Sagging

Hello,

As soon as I came home last night after driving through much unexpected snow, Leroy said, “So glad you are home safe and, stand up straight.”

A little shaft of irritation shot through me. “I’m standing up straight,” I rather shortly replied.

“I read your letter,” Leroy responded with a grin, I am working on my skill set.”

This morning without any mention from me, he got out the vacuum and proceeded to clean the traffic areas of the carpeting. Have I created a guy who has gone amok?

So I only told him to sit up straight two times this morning and not the five I would have liked to slap on the table.

It seems there is always room for growth and learning. I thought I might be through with that learning stuff when I turned 21. Now I know that it never stops, but I still gaze down the road and think at some time I surely will have arrived.

I was rather nervous about driving home last night as it had snowed all afternoon and was still snowing. I had boots in the car so I put them on after I gingerly put my feet in the snow to get to the car. Why did I not bring them inside since it was starting to snow when I got to work? The prediction was for just a little snow, not an inch or two. These boots are the best warm boots I have, but it is a bit awkward to drive with them on. Starting the car was the hardest part because I have to get the clutch in to a certain point and I seemed to miss it the first two times I tried, thinking, “What am I going to do if I cannot get this car started.”

The Ely blacktop seems to be the last road in the area to be cleared, but the snow was light and fluffy because of the cold so it was not hard to drive on it. It was slipperier as I got closer to more traffic. So I took it slow on the interstate. I noticed that I was not being passed by people especially on those notorious curves that are without ground under them which causes them to freeze more easily. It was no trouble for which I am grateful. For all I know I sagged the entire trip home. I certainly had an unnecessarily firm grip on the steering wheel.

My new Medicare card came in the mail yesterday. It will not be valid until February first. I am impressed that it came so quickly. The woman at the desk had assured me that it would come on time, but I had not thought it would be this soon. Am I now all ready for old age?

Paula

Posture

Hello,

I am constantly thinking about my posture, standing, sitting, and moving. It seems constant, but the truth is there are many times when I forget about it. Good posture needs to be a habit rather than a thought. When I see the chiropractor I get adjusted, do about thirty minutes of exercises, and have a mini massage session. This all ought to do something. Lately, have not had any neck fatigue. When I am at the computer at work I am trying especially hard to keep shoulders back even though they really want to hunch forward. Years of practice makes permanent not perfect.

I want Leroy to tell me when he sees me slouching, but that is not really a skill in his tool kit. He never seems to notice curling in. When I tell him to sit up straight he gets mad, however he will adjust if he notices that I sit up straighter. It helps to have good posture to imitate. Strengthening the muscles should help too.

One hard thing about getting the car washed was that I did not want to drive it again on the somewhat messy streets. I thought sure that the interstate would be dry, but instead it was quite wet and the street was dry. Because of the faster speed there is quite a lot of brown water sprayed over the car. Now it is not clean, but I know it has been clean. I can see out the windows much better than I had in the past.

Paula

Brisk Walk

Hello,

A brisk wind and cool, 21 degree, temperature help us to get to church in record time. We felt as if we had accomplished something. On the walk home we groused a bit as the wind was in our faces more and a check of the temp showed a drop of three degrees in addition to the stronger wind. “It is so nice to be home in the warm place,” Leroy stated as we got in with the door shut behind us. There is indeed a strong sense of well being.

Even though it is Sunday I am making bread because we are out and Leroy likes to have some for his lunch tomorrow. I am also making bean soup and cornbread for supper. Yes, the oven will run contributing to that sense of cozy warmth. We are so fortunate.

Leroy is busy working on stamps and I am on the computer in the same room, sharing space and breathing the same air, but occupied with different activities. Nice togetherness. Leroy has some vacation time that he must take so he will work Monday and then be home for the rest of the week. He is not sure what he will do with himself. I will only be gone on Monday and Thursday so I could keep him busy if he would like to do what I want to have done. Cleaning? We have not moved in about two years so there is some deeper cleaning that could be tackled. I do not want to push my guy, but I do not want him sitting around bored either. Although I did see that creativity comes from times of boredom.

We could even play some games. I enjoy doing that. Leroy likes games too, but he gets tired of it faster than I do. There is too much cold outside in the next few days so we will probably find indoor things to occupy our minds. Now the temp is down to 7, definitely indoor activities will be on the docket.

Paula

Technology

Hello,

I am grateful for technology and that includes computers as well as the many advances because of them.

On Christmas day we had a four way web chat with our children. Five years ago we could not have done this. We opened the gifts that we were given from these family members as all watched from different parts of the country. Stephen had this great idea, thanks. I felt connected. The suggestion was so the grandkids could see these cousins that they seldom get to see in the flesh, but I think I enjoyed it more than they did. The quality was not as good as when we only visit with one other person, but it was quite easy to see all if they got in line with the camera. For some reason they could not hear Leroy and I very well, but if we shouted they could figure out what we were trying to say. We could not find the right place to turn up the microphone volume. So technology still wins some of the struggles and hides its treasure.

Today I realized I forgot to pay the credit card bill last month. I have no good excuse for that, but I did not want to pay the service charge even though it was my fault. I called Miriam to find out what she does about such a thing. She is good at talking her way through many things. After three attempts to call and speak to a live person I finally connected. There is that phone technology working for us. The human being was quite helpful and got rid of the charge. Afterwards I paid the bill immediately on the computer. It will be a few days before it is completed, but it is in the works and will be paid well ahead of the next due date.

I even took the car to get it washed. Don’t faint, but it was probably six months ago when it was last washed. This place has humans and technology so it was cleaned inside and out. Most importantly to me, it was dried, including the door jams. They were quite busy in the warm weather that follows the slush attaching itself to cars from some snow melt. Cold weather is coming again soon.

Paula

Christmas Day

Hello,

It has been a wonderful day. I had not looked forward to just being Leroy and I, but time exceeded my expectations for possible good. First I am going to regress a little and confess that I was a little upset last night because the choir did not sing Happy Birthday to me. I figured that Leroy had forgotten to mention it, even though I had extended that surprise on his birthday last year, grumble, and grumble in my head. I kept trying to not feel bad after all I am a big girl. Surely it should not be something that I would notice very much. Finally I spoke to Leroy about it only to learn that he had talked to the director days earlier. She also had someone else with a birthday a day after mine that she talked about when he told her. We think she just had too many responsibilities with choir, bell choir, brass group, and other duets. Plus this was going on at two services with different groups that needed to practice. After that conversation I felt much better. At least Leroy had not forgotten about me.

Leroy had asked for a small toolbox. When we were out and about we saw a small one and a larger one. The larger one cost less than the small one. Leroy drooled a bit over both, so I got both of them. He happened to open the larger one first. He made a good stab at hiding his feelings of dismay but I could tell he had really wanted that smaller one because the hinges had broken on his. When he finally opened the smaller one the big grin came back. I was pleased to make him a little anxious knowing that he would be satisfied. He promptly worked on filling first the small one and then a bit went into the larger one as well.

We have eaten sweets today as I did not expect. I got a box of chocolate covered nuts from my job. I do not generally eat chocolate as I do not feel good after I eat it. I did take a little bit of two of them and gave the remainder to Leroy. That is going to be a gift to him. Then we are eating krumkaka, saffron buns, and cranberry apple crisp (although I made it was no sugar the apples are sweet).

It has been a wonderful day of relaxation. Leroy even got out his stamps and did something with them –maybe organizing. He was as happy as a clam.

Paula

White Chirstmas

Hello,

Because of the cold temperatures after the snow we are having that ideal of a white Christmas. I am amazed at how songs have influenced our lives. Surely people who have grown up in a snowless area would not think of this if not for that song that makes it seem the thing to have, snow. I do like a white Christmas, but then I like the beauty of snow at almost any time. At noon it is now up to zero at our house. Soon I will walk to the grocery store that is only four blocks away. I am hoping that the sidewalks are not slippery.

Leroy and I have been having trouble getting the cars into the garage. There is an incline just as we enter the garage. Unfortunately it is difficult to get lined up so that we can just drive straight up that incline. Last night I almost hit the side of the garage door as I made my second attempt to get in. I made it but the side mirror missed the frame by mere centimeters. When I told Leroy about it he had little or a lot of sympathy as he said, “The same thing happened to me.”

We have no ice melt stuff, but someone at work told him it does not matter because it is too cold for it to work. This morning when Leroy left it was -17. We do not have any sand, but I went out and swept out the garage as well as I could with one car sitting in there. So now there is debris on that incline including some sand that dropped off the tires.

Leroy is home from work and he declares he still needed two passes to get up the incline, but he had the car with the wheels pointing straight ahead and that helped to keep him from slipping. He did not think my sweeping made much difference, but that the garage is cleaner.

Paula

Leroy's Office Party

Hello,

We went to Leroy’s office party. Driving there was no problem as much of all streets were clear giving plenty of traction spots when there was a bit of ice. Those road workers do deserve thanks.

I am always a little nervous when going to gatherings where I do not know most people. Plenty of people spoke to me so that was all good too. One thing I did notice was that Leroy is definitely the oldest worker on this team. Some of these people look wet behind the ears, whatever that means. Certainly they were just out of school. There are some middle aged workers, but none older than that. How did we ever get to be the oldest people around? I suppose this will happen more and more if we live long enough.

This party was nice because families are invited so there were a number of children there from preschool to college age. I spoke with some of the preschoolers and one of the high schoolers, so there was not a lot of interaction. Those kids of a certain age all seemed to be on their phones, but still talking to each other.

On the way home we saw a great gas price so even though my tank was not so low, we filled up. Gas prices on the west side of town are almost 20 cents per gallon cheaper than our neighborhood. Why that should be I cannot imagine.

Now that we have a new camera we no longer can use the spare battery for our old camera. That is also true of the memory chip. I suggested that we try to sell them on some electronic media site. Just why they do not work I cannot say, especially since the chip looks much the same. New technology means all new stuff I guess. Oops, I forgot we are still using our 40 year old rabbit ears for our TV. Who would have thought?

Paula

                                                           

Going to Church

Hello,

Leroy woke up at 5:15, laid there for a few minutes, breathed loudly, looked at the clock waking me, and said, “I’m getting up and start shoveling as I am lecturing and need to get to church on time.”

I loitered a little while before I went out to help him. In the 25 degree temperature I like this shoveling task. Beauty is all around, light is abundant, not from the sun, but still ok effect, and the snow is light weight.

We finished that job, came in, showered, ate breakfast, read devotions, brushed teeth, bundled up, and headed off to church. Leroy led the way most of the time, creating a path. Where appropriate we walked in the street if there was a path. Even though I barely kept up I was breathing deeply by the time we reached church ahead of time, but not much ahead. Leroy declared it more work and slowing us down “to slog through snow.” Oh, no I forgot to put on lipstick oh well, not many saw me.

I suspect there were about 20 of us there for this early service. I could almost believe that I was in a small church once again. Certainly there is a more intimate feeling to it all.

We have plans today to make krumkaka, fruit salad and go to one of Leroy’s co-workers house for an evening party. At the moment that is under discussion because the house is across town. It will probably be ok to go there as main streets will be cleared. Course this person lives on a quiet residential street. I suspect that will be the most difficult navigation chore. Unfortunately there is ice under this snow which makes it somewhat tricky.

Paula 

Shopping

Hello,

Leroy and I survived shopping, barely, but we did come out intact. We started in the morning and that was a plus. There were shoppers; however, by the time we left the numbers had grown considerably. Leroy wanted to go one more place, but since it was not for an item we needed immediately I vetoed that plan and he acquiesced. I was happy to get out of that store filled area. It is not my thing. The country life for me.

I did get one more thing for Leroy to open on Christmas morning so he should feel a bit more satisfied. The rest will all have to wait until his birthday.

This morning one surprise purchase or at least I was surprised that we got it, was a camera. It was on a good sale, the store was offering an additional 10 % off which with the 5% for using their credit card made it more attractive than we could resist. We can take pictures once again, if we remember to do it. Heck we can take pictures across the city with the 22x zoom. Leroy always regretted such little zoom when we saw the moose. Now we probably will never see a moose again unless we spot one from our house.

We almost never go out to eat, but I had a gift card that was going to expire at the end of the year so we must use it. We were pleasantly surprised at how much we liked the food at Noodles & Company. Definitely more our style than some places.

Christmas cards are almost all done. Monday they will go in the mail. I did write personal notes in some on a separate piece of paper, but I am wondering if I missed putting the Christmas letter in some because I have so many left, or did we just miscount? Life is certainly a mystery.

Paula

I am Good

Hello,

I am so good at procrastinating that I still have not produced a Christmas letter. Surely it could have been done before Christmas. It will be done before Christmas, but not in anyone’s mailbox before Christmas. Oh well, we all like to get mail at anytime, right? I was a bit jealous to receive Christmas cards right after Thanksgiving. Boy some of you are just too organized. Actually I have written two letters, but not approved of either. I wanted to write the Christmas letter of the century and it did not flow from my fingers or my brain or wherever it comes from. Leroy thought one letter was fine, but I thought it was much too serious.  After all we live “light and humorous” lives. I have set a deadline for myself. Today will be it, since I do not want to drive anywhere and do anything as the rubber will meet the ice in one place or another. No off putting excuses are making themselves known.

No shopping for this chick today. Leroy assures me that he will not cry if I do not procure enough presents for under the tree, be sad maybe, but not cry.

Technology is good as Leroy and I just realized that I can email the Christmas letter to him to “proof” or add to and he can get it printed at work where they charge a small fee. It will not be on the Christmas paper that I have moved at least once, but maybe twice. Paper that I said I would not move again, I will probably move it again. I do have some stickers here and I can decorate the final result on plain paper. I have a few cards and they will be mailed because I said, “I am not moving these again.” A possible household move looming on the horizon certainly changes one’s perspective on the importance of some items. Perhaps the real message that I have been ignoring, is “lighten the load, Paula”. Instead I thought the message was, “Don’t get too attached to places, there is more to learn.”

Have a good safe day.

Paula

Flowers

Hello,

I stopped at the school library where my Christmas cacti have been incubating buds and blossoms. The one that had been my mother’s was particularly beautiful with many buds already open. If I had a camera in a phone I could have taken a picture. The bigger one that is 42 this year is not so far along. There are many buds on it so it has a chance to rival its younger friend. I had planned on bringing the smaller one home, but I am not sure that I want to move it again as a few buds/flowers came off and a small chunk of branch fell off. Our car is not big enough to give them copious room. At least there are no other signs of stress from being moved. I hope all will be well with them. When I told Leroy I might not bring it home he said, “You mean I have to go to Ely to see them?”

It was a slow day with lower numbers of people at the library yesterday. Doing too many other things? Leroy tells me that the museum library is also not very busy at this time. That means we can get a lot of cataloging done. I even got two original DVD’s done. That is a much longer process than just grabbing the catalog record from another source. It is especially lengthy because I seldom do that so I have to look things up and figure it out. I just have to remember not to grouse about it, but be happy that I am using more parts of my brain.

Yesterday the sun was shining. I am amazed at the pleasant smiles and greetings that come with that sun. It perks us up and helps us to deal with what life brings.

We do not control the heat in our apartment. Last year it all seemed to work fine. This year we are too hot even though the downstairs temperature is set at 65. For some reason we are at about 70. In order to sleep in a cooler place we shut the registers (They are registers because this house is 100 years old.) that has helped a great deal. We just have to remember to make the change. Remembering is hard.

Paula

Practicing

Hello,

Shoulders back, head back. That was my mantra yesterday when I thought of it which was surprisingly frequently. I do not sit very well at the computer at work. Definitely more effort is required to keep my shoulders back when I would like to hunch, lean or slouch. I did some yoga specifically aimed at neck and shoulders this morning.

On a side note one young woman told me about doing the plank poise for 3 minutes. The first day I could do one min. 15 seconds. The second day I did one min. 20 sec. I did much less the next day and rested the following. Leroy did the plank for 3 min. 10 sec. this morning. Show off! But that is just fine to let him beat me at something.

I ran two errands this morning. My down coat has been given away as were some socks, turtle necks, a sweater, and an afghan. I delivered my application which included the part Leroy’s employers filled in for Medicare part B. The lovely person at the desk assured me that it would all come together before Feb. 1 when I need to have it be in place. Relax, Paula. The next step will be to visit, along with Leroy, SHIP so we know what to do about supplemental coverage.  I am grateful to have these resources in easy driving or walking distance.

I love the set up with my Dr. Office where I can log in and see my test results online. They send me an email so I know to look. For some reason my cholesterol dropped below 200. In my entire time of checking on it, I think this is a first.  It was 192 so not much below, but below. Maybe it is that daily dose of vinegar and honey. I am not getting older, I am getting better. All other reported blood aspects seemed good as well, luckily they showed a range and all were in the range. I really do not know what some of these things were, but they were good.

Paula

Alignment

Hello,

Last year right after Christmas, Leroy got me a massage with a Groupon. I fussed over this for a while because I did not know where this place was, I would have to call, I would have to see new people, they were going to assess me and encourage/pressure me for more visits since the purpose for them was to get new customers. My response to this was to just ignore it. Now the expiration date is approaching. Because I cannot live with the idea of Leroy’s money going to waste, I strapped on courage, located the place, called the office, had the massage, and agreed to see the chiropractor. Now when money is getting shorter I am adding to the downward spiral as I will be going twice a week for the first weeks and then once a week. Leroy, who does not yet know about the additional visits, will not complain as he knows how tight my neck can be.

I am hoping for some real change. Each visit, I will see the chiropractor for some small adjustments followed by a person who has me do a series of movements to correct alignment. That is then followed by some neck /shoulder massage. It seems the three things could really make a difference. I will be given some exercises that I can do at home too. So I just justified all of that expense. Besides we will not be without income it will just be a good bit less than it was.

At least I got a couple Christmas presents for Leroy while I was out and about. That sooths my need to have each car trip count for more than one thing.

In three months I should have the best posture on the planet.

Paula

Christmas or is it Advent?

Hello,

Yesterday Leroy and I got out and put up Christmas decorations even though it is not yet Christmas, but Advent. Actually it was Leroy who fetched all of the items from the attic. Because it is so cold up there he up on a stocking cap and gloves before venturing up the steps. I did stand on the steps and help hoist boxes over the board that is keeping the insulation corralled. It was not such a big job to get the three or four big boxes down into the warm.

The first task was to put up the tree. That was the easiest thing. Our tree does not have preset lights so while Leroy was putting up the tree I checked the light strings. One strand had three lights that did not work. We did not have the proper replacement lights, but Leroy managed to put the bulbs in the other holder so it all works well now. We managed to get the lights on the tree with only a couple terse statements. Then we put on the gold strands that I call garland and Leroy calls something else. I personally felt he did not loop them enough, but I mostly stayed on my side of the tree tamping down feelings. The ornaments went on just fine. My philosophy is to put them all on unless they are broken.

The real grumpiness came when trying to decide how to organize the rest of the space with the tree gobbling up more than its share. Since last year we have acquired another chair that Brian returned to us. I had talked about getting rid of one of the other chairs, but had not followed through on that task. In the end we put the coffee table, complete with a crèche set, on the dining room table which resides in the computer room. It is rather crazy and for a while I was a bit out of shape about it, but I have now come around to liking it and my shape is better, leaning more to the positive angle.

We “found” our advent calendars. Sarah has expressed interest in the advent calendar which we made when we lived in Ely. It will be mailed to her tomorrow as I have already packed it. See all you have to do is state that you would like something and I will ship it to you. How is that for lightening our load? But you can’t have our bed. We still like to sleep on it.

Paula

Three Days Off

Hello,

I do like three days off in a row. That is one of the great things about half time work. I can have some time to relax, read, and contemplate my navel wondering why I am so lucky not to collect lint as Leroy does.

Sometimes I get the impression that people think poor people are lazy. I think not. The other day while walking on a sometimes slippery sidewalk, to the local grocery store I saw a young woman come out of her house with two laundry baskets piled high with clothes. She was on her way to the Laundromat two or three blocks away. As I watched she slid down on one knee, managed to maintain most of her balance, struggled to get up and continued on her way. I was catching up to her so I called out to her asking, “Would you like some help?”

She turned and looked at me and waited a bit for me to approach. “I could take one basket,” I said.

She hesitated, but let me take the top basket. It was amazingly heavy. I could not imagine starting out with two such weights. We

Chatted a little as we went on our way. Seems to me this is not a lazy person. But one who puts in much more effort to get clean clothes.

It certainly makes me newly grateful for the washer and dryer in our apartment. What a blessing!

Course during those days off, I do work around the house and manage most of the shopping. I can tell it is closer to Christmas as there were more people in the stores today. I have barely thought about things to get Leroy even though he keeps trying to get suggestions from me. I am just not a good shopper, I mostly just want to purchase something that I have in mind before I set foot in the store and get out of the store as soon as I have found it. Unfortunately it does not always work that way.

Paula

Health Care

Hello,

We are working on getting Medicare, but it is not so easy. Leroy figured out how to do his on line, with no previous contact it was relatively simple. Because I am adding to my coverage I needed to speak to a live person. Luckily it did not take the hour that was predicted before a person was ready to talk to me. Today I got the papers that I must fill out. But it looks as if my health coverage should have stopped already rather than it will stop in the future. Oh well, it is beyond my worries, right? It will mean talking to more people or filling out more papers.

On another theme, I had to go in and have blood drawn yesterday because I had not fasted when I saw the Dr. the other day. After an hour of being home, I thought the strapped on pressure was painful so I took it off. Possible two or three hours later I noticed that I had a large walnut sized bulge on my arm next to the poke hole. Luckily it did not hurt.

This morning at yoga, because I had short sleeves, I showed it to the other people. The general consensus was that I should see the Dr. One friend who knew I was not anxious to take this step called me twice to see if I had contacted them yet. At that point, I used the new system of contacting the Dr. and got a timely reply. I stopped there on my way home from work. It was deemed not dangerous at this time, but a hematoma which could develop into something more. Symptoms of that circumstance were described. In the meantime I am to apply heat two or three times a day.

I am still happy that it does not hurt. Pain does have a role to play in grabbing our attention. If others, who would not feel my pain anyway, had not seen this I would have ignored it because it did not hurt making it seem like a small issue.

Paula

Cold

Hello,

How do birds keep their skinny little legs warm when it is cold around them? I have seen a number of them out hunting for food, but surely that cannot be the entire answer.

I had gone to the Doctor for a general check up last week. It seemed busy because I had just gotten back from SLT the day before. It was cold that day, but nothing like it is now. The office is only about ½ mile away so it was no problem. The Dr. told me that I could do a walk – in mammogram, would I like to do that? When I agreed she sent off the request via the Internet. Because this Dr.’s office is associated with the hospital that is a little bit farther for me to walk I told her that last year I had gone to the other closer place. She informed me that that was fine, but I would have to take a printed request and to be sure to pick that up before leaving the office.

With printout in hand I headed off to the hospital, wondering if it would really be there or in the new facility they now had about a block away. At the hospital they obviously did not know what to do with a walk in person. They did call the department and everyone wanted to know my appointment time. After some discussion it was decided I could just come. The person at the desk sent me off with a volunteer to find this place in the hospital. It was not in the direction I had gone last time. I asked the volunteer if things had been moved around. “It happens all the time,” he told me, panting as he struggled to keep up. I did slow down.

When we got to the designated place, it was not it; instead it was the psych ward. We then turned around and made our way back. Would I have to carry this guy, can he make it? I wondered, but then he apologized for all the walking. So he could at least still talk. Once back at the start, the person at the desk called that number again and inquired, “Where are you?” explaining that I could not find them.

It was indeed in the new building. There, at least I knew I should go upstairs and I found that office in short order.

When I went up to the desk, I said, “I’m the one..”

And she interrupted with a smile on her face, “Oh, you’re the one, but we can take you soon.”

I had taken a while at the Dr. My appointment was at 10:30 and it was 1:30 by the time I got home. Lunch was certainly in order. I was grateful for leftovers.

Paula

Trip home from SLC

Hello,

We were late getting to the airport, but I figured there was nothing I could do about it, so did not fret much. Our train was just a little late coming to our stop. At one stop downtown, more and more people keep dashing up some steps and getting on. With this train someone inside can open the doors even though they have closed preparatory to moving on. I believe we sat in this spot an extra five minutes as wave after wave of hurryers came into sight. Our car became one of standing room only.

By the time we got to the airport we were about 15 to 30 minutes late. Leroy and I were told to get in X line at security. It seemed the other lines were moving faster, but I realized that was an illusion as they were looping back and forth so much and we just had one bend ahead. When we reached that bend I could hear the instructions to the people ahead of us. It seemed most of our predecessors were families with children. They could all leave their shoes on, jackets on, liquids could stay in wherever, and only pockets should be emptied. We were in a limited or scan express line. How nice was that?  Most of the adults had some liquid put on their hands, but not me. Maybe I looked like a kid? Leroy was selected randomly to get it before and after. In spite of this little additional quick move we did not sit at the gate waiting to board, but just got on the plane. However the plane did not take off quickly because it needed to be de-iced and that took about 45 minutes. We had plenty of extra time in Denver so it was not an issue. We even got to take walks there and I could hear the birds singing in the terminal, but could not see them. I have seen them in the past, and they are quite ordinary sparrows. Do they ever experience the outdoors?

Paula

Memories

Hello,

Memories are great if you can just pull them out of your head. There were things I wanted to tell about our trip to SLC, but I am having a hard time locating them in my brain. I do know that when I got in Miriam’s car at the airport I was pleased and astonished at how well I could see out all of the windows. Because I suspected that Andy is responsible, in addition, I know he likes to make cars look better, I felt that he should stop on one of his many cross country trips and just clean my car windows. It seems that will not happen. So the other day it was raining when I drove home from work. I was proud of myself for remembering when I pulled in the garage to clean off the windows since they were already wet. Even though they are not as clean as Andy’s standards would dictate, they are much cleaner than they were previously. Hopefully it means I will drive safer when I can see more clearly.

The girls, Leroy, I, and sometimes their parents enjoyed going out to look at Christmas lights in their neighborhood. We did that many days when we were staying with them two years ago. I found myself looking for those special displays even though I had not seen them for such a long time.

The morning we left the city it had snowed about an inch. Miriam took us to the trax or light rail station about a mile from their house. Both of the girls were awake at an early hour so they went along. We stood on the platform waiting for the train in the cold wind and snow. A young man asked something about the area. I could not answer his question. I did tell him that I was going downtown and which train that would be. Then after he had wandered around a bit he asked if we had $1.25 to pay for his ticket. I found a dollar and he thanked me before he headed off to find someone who had the other quarter. Then he had to ask someone which train to get on. As Leroy said he seemed not to be quite on top of understanding. I just hope he got to his destination.

Paula

Writing Again

Hello,

I have excuses, let me list them. Times were busy at Miriam’s, I did not feel so peppy, times were busy, I felt tired, times were busy, and I wanted to just read in my time off. As for my health I think I have a little something. Miriam and I practiced Wednesday evening in preparation for singing in church. During the night I woke with a funny feeling in my throat. In the morning I had almost no voice. This condition persisted through Friday. Saturday was better, but I was coughing more, post nasal drip along with some sneezing appeared. By Sunday morning I decided I could perhaps sing. Another woman at church did feel that she could handle the song, but I went ahead and did it anyway taking a break in a couple unscheduled places. I think we sounded fine, however not as good as the one man thought we did. He said, “I thought I was listening to someone on the radio.”

Monday, after Thanksgiving, we drove Olivia, along with a carpool rider, to her school. Miriam gave Leroy directions, consequently I drove and he navigated along with help from the back seat, namely, Olivia and friend. All went well until we got to one stop sign where Leroy told me to turn right. The girls from the back seat yelled no, stay left. Luckily there was no traffic behind me at that point so I could almost stop while we discussed where we needed to go. At that point the girls said we should go straight ahead and Leroy agreed. The confusion occurred because I needed to be in the right lane to go straight. Then the girls told me to turn left off a rather busy street. Once I was in the turn lane they realized it was too soon, but no getting out of that lane at that point. When we were on the much quieter street Olivia realized that she knew where we were and she and her friend could direct us to her school along a rather circuitous route. It was the perfect way to go. Now the directions leaving the school were not so clear to Leroy, but we made it by following our instincts. One of the problems with the streets up on the mountains is that they follow the land and not straight lines. We took a slightly less direct route back to the house, but managed, by going to the side and downhill. Adventures all the time.

Paula

Fly Away

Hello,

Leroy and I are flying away to Utah in just two hours. Rather we get on the bus in an hour and a half. Looking forward to seeing some of the family again.

Last night when I came home, long faced Leroy very seriously said, “I need to talk to you. Starting January 1 my job will be just half time. Besides that, health insurance will be eliminated in February. My coworker will also be half time. ”

The situation will not be as serious for her as her husband has a good job and her insurance is covered through his job.

We are starting on that old path again. What to do next?  Leroy is looking at library jobs and church jobs. My salary pays the rent and utilities, but that is all. I am now sorry that I did not apply for a job at the Cedar Rapids library that is also only half time, however, it pays much more than what I am paid now plus I would not have far to go to get to work and I could ride my bike or use the bus. One of the hazards of liking a job is not grabbing at improvements.

God wants us to trust him and not jobs or situations. Why are we being brought to the edge once again? I am going back to living in the moment or trying to. Guess I have more to learn about the trust and not worry part of life. It will come. Thank you God for the care we have had and continue to have.

Paula

More Snow

Hello,

Again I noticed that it was quite light in the apartment when I went to the bathroom in the night. I thought, “Surely it has not snowed again.”

Leroy looked outside almost immediately when he woke and announced, “It snowed again and it looks like more this time.”

The sidewalks were indeed coated even though blades of grass could be seen poking through on the lawn. It has been so much colder so not much melted when it touched down. Instead of a morning walk I swept and Leroy shoveled. I am grateful for a broom that works well on cement and the wood floor of the deck. We are also blessed with excessive shovels so picking and choosing is possible.

Now three hours later the sidewalk is once again covered. I will try to get the way to the garage cleaned before I walk on it. Seems to me slippery is kept at bay if I clear first.

Leroy, who rode the bus this morning, called to tell me that it was a bit late. We plan to take the bus to the airport tomorrow. I asked what will happen if our bus is late. Leroy told me that the other buses were there waiting for that one to come in so people could transfer. It will be fine. He also told me that people who use the interstate said it was not good and traffic was very slow. I figure that by the time I leave for work the interstate will be fine, but I am concerned about the Ely blacktop which seems to be the last to be cleared. There will have been 100’s of cars driving on it and packing it down making it resemble a bumpy skating rink. I am trying to focus on the moment and let the future take care of its self. I will leave a bit early so I can go slower and still arrive on time.

It is very beautiful. I do like snow and I am not ready to be in a place where it does not come.

Paula

Joy in the Morning

Hello,

The sun is streaming in the window and the color satisfies my soul. Leroy and I went to church last night thus giving us a feeling of disorientation this morning. Looking at this beauty settles me and helps gratitude to fill me. Isn’t that what worship is to be about?

We did take a short walk this morning in the five degrees with no wind so it did not feel as bad as it did last night when the temperature was higher, but then a wind blew into our faces much of the way.

Waffles with fresh applesauce were the breakfast fare. The applesauce took longer than I planned to take so I had to use the microwave to get it finished on time. I do not take off the peels, consequently we had some large chucks of peel. That does not bother me as my goal is health and not looks or texture. Love these organic or almost organic apples that hardly have a worm in them. Actually I have yet to see a worm.

Leroy has been working on his Sunday School lesson for the Sunday we return from Utah. I have been reading magazines. At the library, I delete the magazines that are older, but usually only about six months old. Before I delete them I decided to check them out one last time because some of them do look interesting. I have learned a lot that I did not know before. Especially in Scientific American, The Atlantic Monthly, The Smithsonian, and Acres. If I could just keep the knowledge in my head for the rest of my life I would be one smart woman. As it is most of the information is just passing through and entertaining me as it goes.

Paula

I have inserted a photo of my shamrock, primrose, and small 88 cent poinsettia from Wal-mart. Such joy in such small packages.

Bad Start?

Hello,

We slept until after 6, surprising, but not a bad start to the day. Although because of that I did not go out and take my usual short walk to let the day know I am coming.

After my shower I opened the medicine cabinet to find my cleanser which is in a container that is stored with the top down had flowed over a good portion of the shelf it is on and continued to ooze down the side and onto the bottom shelf. At that moment I decided I could not deal with it until after breakfast.

Then after breakfast we called Logan who had sent us a postcard. We had a nice chat with him, his sister, and his dad. His mom might have been in bed yet. So it is not all bad there is good to be treasured.

The phone rang once more and the line was loaded with the voice of those Utah girls wanted to know what we would like for Thanksgiving dinner. Again we had a nice conversation. Their dad is in Dubai so we have no idea if he is awake or asleep or just a zombie.

After that Leroy stared looking for his email confirming our ticket purchase for the Utah trip. It was not to be found in his in box. Apparently he checked the airline flyer miles web site and found no mention of it there either. Then he tried unsuccessfully to access the credit card account to learn if it had been charged. I was able to get into the account, but did not see the flights, while my stomach dropped to my knees and adrenaline flowed, I tried not to feel too upset. “It is not an accident it is just unhappiness if we do not go, terrible sadness. I still have all my body parts and my family is ok.”

Our friend from Slovakia called while Leroy was on the computer but I could not handle talking casually right then so we did not answer. Oops, feeling a bit guilty about that.

Leroy kept looking around on the computer for some answers and he finally found that we had indeed paid for these tickets and I had just missed that in the account. He then called the airline to learn flight confirmation and copied that information down.

We are going and at the times we had thought. Such upset for something that was not real.

Life will get better and more organized, right?

Paula

Today's amazing things

Hello,

I opened my eyes to more light than usual coming through the blinds. “It must have snowed,” I thought as I just lay there waiting for Leroy to wake.

When I opened the door in preparation for heading out for my walk I saw it had indeed snowed. I was pleased as I always like the first snow I see, especially when I am not going to be driving to work at some early hour. On my walk I greeted a neighbor who lives on the street behind us. I gave him the gift of a smile and hopes for a great day.

Later in the morning I was sitting at the kitchen table when I happened to look out and see a squirrel making its way, tail first down the rather large tree next door. At one point the trunk curved away from it. This squirrel just let go with its hind feet as its lower body swung back and forth before it grabbed once again with the back legs and proceeded down the tree.

I walked to the local grocery, bought my items, and went home only to realize that I still had my store coupon stuck in my pocket. Looking over the receipt I saw that the coupon amount had been subtracted so I did not need to go back. Instead I could head off to the garden to harvest more broccoli leaves and kale. It is obviously not growing much, but brushing bits of snow aside, I got a nice amount for supper.

While there a man came walking through the area. I told him that I had been picking greens and welcomed him to pick some as well. He told me that it was to get very cold in the next two days. I then urged him to take everything I had left as this will be the end. We then walked part of the way home before he veered off in another direction. Nice to greet another neighbor. Again I gave that gift of a smile and my attention. I believe that blesses the neighborhood.

I had my stocking cap on with my hood up. This guy had on a worn leather jacket with no hood and no hat. He also had bare hands. He told me he was trying to adjust to the weather. I hope it is not lack of funds which keeps him dressed so lightly.

Paula

Changes

Hello,

Just when I think things have settled into a groove, perhaps a rut, something changes. I really thought we would not be adding many new patrons to our supply at work. Last night/yesterday I think there about five people or families came in for library cards. It seems that frequently people have lived in town for a year before they come to the library. Three of those new people were single men in their 20’s who had just moved to town. What a deal! They all perused the collection carefully and found some books to check out. Shoots down my idea that younger people, especially guys, are not reading very much. I am glad for that to happen.

The abandoned house across the street was demolished yesterday by the city. The general neighborhood feeling is that it will improve the neighborhood. The house was getting so unsafe that the inspector said he did not want to go in it. A large machine with a bucket on a crane attacked it and finished the job this morning.

The neighborhood will look different now. Another neighbor across the street said that raccoons and cats were living in that space. I wonder where they will end up creating a new home. I have not seen a raccoon since we have been here, perhaps they used the back door of that house which I could not see. I do see cats from time to time including one that is surely someone’s pet. At least it was happy to rub against my leg, arch against my hand for petting, and purr loudly.

Leroy road the bike to work today, but he might ride the bus home if it is still raining when he is done. He will leave his bike in the garage at work and ride it home tomorrow.

Paula

Leroy at home

Hello,

Leroy misses me in the evenings as I work on Monday and Tuesday nights. However, when I came home last night he was talking on the phone to son Brian. Later he told me that he had a video chat with the “girls” in DC. They had expected me to be home too. Two year old Natalie wanted to know where I was because she missed me. How sweet to be missed. Is that the biggest declaration of affection that can be made? To be special enough in someone’s life that they miss you when you are not there?

Leroy also watches a particular TV program on Monday nights. It is the only night the TV is turned on, on a regular basis. He learned last night that the program has been moved to Friday evening. So he was a bit out of sorts about that. I have learned that a certain age of young person does not watch much TV because they want to watch when they want to watch so they use their computers. Leroy apparently would agree with that group.

I also learned that the younger crowd does not use email or Facebook much, preferring to text. They also are not buying cars or maybe even learning to drive as they, if given the choice, will take public transportation because they can use their portable electronic devices and text to their hearts content. We did notice in DC on the Metro that we were some of the few who were not using some type of device. There is even a lot of walking and using. The world is changing. I thought I was almost keeping up, but forget that.

The other social media sites do not really appeal to me. I really do not want to spend much more time at the computer, ignoring life around me.

Paula

Sunshine

Hello,

I love sunshine, at least today. In the computer room it is shinning in on the blooming shamrock and the blooming primrose. As my mother, when she would hear the chickens singing, used to say, “The chickens and I like the sun.” It certainly lifts the spirits.

Even the impatiens that I have in the pots are starting to look as if life is worth another try. I am pleased. Soon they will also start blooming and adding to the beauty of my life.

The Clivia is growing seeds. There are five larger seeds and three smaller. I would be happy to send them to anyone who might like to try growing this interesting plant that blooms infrequently, but spectacularly.

My peace lily survives but seldom blooms. It must not be in the right place for happiness. What to do?

In our spiritual class at church we were given some marigold seeds which have sprouted and grown, but certainly not flourished. I am not sure that I want to repot because I am thinking that Leroy’s sinuses would not be happy to have them bloom in the house. I have trouble throwing out a living thing so at the moment they are just existing. I did let the two poinsettias freeze, but I felt cruel and mean, however where would I have put them, especially since I have never been able to reproduce the color in a poinsettia?

Without counting the marigolds, I have 16 plants in my house adding joy to my life. Then there are five of my plants in the Ely library and four at the school library. I am blessed indeed.

Paula

Blustery Day

Hello,

The discussion started when we got up; walk to church or drive to church. As we closed in on the time it looked less rainy so we put on our walking shoes, picked up umbrellas, put on rain coats and headed out the door. It was great to be out as the temperature was fine and the clouds were high. In the course of the walk a band of lower grey clouds moved in, but all was fine. Walking out the door of the church on the way to the church celebration dinner we noticed that the wind was blustery and it felt cold. Leroy lamented his lack of a protective hat and gloves. I had thin gloves and a hood on my rain jacket. Hoods are one of my favorite pieces of equipment. I felt quite snug and protected as I pulled it up over my head. We made it the four blocks to the appointed without rain.

The dinner was quite enjoyable as we visited with old friends, and new acquaintances. Always great to settle in with good relationships and to add new a few at a time.

On the way out the door we noticed it seemed wetter and even windier. Perhaps for the first half mile we did not put up our umbrellas. Leroy found that it indeed protected his ears when he pointed his monster umbrellas into the wind. We are well supplied with help when we need it. Luckily the rain did not become a torrent or we might have been miserable. I was happy to get to the warmth when we arrived at home.

Now have made granola even though I try not to work on Sunday, but there is a pleasant aroma filling the air as well as extra warmth in the kitchen. Besides, we did not have enough granola for tomorrow since I had given away a bit of the last batch. Blessings, blessings!

Paula 

Nice Day

Hello,

As is so often the case after the first cold snap it warms up nicely. Today was a gorgeous day. I delivered most of the rest of the neighborhood newsletters. It was an enjoyable walk in spite of two fierce little dogs guarding one of the largest houses that I stop at. I decided they were more bark than bite and that has proven to be the case, but they do not like it when I come up their sidewalk. I left some papers for Leroy to finish tomorrow. They are the farthest away, but it is only one block and the ends to that block. I suppose I did ¾ of the total.

I work tomorrow and then will attend a baby shower after work so it will be a long day. On Thursday I worked nine hours. That was a long day, but not a hard day as there were no serious problems that needed attention.

We will go to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving. Because Andy is to be gone most of the time until Christmas, Miriam would like me to stay longer. That would have been so possible had I not been working. One of my co-workers has resigned so we are short handed and I do not feel comfortable taking any more time off, although I suppose I could ask about it. It creates a conflict of wanting to be responsible to both work and children.

If my children lived closer I could help on many of my days off. But that is not the way life is.

I stopped at Goodwill looking for some game parts for a craft at work. I was blessed to find a pair of skinny jeans that fit me quite nicely and they were half off their low price. I am pleased. I think I look quite fine in them. Now the question is which of the other four jeans should I eliminate? The ones that Miriam says are too short and I should not appear in public wearing? The old ones I wear around the house? The ones that are a little tight? The ones that are little too big?

Paula

Cleaned Pan

Hello,

Even though it was not on my list I got the pan clean. It was that one that I seriously burned apples into the bottom of. Leroy had worked at least three times on it and not gotten so much evidence eliminated. Several days ago I decided that nothing more was coming off and I boiled pasta in it. As I was getting the pasta out I scraped the bottom and a strip of brown stuff came up. I then attacked the entire pan with a spoon and got up 90% of what was left. Leroy washed it out. I used it again today to make some more applesauce. When I was done, I again attacked with a spoon. It is now graced with just small faint flecks of brown. I am so happy to have my favorite pan back. Who knew that we needed to beat it with a spoon?

I went out this afternoon and delivered about 1/3 of the neighborhood newsletters. I feel happy to have gotten them done, but I could not convince myself to do any more. I will try to go out again on Friday. I bundled up quite well and by the time I was done, I was getting warm.

We still have some dried soybeans that need to be hulled. I will be pleased when that job is finished. It would be nice if I had some way to throw them up in the air and let the wind carry away the dust that is on them. Throwing them in the air is not the problem, catching them is the issue. When finished hulling, I will use a strainer and then wash them before I store them.

I finally caught up on recording our expenses for the last three months. We did not spend much on food, thanks to the garden, but we certainly spent a lot on airfare. Just so grateful that we can do that. Twenty years ago I would not have thought that I could have spent so much time in a plane.

Paula

A Day Off

Hello,

I have a day off because I am working Saturday. I did not just sit around all day, but I tried consciously to move slower and be present in the moment.

I even made an appointment for a yearly health checkup. I would like to just ignore such things, but it is probably not good for my well being. I suspect one of the larger issues will be my bone health.

All of the greens that we picked on Sunday are now in the freezer, in the crisper drawer, or in our stomachs. We both suspect the greens did not survive the 14 degrees this morning. I am so happy that we stopped and picked many of them while they were still so delightful.

I had planned to deliver the neighborhood newsletter, but I will put that off until tomorrow. Because it takes me a bit of time to get that done, I expect to do some on Friday and the rest on Sunday. It is nice to be out and about in the neighborhood. Last Saturday Leroy and I visited with another woman that we had not previously met. I like it when people are outside as we are walking around. It is so much easier than going up to someone’s house and introducing ourselves.

Leroy rode the bus again this morning. He has lost his bus pass, so has been using mine. He tells me that he will buy another today. He plans to walk the three miles home, with a stop for a meeting at church. That makes a nice break for him if he is cold.

Leroy tells me that the people on the bus appear to be either elderly or perhaps poor. I suppose that is a big reason why public transportation has such a difficult time; it is not backed by the rich and powerful who have alternative options. I know, I know, population density also is a big factor. What are the answers to these issues?

Paula