Life just gets in the way, sometimes....

I have managed to get two items off my second list.  I finished up the office and I got the sheets sewn together for Kerry (a Facebook Friend who wanted 4 old sheets put together to cover an antique car in a garage to keep dust off of it... I will be seeing him tomorrow at a picnic so I want to deliver it.)

I still have to oil and get running my two older sewing machines as well as my little toy Singer and get back to working on my half square triangle blocks.  I have begin working on clearing stuff out of the dining room  and off the dining room table.  May not sound like much, but it is progress for me.

Had to go out to the bank this morning to deposit a check.  I used the opportunity to visit our new Aldi Store that replaced the Bottom Dollar Grocery Store.  I have been in the Aldi in Elkton and really liked it.  They have their own brands and the prices are very competitive with name brands in other stores.  Very little in terms of fresh meats or fruit, but canned, boxed and frozen there is quite a nice variety.  I got some cake mix, icing (I am going to a picnic tomorrow and I am taking cupcakes.) and some Italian Artisan Bread.

I did get some good news today.  Yesterday the new camera came to replace the one that died during the surge.  When I was installing the new one (that looked just like the old one), I, just for giggles, plugged the old one in to the new cord... and it came on and rebooted.  So I put the new one in (and it is plugged in to it's very own, high powered surge protector) and ordered a new power cord.  It came today and sure enough, I was able to reset the camera to factory specs so I have a spare or I can add another one in the sewing room.  For now, it is on the shelf above the work bench in the basement.

Marji is finally home again.  She was released late yesterday morning.  She sounds good for having had fluid in her lungs just a few days ago.  She is even thinking of joining us at the picnic tomorrow.  This is the picnic that I went to last year where they had the steam engines that are used to cook the corn and then send towers of sparks into the air.  Sheila called them Amish Fireworks.  Danny and Marji had planned to be in Michigan this weekend for another family reunion, but Marji's illness made those plans go away, so if it is not too hot and she is up to it, I expect  that they will be here.  Danny would be fascinated to see the engines up close and personal.

Monday, according to the UPS package tracker, my new security system will arrive.  I fired my old company.  They were completely crazy to think I was going to pay $700 to $800 to replace the one that died in the surge.  When it died, they go no alarm to indicate I was off line.  Once they knew that and told me what the cost would be, the never called to see what they could do to help me.  The one lady in service was and always had been, really arrogant and rude, when ever I needed help.  They only finally called and offered to reduce their cost when I told them I would no longer need their services.  And I even had to ask for a refund from the annual fee I paid last October.  But they agreed to give me $90 back.

The new system is the SimpliSafe system that has been advertised on TV.  I buy the components and they are reasonable.  It does not require a landline but is all cellular based but I did not have to buy an additional cell number.  It is included with the system.  I got all new components to replace everything I have in the house and it is being shipped free.  The total was under $300.  I have 2 months to decide if it works for me and if not, I can return it.  I have three choices of monthly fees. from $14.99 to $19.00 to $24.99.  I am starting at $24.99 (which is still saving me $11.00 a month) and gives me the ability to disarm or arm it from anywhere should some one need to get into the house while I am away.  I will also get notices when doors are opened, etc.  I can change the level of service at anytime and add components over time.  I am hoping it will work well.  Stay tuned.