Nervous Wreck

 

Don't let the blue skies fool you, we are headed into a deep freeze. By the start of the week we'll be -7 F (-22C) with wind chills in the freeze your eyeballs range. Still, it was a lovely day at Two Rivers State Recreation Area in Waterloo, Nebraska. Once I found it, which was a challenge. It isn't but twenty minutes from home, but rural roads are confusing. Not much going on there except a few hardy souls ice fishing. And geese. There's always geese. 

Update: We hit-11 F.

The geese found a spot of open water. 

The drought continues, with brush fires now a very real threat in the winter months. There hasn't been any measurable snow yet, and none in the foreseeable future. Rain has been notably absent as well. We're all watching the destruction in California, and knowing it can be any of us next. Shhh, we're not supposed to talk about it. *Sticks fingers in ears, hums cheerful tune*.

Right, you come here for clothes.

Although we still haven't had snow, it is cold enough for boots.

Don't worry, I didn't fall. Just showing you my boots from an interesting angle. 

They're vintage suede and lined with shearling.

I found them last year at the end of the season, so this was the first opportunity I had to wear them.

I was a bit uneasy about the heels, but they proved easy enough to walk in.

My wardrobe has been undergoing reassessment as my body is changing, and I can't stand anything pressing on my abdomen or lower back. That's been challenging, but not impossible.

Don't I look cheerful? Honestly, I'm not sure why I look so grim . I mean, sure there's reasons, but that's not what's going on here. I think this was just a bad photo. Cool earrings though.

I typically dislike high waists but under the circumstances, the style is working.

Old favourites- a Laura Ashley dress I bought in the early 80s.

Accessories. I had a recent clear-out of clothes and jewelry, being able to give the bulk of it to a young woman just starting to build a professional wardrobe. I'm so happy my Jaeger blazers from the 80s and door-knocker earrings are going to be worn again. 

I thought this Angela Frascone handbag went well with the dress. It was an atypical choice, but I am trying to break out of the tendency to resort to black shoes/bag.

The Dale of Norway sweater has come out of storage for another season. It has a Gore-Tex wind blocking liner making it more than adequate for wear without a coat. I hate driving in a coat.

You've seen the 70s Snowland boots year after year. They're warm, comfortable, and if not exactly fashionable, stylish.

Some sort of bird.

Several layers under the skirt as well as thermal tights. I was perfectly warm.

Another multi-layered outfit featuring a cashmere sweater I bought in the 80s. The skirt is Valentino. It is not lined, which annoys me no end. I added a warm winter weight slip, but I shouldn't need to. Designer goods are being made as cheaply as the rest now. I thrifted it, of course but had I spent the money retail I'd be more than merely annoyed, though honestly, I wouldn't buy something so poorly made. Hmmm, ranting. Sorry.

Donegal Tweed jacket. That's a well made item of clothing. Heavy, warm, and largely indestructible.

Mystery marking on a brooch. I can't read it, can you?

Wasn't sure if it is an artichoke or a hop, but Tumblr friends feel that the notched tips and thick stem indicate artichoke.

You've seen this  Mexican jacket multiple times over the years.

Who's hungry? I was able to purchase some damaged produce tomatoes and red bell peppers for very little money, so I added some onion, beans, and spices and made quite a lot of food. Half of it went into the freezer for a quick meal at a later date. I tend to cook around what I find on sale. I never do know what will be on the cart, but this week it was bananas and avocados. Five avocados for .99 cents is a steal.

There's the beans served with olive chicken, and spinach.

Food is so outrageously expensive right now. I'm lucky to have a freezer and the ability to buy things on sale and stock up. That's harder to do if you're living week-to-week and certainly not everyone has the time and ability to cook. Ready meals are lifesavers in some circumstances. I won't be the person telling others how to eat/feed a family.

I wasn't kidding when I said I didn't know what to wear. This Pendleton suit is ancient. So is the sweater. Oh hell, so am I.

How about a fun pop of colour?

Not a set, but the pieces work nicely together.

Another ancient coat (once had a matching dress). Bleyle skirt.

Giant shoulder pads

Who doesn't love a swing-y 80s dress? Not everything from the decade was awful.

Another pair of vintage suede/shearling boots.

Don't stare at the skirt-it can give you a migraine.

Won't lose me in a crowd.

An 80s sweater that will be helpful if I forget the alphabet.

Why don't we do novelty sweaters these days? It would be a welcome change from the grey fleece uniform.

I don't know why this made me laugh so much, but figuring we could all use a laugh, here you go. I have no idea who the original artist is, but if you do, let me know and I'll credit them. 

This made me laugh too. 

Less amusing is how I look in bright light, without makeup. To be fair, I'm getting over some sort of viral whatever, but yeah, I'm not a kid anymore. That's good, I wouldn't want to be. 

 

I'll leave you with Radio Stars singing Nervous Wreck