Just Amy
@amymlevy.bsky.social
Kentucky 🔵 Happily married 💕retired fed 🔬📝 sewist 🪡 gardener 👩🏼🌾 dog interpreter 🐶 liberal thinker 🗽 GenX cliche! 🕷️☕️🌈😷🕎
🚫 automatic follow-backs or random DMs ✅ interesting content
🚫 automatic follow-backs or random DMs ✅ interesting content
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Just Amy
@amymlevy.bsky.social
· May 11
My posts can be split into 3 main groups: pictures of my dog (Percy), short daily summaries (food, sewing, tasks accomplished, birds sighted, etc.), and occasional re-posts of news items that I want to comment on.
Basic slice of life stuff.
Follow or not, I'm not bothered. Not here for the clout.
Basic slice of life stuff.
Follow or not, I'm not bothered. Not here for the clout.
My in-no-way-am-I-an-expert prediction? The February numbers will be announced around 130K (so look, all good right?) while the January numbers are quietly revised down significantly... rinse/repeat for March.... April...
The U.S. economy opened 2026 on better footing, but revised figures paint an even weaker picture of last year’s performance. https://to.pbs.org/3O8Cjra
Revised economic numbers inject uncertainty into jobs market
The U.S. economy opened 2026 on better footing, with the latest jobs report showing employers added 130,000 jobs in January. But the data also had revised figures that paint an even weaker picture of ...
to.pbs.org
February 12, 2026 at 4:12 AM
My in-no-way-am-I-an-expert prediction? The February numbers will be announced around 130K (so look, all good right?) while the January numbers are quietly revised down significantly... rinse/repeat for March.... April...
We're big fans of batch cooking when we have spoons-it takes the same time to make 2-4 servings of many meals as it does to make 8-12. Baked pasta dishes (e.g. mac and cheese, bolognese, etc) go into small pans and frozen. We also can soup and chili. Quick home-cooked meals on those low-energy days.
February 11, 2026 at 7:27 PM
We're big fans of batch cooking when we have spoons-it takes the same time to make 2-4 servings of many meals as it does to make 8-12. Baked pasta dishes (e.g. mac and cheese, bolognese, etc) go into small pans and frozen. We also can soup and chili. Quick home-cooked meals on those low-energy days.
Percy is absolutely ready for all the snow to melt and for mud season to begin.
February 10, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Percy is absolutely ready for all the snow to melt and for mud season to begin.
After all is said and done, I think I put the pocket on backwards on the back, but it wasn't clear from the instructions, so I'll remember that for the next one.
February 9, 2026 at 8:58 PM
After all is said and done, I think I put the pocket on backwards on the back, but it wasn't clear from the instructions, so I'll remember that for the next one.
As pattern tests go, I’m pretty happy with this one. I learned a lot, so bonus points.
I want another pocket on the inside, and I might change the fastening for the front (pattern uses hook-loop tape) in my next make. However, this version is totally usable for a purse, once I make the strap.
I want another pocket on the inside, and I might change the fastening for the front (pattern uses hook-loop tape) in my next make. However, this version is totally usable for a purse, once I make the strap.
February 9, 2026 at 8:53 PM
As pattern tests go, I’m pretty happy with this one. I learned a lot, so bonus points.
I want another pocket on the inside, and I might change the fastening for the front (pattern uses hook-loop tape) in my next make. However, this version is totally usable for a purse, once I make the strap.
I want another pocket on the inside, and I might change the fastening for the front (pattern uses hook-loop tape) in my next make. However, this version is totally usable for a purse, once I make the strap.
It's melting! It's melting!!
February 9, 2026 at 7:22 PM
It's melting! It's melting!!
The best explanation I've heard yet on why "troops at polling stations" (including armed ICE agents) not only would be illegal, but an **insulting** ask of the military.
I really think the whole idea is propaganda, merely feeding the MAGA base what they want to hear.
youtu.be/WIOevTZkiQM?...
I really think the whole idea is propaganda, merely feeding the MAGA base what they want to hear.
youtu.be/WIOevTZkiQM?...
Let's talk about Trump, troops at the polls, and roadblocks....
YouTube video by Belle of the Ranch
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 5:55 PM
The best explanation I've heard yet on why "troops at polling stations" (including armed ICE agents) not only would be illegal, but an **insulting** ask of the military.
I really think the whole idea is propaganda, merely feeding the MAGA base what they want to hear.
youtu.be/WIOevTZkiQM?...
I really think the whole idea is propaganda, merely feeding the MAGA base what they want to hear.
youtu.be/WIOevTZkiQM?...
Isn’t this fabric combination just lovely?
Left is lining, right is outer layer.
Downside is, even though I have hundreds of thread colors, finding a decent match was rough. I wound up going with a dark beige which blends well with the gold on outer fabric.
Left is lining, right is outer layer.
Downside is, even though I have hundreds of thread colors, finding a decent match was rough. I wound up going with a dark beige which blends well with the gold on outer fabric.
February 8, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Isn’t this fabric combination just lovely?
Left is lining, right is outer layer.
Downside is, even though I have hundreds of thread colors, finding a decent match was rough. I wound up going with a dark beige which blends well with the gold on outer fabric.
Left is lining, right is outer layer.
Downside is, even though I have hundreds of thread colors, finding a decent match was rough. I wound up going with a dark beige which blends well with the gold on outer fabric.
Today's productivity note(s):
I browned and canned 5 pints of sausage crumble for the pantry.
I decided to test a knapsack pattern: picked out two fabrics, cut out the required pieces, applied the interfacing, selected hardware, and prepped the d-ring loops. It's all ready for me to assemble.
I browned and canned 5 pints of sausage crumble for the pantry.
I decided to test a knapsack pattern: picked out two fabrics, cut out the required pieces, applied the interfacing, selected hardware, and prepped the d-ring loops. It's all ready for me to assemble.
February 8, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Today's productivity note(s):
I browned and canned 5 pints of sausage crumble for the pantry.
I decided to test a knapsack pattern: picked out two fabrics, cut out the required pieces, applied the interfacing, selected hardware, and prepped the d-ring loops. It's all ready for me to assemble.
I browned and canned 5 pints of sausage crumble for the pantry.
I decided to test a knapsack pattern: picked out two fabrics, cut out the required pieces, applied the interfacing, selected hardware, and prepped the d-ring loops. It's all ready for me to assemble.
Recent meal examples:
* yummy quesadillas using tortillas, "ugly chicken", shredded cheese, and pre-sliced onions
* loaded potatoes with chopped onion, shredded cheese, and canned chili
* home-canned baked beans and weenies
We've eaten all our canned bulk sausage, so that's the plan for tmw.
* yummy quesadillas using tortillas, "ugly chicken", shredded cheese, and pre-sliced onions
* loaded potatoes with chopped onion, shredded cheese, and canned chili
* home-canned baked beans and weenies
We've eaten all our canned bulk sausage, so that's the plan for tmw.
February 8, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Recent meal examples:
* yummy quesadillas using tortillas, "ugly chicken", shredded cheese, and pre-sliced onions
* loaded potatoes with chopped onion, shredded cheese, and canned chili
* home-canned baked beans and weenies
We've eaten all our canned bulk sausage, so that's the plan for tmw.
* yummy quesadillas using tortillas, "ugly chicken", shredded cheese, and pre-sliced onions
* loaded potatoes with chopped onion, shredded cheese, and canned chili
* home-canned baked beans and weenies
We've eaten all our canned bulk sausage, so that's the plan for tmw.
While Matt has been recovering from his procedure last week, he hasn't felt much like cooking dinner most nights. I've been trying to help him out when I can.
Our canning pantry is allowing us to make some simple, but tasty, meals without too much effort/thought.
Our canning pantry is allowing us to make some simple, but tasty, meals without too much effort/thought.
February 8, 2026 at 12:37 AM
While Matt has been recovering from his procedure last week, he hasn't felt much like cooking dinner most nights. I've been trying to help him out when I can.
Our canning pantry is allowing us to make some simple, but tasty, meals without too much effort/thought.
Our canning pantry is allowing us to make some simple, but tasty, meals without too much effort/thought.
It felt particularly satisfying to send a promotional email from the Washington Post "to junk" this morning.
February 7, 2026 at 2:18 PM
It felt particularly satisfying to send a promotional email from the Washington Post "to junk" this morning.
It is officially above freezing today, so we went out to run some errands: Bub's for breakfast (for motivation), Aldi (for groceries), and the post office (for mailing our state tax return).
We're home again (jiggity-jig) and I'm settled in to watch some sewing videos and perhaps take a nap.
We're home again (jiggity-jig) and I'm settled in to watch some sewing videos and perhaps take a nap.
February 6, 2026 at 7:33 PM
It is officially above freezing today, so we went out to run some errands: Bub's for breakfast (for motivation), Aldi (for groceries), and the post office (for mailing our state tax return).
We're home again (jiggity-jig) and I'm settled in to watch some sewing videos and perhaps take a nap.
We're home again (jiggity-jig) and I'm settled in to watch some sewing videos and perhaps take a nap.
I freely admit that Percy is a bit spoiled.
He loves peanut butter. We save his used marrow bones and will fill them when he needs some good old self-soothing licking. And when the jar is emptied, well, he gets that too.
#dogs #dogsofbluesky
He loves peanut butter. We save his used marrow bones and will fill them when he needs some good old self-soothing licking. And when the jar is emptied, well, he gets that too.
#dogs #dogsofbluesky
February 6, 2026 at 6:17 PM
I freely admit that Percy is a bit spoiled.
He loves peanut butter. We save his used marrow bones and will fill them when he needs some good old self-soothing licking. And when the jar is emptied, well, he gets that too.
#dogs #dogsofbluesky
He loves peanut butter. We save his used marrow bones and will fill them when he needs some good old self-soothing licking. And when the jar is emptied, well, he gets that too.
#dogs #dogsofbluesky
WHY is it lightly snowing? WHY?!?!
This is not in my local weather forecast for this morning, and yet, there it is.
I want to lodge a complaint...
This is not in my local weather forecast for this morning, and yet, there it is.
I want to lodge a complaint...
February 5, 2026 at 2:32 PM
WHY is it lightly snowing? WHY?!?!
This is not in my local weather forecast for this morning, and yet, there it is.
I want to lodge a complaint...
This is not in my local weather forecast for this morning, and yet, there it is.
I want to lodge a complaint...
My bit of winter entertainment this afternoon at the bird feeder: a small flock of juncos have been putting on quite the acrobatic show as they flit from tray to ground and back again.
They seem almost oblivious to the greedy starlings who are too large for most perches.
Too quick for pictures.
They seem almost oblivious to the greedy starlings who are too large for most perches.
Too quick for pictures.
February 4, 2026 at 6:24 PM
My bit of winter entertainment this afternoon at the bird feeder: a small flock of juncos have been putting on quite the acrobatic show as they flit from tray to ground and back again.
They seem almost oblivious to the greedy starlings who are too large for most perches.
Too quick for pictures.
They seem almost oblivious to the greedy starlings who are too large for most perches.
Too quick for pictures.
Spaghettios, cold, straight from the can. Has to be the name-brand though, not generic, not any other style of canned pasta.
Yep, I'm really weird... but when nothing else appeals, I can manage to eat that. I try to keep a couple of cans on hand for emergencies.
Yep, I'm really weird... but when nothing else appeals, I can manage to eat that. I try to keep a couple of cans on hand for emergencies.
February 4, 2026 at 5:23 AM
Spaghettios, cold, straight from the can. Has to be the name-brand though, not generic, not any other style of canned pasta.
Yep, I'm really weird... but when nothing else appeals, I can manage to eat that. I try to keep a couple of cans on hand for emergencies.
Yep, I'm really weird... but when nothing else appeals, I can manage to eat that. I try to keep a couple of cans on hand for emergencies.
I was supposed to be "John Michael" - I have two sons, one has first name John and the other has middle name Michael. And because I am silly, John's middle name starts with A, as does the other's first name.
And I occasionally use my middle name, rather than my given name, as my name-of-choice.
And I occasionally use my middle name, rather than my given name, as my name-of-choice.
February 4, 2026 at 2:09 AM
I was supposed to be "John Michael" - I have two sons, one has first name John and the other has middle name Michael. And because I am silly, John's middle name starts with A, as does the other's first name.
And I occasionally use my middle name, rather than my given name, as my name-of-choice.
And I occasionally use my middle name, rather than my given name, as my name-of-choice.
I totally understand! I have three different pairs, depending on what I need to do: close work/reading, distance/driving, and middle distance (computer work, around the house). There's some overlap, and my vision insurance will pay for a new rx every year, so I rotate. I'm never completely without.
February 3, 2026 at 5:58 PM
I totally understand! I have three different pairs, depending on what I need to do: close work/reading, distance/driving, and middle distance (computer work, around the house). There's some overlap, and my vision insurance will pay for a new rx every year, so I rotate. I'm never completely without.
2/2 In other news, we already have our federal tax refund (one week after filing!!!), so I've prepped our state tax return (we owe) and will hopefully get it mailed this week.
Next year's tax returns should be even easier!
Now I get to do some window shopping (online of course).
Next year's tax returns should be even easier!
Now I get to do some window shopping (online of course).
February 3, 2026 at 5:41 PM
2/2 In other news, we already have our federal tax refund (one week after filing!!!), so I've prepped our state tax return (we owe) and will hopefully get it mailed this week.
Next year's tax returns should be even easier!
Now I get to do some window shopping (online of course).
Next year's tax returns should be even easier!
Now I get to do some window shopping (online of course).
1/2 So Matt had another procedure yesterday afternoon. He's recovering, but slowly. Today, he's in a lot of pain, but his temp is good and he's got a small appetite, so calling it a win, though no errands.
Thankfully, our preferred local pet store delivers, so Percy will not have to go hungry.
Thankfully, our preferred local pet store delivers, so Percy will not have to go hungry.
February 3, 2026 at 5:41 PM
1/2 So Matt had another procedure yesterday afternoon. He's recovering, but slowly. Today, he's in a lot of pain, but his temp is good and he's got a small appetite, so calling it a win, though no errands.
Thankfully, our preferred local pet store delivers, so Percy will not have to go hungry.
Thankfully, our preferred local pet store delivers, so Percy will not have to go hungry.
Awww... Henry's cousin!
February 2, 2026 at 2:25 AM
Awww... Henry's cousin!
Dear Mother Nature,
I can appreciate a cool day every now and again. Occasionally, snow can be quite lovely. Even icicles can be nice in bright sunshine.
But, honestly, I've had enough of these consecutive days below freezing.
Please, my joints are begging you. Bring back our warmer weather.
I can appreciate a cool day every now and again. Occasionally, snow can be quite lovely. Even icicles can be nice in bright sunshine.
But, honestly, I've had enough of these consecutive days below freezing.
Please, my joints are begging you. Bring back our warmer weather.
a penguin wearing sunglasses and a scarf is frozen in a cube of ice
Alt: a penguin wearing sunglasses and a scarf is frozen in a cube of ice
media.tenor.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Dear Mother Nature,
I can appreciate a cool day every now and again. Occasionally, snow can be quite lovely. Even icicles can be nice in bright sunshine.
But, honestly, I've had enough of these consecutive days below freezing.
Please, my joints are begging you. Bring back our warmer weather.
I can appreciate a cool day every now and again. Occasionally, snow can be quite lovely. Even icicles can be nice in bright sunshine.
But, honestly, I've had enough of these consecutive days below freezing.
Please, my joints are begging you. Bring back our warmer weather.
Not to toot my own horn, but these beans were absolutely amazing. We had an early dinner meal, as Matt has a gig in L'ville tonight. After cooking down, the recipe I followed made five pints, so we ate one, and I jarred up the other four. Those are in the canner to become shelf-stable future meals.
January 31, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Not to toot my own horn, but these beans were absolutely amazing. We had an early dinner meal, as Matt has a gig in L'ville tonight. After cooking down, the recipe I followed made five pints, so we ate one, and I jarred up the other four. Those are in the canner to become shelf-stable future meals.
Rather than my usual video-binge for Saturday morning, I've been busy making a huge batch of Boston Baked Beans. They're in the oven now, so I can take a break for a bit.
These are destined for dinner tonight, as well as the canner for future dinners.
The house already smells so good!
These are destined for dinner tonight, as well as the canner for future dinners.
The house already smells so good!
January 31, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Rather than my usual video-binge for Saturday morning, I've been busy making a huge batch of Boston Baked Beans. They're in the oven now, so I can take a break for a bit.
These are destined for dinner tonight, as well as the canner for future dinners.
The house already smells so good!
These are destined for dinner tonight, as well as the canner for future dinners.
The house already smells so good!