New Baby
February 28, 2011
Hello,
We have a new grandson, Logan Reid born yesterday in the late afternoon. He weighed in at 6 pounds 15 ounces and is 19 inches long. All is well with mother Jen, and son. We will go up to meet him tomorrow. Or at least that is the plan. It is such an exciting time. We are wondering how he will fit in with the four girls. Course except for his sister he will not see these cousins very often since they live so far away. There are pictures of this new arrival at the BradwayFamily blog.
Leroy and I will be going up tomorrow. Leroy plans to stay until Saturday and I might stay a bit longer depending on how things are going. It will be nice to be able to help out a bit. Now if we could just figure out what clothes to take we would be in good shape. I did remember to stop the paper, but the mail is still coming. They do not stop it for less than three days plus we do not get so very much mail any more. Leroy is pleased with this timing as he is able to take off time this week. Next week when Lent starts it becomes much harder and more scheduled for him at the mid week activities.
It must be spring because the Decorah eagle has now laid two eggs even with snow on the nest. They have a live webcam on her so you can check in at any time to see what is happening. It is great. This morning she stood to move the eggs around so I got a good look at them.
Paula
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Book Club
Hello,
The book discussion was a great success if you judge by the response of the participants. We had a lively repartee that quickly filled the hour. When I announced that it was five minutes before we needed to stop, someone said, “It has been an hour already?” And to think I had been wondering if I could keep the conversation going. I only asked one question and we were off and running. I just tried to make sure that all of the quieter people had a chance to speak.
We were engaged in the possibilities of what has been and could be. We will meet again in a month. I handed out the next book. It is really an upper elementary book, A Wrinkle in Time. One person commented they would like to read it again and the rest of us had not read if even though it is in the classic territory. Also one of our members is approaching his senior recital and exams at the end of his college career and he wanted something easy. One person told me they have already read three chapters. Personally I thought I had better wait until closer to the meeting time so I can remember what I read.
It was a heady experience to do this because so many of the people there thanked me for getting this started. It was so easy to do and what they do not know is that I did it for selfish reasons; I wanted to talk to people about books that I have read. We even had two spouses come who had not read the book on Lincoln, but wanted to listen/participate in the discussion. This is the first book club that I have been in that has men. Four of the twelve people who attended were male. Nice to get some different perspective on life situations. Men are good for something.
Paula
The book discussion was a great success if you judge by the response of the participants. We had a lively repartee that quickly filled the hour. When I announced that it was five minutes before we needed to stop, someone said, “It has been an hour already?” And to think I had been wondering if I could keep the conversation going. I only asked one question and we were off and running. I just tried to make sure that all of the quieter people had a chance to speak.
We were engaged in the possibilities of what has been and could be. We will meet again in a month. I handed out the next book. It is really an upper elementary book, A Wrinkle in Time. One person commented they would like to read it again and the rest of us had not read if even though it is in the classic territory. Also one of our members is approaching his senior recital and exams at the end of his college career and he wanted something easy. One person told me they have already read three chapters. Personally I thought I had better wait until closer to the meeting time so I can remember what I read.
It was a heady experience to do this because so many of the people there thanked me for getting this started. It was so easy to do and what they do not know is that I did it for selfish reasons; I wanted to talk to people about books that I have read. We even had two spouses come who had not read the book on Lincoln, but wanted to listen/participate in the discussion. This is the first book club that I have been in that has men. Four of the twelve people who attended were male. Nice to get some different perspective on life situations. Men are good for something.
Paula
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Bugs
Hello,
Those Asian beetle bugs feel they are part of the family. They visit much more than my family has, but they are not an acceptable replacement. When it warms up they come out from hidden places.
I was talking to Brian and Sophia the other day when I saw two of them crawling around on the window. Sophia wanted to know what I was doing, I told her, “I just threw two bugs out the window.”
“How did you do that?” she asked.
“I put a piece of paper in their path, they walked on, and I opened the window, put out the paper, shook it and they were gone.” I told her the full operation so she could get the picture.
“Why did they come in?” was her next question.
“I do not know since I did not invite them,” I said in exasperation, “They just came in uninvited.”
They congregate in the southwest bedroom. One day I took out more than twenty of them. I kept thinking I had found the last one only to spot three more.
Things for which I am grateful: I am grateful we do not sleep in this bedroom as I do not want bugs crawling over me as I sleep. They do not sting or bite. They seem quite content to be quiet. They are not ugly and huge. They do not eat plants. Hmm, just what do they eat; clothes, furniture, garbage? Maybe they are actually good and eating other insects I like even less than I like them.
Paula
Those Asian beetle bugs feel they are part of the family. They visit much more than my family has, but they are not an acceptable replacement. When it warms up they come out from hidden places.
I was talking to Brian and Sophia the other day when I saw two of them crawling around on the window. Sophia wanted to know what I was doing, I told her, “I just threw two bugs out the window.”
“How did you do that?” she asked.
“I put a piece of paper in their path, they walked on, and I opened the window, put out the paper, shook it and they were gone.” I told her the full operation so she could get the picture.
“Why did they come in?” was her next question.
“I do not know since I did not invite them,” I said in exasperation, “They just came in uninvited.”
They congregate in the southwest bedroom. One day I took out more than twenty of them. I kept thinking I had found the last one only to spot three more.
Things for which I am grateful: I am grateful we do not sleep in this bedroom as I do not want bugs crawling over me as I sleep. They do not sting or bite. They seem quite content to be quiet. They are not ugly and huge. They do not eat plants. Hmm, just what do they eat; clothes, furniture, garbage? Maybe they are actually good and eating other insects I like even less than I like them.
Paula
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wildlife
Hello,
I had previously thought I would talk about bugs when using this title. For some reason those Asian Beetles think they are not wild life but are domesticated into my living space.
However I zoomed away from bugs this morning when I excitedly said, “Leroy, come see! There is either a fox or a coyote in the back yard.”
I watched this dull yellow dog like animal come out of the trees, stop, sniff the air, and move with caution into view. By the time Leroy pushed himself off the couch and shuffled out to the kitchen the animal was behind the twig pile. We waited a bit and it came out. It was really too large and light colored for a red fox and not gray as a gray fox.
“Maybe it is a dog?” I said.
“It looks more like a coyote to me,” Leroy said. “I am going to get the binoculars.”
This was certainly the mangiest looking animal I had seen around here. With the help of the binoculars we both believe that it was indeed a coyote. We watched as it walked furtively across the parking lot and off between the houses.
Neither of us had ever seen a coyote except in pictures. Life is so strange that we would get our first close look in a city of 25,000. True it is the edge of the city, but still there are a lot of people around to disturb it. Keep your eyes open you never know what might walk through.
Paula
I had previously thought I would talk about bugs when using this title. For some reason those Asian Beetles think they are not wild life but are domesticated into my living space.
However I zoomed away from bugs this morning when I excitedly said, “Leroy, come see! There is either a fox or a coyote in the back yard.”
I watched this dull yellow dog like animal come out of the trees, stop, sniff the air, and move with caution into view. By the time Leroy pushed himself off the couch and shuffled out to the kitchen the animal was behind the twig pile. We waited a bit and it came out. It was really too large and light colored for a red fox and not gray as a gray fox.
“Maybe it is a dog?” I said.
“It looks more like a coyote to me,” Leroy said. “I am going to get the binoculars.”
This was certainly the mangiest looking animal I had seen around here. With the help of the binoculars we both believe that it was indeed a coyote. We watched as it walked furtively across the parking lot and off between the houses.
Neither of us had ever seen a coyote except in pictures. Life is so strange that we would get our first close look in a city of 25,000. True it is the edge of the city, but still there are a lot of people around to disturb it. Keep your eyes open you never know what might walk through.
Paula
Monday, February 21, 2011
No Dough and Leroy's condition
Hello,
Some of you have asked about the Fastnacht dough that I might have made and not used. There is no dough. We had the dough making alarm set for an early hour, but when the bell chimed; Leroy already knew that it was an event that he could not participate in so we just discussed how to cancel. I did mash the potatoes the night before, but potatoes are easily consumed. The rest of the things will just sit on the shelf and wait for another day.
Today however, Leroy said, “I feel much better this morning.”
But when his warm hand touched me I wondered, “Should I take your temperature?”
“You can if you want,” he agreed, “but I think it is normal.”
Well it was only a little above normal at 99.4F.
My skin is dry and Leroy often puts lotion on my back. I will have to confess that I appreciated those warm hands.
He got ready and went to church at his usual time of 8:00am. The funeral was not until late morning, but there were things that needed to be done ahead of time, such as unlock the door.
He is now back home and has taken a nap. The intention was that he would sleep a long time this afternoon, but the phone rang requiring his attention. He will not go to his Spanish class tonight. The next funeral is on Wednesday so he must write a sermon for that. Hopefully tomorrow he will be in even better shape. I am impressed at how well he has bounced back from this little foray into sickness. We are also hopeful that he is not overdoing his activities.
We were pleased to get a note from Jen that the ultra sound showed the baby is gaining weight nicely. I suppose it could be born anytime now, but a week longer gestation time would be helpful as well.
Paula
Some of you have asked about the Fastnacht dough that I might have made and not used. There is no dough. We had the dough making alarm set for an early hour, but when the bell chimed; Leroy already knew that it was an event that he could not participate in so we just discussed how to cancel. I did mash the potatoes the night before, but potatoes are easily consumed. The rest of the things will just sit on the shelf and wait for another day.
Today however, Leroy said, “I feel much better this morning.”
But when his warm hand touched me I wondered, “Should I take your temperature?”
“You can if you want,” he agreed, “but I think it is normal.”
Well it was only a little above normal at 99.4F.
My skin is dry and Leroy often puts lotion on my back. I will have to confess that I appreciated those warm hands.
He got ready and went to church at his usual time of 8:00am. The funeral was not until late morning, but there were things that needed to be done ahead of time, such as unlock the door.
He is now back home and has taken a nap. The intention was that he would sleep a long time this afternoon, but the phone rang requiring his attention. He will not go to his Spanish class tonight. The next funeral is on Wednesday so he must write a sermon for that. Hopefully tomorrow he will be in even better shape. I am impressed at how well he has bounced back from this little foray into sickness. We are also hopeful that he is not overdoing his activities.
We were pleased to get a note from Jen that the ultra sound showed the baby is gaining weight nicely. I suppose it could be born anytime now, but a week longer gestation time would be helpful as well.
Paula
Sunday, February 20, 2011
No Fastnachts Today
Hello,
Leroy woke with a fever so Fastnachts and open house were cancelled at our house. All that cleaning for naught. This is the first time ever in all the years we have been doing this. It was easier than I thought it would be. Just an announcement in church worked. So far no one has come to the door. About noon Leroy’s fever broke, but he still feels a bit punk and coughs with a certain amount of regularity. He is planning to do the funeral tomorrow and then there will be another later in the week. He is hoping this is a sign of wellness coming back so he will not expose other people to much flu. The open house has been rescheduled for March 6. Leroy and I decided that if that grandbaby comes and messes with the timing I will just go and he will stay here. He thinks he can make the dough without me. Actually I know that he can he has just never done it alone.
About midnight I woke to hear the windows rattling, the bed trembling, and an extended crashing rumbling sound outside. “Good heavens is that an explosion?” I wondered.
About five minutes later I saw a lighting flash and was treated to another great thunderclap. Rain was striking the roof at a brisk pace. So it was a winter thunder storm. Who could guess?
Leroy was also awake and realized that he did not feel well at all. He had not been so good on Saturday, but he managed to do everything that was on the schedule for him. We even went out to a concert. It was quite good and made us laugh several times. It was an orchestra that was playing old time instruments and had a score that was used with a Buster Keaton film. They showed the film so we got the whole experience. I had no idea that I would like that so much. I am ready to see another old film.
Paula
Leroy woke with a fever so Fastnachts and open house were cancelled at our house. All that cleaning for naught. This is the first time ever in all the years we have been doing this. It was easier than I thought it would be. Just an announcement in church worked. So far no one has come to the door. About noon Leroy’s fever broke, but he still feels a bit punk and coughs with a certain amount of regularity. He is planning to do the funeral tomorrow and then there will be another later in the week. He is hoping this is a sign of wellness coming back so he will not expose other people to much flu. The open house has been rescheduled for March 6. Leroy and I decided that if that grandbaby comes and messes with the timing I will just go and he will stay here. He thinks he can make the dough without me. Actually I know that he can he has just never done it alone.
About midnight I woke to hear the windows rattling, the bed trembling, and an extended crashing rumbling sound outside. “Good heavens is that an explosion?” I wondered.
About five minutes later I saw a lighting flash and was treated to another great thunderclap. Rain was striking the roof at a brisk pace. So it was a winter thunder storm. Who could guess?
Leroy was also awake and realized that he did not feel well at all. He had not been so good on Saturday, but he managed to do everything that was on the schedule for him. We even went out to a concert. It was quite good and made us laugh several times. It was an orchestra that was playing old time instruments and had a score that was used with a Buster Keaton film. They showed the film so we got the whole experience. I had no idea that I would like that so much. I am ready to see another old film.
Paula
Saturday, February 19, 2011
We have arrived
Hello,
Leroy only had a short time to rest in each day this last week. Yesterday was his day off and he even worked a part of that. That means that we have arrived. Through circumstances that I do not know so much about he has not felt as busy as he usually does. That is bothersome to him. In other words he can not enjoy the calm while it is offered. But anyway now he is busy. He will have a funeral on Monday and possibly one later in the week. That adds a bit of extra work as he spends more time with the family and writes a sermon for each funeral service.
Yesterday Leroy even worked quite a bit for me as he ran the vacuum cleaner on the main floor and some in the basement. But he acted as if he enjoyed doing that so I did not feel guilty about it. The house is as clean as it is going to get. We will do bathrooms tomorrow morning or perhaps this evening. We are going to a ragtime concert this evening. So the bathroom might come into play in the morning because we must be up early to get those two or three batches of dough on the road to rising. We are ready for this open house.
Riding the bike was also on the list of activities, but not for long as Leroy felt the wind was still a bit cool. Undeterred by wind, those Frisbee golfer aficionados were in the park, only they had to traipse through mud that does not daunt but might slow down. On our walk Leroy and I kept strictly to the path or the street.
Three amaryllis have flowers open. The largest one has a flower that is nine inches across. I think it looked larger last year, but can not remember the inches for sure. Anyway they are again beautiful. I took the fern out to shake off the random dead leaves. I am so impressed at how it looks it has just unrolled seven new fronds. What a dress up for company.
Paula
Leroy only had a short time to rest in each day this last week. Yesterday was his day off and he even worked a part of that. That means that we have arrived. Through circumstances that I do not know so much about he has not felt as busy as he usually does. That is bothersome to him. In other words he can not enjoy the calm while it is offered. But anyway now he is busy. He will have a funeral on Monday and possibly one later in the week. That adds a bit of extra work as he spends more time with the family and writes a sermon for each funeral service.
Yesterday Leroy even worked quite a bit for me as he ran the vacuum cleaner on the main floor and some in the basement. But he acted as if he enjoyed doing that so I did not feel guilty about it. The house is as clean as it is going to get. We will do bathrooms tomorrow morning or perhaps this evening. We are going to a ragtime concert this evening. So the bathroom might come into play in the morning because we must be up early to get those two or three batches of dough on the road to rising. We are ready for this open house.
Riding the bike was also on the list of activities, but not for long as Leroy felt the wind was still a bit cool. Undeterred by wind, those Frisbee golfer aficionados were in the park, only they had to traipse through mud that does not daunt but might slow down. On our walk Leroy and I kept strictly to the path or the street.
Three amaryllis have flowers open. The largest one has a flower that is nine inches across. I think it looked larger last year, but can not remember the inches for sure. Anyway they are again beautiful. I took the fern out to shake off the random dead leaves. I am so impressed at how it looks it has just unrolled seven new fronds. What a dress up for company.
Paula
Friday, February 18, 2011
The New Me
Hello,
Yesterday I had a new experience. I have always bought make-up off the shelf. In a magazine that I got for Christmas a certain brand was recommended as being the best for covering the red in faces. Now I know I have quite a lot of red on my face so I decided to go for it. It is probably incomprehensible to most of you, but it took a bit of courage for me to go to this store that sells this brand because I knew I would not be able to just take the bottle off the shelf myself. Instead I would have to talk to the dreaded salesperson.
I blame all this discomfort on my mother who is not here to defend herself. She was quite timid about talking to people in the stores or returning anything or creating any kind of waves. Somehow I seem to have picked up some, okay maybe a lot of that from her. I was able to convince myself that they would not hurt me; in fact they would want to sell their products to me. Oh no, maybe they would be pushy and I do not like dealing with that. “Oh for heaven’s sake,” I bossed myself, “just do it.”
As I approached the counter and before I could veer off in another direction, a nice young woman asked if I needed help. From then on it was really quite painless. I had earlier told Leroy that people have told me that they did not think I wore make up when I never go out without it. What does that mean? It does little good? After this woman had color tested on my face, I asked, “Does it matter if I am wearing make-up?”
“Oh yes, I was probably matching the make-up,” she said, “I did not think you were wearing any.”
Even looking closely at my face under bright lights she could not see it. What does that mean? It blends perfectly, but covers little?
I ended up buying the make-up and a cover up for under the eyes.
Guilt set in as I told Leroy, “I spent more at one time on make-up than I have ever done.”
I wailed, “Maybe it is more than I have spent when you add them all together.”
“How do I look?” I wanted to know.
After scrutinizing my face, Leroy pronounced it very good.
I relaxed and felt better. I too thought it was very nice, but it helps to have some affirmation.
Maybe I had been spending far too much because the make-up was not doing for me what I wanted it to do? Even make-up and self esteem are complicated issues.
Paula
Yesterday I had a new experience. I have always bought make-up off the shelf. In a magazine that I got for Christmas a certain brand was recommended as being the best for covering the red in faces. Now I know I have quite a lot of red on my face so I decided to go for it. It is probably incomprehensible to most of you, but it took a bit of courage for me to go to this store that sells this brand because I knew I would not be able to just take the bottle off the shelf myself. Instead I would have to talk to the dreaded salesperson.
I blame all this discomfort on my mother who is not here to defend herself. She was quite timid about talking to people in the stores or returning anything or creating any kind of waves. Somehow I seem to have picked up some, okay maybe a lot of that from her. I was able to convince myself that they would not hurt me; in fact they would want to sell their products to me. Oh no, maybe they would be pushy and I do not like dealing with that. “Oh for heaven’s sake,” I bossed myself, “just do it.”
As I approached the counter and before I could veer off in another direction, a nice young woman asked if I needed help. From then on it was really quite painless. I had earlier told Leroy that people have told me that they did not think I wore make up when I never go out without it. What does that mean? It does little good? After this woman had color tested on my face, I asked, “Does it matter if I am wearing make-up?”
“Oh yes, I was probably matching the make-up,” she said, “I did not think you were wearing any.”
Even looking closely at my face under bright lights she could not see it. What does that mean? It blends perfectly, but covers little?
I ended up buying the make-up and a cover up for under the eyes.
Guilt set in as I told Leroy, “I spent more at one time on make-up than I have ever done.”
I wailed, “Maybe it is more than I have spent when you add them all together.”
“How do I look?” I wanted to know.
After scrutinizing my face, Leroy pronounced it very good.
I relaxed and felt better. I too thought it was very nice, but it helps to have some affirmation.
Maybe I had been spending far too much because the make-up was not doing for me what I wanted it to do? Even make-up and self esteem are complicated issues.
Paula
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Fastnachts
Hello,
This Sunday we will again have fastnachts even though it is on the wrong day. They are to be served on Shrove Tuesday which is the last day before Lent starts. This year that date is March 8. But we did not know when that expected grandbaby would put in an appearance and we wanted to keep our options open for a quick get away.
We both feel quite relaxed because we have done this before, but a few days ago I realized that we needed to consider our options here. For instance even though this kitchen is quite large there are only three outlets and one of those is only good for the coffee pot. We have fried these donuts in a pan on the stove, but the last couple years we used an electric skillet and liked that the best. But here I dislike tying up any more outlets than necessary.
There will be an open house so that people can tour their parsonage. Several have told us that they have never been in it. I have cleaned the upstairs, but not the two lower floors. That will be on the list for tomorrow or maybe even Friday.
We are happy to have the snow melt and no more forecast for the near future. That is good as it will mean less dealing with boots or tracking.
I am also pleased because two of the amaryllis will be in full bloom by then. Both Christmas cactus will have some blossoms and the poinsettia looks great. Then there are those two little primroses. This will just be flower city. Who needs to decorate when flowers lead the way? Even though it is not flowering the fern is putting up seven new fronds. We are just a growing place.
Paula
This Sunday we will again have fastnachts even though it is on the wrong day. They are to be served on Shrove Tuesday which is the last day before Lent starts. This year that date is March 8. But we did not know when that expected grandbaby would put in an appearance and we wanted to keep our options open for a quick get away.
We both feel quite relaxed because we have done this before, but a few days ago I realized that we needed to consider our options here. For instance even though this kitchen is quite large there are only three outlets and one of those is only good for the coffee pot. We have fried these donuts in a pan on the stove, but the last couple years we used an electric skillet and liked that the best. But here I dislike tying up any more outlets than necessary.
There will be an open house so that people can tour their parsonage. Several have told us that they have never been in it. I have cleaned the upstairs, but not the two lower floors. That will be on the list for tomorrow or maybe even Friday.
We are happy to have the snow melt and no more forecast for the near future. That is good as it will mean less dealing with boots or tracking.
I am also pleased because two of the amaryllis will be in full bloom by then. Both Christmas cactus will have some blossoms and the poinsettia looks great. Then there are those two little primroses. This will just be flower city. Who needs to decorate when flowers lead the way? Even though it is not flowering the fern is putting up seven new fronds. We are just a growing place.
Paula
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Urban Bushwhacking
Hello,
This morning when we walked, we used the sidewalks because they looked clearer than they had the day before. We abandoned the street with its occasional car in favor of the sidewalk in the park. There were places where the water had pooled in the low spot so we took off on the grass. Walking along the dog park was treacherous indeed. The water was often the full width of the cement. Sometimes it was frozen solid and sometimes not. We quickly learned to step lightly to check it out, however not before we slopped thought some inch deep stuff.
We had to walk on the grass because the water was particularly extensive, but the conifers were almost intruding on the path. It took some effort to push against them in order to get out of the water. Neither of us was wearing boots. Then there was the occasional pile of dog poop that required extra attention to avoid. That was when Mr. Bradway, who has had experience bushwhacking in the real mountains laughed, “This is urban bushwhacking.” Guess now I can say, “Been there, done that.”
Later that sharp eyed Leroy spotted a deer feeding in the woods. It seemed to ignore us completely even thought we could have sat in the same pew in most churches. Then we noticed two more and in a little bit spotted a third lying down even closer to us. With this snow half melted, the dead leaves exposed, and bare tree trunks standing intermittently, they blend in almost perfectly. If I looked away I had to spend a little time finding them again.
This evening it is raining a little. I wonder what the streets will be like in the morning. If it freezes we might just stay home and chase each other around the house.
Paula
This morning when we walked, we used the sidewalks because they looked clearer than they had the day before. We abandoned the street with its occasional car in favor of the sidewalk in the park. There were places where the water had pooled in the low spot so we took off on the grass. Walking along the dog park was treacherous indeed. The water was often the full width of the cement. Sometimes it was frozen solid and sometimes not. We quickly learned to step lightly to check it out, however not before we slopped thought some inch deep stuff.
We had to walk on the grass because the water was particularly extensive, but the conifers were almost intruding on the path. It took some effort to push against them in order to get out of the water. Neither of us was wearing boots. Then there was the occasional pile of dog poop that required extra attention to avoid. That was when Mr. Bradway, who has had experience bushwhacking in the real mountains laughed, “This is urban bushwhacking.” Guess now I can say, “Been there, done that.”
Later that sharp eyed Leroy spotted a deer feeding in the woods. It seemed to ignore us completely even thought we could have sat in the same pew in most churches. Then we noticed two more and in a little bit spotted a third lying down even closer to us. With this snow half melted, the dead leaves exposed, and bare tree trunks standing intermittently, they blend in almost perfectly. If I looked away I had to spend a little time finding them again.
This evening it is raining a little. I wonder what the streets will be like in the morning. If it freezes we might just stay home and chase each other around the house.
Paula
Monday, February 14, 2011
Ambience
Hello,
Last night Leroy and I got dressed up and went to dinner across the drive. We did have to step carefully onto the ice around the lake at the end of the sidewalk. Then it was into the dimmed light of the church with small lights strung around plus candles to create an ambience of intimacy.
We had a nice meal but ate too much. This morning I was telling four year old Olivia what we ate. When I commented that we were too full she wanted to know, “Why did you eat more if you were full?”
A little child shall lead them.
This morning Leroy put some bricks in the pond to give us stepping stones at the end of the walk. That is great as I thinking I might have to wear boots just to get through it. Now I can just step lightly to make it across for the rest of the melting season. There was quite a large drift there so it will take awhile before this spot is clear.
I am impressed with how well my Christmas cactus is blooming. It did not do well earlier in the south window. I have now moved it to the west and it is making up for lost time. It is lovely. Then two of my amaryllis are getting ready to bloom. My sister has probably ten or more that are blooming. What bounty! Spring will be coming soon with outdoor flowers to match the indoor variety.
Paula
Last night Leroy and I got dressed up and went to dinner across the drive. We did have to step carefully onto the ice around the lake at the end of the sidewalk. Then it was into the dimmed light of the church with small lights strung around plus candles to create an ambience of intimacy.
We had a nice meal but ate too much. This morning I was telling four year old Olivia what we ate. When I commented that we were too full she wanted to know, “Why did you eat more if you were full?”
A little child shall lead them.
This morning Leroy put some bricks in the pond to give us stepping stones at the end of the walk. That is great as I thinking I might have to wear boots just to get through it. Now I can just step lightly to make it across for the rest of the melting season. There was quite a large drift there so it will take awhile before this spot is clear.
I am impressed with how well my Christmas cactus is blooming. It did not do well earlier in the south window. I have now moved it to the west and it is making up for lost time. It is lovely. Then two of my amaryllis are getting ready to bloom. My sister has probably ten or more that are blooming. What bounty! Spring will be coming soon with outdoor flowers to match the indoor variety.
Paula
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Culture
Hello,
The play on Friday night was entertaining, but Leroy was disappointed in the end as it did not seem to come off very well. I did think it was a bit unrealistic. It was a mystery. It was probably written quite a while ago as the setting was a few years back with a dial phone even. And to think, I can remember when we finally got a dial phone and it seemed so progressive. Along with a few other things progressive is a moving target never to be attained for any length of time.
Last night was the symphony concert of Beethoven’s Ninth. It was great to hear it again. As I am not much a music critic, I can only say that they did a good job. It kept my interest and even Leroy was not tempted to fall asleep. I have sung that last movement, but that was maybe 15 or even 20 years ago. Can I be that old?
Now tonight we are going to a Valentine Dinner at church. Leroy and I are even dressing up. Hoping we are reading the clues correctly that people treat it that way.
After all of this the next nights will be more business as usual even if Leroy is working each of them. Next Friday will be his first night home in about two weeks.
Someone at church gave Leroy a bunch of stamps. He is quite excited as he did not have many of them. Apparently many are from the 1990’s and he did not collect much in those years. Now he haunts the post office waiting for the new issues. He is upstairs now sorting and arranging or whatever he does with them. It does not take much to make him happy, just a few bits of old paper.
We now have nine people in “my”, I should probably not claim it, the book discussion group. Personally I feel we should get a name as that is too many words to write all of the time. I suppose book club would do, but it seems unexciting even if descriptive.
Paula
The play on Friday night was entertaining, but Leroy was disappointed in the end as it did not seem to come off very well. I did think it was a bit unrealistic. It was a mystery. It was probably written quite a while ago as the setting was a few years back with a dial phone even. And to think, I can remember when we finally got a dial phone and it seemed so progressive. Along with a few other things progressive is a moving target never to be attained for any length of time.
Last night was the symphony concert of Beethoven’s Ninth. It was great to hear it again. As I am not much a music critic, I can only say that they did a good job. It kept my interest and even Leroy was not tempted to fall asleep. I have sung that last movement, but that was maybe 15 or even 20 years ago. Can I be that old?
Now tonight we are going to a Valentine Dinner at church. Leroy and I are even dressing up. Hoping we are reading the clues correctly that people treat it that way.
After all of this the next nights will be more business as usual even if Leroy is working each of them. Next Friday will be his first night home in about two weeks.
Someone at church gave Leroy a bunch of stamps. He is quite excited as he did not have many of them. Apparently many are from the 1990’s and he did not collect much in those years. Now he haunts the post office waiting for the new issues. He is upstairs now sorting and arranging or whatever he does with them. It does not take much to make him happy, just a few bits of old paper.
We now have nine people in “my”, I should probably not claim it, the book discussion group. Personally I feel we should get a name as that is too many words to write all of the time. I suppose book club would do, but it seems unexciting even if descriptive.
Paula
Friday, February 11, 2011
Leroy's Health
Hello,
Leroy’s health is great and it is confirmed by his doctor visit. His weight is well in line with standards as is his blood pressure. He is still drug free. “Aren’t you glad you married me? So you eat the same good diet I do?” I wanted to know.
He thought awhile before he agreed, but he did agree. I think that his posture is also much improved lately. The reason is not so clear, but he has been doing the boat pose (yoga) with a great deal of regularity. Leroy has a morning exercise routine that he completes 95% of the time. I am impressed that he does this. He once had a chiropractor recommend many of the moves. He finds that when he is lax in doing them he has problems with some part of his alignment.
As a part of this exam they did draw blood and he does not have those results for blood sugar and cholesterol. But then I think they will be good. Now if Leroy could just grow hair on the top of his head he would be perfect.
There are still robins out our window, but only a few more than twenty at any one time. Now some of them seem to be fighting over the remaining pieces. Isn’t that like people? When there is plenty for all life is smooth, but shortages cause altercations or worse.
Paula
Leroy’s health is great and it is confirmed by his doctor visit. His weight is well in line with standards as is his blood pressure. He is still drug free. “Aren’t you glad you married me? So you eat the same good diet I do?” I wanted to know.
He thought awhile before he agreed, but he did agree. I think that his posture is also much improved lately. The reason is not so clear, but he has been doing the boat pose (yoga) with a great deal of regularity. Leroy has a morning exercise routine that he completes 95% of the time. I am impressed that he does this. He once had a chiropractor recommend many of the moves. He finds that when he is lax in doing them he has problems with some part of his alignment.
As a part of this exam they did draw blood and he does not have those results for blood sugar and cholesterol. But then I think they will be good. Now if Leroy could just grow hair on the top of his head he would be perfect.
There are still robins out our window, but only a few more than twenty at any one time. Now some of them seem to be fighting over the remaining pieces. Isn’t that like people? When there is plenty for all life is smooth, but shortages cause altercations or worse.
Paula
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Shopping and Helping
Hello,
It was an uneventful shopping trip. Except for noting that the wind was much freer and biting close to the stores than it was by my house as well as in the park when we walked in much colder temperatures at -8 F.
In the grocery store there was quite a long line of people waiting to check out. One tall slim young man had failed to get a cart. In this store you must put a quarter in a slot to retrieve a cart. He had quite a number of items. It defied the imagination to figure out how he had gotten to the line without dropping things all over the store. At this point he had his future purchases resting on a freezer case. The couple ahead of me asked him if he did not want to get in line. “Oh I will wait until the line is shorter,” he smiled and said.
“But I can help you,” I urged knowing that he had been there before I came up.
So when it was possible I, with the addition of the woman ahead of me, helped him get things on the check out line.
Later as I was heading for my car I saw him walking across the parking lot with his three bags and a bucket of ice cream dangling from the ends of his long arms.
“I wonder to where he is walking?” I thought, knowing that no homes were close.
Just as I got out to the car he turned back, spied me, or perhaps he was loitering about waiting for me in the frigid place with no hat, gloves, and really not an adequate jacket. It was just a zippered sweatshirt that the wind does not respect. He asked “Would you give me a ride around the corner?”
“I certainly will,” I replied as I was loading my purchases into the car, “Put those two bags that are on the floor in the front in the back to give yourself more room. I will return this cart and be right back.”
The ride to his apartment was probably close to a mile or maybe even more. He was so thin it seems to me the cold must be especially penetrating. It would have been a frightful walk.
He did comment, “I did not know it was so cold so I did not wear a coat.” Then he went on to tell me that he had moved from Chicago in January. He needed to go to the library this afternoon and he wondered if I could give him $1.25 to ride the bus.
“I usually walk there, but it is too cold today,” he said.
I am not sure how far it is to the library from this spot, but I would guess that it is about 2-3 miles or maybe even more. I can not imagine walking that far in some of this weather. Our morning walk is really a walk in the park. It was probably only a little over a mile and we were bundled to the limit of mobility.
So that was my good deed for the day. I did say in my prayers that God could use me today. Was this it?
Paula
It was an uneventful shopping trip. Except for noting that the wind was much freer and biting close to the stores than it was by my house as well as in the park when we walked in much colder temperatures at -8 F.
In the grocery store there was quite a long line of people waiting to check out. One tall slim young man had failed to get a cart. In this store you must put a quarter in a slot to retrieve a cart. He had quite a number of items. It defied the imagination to figure out how he had gotten to the line without dropping things all over the store. At this point he had his future purchases resting on a freezer case. The couple ahead of me asked him if he did not want to get in line. “Oh I will wait until the line is shorter,” he smiled and said.
“But I can help you,” I urged knowing that he had been there before I came up.
So when it was possible I, with the addition of the woman ahead of me, helped him get things on the check out line.
Later as I was heading for my car I saw him walking across the parking lot with his three bags and a bucket of ice cream dangling from the ends of his long arms.
“I wonder to where he is walking?” I thought, knowing that no homes were close.
Just as I got out to the car he turned back, spied me, or perhaps he was loitering about waiting for me in the frigid place with no hat, gloves, and really not an adequate jacket. It was just a zippered sweatshirt that the wind does not respect. He asked “Would you give me a ride around the corner?”
“I certainly will,” I replied as I was loading my purchases into the car, “Put those two bags that are on the floor in the front in the back to give yourself more room. I will return this cart and be right back.”
The ride to his apartment was probably close to a mile or maybe even more. He was so thin it seems to me the cold must be especially penetrating. It would have been a frightful walk.
He did comment, “I did not know it was so cold so I did not wear a coat.” Then he went on to tell me that he had moved from Chicago in January. He needed to go to the library this afternoon and he wondered if I could give him $1.25 to ride the bus.
“I usually walk there, but it is too cold today,” he said.
I am not sure how far it is to the library from this spot, but I would guess that it is about 2-3 miles or maybe even more. I can not imagine walking that far in some of this weather. Our morning walk is really a walk in the park. It was probably only a little over a mile and we were bundled to the limit of mobility.
So that was my good deed for the day. I did say in my prayers that God could use me today. Was this it?
Paula
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Candle and bird reporting
Hello,
We got a soy candle as a gift from a store for being new in town. This container had a lid that I was unable to get off with a firm uplift. Next I tried going under the edge with a kitchen knife and even pounded it on the counter as my mother used to do when she could not get a jar open. Leroy also tried that firm uplift. Later he tried jar openers followed by one of us holding the top and one holding the bottom. There is a plastic part connected to the lid. Leroy thought cutting that might break the seal, but no luck. I wondered about taking it outside and breaking the jar by throwing it on the cement, but thought I might contact the company first.
The label said made in Wapello, Iowa. We know that is just to the north of us. I found their website and sent them an email. They called to tell me that no one had ever complained about such a thing. They could not imagine what had happened. This morning a guy came to give me a new candle that is easy to open and take mine. When he looked at it he said they had maybe sold 1000 of that particular style and if they were all bad they would have had hundreds of calls. As has happened in the past when I have struggled to open something and Leroy walks in and opens it without effort, I was thinking he might just pop it off with ease. He could not get the lid off either. His suggestion was that someone might have glued it shut. Why, I have no idea.
I think these candles are a great idea since they grow the soy and then have found an additional use for it.
Today I did not see any robins until almost ten o’clock. The largest count that I have is 20. Most of them must have found a new feeding place. Now we need to have more snow or a serious melt with rain to get rid of all the junk on the ground under this tree. I can’t complain since I have found it so interesting.
Paula
We got a soy candle as a gift from a store for being new in town. This container had a lid that I was unable to get off with a firm uplift. Next I tried going under the edge with a kitchen knife and even pounded it on the counter as my mother used to do when she could not get a jar open. Leroy also tried that firm uplift. Later he tried jar openers followed by one of us holding the top and one holding the bottom. There is a plastic part connected to the lid. Leroy thought cutting that might break the seal, but no luck. I wondered about taking it outside and breaking the jar by throwing it on the cement, but thought I might contact the company first.
The label said made in Wapello, Iowa. We know that is just to the north of us. I found their website and sent them an email. They called to tell me that no one had ever complained about such a thing. They could not imagine what had happened. This morning a guy came to give me a new candle that is easy to open and take mine. When he looked at it he said they had maybe sold 1000 of that particular style and if they were all bad they would have had hundreds of calls. As has happened in the past when I have struggled to open something and Leroy walks in and opens it without effort, I was thinking he might just pop it off with ease. He could not get the lid off either. His suggestion was that someone might have glued it shut. Why, I have no idea.
I think these candles are a great idea since they grow the soy and then have found an additional use for it.
Today I did not see any robins until almost ten o’clock. The largest count that I have is 20. Most of them must have found a new feeding place. Now we need to have more snow or a serious melt with rain to get rid of all the junk on the ground under this tree. I can’t complain since I have found it so interesting.
Paula
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Bird Report
Hello,
There were not so many birds out there any time that I looked today. However, when I went to a meeting at church they were talking about the number of robins out there. They were estimating they saw one hundred. And I thought the group was small. These birds have almost stripped the tree of fruit so I can believe that many are moving on to other areas. One of the women commented that they also have many robins in their neighborhood. It is so amazing to see so many of these summer birds with all of the deep snow and cold.
Even though it was -10 F. this morning Leroy and I took a nice walk in the park. It was great when the wind was at our backs. We got to experience that gentle wind from all directions as we made a large square circuit. We did not see a single other person out there. I think that is a first. Even the Frisbee golfers have not been back since the last bigger snow fall.
I went to choir last night. It is really stretching me to sing all this music so fast. Oh those elusive rhythms. And then people tell jokes that I do not understand. They must have a long history together and are referring to former things.
I was hoping that my old choir dress would work, but it is not to be. I will either see if I can borrow a dress from someone who is not singing this concert or buy one. Because I will probably only use it once I hope I do not have to buy one, but it can be done if need be.
This weekend we will be busier than we have been for a while. There is a play Friday night, a concert Saturday night, and a Valentine dinner Sunday night. Leroy has church meetings every night this week so he is feeling a bit scheduled, but he will manage.
Paula
There were not so many birds out there any time that I looked today. However, when I went to a meeting at church they were talking about the number of robins out there. They were estimating they saw one hundred. And I thought the group was small. These birds have almost stripped the tree of fruit so I can believe that many are moving on to other areas. One of the women commented that they also have many robins in their neighborhood. It is so amazing to see so many of these summer birds with all of the deep snow and cold.
Even though it was -10 F. this morning Leroy and I took a nice walk in the park. It was great when the wind was at our backs. We got to experience that gentle wind from all directions as we made a large square circuit. We did not see a single other person out there. I think that is a first. Even the Frisbee golfers have not been back since the last bigger snow fall.
I went to choir last night. It is really stretching me to sing all this music so fast. Oh those elusive rhythms. And then people tell jokes that I do not understand. They must have a long history together and are referring to former things.
I was hoping that my old choir dress would work, but it is not to be. I will either see if I can borrow a dress from someone who is not singing this concert or buy one. Because I will probably only use it once I hope I do not have to buy one, but it can be done if need be.
This weekend we will be busier than we have been for a while. There is a play Friday night, a concert Saturday night, and a Valentine dinner Sunday night. Leroy has church meetings every night this week so he is feeling a bit scheduled, but he will manage.
Paula
Monday, February 7, 2011
Crown and bird update
Hello,
My crown is doing fine, but it somehow seems short. It may look perfect, but it is not quite. There is some infinitesimal adjustment that I make when chewing. Hopefully my brain will adapt and it will not cause any jaw problems.
We did get a check from the select account so that is nice to be able to feel we get some tax money back. The bill is going to be a little higher than I thought because we had not paid any deductable for dental work. That means our teeth are in good shape. It has been more than six years since either of us has needed more than a check up. We are thankful and thankful we have money to pay. Sometimes I think we forget that is why we have money – to pay bills.
The birds did not come so early this morning. I was sad to think they were not coming. I took another picture when there was a nice group out there. I lowered the window and chased away all the shy ones, but waiting patiently paid off as many returned. I counted 35-39 robins in the photo. It seems on the bigger days there must have been closer to 75 out there.
Our weather is getting a little colder and there is some snow in the air. I wonder if that is keeping them away or if the fruit that is left is not so good. For the first time today I saw two of them fighting over a choice piece. Generally all activity has been solitary even if they are in a big group.
I called the library to get the group books. The person I talked to seemed quite pleased that I wanted to use these books. No one if my group had any idea that the library had multiple copies. Leroy will be able to pick them up when he goes downtown for his Spanish class. So that is great. The class meets almost next door to the library. Wednesday I will see five of the eight people in the group so that will be great. It gives people a little more reading time. One person will not be joining the group because we have picked a meeting time that is not compatible with her schedule. Sorry that she can not make it, but I think that eight is a nice size for the group.
Paula
My crown is doing fine, but it somehow seems short. It may look perfect, but it is not quite. There is some infinitesimal adjustment that I make when chewing. Hopefully my brain will adapt and it will not cause any jaw problems.
We did get a check from the select account so that is nice to be able to feel we get some tax money back. The bill is going to be a little higher than I thought because we had not paid any deductable for dental work. That means our teeth are in good shape. It has been more than six years since either of us has needed more than a check up. We are thankful and thankful we have money to pay. Sometimes I think we forget that is why we have money – to pay bills.
The birds did not come so early this morning. I was sad to think they were not coming. I took another picture when there was a nice group out there. I lowered the window and chased away all the shy ones, but waiting patiently paid off as many returned. I counted 35-39 robins in the photo. It seems on the bigger days there must have been closer to 75 out there.
Our weather is getting a little colder and there is some snow in the air. I wonder if that is keeping them away or if the fruit that is left is not so good. For the first time today I saw two of them fighting over a choice piece. Generally all activity has been solitary even if they are in a big group.
I called the library to get the group books. The person I talked to seemed quite pleased that I wanted to use these books. No one if my group had any idea that the library had multiple copies. Leroy will be able to pick them up when he goes downtown for his Spanish class. So that is great. The class meets almost next door to the library. Wednesday I will see five of the eight people in the group so that will be great. It gives people a little more reading time. One person will not be joining the group because we have picked a meeting time that is not compatible with her schedule. Sorry that she can not make it, but I think that eight is a nice size for the group.
Paula
Sunday, February 6, 2011
No parties, book discussion group, and those birds
Hello,
Leroy and I are not going to any super bowl parties. That makes us almost un-American I am sure. Luckily because there are so many million of Americans we are probably not alone, but we just don’t know where the others are.
It is so exciting. More people want to join the book discussion group. There are eight of us for sure and possibly two more as well. There are even two men. How is that for diversity? Our first book will be Big enough to be inconsistent: Abraham Lincoln on slavery and racism. The reason for choosing this one? It is short with less than 200 pages, the library has multiple copies, and when Leroy and I visited the Lincoln museum in DC we noticed that it is a bit ambiguous where Lincoln stood on the issue of racial equality. I have needed something like this to catch my interest away from dusting and cleaning. I am so looking forward to being able to talk to others about books that I have read.
Those robins have been having a feeding frenzy all day again today. I think there were more than 50 out there. Once I counted 14 resting in a neighboring tree. It is so hard to count them on the ground because they are not like our quiet sitting congregations instead they are fluttering around all of the time. However they do not talk a lot, in fact almost none of that happens.
We did read in the bird book that some robins stay in this area all winter. However they tend to stay in wooded areas in the winter or they will come to a fruit tree. Seems they tell everyone about the fruit because I think the numbers are increasing. It will be disappointing when they have eaten all of the fruit and seek out a new lunch counter. The tree is only about 6-10 feet from the house so we can just stare at them all we like. What a gift!
Paula
Leroy and I are not going to any super bowl parties. That makes us almost un-American I am sure. Luckily because there are so many million of Americans we are probably not alone, but we just don’t know where the others are.
It is so exciting. More people want to join the book discussion group. There are eight of us for sure and possibly two more as well. There are even two men. How is that for diversity? Our first book will be Big enough to be inconsistent: Abraham Lincoln on slavery and racism. The reason for choosing this one? It is short with less than 200 pages, the library has multiple copies, and when Leroy and I visited the Lincoln museum in DC we noticed that it is a bit ambiguous where Lincoln stood on the issue of racial equality. I have needed something like this to catch my interest away from dusting and cleaning. I am so looking forward to being able to talk to others about books that I have read.
Those robins have been having a feeding frenzy all day again today. I think there were more than 50 out there. Once I counted 14 resting in a neighboring tree. It is so hard to count them on the ground because they are not like our quiet sitting congregations instead they are fluttering around all of the time. However they do not talk a lot, in fact almost none of that happens.
We did read in the bird book that some robins stay in this area all winter. However they tend to stay in wooded areas in the winter or they will come to a fruit tree. Seems they tell everyone about the fruit because I think the numbers are increasing. It will be disappointing when they have eaten all of the fruit and seek out a new lunch counter. The tree is only about 6-10 feet from the house so we can just stare at them all we like. What a gift!
Paula
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Singing and Robins
Hello,
I have joined the community chorus. I auditioned yesterday and joined a four hour retreat this morning. This group has practice two nights a week for six weeks. The session this morning was to introduce all of the music for the upcoming concert on March 27th. It was great to once again have such an extended singing workout. I will have to work on my high notes. Two of the pieces go up to an A. In the last four years I have not attempted anything so high. Just as with any muscle or skill it needs to be exercised to be retained.
I am singing second soprano along with two other women. These two women have extensive training in music so they sing and I just join the group. Mostly I can hold my own, but all of the reading was done at performance speed. That certainly stretches my brain. I may have sung one of these pieces, but that would be more than ten years ago. It is also good that they can count quite well, that is good especially for the syncopated things. Syncopation also stretches my brain.
I did tell the director that when my grandchild is born I will be gone for at least a week. He said that it is ok to miss two rehearsals, and after that I am responsible for knowing the material.
When I raised the living room curtain at first light I saw robins already at the table on the ground a two or three in the tree. They have been at it all day. Later in the day we walked in the park to see some by a tree there that also had some type of small fruit on it. This afternoon some of the robins flew into the window. Are they drunk or disorientated?
When the robins are walking on the ground they hold their wings out from their bodies. Now it did warm up today but not a lot. Do you think they were hot? Or could that have been for balance on the snow. They are certainly leaving tracks all over the place. For a time a squirrel joined them in the tree. Perhaps buried nuts are too hard to find in the deep snow and adjustments must be made to ones diet for survival.
Paula
I have joined the community chorus. I auditioned yesterday and joined a four hour retreat this morning. This group has practice two nights a week for six weeks. The session this morning was to introduce all of the music for the upcoming concert on March 27th. It was great to once again have such an extended singing workout. I will have to work on my high notes. Two of the pieces go up to an A. In the last four years I have not attempted anything so high. Just as with any muscle or skill it needs to be exercised to be retained.
I am singing second soprano along with two other women. These two women have extensive training in music so they sing and I just join the group. Mostly I can hold my own, but all of the reading was done at performance speed. That certainly stretches my brain. I may have sung one of these pieces, but that would be more than ten years ago. It is also good that they can count quite well, that is good especially for the syncopated things. Syncopation also stretches my brain.
I did tell the director that when my grandchild is born I will be gone for at least a week. He said that it is ok to miss two rehearsals, and after that I am responsible for knowing the material.
When I raised the living room curtain at first light I saw robins already at the table on the ground a two or three in the tree. They have been at it all day. Later in the day we walked in the park to see some by a tree there that also had some type of small fruit on it. This afternoon some of the robins flew into the window. Are they drunk or disorientated?
When the robins are walking on the ground they hold their wings out from their bodies. Now it did warm up today but not a lot. Do you think they were hot? Or could that have been for balance on the snow. They are certainly leaving tracks all over the place. For a time a squirrel joined them in the tree. Perhaps buried nuts are too hard to find in the deep snow and adjustments must be made to ones diet for survival.
Paula
Friday, February 4, 2011
Still shoveling Snow
Hello,
Leroy and I just got back inside after shoveling again for about an hour. We had decided to try to widen the path down the drive especially as there is more snow possible in the next three days. With a strong south wind my cheeks got quite cold, but I did not realize how much until I came in the house and felt them hurting. Mission is accomplished and several million snowflakes have been moved. Yesterday Leroy commented, “Where are our children when we need them?”
Safe from working for us on the snow is where they are. We are grateful for all of the shoveling they did when they were home. It certainly helped and now we know how much it helped. We are also grateful for the grain/scoop shovels that my dad gave us when he left the farm. They have been used to move these piles of snow. It was possible to haul a big load with them.
According to the paper we got between 15 and 19 inches of snow in Burlington. It must make a difference where it was measured.
This morning our temperature was all the way up to zero so we walked. I think it might have been more comfortable yesterday at -10 since there was little or no wind yesterday.
Last night we were eating when we heard a noise outside. We looked out and saw one of the curtains on the floor. They are held with tension rods and apparently one of the rods had had too much cold to handle. We tried to put it back up today, but no luck.
The robin flock is back. I tried to take some pictures, but it was through the screen and the window so they are not the best, but it gives you an idea of how many there were. The last picture of them shows the berries/cherries or whatever they want from the tree.
https://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/20110204?authkey=Gv1sRgCKjD4tLyq_icVA#
Paula
Leroy and I just got back inside after shoveling again for about an hour. We had decided to try to widen the path down the drive especially as there is more snow possible in the next three days. With a strong south wind my cheeks got quite cold, but I did not realize how much until I came in the house and felt them hurting. Mission is accomplished and several million snowflakes have been moved. Yesterday Leroy commented, “Where are our children when we need them?”
Safe from working for us on the snow is where they are. We are grateful for all of the shoveling they did when they were home. It certainly helped and now we know how much it helped. We are also grateful for the grain/scoop shovels that my dad gave us when he left the farm. They have been used to move these piles of snow. It was possible to haul a big load with them.
According to the paper we got between 15 and 19 inches of snow in Burlington. It must make a difference where it was measured.
This morning our temperature was all the way up to zero so we walked. I think it might have been more comfortable yesterday at -10 since there was little or no wind yesterday.
Last night we were eating when we heard a noise outside. We looked out and saw one of the curtains on the floor. They are held with tension rods and apparently one of the rods had had too much cold to handle. We tried to put it back up today, but no luck.
The robin flock is back. I tried to take some pictures, but it was through the screen and the window so they are not the best, but it gives you an idea of how many there were. The last picture of them shows the berries/cherries or whatever they want from the tree.
https://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/20110204?authkey=Gv1sRgCKjD4tLyq_icVA#
Paula
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Shoveling and Leroy's Birthday
Hello,
Today is Leroy’s birthday. I am proud of myself for thinking about it before he had to drop some hints. I know, I know that it is amazing that I am not good with this sort of thing, but I am not.
Usually I make a cherry pie rather than a cake since he likes that better. I asked, “Would you like a cherry pie? I have the ingredients.” At that point there was no assurance that we would be able to get to a store.
“It seems like too much just for the two of us. What else do you have?” he wanted to know.
His birthday treat is a cake that is really pumpkin bread (minus ¾ of the sugar and minus ¾ of the oil) but in a 9x13 pan. It was ready at noon so we put candles in, called Miriam, and asked her and her girls to sing “Happy Birthday”, only to learn that she was at work so would not sing at all.
“Dad has 22 candles in his cake since that is all we found,” we told her. Even as we talked one candle started tilting and then another.
“Oh no the bottom of the candles are melting in the warm cake,” I wailed, “Blow them out fast Leroy.”
Leroy got them all blown out, but not before much wax was melted into the cake.
“Did you take the cake right out of the oven and put in candles?” Miriam laughed. She knows I never fool much with birthdays, cakes, or birthday candles. So I am ignorant. It does not take much to get ahead of me.
“Well maybe it had been ten minutes,” I calculated. Consequently I now know that is too soon, but will I remember? That is doubtful since it will probably not happen for years.
This morning we looked out to a driveway that had been plowed. We are grateful even if we did have to dig out the area in front of the garage. When I did some personality study I learned that I like to do things the hard way. In spite of that I do appreciate machines. Leroy has spent some time shoveling the drive to get it down to the pavement so it can melt better. I also went out and took out some more of the pile by the garage so we can more easily get both cars out. I think this pile was about three feet high and packed solidly together. Then it was maybe about three feet wide and fifteen feet long. Guess that makes up for the lack of exercise since we did not walk this morning at minus ten degrees F. As I was moving that pile in the afternoon I worked up a sweat and took off my coat, but then it was now 20 degrees above zero. How many million snow flakes do you think we moved? We should make a banner and proclaim millions moved in one afternoon. We are good to go.
Paula
Today is Leroy’s birthday. I am proud of myself for thinking about it before he had to drop some hints. I know, I know that it is amazing that I am not good with this sort of thing, but I am not.
Usually I make a cherry pie rather than a cake since he likes that better. I asked, “Would you like a cherry pie? I have the ingredients.” At that point there was no assurance that we would be able to get to a store.
“It seems like too much just for the two of us. What else do you have?” he wanted to know.
His birthday treat is a cake that is really pumpkin bread (minus ¾ of the sugar and minus ¾ of the oil) but in a 9x13 pan. It was ready at noon so we put candles in, called Miriam, and asked her and her girls to sing “Happy Birthday”, only to learn that she was at work so would not sing at all.
“Dad has 22 candles in his cake since that is all we found,” we told her. Even as we talked one candle started tilting and then another.
“Oh no the bottom of the candles are melting in the warm cake,” I wailed, “Blow them out fast Leroy.”
Leroy got them all blown out, but not before much wax was melted into the cake.
“Did you take the cake right out of the oven and put in candles?” Miriam laughed. She knows I never fool much with birthdays, cakes, or birthday candles. So I am ignorant. It does not take much to get ahead of me.
“Well maybe it had been ten minutes,” I calculated. Consequently I now know that is too soon, but will I remember? That is doubtful since it will probably not happen for years.
This morning we looked out to a driveway that had been plowed. We are grateful even if we did have to dig out the area in front of the garage. When I did some personality study I learned that I like to do things the hard way. In spite of that I do appreciate machines. Leroy has spent some time shoveling the drive to get it down to the pavement so it can melt better. I also went out and took out some more of the pile by the garage so we can more easily get both cars out. I think this pile was about three feet high and packed solidly together. Then it was maybe about three feet wide and fifteen feet long. Guess that makes up for the lack of exercise since we did not walk this morning at minus ten degrees F. As I was moving that pile in the afternoon I worked up a sweat and took off my coat, but then it was now 20 degrees above zero. How many million snow flakes do you think we moved? We should make a banner and proclaim millions moved in one afternoon. We are good to go.
Paula
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Crown and Snow
Hello,
I think it only took about five minutes to have the new crown take the place of the temporary. I was expecting more of a deal with that. The longest part was sitting with my mouth shut, holding it in place as the glue dried.
The dentist declared it perfect. Stating that he had never before done one where he did not need to make some adjustments. Next he got the mirror out so I could look too and see how good it was. Not really knowing what I was looking at or looking for I said, “It looks as if it belongs.”
It snowed and blew for a good while yesterday. In this house we did not notice the storm so much as we have in the past. The garage must protect it on the north and maybe it was well made. I also think the wind does not get to it as much as some other places we have lived. It seems we just had about 12 inches or maybe a little more. I thought it would look worse than it does.
Leroy went out and shoveled out the doors and some of the sidewalk. Then I went out and shoveled some of the front sidewalk.
We both worked on the drive until tiredness urged us to quit for a while. Later we came back out and worked some more. Luckily the snow is dry and thus lighter. If it had not drifted it would not be such a deal.
To get the church parking lot plowed, Leroy realized that someone must call the provider. When Leroy talked to them he asked about cost to do the parsonage drive. He learned that it is included in the cost of doing the parking lot. Now why Leroy and I have been doing it, we are not sure. No one told us? Even one of the last times when the lot was done the driveway was not? Is it because no one mentioned it specifically? Well we are just going to leave the rest of the snow out there since this time it should be cleared for us. I figure that we got enough shoveling exercise to equal two walks. There is always a plus to everything.
We took a few pictures. You can see them at this site.
http://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/20110202?authkey=Gv1sRgCJKavvKNr_GuswE#
Paula
I think it only took about five minutes to have the new crown take the place of the temporary. I was expecting more of a deal with that. The longest part was sitting with my mouth shut, holding it in place as the glue dried.
The dentist declared it perfect. Stating that he had never before done one where he did not need to make some adjustments. Next he got the mirror out so I could look too and see how good it was. Not really knowing what I was looking at or looking for I said, “It looks as if it belongs.”
It snowed and blew for a good while yesterday. In this house we did not notice the storm so much as we have in the past. The garage must protect it on the north and maybe it was well made. I also think the wind does not get to it as much as some other places we have lived. It seems we just had about 12 inches or maybe a little more. I thought it would look worse than it does.
Leroy went out and shoveled out the doors and some of the sidewalk. Then I went out and shoveled some of the front sidewalk.
We both worked on the drive until tiredness urged us to quit for a while. Later we came back out and worked some more. Luckily the snow is dry and thus lighter. If it had not drifted it would not be such a deal.
To get the church parking lot plowed, Leroy realized that someone must call the provider. When Leroy talked to them he asked about cost to do the parsonage drive. He learned that it is included in the cost of doing the parking lot. Now why Leroy and I have been doing it, we are not sure. No one told us? Even one of the last times when the lot was done the driveway was not? Is it because no one mentioned it specifically? Well we are just going to leave the rest of the snow out there since this time it should be cleared for us. I figure that we got enough shoveling exercise to equal two walks. There is always a plus to everything.
We took a few pictures. You can see them at this site.
http://picasaweb.google.com/psbradway/20110202?authkey=Gv1sRgCJKavvKNr_GuswE#
Paula
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Snowing
Hello,
It is now in the afternoon starting to snow and blow with a great deal of seriousness. This morning Leroy had planned to go to his text study. If I would go with him and we would drive on from there he agreed he would drive with me to the dentist since he needed to visit someone in the hospital which is in the same sprawling building. That seemed like a good plan, after all I could be quite happy reading as I waited for the study to get done.
At nine he came home with someone from the property committee who was waiting to look at the stones on the outside of the garage. Leroy called and cancelled his attendance at the study. I was not unhappy about that since it is in a hilly neighborhood. It was snowing some, but the guy who waited commented on the amount of wind and the slipperiness of the roads. We could still comfortably go to the dentist/hospital since it was all on level ground. Leroy is getting more comfortable driving on the snow, but I have so seldom done it since we have returned from Slovakia that I just like to avoid it if possible. That is four years ago. It is nice to put off for another day any errands.
This morning we shoveled the entire driveway. It was rather fun. There was a layer of snow with a bit of ice on top that we could more or less just scrap up with a satisfying crunch and toss it off to the side. I am glad we got that off because it will make the deeper snow easier to handle. We will probably not go out again until sometime tomorrow.
Leroy is taking Spanish class on Monday night. He is excited to have this class. He has taken some Spanish a long time ago. It was snowing when he left and icy when he came home. Even though he had to come up a hill he reported that the only place he slipped was at the stop sign close to home. He did have to scrap the ice off the windshield to be able to see.
Paula
It is now in the afternoon starting to snow and blow with a great deal of seriousness. This morning Leroy had planned to go to his text study. If I would go with him and we would drive on from there he agreed he would drive with me to the dentist since he needed to visit someone in the hospital which is in the same sprawling building. That seemed like a good plan, after all I could be quite happy reading as I waited for the study to get done.
At nine he came home with someone from the property committee who was waiting to look at the stones on the outside of the garage. Leroy called and cancelled his attendance at the study. I was not unhappy about that since it is in a hilly neighborhood. It was snowing some, but the guy who waited commented on the amount of wind and the slipperiness of the roads. We could still comfortably go to the dentist/hospital since it was all on level ground. Leroy is getting more comfortable driving on the snow, but I have so seldom done it since we have returned from Slovakia that I just like to avoid it if possible. That is four years ago. It is nice to put off for another day any errands.
This morning we shoveled the entire driveway. It was rather fun. There was a layer of snow with a bit of ice on top that we could more or less just scrap up with a satisfying crunch and toss it off to the side. I am glad we got that off because it will make the deeper snow easier to handle. We will probably not go out again until sometime tomorrow.
Leroy is taking Spanish class on Monday night. He is excited to have this class. He has taken some Spanish a long time ago. It was snowing when he left and icy when he came home. Even though he had to come up a hill he reported that the only place he slipped was at the stop sign close to home. He did have to scrap the ice off the windshield to be able to see.
Paula
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