More Cold Trash

Hello,

Today is my day off so I had time to go out and pick up more trash. I bundled for the cold with long underwear and the works in scarves. Was it not so cold, no wind, more clothes, or that I have become a bit more accustomed to the cold that I felt quite fine and made the rest of the block without any cold penetration. Even thought it was only half of the amount of space, compared to days when I do the entire block, I managed to pick up enough trash to fill two plastic grocery sacks. Both of these bags were ones that I had picked up on the previous trip. I snagged another one that will be used another time. I know my life has much plastic in it and some of it I find quite helpful, but plastic is the bane of outdoor litter. I would like to see it curtailed. Wrappings of many types are out there floating around. I suspect it is not good in the landfills either as deterioration is so slow. Just what are we doing to ourselves and our future inhabitants?

One guy came out when I was by his house. From how he first started to talk I was concerned that he might have been offended. Instead he said, “We saw you out front and said, “Look at that sweet lady picking up the trash.””

He even offered me money for doing it. I politely declined. At least I tried to be polite but firm. Hopefully it will be cleaner where I have gathered. It is my understanding that once things are picked up it is more difficult for people to litter. When lots of litter is out there somehow people feel it is ok to add to the amount.

I wear my step tracker when I do this walking, but it does not record many steps. I wonder if part of that is because I carry the bags on that arm so it does not get much movement.

My mantra as I was walking is that the earth is one of my most precious gifts and I must be care for it.

Paula

Cold Trash

Hello,

Because I had not picked up trash in the neighborhood for some time, it seemed that this morning with no snow would be a good time to go out. I bundled for the 23 degree F. weather, but thought that just going around the block would not take so long. I am not sure it if was the wind or just people “dropping” things as they walked, but there was a lot of stuff out there. The gloves from the city are woven and holey. They are a bit large so I put on some slim gloves under them, hoping to keep my hands warm. It worked somewhat. Cold seeped in as time went on. It was also difficult to almost impossible to pick up the cigarette butts. It was also difficult not to pick up leaves or other natural phenomena. Mostly the leaves fell back to the earth with a brisk shake of the hand. Eventually the cigarette butts were passed over to be picked up a warmer day.

Perhaps because I had not picked up for a long time or perhaps because of the strong winds that we have been experiencing, one grocery bag was full before I even did the short end of the block. After the long end the second bag was full. The city provides trash pickup bags that can be put out “free” with the regular garbage. With the addition of those two bags my bag is almost full. By the time I had done just the two sides of the block, cold was penetrating in around my face, legs, and hands. Maybe I should have worn a face mask. I do have such, but it did not seem like it should be so cold, yet.

Tomorrow morning I will try to get back out to finish the walk around the block. Surely it will be warmer tomorrow?

Now an emergency “warmer things” bag is ready to put in car. Sometimes when the weather is bad and I am coming home at 8:00 pm, I am almost alone on the road. I hope these things could help me if I needed to be out in the cold for a longer period of time. At least I feel prepared.

Paula

No Snow

Hello,

We were ready for snow; at least the snow shovel was handy. Leroy and I wore boots for our walk to church thinking there might be some as we made our way home. The pavement was dry both directions. The wind had intensified while we were at church, but the temperature was not so bad. We were quite comfortable.

Part of me is happy that there was no snow and part of me is sorry. Sometimes it is exciting to be in a storm situation if one is safe in all regards. Leroy and I think we often have been in a situation that has a prediction of a major snow storm and it goes some other place. Perhaps we should hire out as storm deterrents? Just what would one charge for such a service?

Apparently there could still be some precipitation overnight, but not so likely. Leroy is even wondering if he can ride the bike to work tomorrow. Then he remembers that he has a dentist appointment in a not so bike friendly area. The car will be his transportation.

I will also work tomorrow and drive the car to get there. I have half a tank of gas. I had planned to fill it because of the winter storm possibility. I pulled into a gas station on the way home from shopping. The first pump that I tried did not dispense gas, but only wanted to give me a receipt. A guy at a pump next to me was also having trouble. I pulled to another pump with the same result. In the meantime the guy went in to pay there. That was the magic and his gas came. I just went home, thinking I will do it another day. I have had trouble at pumps before. Do I have a special touch?

Paula

Ready for more flowers

Hello,

Today I planted the amaryllis bulbs that had been outside in the ground for the summer. Earlier I had dug them so they would not get frosted. To keep them cool I put them on the attic steps. I felt them the other day only to notice that the outside was a little soft. Could they have frozen on the steps? I do not know. I would like to have them bloom after Christmas when I will not have so many other blooming things in the house. Leroy suggested that I just put them in pots and start watering at a later date. This means I can get them off the attic steps. Now they will be in the warm with us.

My holiday cactus is blooming and beautiful, as are the violets. Leroy posted pictures on Facebook. Here is the link so you can also see them. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10217263990888639&set=pcb.10217264015449253&type=3&theater

We are certainly enjoying the flowers.

When the snow comes tomorrow they will shine even brighter.

Leroy worked today, but said; “Only five people came to the library.” However he stayed the full time and found much to keep him busy.

He rode the bike and that apparently was a nice time with the warmer temps and no rain.

I hung out clothes which I also enjoyed as it gets me out. I took a very long walk this afternoon. I even included a bit of a hill so I worked a little harder. I often notice that our walk to church is on such flat terrain.

Paula

Car Troubles?

Hello,

Wednesday, Leroy tried to start “his” car, however all he got was just a sputter or some noise that I cannot write for you to get the full benefit. Luckily I was not going to work so he just took my car. I had thought about shopping, but did not really need to go so it was all good. Yesterday when needing a car again we just used mine.

Last night Leroy visited with some guys about what might be wrong. It did not seem to Leroy that it was the battery, but when one of them learned the battery was six years old, the consensus was that it is quite old.

Leroy tried to call a place that is close to us, but there was no answer. He just walked over to come back and report, “No one is there.”

After a bit he went out and tried to start the car with good results. He drove it to an auto parts store where they checked the battery. It was fine, but not good in the cold. Leroy got the new battery and they installed it. We felt quite lucky as it started again so he could take it someplace rather than have it towed. It is also nice they could change the battery there. Apparently on the newer cars they are not allowed or able to do that as it requires a professional. Sometimes it is nice to have an older car.

Leroy drove the car to work the afternoon. He will have one hospital call and then go on to the museum. Rain is predicted for this afternoon so he did not take the bike.

We are blessed indeed with many transportation options in our life.

Paula

Thanksgiving

Hello,

We are thankful for people who take in those of us who have no family close by. We went to one home for dinner where we more than ate our fill. This evening we will go to another to sample desserts.

Thankful for the internet where I can find out if I want the spelling desserts or deserts! The day will come when the future generation will not be aware of the quandary in a mind about the answer to many simple questions. I am grateful that I married a good speller even if he does believe in taking naps so I cannot get the answer to every quarry immediately.

I am grateful that we could walk to our first meal and that the weather was fine even if a bit cool. The sun was out, warming the air and our minds.

We are grateful for that gift of a futon that Leroy now frequently uses for his naps. It is so quick and easy for him just to plop down and use the decorative pillows for head and knees.

We are grateful that we were able to can another seven quarts of applesauce early so it is done and packed away for another day’s enjoyment. We had just enough jar lids to do the job.

We are both grateful for libraries that supply our reading wants and needs so handily. Reading keeps us happy.

And then there is electricity and all of the parts of our life that are dependent on it to live the way we do. Grateful indeed!

Paula

Boney Hands

Hello,

I look at my hands and think, “Whose hands are these? They surely can’t be mine.”

These hands look more like my grandmother’s hands. But how can that be? Even before her death at 87, she was always old, so of course. her hands looked like an old person’s hands are supposed to look. I am not old, am I? Or perhaps, I should ask, “How did this happen?” Leroy still has plump hands. How unfair is that? As far as I can tell he cares not what his hands look like. In all honesty I should note that I do not have much plump on many parts of my body. Boney is the lay of the land.

One thing I know for sure is that these hands have done a lot of things in the 70 years they have been attached to the ends of my arms. They are doing something every day. Many of those things are not of extreme importance unless I lost the ability to do that thing for myself such as blow my nose or feed myself. I can also scratch or wipe myself. It does not seem like much, but what a gift to be able to do that without asking for help.

My hands also lift, move, or grasp an object. I can put my hand into an area that is too small for the rest of my body and retrieve something that is an arm’s length away. I can write this letter as well as write when I use a pen and paper. Such versatility!

I can hug my loved ones when they are close enough. I have cared for babies that entered my life. I can wipe away a tear and comfort someone with touch. How blessed I have been to maintain these functional hands.

Paula

Appreciate Health

Hello,

I am so amazed that I do not appreciate health when I have it all the time, but usually after a short illness I realize how wonderful it is. Seems that is a picture of much of life, appreciate something when it has been absent for a while.

Will that be true of Leroy if he dies before I do? I must appreciate all his good qualities now while I still have them around to irritate me. Each night before we go to sleep we give each other a compliment. We have been doing this for some 40 years. The hard part is that sometimes we challenge ourselves to give the partner a new compliment. Once in a while one of us can still come up with something new, but it is a struggle. However I do not mind hearing the same compliment a few times over.

Going back to health, I am impressed with how much our bodies can heal and grow back together. For instance think about a broken bone or cut skin. We may not be bionic, but we are quite wonderfully made.

Even when a part is missing on a body, there is often an alternative way of doing things. And to think we have a brain that can figure out some of those possibilities. Now technology helps people in many ways, perhaps contributing to that bionic body that was not possible when I was a girl.

Paula

Apples

Hello,

Someone gave us some Haralson apples. Some of them were in two baskets that seemed smaller than a bushel to Leroy and I, but there was also a box and two bags of them. We canned seven quart this afternoon. There are quite a few left, but I am undecided about whether to can some more or just try to eat them. Leroy and I eat three apples a day between the two of us. They disappear rather quickly from my house. Considering how tired I feel right now, canning will certainly wait for a few more days. I am off on Wednesday and I could do it then.

I am sure that these are the last of the apples that we will be given this season. It was 14 degrees this morning making the walk to church quite chilly. I had on my long underwear and was not sorry on the walk, however in church I felt a bit hot.

Apples in the morning, apples in the afternoon, and apples at night! There can never be too many. With beautiful flowers and apples, life is quite full.

Sarah’s Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus is sporting 45 blossoms. I do not think mine will have so many. Right now it has four open pink blossoms. I just get so much joy from looking at that beauty. The white plant probably has a total of six small buds. The violets are just as beautiful as when it first opened with the second plant working hard to catch up. It has one stalk up and open, with another half way up.

I am still tired, but not coughing much with only a little nose blowing.

Paula

Better, but...

Hello,

I woke feeling quite chipper, did two loads of clothes, went grocery shopping, came home, and sat for a while before putting away the groceries because I no longer had much energy. After eating a snack I felt better.

Did I mention that I hung the clothes out? The prediction was to get to 41 degrees F. Seemed to me that would be good to dry clothes especially the sheets. However, it was not that warm and felt quite damp so I brought everything in. I was tired once more.

I spent some time reading The Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra. I so appreciated the writing and phraseology, but the subject was hard. It was about the wars in Chechnya. It ended in 2004 when we lived in Slovakia. I knew things were not good, but not as bad as they were portrayed in this book. This gave it a more human form. There was also something written about the sex trafficking. I remember reading about that when in Slovakia because they seemed to prey on girls from Eastern Europe. I had not been to that part of the world, but it still felt close. I am astonished that so much terrible seems to happen in my back yard and I just do not know about it until later.

Tomorrow I will go to work for the entire day, or at least the seven hours that the library is open. In the evening we have a symphony concert. I will not push myself too much. Supper will be done by the crock pot and Leroy. So I can relax about that. Saturdays are not so busy sometimes at the library. I am hoping tomorrow will be one of those days.

Paula

Home for Objects

Hello,

There are some things in my house that have no home. For instance, we had an energy audit. Part of that was that they put in a new more upscale aerator on the kitchen faucet. After he made the switch the guy gave me the original and told me, “Put this away so if something should happen to the new, you will have the old to return to the spot.”

I have no drawer for old aerators! I put it under the sink and hoped that I would remember what seemed like a good storage place when I thought of it. Leroy suggested putting it in the file cabinet with apartment issues file. That is a fine suggestion, but I do not like bulking up the files.

Another example of the mystery home, I bought a new pair of leather mittens. I have not worn them outside, but I believe I will like them. They came with a sample of wax for weather proofing leather. I put that on the gloves only to find that I used less than half of the amount in the plastic package. The instructions seemed to indicate that it would be good on any leather. When Leroy comes home I will see if he wants to use some of it on his gloves or shoes. If not then I have o find a home for this, because of course, I would not want to throw away such a valuable thing. I could spend days searching for it.

I am feeling better today, but only stayed at work for three hours. Tiredness started to become more pronounced, plus someone who is to have cataract surgery Monday did not want to come close to me or have me handle any of their materials. Not sure why I feel obligated to go to work even when a little bit ill. I suspect I did spread my germs freely here and there. A nap helped, but I have had a hard time waking up from that. Tomorrow will be better. I have the day off so no need to go to work.

Paula

Getting Well

Hello,

Yesterday I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned and checked in spite of having a slight sore throat, a bit of a cough as well as a runny nose. I did tell the hygienist about my condition before she started. She responded, “I wear a mask and gloves so it does not bother me.” I do like getting my teeth cleaned. It feels good for a day or two.

I did not feel too badly so went to work in the afternoon. However, as the day worn on I coughed more and felt more and more tired. A number of tissues ended up in the wastebasket close to my desk.

That night sleeping was a bit difficult with a full head and coughing from time to time. I had today off from work and was quite happy to stay home and make granola only to realize that I was out of unsweetened coconut. I made a quick trip to the store and got the granola made before lunch. I am grateful that I live in a place where the stores are so close. I could easily make this trip that was about a mile away.

This afternoon I took a nice nap and felt quite a bit better. I am hoping for a nice sleep tonight which will set me up for a day of work tomorrow. I have yoga in the morning. I am not looking forward to any poses which have my head hanging down. However, by then my head might have cleared out considerably. I am much peppier than I was earlier today and yesterday.

Paula

Brain as Sieve

Hello,

I had a brilliant idea of something that I wanted to write, but that idea is no longer residing in my brain. Where did it go? Should I send the file clerk to retrieve it? I used to think that a very, very small person lived in my head and they could go fetch some idea when I needed it, because I had thought it before.

I do remember that I walked to the grocery store this morning. It felt much colder to me than I remembered 24 degrees F. feeling. Apparently my body leaks knowledge as well. Needless to say I walked briskly along.

I was quite surprised to see so many vehicles in the parking lot. Through the glass I could see so many people were seated in the eating area. When I entered the building I saw a sign, “Free breakfast for veterans.” That explains it. Many of these veterans looked rather shabby. I was particularly happy to have them get this appropriate gift. In my mind it is much better than a coffee mug.

Too bad there cannot be free breakfast for other groups as well. It seems to me that it must be hard to always go get a free meal when it shows everyone that you are not able to manage on your own. Free to all because I am part of a particular group, means I do not have to declare my need.

I had a friend who told me that she used food stamps for a time. She described her first visit to the store as one of the most emotionally difficult things she had done. At the time she felt that she was declaring to the world that she was poor and she felt of less value because of it. This certainly gave me some new thoughts on the subject, but unfortunately no solutions that would help people climb out of that rut and mire of degradation.

Paula

Fall Day

Hello,

Leroy left for a church staff retreat. He went early with one other person because they were going to hike. He fussed about what clothes to wear. Long underwear or not? Heaviest coat or not? Facemask or not? In the end he went with the “not” choice because it was almost nice on the walk home from church.

This weather is difficult to figure out. I went for a walk this afternoon and was almost too warm. At least I could shed my gloves and unzip my coat a bit.

I had put the potting soil in the house in preparation to planting some vines that had nice roots started. We generally keep the soil in the garage where it freezes or is really too cold and shocking for the cuddled houseplants. It was almost adventurous to be doing this potting outside in the sun. I also added some soil to a plant that is going to move to Leroy’s office when it is not too cold and he takes the car to church. Last year I put several plants in his office. One died and one was rather messy, dripping leaves on the floor and file cabinet. I still think he needs some green in there to lift his spirits as well as the spirits of his two office mates. Leroy shares his office with the intern and a volunteer who sends cards to members who have had a loved one die. I am not sure quite how it all works out, but Leroy says that he seldom sees the others. I do not know how many hours the volunteer is there and Leroy is half time as is the intern. Any way it all works out. What a great use of space. Not so wasteful.

Now it is quite cloudy. Amazing how sun helps me to feel warm and clouds the opposite. Is it all in the mind?

Paula

Winter?

Hello,

This morning our temperature outside was 13 degrees F. We did not get as much snow as some areas did but it still seemed quite a change of season.

I even drove to church this morning for a women’s breakfast because I was going to speak. When I walk I wear a hat and my hair gets rearranged in styles that I sometimes do not like. Vanity won the self talk should I walk or should I drive this short mile. I wasted gas so I could look good.

I was a little nervous before I started talking, but that was ok as I just kept talking on. As I told them in the beginning, it was nice to know some faces when I looked out at the group. Each of these breakfasts has a speaker who is from the congregation. She shares details about her faith journey. That was a new experience for me to talk about that in front of a group.

This afternoon Leroy and I finished delivering the neighborhood newsletters. This was the longest walk away from the house, but still not too far. The hardest part was getting the letters apart with mittens on. A few were taped to the apartment buildings close to the door. We are not allowed to put anything in the mail boxes and there is no other place to put them so they do not blow around. The taping required bare hands so I did that as Leroy has cold hands even with terrific mittens. I was happy that one woman was at the door so we could just put it in her hands.

We will not have another newsletter to deliver until March when it might be warmer. We do not have neighborhood meeting in January and February so our time can be spent contemplating the world as it turns.

Paula

Weather equipment

Hello,

Snow on the ground with low temperatures did not seem too noticeable cold without wind. This afternoon the wind picked up. It was interesting to see what it felt like on our thermometer. I did not watch all the time but when I was close and the wind was strong it took the “feels like” numbers down quite a lot. For instance, right now the temperature is 23 and it feels like 17 with a fluctuating wind. I am not sure when it makes that conversion.

I delivered more of the neighborhood newsletter in spite of the knowledge of feels like cold. I am grateful for the new long underwear I bought that fits under my jeans without a problem. It is amazing how just two layers of clothing made it comfortable to take a few thousand steps. I did have to be careful in some places as there was ice underfoot. Luckily I could walk around most of it and only slipped once when I was not paying attention.

There are still some copies to deliver, but I was getting cold hands so I came home. We might finish it tomorrow or I can do it Sunday afternoon. Leroy is going to a retreat on Sunday so that would be only my job then. He is home tomorrow and we might get it done.

Leroy did not ride the bike today because he had some work to do for church that involved a bit more travel than he likes to do on the bike. Lucky him, he has a car that runs in hot or cold weather. Have you ever thought about how much variation in conditions/temperature the vehicles can tolerate? All those inventors have figured out a lot of things.

Paula

Leroy Is Well

Hello,

Leroy was lying on the floor by the bathroom when I came home Monday evening. He was cold and miserable, declaring with unusual firmness for Leroy, “I am not going to take the rest of that liquid.”

I checked the jug of colonoscopy prep, noting that he had consumed more than half, but not quite what I thought he should get into his body. However he was so emphatic that I did not argue, but tried to figure out how to make him a bit more comfortable. The first thing was to turn up the heat. After that I looked over the instructions and saw that he could have some warm tea or broth. He was tired of broth so we checked the teas. He did not want any of them but settled for some warm water with a very small amount of honey. Sitting at the table and drinking that made him feel a little better. He even looked at the newspaper comics before he went to bed. He was up just a few times in the night before I asked him about taking some more that prep stuff. Amazingly he said, “I too think I should take more, I am going to finish it.”

We both felt better about that. Guess we are people who like to follow instructions. When we got to the appointment, they said it was all good. He does have some diverticulosis. That is probably what caused the inflammation when he had his fainting episode.

At any rate it is not a cause for concern at this time.

Paula

Walking in the Rain

Hello,

When Leroy and I were ready to leave the house for church we had a little discussion about walking or driving. With an outdoor check of the current conditions which was just a little rain we set out with umbrellas up and mostly sensible shoes on the feet. About two blocks from home the intensity of the rain picked up. We did not turn back but kept up a positive outlook with comments that it still is not too bad, but Leroy said, “My pants legs will be wet by the time we get to church.”

I had little to no sympathy as I was wearing tights so my leg skin was less protected. In addition, my umbrella is much smaller. I had started out carrying the backpack, but asked, after a time, “Could you carry the bag as I think my umbrella does not cover it and me very well?”

As I knew he would, Leroy immediately took on that load while I held his umbrella so he could get his arms through the straps. Team work is still alive and well in our house.

On the walk home the rain was considerably less, however, from time to time there was a bit stronger wind. I was happy to be out. We cut through the close college campus and enjoyed one solitary tree that had not yet lost the bulk of its leaves. Besides looking at leaves which carpeted the ground in many places we also keep a sharp eye alert for the puddle. Our grandchildren might walk through them, but we walk around them.

When home, we did put Leroy’s pants on the clothes rack so they could dry. The umbrellas stayed down on the porch until they were almost dry. What a gift space is.

Paula

Work, Work, Work!

Hello,

Leroy and I came home from MN on Monday. I went to work about two hours after we got home. I then worked Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. No time to write with household things claiming my attention. Friday, I went shopping in the morning. In the afternoon I made sure the house was mostly shipshape so a friend could come and collect one of the violets.

It was wonderful to visit with her as we had not connected for a few years. Leroy had spread papers out on the table in the room where the violets were sitting in the window. I really wanted to pick them up but resisted the urge and more amazingly I resisted the urge to explain that Leroy had put them there and I was respecting his organization. Today Leroy and I did have some discussions about the issues represented by those papers and now all but two are filed or thrown. The two remaining will require a phone call on regular business hours.

Leroy will have a colonoscopy on Tuesday so he is adjusting his diet today, but not without complaining that there is no crunch in what he is eating. No seeds, no nuts, no fresh veggies, no fresh fruits, and no whole grains makes food that is hard to find in our house. However he is surviving. I keep reminding him it is only temporary.

I will have book club at church this Sunday. I had started the book before I left for MN, but I do not like to take library books with me in case I lose it. When I came home I forgot that I had not finished the book so now I am skipping and skimming. That is not my favorite way to read, but at least I have the basics of the story in my head.

Paula