces again. Terry wanted to read some more of his book series he is enjoying so much, and I went into the office to see what trouble I could get into. Pretty soon, it was 2:30 AM, and I knew it was time to go face down in bed. 

***

Friday, July 25, 2025

I did the usual morning walking of dogs, cleaning up, and then went into the office. I noticed the flowers Terry had given me for our monthly anniversary date had gone into full bloom. Lilies are such gorgeous flowers!

One lily, the one up front, had been open for a couple of days and was already turning color, on its way out. But the second one, in the back, it was time for it to shine. And shine it did!

Both of the carnations on either side had burst into full bloom as well. 

***

And speaking of jewelry, Terry wanted a dolphin pendant for a necklace. We searched and had not decided on one until the other day. The mermaid on the pendant was a bonus, as mermaids are another one of Terry's favorite folklore creatures. We found the perfect dolphin/mermaid pendant for him. 

After ordering the pendant, we are now on the lookout for the perfect chain and an amazing stone to go on the pin in the mermaid's hand. Terry would like a fire opal to sit in her hand, and I agreed that would be a good choice. This will be an ongoing project until I locate the best opal and chain I can find. Having patience is difficult, as I'm excited for the outcome. I think this pendant is a great choice for him, but the opal will make all the difference. The chain we choose will ensure it is a masculine piece and not dainty or feminine.  

***

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Our microwave acted up a couple of days ago, so Terry and I decided maybe it was time to put the 10+ year-old appliance to rest and get a new one. We drove to Home Depot today and chose a nice microwave that will hopefully last another 10+ years. Now I have to set the time and get rid of a child lock, which, who knew? I guess it's a thing, as I read the lock comes on various cooking appliances such as the microwaves, ovens, and more. Are we becoming a group of folks who don't watch our children any longer? 

Nice microwave. Out of all the times, we don't have a need to use one at this moment. I will have a use for it soon enough, though, or Terry will reheat coffee or food for a late-night snack. It will be used, this I know for sure. 

We were looking at one that had an air fryer built in, but I have an air fryer already. In fact, we saw ovens that had air-frying capabilities. I was loving the new concept. I love my air fryer. Getting food to a nice, crispy state of being without adding oil is great. 

The rest of the agenda for today is to barbecue. We drove to WinCo, where we shopped for our skewer conception. We do love us some skewers.

Mushrooms, red bell peppers, small potatoes, meat, pieces of onion, and chunks of yellow squash were on the agenda for dinner. I took our veggies into the kitchen upon our return home and began to cut them up. Barbecue heated to 400, check. Food cut into chunks, check. Skewers ready? Check. Corn on the cob slathered with butter, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and wrapped in tin foil, check. We are ready to begin our barbecue worship. 

Within moments, the aroma of steak blended with the smell of onion and red bell pepper. Potatoes added a touch of goodness to our sensory enticement of the upcoming meal. My mouth was watering. I love to simmer the veggies and meat. While it does take a bit longer, I feel the food cooks, and the steak is tender. About 1/2 hour later, we are ready to eat and up for watching a movie. 

Tonight's film choice was a live version of The Little Mermaid, a movie Terry had never seen. I have watched The Little Mermaid in all of its animated glory, but never the live version. I have heard chatter about the film, but have wanted to see it for myself. I was just hoping my opinion of how endearing the original animated version would not be taken away by the live film. 

We ate as we watched the tale unfold before us. As the movie wrapped up, we began to discuss our feelings about this adaptation of the animated film. Terry found it to be a good movie that he will definitely watch again. He asked me how I felt, since I had seen the story told in animation. I have to say the live version actually pleased me. The story really came to life, and the scenery and actors really added depth to the film. There are many live versions of films I am not wild about, but The Little Mermaid was great, in my opinion. 

One or two facts about the film were shocking to me. First was Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. Melissa is one of my favorite actors overall, but wow! She really captured the essence of the nasty sea witch character. And who knew Melissa McCarthy could sing? She handled the musical score like a boss. I was highly impressed by the woman I saw as a typical comedian. She did an amazing job!

Not knowing who Halle Bailey is, I found her to be a refreshing surprise in the movie. Amazing voice, beautiful girl, and definitely a welcome choice for the classic part of Ariel. It's difficult to step into the shoes of such classic characters without offending people. Viewers often have a favorite character in the classic films they grew up with, making it almost impossible to impress audience members by bringing on a new version of that character. We have our hearts set on what the movie should be and how the story is told. Change it, and often those changes create a dislike for the new version. But I felt the filmmakers of this live version were able to take that film and bring it home, into our hearts, without removing anything from the classic tale. 

Overall, Terry and I both loved the film, and we will watch it again. I think I see the purchase of the Blu-Ray version coming up soon. We saw the movie on Amazon Prime, and it was certainly worth the money!

As we watched the flick, we also shoved the skewers into our mouths. Wow. So good! Terry devoured the corn on the cob, telling me it was very good, too. Another barbecue success! I love our barbecue! It's easy to use, operates the way it is designed to work, and wow. The food tastes amazing. Cooking on the barbecue every night could be a possibility in my world. We don't, of course, but it really does taste awesome every time we cook anything on the appliance. Barbecues are a beautiful thing. 

***

During the rest of the weekend, I completed a couple more pieces of jewelry, and Terry attacked a few cigars. It's our life, and we love it. 

With some old crystal shards, I designed a couple of necklaces to add to the bunch. The triangle has different meanings to various religious and spiritual groups. For Christianity, it can refer to the Holy Trinity, comprising the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

In a spiritual context, the symbol of enlightenment, balance, and unity emerges. In Hinduism, it symbolizes the Trimurti, Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer). These are but a couple of examples of the triangle symbolism. 

The use of Czech rainbow glass beads with a rainbow crystal. 

And my favorite, the crystal representing the orange-colored lotus, symbolizing the sacral chakra. The sacral chakra is said to be where our creativity, sexuality, and emotional balance energy is housed. It is the second energy center of the body. 

The last one is a crystal that appears clear, but I did see a bit of lilac coloring in it, too. Not sure if that was picking up another item in the room and reflecting that color, or if it actually has a hint of that purplish color in it. Either way, it's a simple way to carry around a crystal. 

All of these pieces can be found on eBay, in the store, Clutterful Crapola. 

***

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Terry is visiting his hospice patient today. This is Terry's first time seeing this particular person. Once he is done, we will decide what the rest of the afternoon will hold. A day at home, relaxing, is fine with me. Whatever our choice, I'm sure I will love it because we are spending time together. The work week begins again tomorrow, so it's always nice to have some time to enjoy each other's company before the day ends. So far, it's relaxing, house cleaning, and making jewelry. Oh, and fighting with the new microwave. That new regulation of having to have a child lock on that stupid appliance is pissing me off. 

Pulling out the manual, it took some reading, but I finally figured it out. Shutting off the child lock and setting the clock are both processes I had to learn. Yes, she can be taught! It's like back in the day when you got your first VCR and had to set it all up. It took a rocket scientist to figure out how to hook it up and how to record your first program. I remember plenty of VCR jokes being told by many comedians at that time. Now look where we are. In this day and time, we are without use of our microwaves because they now lock, and we are not children to figure out how to get in.  

Child lock caps on medicine bottles and child locks on one of our ways to cook food. We sure have come a long way. 😒😏😕😠Might just be time to put our medications up high for households with children and teach children to stay away from the microwave. Hmm. 

Also, while we're educating people, how about teaching adults not to use blow dryers while they are in the shower to prevent electrocution? Yes, there are warnings on blow dryers for just that realm of intelligence. Come on now. It took a brainiac somewhere out there to try it out for that warning label to appear on the next generation of blow dryers. What are you people doing with these blow-dryers? You know who you are.  

***

Our evening ended with lots of good food, another episode of Transplant, and great company. Terry went out to read one more time. I chose to remain inside where I made some chocolate pudding for him, and sugar-free blueberry cake batter muffins for me. Actually, I guess you could call them lemon blueberry muffins. I took a sugar-free yellow cake mix, added lemon zest from a fresh lemon, then lemon juice from that same lemon, threw in some blueberries, and called it a day. Voila. I had a new version of one of the sugar-free cake mixes from Pillsbury I love so much. And who doesn't love lemon flavoring and blueberries together? 

Anyway, we will leave this post here, as Terry and I have headed toward bed. It's almost 1:00 AM and I am beat. I have some carpet shampooing, vacuuming, and doggie spa day to deal with tomorrow. That dog takes a while to vacuum. We'll let you know how that goes in our next post, "In the Hospital For Pissed Off Dogs and Cats Grafting Human Skin as a Hobby." 

Until next time we meet, thank you so much for reading the blog. Hugs to you all. We appreciate you and thank you for checking out our memories. Have an awesome week!

Back to the drawing board ...