Christmas Pre trip Info

Hello,

Before trip details I should talk about playing for church. On the whole it went ok. The only big thing was that I lost track of the number of verses played in one hymn and started in with no one singing with me. I still am not sure about the settings that I used. I liked the tone quality, but I think it might have been a bit quiet. It seemed quite loud in the empty church when I practiced. Attendance was low because of the snow that was blanketing the earth and the continual additions to that blanket. It was truly beautiful. Leroy does not like the low attendance, but I find it easier to deal with a smaller group.

Leroy and I shoveled a little on the drive before we went to bed. Mostly we cleared the area facing the garage. In the morning we woke early and getting outside at maybe 5:30. There was probably about four inches out there. With the warmer temperatures it was quite heavy snow. We had almost cleared the area in front of the garage again and were talking about taking a break when a truck with snow removal blade was driving by, went past the driveway, backed up, and came in.

“Leroy, they probably are looking for work and would do the drive for a fee.” I commented.

The truck came to us, stopped, put down the window, the bearded driver stuck his head out and said, “Good morning, pastor.”

He proceeded to drop the blade, back out of the drive, wave, and zip on down the street. He finished in two minutes what would have taken us half an hour to an hour. We are blessed again, pressed down and running over.

Because of that help we got on the road a little earlier than we had expected. It helped us feel a bit more at ease since we did not know what the roads would be like, although we hoped the snow had stopped early enough to give the workers a chance to get it clear.

Paula

Christmas Letter

Christmas Letter
December 2010

Hello,

How does one write a Christmas Letter that will contain new and fresh information when you have gotten frequent letters from this sender?

Things we think we can’t live without because we have become accustomed to having them around.

A remote for the light/fan in the bedroom.
Three bedrooms that we can use anyway we choose.
A huge basement.
A computer.
The Internet.
Telephones that tell us who has called.
Fresh produce.
Refrigerator at eye level.
Places to walk.
Songs to sing.


Things we absolutely do not want to live without:

Family
Friends
Laughter
Love
Joy


We hope and pray that you also will have these things in your lives and that God is with you in new and dramatic ways at Christmas and in the year to come.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love to you all.
Paula

Why

Hello,

Why did I say I would play for Christmas Eve? Some other inauspicious time would have been better. I had just asked the organist if I could play the organ for fun. I have known many organists who are quite possessive of their instruments. She was not only happy to have me play it, but she wondered if I could play for Christmas Eve. It is always easy to say yes when the time is a long ways out. Now I am not convinced that it is best. It is always hard to know what the settings will sound like in a church full of people as opposed to an empty space. I do feel that it is necessary that I play since I learned last night that they have not found someone who can play on the 26th when we will be gone. Now that would have been more likely a low attendance time for me to play.

I am also finding that most of the pre and post service music that I have is really short since I have always played in a small church and did not need to fill much time. Actually no one wanted me to be playing a long time when for instance the offering was already collected.

Because of nervousness I have been putting off the task of actually spending much time practicing and figuring out the stops. One very positive thing is that there are no new hymns to learn. All are old favorites so I am not concerned about that.

I remember that when we moved to Ely, the first time I played was for Easter Sunday. It was apparently the day the time changed to daylight savings time because the organist did not come. At least there, I had been playing in the more recent past and I had spent some time just playing around on that organ. Now I feel as if I have been thrown into the deep end. I am trying to think positively and know that I will do an ok job of it, but a part of me would like to be impressive and that is not likely to happen since I am in survival mode. Then sometimes I try to remind myself that all of this is to the glory of God so I should just relax into it and give it my best shot. God knows how much I have prepared.

Paula

Helper Leroy

Hello,

Leroy is a great helper around the house. He almost never says no to a request and he never complains. What more could I want? Oh no, sometimes I do want more, I want it all.

The other day in the laundry area, Leroy noticed a laundry basket half full of clothes. Assuming the clothes had been washed he proceeded to take it upstairs and to sort out his things putting them away. I came through later ready to start that load of laundry, but could not see the basket that I thought I had left in plain sight. I checked both closets and the bathroom in the area. No basket. I looked around on the rest of the main level wondering why I would have moved it. Then after checking the closets and bathroom again I went upstairs. There was the basket in our bedroom still with a small amount clothes in it.

“Leroy I think we had better buy some nursing care insurance as you are surely going to need it. I have early onset Alzheimer’s.” I told him, feeling nervous about my sanity. “Oh dear,” I thought that is another sign, isn’t it, feeling scared and nervous.

“Why on earth is that?” Leroy asked.

“I took the laundry basket with dirty dark clothes upstairs and have absolutely no memory of doing that,” I told him.

Leroy started laughing, “I came home needing to get something upstairs, thought those were clean clothes, took them upstairs for you, put my clothes away, and left yours in the basket.”

It took awhile but I did eventually laugh although with some relief as well as some irritation at my great helper.

Paula

Leroy's Day Off

Hello,

Leroy called and got an eye exam scheduled this morning. That shaped our day. The first stop was the library even though it is not in the neighborhood, but we could make a large circle and say it was on the way.

Then it was on to another store. I “raced” in looked at about two things and went back out without buying anything.

Leroy had his exam in the Wal-Mart building. I have to say that I was pleased to find a gift for Leroy that I am sure he will like. When I told him he could not look in the bag, he said, “Oh no now the pressure is on I must find something for you.”

“I do not even know what to suggest as I have everything I need or want,” I told him. One day I had thought of something, but no longer remember what it was.

I shopped or wandered in the store until I could not handle it any more at which point I went and sat with Leroy as he was picking out some frames and lens types. If we could get the basic type of glasses it would be cheaper, but as it is we are grateful to see. The cost per day of daily wear is not so bad when you figure out what 3.5 years of wear equals.

I am also spending a lot of money in the near future as after consultation with my former dentist, I will have my crown replaced. As some of you might know those things are not cheap, but for my oral health it is a good thing. Our insurance will pay 50% after a $100 deductable.

Our second to the last stop was Hy-Vee grocery store. The manager of one of the stores here sent us a letter saying that we could get 10% off of one visit because we are new in town. The two stores in town had given us three free items. So it was stock up time and splurge time. Leroy found some Beer Kaese Cheese. This cheese is, depending on your point of view, a step up from limburger. It is a soft pungent cheese. The sign said it was imported from Germany. The block had the German flag on it but also the word Wisconsin with no address given. I say it was a splurge because this cheese cost $19.99 per pound making it a bit pricy. The 10% off helped a little. We cut some home made bread sliced cheese on top and put it in the microwave for 13 seconds. It was wonderful. We used to get a cheese called smear(not sure how that was spelled) brick. When our children were home they used to command, “Don’t open the refrigerator when my friends are in the house.” The smell would waft out the door always.

Our last stop was at the airport. We had purchased a gift to take to DC and I was not sure that it would go through the security. I was driving so Leroy graciously agreed to run in and ask even though he thought it would not be a problem. He found that it should be fine in the package or even unwrapped. We are going to try not to check in a bag. We will not be there so many days so it should be possible. I believe in washing clothes.

Paula

Snow Frisbee Golf

Hello,

Two guys were out there along with dogs, Frisbees, and bags to carry Frisbees. It was quite picturesque with the snow covering most things. Another advantage to playing Frisbee instead of the “real” golf game is that the snow does not cover the hole so you can not find it. The goal here is a post with a basket on it that is perpetually available.

Leroy and I so enjoyed our walk this morning. The temperature was about 20 F., snow was falling, and there was no wind creating a peaceful beautiful setting. Both of us are feeling well now giving us additional blessings.

Others had been out there ahead of us as we saw human tracks of footprints, car tires, and bike tires. I am so happy that people are out enjoying this park. Then there were the squirrel, deer, and dog tracks. The crows were having an early morning conference high in the trees.

I did my yoga routine this morning. For some reason I have not made it a habit here. That is ruining my flexibility and posture. Several times a day I admonish, “Don’t slouch Paula.” So far I have not listened. Maybe later I will get there. Leroy is good he does his exercises as soon as he gets out of bed, I instead write or read.

Decorations still are not up, but the tree is now fully lit once again. Leroy and I practiced a little team work to get that sting of malfunctioning lights off and a new one on. Sometimes we are good at teamwork and sometimes not.

I am hoping to get enough snow to cross country ski in the park so there will be another activity over there.

Paula

Driver's License renewal

Hello,

I thought I would be at the license place at 8:00. We got out of bed a little late, took a little longer walk than the past days, took a longer shower, and consequently it was 8:30 by the time I got there. There were no people in the place but the two women who worked there. At least no crowds were ahead of me. I suppose the weather makes a difference. I really did not want to be there either but mostly because my license has the best picture of me that I have ever had on a driver’s license. I suspect that this time I could not be so fortunate, especially since Leroy had to take his glasses off for his. Would you even recognize me if I did not wear glasses? I certainly would not be able to see you.

Looking at my license, the woman said, “You do not have to renew until next year.”

“What?” I asked as I was sure that I had checked the date. It did indeed say 2011. Embarrassing, I just hope she did not think it was an age thing. Well that is nice I get to keep that good looking picture for one more year. Course Leroy wondered if the address was correct, but I did not check on that since I had sent it in to the state office shortly after we moved here. True they had not given me any indication that they had received that notification.

Guess that got me all off on another thought pattern because I totally forgot about Bible study and went shopping instead. After all I was out of milk.

This afternoon I practiced the organ in a cold sanctuary with temperatures that were, according to the secretary below 50 degrees F. I will say that my hands and feet got quite cold. I did not wear my coat, but had my warm scarf wrapped around my throat. Maybe stiff fingers would explain any mistakes that I made.

Paula

Putting up the Tree

Hello,

Sunday, in spite of being busy, we got the tree up. Is it really a tree when not wood? Anyway I hauled parts upstairs. Thanks Brian and Jen for this good looking tree that is not a tree. Leroy helped get it up and branches fluffed to look more like a tree. I thought I could decorate it Monday.

We put the tree in the front window and that is when I discovered that a breeze blows under the window. A rather cool breeze when it is below zero outside. I got our body pillow thinking it might cover it, but the window is larger so I added a throw. That blocked the breeze, but not all of the cold.

Monday morning I practiced or sorted through music trying to figure out what I would play. At noon we put on the lights. We even remembered to check first to see if they worked. Then the ornaments went on with talk about the history, condition, and placement of many of them.

Now I think we have a good looking tree. This morning I plugged in the lights to enjoy it in the early morning dusk only to find that the bottom string of lights no longer works. Do you suppose the between the two of us Leroy and I can take that off without breaking any ornaments? We do have two spare light sets. In the past we have put lights outside but in the last years it has not worked very well because of outlet placements. Now I am glad that we still have that spare string as one way or another we will get it on the tree.

Gradually I am bringing up other Christmas decorations. Maybe tomorrow I will get many more up. I need to renew my driver’s license and I thought I might get that done in the morning if it is not snowing. One thing about not working for a boss I can be flexible in my routine, no money earned, but lots of satisfaction.

Paula

Sunday

Hello,

Yesterday seemed close to a typical winter Sunday. As the forecast was grim and snow had fallen with more in the air, wind brisk, temperatures low and predicted lower, it would seem that not many people would be in church. Leroy was mentally preparing for 30 or less. Would you believe there were more? Not a crowd, but impressive for the conditions.

The choir sang and there were four women and three men so that was a nice number.

I had written a check, put it in the offering envelope, and put that envelope in my pocket so I would have it handy. After I put on the pocket-less choir robe, I realized that I must have the offering out of my skirt pocket unless I planned to drag my robe up around my waist. The choir sits in the front of the congregation so that did not seem like a dignified thing to do. Oops there was no envelope in my pocket. I looked in the bathroom hoping I had not flushed it down the toilet, retraced my steps from the sanctuary to the choir room, patted my pockets so see if I missed it, and wondered how many days to wait before writing a new check. Just before the offering I commented to my seatmates that I had lost my contribution. When the offering plate came first to the woman next to me I noticed there was an envelope already there. It was mine! Later I told Leroy my tale and he said, “Oh I found that on the floor and put it in the plate without looking at it.”

In the evening Leroy was not feeling so good in his throat consequently I sang the liturgy. I enjoyed that. It is simple so it does not threaten me and the attendance is small also not threatening to me. I thought it went well. There were many more people attending than we had expected for this late service too. That always helps pastors feel better. Attendance can become the new god.

Paula

Those Christmas Letters

Hello,

Full of energy and focused on the outcome I composed a letter that Leroy declared fine. But then Leroy is quite easy to please as long as he does not have to do this himself. Next step was getting out the box of envelopes, list, and addresses. I was working away when I realized that the seal on the envelop had done its job too soon and very well. Modern glues are great stickers. Too much storage time in high heat and humidity last summer is surely the reason.

But what to do now? Carefully open the seam? Throw them away? Go buy more?

I ended keeping them for the following reasons: I wanted to work on them today. The store is about three or four miles away and it is raining, sleeting, or snowing. After reading Garbage Land, I know our trash does not need more things and they will end up there anyway but then it would be double the number if I got more. I am just plain cheap. My parents were strong on the “don’t throw away” message. They could have been at the forefront with their recycling ideals, making do, and not wasting. They were at the forefront, but no one knew.

Some of envelopes I carefully pried open. Some Leroy got open with a letter opener. Some Leroy steamed open. (Steaming letters open is not for the faint hearted or else it is over rated.) All of them need re-gluing or sticking in some manner. All of them will look old and tired by the time they reach the recipient. If pride is a part of all this letter sending I have lost all of my pride and then some.

Leroy is still a bit weak and coughing. He did take a shortened walk this morning and he went to church. So he did not laze around the entire day. Oh yes and he opened at least 15 envelopes. That may not sound like much, but I know the full value of tedious work.

We are going to a play tonight. If we did not have season tickets we would probably stay home. Leroy is going armed with cough drops.

Paula

the Parks

Hello,

One loud bang followed another. I have heard that before so did not think much of it. Movement flashed towrds the big window in front. It was a deer sporting a nice set of antlers closely followed by its friend also supplied with antlers. They seemed to be racing right to the house and the window, but veered off and cut around the corner when a third dashed past as well. Lucky me I got to see them in two windows. Just as I was ready to run to the back to watch I saw a fourth deer with small antlers charging out of the park, across the street, toward the house, and around the corner. Looking out the back revealed that they were dashing over the choppy ground of the empty bean field before they slipped between houses on the other side. I thought the noise had come from the back, but perhaps I was mistaken. Surely those deer know what they are doing.

It was a bit warmer this afternoon. I hung out clothes and then Leroy and I took a walk in the park. It seemed the park was teaming with people. Frisbee golf players were out working their way round the course. Some thought it warm enough at 40 degrees to just wear a t-shirt with no jacket. Bang, clang told the listeners that the skateboarders were practicing their skills. Dogs might have outnumbered people as some walkers had two dogs and only one human. There were a few others who, like us, were just walking.

Leroy did not feel so very well so he made just a short circuit. He also did not go to the dentist this morning. He was coughing and sneezing some so it did not seem prudent to have someone look very much in his mouth. This dentist recommends that I have a crown replaced because the bone under it is wearing away.

Just a progress report, I have managed to eliminate one old not well liked sweater from my collection.

Paula

My Style

My Style
December 8, 2010

Hello,

Leroy stayed home today, coughed, sneezed some, blew his nose, snuffed his nose, read some, and slept some. I am ready for him to be well tomorrow. Last night he was noisy so he rolled over, but then in a bit he started to whistle through his nose or mouth. I simply gave up and went to the spare bed with gratitude for that alternative possibility. We are blessed to have more than we need.

I am pleased with myself as I figured out how to dim the light in the bedroom. It is with a fan. There is a switch on the wall as well as a remote. The dimmer possibility is on the remote. It is not so easy to do it because the button is small or my fingers are large. All with the same switch you can dim, brighten, and turn on/off.

I think the pictures that I posted yesterday do lie. I have more gray hair than it would appear and my hair is thinner. Also it took three shots before we could get a good one of Leroy, Sophia, and I. Three people, three tries, perhaps that makes sense.

Today I got a flu shot so now I should be well for the rest of the winter, right? We are fortunate that our insurance pays for it. The pharmacist wanted to know if I were on Medicare. Do I really look that old? But then I am not sure when I could sign up for that. I am 62 almost 63 is that close enough?

I am working on a Christmas letter that is not materializing. It was easier when the family was bigger with more possibilities of things that happened around here. Now it is just two of us and only one of us is interesting in any one day.

Paula

Out and About

Hello,

The mechanic called this afternoon to let us know that the car was ready. When Leroy got home from the funeral we went to get it. By the way Leroy was quite concerned about the cemetery part of the service since this woman had been in the WAVES and there is a military piece outside. Surprise, surprise, the veterans no longer do anything outside when it is cold. So Leroy did not have to worry and he could speed along with what he had to say when in the cool air.

“Do you want to shop,” Leroy asked, “after you pick up the car since you will be in the area of some store?”

“Oh shopping takes too much energy,” I said, “I need to go in the morning when I am fresh and better able to handle it.”

But then I decided I would do some as I wanted to get my welcome flowers at Hy-Vee since the temperature had raised a few degrees and the morning might again be cool and kill the flowers before I got them in the warm car. Since I was doing that stop I might as well do three more. Then three turned into another quick stop. The car started every time. Does that mean it is fixed? Who knows?

All in all I did quite well. Without feeling too tired I even got a new sweater, but sadly no boots. The store had some Keen’s that I thought would be great, but it was too tight on my left foot. That is sad since I do like walking in my Keen sandals. I even walked in them this morning wearing thick wool socks. The temperature on our thermometer in the back was zero and in the front ten degrees. So it was somewhere in that territory. I have to admit that my feet were a little cold by the time I got home. I might have to get out the Sorrels, but they are not the best walking boot, however they are warm, dry, and they fit me.

I learned today that I have a rather high arch and that is what makes it difficult for me to slip my foot into a high top boot that does not have a zipper or other expansion of the opening. I had always thought it was because my foot is so big. All the time there are new things to learn.


Paula

Using the phone

Hello,

Those of you who have been around me a long time know that I do not easily pick up the phone and call someone. Now once I am on the phone I can be hard to get rid of. Perhaps it is such relief that a connection is made.

Today I made a couple difficult calls. It is probably not a big deal to most of you, but to me a chore. We had an insurance agent call giving us comparative estimates for our auto insurance and renters insurance. They came out $50 cheaper per year then our current company. Not a lot of money saved, but still… I did not feel right about just leaving the company without giving them a chance to state their position. We have been with them for a long time, but Leroy did not want to call. I finally I just told myself to do it and it was indeed not painful. We are going to get hard copies from the other company and go talk to our current agent to make a comparison.

A call that was not so hard to make, but I still dislike doing it was to get reservations for the play that is coming up. I would have liked to have gotten seats and a night when we got the season tickets. On the other hand it is nice that we can pick which of the seven days we would like to go as there could be a conflict with some of them and we do not know it so far ahead.

Then the really hard call is that I need to make an appointment to get a haircut. I picked out the free cut that has an expiration date on it. After a lot of searching and some help from Leroy I finally found the street on the map so I can get there. It is even closer than I expected. Now Leroy has a funeral tomorrow and an emergency at the hospital tonight so I will wait until we have two cars again. That way I am sure of transportation. The mechanic called today saying that there was something else in the clutch that is also a part of this problem. It is only another $14 and will be ready tomorrow if the part comes in. That is quicker than expected. Earlier he had talked about Thursday being the day.

Paula

Happiness

Hello,

Yeah! We got our money back from the cancelled airplane tickets. I switched our credit card billing to paperless. But I had not checked it when it came last time since I was not able to spend time looking for errors. Since it is in my email box I forgot to go look at it even though we did pay it. Now when I did finally look the return of that money was the first thing I saw. While I did not think of it every day when I did think of it I was a bit distressed as it had not shown up on the bill yet. Would you believe that we even saved $20 on the new tickets? The only problem is that with the first airline we could have checked in bags free since I have so many miles with them.

When we were at Brian’s I said to Jen, “I do not want to insult you, but I wondered if I could take this poor plant home to possibly revive it?”

Jen had commented earlier about its condition so I thought it might be ok. She did not say that it was a problem and gave it to me. I would not say the plant has sprung back to glory, but it looks alive and as if it might make it for some more days. I talk to it, trim off the dead leaves, put it in a spot that is light but not direct sunlight, and water it when it is droopy.

This has been a busy weekend. There is a big choir concert in this church. I ushered for them last night and again pre-concert this afternoon. Leroy attended both full concerts as he was required to be up front and welcome people.

I am not sure how it happened, but I am on two committees in this church. This is a rare occurrence for me. One committee seems to have been my limit in the past. The library committee and the inter-generation, or whatever it is called are now my committees or responsibility. Since Leroy has been doing interims I mostly have not gotten involved in anything right away. I was asked to help and the next thing I know I am locked into doing real work. That is okay as long as they know I will soon float out the door.

Paula

Call Us Chickens

Hello,

Leroy and I started out on a drive to meet some friends about an hour and a half drive to the north. One of them called to tell us that they were not coming because it was already snowing in their home to the northwest. After consulting with the other couple who were coming from the east to learn that they were just ten minutes from the destination and seeing snow in the air, we decided to turn around with a minimum of discussion. Leroy said, “My choice is not to go.”

“I agree,” I said without telling him that I had had trouble getting to sleep last night thinking about the trip with dread. If we had been half way there we probably would have carried on, but it was easy to stay home when home was just five miles away. The couple who proceeded to the end was originally from Texas. They beat us northerners to the finish line in a big way. I just hope they had an uneventful trip home at 10:00 pm when there was surely more snow on the ground.

Leroy as it turned out was not feeling so very well so he was not so interested in going on. Also he tells me that since his car trip when he slipped on the ice and hit a bridge he is much more cautious than he used to be.

After we had been home a while, I wondered if we were being much too hesitant as there was no snow here. At any rate we had a nice supper of waffles, pear sauce, molasses, and or honey. On the side, just to get some vegetables into the mix, we had a salad of the only raw things available: radishes, tomatoes, and alfalfa sprouts.

Should we have returned or gone on? That is one thing about prevention you seldom know if it is foolish or prudent. If the outcome is good we can say it works.

Paula

That Car Again

Hello,

Leroy went out to start the car preparatory (Grateful for proper spelling in my Misspeller’s Dictionary.) to taking it to the shop to get the malfunctioning windows fixed. That darn or good car started on the first try. So no jumping or groaning was necessary.

At the shop Leroy also told them about the starter problem only to have them tell him that it needed to be malfunctioning when they checked it. Leroy then went on to give them the history and information that we/he had gleaned from the Internet. Later the mechanic called to tell us that he had also found the statement that if it will not start intermittently and it was the original starter the switch needed to be replaced. We will get that done for less than $300, but I am in agreement that it is a manufacture’s problem and they should stand behind their product. After all, this car was from an American company. Supposedly that is how business here operates. I do not believe that I think there are the same people all over the world so some do and some don’t anywhere.

It will be a blessing to not worry about the car starting especially when it is cold and inconvenient in other ways. As far as I can tell it is never really convenient for it not to start because the only time I try to turn it on I want the car to move. Isn’t that the purpose of a car? By the way the window problem was a broken wire.

It is also a blessing to have two cars even though we do not need them in this place.

Garbage needed to be buried. “If the ground is not frozen,” Leroy said, “I will do it after we eat.”

“The ground frozen?” I asked, “It can’t be yet. You are just too much trying to get out of a job.”

Then I proceeded to go and guess what? The top inch or so was frozen. By pushing forcefully, I could still bury our small amount of peelings.

Then later I realized we needed a new check register. “I have been waiting for the new checks to come so we can use that.” Leroy said.

“Oh there are more downstairs,” I emphatically stated.

Well again Leroy was right. I think that might even become a habit. He is right and I am wrong. How could that happen?

Paula

Car Tales

Hello,

Yesterday I drove that intermittently not starting car all over shopping with many starts. Last night Leroy complained that I had parked over to close to the other car in the garage. Even though I insisted I could not have done that I went out to move it. It was indeed very close to the other car making it difficult to even get in. only it did not start. True to form all the lights come on, but no engine turning over. This afternoon I tried again and same story.

A friend suggested that I Google it to learn if others have had a similar problem. It is indeed the case. We have been fortunate that it has never been a huge deal that it would not start. Some even felt it should have been a recall, but it did not happen. We can replace the starter, but it might not present a fix. Tomorrow we are to take it to have the window problem solved. I wonder if it will start in the morning or will it have to be towed. Maybe there will be a solution if it reacts when he is looking at it.

This morning I played the organ some. It is a wonderful instrument unfortunately I am rusty with disuse, but it was still play for me. I will have to practice so I can feel more comfortable with it. It is sometimes hard for me to figure out what stops I like. I usually know what combinations I do not like, but cannot always get a feel for the best use of them. The tone is lively in this large solid surface room.

There was some talk that I might play for the Christmas Eve service, but the choir is also going to sing and I have so seldom accompanied that I really do not want to do it. I am hoping that someone else can do the choir bit and I could do the rest. One of the best things is that there is no new liturgy to learn just old familiar hymns. Who knows? I might even find that to be fun.

Paula

Shopping

Hello,

In the morning there was brain engaging and thought provoking bible study. Some disagreements were even aired and discussed. We certainly all can see the same words in a different way.

Next on my agenda was luncheon with one of the circle groups. The other group also had a lunch at the same time. I am sticking with my plan to alternate. As one woman today pointed out she looked forward to the time to spend talking with me, but we will not be at the same group event until March since neither of these groups meet in January and in February I will be going to the other group meeting. That certainly means that I do not get to know people very well. After this lengthy luncheon it was on to shopping.

I am not the world’s most enthusiastic shopper. I do what I have to do. Besides today was senior day at three stores and much to my surprise I fit solidly into that category. It seemed prudent to take advantage of some of those shopping lures.

We only had two candles in our advent wreath. Those candles had come from IKEA and they perfectly fit the holes. Unfortunately I am not close to an IKEA store. I was able to find replacements and pack the holes to stop the wobbling of smaller bases on the candles.

One of the stores rewarded me for having a birthday this month so of course I must buy something there. I even found a small Christmas gift for Leroy that I am sure he will like.

Another store sent me coupons on line that were for 15% or 20% off of merchandise. For some reason it printed off a sheet of four and I only needed one for all of my purchase. I gave them to the next two people in line behind me and wished them a Merry Christmas. It is easy to give away something the costs me nothing, but I still felt good about it.

I got my free ice cream for being new in town, read the ingredients label before eating and vowed not to buy it for a long time to come. My plain yogurt is so much better for me and I like it much more as it does not leave a taste in my mouth. Is it some of those artificial ingredients causing that? There was a time in our lives when we had not eaten “store” bread for almost a year, when we did again have some, both of us commented on the sharp taste in it. Someone suggested that it was the preservatives.

Paula

The Trip Home

Hello,

Coming home was not quite as uneventful as expected. Leroy went out to move the car Friday evening so that Brian and Jen could get their car out of the garage. Unfortunately ours would not start. About half an hour later Leroy tried again and it started right up.

I kept trying to foster optimism saying, “It will start in the morning. Usually when it does not start it will then start every time for a month or more.”

After all the last time it did not start was in Utah in late August.

In the morning when we wanted to leave it would not start. After waiting and trying again, Brian and Leroy tried jumping it. Guess they did not leap high enough because it was unsuccessful. Then after an additional wait it started but the check engine light was on. Brian tried to call the dealer in town only to be put on hold. I went out to take a plant out of the car so it would not freeze and found the light had gone off. So drove on home. We got the expensive gas in the city so that if it would not start again, Brian could come and help us get to their house. We have had no trouble since then, but it is a bit unnerving wondering if this vehicle will start. When we have taken it to a mechanic they tell us that it must not be working or they cannot ascertain the problem.

We also can not get the windows down. Leroy thinks that is a fuse, but he is unable to figure out which one it is so we will take that to a shop on Saturday. I am just grateful that the window did not go down only to not go back up. It would have been a frightfully cold drive in the 12 degree weather in MN.

At one point we went past an accident. I am so grateful for all of those people who work on holidays so the rest of us can drive like crazy and possibly kill ourselves.

It also helps to put things in perspective. After all how much trouble is a car that will not start and the windows stay up?

Paula

Gone and Back

Hello,

Thanksgiving day we set out for the long drive to Brian’s house with a degree caution and concern for the condition of the roads, but all was good. Evidence of ice started appearing as we were about three hours from home but no ice on the road. It was also noticeably colder as we were headed north. Then in about another hour snow was on the ground, but not on the road. By the time we got to Brian’s house the grass was hidden under the layer of snow.

We had made excellent time so were there in the early afternoon. Our greeting party of granddaughter and dog was exciting and welcoming. It must have been 8.9 on the Richter scale with shouts, jiggling and hugging for all. Such a gift to be treasured and savored.

There was some family talk about going to the sales on Friday, but instead we got our knives sharpened at a small shop that Brian knew about. He had suggested that we bring our knives so we did just that. On the way home from sharpening he had planned to stop at a store, but could not find a parking place so we just went back home.

Personally I found looking at the ads an overwhelming task. There were so many that it was difficult to keep my mind on what I might want. Most things I did not need. We do not buy many gifts as we give our granddaughters money for their college funds. It is our understanding that they get plenty of gifts from other sources. I have bought a small gift for each of them. This year we drew names for our children and their spouses so we are not getting many gifts there either. Leroy keeps saying, “I have not thought of anything for you.”

My reply is, “I have not even thought about getting you something.”

I would not mind if we did not get gifts for each other, but I think Leroy would be quite disappointed as he likes to open a surprise. Surprises are not my skill.

Paula

Impulse Buy

Hello,

On my list of stops were the library, a drug store, and two grocery stores. The library was there because I had been notified that a book I had requested had come in. Now the problem was that I would not be able to go on my regular days of Thursday or Friday. I might get there on Monday but if not they would put it back in circulation. By looking at the map I realized I could make a rather large box on my trip around town and it would all make sense.

Leroy said, “I want to come too since I have to work tonight.” The afternoon was the perfect time even though the wind was strong, temperatures were low, and some rain was falling from time to time.

All went according to plan, but at one of the grocery stores I noticed in the checkout line, the man behind me had a poinsettia.

“Why didn’t I see them?” I wondered, “And where were they?”

Good thing I had Leroy with me because he spotted them. He looked and saw the price was a mere $3.50. I immediately ran over and got one. It is perhaps not the largest in the world with only five blossoms, but it is a brilliant red and vigorous looking. I am so pleased and excited to have it. Blessed again in an unexpected way.

There was a time in my life when I was not thrilled with poinsettias. I even wondered what all the fuss was about.

When we lived in Missouri Valley the funeral home would give the ministers candy for Christmas. Because I was not into eating that or having my children eat it I always gave it away. One year I had decided to let us eat it. (Had Leroy begged me?) That year instead of giving us candy we were given a beautiful poinsettia that I loved more with the passing days. Saved from chocolate by a flower! I had to like that.

Paula

Cleaned Upstairs

Hello,

I cleaned upstairs this morning. Mostly I did it because there were some dust bunnies and lint on the floor when we gave our company the house tour. It was embarrassing to see that. Then I found that Leroy noticed it too. Oh, no that is really bad. Now this cleaning job adds new meaning to the phrase about closing the barn door when the horse is gone.

There was a good assortment of those Asian beetles to vacuum up. The warmth of the last few days has encouraged them to come in and enjoy the house. I am thankful that I have a vacuum. I broom does not work as well with them as they seem to fall apart with too much pressure and if they are still alive they escape to show up in another place. Perhaps now that colder temperatures are here we have seen the last of those beetles until spring.

The vacuum cam out, rugs were shaken, and all looks better. I feel better both physically and mentally. I had to sit and rest in the middle of the job, otherwise it went well. Before this I simply did not have the energy to tackle any job that required more than a minimum amount of strength. The coughing had mostly subsided, but all was still not well as lethargy hung around. Leroy too tells me that I am acting much more lively than I have for a long time. Where do these bugs come from that they stay and take up residence? Couldn’t they move on to another victim? Or just live and die in a faster cycle. I used to think that a week was the maximum for any disease to hang around.

Today, I am making whole wheat bread as well as some sweet bread that has cranberries in it. I have gotten several bags of the berries since they are a seasonal item. I like to put them in things where I do not have to add so much sugar to the mix. I even cut the sugar in the recipe. We will see if Leroy and I just pucker up all the time.


Paula

Visitors

Hello,

We had visitors stop on their way south. That was so nice. I just really like to talk to someone who has been in my life for a while. It is as good as slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes. Leroy tells me that I looked happy. I certainly felt happy. Even Leroy enjoyed it and he does not know them so very well. We are blessed.

After that great visit we went out and took a walk. I assured Leroy that I wanted to walk longer in the balmy weather so we headed off on one of the trails that leads to a spring coming out of the side of the bluff above the Mississippi. “Are you sure it is dry enough so we won’t slip?” I wondered as we started. Even though it was warm there was some dampness.

For protection on part of the trail there is a single strand of a seriously strong wire strung on two by four sized steel posts that have been cemented into the ground. Seeing one of these posts washed out and the cement bottom dangling in the air, I commented, “It certainly does not inspire confidence that it will hold me up if I should fall.”

In a part of the trail the path is so narrow that the steel presses the waist on one side with the rocks touching on the other.

I did ok going down, but for some reason on the way back, in one place that was trickier to navigate upright, I bent down to use the rock above as a grasping point. Then for a number of feet I found myself too uncomfortable to stand so I foraged on with my hands firmly on the soil and my bottom up. Leroy, who was behind me assured me that it was safe to stand, but I could not bring myself to let go for a few more steps. Guess I am not ready to climb mountains.

At the site of the spring there was a plaque that had been put up the DAR in 1915 stating that this was BlackHawk Spring. BlackHawk was a chief of the Sauk and Fox Indians who used the spring when they were in the area in the early 1800’s.

Paula

Dresses and Heels

Hello,

Moving involves more than what goes where in the house, meeting new people, learning your way around town, and learning the local culture. It involves clothing preferences. Most of the time in the Chariton church I was the only woman who wanted to wear a dress or skirt. Now in Burlington it is a different story as several women wear dresses or skits. Not only do they wear more swirly things than I own, they also wear heels—high heels.

I have not worn heels since sometime in the middle 90’s when I got a toenail fungus. That changed my life. It was too painful to have my toes press down into the end of the shoe. Flats were fine after I made the mental adjustment. Flats in which I might even have felt superior to what damage those other women were doing to their feet.

I just tried to buy a new pair of black flats only to find that none in the better quality, translate that to expensive, shoe store in Burlington felt good on my foot. I ended up with a pair of black clogs. They felt great and looked quite good with my jeans. At home with a skirt, however, it was a different matter. I still think I could benefit from custom made shoes, but Leroy is so selfish. He does not want to spend anywhere from $1000 to $5000 a pair. Can you imagine that?

At this time I will not be joining the crowd on narrow high toe crimping shoes. But how else to look glamorous? There must be a solution. When I could not find a pair of flats that fit, even after ordering some in an unstocked size, the guy in the shoe store told me, “My dad who started this store used to say, would you look better with a pained expression and ill fitting shoes or a smile and perfectly fitting shoes.”

Life is full of tough choices and downsizing possibilities. Should I just get a closet full of slacks? Some of these women wear those same high pointed heels with slacks. Is there no hope?

Paula

Safety

Hello,

Sarah called this morning to tell us that someone had broken or kicked in their door tearing it off the frame. The intruders proceeded to rob them as they were in bed upstairs. Such a frightening occurrence! I am grateful that they were all safe.

They did take Stephen’s IPhone and wallet. Luckily they did not take Sarah’s purse because her phone was in there. Stephen and Sarah do not have a landline so would have had no other way of calling someone.

Later in the morning Stephen was notified by someone in his office that some of his wallet contents had been found and would be returned to him. They cancelled all of their credit cards so that should be ok, annoying and time consuming, but ok.

Even thought it was a solid back door that was assaulted it makes us realize that safety is an illusion and we must trust that we will be able to walk through all possibilities.

After this call Leroy and I moved the spare key that is outside our house. We did not think it was a very good place to put it. Apparently the last pastor had it in this spot for years with no trouble. Now the question is where to put it? Some of the property committee members have a key to the house, but they like one on the place so they do not have to remember to bring their own if they need to get into the house. Leroy and I have not been locked out of the house, but it is nice to have another key handy since we do not plan to break the door to enter.

I can not imagine having someone violate my space as seriously as happened this morning. On the plus side the police arrived within five minutes of being called. DC police are good or at least they were close enough to come quickly.

Paula

TV

Hello,

If you asked I would say that we do not watch much TV. Therefore it seems an inefficient use of funds to buy cable. Unfortunately here our rabbit ears are having a hard time getting the signal. Helping measures have been to move the TV upstairs, jiggle the antenna when necessary, avoid foul language if upset, or just turn off the TV in disgust. Most of the time it works, but sometimes requires some coaxing.

Today while out and about I bought an additional antenna that was according to the packaging, better than the old fashioned antenna, could be used in any position, and would increase our enjoyment.

Leroy eagerly set it up after lunch. It was not better, but decidedly worse. Now you should know that our TV is at least 15 years old, but it still “runs good”. There were suggestions of solutions if this new antenna did not work well, some of those involved taking off an amplifier. Each time when making a change it required rescanning for channels. That scan takes a few minutes. Each time we would wait with great expectations for greater clarity only to be disappointed.

Perhaps it would be better in Leroy’s stamp room since that was in the north and closer to the source of the signal. It took two of us to move this old TV and all its accompanying wires because of the converter box, VCR, DVD player, as well as the box that allows us to use equipment that does not have the same compatible chord endings.

Then we proceeded to run through the little repertroire that we had acquired in the first room. All to see a distorted picture that would become frozen in time for longer than anyone wanted to look at it.

I finally went back to the kitchen and Leroy packed up the antenna so we could return it. Our rabbit ears work so much better that we realize we have been ungrateful to them. Everyday now that we use the TV and it works we will say, “Thank you rabbit ears.”

I even suggested that we get cable, but Leroy said, “Why? We hardly watch TV.”

Paula

Feeling Better

Hello,

I feel better today than I have for some time. My voice is better than yesterday. The number of coughing fits is less and the strength has diminished. Maybe it is because of that great cheery greeter yesterday or maybe it is because I have done some of the things I am always telling Leroy to do when he has a head issue. Just in case you would like to apply them yourself they are: gargle with warm/hot salt water, rinse the sinus, drink more fluids. I did all of that yesterday with some religious devotion. Previously I had attended to some of these things, but very sporadically. After all I did not really feel too bad. I am also running a humidifier downstairs and that might be helping as well. Health is really a mystery, especially when I change several variables at once.

Leroy noted this morning that the park looks so different with most of the leaves gone. Where it had once seemed that we were secluded and cut off from the rest of the world there is a house just a little ways through the trees. Illusions, illusions! We also walked to a different overlook of the Mississippi that was very nice. We had been there once before and not been particularly taken with it. Again the lack of leaves gave us a much broader view.

Those Frisbee players were out there again. I should just wait until it snows and check about them then. Yesterday there were kids using the skateboard/bike ramps. I am impressed with all of the things they can do with those little bikes as they careen up the sides and bang to a stop at the top only to whirl around and do it again in another direction. Here I am just happy to stay upright with my bike on the straight road. Guess I do not have enough testosterone, but all of that does look exciting.

Paula

Greetings

Hello,

Today a greeter for Des Moines County visited me. Why this is Des Moines County and the city of Des Moines is in Polk County is not in my handy bag of information.

This gracious woman welcomed me to the area. She came supplied with offers and deals from local health care people as well as merchants. There were even a few little gifts such as glasses cleaner, glasses cleaning cloth, and a glasses case. Does this eye doctor want me to come? One of the chiropractors sent along a key chain, another sent a pen, and a third a sample of pain relief ointment.

I can now get free haircuts and styles from two places. The third salon has a special offer on hair color, highlights, perm, or a free eyebrow job with a haircut. This should keep me looking good for a few days.

If we had not already gotten our symphony tickets we could have had a free concert. Another musical series, more Broadway type things is offering a free concert or two season tickets at half price.

Then there is a free oil change. Another store offered $5 off on any purchase of $10 or more.

My old friends, Hy-Vee, gave a box of salt along with a coupon for free Pepsi, free box of ice cream, and a free bouquet of flowers the flowers seem to be the best fit, but I will enjoy the ice cream too. Leroy, unwilling to let me eat it alone said, “I can take a pill and have some too.” We are not sure what do with the Pepsi since neither of us drinks it. “Surely, you can think of something to do with it at church,” I suggested.

We do have to go three different weeks to get these free items as they want to have us visit the store and pick up six things that were not on the list.

Now if it had been free soy milk we would have been happy as clams. Speaking of soy, another store also offered a free soy candle. There were some other things, but I can not think of them right now. Oh and a green house wants to give me a plant. I was pleased. Gifts out of the blue are nice.

My welcomer did tell me that this is her own business. She worked for Welcome Wagon some years ago, but they closed.

Paula

Thanksgiving plans

Hello,

We are going to Brian, Jen, and Sophia’s house for thanksgiving. Yes. I am looking forward to that. Saturday Brian told us they do not have plans and they do not want to travel as Jen is expecting a baby in March and is uncomfortable with stomach issues. We are welcome to come to their house so we are traveling on Thursday as Leroy works Wednesday night. We will be there Friday, and come home Saturday. Leroy will be working on Sunday. He tells me that is not much sermon prep time. He also has an appointment for Saturday afternoon that is trying to change to later in the day or even Sunday. It is a faster trip than most, but better than none.

We had made plans with Leroy’s sister to work at the community thanksgiving meal, but we are ditching them since we are only fifteen miles away from them. That means we can get together anytime, but will we do it? That is the real question.

The coughing is no longer so bad for me, but still occurs everyday. My throat is irritated and today I am losing my voice meaning that silence reigns in this house. Leroy seems to dislike having a monologue. I am ready to be done with this malaise. It just hangs on without being a huge thing, but drags me down.

One deer was out while we were this morning. As I am dragging along a respectful ten paces behind Leroy, he finally turned around and said, “I worry about you.” I felt reassured that he had noticed that I was unable to keep up his fast pace.

The sun was shinning so I hung out clothes. My fingers were chilled to the bone when finished. Leroy came home for lunch and he told me that it was sprinkling a little. We dashed out and got all clothes off the lines and into the dryer. Then the sun came back out. Such fickle fall weather.

Paula

Struggles Overcome

Hello,

Yesterday afternoon it was warm enough that I hopped on the bike and rode around the route we walked that morning. It was more than a mile and in fact it was 1.75 miles. So that was a bit better to get that done in 30 minutes. Unfortunately Leroy could go faster without me. Fortunately I am good company.

This morning we went to a hardware store because they sent us a coupon for 10% off any purchase because we are new in the neighborhood. Of course we had to use that. It took a bit of walking around this warehouse type space to find a few things to purchase. Then it was off to the grocery store for a fairly quick pick up as I had an abbreviated list.

Leroy had broken a guitar string before he even got started tuning and he wanted to buy some of the current stamps for his collection. Both of those stops are downtown. Since the library is near by we went there too.

“Goodness,” Leroy exclaimed on the way home, “it is almost noon.”

I glanced at the clock in the car and saw that it was indeed. “Well shopping always takes longer than I think it will,” I sympathized.

I rushed around in the house putting things away, Leroy helped with that, and starting to organize lunch.

Then I looked at the clock. “It is just about 11:00,” I said, “the car clock is still on daylight savings time.”

After putting away lunch things I went out to reset the car clock. I pushed the button that I thought would do it and no luck. Then I pushed another likely button only to have the screen display state that all cd’s would be ejected. In short order I was grabbing and spreading six cds on the driver’s seat. When I tried to read the instruction manual the light in the car kept going out and I did not think to just flip the switch to leave it on.

Leroy came out with a basket of clothes so I stopped doing the irritating thing and took on a task that is totally familiar. When the clothes were hung up I went back to the car.

I solved the problem of having the inside light stay on, read the instructions, and grumbled under my breath since that is what I had first pushed. None the less, I gave it another chance and it preformed admirably. Time is set. Now on to the task of getting the cds loaded again. I remembered which button was needed for that and as soon as it told me to load I did. So now we can drive the car again with music playing and schedules accurate.

However the time is still wrong on the bike computer. We have no instructions for that since it is new and we were not given any. They are probably on the internet. I will not ride it much in these darker shorter days so I may just leave it the way it is, although I have been sure I was late for something one day.

Paula

biking Days

Hello,

Biking days are over for a time for me. I rode wearing shorts and short sleeves the first three days of this week in the unseasonably warm weather. It was great to be able to do that, but it is much cooler now. Leroy and I walked this morning. I still might go out and see what the bike odometer says for the distance that we walked. My pedometer says it was only about a mile, however it took us almost 30 minutes and I know that Leroy walks fast as he often pulls out ahead of me. My breathing is not yet back to normal so I do slow the pace some, but surely not that much.

In spite of cooler temperatures I still see many people (99% men) out using the Frisbee golf course in the park. There are apparently 18 holes so I surely do not see all of the people. I had no idea it is such a popular sport. I am glad to see it as people do a lot of walking to get around the entire place. Good exercise for them and great to be outside with no golf carts transporting them.

As we are now walking in the morning light we have seen deer almost every day this week. That says they were there before just hidden in the darkness. A couple of them have nice antlers.

On All Saints Sunday they had a cross set up in which people could place lit candles in memory of their loved ones. It was touching and I noticed several tears. One thing about moving around to so many churches we see many different ways of doing things. One thing is constant. The comment, “But we have always done it that way.” That tradition gives it solidarity in their minds even though not necessarily in ours because we can think of other possibilities.

Paula

Buying Club

Hello,

Many years ago we belonged to a buying club. This meant that we could buy health foods at a discount. Many of them were purchased in bulk and divided among members. If no one else wanted the particular item then you either had to buy all of it or forgo the purchase.

We like molasses. No one else wanted blackstrap molasses so we bought the entire five gallons, or maybe it was a smaller amount. It was quite a lot of molasses. I had put some in used and cleaned ice cream buckets.

At this same era Leroy changed the oil in the car. He saw one of these ice cream buckets half full, thinking it was his with oil in it he proceeded to fill it with used car oil. Needless to say we did not eat that molasses. We decided that it was a blessing he had not, thinking it was oil, poured the molasses in the car.

We are back in a buying club. Now however, people do not buy so many unprocessed things. I am the only one who wants sesame seeds, soy flour, and alfalfa seeds. The alfalfa seeds are for sprouting. I purchased five pounds all by myself. I am not sure but I think this is a two year supply if I am lucky otherwise it might be enough for 3-5 years. Soon Leroy and I will be sprouting.

I did start some sprouts yesterday and they are growing. That is good. I did have to look up some directions because it had been so long since I had done this. Just think when I did it before I could not have used the internet, but would have had to ask someone or checked at the library. Life has changed.

There is a church group here called the Senior Saints. The noon meeting has pot luck as the focal point. I was quite impressed that there were only two dishes that were something other than veggies. Is this my kind of group or what? Course there was one person who only ate small amounts of two things because it was so many vegetable choices.

Paula

In the Paper

Hello,

Sunday afternoon the few remaining stores downtown had an open house. It was interesting to see what was there. Many of them had decorative type items that are not really my thing. Moving makes all of that seem much less attractive and I was never very into it anyway. There was also a health food store that I will probably patronize. Leroy got a guitar tuner from the music store. He would like to get back to playing the guitar and tuning seems to be a good place to start. All of the stores had a drawing sign up. Leroy’s picture was taken as he was filling out the form. It would be nice now if he would win some of that money that was possible. We are happy to have seen what is available. Also some of the buildings are quite old and therefore the structures are interesting.


After church the church council and property committee went through the house to see what needed attention and care. As with many places there is often more projects than money for those projects. It sounds though that some will be addressed, such as the windows in the basement that are single pane glass and therefore leaking a lot of heat. All in all, the house has been well taken care of. I wonder if there will be many pastors who still want to live in a parsonage. That gets to be a problem for some.

Leroy and I rode to the grocery store this afternoon. I wanted to make granola and needed some items, Leroy just wanted to get out in the sun and have a place to ride. It was nice in spite of a fairly strong wind. Leroy does not have bike bags so I have to take most of the things on my bike. He did have five pounds of flour (because it was on sale), a pound of soy flour, and a pound of wheat germ on his back. That seemed like plenty to me because as usual we got more than was on the list.

Paula

Wanted

Hello,

The phone rings and I hear, “We want you to know that our cable service is the best and it would so fit your needs.” Again I heard, “this is for State Representative… and your vote would be appreciated.” Then there is the call for my credit card rating. Then there is someone who calls with a heavily accented voice and would like me to know that I can get money that is owed to me, would I like the money? My reply is, “No thank you,” and I calmly hang up. I could be penniless in short order.

Then there are ads in the paper or mail. Every day brings an ad with the lowest sale prices of the season, none lower. I think the bottom is gone. I can not complain that I am not wanted in my new community. All want my money one way or another.

Last night, Leroy had his first confirmation lock-in at the church. It was a little different experience for him since others took care of most of the details. Some had been planned before he got here. He is used to doing a good share of it himself. “How did that go for you,” I wondered.

“It was ok,” he replied, “I would have run it a little bit tighter, but that is not a problem.”

He is now getting used to the idea that someone else will do it, but that has been an unanticipated adjustment.

I sent him along with some grapes and apples and an admonition not to eat much junk.

He reported that all of the grapes and apples were eaten and maybe even appreciated. I could have sent more. Sometimes I hear people complaining about the junk that kids eat, but it is hard if good things are not provided. Seems to me that choices are often limited by what is available.

Paula

Parking in the Garage

Hello,

The saying, “pride goes before the fall” seems to apply to me more and more. I would have said that between Leroy and I, I was the better at lining the car up in a parking space. We now have a two car garage for only the third time that we have experienced in all these moves we have made in our lives. This one is just a little trickier to get into because you have to turn a corner just as you pull in. we both used to do a great job when it was a straight shot. Neither car nor the garage has been damaged, yet. We are not close to that, but getting into or out of the car that is on the right side can be a problem. I said I would take that side because Leroy tends to drive more to the left on the road and I favor the right. No politics here just how we see down the road. If the other car is in the garage I do a fairly good job of getting in the right place without taking off the side mirror on the garage door, however it is another matter when the garage is empty of cars. For some reason then I want to take the middle ground. More than once I have had to back out get straight with the world and pull in again. More new skills to learn! Will it never stop?

All this time Leroy has been driving in the garage without so much as an inch of trouble. Where did that spatially challenged guy go? We are grateful for a garage to park cars in.

Yesterday, because of frost warnings, I went out and picked the last of the mint leaves to dry for tea. The bread was out of the oven. There had been a bit of time with the oven door open so it seemed cool to me. Well I can now tell you from personal experience that burned mint leaves do not make the best tea. Another lesson learned, surely my brain is expanding at a great rate.

Paula

Outside Business

Hello,

Yesterday was the first day in this new place that I was occupied outside of the house for all segments of the day. In the morning I went and worked at the church library until it became too much of an emotional chore for all of us. It is hard when you do not really know what you are doing, but you do it anyway. This library has been neglected for some time, consequently there are many books around that are old and tired. Two others were working and leading this effort. Before this we had sorted many of the books into loose subject areas. Just as we got there yesterday I suggested that perhaps we should get rid of some reader’s digest collections from the 60’s and 70’s. Much to my surprise there was absolutely no argument with that plan. From them we moved on to other areas and ended up filling four or five boxes of discards. A part of me thinks almost all should go, but I am sure that will not happen. I can not imagine many of these books being checked out by anyone. Some of the books are of such a theological nature that mostly readers are people who are in seminary. Before we got done they said that there are two people in the congregation who want to donate some books to the space. Oh dear, how old do you suppose those books are?

In the afternoon I headed off to the circle meeting. All participants at this circle meeting are in the present moment, but they did not have a lesson because of some type of mix up. I was hoping for some good discussion, but it did not happen this time. Both of the circles here have Christmas luncheons rather than a lesson in December and they do not meet in January. Not much for me there for a while. Maybe I should start a book discussion group?

In the evening I went off to another church to help with a joint children’s meal. It was fun to see how that works. They provide a light meal, a story, music and craft activity for the children. In January Leroy and I will be doing the music session. After that I was too tired to think of writing something. Just reading the paper seemed like a fun activity.

Today Leroy had his first funeral here. He met the funeral director and an assistant. It seems that he likes to get acquainted with funeral home people. It is nice if they have a good working relationship.

Paula

Voting

Hello,

Around nine in the morning seemed like a good time to vote because then all of the workers would be out of there. So on my way out of the bedroom I decided to put the duvet on the comforter. Certainly it is easier to do this job with help, but surely I could manage. When done I was congratulating myself on a job well done. Oops, it is inside out. Off it comes for another try. Now when I was done I checked it over to be sure. Yes it was right side out, but I buttoned it incorrectly. After that was all finished and armed with a picture ID as well as a billing with my name and address on it, I headed across the drive to vote at the church. This is the closest we have ever lived to the polls. Not many excuses will work for missing it.

“I am doing same day registration,” I told the first woman I came to. She sent me on to the person at the computer after she questioned someone about the procedure and had me fill out a paper. The woman operating the computer informed me that her compute was not working correctly and I should proceed to the man next to her. He started to input my info when his computer froze. My information was too hot to handle? He had to call someone to learn the steps that were required to get past this glitch. There were two open voting booths when I first came into the room. Now all booths were full and some people had even come and gone. Others, who did care about privacy, were using tables. In not too much more time he had my information printed off, but said, “You should check it for accuracy.”

“Oh no this is the wrong address,” I said.

The bill that I had brought had the church’s address on it and not ours. So I explained the situation. He was not sure what would happen if he changed the address. In the end we just let it go so for voting purposes I live at the church. Not a church mouse, but church Paula lives there.

But I did vote in spite of the part of me that wonders if it matters. Leroy does not have to go through all this since he changed his driver’s license and therefore has his voter registration up to date.

Parishioners sometimes forget that a parsonage is really theirs. Sunday an older woman asked me, “Are you living in Pastor’s house?”

I simply answered, “Yes.”

Paula

All Saints Eve

Hello,

Because we are living close to their grave site, I thought we should do the Slovak thing and neaten and decorate the grave of Leroy’s parents. Saturday early evening seemed like the right time to me, but Leroy wanted to go earlier to be sure that we could see and find the stone. They are in a cemetery where all of the stones are flat and level with the ground. Leroy’s sister could give general directions.

Then it was a question of what to put on the stone. I thought we ought to do the candle and mum thing just as we has seen in Slovakia. When we were out and about for another reason we stopped at one store where I had still seen mums. They did indeed still have some. They were not choice, but tired and marked down to 2 for a dollar. We found six that still looked good enough. After we got them home, Leroy said, “What are you thinking to do just leave them out there for a few days and then plant them?”

“Yes,” I said, “and I thought we would light the candle just as we were there and then bring it home.”

In the meantime Leroy talked to someone who said the weather report stated Saturday was the last nice day for a while. So Leroy thought we should just go ahead and plant the flowers in the ground by the house here when it was still nice to do that. We scurried around and planted those six mums without taking them to the cemetery.

We got to the cemetery so early that we were able to find the grave, however Leroy was right it would have been next to impossible to find in the dark. We cleaned off the stone and trimmed the grass around it, but because it was still light there was no candle lighting. Not quite what I had in mind, but we did at least give it some care. Certainly it was not up to the Slovak standard.

Paula

Deer

Hello,

“We have not seen any deer in a long time,” Leroy said, “I wonder if they have moved off to other areas.”

As we walked I pointed to a light shape in the early dawn darkness, “Do you think that could be a deer?” I wondered.

“No it is a bench,” Leroy sharp eyes informed me.

A little later I asked, “Are those live deer or statues?”

It was two deer who, after checking us out, went back to eating something off a tree in the yard that was a mere 20 feet from us. They did not mind as we walked away from them. How many deer have we been walking past in the dark?

Beautiful pink was touching the sky in the east as we heard boom, boom, and boom. “I have not heard a gun in a long time, but I wonder if that is duck hunters,” Leroy commented.

The sounds were coming from the direction of the river. We could not even be sure if it was the Iowa or Illinois side.

By the time we got back to the house it was light enough to see. Getting close to home we caught up to a woman struggling with two large husky type dogs.

“Who is walking whom?” I asked.

“It is hard to say,” she laughed and added, “they just saw another dog and they are going a little crazy.”

Paula

Oil Change

Hello,

Leroy’s car needed an oil change. It is Leroy’s car because he likes it best. It fits him and he likes the clutch better. Here we certainly do not need to cars it is really an extravagance. I can manage to do shopping or whatever when Leroy does not need to drive. After all he just has to walk across the drive to get to work. Mostly the cars sit unused. I suppose that could even be 90 percent of the time. Somehow I think that is not good for the earth.

Going back to the oil change, it was done downtown, meaning that we could walk to the library. We walked up some fancy hills with interesting homes. This town is certainly loaded with large, old majestic homes. Many of them do have signs with age on them. The majority of those are from the mid to late 1800’s and a few were older. One of them was for sale. It had not been kept as well as some and the asking price was a mere $86,000. In my past life I would not have said, “Wouldn’t it nice to buy something like this and fix it up?” Today I said it before I had thought too much. But I was thinking that we would do the actual work. Instead it would have to be hired. Amazing what is rattling around in the head.

Not only were the houses interesting, but the hills were steep so we got that good bit of exercise too. It was cool, however sunny and beautiful. I consider it a nice excursion for Leroy on his day off.

This afternoon we picked up sticks in the yard as someone was mowing. We have a large garden cart and we filled it two times. There are still sticks out there, but at least all of the big ones are gone. The strong wind in the last few days brought down many of them. That is something Leroy enjoys too, doing something with a clear beginning and end. That not always being the case in his work.

Paula

Mysteries of Life

Hello,

Why do the oddest places in the house get the most heat from the furnace? The laundry area wins in this place. I realize that it might have something to do with the fact that it is directly over the furnace. The partial bathroom on the main floor is off the laundry and if the door is shut there is no heat. Will it matter when it gets below zero?

The mint in the garden is quite fine, some of the best we ever have brewed into tea. Leroy used the dehydrator on quite a bunch of it. I later picked some more. It seemed too much bother to get the machine out so I put it on three cookie sheets. The plan was when I used the oven I would put the mint in there at the end of the cooling time. It is at least half dry from the air. Can you believe that I have used the oven three times and forgotten every time?

The motion light in the back is super sensitive to many things going by. It is on quite a lot. Usually I see nothing there when I notice that it is shining. Leroy just turned it off. He was tired of knowing that it was on and splashing light all over. We have other lights to the back so do not really need it.

We sanded off the edge of a table and repainted it. Leroy likes it, but I think it is a little dark. In time I will not even notice and it will have become acceptable.

The money from our cancelled airline tickets has not shown in the credit card account. I called the company to learn that it is indeed in the works, but has not come through yet. It could take two or three billing cycles. Seems slow to me since they take the money in about two or three days. It just makes a difference when they are giving it back. Why would that be?

Paula

Still Coughing

Hello,

The cough is still with me. Last night I went to sleep in the spare bedroom so I would not disturb Leroy’s sleep. This morning I finally started taking an expectorant. Medicine is not my favorite thing, but I probably should have started sooner. At noon I had a king sized coughing spell. It scared Leroy. I no longer think it is strange that someone might crack a rib because the cough is so strong. It is a good thing that I am strengthening my bones as they all held. Sore muscles abound in the abdomen, other wise I feel good. That is what is so strange about it. I do not think I am infected as everything runs clear.

The electricity went off briefly today necessitating resetting all clocks that run on that power. It taxed my brain but I did all but one. Even Leroy could not figure out how to get that clock radio set. So out it goes. We are not moving it again. Less baggage, less stress. Who needs to know the time in all rooms of the house? I have legs so I can walk to another room.

Last night the battery in my watch died, but that I will replace since I like that watch. If the battery is too expensive I might consider changing as the band is getting fragile as well.

On Sunday I was talking to a woman about shoes. Can’t remember how that happened to come into the conversation, but she informed me that she had been struck by lightening and consequently her feet hurt when she wears heels. Have you ever met anyone who was struck by lightening? This is my first person. Who else is out there to amaze me?

Paula

Changing airline Tickets

Changing Airline Tickets
October 26, 2010

Hello,

We had purchased tickets to DC. They fit our time line perfectly then a week or so ago they emailed to say that the times had been changed and it would be about two hours later. We could click on a link to change the flight. I tried one day, but could not get in. Mostly I just forgot about it and figured we would live with this less than perfect schedule.

Miriam is not of such nature. She insisted that we could do something about that to make it more to our liking. So yesterday she called the airline and learned that we could just cancel the tickets with a full refund because they had made the change and not us. She found tickets with a different airline that more closely fit the desired schedule. In the afternoon Leroy rebooked our tickets. According to Miriam, with this company we have 24 hours to cancel this purchase. So I waited until after we had something booked before I called and cancelled the first tickets. That was done last night. It makes me nervous to be fooling around with these expensive purchases, but I was happy to get it done more to our liking. This morning, I am a little concerned because the first airline sent a note stating that we needed to be at the airport sooner than they usually suggest. Next I checked the credit card to learn what was happening there. I found our new tickets listed on the billing as pending and nothing about the debit for the first tickets. When I went to that airline website it seems that they have no listing of the tickets. So that is done, but we were told that our credit card would show the return of that money. It is only money, right? I only have the verbal assurance of someone on the phone nothing in writing. Leroy thinks that it should show up in a couple days. Hope he is right.

Speaking of Leroy someone at church told me they were in high school when he was there, but they do not remember him. I said, “He is a quite person so I am not surprised at that.” Leroy went to a large high school with 300-400 in his grade.

Her husband replied, “He (Leroy) talks softly and carries a big stick.”

“What does that mean?” I wanted to know.

“When Leroy does talk,” he said, “You listen.”

There are still new things to learn about Leroy.

Paula

Symphony and Disease Progress

Hello,

Yesterday afternoon the symphony was much better than I expected. The music selections were none I had heard before so I am sure that I am right in saying they were well done. The most disappointing thing is the small audience. They do perform in two other towns so that certainly gives them more exposure. Leroy even stayed awake for the entire thing. That says it was interesting to him.

Yesterday in spite of the cough went to church armed with cough drops, hoping I would not pass my germs around to others. I thought of staying home, but I wanted to go to the symphony and felt I should not go to church and then go to some entertainment thing. I also sucked cough drops during the concert in the afternoon. Then I looked at directions after I got home to learn that they should be spaced about two hours apart. Did I allow an hour? Maybe, maybe not. Last night at 3:00 am I felt something shift in my head and it was not existential. Shortly I could breathe through both nostrils. Health is returning!

Since the cough was still around this morning, I put some vapor rub on my chest and throat according to directions. I even read the negatives on the container. Either I or my mother has done every one of those probations. Don’t put it up a nostril, near the mouth, in hot water, or heat it. In defense of my mother those directions were probably not there so she did as she desired.

I am feeling much better, with just a little cough and a little tired. I suspect getting a good breath is of great benefit.

Miriam called to say that Olivia fell hitting her head and spent some time in the ER. She is ok, but it was a worry. Also there is snow on the ground this morning in Utah. Winter is indeed coming.

Paula

Book Sale

Hello,

The Burlington Public Library book sale was today. Prices are exactly twice what they were in Chariton. Seems prices of some other things have been higher too. Leroy makes more here, but not twice as much. Salary and costs do not always go together. It is a good thing that we do not need everything. We have as much as we need. I did buy some books, but only half the amount that I usually would.  Leroy did not attend so that means quite a savings right there. This sale does not go on for more than one day. In Chariton we kept going back and finding just a few more books that we would like.

Leroy is gone all day. He left before 7:00 this morning and will come back in the early evening. It makes me realize that being a newcomer in town is lonely. Not that I needed to see anyone, but I realized that I do not know anyone to just call up and say lets… If Leroy died I would certainly have to get my life in order, but how? Seems to me I should just die first and let him deal with that.

I have not been feeling well. I can’t decide if I have a bug or if the cough is from the dry air. Probably it is a bit more than dry air as I have been incredibly tired. Today is better than yesterday. However this afternoon it was nice for a while so I took a three mile walk that wore me out. Since then I have been content to sit and read.

I tried to take a nap, but was unsuccessful. How does Leroy do that anyway? Sleep is not illusive for him. He can even control the length of his naps. He will say I am going to sleep for five minutes or perhaps ten. Almost never had I had to wake him. Such talent!

Paula

I will Vote

Hello,

Leroy’s sister told me that in Iowa there is same day registration. I will be able to vote as long as I have an ID and a bill that was sent to my name and address. I will do my civic duty. Now I have no excuses. I will have to pay more attention to the candidates so I can be a semi informed voter. Most of my information will come from the newspaper. I suppose that is the old way when there is TV and the Internet. When I do watch TV I hear ads from both Iowa and Illinois as if I need more. Most of them seem to be intent on putting someone else down and that bothers me so I don’t listen much.

I walked over to the airport to see where they flew to from this place. Planes go to Chicago and St. Louis. It would appear that this is daily, but when we checked about flying on Christmas day it stated that it was impossible. Burlington is a city of 25-30 thousand so that explains the traffic pattern.

There was a guy sitting outside on a bench when I went in the front door. Inside, however, no one was in sight, but as I was looking at the board behind the ticket desk a woman came out. She appeared to be security or TSA type person. “Do you need the ticket agent?” she wanted to know.

“No I am new in town and just wondered where you could fly to,” I told her, “I have children who live in far flung places.”

It would be nice is we could fly out of here some time. We could walk to the airport dispensing with the parking and use of the car entirely. I think it is only about fifteen minutes from the house on foot. Seems like a stress free type of flying if you like no crowds and smaller planes. I do, Leroy doesn’t. Perhaps the cost differential would be about the same given parking fees and the 1.5 hour drive to the next nearest airport.

I hung out clothes this morning. My hands wondered what it was all about as they got quite cold. Soon I will have to stop doing this or at least wait until the sun is warmer. I thought of my mother because for years she had to hang clothes outside in much colder weather.

Paula

Good Things

Good things
October 20, 2010

Hello,

I like the living room better now. We have pounded two nails and hung two pictures that we have not had up on the walls in the US. We did have both of them on the wall in Slovakia, but not in frames. If you would like to see them you can go to this web site. http://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/LivingRoom# I also took a closer shot of both pictures so you can see them more clearly. After I looked carefully at the painting by Leo Von Konig, I told Leroy, “I am not sure that I want that woman smoking in my living room.”

He just laughed, so she stayed. I intend to put up more things, but I have not yet decided what those things will be. I need to open some
more boxes.

Leroy and I again took a quick bike ride to the library. I had gotten a Tai Chi DVD earlier. It was for beginners. That is ok since it is different from what I was doing in Chariton. Today I got the other DVD with the title Tai Chi for older adults. Sigh, am I an older adult. I do not want to be reminded. Then I looked at the back of the case according to this an older adult is over 50, I am farther along the road than I realized.

I am getting a little more of a belly than I like. Leroy tells me that I look very slender as he walked behind me. “Does that mean I should back into all buildings?” I asked.

“You could do that do since you also have a bit of a belly,” I added, “but then we would never learn anyone’s name.”

It is a job learning so many new names. I have gotten at least ten of them down pat in my memory, but don’t ask me which ten. I remind myself that it is good for the brain.

Leroy got a new driver’s license so he is registered to vote. I sent a letter into the state because I have to renew my license in December. I have not heard from them so I am not sure that I am registered to vote. I have mixed feelings about voting. I really do not want to put the energy into learning about all of the positions and options, but I know that I should vote so I have my opinion out there whether it wins or not. Apathy is not good for the country.

Paula

No Blood Given

Hello,

Even though I knew the appointment time, when it got close I had to hurry around changing clothes, straightening hair, putting on sandals, and locking the door. We got to the blood donation site about three minutes ahead of time, but no problem as they were having computer troubles. She wanted to see my blood card. “I did not bring it,” I said.

“Your driver’s license?” she then asked.

“I have no ID with me,” I said.

“Sorry I can not take your blood,” she told me.

Moving on to Leroy she learned he had his license since he had driven. They even got so far as checking his hemoglobin, blood pressure, and pulse. However, after learning that he had lived for five years in Slovakia they declined to take his blood either. It did not matter that we had been to Africa because one woman said that there is the Africa test of the blood to learn if you are harboring any unfriendly organisms. So now until or if they change the rule we can not give blood for the rest of our lives.

Late Sunday afternoon we took a walk on the storm sewer that comes above ground in the park across the street. It runs all the way to the Mississippi, but we did not quite make it that far as after the railroad tracks it became private property. It is a great walk if any of you want to walk when you visit we can take you on that hike. It is at least a good level surface even if down hill all the way and up hill on the return. I would guess that it is at least a mile one way. Seems to be typical good walk doesn’t it?

Paula

Upset Gone

Hello,

The secretary was not at work this morning so Leroy himself called Quest. He had tried on the weekend, but the office was closed. Now he reported, “The woman said we have paid ahead. We are good until December 1.”

A bit later he called again, “I talked to someone else and asked about our charges. We will be charged monthly for the phone bill and the internet what we had been quoted plus taxes. They are going to send me an itemized bill so we can see where all the money went. One thing was that we had to pay for the new modem.”

So other than paying for the modem and the connect charge we are square. Those charges seem fair, but we feel that we should have been informed of them ahead of time. Not all workers are created equal. Then we suspect it was a computer glitch that we got that other threatening notice. Or at least some wires were crossed. If it had not come on a weekend all would have been clarified in minutes. The danger of this type of experience is thinking that worrying and fussing make a difference helping solve the problem.

Late Saturday afternoon Leroy and I rode our bikes downtown and took a walking tour. It was called the beautiful homes route. They were indeed beautiful. I would have liked more information about the homes, but this tour seemed to be aimed at health information rather than landscape information. Distance is given as is the estimated calories burned. Someone told us there are some tours that give information about the architecture and history of the buildings downtown. I will have to look for those brochures the next time I am there. Or there are still four walks to be completed on this flyer.

On the way home we biked up a steep hill. Long and gradual does not prepare one for the effort of a steep hill. I was gasping quite a bit by the time I got to the top. Puts me in my place as I thought I had surely gained considerable strength on my other rides. More work ahead.

Paula

The Edge of Upset

Hello,

We are balancing on the edge of upset. Last night I had forgotten about the internet price issue, but Leroy mentioned it just before sleep came so I had funny dreams. It is his entire fault, right? In the middle of the night at 3:30 I woke and realized that Leroy was also awake tossing around in the bed.

“What is the matter?” I wanted to know.

“Oh I am thinking about that bill. I am afraid that we will get a bad credit rating if we do not pay it.” Leroy said.

Not long after that he went to sleep leaving me to pick up the banner of worry and fuss. I think I stewed that for more than an hour before falling asleep to traverse through even stranger dreams.

This afternoon, Leroy announced, “I am going to figure this thing out.”

Sure enough he paid the bill on line. He can now rest in peace. I am sorry that neither of us is as good at fighting companies as our youngest daughter is. We will check into the possibilities of changing to someone else, although we are not so hopeful about that.

We were spoiled in Chariton by the almost local company that was inexpensive and gave great service. It is hard to move and loose the best that you have ever had. I should learn to be more thankful for those good things instead of being complacent when they are with me.

Paula

Upset

Hello,

Leroy and I are both upset. We got a notice in the mail today from Quest stating that because we have not paid our bill our internet and phone service will be cut on Monday. So if you do not hear from me for a while that will be why. We will be shut down.

It seems that this whole thing is one big misunderstanding. The secretary at church set up the account since the church pays the phone bill. She had understood them to say that the bill amount is $15 per month for internet and $35 for the phone. When the bill came it was significantly more than that. Leroy and I have paid for an internet connection charge that was not mentioned in the first conversation as that did seem fair. We also paid the quoted cost of internet for the month of September. The secretary has spent considerable time speaking with them. One of the problems is that there is nothing in writing as it was all done over the phone. The disconnection notice that we received today was for well over $200.

For Leroy and I the real problem is that we have always paid our bills and have never experienced something like this. I must remember we are fortunate that we can live without phone and internet for a time even if we would not like to do that. We can use our cell phones or the phone at church. We can also use the internet there, but I do not like to do that as I have to work around Leroy’s schedule because of using his computer. And I do not like his computer. It is old and drives me nuts. No one likes to see me when I am nuts.

On a positive note, we had a choir retreat at church this morning. It was great to spend three hours singing. I have missed singing for longer periods of time. There is a local choir that I might join.

Paula

Sleep On It

Hello,

After sleeping on it and washing it again this morning my hair looks better. Perhaps it grew over night, rested, adjusted, or just gave in and decided to look better.

Some wag once asked, “What is the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut?”

The answer, “Two weeks.”

Maybe that should be shortened to 12 hours.

There are still some things I am not as pleased as I might be with the cut, but now I can go out in public without a bag over my head. Driving will be easier and safer.

Leroy gets paid today and we still had some money left in the checking account. We consider that great progress. I can afford these pricier haircuts.

Both problems and hair are better when you sleep on it, giving God some time to work.

Paula