Wake up, move it!

Hello,

Leroy and I had gotten up and had gotten much ready for our departure to the airport for our trip to DC to visit Sarah’s family. Our downstairs friend, Robin was giving us a ride because the bus does not start so early. I had just put dry oatmeal in the bowls ready to be activated with hot water when Leroy exclaimed, “The plane leaves at 6:39, boarding starts at 6:05!”

We had planned to leave the house for the 20 minute drive at 6:10. Panic blew in the door as we looked at each other in horror. It was now 5:39. Leroy called Robin to either wake her or to learn if she could handle the earlier time. Luckily almost every item had been packed. While Leroy was calling, I hurriedly gathered our lunch items. The evening before I had boiled eggs, gathered carrots, apples, and homemade whole wheat bread buns. Leroy had protested that we did not need that food since we only wanted a snack. However, it would not become breakfast.

Robin hung up on Leroy then promptly called him. She had thought it was her alarm going off instead of a call. When he told her the sad state of affairs, Robin sprang into action. She had the car out in the alley before I had snagged just that last item on the way out the door.

I am not a fan of speeding on the road, but flying low in this case might have been ok with me. With construction in our neighborhood it took a little longer to get out to speed-able territory, but we got to the airport before boarding started.

Unfortunately, there was quite a long line at security, especially for our small airport. Fortunately, Leroy and I were gifted with a pre-check ability so we had no one ahead of us in our line. Neither of us had our photo IDs or tickets out. While we were looking for those items, the checker took two people from the other line. Then he took two more people. Perhaps I looked desperate because he then took us next.

Grateful for this small airport because we could quickly more to the gate with five minutes to spare before boarding began. Finally my heart settled into a much calmer beat. We were going to make it.

Paula

The Lost is Found

Hello,

Each grandchild and child, along with Leroy and I, have our names embroidered on napkins. It would appear that the grandchildren enjoy putting out those napkins for all to use. When Miriam’s and Brian’s families were here, they were used at the shared meals.

Today I washed those napkins along with other kitchen items. While hanging them on the clothes line I thought about each person as I hung up their name. At the last napkin I noticed that Sophia’s was not among them. I looked at each napkin once more. In the house I searched the laundry baskets and pulled open drawers where it might have been stored. No napkin. In my mind I started to think about what to do. Should I just take any other napkin and put her name on it? I did not have any more of the type that is for all of the grandchildren. Should I let her choose? I really did not want to redo this task. I am not an artsy type person so this was a chore and not a joy to do all of these. It was a joy to be finished.

I searched every place I could think of, including the spots where I had already looked. I even looked back on the clothes line and Sophia was not in the group.

I tried to put it aside and just work on the tasks I could accomplish like washing the kitchen floor. Later I went out to gather the kitchen things from the clothes line. Taking the things off two lines over, what should I find, but Sophia’s napkin. "Oh there you are Sophia!” I said with a smile. What a great find!  No tedious sewing for this lady. What a relief.

Paula

Growth or Aging

Hello,

How does it happen that children grow and seniors age? Seems to me that it is much the same process. However one word has a positive feel and the other a negative feel. After all, my body is growing and changing into a new stage of life constantly. I suppose there is no blossoming feeling as we move into the later stages of life. I certainly am still learning new things, some I really do not want to know such as to how much the flesh on the back of my arms can jiggle as it flaps back and forth. How did that come to be without my noticing it growing? Perhaps children feel the same way. It is just that most of their changes are celebrated and mine are pushed under that rug of behind long sleeves.

We have also had to learn about receiving social security and Medicare. All of that required some learning and hoping that we were making the right decision. There are certainly some similarities between us and children or young adults as they try to figure out what path they are going to follow and how it will affect their life in the future. Not all of past experiences and learning help us with the decisions now. Leroy and I are still undecided about what to do when we are finally retired. Perhaps we should never retire. I have never liked taking wrong turns so I sometimes put off making a decision which I know is a decision in itself. Decisions have never been my strong point. Somehow some wonderful things have come into my life in spite of the lack. I am hoping for a clear road sign in the future.

Both the young and the old are growing and aging however, it seems to be labeled differently.

Paula

UnBirthday Party

Hello,

We had our pre and post 70^th Birthday last Saturday. I believe I would call it a success. I was a bit bent out of shape with anxiety before it started, but once it was on the road I settled nicely to enjoy it. Miriam, Andy, Jen, and Brian all did most of the dish washing and the donut frying. I tried very hard to not use throw away items. That is not an easy task when 60 people are expected to come. I did succumb to the idea of using paper napkins, but it was not a quick fit for me. I also had plastic glasses, but they were washed and given back to the loaner who will reuse them. Anything to keep trash out of the landfill! I would have done the washing myself, but my helpers did it all. We do not know for sure how many people came. We could count up ten who said they were going to come, but did not show. One person came who had not indicated that they would come. Because it was an open house the numbers were spread out nicely and everyone fit in the apartment. Late in the event time, Brian and Jen took all the grandchildren to the motel to swim and that was good as it gave them something more to do than visit with a group of “old” people they did not know.

It was too hot for anyone to enjoy being outside so they missed the beautiful and comfortable deck which was prepared for their enjoyment.

Some people were impressed that I made donuts from scratch for everyone, but I could not imagine what else I could manage to produce that most would like. We only served water as well as a mixture of grape juice and apple juice. I do not like pop so I do not like to serve it. I had talked about having coffee and tea, but Miriam talked me out of doing that. I am glad as our power source would have been stressed trying to keep up with the heating load. Course, what would we do with left over coffee? I guess just throw it out. All in all it went well. I could relax once more.

Paula

Biking with Nora

Hello,

Ten year old Nora wakes up early and likes to do rather athletic activities. So anytime I asked if she wanted to go for an early morning bike ride she leaped up off the couch from reading her book, got a drink if I asked, put on clothes, put on shoes, and trotted outside. That adult trike is great for her short stature as we could not get her safely on one of our bikes.

The first time she and I rode we went a different direction on the bike trail, around the construction site, and on into Daniels Park. I hopped out and pushed us up the first short but steep hill. Before the next one she encouraged me to try to ride up it. With comments such as “You can do it, keep going Granny.” We made it. I do have to do most of the work because she is so short that she sits on the edge of the seat where she cannot get so much power. After cresting the top of the hill the next challenge was that she wanted to go much faster down the hill than I did. I sometimes used the brakes while she was peddling. Some places we compromised and some she got her wish.

This morning Leroy and I took an early morning bike ride. I know that Nora would have loved it. We saw two sleepers under a shelter. One was on the cement and the other was in a hammock strung between two braces. Their accommodations were such that no bodies could be seen only the shape of bodies. Their parked bikes were loaded with bags. Had they been awake I would have asked where they came from and where they were going.

Later Leroy and I rode around the lake to see many Canadian geese, one lone duck, two pelicans, one crane, and a small rabbit. The flowers were beautiful. I was also happy to see many walkers along with a few other bikes on the trail. So nice to be out in the cool morning greeting the sun as Nora said one day, “Hello sun.”

Paula

Mulberry Picking time

Hello,

It was great to have Miriam’s family here for a week. Miriam herself came a day late and left a day early. Consequently we enjoyed more time with Andy and the girls.

During the time that all were here Leroy and Nora went for an early morning bike ride. Nora was very interested in picking the mulberries which she popped into her mouth. Later, everyone but Leroy went back to the tree to pick some of that fruit with a bucket in hand to get greater appreciation of these native berries which do not grow as far west as Utah. The girls had never tasted them. Miriam and the girls rode on the two seat tike of our downstairs friends while I rode my bike and Andy rode Leroy’s. We only went about a half mile up the bike trail. At the tree there was much picking, eating, pulling down branches, and jumping to pull down even higher branches. We moved on to another close tree.

This tree was snuggled up to an old fence. Andy and Nora climbed this fence and tree. With the people on the ground holding the bucket we were able to snag quite a few more berries. Some never made it to the bucket because they went on the ground or in mouths. Such a small thing, but what a delight! The people balancing on the fence and branches were self challenged to reach for just one more. I was certainly hoping that no one would fall. When we were done all had nicely purple fingers with a great feeling of accomplishment.

Pictures were taken with Miriam or Andy’s phone, but I have not seen any of them, instead, I am blessed with the picture in my mind. We savored berries on cereal and ice cream.

Paula

Healthy

Hello,

The dermatologist pronounced my skin health as good. My perspective is a little different. I would like it to be more like it was when I was younger. However there was one precancerous spot. He offered to let me put on the cream that I had put on two years ago, however Leroy also used that so the container was empty. Instead he froze it leaving me with a blister on my nose. It is really interesting to me that there is not much difference in the reaction to freezing and burning.

When Brian was small he was out playing in the snow. His hands got cold so he took off his gloves and continued. Later, he came crying in the house because his hands hurt. Later he developed blisters on those fingers so I suspect that was frost bite.

There was a spot on my neck that Leroy had noticed which I could not see, so I did point it out. It turns out to be a cyst that is harmless. Nice to have some spots that are not worth bothering with. It would only need attention if it bothers me in some way.

Miriam’s family is coming to visit late Thursday night. They will collect Miriam on Friday. Saturday we will have our un-birthday party. Brian’s family will also be able to come. I was hoping for good weather so we could use the deck which our downstairs friends have whipped into great shape. However the prediction is for hot and possible rain. It is an open house so surely 60 people will manage to fit but not all at the same time. However, we are prepared for all rooms to be used and occupied. We are cleaning, but not to be inspected too closely.

Paula

Reading

Hello,

I have a hard time getting two books read each month for the two book clubs to which I enjoy belonging. How does it happen that there are no kids in the house, but I still find so little time to read? I remember thinking that when I did not have to care for children I would have plenty of time to read. At the library for the summer, adults are challenged to read five books from June to July. Leroy has finished that challenge and gone on to read at least three more books. I have only read three books. He works full time and I work half time. However I spend more time on work around the house than he does even though he contributes here and there. He also does not spend much time on the computer, either looking at things or writing. I spend a bit of time doing both many days. I also bring home many magazines that are ready to be deleted from the library. That gives them one more check out. However I spend a good bit of time looking and learning much about subjects that I would not have access to otherwise.

I used to be able to read the most heart wrenching books without ill effects. Now I find that I cannot read them before going to bed or my dreams are disturbed. It also affects me some during the day. That slows me down quite a lot. Generally I do not read much fluff, however perhaps I will develop a taste for it as my reactions change. I certainly enjoy learning new things when I read. Otherwise there is nothing that really keeps my attention.

Paula

Weather and Bike riding

Hello,

We have been having hot humid weather. When a nice day comes along people are so pleased and happy. It definitely lifts our spirits. Something negative seems to give us new appreciation of the good. I talk to many people who have some health issues that they did not have before. Now they appreciate that ability to do the things that were available to them before. I make new resolves to say thank you to my feet, legs, arms, and all body parts. That resolve controls my thoughts for about two days and then I am off on the path of expecting it all to work as it is “supposed”. How to stay in the grateful mode is not as easy as it looks when peering at it down in the future.

Yesterday Leroy and I rode bikes the twelve to Ely. I stayed to work. He just picked out a couple DVDs and left for the return trip in the cool morning air. It was a wonderful ride down, was it even downhill? Perhaps part of it is. I so like this trail because there is some up and down as well as curves along the river and through the woods. The shade is so appreciated. In the morning there were some walkers, runners, and bike riders. I am happy to see so many out using the trail. After work at 4:00 many bike riders were on that trail so I had to keep alert. Some of them come in chattering groups paying little attention to the traffic ahead. I like to listen to the birds, however, many riders like manmade music. Even though bikes are quiet the music is loud enough that I can often hear it before I meet them and it fades gradually in the distance. I guess I should be grateful that there are others on the trail because I am sure they would help me if I needed. There are some access points along the trail to the roads, but there are also longish stretches that it is just closed off from the outside world.

I was quite tired when I got home. Internal pep talks were what kept me going as I counted the miles covered. I have not ridden in some time consequently my legs and seat were aware of the requirements to get back home. I resolve to ride more frequently. Do you believe it will happen?

Paula

Reflections

Hello,

I have been so busy, both at home and at work. We had 1000 more people come in the library in June than came in last year. Each day/night when I came home I was worn out. Guess that would be a good reason why. Nice to have such a good patronage, but we really could use a larger library and a larger staff. Probably that will happen in the future as the town continues to grow.

I am not sure what has occupied me so much at home, but some of that would be the berry picking, washing and storing. I have spent a little time in the community garden, but not so much this year. There is good mulch in it so the weeding chores are way down.

I will have to say that in the excitement of that camping trip, Brian kept calm. He questions seemed to be just the right ones. I believe he would be very good in an emergency room; however he has said that it is not a place with good family hours. He is now working at a college in their health department.

One day when shopping I could not use my credit card. At the second store I once again could not use it. I called the company and learned that my information was ok, but they needed more from Leroy. Leroy uses his middle name with the first initial. That no longer works in this computer driven world. Personally I find this annoying. I wish he would just use his first name and be done with it. Course then I would not know who he is. I believe all his official documents now use his first name. It occurs to me that if he were injured they would call him Harold. Would he even respond as he is not called that on a daily basis? Certainly it would take me some time to consider who they were talking about. As it was, it took two days to straighten this all out. At least we had not been hacked which is what I first thought had happened.

Paula

Camping Trip

Hello,

We went on an overnight camping trip with Brian and his children. His wife does not enjoy camping. I guess you could say we enjoyed the heat (96 F.), humidity, a few bugs and sunshine.

The biggest adventure happened late in the afternoon on the first day. Leroy and the two kids went exploring while Brian and I were sitting by the camp site relaxing when ten year old Sophia came racing into the area yelling, “Dad, Dad, come quick.”

Brian popped up and said, “Calm down. What happened?”

“Logan (aged seven) and I were showing Grandpa where you climbed down to touch the water when he fell!” Sophia exclaimed, gasping for breath.

“Who fell, Logan or Grandpa?” Brain asked.

“Grandpa!” Sophia said getting her breath back somewhat.

“Is he hurt?” Brian then wanted to know.

“I don’t know, we can’t see him.” Sophia said.

Brian took off running at that moment with Sophia following behind. I also decided I had to know and ran also but not as fast, partly because of my footwear and partly because I have not run in a long time.

When I got to the place, I could see Brian making his way down the steep, 10 to 20 foot incline. Leroy indeed was not in sight.

In a bitI could hear Brian calmly ask him, “Are you hurt?”

My heart filled with joy at his answer, “Not much.”

Brian told Leroy, “Let go of the branch and walk over here.”

Leroy said, “I do not want to get my shoes wet.”

Then I heard Brian tell Leroy, “You need to step in the water, I cannot reach you.”

Brian helped Leroy up the hill. We all went back to the campsite where cuts and scrapes on legs and arms were attended to.

Sophia felt so responsible because she has suggested that Leroy go down the “almost” path and check out the river. We, of course, did not think it was her fault.

After much talk we figured out that Leroy had gone down the first large “step” and decided to jump to the next one. Unfortunately the landing was sandy and he slipped forward, rocketing into a small tree which could not hold his weight and he went some more levels down where he ended hanging from a branch above the back water of the Root River.

The kids say that he did not answer them when they called to him, but Leroy tells me that he told them to get help. In the excitement it is hard to know the exact occurrence. I know that we people up above were thoroughly frightened. Guess Leroy was a bit shook up too, but he knew he was alive and going to get out of it all, he just did not want to have wet shoes because he had only brought one pair.

Paula