In Washington DC

Hello,

After meeting up with Miriam’s family we got on the Metro. Sarah’s girls met us with umbrellas. Leroy and I had packed our raincoats which we put on. The rain was a little more than I like, but not too much that it was ok for a long block and a half.

The next day, Brian’s family came. All of the cousins met them at the Metro stop with some umbrellas. It was not raining much when they started, but changed dramatically as they got closer to the house. Luckily it was not so far to scurry into the dry.

In the morning, before Brian’s family came and Sarah’s family was at school or work, Leroy, Miriam’s family, and I went to the African-American museum. It was quite good. We could have spent much more time there if we had the stamina. As it was Nora found it sad, especially the information about how the slaves were captured and brought to this country. Our history certainly has some dark and terrible parts to it that were not especially brought out in my history classes. I am not sure that it is all so much better now. Turning a blind eye to injustice seems to be a skill we have honed.

The top floors were more upbeat as they concentrated on the contributions of African-Americans in recent years. There were inventors, politicians, innovators, and many musicians.  I was disappointed to find no reference to Iowa’s tenor, Simon Estes among the Opera singers. Perhaps it is because he performed in Europe as his dark skin was not accepted here. Most of the people they had listed had been on the Met stage.

Paula

Public Transportation

Hello,

I was pleased that the local buses on the way home were mostly full. They are being used so that will keep them running. On our trip to the airport not so many people were on and I felt concerned.

In DC the metro did not seem as full as it usually is. Sarah commented that many users are opting for Uber or Lift. So the metro cut some of the scheduled runs for a time. Sarah and I, along with all the grands rode the bus to the swimming pool. Those buses were quite full. Some of the girls and I came back by ourselves on the bus. I do not think they quite trusted me because I was not sure when the stop was, but I knew that when we got close enough I would know even though it has been perhaps seven years since I have ridden that bus. The end is almost right in front of their house so it is very convenient.

I did notice that on public transport, many riders were using their devices and mostly ignoring the people around them. Because I mostly do not get my phone out I was aware of this phenomena. On the train there is not much to see as it is underground almost all the time, but the bus has things to look at out the window.

Sarah had said she could take Leroy and I to the airport, but we rode the metro quite comfortably. It comes so frequently it is not a problem at all, as well as the fact that it is just a block and a half from their house. The biggest issue would be if our flight was much too early in the morning. I do not want to live in Washington, but I would like to transfer the public transportation system to my current city. If it were as good here Leroy and I could easily have just one car.

Paula

Flying Home

Hello,

Our return trip did have the pre check so we would not have to take off shoes or get out liquids. That was nice. The children urged us to use the phone check in and with coaching that is what we did. Leroy had both of our passes on his phone. Next time I will have my own so we do not have to be so dependent on each other. For some reason Leroy did not take out his wallet from his pocket and set off beepers consequently he had to go through the body scan. There was still a problem so they had him endure that body pat down. In the end he was all ok.

In DC the plane was full and we were sitting to the middle or closer to the back. By the time we got on all of the overhead bins were full and my little carryon would not fit. The flight attendant searched diligently, but to no avail. My bag had to be checked through to the end. Leroy’s more flexible backpack worked its way into the bin. I was disappointed because my little bag does not fare well when it is checked into the hold. I volunteered one time. True to form, it looked a bit tough when I retrieved it from the baggage claim at the end.

When we had boarded the flight in Chicago to Cedar Rapids, the flight attendant told us, after the doors were closed, that we were on a flight to Costa Rica. We all snapped our heads up with breath drawn. Several announced that we were going to Cedar Rapids. This young woman looked at her paper and said, “No, it says here Costa Rica.”

Several people spoke up to argue that all of us were going to Cedar Rapids. After pointing to the paper and being firm, she finally said, “We are going to Cedar Rapids, but it is much warmer in Costa Rica. Got you didn’t I?” We all burst out laughing. She then said, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

The pilot announced, “The flight to Cedar Rapids is only 30 minutes. Usually I say it will be a nice flight, but this will not be a nice flight because of the weather. You must stay in your seats the entire flight as will the flight attendant. There will be no services due to the bumpy ride.”

Taking off and landing were a bit bumpy, but I have been on much more turbulent flights. I am not complaining about that. Not so bumpy as expected is fine.

Paula

Flying Around

Hello,

Last week Leroy and I set out for DC with bus passes in hand. I pulled one carryon bag and carried a back pack. Leroy has, a not too large, back pack that he uses instead of a roller bag. He also carried another bag that would go under the seat in front of us. The light mist in the air did not deter us or our optimism. I felt a bit antsy when the bus did not come until about five minutes later than expected. We strongly believe in using public transportation, but sometimes it is means we wait more than would be necessary. The bus only goes once an hour so it was prudent to get there 1 ½ hours ahead of time instead of only one half hour early with an hour being the ideal. This small airport was very quiet. We were definitely ahead of the crowd. Both of us felt a bit annoyed because we did not have the pre check status that we have become used to receiving. In spite of taking off shoes, it was no deal as there was no line or other people to contend with. With the change of planes in Chicago there were also no issues. Both of our flights were even early.

In DC, Miriam’s family was getting in at almost the same time. I thought I had talked to them about meeting in the “great hall” of the airport. Seven years ago we did this. At the time Olivia was four years old. When she saw me, she hollered and started running toward me with her arms spread wide. I then ran towards her, my arms out also. The hall was almost empty so it worked. Made Leroy and I think about scenes from the movies. Both of us thought about replicating that picture. However, I later learned that Miriam did not remember about meeting us there, but went to our gate. We were no longer in that spot as we had deplaned. They also had to pick up luggage. It was great to see them, those mobile phones certainly are an asset, but just a little disappointing since the “movie” expectation did not work out.

Paula

Busy Day Off

Hello,

I washed three laundry loads and hung them out because of the great temperatures and dry air. All clothes are inside now contributing to a great fresh smell in the house. I know I could have cut that work by much time, but I enjoyed being out.

I have a list of tasks and have managed to cross off more than half. Even if I do not finish that gives me a sense of accomplishment. I will get to cross off the pack today as there will not be enough time in the morning to pack. After checking the temperatures, I just hope I am taking the right weight clothing. At least I could borrow as Sarah and I are about the same size.

My violets are visiting downstairs so they will not be lonely while we are gone. How wonderful is that? The rest of the houseplants will just get a nice drink before we leave. That water should help them feel good for a week.

I was going to exercise, but I am not sure that will be crossed off. Every once in a while I draw my shoulders back and sit up straighter. Does that count as exercise?

Leroy is working today and we have church tonight, but he will still get packed in spite of a gift pick up that he is doing on the way home. What a guy!

I just got a call from San Francisco. Do not think I know anyone there. Whoever it was did leave me a voice message in a language other than English. I believe it was an oriental language. Wrong number? At any rate I did not call back.

Paula

Merry Chistmas

Hello,

Just in case I forget since we are leaving on Thursday, I want to wish all of you a Blessed Christmas. I am not truly sure what Merry is. Does that mean that you are happy, joy filled, laughing, and feeling good? Somehow I would like for you a sense that life will be good and God is with you on life’s journey as God is not really just concerned with one day, but the whole of your life. So may Christmas be a good day in a long string of days with good times.

Yesterday, Leroy and I went to a party that our church choir had been invited to. The house was rather large and impressive in size and how it fit into the landscape. The Christmas decorations and other furnishing were also quite impressive.

Somehow it makes me feel as if I am a step off from the mainstream as it is not something that I aspire to have. Then I wonder, “Am I being honest with myself?” My apartment and my decorations are last in the race, of whatever race this is. I am quite comfortable here. I also have a sense that this is where I should be even if I do not know why.

Riches are not what I think about as a goal in my life. I have enjoyed living in some nice homes, but I do not find them having a larger place in my memory as a good place to be. Instead it is the people around that make most of the difference. Each home, whether large or small, impressive or humble has some good and not so good things associated with it.

I also feel outside of the mainstream because I do not eat many of the foods offered. There were certainly some items that were quite fine and acceptable to me, but I noticed that people really commented positively on the ones that I do not normally eat.

I still had a good time at this party. I feel that contributes to a Merry Christmas. People make all the difference for me. Thank you for being you.

Paula

DVDs

Hello,

I brought home a DVD series for Leroy. It is a season of the Longmire show. There are three discs with about 10 episodes total. It is taking a long time for Leroy to get through these. It has been renewed almost up to the limit. This week I will hopefully take it back as we will soon be gone for a week. I have watched some of these, but not all. It amazes me how many episodes involve a murder. This small town is a hot bed of hatred and revenge. Surely, larger towns do not have so many murders although in the USA we have plenty compared to other countries.

I have also checked out three DVDs that have more calm stories, perhaps might even be called a chick flick. I also have not managed to see them. It is partly because I do not allow myself time to watch TV during the day. And I night Leroy is watching, plus I am gone at least three nights of the week. Leroy is gone a few as well. His evening numbers fluctuate more than mine do. Both of us like to spend time reading everyday so we cannot watch too much.

I am amazed by the library patrons who can check out a season DVD set that might have five discs in it. Many of them manage to watch that in a week’s time. They are allowed to borrow for one week before they have to renew or return DVDs. That seems like a lot of sitting in front of this screen in order to get that done.

My life may change when I am not working, but I hope that does not add too much to the sitting time. I will have to be vigilant to keep myself moving.

Paula

Bike Riding Weather, but…

Hello

Today it was so nice and warm that I walked with a lighter weight coat. Leroy worked at the museum and would have ridden his bike, but it had been stolen Wednesday night when we left the garage door open. Darn! Apparently the only thing worth taking was his bike. We had not locked either car, but we do not keep anything in them so it was not an issue. I suppose these days hot wiring a car is not what it used to be. My bike was not taken, should I be insulted? It is from 1993.

It has been four years since Leroy’s bike was stolen while he was at church. Now when at both work places he has his bike in the buildings so it is not available to anyone else. He is now talking about getting a cheap bike just for around town trips. We both talked about the garage door opener that Brian has which closes after three minutes of no activity under it. Guess these forgetful brains could use that assist. However, it is a very rare occurrence that we forget to close it. Leroy had put the car license tags on for the new year, and needed to open the big door to get behind the car, was in a hurry forgetting to push the down button. The last two days, we have both been a bit hyper active thinking of double checking the door position.

I was also reminded to keep things in perspective because on my way to work that morning the interstate was full of tightly packed travelers when suddenly brake lights came on. All were alert enough to slow enough for some reason that I never did learn. At least I was not in an accident which would/could have been much more of a concern. A bike is just a thing, after all, and replaceable.

Paula

Shopping

Hello,

Yesterday Leroy and I went out to shop fairly early because we do not like to deal with crowds. Leroy looked on his own for some things for me and I just wandered around figuring out the lay of the land when I found a shirt waist dress in the clearance aisle. I am sure that I would wear it so I bought it and told Leroy he could give it to me for Christmas. Rather than get a gift under the tree, I would really like to have him plan some short trips for us in the local area or at least a day trip away. Leroy is not comfortable with the idea of not having something under the tree for me, although he tells me he will work on a trip or two. Maybe the reality of no gift under there would bother me, but I do not think so when I consider it.

Leroy told me he would like a watch and or fitness tracker. After looking at the possibilities on my own, I decided he should help make the selection. Again this is not quite acceptable to Leroy as he likes surprises. I do have three small things that he will be quite surprised about so that is covered in my mind. However after looking at the many different tracker choices, he is unsure of what he does want. By this time we had moved on to another store where, I found a sweater that I like so I bought it and again told Leroy he could put it under the tree for me.

At our last store he did find a sweater/jacket for himself. I told him I would put it under the tree for him. He is all concerned because he does not have any surprises for me, however I do not worry a bit about that. Sometimes he has given me many surprises. Not sure if I even really like surprises. Every day has surprises of its own.

Today I was using social media when I saw that I should send a note to my sister who died over three years ago. It startled me a bit even though I remember that today is her birthday.

Paula

Helping continued

Hello,

After a nurse come in and got a more detailed history, this young woman told me that her dad was flying home from PA. I could go home. It was getting quite late for my bedtime so I did take her up on that offer to leave. However, then she added, “My dad will probably just come for a little while and then go home.”

After thinking a while and with some trepidation, I gave her my phone number. Would this mean that she would take advantage of having that way to get a hold of me? I did know that she would probably not spend the night in the hospital as it seemed like not that type of situation. She would need a ride back to Ely, hence, “Here is my phone number and I will give you a ride back to Ely, if you need that.”

At home Leroy and I had a bit of a discussion about whether I should have handed over access to me at any time. It is hard to know what is the best thing to do. I was praying for answers all of this time, but I am not sure that I received any. Leroy did say that he would go with me to Ely as he did not want me out in the middle of the night by myself.

We went to bed with my phone in the room. That is something I almost never have done.

Kind of terrible, but I find it so much easier to give money as it involves little time and effort. Perhaps that is the trouble with our world, not enough of us are willing to spend time and effort (Is it a luxury?) with a person who needs some help. Obviously this young woman does not have as much support as she needs.

Paula

Helping?

Hello,

Yesterday evening about an hour before 8:00 o’clock closing, a young woman who has had some serious health issues, came in asking if I would take her to the hospital on my way home. At the moment she had a fever and some intestinal issues. The hospital is only about a mile from my home so, of course, I said yes. I called her just as I was ready to leave to learn that she was already outside the back library door.

The road had been slippery earlier in the day so I drove carefully even though I thought it looked fine now. Interestingly enough she cautioned me from time to time. We made it just fine. When I took her up to the door I asked if she would like me to come in with her. With no hesitation she answered in the affirmative. After parking the car I found her in the emergency room lobby. We sat in silence mostly, I do not know her very well and I guess I could not think of much to say. When they called her back to assess the need she asked me to come too. Later we again sat in the lobby before going to a room. I was grateful for the cell phone which allowed me to text Leroy and let him know what was happening as I was now late for getting home.

When they told her what room to go to, she wanted me to come along. Again we did not have much to say to each other. While waiting she saw on Facebook that her grandfather had died. She called someone and yelled at them because she learned this news on social media. I did know that she did not get along very well with her mother. After stopping talking on the phone, she started to cry. I felt a bit at a loss, but got her some tissues and touched her arm. We talked a little more. I hugged her and prayed with her.

To be continued. I did not have time to send this yesterday so it is a day late.

Paula

Old Clothes

Hello,

Today I am wearing old clothes, something that I have had at least in 1999. Who knew that I could live so long that such clothes would still be viable and fit?

Before 1999, Leroy and I bought some warm black “tights” that were marketed for bike rides in cold weather. I cannot remember that we wore them much for that purpose, especially since my ears do not like cold weather blowing in them. But for some reason we hung onto them through multiple moves as if they were dear friends.

Now I feel that I was a fashion leader at that time. Little did I know that everyone or almost everyone would take to wearing slim fitting pants that showed every curve or bulge that the body has to offer?

Generally in public, I have not felt so comfortable in such tight fitting garments, partly because I do not like anything tight on my waist and partly because I felt self conscious. Now that I have seen many bodies so decked, I realize that no one will even pay any attention to how I look. I will fit right in.

I wore these pants on my walk to the grocery store and they kept my legs nicely warm and toasty. I did not hear a single gasp of, “Oh how could she?” They are a little tighter in the waist than I like. I believe I have not gained weight, but cells have shifted and sagged, collecting in the hip girdle as the bones do not allow the mass to go farther south.

Keep an eye on what I wear next; you never know when it will become the height of fashion, even thought it might take twenty years.

Paula

Chewing Squirrels, Stewing Pumpkin

Hello,

Today when out at the compost bin, I could hear a scratching sound. I knew that a squirrel had to be somewhere in one of the trees working on a nut as I have heard that sound before. I found the squirrel tucked up against the walnut tree trunk with its tail sheltering its back. Soon I knew from the symphony of sound that there had to be more up there. It was not long before I spotted two more in much the same posture. I am not sure why I like this find so much, but it fills me with good feelings. I marvel at the power of those teeth that can work their way through the tough, hard shell that requires much strength to crack when using a hammer. Also there is such persistence in being fed with a relatively small amount of nut for the quantity of work.

We have had a pumpkin in the house for decoration. Today I cut it up with much power and almost sawing to get through the unyielding skin. It was a victory to get the last sections apart so they could be put in the pan to steam. As Leroy was working at church, therefore he was no help to me. I also scrapped off the seeds, but did not clean them as I do not especially like them. Leroy likes them so if he wants them he will have to do the cleaning, drying, and roasting. I am not going to be too generous.

The pumpkin pulp is cooked and in the refrigerator, resting until I decide what to do with it. I am tempted to just serve it like squash; after all it is in the same family. But another day will do for that decision process.

Paula