Tuesday-7:45am

I didn't plan on being up before the sun.

Woke up Sunday with a dreadful sore throat where it hurt to swallow, but it lessened up during the day and wasn't too bad yesterday.  But then late last night the sniffles turned into a running faucet.  I don't know how a person's nose can run so much and still have a head that's stuffed to the eyeballs--LOL!

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I discovered why I'm having troubles taking pictures out the living room windows and getting reflections.  They're so dirty!  I need spring and a few good thunderstorms to clean them off. 

I took these shots from the porch a couple days ago when it was 21 degrees (-6 C).  Since then we've had another dusting of snow and this morning it is 7 degrees (almost -14 C), but the sun is shining and the sky is clear at the moment.  I don't expect cleansing thunderstorms any time soon.   

I got the best surprise yesterday!!  A box arrived with this inside--a cute bag with bright tissue paper stuffed inside. 

An early birthday present from Andi!!  Totally unexpected and greatly appreciated!!  (You should stop by and visit her if you haven't met her yet--super lady!) 

Look at this fancy dish towel!  Beautiful., isn't it?  Looks too pretty to use...but I will.  :) 

I hung it over the chair and it looked like Karma was looking at the rabbit--LOL!  (As you can see, Karma claimed the tissue paper immediately.) 

And look at these little bird's egg candles!  Now these really do look too pretty to burn, don't they? 

But, when I finally do...I wonder what I could use those three little egg shell cups for when they are empty?  I'm sure I could think of something.  ;)

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Cats pouncing on imaginary victims always cracks me up.

I'm sure the faint crackling from the crisp new tissue paper (which I will recycle for sure) made her momentarily believe in mice or some escaped cat toy (you know how cats believe toys can move on their own).

Karma does not like me laughing at her when she's a dead serious huntress. 

Pounce!  I know--lazy pouncing...but she was fast.  

She's still got her claimed tissue paper...for now.

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Since I hadn't consistently felt too badly before last night, really, I did get a bit done before this bug completely moved in.  I love my new paper drying rack!!  All the sheets now have Dylusions spray, Distress paint, a watercolor swatch, a smear of gesso, and another of modpodge.  I used the rack to dry between each addition on the test papers. 

I can fold the rack back up now today because next I plan to use markers and pens.  Well, unless I plan a good puddle of black ink...hummm.

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I finally googled how to soften leather and found an easy suggestion--rubbing in some coconut oil. 

I used my fingers and just worked the oil into both covers--front and back sides.  The coconut oil darkened up the leather quite a bit as you can see here as I worked my way across the inside of the cover. 

The leather soaked up that oil like a thirsty sponge!  Especially on the rougher front side.   

I got the first layer on yesterday and plan to put a few more on...when I am functional again.  Doesn't seem to be greasy or oily at all, either, so far.  I can tell already that the leather isn't as stiff as it was.  Cool!!

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Oh, and note for the T-Tuesday folks--last night after I finished rubbing leather--I made a big old banana, raspberry, strawberry smoothie.  Was wonderful on my sore throat!  :)

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I warned Dagan and Leah that I might be getting sick yesterday afternoon (but I was in better shape at that point) and I'd let them know today how I was doing.  So, despite me desperately needing my tech support team, they may well and wisely choose to stay away until I am better.  I have to email them this morning to tell them I am most definitely and undeniably sick now.  So, if you don't see me around online for a while...you know why.

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Meanwhile, I guess I'll stay right here under my blanket and catch up on what TV shows have recorded and watch some Netflix movies...and maybe nap a little, if I can.  Might have a better chance here in my recliner, actually.  ;)  I'll be back when I feel better.  Stay well and safe!!  :):)

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"When the waves close over me, I dive down to fish for pearls."

Masha Kaleko