Library party

Hello,

Leroy and I are quiet at home. I am satisfied and contented with that. I worked today from 8:00am to 1:00pm. The yoga group was fairly small, but the rest of the day was large with people. It was just a bit of steady work in the morning while my co-worker got ready for the “Noon Year’s Eve Party. I learned that over 80 people had signed up. There was a definite push in the air to get everything ready for so many people.

At noon a few people came. It was manageable that they keep coming in rather small groups. Some of the signees did not come, but there were still 72 people who participated. I really had nothing to do with the party; however I was busy at the desk, checking in books, checking out books, getting computer passes, and generally answering any questions that anyone had.

I managed to finish my own lunch by 1:30pm. That meant I left my apple for when I work on Saturday. I was not done working until after 2:00. At which time the doors were locked. I started cleaning up and watering plants. It was at least 2:30 by the time I left. In a small town the library becomes the hub of the community. The importance is not to be ignored.

For some reason I had trouble remembering which month I was taking about when telling due dates. The year seemed to come with much more ease. Perhaps it was because I had worked hard to think about 2016 coming tomorrow when the library will be closed. Consequently we had a number of people who dashed in to get books or movies so they would have some when we are not open.

How nice to be needed.

Paula

More Shoveling, chopping

Hello,

When the sun came out a little I went out in the afternoon to tackle some of the ice that was in front of the garage and on the sidewalk. I made a bit of progress by the garage, but only on my side I habitually reverse out of. Leroy did not seem so concerned about it so it just ignored that other side. The sidewalk had several places that were chunks of ice with no pavement visible below. With the ice chopper I was able to break most of those up and remove them. I worked for an hour, but could not manage any more. Leroy tells me that an hour is quite a long time for that hard work of banging on the cement. I was pleased to see pavement for clear walking in at least a path for the entire sidewalk.

If I were home again tomorrow, I might tackle the space in front of the other garage door. I should be home by 2:00 so I suppose there is no excuse. I get finished with work at 1:00, but I need to water plants after that. I would also like to get a haircut. The hair needs it right now, but there may not be time until next week to tend to that.

I am reading, My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira. It captured my attention, but it has a lot of words. I need to finish it by Sunday when we meet for bookclub. As usual I leave it until close to the end so I can remember what I read. I am pleased to read about the US Civil War because my HS history teacher was so interested in it and impressed many of the facts on my mind. Enthusiasm in teachers goes a long way in leading students to learning. Generally I have paid little attention to history.

My brother-in-law is coming to visit on Friday. This week is going fast with company, storm, and more company. Our lives are rather quiet much of the time. This is good.

Paula

Shoveling Snow

Hello,

Leroy went out early this morning to clear the snow in front of our garage. It is not a long distance, but he declared it much work as the snow had piled up against the door creating a little drift that packed together. “It was like shoveling rocks,” he declared when he came in breathless, but warm from exertion.

He also did a path to the compost bin as we go there almost every day. I went out later and carved a path to the front of the house. It was not drifted, but still rather heavy and difficult to get up as it was stuck to the sidewalk in many places. My dad’s scoop shovel worked the best. When I had gotten to the front a guy with a small snow blower offered to clear the front for $10. I asked my landlord if he would like to do that. He agreed when I told him, “It is a heavy difficult snow.”

Usually I like to do it, but not this time. I figured that I had already had my aerobic workout. My heart should be in good shape. Maybe the next storm I will be more comfortable with.

Miriam gifted me with a carry on suitcase. Today I brought out my one legged wonder and replaced it with the new. After some searching, I found the luggage tag that I had removed and put in a safe place, where? Now I am ready for that trip to any destination. I still have a hard time believing that I have been on a plane so often and mostly think nothing of it. I was in my forties before I ever flew on a commercial plane. Once in high school I did go up in a plane that seated four and flew over the farm. I suppose that was more like real flying. It was a treat to see the farm from the air. Now I wonder how we could get there faster as most of the time in the air there is not such an interesting view.

Paula

Christmas Visit

Hello,

We had a nice time hosting Miriam’s family. They arrived a bit later than expected because they had to circle the lake in Chicago before the plane could land. Then the rental car had a warning ding for a seat belt that supposedly was not fastened when all were secure. Andy declared he was not going to travel in a car for hours with a ding. A new car was procured and off they drove into tornado warnings when they got to Iowa. That meant taking shelter in a gas station bathroom. In spite of that Miriam came in time to join us for choir practice. She then sang with the choir on Christmas Eve.

We made ravioli, but not as successfully as we had in DC. We had this in the crock pot too long and it was a bit over done on the bottom, still edible, but not superb.

The day after Christmas we met my brother and his wife about half way between our homes. It was good to see him again. I am not sure why, but I seem to have gotten the only thinning hair gene in the family. Why do you suppose that is? Did I catch it from Leroy?

Miriam and family left yesterday to spend some time with Andy’s family and to visit with Brian and family. They had planned to leave today. The latest technology allowed them to see the prediction of more snow/rain than they wanted to drive in. I am happy that I did not have to worry about them. This morning it was most uninviting for travel with snow, sleet, and more snow. I have not gone out much, but I should because I like seeing the soft look of it. The wind is not as friendly as it blows snow off the roof in a funnel shape. I have never seen anything quite like it. Leroy shoveled some, but said it was so heavy that he got tired very quickly.

Leroy is working at the church tomorrow consequently he can walk. I do not go to work until afternoon so hopefully all will be clear or at least passable by that time.

Paula

Miriam's Family is Coming

Hello,

I have gone to the grocery store twice today. Do you think that is enough? I do! The rest of the world eats differently so I have to make a lot of guesses as to what would be appreciated. I am now at the point of saying if it is not right, too bad. Eat it anyway!

The “green thing” has been gathered from our landlords as have deck chair cushions. That should make for some soft sleeping places. We have borrowed and borrowed this green thing for all grandchildren visits. I think it was a fold up type of chair at one time in its life. It is quite thick so is comfortable for them to sleep on.

I also retrieved sheets and blankets. I had given away a blanket this summer when our neighbor was sleeping in the car. I was happy to learn that I still had two left, one for each girl. I offered the sleeping bags, but they preferred blankets. Aren’t mobile phones wonderful so we can make plans while they are driving in the middle of Illinois?

Now I have to write down the menus that are floating around in my mind. I know I should have made menus, a shopping list, and then shopped.  I am doing it backwards. Hoping that will work too.

Oh yes, I should clean the bathroom. Do you think there could be another task or two that I have forgotten? I am trying hard to forget so I do not work too hard.

Tomorrow Miriam’s family is visiting a friend while I am at work. Leroy will be working all day so I am not concerned about him and any plans. Leroy, before he knew anyone would be here for Christmas, signed up to work a lot as other people wanted time off.

If I do not write again until after Christmas, I must wish you all the blessings that Christmas and contemplation can bring into your life.

Paula

Taking Care of things

Hello,

Leroy laid quite low on Saturday, reading, sleeping, watching TV and talking about being out and about. Sunday morning he got dressed, ate breakfast, and said, “I do not think I can walk to church. I am so tired now.”

I convinced him to stay home, not that it took much effort. The choir was singing a special selection, but he decided they could do it without his help,

He was still being quiet when I got home.  Later in the afternoon we did make a short trip in the car. He was ok with that but glad to come home and take a nap.

Today, Monday, he was talking about whether he should ride the bike to work or drive. When I glanced out the window and raindrops were visible in the puddle by the street light, it was decided that driving was the proper choice.

I am proud of myself for calling, you know me and phone calls, the Dr. Office about a co pay that I was charged. I did find the receipt that shows I paid it when the visit was made. Now I have written down this conversation and the date. I even over paid so they will send me a refund.

In searching through a drawer looking for the stapler, I found another key for the car we sold. There were plenty of keys to pass along so I think this one can be safely disposed of in one way or another. Is such a thing recyclable? When we got the new car the dealer commented that sometimes people lose a key. Because the new type of key is so expensive to replace, they have sold used cars with only one key available. Back in the good old days they were just a trip to the hardware store and a dollar to replace. It was nice to have a spare key in case I locked the key in the car. Luckily I have seldom done that. In the two times it happened, Leroy came and rescued me.

Paula

Leroy is better

Hello,

Leroy had a peaceful night and so did I. It was blissful. We think it must have been something he ate. There was some food sitting out at the museum. Because his lunch was packed in our usual almost pristine conditions it should not have been the problem. He tells me that he is still a little tired.

I am hoping he will be able to help me a small amount with the Christmas cards. My goal is to finish them this weekend. I have some of the envelope addressed. That makes it feel a little less daunting. True confession, I write more personal notes on the first letters and run out of vive as I go along. After mid morning snack I will tackle it in reality instead of just in my mind. That should help.

I have done a load of laundry this morning so there is nothing left that Leroy got dirty. Aren’t we lucky that we have a washing machine in our apartment, or that there is a washing machine at all in our culture. I would not be anxious to beat them on the rocks. Also I remember my mother heating wash water before we got the water heater. We also had a wringer washer that was out on the porch. There was a dramatic difference between the cold air and the hot water. Mom used an old broom handle to snag the items in the first load because the water was too hot for comfort. It was a more earth friendly way to wash as that water was used for many loads with dish towels being in the first load and my dad’s overalls being in the last when the water had turned a different color.

I am happy to have a water saving machine even though it does not meet the standard of my childhood.

Paula

My List

Hello,

It only works to make a list, if after you cannot remember what you needed, you look at the list. A part of me thought I was remembering it all, but when I got home I found that I had not gotten three things. I suppose I will have to make another trip. One good thing the stores are only about two miles away, but I still have a hard time giving myself permission to make unnecessary jaunts. They would have been unnecessary if I had gotten it all in the first place.

I am still looking for a love seat. I thought I found one at a second hand store. Leroy, when I called, said he would go with me tonight to look at it and measure it so see if it would fit in the stairwell. I have also thought some more about a futon because we could take it upstairs in pieces and put it together up here. I am not so attracted to the idea of a futon, but it just might be the thing for this space. Someone could even sleep on it and that is a plus. It would be comfortable wouldn’t it? Futons do not have a good reputation in my mind. Hopefully they have been improved.

Leroy had not been home more than five minutes before he talked about not feeling good. Probably half an hour later we knew we would be going nowhere as his stomach was rejecting everything that was in it. He has expelled the contents three or four times now. We are both hoping that it will be empty soon.

Tomorrow he will once again be home. Then I will have no excuses for not getting the Christmas letters sent as there will be few outside trips. I have this urge to say on all of the cards that I have some nice Christmas paper, but we could not figure out how to make the margins work. However, I will probably say no such thing, even though I wonder, “What will people think?” about this letter on plain paper with no card. Maybe I should go get some cards? But it seems too late now.

Paula

Microwave purchased

Hello,

The new microwave is purchased and upstairs. We live upstairs so that is good. The old is still being used for the moment. I thought when Leroy is available later tonight we will take it out of the box and figure out what to do with the old. Leroy called me at work yesterday to tell me that he, at the end of his calling on someone, was close to a store. He checked and their price was lower than online or any price we have seen. The only catch was that the brand and model we want was on a truck to be delivered to them. They would put our name on it, if it indeed came. I was to call before I went to get it in case it had not come. I did run a couple errands in the morning. Since I had no clue when the truck would come and I hate to make phone calls, I did not call until late in the morning. The machine was indeed there, but I would need to pick it up in 24 hours because we had not paid for it. I did go after a lunch in the loft concert at church. Course I walked to church and back. I can say that it was blustery. The concert was nice, but I found myself struggling to pay attention to the music at all moments even though it was beautiful. After I came home, in spite of not eating, I went to pick it up because I needed to be home to finish making bread. All it had on it was “customer Paula”. I claimed it, brought it home, gathered strength and carried it up stairs.

I also made granola this morning as well as a fruit salad for the party we are going to. This gathering is of the people who work at the museum. I have to gather a bit of strength to attend that as it seems to me it is like a party where I know only a few people.

After we leave there, we will go to church to choir practice as it is not to be missed. We are singing a rather difficult, extensive, selection this Sunday. Leroy tells me that he has learned a lot. I have to admit that I do not know how he manages without having had some musical training which would help him read the notes. It is surely a good challenge for his brain.

Paula

Grumpy Times

Hello,

If there is one thing I want it is for my cohort to be more competent than I am. Leroy and I are trying to get our Christmas letter done. He was to print it off at work. I gave him rather explicit instructions about the Christmas paper we had so he would not do it as he had last year. Last year’s fiasco did not happen, but he called a little bit ago to tell me that he was having trouble with the margins. I finally said rather forcefully, “Just do it on plain paper. It is ok.”

Not so nice to him.

Then I moved on to a problem with one store credit card. I got a bill from them that I did not know about, but thinking that Leroy might have gotten me something, I paid the bill. I did think it was a bit unusual that it was an even amount which almost never happens in the shopping world. When I talked to Leroy he said, “I did not buy something for you there. It might be that gift card I got for buying the tablet there, and somehow they charged us for it instead of it being a gift.”

Assuming that probably was the case; I went online to find a phone number or a live chat possibility. The phone call resulted in just a round robin of none people response. The only way I could contact them, that I could find, was to email them. Within 24 hours they will respond, but I must go find the answer on my account with them. I do not like that possibility, but submitted my query anyway. Grumble, grumble in my head!

Some of my plants will have to move somewhere when the kids come. There is too much in this place. I might even consider getting rid of some of them. My large Christmas cactus is a room hog, but I cannot get rid of it yet. I just noticed that a walnut tree is starting to grow in the pot. Do you think a squirrel buried it in there?  At least I am comfortable pulling that out. No trees growing in this house. Not easy to pull this four inch plant, but I broke it off.

You all have a good day now. I will have a better one, I can feel it coming.

Paula

Christmas is coming

Hello,

Even though I do not feel so involved in many things, my days are full. We had a Holiday open house for the city workers, library board, and friends of the library. It was great to visit with people.

Last night a dear friend asked if we would want to ticket take for a vocal concert. It was great to attend and the job did not detract at all from the whole experience. Later this week, Leroy’s work will have a party. Then this week at church, there is lunch in the loft. I will try to attend this week. The organist and his equally talented wife will give a concert. People tell me it is very good. I do not work on Wednesday so I have no excuse but that I have forgotten about it in the past.

Leroy and I are composing a more traditional Christmas letter with each of us contributing to that. We might be done but editing might tell a different story. I have addressed about a third of the envelopes. When Leroy comes home from the nursing home service we intend to put up the Christmas decorations.

Our microwave seems to heat less and less. We looked at some in the stores yesterday. Leroy is sure we should get it before the “kids” come for Christmas. Now it takes about twice the usual time. Is such a thing fixable? I dislike our throw-away culture.

I am also thinking that I would like a loveseat up here, but do not really have time to look for one that would fit up the stairs. We have talked about getting a futon. At least they seem to be made to go into smaller spaces. As it is, we only have four chairs to sit on in the living room. Leroy even wonders about an inflatable couch we have seen somewhere. I am not so attached to that idea. We will manage.

Paula

Off Center Life

Hello,

This morning Leroy and I went shopping. I can tell that guy does not get in stores often, especially a home store type. He went to look at microwaves, but spent quite a lot of time looking at other things. Leroy, after I urged, ended up buying a treat for himself. I felt like saying that it was a present from me, but he likes surprises. What that Christmas gift surprise will be is a total mystery to me too.

We then moved on to another store where he looked at belts, but this guy wants an all leather belt and some were not, so he was a bit disgusted.

Leroy has spent two times visiting with the makers of our TV and his tablet. The first told him he needed a different tablet and the second told him that he needs a different TV. He wants these two items to talk to each other. Now he has started to look for alternative solutions. He did hear a suggestion in one store, but it cost more than he would like, it is much cheaper than buying a new TV or tablet. In addition there was a sale offer that if he were to buy two of these devises he would save about a fourth of the cost per devise. Do we know anyone who would also like one? Someone who wants another devise to interact with their TV?

I like to do a transfer of funds to pay the rent, for some reason I did not get that done before December started. Now I have paid double and cancelled a third transaction. Am I losing it?

Yesterday when brushing my teeth, the interdental brush broke off so it was stuck between two rear teeth. I could not grab it with my fingernails. I tried pushing it with another brush so I could get it on the other side. I was home alone wondering if I should go to the dentist when I got the brilliant idea to use a tweezers. I have to confess I did not even stop to clean them, but reached in and grabbed the tip. What a relief to get that out of there. It did not look bad, but it was a bit uncomfortable. My teeth are good now.

Paula

Life as Usual

Hello,

I told Leroy last night I wanted to change the desks back to their original spots. He said, “We could do it tomorrow morning or I would have time on Saturday.”

This morning, we hopped out of bed again, got things off the desk, and quickly moved them. I told Leroy I could handle putting back the rest of the things. I am happier now. I even managed to sort through some papers and get rid of two. Now that is progress.

I forgot to buy peanuts when shopping last time. That is my favorite snack. Leroy also seems to like them. I have felt a bit of sadness each time I wanted some and remembered that there were none in the house. I did have a few to take to work and I guarded them. Last night at work I ate the last of them. Luckily Leroy thought of them as he was traveling around close to a store. He brought some home. I just made my mixture of peanuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. It was so satisfying to munch on some of them. I now know that if I were addicted to some substance that was harmful to me or others, I would have a terrible time stopping. The lack of peanuts in the house became bigger and bigger in my mind as the week progressed. Leroy too mentioned them several times.

We got Miriam’s ten year old microwave last summer. For some reason that machine takes a long time to cook or heat anything. After pushing every button on the face of it, we are once again talking about the search process and what do we want in a new one. But such is life something is always wearing out. Just so it is not Leroy or I we can replace it with comparative ease.

Paula

Today is my sister’s birthday. I find myself having a bit of a hard time when remembering that. It is also Miriam’s birthday and that still gives joy.

Life's changes

Hello,

Sunday evening I wanted to watch a DVD, but Leroy had changed many things on the Smart TV to try to get his tablet to talk to it. We could not get it to connect to the DVD player. I blamed him although I was very gracious about it and just simmered inside. When I came home from work last night I asked, “Did you fix the DVD player/TV connection?”

“It works, but I did not do a thing,” Leroy said, “but turn it on.”

Is that guy lucky or what?

I got the brilliant idea in the middle of the night to switch our desks in the computer room. I told Leroy about it this morning. Not one to let grass grow under his feet, Leroy said, “We can change them now.”

So we hopped out of bed and shifted the desks. Now we do not know where to put the printer stand and I do not like the look of the larger desk as I am coming down the hall. I think it will be changed back. At least I cleaned everything under the desks and the printer stand.

Another thing that now works is that Leroy was able to download, on his table, the app so we can take pictures of our checks instead of mailing them in. I am so happy about that. For some reason we could not get it done on the IPod and my tablet is not the proper type.

I am so pleased because I went to the garden yesterday and got enough arugula, Swiss chard, dandelion greens, and cilantro to make a fairly decent salad with some additions such as radish, mushroom, cabbage. The cabbage was a small head that was growing on the stalk in our front garden. I thought it was all lovely and amazing to be eating fresh from the garden in December in Iowa. The only downer is that the cause might be global warming.

Paula

Good Day

Hello,

We had a nice day yesterday. First we drove about an hour and a half to visit my one aunt who is still alive. She is 90 years old, still quite sharp, quite talkative, and moves right along with a walker. She might not have been able to keep up with Leroy, but she set a good pace. It sounded to me like she tries to walk more than a mile a day. I learned a little family history that I had never heard before. We took her out to lunch about which she said, “It was great to get out.” She still has a car and still drives, but I gathered her outings are limited.

Leroy and I always seem to have a little tiff in the car about directions. Does that mean we should only go places when we know where we are going? We did use the GPS, but did not agree at one point with this neutral sounding lady. It turned out that she did direct us the wrong way once.

After visiting with my aunt we went to a Christmas concert at a college in the area. I enjoyed the program and the chance to visit with another couple who had been at the seminary when we were there. Plus we got dessert from the college. I had some rice pudding. It is something I like, but never make. Now I suppose it is because Leroy does not do well with things made from milk. Or perhaps he does not like rice pudding.

We had planned to go to another concert in the evening, but we arrived home at only an hour before the concert started and we could not extricate ourselves from the house one more time.

Leroy has gotten himself a tablet as well. He wanted to explore the possibilities in that some. Now we have a laptop and two tablets. Is that getting to be too much?

I was trying to read a book for book club. At the meeting today I still had 100 pages to go, but I only started after we got back from DC. I thought the book was good, In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. I certainly learned a bit of history of the Dominican Republic that I had no clue about.

Paula

Phone Calls

Hello,

For a non phone user I have spent much of my day on the phone. I spoke with two of our friends from seminary days. We will see both of these couples at different events in the next day or a month from now. Amazing when you know that we have not seen much of them in years. Both of them have retired, so perhaps retirement is an open door to spend more time with people that you enjoy being with.

I also talked with my one living aunt. She only lives an hour and a half away. Why we have not visited, I am not sure. Anyway we will be her area tomorrow so we will visit. Before I pick up the phone to make a call I always wonder, “Will I have anything to say?”

It did not matter with my 90 year old aunt, she started talking right away and I could hardly get a word in to tell her that we wanted to spend a little time with her. She sounded quite pleased. I would guess that I have not seen her in 25 years or more. Would you surmise that I am not so good at keeping family connections?

If I should call you do not say to yourself, “She almost never calls.” Instead think, “I am amazed and pleased that she is calling me.”

If I were the queen you could be quite moved that you are not forgotten. Most of you are remembered, but I just cannot make myself pick up that phone. I suppose you could say that my cost per call is quite high because I use it so seldom.

I am grateful to have two phones so I can keep up with the rare call at home or on the road. Then I can use Skype for people farther afield. It is wonderful to talk with my friend in Slovakia from time

to time. Usually it happens because she makes the effort to connect. I am happy that she does this.

So if you feel like calling me do not fight the urge. I am happy to pick up the phone; I just do not initiate the connection very often.

Paula

More About DC

Hello,

One good thing about being in Washington DC is that we do a lot of walking. We walked the girls to and from school two days. Twice those trips included a loop past the library. The park, which is fairly close to their home, also meant a nice walk with a run around the track. The track surface is some softer type material. I was impressed how little that bothered my knees. Here we have two tracks in the neighborhood, but both are fenced in so we cannot use them. I am disappointed by that as I do not like running on cement. We walked to a cemetery that is probably about a mile from their house. There were many old graves there. Not sure we found the oldest, but some were from the early 1800’s.

We also spent one afternoon at an art gallery that had portraits in it. It was quite interesting to see the presidents of the US and to read some facts about them. I learned quite a lot that I had not heard before. Do I remember it? Do not quiz me on it.

We also went to Great Falls, VA where we did a moderate amount of walking. It is interesting to me that we had to wait in a long line of cars in order to get into the park to see the falls. Several million people visit this park each year. Even though it was a gray overcast day we were surrounded by people much of the time.We were privileged to see two kayaks doing maneuvers in the water below the falls. Apparently it is quite popular for them to come here to practice before meets. It looked quite scary to me. Some who have tried to go over the falls have drowned.

We also did some food prep while we were there. We made granola as well as ravioli. That was nice to make the ravioli as I rarely make that and almost never for just the two of us as it is quite a large recipe. It was also fun to have help from so many people. Sarah has an exchange student with them this year. He helped cut it. Some of it was put in the freezer for a later day.

Here are the children. This exchange student is 15. He was good at the cutting. I thought this was a typical picture of kids today. That is his phone that Lexi is looking at.

The Christmas cactus looked like this when we came home. It is 44 years old. We started with a little slip the first Christmas we were married.

Here is also a picture of us at Great Falls, VA.

Paula

Traveling And Back

Hello,

One sad thing about traveling east, my carryon bag lost a leg. It did not have those 360 degree wheels so it was propped on two wheels and two legs when stopped. It only fell over two times before I realized what had happened. It also has a seam that had been sewed so I suppose it is time to retire it, but that means I must find something to replace it. Will I live long enough to get the full value out of an expensive bag or should I just go for cheap?

On the return flight we took the earliest metro train easily arriving a bit more than an hour ahead of time. This trip we had to do the full shoes, coat, belt off retinue which included the hand check. Something is put on your hands and they scan that. Leroy’s hands set off the alarm. Once again they went through his bag, more thoroughly than had been done on the first trip. I waited patiently off to the side. They asked him to step to the side and out of my sight. That wait was at least ten minutes, long enough that I was wondering if we got close to flight time, should I just get on the plane so we did not have to buy two new tickets.

“What took so long?” I wondered.

“They did a more serious pat down and the rules require two people to be present. It was a long wait for the other guy.” he told me.

“I asked what set it off.” Leroy said, “They did not know, sometimes it is perfume, soap, or other things that might be on your hands.”

In Detroit we had to wait at least an hour and a half longer than expected because they were waiting on a plane from MN. Still it was ok, but I decided not to go into work. Back home, we used the city bus in CR. It was quite full by the time we got downtown. I was pleased to see that. Yeah for public transportation!

Paula

Traveling to DC

Hello,

Our trip out of town was uneventful except that in the Cedar Rapids airport Leroy’s bag set off an alarm. Before that we had moved along speedily because we were expedited so we did not have to remove shoes or coats. They did a more serious search of Leroy’s bag and found the little bag of rocks and a plastic frog that one granddaughter had left at our house. The TSA guy just laughed about it and let it pass. We thought it most likely belonged to the youngest, but she had no memory of it, however she was happy to put the rocks outside around a tree. I am not sure what happened to the frog.

Sarah picked us up at the airport in DC. For reasons that none of us could figure out she sat in traffic, just at the airport about half a mile from us, for forty minutes. Luckily it was quite nice in DC for all of us arrivals waiting for that pick up service. No one had a clue what was causing the delay. Thankful for cell phones so we could discuss the issue and everyone knew where their important people were. We got there at 10:00pm EST. That Leroy immediately started thinking about how late it was and he needed to go to bed even though his body clock would have said it was 9:00.

We were both quite astonished at the flowers that were still blooming. Some trees had not dropped their leaves. We did not need our hats or gloves. It is definitely a warmer place. It was also much more humid than here. My hair curled quite nicely. I started thinking about the clothes I had brought and wishing I had brought some lighter things. But then a bit later it cooled off so my warmer clothes felt just right.

Paula