JR's list #7: (done) Raise the daybeds and corner table in the office by at least 7".

It's true.  You can find just about everything you need or want on the web.  I was given a great daybed corner set (two daybeds and a bamboo corner table).  I set them up in the room I use for an office.  They really make great couches.  For me, the large pillows that came with them were cumbersome and stiff, so I gave them away and purchased a set of bolsters and daybed covers.

I got the daybeds set up with the new bedding, but the side of the covers were too long.  Also, because the beds were set so low to the floor, I was having trouble getting up and down when I sat on them.  I found some stacking furniture lifters and tried them, but I didn't think they were stable enough and the beds could not be moved without falling off the lifters.  I went back to the internet to look for furniture parts.  I discovered a whole industry designed to make adjustments to the home which assist the elderly with everyday living.

I found the website Homeplace Parts (www.homeplaceparts.com).  They had a great selection of furniture legs among many, many other things for repairing and rebuilding practically anything in the home.  I was able to get 7" legs to attach to the beds.

Now, the bed covers no longer touch the floor and I now have additional storage space as a bonus.  Best of all, I have no problems sitting down on or getting up from the daybeds.

JR's list #2 - (making progress) Work with Terry to have the two younger horses rode for six weeks.

When in the car with my young nieces and nephews we would play “Slug Bug, (color)!  It was fun, everyone earned points, and no one was slugged in the process.   In  the new Volkswagen commercials, the game has been rejuvenated with “Blue One” as the spotter who sees a VW punches the unsuspecting person standing close by.   Last week, that commercial became my new analogy for life.

Terry (ex-husband, significant other, and best friend) and I have horses.  All three of our horses are palomino in color, two of which we have raised from babies.  The two younger horses are four and five years old.  Both horses have been broke, but have had very little riding over the last year and a half.  They are our babies.  We want to keep them, but we want to be able to ride them.  The problem is we are 60ish with “green” horses.  Solution:  Find someone younger to ride them for us, which is just what Terry did.

The horses were going to get ridden daily for the next six weeks, so maybe the old folks could start riding again.  That’s when life said, “Blue one,” and punched us in the arm.  While being ridden during one of his first few time, Binky stepped on something that punctured one of his hocks.  Long story short, he has a hole in one tendon and a nick in another, but no surgery was necessary.  Binky will be fine with some time and TLC. 

In the meantime, Bella is still being ridden daily, so progress is being made.  As soon as he is recovered and the vet gives us the go ahead, it will again be Mr. Binky's turn.  Bottom line, we consider ourselves beyond lucky and very blessed..   

CEA's progress report #6

Item #31:  Cook from a "found" recipe once a week
Progress:  I've cooked two more recipes.  One was a couscous salad with tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olive oil, and feta.  I don't know where I put the recipe, and I don't remember its source.  Last night I baked an apple skillet cake from the October 2009 issue of Sunset.  It was simple and good, requiring few ingredients, and more of a puffed pancake than a cake. 
Item #46. Drink green tea daily
Progress:  When I make my pot of tea for iced tea at lunch and during the afternoon (decaf), I add a green teabag.  Maybe I'll eventually enjoy drinking straight green tea, but until then, I'll mask it.

CEA's progress report #5

Item #20. Paint black iron chairs and Item #21. Paint green bistro chairs
I love having parties!  They get me focused on getting things done.  I've wanted to get these two sets of my uncle's chairs refurbished ever since I took them out of the barn a year ago.  The approaching May 1st luncheon gave me the impetus to get the painting done.  I hosed down both sets of chairs, then sanded the green bistro chairs before spray painting them hunter green.  I had to hand paint the black iron chairs because of the woven straw seats and backs.  The bistro chairs needed a second coat of paint, but the iron chairs only needed a bit of touching up.  Eight chairs painted!
During these past two days of painting, I also spray painted the propane tank in the back yard, giving it two coats of white paint on the body and a single coat of blue on the cap.  It looks so much better painted than rusty!  I also painted two black wrought iron plant holders.
I'm trying to fight the urge to paint my bathroom floor.