73 at 8am, extremely humid. Another hot day.
After being away from home three days in a row, today I find myself tired, my stomach upset and my head feeling stuffy and achy. I'm not used to being away, that's the truth, after the past months of being home almost every single day of the week. My poor tummy is rebelling against the unfamiliar food--sandwiches picked up at a drive-thru, too much coffee--and my head is reacting to the hot stuffy humid air. And tired--well, don't you feel that way after being out for a day or two? Maybe I'm just showing my age but it wears me out.
So I'm low-key today, pushing myself to do the usual housework and get back to painting that china cabinet. I've finished coat 3 of new paint this afternoon. I've worked a bit on ebay too, packing things for shipping. I was surprised and concerned at this message on the ebay shipping page: "USPS is experiencing significant delays across their delivery network. Please consider using other carrier options that may provide a better buyer experience."
Hunh? What other options do I have? None, I can tell you that with confidence. FedEX and UPS charge to pick up packages and their shipping rates are outrageous for the kinds of things I ship. Big volume shippers probably get great rates, but not small-time sellers like me. To use either of these services means a trip into town, or pay an exorbitant price for pickup. I am deeply concerned about what's going on with the USPS. That service is a lifeline for many rural people, especially the elderly. To see what's happening to it right now is frightening and sad.
I will be closely watching the news about the post office changes, and hoping it can hold on and remain that backbone of communication it has always been. I understand when change is necessary, but I think we'd be cutting off our noses to spite our faces if the service were to be ended.
At least I can get some peace of mind with a cup of tea. And with a pretty cup to make it taste better--well, that's what my mother always said. This month's cup is marked "Z.B. Co. Bavaria." It's simple, but a nice shape and holds more than some. I bought a set of 4 for 2 dollars, but one cracked on the way home, and I sold the other two, just keeping this one for my own use. The basket of flowers seems appropriate for this late summer month. The pretty little platter behind it was a 25-cent find, and is our morning toast plate now. We both like it, which is funny because I didn't think my husband noticed what dishes we use. Apparently he does. Pretty sweet.
I love yourtoast platter . . . and the fact that Larry likes it.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many things to worry about this year.
Thanks, Nance. Small pleasures can take the edge off worry, it seems. Like you, the year seems filled with worry--including about the poor farmers in Iowa who lost their crops in the storm this week.
DeleteHi Granny Sue! Love your blog. Hope you're feeling better. RE: USPS - unfortunately, a lot of news on this right now. The current administration is intentionally making things at USPS difficult from both a budget and processing perspective. Has to do with upcoming election and mail-in voting. Very sad situation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting, Mary--that's my middle name, you know. I am feeling much better thanks. I am sure it was my body rejecting that "boughten" food, LOL. I am so frustrated by the attacks on the postal service; it's such a vital service, with a long history in our country. I just hope it can withstand the pressure.
DeleteIt always takes me a few days to readjust after being away from home. Home is where I feel the best and eat the best! Here in Kentucky, allergy season is upon us. Yuk. I hope you don't suffer with them.
ReplyDeleteI am so furious about what's being done to destroy the USPS that I can't even talk about it calmly, so I'll stop right there!
ReplyDeleteAnd I do understand about feeling tired after being somewhere - it takes me 2 or 3 days to feel right again after a day where I've had to drive somewhere for simple errands. But I think for me it's just anything "extra" from my usual chores. Tomorrow at 10 I've got 1 or 2 fellows coming over to rebuild the deck on my stilt barn - something I would have done myself a few years ag0 - and just thinking about having two men here, all three of us hard of hearing and trying to yell everything while I try to maintain safe distancing...well, I feel tired already from tomorrow!
I love your teacup! Such a happy design on the front of it. Sure will make your day better.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have recovered from your days out. I'll do anything to avoid going anywhere. Funny!