Hello,
Yesterday Leroy came home coughing and
not feeling well. He mostly sat around for the evening and went to bed early. This
morning he decided not to go to church. When I got home I learned that he had
slept a nice amount. At that moment he was up reading a book but said, “I feel
like sleeping some more.”
”Go ahead. It must be what you need.”
I assured him.
He took another longish nap. We had
lunch. After that he sounded like he felt much better. As soon as I got done
washing the dishes we took a walk. He just went around the block while I carried
on up the “mountain” to get my 10,000 steps. It is the highest point around
here and Mount Mercy University is at the top of the hill, but I believe it is
more properly called a hill than a mountain. I am trying to get a bit more hill
work in as we mostly walk on the flat here.
Now Leroy tells me, “I feel much
better, but not 100%.” Perhaps this was just some type of 24 hour bug.
We have one stalk of celery in our
garden. After the first on slot of cold, it still survived, so we covered it
with some leaves and a flower pot. The weather has been so nice. Today I thought
about uncovering it. It looks quite green and fine. It does not seem to have
grown much from the short that I cut it before covering it. Now I hope I do not
forget to cover it again when the temperatures drop as they surely will before
winter is over. I am pleased that it looks to healthy now.
Paula
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Friday, December 27, 2019
Small Town Library
Hello,
Yesterday, the UPS driver delivered a small package to me for the library. “Got any new movies?” he wanted to know.
“Not since you were here when we were last open,” I replied.
I see this guy frequently so we visit often. Usually he teases me on a cold day and says, “Did you ride your bike today?”
“But you might have delivered a movie, it feels like it.” I commented as my fingers moved around the package. “Do you want me to look?” I wondered.
“Yeah, that would be great,” he said as I started to cut and then tore into the package revealing a movie.
“I have never heard of that one,” he said. I agreed, but gave him the case to look at.
“I suppose I can’t take this now,” he questioned with a grin.
“No, but I can get it ready and put it on hold for you,” I said.
“That would be great, I will be back tomorrow,” he said as he went out the door with a wave.
I immediately processed the DVD and put it on hold for him. How is that for small town personal service?
Paula
Yesterday, the UPS driver delivered a small package to me for the library. “Got any new movies?” he wanted to know.
“Not since you were here when we were last open,” I replied.
I see this guy frequently so we visit often. Usually he teases me on a cold day and says, “Did you ride your bike today?”
“But you might have delivered a movie, it feels like it.” I commented as my fingers moved around the package. “Do you want me to look?” I wondered.
“Yeah, that would be great,” he said as I started to cut and then tore into the package revealing a movie.
“I have never heard of that one,” he said. I agreed, but gave him the case to look at.
“I suppose I can’t take this now,” he questioned with a grin.
“No, but I can get it ready and put it on hold for you,” I said.
“That would be great, I will be back tomorrow,” he said as he went out the door with a wave.
I immediately processed the DVD and put it on hold for him. How is that for small town personal service?
Paula
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Present for Each Other
Hello,
Well Leroy did not find my present. Perhaps when we move it will be visible? He did tell me about how large it is. I can help look from time to time. It is small enough to slip into small spaces. In the meantime I am just grateful for the things that I can find such as Leroy in my life.
We lit the luminaries last night and invited our downstairs friends to come out and enjoy them with us. We spent some good time ooing and ahing. We are going to light them again tonight with the idea that we might let them burn for a longer period of time.
Leroy and I took two walks today so I could get my 10,000 steps in. I feel as if I have accomplished something. I started to feel quite warm before we got home. We climbed the tallest hill in the neighborhood. I am sorry to tell you that we were both breathing a bit harder before we reached the top. Most of our walking is on the level. Just a report the taverns in my neighborhood were closed this morning, but open this afternoon.
We are both reading books that we like. For a time this afternoon we started a movie, but it did not get our attention that seriously before our children called with Christmas greetings.
Merry Christmas to all
Paula
Well Leroy did not find my present. Perhaps when we move it will be visible? He did tell me about how large it is. I can help look from time to time. It is small enough to slip into small spaces. In the meantime I am just grateful for the things that I can find such as Leroy in my life.
We lit the luminaries last night and invited our downstairs friends to come out and enjoy them with us. We spent some good time ooing and ahing. We are going to light them again tonight with the idea that we might let them burn for a longer period of time.
Leroy and I took two walks today so I could get my 10,000 steps in. I feel as if I have accomplished something. I started to feel quite warm before we got home. We climbed the tallest hill in the neighborhood. I am sorry to tell you that we were both breathing a bit harder before we reached the top. Most of our walking is on the level. Just a report the taverns in my neighborhood were closed this morning, but open this afternoon.
We are both reading books that we like. For a time this afternoon we started a movie, but it did not get our attention that seriously before our children called with Christmas greetings.
Merry Christmas to all
Paula
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Christmas Prep
Hello,
Last night Leroy said, “I have to make a confession. I bought you a present, but I cannot remember where I hid it! I have looked and looked, but nothing. It is the only thing I bought for you to put under the tree.”
He again spent some time this morning, before heading to work, looking in the likely places that he has probably already looked in.
We, especially I, consider our impending trip to Guatape, Columbia to be a present. I want experiences rather than stuff since I seem to have plenty of stuff.
Leroy has nothing under the tree from me because it was all purchased with him “present”. Poor guy, but I do not feel so sorry for him. He will survive.
Leroy put out some luminaries last night while I was at work. I had been hoping to see them, but he had already put out the candles by the time a arrived. He was afraid fires would be started if they burned too low. He had put them on the dry, winter grass along the sidewalk. This was so no one would trip on them if using the sidewalk.
I think we used to put them on the sidewalk, but he insists that we always had snow and could put them in the snow which would have been great fire prevention. We will put them out after the church service tonight so I can see them for a short time. I remember them as being beautiful and somewhat ethereal.
Paula
Last night Leroy said, “I have to make a confession. I bought you a present, but I cannot remember where I hid it! I have looked and looked, but nothing. It is the only thing I bought for you to put under the tree.”
He again spent some time this morning, before heading to work, looking in the likely places that he has probably already looked in.
We, especially I, consider our impending trip to Guatape, Columbia to be a present. I want experiences rather than stuff since I seem to have plenty of stuff.
Leroy has nothing under the tree from me because it was all purchased with him “present”. Poor guy, but I do not feel so sorry for him. He will survive.
Leroy put out some luminaries last night while I was at work. I had been hoping to see them, but he had already put out the candles by the time a arrived. He was afraid fires would be started if they burned too low. He had put them on the dry, winter grass along the sidewalk. This was so no one would trip on them if using the sidewalk.
I think we used to put them on the sidewalk, but he insists that we always had snow and could put them in the snow which would have been great fire prevention. We will put them out after the church service tonight so I can see them for a short time. I remember them as being beautiful and somewhat ethereal.
Paula
Monday, December 23, 2019
Picking up Trash
Hello,
I work this afternoon, but still wanted to get it a bit of a walk. I noticed the last two times that I walked that I should once again pick up litter in the neighborhood. I told Leroy that my plan was to clean up the block we live on and get a walk as well. He said, “I will help with that.”
I am certainly glad that he helped. He took the street side and the gutter had plenty of refuse. It also makes it a much shorter trip. We did stop about three fourths of the way to empty our bags. I am thinking of making a new year’s resolution of picking up trash once a month for the year. I am not sure that I can manage, but surely I will do more than have for the past year.
One of the neighbors thanked us for cleaning up. It is great to get some thanks for this. We get bags from the city that we can fill so we do not have too much trash in our containers. This bag that I have had for several months is almost full now. Getting another bag from the city will not be as easy since we do not have neighborhood meetings in the winter.
Leroy is reading a book that I read first. I smiled some as I read it, but at the last short story I did laugh. That Leroy has been cackling for some time. It is great to hear him enjoy it so much, but then I wonder, “Why didn’t I get so much laughter?” it is certainly good for the soul. The book I am reading for the church book club has had me laughing a couple times. It is not often that I read books that cause me to laugh out loud, smile maybe.
Paula
I work this afternoon, but still wanted to get it a bit of a walk. I noticed the last two times that I walked that I should once again pick up litter in the neighborhood. I told Leroy that my plan was to clean up the block we live on and get a walk as well. He said, “I will help with that.”
I am certainly glad that he helped. He took the street side and the gutter had plenty of refuse. It also makes it a much shorter trip. We did stop about three fourths of the way to empty our bags. I am thinking of making a new year’s resolution of picking up trash once a month for the year. I am not sure that I can manage, but surely I will do more than have for the past year.
One of the neighbors thanked us for cleaning up. It is great to get some thanks for this. We get bags from the city that we can fill so we do not have too much trash in our containers. This bag that I have had for several months is almost full now. Getting another bag from the city will not be as easy since we do not have neighborhood meetings in the winter.
Leroy is reading a book that I read first. I smiled some as I read it, but at the last short story I did laugh. That Leroy has been cackling for some time. It is great to hear him enjoy it so much, but then I wonder, “Why didn’t I get so much laughter?” it is certainly good for the soul. The book I am reading for the church book club has had me laughing a couple times. It is not often that I read books that cause me to laugh out loud, smile maybe.
Paula
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Dream House
Hello,
Yesterday Leroy asked me what I was looking for in a future home. I talked about the local of the house and how I would like to walk to something that I go to with a certain amount of regularity. For instance, here we walk to church and the grocery store. We could also walk to a number of fast food places if we used them.
Interesting to me was that Leroy did not mention any of those location types of things. Instead he talked about the rooms he would like in the place. First was a room where he could have a table set up for his stamps and have them out all of the time. Here he has to put them away from time to time and I suppose that is a bit of work. I never touch them so I do not really know. He would like another room where he could exercise and have a large enough open space so he would not have to worry about hitting or kicking anything. Then he talked about wanting a work bench that was inside in a warm place. Here I thought we were looking to go smaller, seems to me this guy wants to expand. The last two parsonages that we lived in had four bedrooms and lower levels. Without children in our home, Leroy could have that stamp room. Even though we tried not to acquire many things in those larger homes, we did use much of the space.
Yesterday Leroy asked me what I was looking for in a future home. I talked about the local of the house and how I would like to walk to something that I go to with a certain amount of regularity. For instance, here we walk to church and the grocery store. We could also walk to a number of fast food places if we used them.
Interesting to me was that Leroy did not mention any of those location types of things. Instead he talked about the rooms he would like in the place. First was a room where he could have a table set up for his stamps and have them out all of the time. Here he has to put them away from time to time and I suppose that is a bit of work. I never touch them so I do not really know. He would like another room where he could exercise and have a large enough open space so he would not have to worry about hitting or kicking anything. Then he talked about wanting a work bench that was inside in a warm place. Here I thought we were looking to go smaller, seems to me this guy wants to expand. The last two parsonages that we lived in had four bedrooms and lower levels. Without children in our home, Leroy could have that stamp room. Even though we tried not to acquire many things in those larger homes, we did use much of the space.
In our adult
lives we have never owned a home. Perhaps because of that I often feel that I do
not have so much to say about where I live, I just try to find things that I
like or can learn to like. I suppose that is why I did not think much about the
inside of the house when he asked that question. I would like a storage room
that has shelves so I could put things that I “might need” in an easily
accessible place. Guess I am not downsizing in my mind either. We did not
mention it, but we both like the idea of having a garage for getting the cars
inside so we do not have to scrape snow off of them. We have been fortunate to
have always had a garage.
Paula
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Flying Around
Hello,
For his retirement, the congregation gave Leroy a nice amount of money. The suggestion was that he would use it toward a trip. Now we have booked a trip to Columbia in January. We know some people there and we will visit with them. Since we have never been to South American, it will be a new experience.
Every once in a while someone would ask if we had gone on any trips. The answer was no, but we did go to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving. I am not sure that was considered so much of a trip since our daughter lives there.
We are also planning another trip in February. We have both checked with bosses to make sure it is fine with them if we leave so much. We both have some vacation time that we can use. In fact I need to use more vacation time. So this will be good.
It does make us quite agitated or unsure when booking these trips. Or rather the Columbia one was an issue because for some reason it kept taking out the country that Leroy is a citizen of. Finally changing browsers made the difference and we were able to get the job done. Leroy could not handle it so I had to do the final bit. Unfortunately I have us coming home two days earlier than intended. When we looked at changing that return it made the cost quite a lot more. We figured that we can handle the shorter trip.
Such a first world problem! Not much in the whole scheme of life. Even though we can have a check in bag, I wonder if I can get it all in a carry on and a personal item. Seems to me packing for a summer spot should mean less bulk. I so like not to pick up bags. Leroy sounded a bit more hesitant, but then his clothes are bigger, because he is bigger?
Paula
For his retirement, the congregation gave Leroy a nice amount of money. The suggestion was that he would use it toward a trip. Now we have booked a trip to Columbia in January. We know some people there and we will visit with them. Since we have never been to South American, it will be a new experience.
Every once in a while someone would ask if we had gone on any trips. The answer was no, but we did go to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving. I am not sure that was considered so much of a trip since our daughter lives there.
We are also planning another trip in February. We have both checked with bosses to make sure it is fine with them if we leave so much. We both have some vacation time that we can use. In fact I need to use more vacation time. So this will be good.
It does make us quite agitated or unsure when booking these trips. Or rather the Columbia one was an issue because for some reason it kept taking out the country that Leroy is a citizen of. Finally changing browsers made the difference and we were able to get the job done. Leroy could not handle it so I had to do the final bit. Unfortunately I have us coming home two days earlier than intended. When we looked at changing that return it made the cost quite a lot more. We figured that we can handle the shorter trip.
Such a first world problem! Not much in the whole scheme of life. Even though we can have a check in bag, I wonder if I can get it all in a carry on and a personal item. Seems to me packing for a summer spot should mean less bulk. I so like not to pick up bags. Leroy sounded a bit more hesitant, but then his clothes are bigger, because he is bigger?
Paula
Friday, December 20, 2019
Returning an item already
Hello,
Leroy had gotten some books which he was donating to the Ely Library where I work. Finally, yesterday I started to catalog the last two. When I opened one to put in the library stamp I found that it started on page 55. Oops! Leroy ferreted out the receipt and we took it back for a full refund. He did not replace this exact book because I also learned when trying to catalog these he had gotten a book by the same author, but in a different series. Instead he needed book two in the original series. Unfortunately, there was no book two on the shelves. He will do an online search to try to fill it in. Even though it took some time the return was all managed quite easily.
Leroy said, “I want a red shirt.”
“Why would you want a red shirt?” I wondered.
“For Pentecost!” he exclaimed.”
“I do not want to spend a lot on a shirt you will only wear once a year. Let’s run into Goodwill.” I said.
“We could walk and not run,” Leroy said smartly.
Would you believe we walked up to the shirt rack and Leroy immediately found a red shirt in a good brand and exactly his size. Well that was an easy purchase. The checker made some comment about a red shirt for Christmas, I refrained from saying it was for Pentecost as I did not want to get into any theological discussions.
Paula
Leroy had gotten some books which he was donating to the Ely Library where I work. Finally, yesterday I started to catalog the last two. When I opened one to put in the library stamp I found that it started on page 55. Oops! Leroy ferreted out the receipt and we took it back for a full refund. He did not replace this exact book because I also learned when trying to catalog these he had gotten a book by the same author, but in a different series. Instead he needed book two in the original series. Unfortunately, there was no book two on the shelves. He will do an online search to try to fill it in. Even though it took some time the return was all managed quite easily.
Leroy said, “I want a red shirt.”
“Why would you want a red shirt?” I wondered.
“For Pentecost!” he exclaimed.”
“I do not want to spend a lot on a shirt you will only wear once a year. Let’s run into Goodwill.” I said.
“We could walk and not run,” Leroy said smartly.
Would you believe we walked up to the shirt rack and Leroy immediately found a red shirt in a good brand and exactly his size. Well that was an easy purchase. The checker made some comment about a red shirt for Christmas, I refrained from saying it was for Pentecost as I did not want to get into any theological discussions.
Paula
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Christmas Prep
Hello,
The first thing this morning we lit the third advent candle and read devotions. Rituals satisfy both of us in an elemental way. Church was next on the agenda. It took a bit of serious thought to figure out what to wear when the outdoor temperature was 9 degrees F. The indoor temperature would be much higher. Layers work, but it still takes some thought to make it smooth and minimal undressing at the destination. Because there was no wind it was mostly nice out even if my nose did get a bit cold.
The choir sang this morning, one “easy” piece and one “difficult” piece. The difficult was written by a member of this congregation. Both pieces had some thoughtful words, but it was harder to keep my mind on the words when I was concentrating on hitting the right notes.
After we had lunch, we got out the tree and other decorations. The tree is done but we will work on the other things tomorrow as we were both tired.
We have written our Christmas letter, but not addressed a single envelope. Tomorrow is another day. For some reason I cannot get at that letter task as early as some of you do. Maybe next year? I thought we had plenty of stamps, but it is not true. Many of our stamps are one, five or ten cent stamps that Leroy did not use in his collection. With the forever stamps I do not know the cost of a stamp as I once did. Plus I have no desire to use a lot of small stamps on one letter. Perhaps I do not even have enough small stamps to mail one letter. Tuesday we will go to the post office and take care of that detail.
I am also trying to read four books. How can I have started so many at once? I do not know. From time to time I have two that I am reading in the same week; usually that is one fiction and one nonfiction book. This time I have three fiction books and one nonfiction copy.
Paula
The first thing this morning we lit the third advent candle and read devotions. Rituals satisfy both of us in an elemental way. Church was next on the agenda. It took a bit of serious thought to figure out what to wear when the outdoor temperature was 9 degrees F. The indoor temperature would be much higher. Layers work, but it still takes some thought to make it smooth and minimal undressing at the destination. Because there was no wind it was mostly nice out even if my nose did get a bit cold.
The choir sang this morning, one “easy” piece and one “difficult” piece. The difficult was written by a member of this congregation. Both pieces had some thoughtful words, but it was harder to keep my mind on the words when I was concentrating on hitting the right notes.
After we had lunch, we got out the tree and other decorations. The tree is done but we will work on the other things tomorrow as we were both tired.
We have written our Christmas letter, but not addressed a single envelope. Tomorrow is another day. For some reason I cannot get at that letter task as early as some of you do. Maybe next year? I thought we had plenty of stamps, but it is not true. Many of our stamps are one, five or ten cent stamps that Leroy did not use in his collection. With the forever stamps I do not know the cost of a stamp as I once did. Plus I have no desire to use a lot of small stamps on one letter. Perhaps I do not even have enough small stamps to mail one letter. Tuesday we will go to the post office and take care of that detail.
I am also trying to read four books. How can I have started so many at once? I do not know. From time to time I have two that I am reading in the same week; usually that is one fiction and one nonfiction book. This time I have three fiction books and one nonfiction copy.
Paula
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Squirrels in the Tree
Hello,
Our squirrels are quite athletic and gusty. I watched one leap from the garage roof to the trunk of a tree, spinning around in the air to make the grab for a safe landing. The tree might be about five feet away.
This morning two other squirrels were gnawing on black walnuts while sitting in the walnut tree. Their tails were tucked up against their backs with an artistic curl at the end. Very nice! I knew that if I were outside I would have been able to hear their teeth scratching away at the tough walnut shell. In the meantime the leaping squirrel snuck up the tree trunk before it charged out on the limb holding the lowest gnawing squirrel. Gnawing squirrel stopped scraping and immediately jumped to another nearby branch. The following squirrel kept at it for a little while before it quit in disgust or despair. For reasons not known to me it never when after the squirrel that was higher in the tree.
Our neighbor feeds the squirrels corn on the cob. Yesterday I saw him put two ears in two separate holders. It was not long before an enterprising squirrel grabbed a cob and zoomed up a tree, on our garage roof, onto the board which links the two garages on our property (We call it the squirrel super highway.), before settling on the farther garage to strip the cob of corn. That cob is still there, but no corn on it that I can see.
Some years, squirrels spend quite a lot of time in the front looking in our office window. They seem to have changed locations as I rarely see them here. I miss them.
Paula
Friday, December 13, 2019
Just a Day
Hello,
How did Friday the 13th get such a bad reputation? So far it has been a day just like many others. Leroy and I are both home and have gotten some tasks done. I had talked about putting up the Christmas tree, but that has not happened. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day for that even though Leroy is working half of the day.
I went alone to do my usual shopping. Leroy had a list for his boss for a present, but he remembered after I was out that it needed to be purchased now instead of when he was planning. Grateful for the mobile phone! Did we do more and better planning before it was invented, or perhaps we did more repeat trips to get the forgotten.
I also bought some nuts and dried fruits to give to my co-workers. I am not so good at the gift knowledge for others. I know that some of them do not want to have sugar in their diet, so chocolate was off the list. Even though I personally do not eat chocolate, I have on occasion purchased that for others because I know they like it
Leroy and I took a nice long walk. It was a bit brisk, but so refreshing to be out among the trees and a random squirrel or two. At least the paths were clear as almost all of the snow has melted.
Leroy used that grabber thing when he knocked something into a difficult to reach place. I have also used it for the second time. It was a much more timely purchase than I would have expected. We might even get to the point of thinking it is a necessity.
Paula
How did Friday the 13th get such a bad reputation? So far it has been a day just like many others. Leroy and I are both home and have gotten some tasks done. I had talked about putting up the Christmas tree, but that has not happened. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day for that even though Leroy is working half of the day.
I went alone to do my usual shopping. Leroy had a list for his boss for a present, but he remembered after I was out that it needed to be purchased now instead of when he was planning. Grateful for the mobile phone! Did we do more and better planning before it was invented, or perhaps we did more repeat trips to get the forgotten.
I also bought some nuts and dried fruits to give to my co-workers. I am not so good at the gift knowledge for others. I know that some of them do not want to have sugar in their diet, so chocolate was off the list. Even though I personally do not eat chocolate, I have on occasion purchased that for others because I know they like it
Leroy and I took a nice long walk. It was a bit brisk, but so refreshing to be out among the trees and a random squirrel or two. At least the paths were clear as almost all of the snow has melted.
Leroy used that grabber thing when he knocked something into a difficult to reach place. I have also used it for the second time. It was a much more timely purchase than I would have expected. We might even get to the point of thinking it is a necessity.
Paula
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Going To Work
Hello,
Monday the weather report was for some snow, but when I looked at the local Doppler radar it appeared to be going north of us so I was not concerned. About five minutes before I was to leave, snow was pelting down, but nothing was covered yet. I made my way to the garage noting the ice that had appeared on the sidewalk. I took the Subaru which is the car to drive in snowy conditions. That provided a modicum of comfort.
The streets were not bad, but it was much different looking when I got up (It does go uphill.) on the interstate. With much more snow cover. Also it was snowing furiously. I moved with caution and care as were most other drivers. A pickup truck came quite close behind me. I was glad to move to the middle lane as soon as I could as I would need to be in that lane later anywat. Not long after I made that move I glanced in the rear view mirror to see that truck moving into my lane. The next thing I knew it was turning sharply back to the first lane. I kept flipping my eyes from forward travel to watch as the truck came back in my lane. Then it a little bit it did a 360. Three vehicles were coming toward it, but they all seem to have slowed enough not to hit it. In a little bit the truck did some more wild swings before it slammed head first into the cement guard rail. After that I could no longer see it as I had gone around the curve.
I crept to Ely and did not test the claims of this car brand to be superior to others in the snow as I think this was a lot of ice under the snow that was the real danger. I did not slip for which I am grateful. Most of the cars were going very slowly.
That stretch of interstate which has an “S” curve and is up in the air or more like a bridge, has a reputation for being risky in snowy/icy conditions.
This snow squall was over in about an hour, so my drive home was quite a different event. I did see in the paper that snow squalls are quite dangerous and often there are multiple car pile ups. They are now going to post a warning about them. The good thing about them is that they are generally very short lived.
Paula
Monday the weather report was for some snow, but when I looked at the local Doppler radar it appeared to be going north of us so I was not concerned. About five minutes before I was to leave, snow was pelting down, but nothing was covered yet. I made my way to the garage noting the ice that had appeared on the sidewalk. I took the Subaru which is the car to drive in snowy conditions. That provided a modicum of comfort.
The streets were not bad, but it was much different looking when I got up (It does go uphill.) on the interstate. With much more snow cover. Also it was snowing furiously. I moved with caution and care as were most other drivers. A pickup truck came quite close behind me. I was glad to move to the middle lane as soon as I could as I would need to be in that lane later anywat. Not long after I made that move I glanced in the rear view mirror to see that truck moving into my lane. The next thing I knew it was turning sharply back to the first lane. I kept flipping my eyes from forward travel to watch as the truck came back in my lane. Then it a little bit it did a 360. Three vehicles were coming toward it, but they all seem to have slowed enough not to hit it. In a little bit the truck did some more wild swings before it slammed head first into the cement guard rail. After that I could no longer see it as I had gone around the curve.
I crept to Ely and did not test the claims of this car brand to be superior to others in the snow as I think this was a lot of ice under the snow that was the real danger. I did not slip for which I am grateful. Most of the cars were going very slowly.
That stretch of interstate which has an “S” curve and is up in the air or more like a bridge, has a reputation for being risky in snowy/icy conditions.
This snow squall was over in about an hour, so my drive home was quite a different event. I did see in the paper that snow squalls are quite dangerous and often there are multiple car pile ups. They are now going to post a warning about them. The good thing about them is that they are generally very short lived.
Paula
Monday, December 9, 2019
Reflections on the Gathering
Hello,
I now have two granddaughters who are my height. Their legs look long. How did that happen? They are not little anymore. That includes all of them even if they have not attained anything close to my height. All grandchildren had grown and changed since we last saw them.
My niece’s family and my brother-in-law attended our Thanksgiving festivities. However, I found that a bit sad because my sister was not there. Even though it has been four years since she died, I have not been at family gatherings where I might expect to have her there. This was a painfully sharp reminder that she is no longer alive.
On a more cheerful note, I have used the hard to transport grabber already. I knocked something behind the stove. I could have gotten it with a bit of moving and adjustment, but the grabber did a great job without moving a thing. It will earn its place.
I found it interesting to see which of the grandchildren spent a lot of time building the snow fort. It seemed to me those two or three spent much time out there without talking, but seemed to enjoy working together. Because usually if one was out another soon joined them.
It seemed to me that my grown children have such different goals from me. Perhaps that is simply the generation gap or just a different focus. I definitely feel that there is a difference in how we think about many things: such as how to spend time or money.
Paula
I now have two granddaughters who are my height. Their legs look long. How did that happen? They are not little anymore. That includes all of them even if they have not attained anything close to my height. All grandchildren had grown and changed since we last saw them.
My niece’s family and my brother-in-law attended our Thanksgiving festivities. However, I found that a bit sad because my sister was not there. Even though it has been four years since she died, I have not been at family gatherings where I might expect to have her there. This was a painfully sharp reminder that she is no longer alive.
On a more cheerful note, I have used the hard to transport grabber already. I knocked something behind the stove. I could have gotten it with a bit of moving and adjustment, but the grabber did a great job without moving a thing. It will earn its place.
I found it interesting to see which of the grandchildren spent a lot of time building the snow fort. It seemed to me those two or three spent much time out there without talking, but seemed to enjoy working together. Because usually if one was out another soon joined them.
It seemed to me that my grown children have such different goals from me. Perhaps that is simply the generation gap or just a different focus. I definitely feel that there is a difference in how we think about many things: such as how to spend time or money.
Paula
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Even More Travel Tales
Hello,
My carry on is too large for the small plane that we were getting on so the woman at the gate said, “Just put it by that door.” As a man climbed into view she added, “Oh good, just give it to him. He will stow it for you and you pick it up at the end.” I am used to that so she did not have to tell me, but that is fine that she covers all the instructions because she has no idea who knows and who does not.
All I had now was my long grabber thing, coat, and smallish back pack. Leroy’s back pack is quite a bit larger, but it still goes inside the small plane. He was also toting his coat plus a small bag that he puts under the seat. We were assigned seats in the first row. Almost all of the overhead bins were full. The flight attendant did a small amount of searching before she said, “I will just take your things up here with me.”
She took Leroy’s larger backpack and my grabber thing out of sight. I was sitting by the window where I put my coat next to the wall. Leroy sat on his coat, while we both almost tucked our smaller bags under the seat, or at least in back of our legs. Not really what they want but we all ignored it. One more person got on before we were settled and sat behind us. The plane was full and we took off for the short flight to Cedar Rapids. The fasten seat belt light never went off so Leroy did not go to the restroom. I was incredibly grateful that he, with the stronger holding power, had this issue and not me. As soon as we landed and the door was open, Leroy strode ahead gathered our stuff, suggested where we would meet, and almost loped away.
I had to stay at the end of the jet way to collect my bag. When we met, Leroy let me watch the stuff while he checked on the bus schedule. Yeah! It was coming in about fifteen minutes. We stayed in the building because of not wanting to stand outside in the cold, plus we could see the road where the bus would come and we had plenty of time to go outside to the proper spot before the bus would reach it.
As we were gazing out Leroy saw a woman from the congregation get out of a car. He dashed out to say hello, while I came at a slower pace, gathering things. Getting there we learned that she was dropping her husband off. She graciously offered us a ride. Since we know where she lives we accepted. She drives fairly close to our house on her way home.
From the conversation of the flight attendant and a passenger we learned that the plane we were on was going to make a return trip to Minneapolis. In the car we learned that our driver’s husband was taking that plane. Somehow it all seems so serendipitous!
Paula
My carry on is too large for the small plane that we were getting on so the woman at the gate said, “Just put it by that door.” As a man climbed into view she added, “Oh good, just give it to him. He will stow it for you and you pick it up at the end.” I am used to that so she did not have to tell me, but that is fine that she covers all the instructions because she has no idea who knows and who does not.
All I had now was my long grabber thing, coat, and smallish back pack. Leroy’s back pack is quite a bit larger, but it still goes inside the small plane. He was also toting his coat plus a small bag that he puts under the seat. We were assigned seats in the first row. Almost all of the overhead bins were full. The flight attendant did a small amount of searching before she said, “I will just take your things up here with me.”
She took Leroy’s larger backpack and my grabber thing out of sight. I was sitting by the window where I put my coat next to the wall. Leroy sat on his coat, while we both almost tucked our smaller bags under the seat, or at least in back of our legs. Not really what they want but we all ignored it. One more person got on before we were settled and sat behind us. The plane was full and we took off for the short flight to Cedar Rapids. The fasten seat belt light never went off so Leroy did not go to the restroom. I was incredibly grateful that he, with the stronger holding power, had this issue and not me. As soon as we landed and the door was open, Leroy strode ahead gathered our stuff, suggested where we would meet, and almost loped away.
I had to stay at the end of the jet way to collect my bag. When we met, Leroy let me watch the stuff while he checked on the bus schedule. Yeah! It was coming in about fifteen minutes. We stayed in the building because of not wanting to stand outside in the cold, plus we could see the road where the bus would come and we had plenty of time to go outside to the proper spot before the bus would reach it.
As we were gazing out Leroy saw a woman from the congregation get out of a car. He dashed out to say hello, while I came at a slower pace, gathering things. Getting there we learned that she was dropping her husband off. She graciously offered us a ride. Since we know where she lives we accepted. She drives fairly close to our house on her way home.
From the conversation of the flight attendant and a passenger we learned that the plane we were on was going to make a return trip to Minneapolis. In the car we learned that our driver’s husband was taking that plane. Somehow it all seems so serendipitous!
Paula
Saturday, December 7, 2019
More Travel Tales
Hello,
As we waited to get on the plane we became aware of more and more dense fog covering the airport. “Does fog affect take off?” Leroy wondered.
Yes it does. We got on the plane, but sat by the gate for almost half an hour. Safety must come first, but it was a bit anxious because we only had 45 minutes for our connection in Minneapolis. On the first trip we had to traverse a good bit of the airport because one plane is big and one is much smaller.
We exchanged gifts at our Thanksgiving. I received one of those grabber things that can go into narrow spaces. This one was not collapsible and measured 33 inches from tip to handle. Our children probably brought it in a larger check in bag. We do not have a check in bag so I had to carry because it was much larger than my carry on. I thought it might not be allowed on the plane either by TSA or the carrier, but no one objected. Carrying it to the airport on the train was not a problem. After I took off my coat at the airport and had to carry my coat, pull one bag and had the other bag on my back, that long object was a bit more problematic. I certainly did not want to poke someone with it and it was hard to keep it in my hand with the slippery coat.
On the airplane they told me to put it in the overhead bin so that was not an issue.
In Minnesota, it took us a while to get off the plane because we were almost in the last row. Leroy commented shortly before we landed that he needed to go to the restroom. Luckily I had gone earlier on the plane. The flight attendant had told us how to get to our connecting flight so that would not take so long as when we have to search out directions. We had to use the train, but just missed one. Supposedly they come every three minutes. It seemed to be a much longer interval as we waited, knowing that we had little time.
We hopped on the train when it arrived and got off spotting the direction sign easily. The first moving sidewalk was broken on our side so we just walked fast. It is not so easy to move speedily when gripping so many things which bang against my legs from time to time. Leroy, who could go faster, did not get on the next moving sidewalk so I did not either as I was not sure I could maintain balance with all my things and grip the railing. Coming within two numbers of our gate a woman stepped out of that area and called to us, “Cedar Rapids?”
We yelled, “Yes,” while we kept trotting. Amazingly the hall was almost empty so it all worked for us to arrive gasping for breath.
Paula
As we waited to get on the plane we became aware of more and more dense fog covering the airport. “Does fog affect take off?” Leroy wondered.
Yes it does. We got on the plane, but sat by the gate for almost half an hour. Safety must come first, but it was a bit anxious because we only had 45 minutes for our connection in Minneapolis. On the first trip we had to traverse a good bit of the airport because one plane is big and one is much smaller.
We exchanged gifts at our Thanksgiving. I received one of those grabber things that can go into narrow spaces. This one was not collapsible and measured 33 inches from tip to handle. Our children probably brought it in a larger check in bag. We do not have a check in bag so I had to carry because it was much larger than my carry on. I thought it might not be allowed on the plane either by TSA or the carrier, but no one objected. Carrying it to the airport on the train was not a problem. After I took off my coat at the airport and had to carry my coat, pull one bag and had the other bag on my back, that long object was a bit more problematic. I certainly did not want to poke someone with it and it was hard to keep it in my hand with the slippery coat.
On the airplane they told me to put it in the overhead bin so that was not an issue.
In Minnesota, it took us a while to get off the plane because we were almost in the last row. Leroy commented shortly before we landed that he needed to go to the restroom. Luckily I had gone earlier on the plane. The flight attendant had told us how to get to our connecting flight so that would not take so long as when we have to search out directions. We had to use the train, but just missed one. Supposedly they come every three minutes. It seemed to be a much longer interval as we waited, knowing that we had little time.
We hopped on the train when it arrived and got off spotting the direction sign easily. The first moving sidewalk was broken on our side so we just walked fast. It is not so easy to move speedily when gripping so many things which bang against my legs from time to time. Leroy, who could go faster, did not get on the next moving sidewalk so I did not either as I was not sure I could maintain balance with all my things and grip the railing. Coming within two numbers of our gate a woman stepped out of that area and called to us, “Cedar Rapids?”
We yelled, “Yes,” while we kept trotting. Amazingly the hall was almost empty so it all worked for us to arrive gasping for breath.
Paula
Friday, December 6, 2019
Travel Tales
Hello,
Our trip to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving celebration was quite ordinary, but the return trip had a little interest. We got to the airport in plenty of time which we both appreciate even though Miriam thinks it is much more time than anyone needs. Because we took the TRAX it requires a longer walk from the end of the line to the terminal that we needed to be in. However, we believe walking is good; we just want plenty of time for that. On the way through security neither Leroy nor I noticed the pre-check symbol. So we did the full shoes and jackets removal. Are we getting old or just not reading carefully? Leroy went through the scan just fine, but they told me to step to the side. A nice young woman told me, “I am going to have to pat you down. Do you want some privacy?”
“Will I have to remove any clothes?” I wanted to know.
She laughed and said, “No.”
“It will be ok here,” I told her.
She then showed me the scan with a spot on my upper thigh that was the problem. When it was suggested, I searched all six of my pockets to finding nothing. My pants have front and back pockets as did the top which was long enough to hang mid thigh.
The next step was lifting that top so she could see the top of my pants where she felt around the waist. First I had to hold the top up in front and followed by the back. After that she patted down my legs, but she told me I should hook my thumbs through the belt loops to hold the pants up as she was concerned that she might pull my pants down.
“I do not think these would come down, but it is a bit loose,” I commented as I dutifully hooked and secured.
“It is comfortable,” she said.
Finding nothing of any interest on my person, she let me go on my way to Leroy who has trying valiantly to corral all of our things. After that it was just a waiting game after we found our gate.
Paula
Our trip to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving celebration was quite ordinary, but the return trip had a little interest. We got to the airport in plenty of time which we both appreciate even though Miriam thinks it is much more time than anyone needs. Because we took the TRAX it requires a longer walk from the end of the line to the terminal that we needed to be in. However, we believe walking is good; we just want plenty of time for that. On the way through security neither Leroy nor I noticed the pre-check symbol. So we did the full shoes and jackets removal. Are we getting old or just not reading carefully? Leroy went through the scan just fine, but they told me to step to the side. A nice young woman told me, “I am going to have to pat you down. Do you want some privacy?”
“Will I have to remove any clothes?” I wanted to know.
She laughed and said, “No.”
“It will be ok here,” I told her.
She then showed me the scan with a spot on my upper thigh that was the problem. When it was suggested, I searched all six of my pockets to finding nothing. My pants have front and back pockets as did the top which was long enough to hang mid thigh.
The next step was lifting that top so she could see the top of my pants where she felt around the waist. First I had to hold the top up in front and followed by the back. After that she patted down my legs, but she told me I should hook my thumbs through the belt loops to hold the pants up as she was concerned that she might pull my pants down.
“I do not think these would come down, but it is a bit loose,” I commented as I dutifully hooked and secured.
“It is comfortable,” she said.
Finding nothing of any interest on my person, she let me go on my way to Leroy who has trying valiantly to corral all of our things. After that it was just a waiting game after we found our gate.
Paula
Friday, November 22, 2019
Packing
Hello,
We are leaving Sunday to go to Miriam’s for Thanksgiving. This will get us there ahead of time, but the tickets were cheaper a bit farther out. When I look at the weather forecast, I think it is nice to be early as some storms are predicted for the days closer to Thursday. Hopefully that means we will be in place and miss all that excitement either coming or going.
I have not packed yet, but should face up to that because I am working tomorrow and then we have church so we will not be home until a bit later in the evening. We do not leave until 10:00 Sunday morning, but I am not comfortable putting off the packing task that long. My much traveled son-in-law would, but then he now has a million miles in the air. Course I am not sure when that count started. He does much flying for work. My point is that all of this repeat trips gives one a certain amount of knowledge about ones needs for the trip.
We have some clothes and shoes at Miriam’s house, but it can be a trick to take the right things or the things I find I want when there. One thing I know for sure is that I have no winter pjs there. That seems to be a requirement. I also have no socks for winter wear. The weather is not to be so very nice, but not so cold as it could be, however I will wear my winter coat and include hat, scarf, and mittens. There might be some snow, but at the moment I am thinking no boots because they would take so much room or I would have to wear them and they are too hot for comfort on the plane. I am grateful that I have some time to think about this. I am also grateful that this is small stuff in the total of life. I was happy to find the TRAX schedule so we can ride the train from the airport. We could figure it how there by looking at the maps, but I feel much more at ease when I know ahead of time what I am doing while I grip firmly on the paper. Leroy would also be a good help because he believes in thoroughly reading all directions.
Paula
We are leaving Sunday to go to Miriam’s for Thanksgiving. This will get us there ahead of time, but the tickets were cheaper a bit farther out. When I look at the weather forecast, I think it is nice to be early as some storms are predicted for the days closer to Thursday. Hopefully that means we will be in place and miss all that excitement either coming or going.
I have not packed yet, but should face up to that because I am working tomorrow and then we have church so we will not be home until a bit later in the evening. We do not leave until 10:00 Sunday morning, but I am not comfortable putting off the packing task that long. My much traveled son-in-law would, but then he now has a million miles in the air. Course I am not sure when that count started. He does much flying for work. My point is that all of this repeat trips gives one a certain amount of knowledge about ones needs for the trip.
We have some clothes and shoes at Miriam’s house, but it can be a trick to take the right things or the things I find I want when there. One thing I know for sure is that I have no winter pjs there. That seems to be a requirement. I also have no socks for winter wear. The weather is not to be so very nice, but not so cold as it could be, however I will wear my winter coat and include hat, scarf, and mittens. There might be some snow, but at the moment I am thinking no boots because they would take so much room or I would have to wear them and they are too hot for comfort on the plane. I am grateful that I have some time to think about this. I am also grateful that this is small stuff in the total of life. I was happy to find the TRAX schedule so we can ride the train from the airport. We could figure it how there by looking at the maps, but I feel much more at ease when I know ahead of time what I am doing while I grip firmly on the paper. Leroy would also be a good help because he believes in thoroughly reading all directions.
Paula
Monday, November 18, 2019
More on the Stolen
Hello,
In response to the comments from some of you, I thought I should offer some more explanation. I too think it was quite remarkable that the police found my things. However, I think they had a little help from the secretary because she immediately thought it was a particular person when she learned of it. I heard her tell the custodian about it. We have many homeless people who come to the church Sunday morning for coffee and treats. Now as another person in the church told me, we often think of them first when something goes missing, but it could be just anyone who walks in off the streets. I did wonder about the secretary talking about this person in particular, although she knows many of them since she visits with them frequently. Later, when I called her to let her know my things had been returned, she mumbled something about the bathroom and shoes. I believe she was also able to give somewhat of a description of those shoes. When the police gave me the case number they accidently gave me two pencil notes with more of a description of what the woman was wearing as well as her name and a common Sunday meal site. The police did tell me they were almost positive when they saw the pink swoosh on the shoes.
I said, “When someone takes shoes and wears them, they probably need them. She could have kept them. I am just happy to get my keys, hat and bag back.” I did not press charges.
In our church we give away coats, hats, mittens, and we even have an Undie Sunday when we donate underwear. How do people living on the edge get shoes that fit? I don’t believe that supplying everything is the best way to go, but I do not know how to change the current paradigm without harming people. I wonder too as the economic shifts in the advantage of the rich and the poor gets wider and wider, will there be more and more theft as people struggle to survive.
It is so ironic that I got back these things of little economic value and nothing was ever found of Leroy’s two bikes that were stolen. One of them was taken from outside church by someone who knew what they were doing.
Paula
In response to the comments from some of you, I thought I should offer some more explanation. I too think it was quite remarkable that the police found my things. However, I think they had a little help from the secretary because she immediately thought it was a particular person when she learned of it. I heard her tell the custodian about it. We have many homeless people who come to the church Sunday morning for coffee and treats. Now as another person in the church told me, we often think of them first when something goes missing, but it could be just anyone who walks in off the streets. I did wonder about the secretary talking about this person in particular, although she knows many of them since she visits with them frequently. Later, when I called her to let her know my things had been returned, she mumbled something about the bathroom and shoes. I believe she was also able to give somewhat of a description of those shoes. When the police gave me the case number they accidently gave me two pencil notes with more of a description of what the woman was wearing as well as her name and a common Sunday meal site. The police did tell me they were almost positive when they saw the pink swoosh on the shoes.
I said, “When someone takes shoes and wears them, they probably need them. She could have kept them. I am just happy to get my keys, hat and bag back.” I did not press charges.
In our church we give away coats, hats, mittens, and we even have an Undie Sunday when we donate underwear. How do people living on the edge get shoes that fit? I don’t believe that supplying everything is the best way to go, but I do not know how to change the current paradigm without harming people. I wonder too as the economic shifts in the advantage of the rich and the poor gets wider and wider, will there be more and more theft as people struggle to survive.
It is so ironic that I got back these things of little economic value and nothing was ever found of Leroy’s two bikes that were stolen. One of them was taken from outside church by someone who knew what they were doing.
Paula
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Stolen
Hello,
I often wear walking shoes to church and change into shoes that I have carried in my backpack. Generally there is nothing in that backpack of value to anyone else so I just leave it up in the area where we hang our coats. Before I got out of bed this morning I had a thought, “I should take my backpack downstairs with me."
When at church I ignored my warning to myself. After changing my shoes I left my tennis shoes under the coat rack where our coats hung. I tucked my socks inside of them, took my phone out of the backpack, and placed the backpack on the shelf above our coats before heading downstairs for worship.
Upon my return, I went to get my items for the bible study in which I participate. Immediately I noticed that my socks were on the floor, but not my shoes. I looked around the area, but did not see them. Oh no, I did not see my backpack on the shelf. Where could that be? Again I did a little more searching. Then I went to the welcome desk and reported my missing items. After that I went back to do a little more searching before going to my Bible study room. No one else was there yet, so I went back to the coat area. Now I could not see Leroy’s coat. This was a little more serious as he “needs” that coat to walk home. I found him in the class he was attending and brought him up to speed on the circumstances. He came down with me and spotted his coat right away. He had worn a different coat than I remembered. I must learn to be more observant.
In the meantime, unknown to me, the secretary of the church had called the police. I went to my class where someone came and found me telling me that the police wanted to talk to me. I was a little embarrassed to have “bothered” them Because of the low monetary value of my things. Even though I especially like the backpack, my house keys, and my hat, most of it would not matter to others. They did tell me that they were not so likely to find these things because they would probably be thrown in a dumpster. One troubling thought was that I might have written our address on a piece of paper. Someone once told me that I should always have some identification just in case…
After we got home Leroy set about learning if he could take the dead bolt from a closet and put it in the deadbolt spot downstairs which would make us feel safer until he could go to the store to replace it. I tried calling the city library because I did not want someone to check out a number of things and I could be held responsible for them when not returned. They were not yet open.
We were hungry so we ate some lunch. I was washing dishes and Leroy was working on the lock for the garage which was also on the key ring. The police came bearing my bag. They found the woman wearing my shoes. My vague description was close enough, I thought they were aqua but they were really grey with aqua laces. The pink Nike swooshes convinced them they were mine since I knew that was the right color there. I did have my name on a paper along with Leroy’s and his phone, but not our house address.
The police said the woman was very polite, took off the shoes, and then took them to the spot where she had dumped my bag. As nearly as I can remember all of my things were still in it.
Paula
I often wear walking shoes to church and change into shoes that I have carried in my backpack. Generally there is nothing in that backpack of value to anyone else so I just leave it up in the area where we hang our coats. Before I got out of bed this morning I had a thought, “I should take my backpack downstairs with me."
When at church I ignored my warning to myself. After changing my shoes I left my tennis shoes under the coat rack where our coats hung. I tucked my socks inside of them, took my phone out of the backpack, and placed the backpack on the shelf above our coats before heading downstairs for worship.
Upon my return, I went to get my items for the bible study in which I participate. Immediately I noticed that my socks were on the floor, but not my shoes. I looked around the area, but did not see them. Oh no, I did not see my backpack on the shelf. Where could that be? Again I did a little more searching. Then I went to the welcome desk and reported my missing items. After that I went back to do a little more searching before going to my Bible study room. No one else was there yet, so I went back to the coat area. Now I could not see Leroy’s coat. This was a little more serious as he “needs” that coat to walk home. I found him in the class he was attending and brought him up to speed on the circumstances. He came down with me and spotted his coat right away. He had worn a different coat than I remembered. I must learn to be more observant.
In the meantime, unknown to me, the secretary of the church had called the police. I went to my class where someone came and found me telling me that the police wanted to talk to me. I was a little embarrassed to have “bothered” them Because of the low monetary value of my things. Even though I especially like the backpack, my house keys, and my hat, most of it would not matter to others. They did tell me that they were not so likely to find these things because they would probably be thrown in a dumpster. One troubling thought was that I might have written our address on a piece of paper. Someone once told me that I should always have some identification just in case…
After we got home Leroy set about learning if he could take the dead bolt from a closet and put it in the deadbolt spot downstairs which would make us feel safer until he could go to the store to replace it. I tried calling the city library because I did not want someone to check out a number of things and I could be held responsible for them when not returned. They were not yet open.
We were hungry so we ate some lunch. I was washing dishes and Leroy was working on the lock for the garage which was also on the key ring. The police came bearing my bag. They found the woman wearing my shoes. My vague description was close enough, I thought they were aqua but they were really grey with aqua laces. The pink Nike swooshes convinced them they were mine since I knew that was the right color there. I did have my name on a paper along with Leroy’s and his phone, but not our house address.
The police said the woman was very polite, took off the shoes, and then took them to the spot where she had dumped my bag. As nearly as I can remember all of my things were still in it.
Paula
Friday, November 15, 2019
Flowers Blooming
Hello,
The first Thanksgiving cactus blossom opened today. I still want to call it a Christmas cactus, but it does have the pointy leaves that I have been told is really a Thanksgiving cactus. The blooming times last year were three so I do not think it is quite so tied to a season. It just lifts my heart to see it open. Almost every stem has a bud on it so it should bloom for a long time. I have a white one as well. It was my sister’s. It has a lot of buds, but they are much smaller and will not open for a week or so. Leroy and I are going to UT to be with the family for Thanksgiving. I suspect it will start blooming while we are gone. One thing nice about these flowers is that they last more than just two days once they are open.
One of the violets is blooming and has produced without stopping for a long time now. The other plant is either taking a rest or it has given up on the idea of flowering.
It actually got up above 40 degrees this afternoon. I took a walk only to learn when I got home that my tracker battery needed to be charged. Does that mean my walk does not count?
It was so nice and sunny out that it was good for me. A woman was sitting out in the sun by the laundry mat. She commented on how nice the sun was, in fact it was almost too bright for her phone.
I certainly appreciate all the people who clear their walks. The ice surrounded by water on some of them was a bit of a challenge to navigate.
I am ashamed to say that I left our large pumpkin on the carpeting too long. It required a bit of cleanup effort to get the smell and the stain out of the room. I know better, but just did not listen to my better judgment. Maybe I will remember the lesson for another year.
Paula
The first Thanksgiving cactus blossom opened today. I still want to call it a Christmas cactus, but it does have the pointy leaves that I have been told is really a Thanksgiving cactus. The blooming times last year were three so I do not think it is quite so tied to a season. It just lifts my heart to see it open. Almost every stem has a bud on it so it should bloom for a long time. I have a white one as well. It was my sister’s. It has a lot of buds, but they are much smaller and will not open for a week or so. Leroy and I are going to UT to be with the family for Thanksgiving. I suspect it will start blooming while we are gone. One thing nice about these flowers is that they last more than just two days once they are open.
One of the violets is blooming and has produced without stopping for a long time now. The other plant is either taking a rest or it has given up on the idea of flowering.
It actually got up above 40 degrees this afternoon. I took a walk only to learn when I got home that my tracker battery needed to be charged. Does that mean my walk does not count?
It was so nice and sunny out that it was good for me. A woman was sitting out in the sun by the laundry mat. She commented on how nice the sun was, in fact it was almost too bright for her phone.
I certainly appreciate all the people who clear their walks. The ice surrounded by water on some of them was a bit of a challenge to navigate.
I am ashamed to say that I left our large pumpkin on the carpeting too long. It required a bit of cleanup effort to get the smell and the stain out of the room. I know better, but just did not listen to my better judgment. Maybe I will remember the lesson for another year.
Paula
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
A Day Together
Hello,
Perhaps you can tell that Leroy and I are not thinking of leisure activities that involve going anywhere. Today Leroy spent a good bit of the morning “working” on some stamps that someone gifted him. He was quite content to look them over, get a stronger magnifying glass (Amazingly I knew where that was.), make exclamations, and put some of them in his stamp albums. There were more than he expected that he did not have and could be added to his collection. He was quite happy. There are still many to look at.
I only asked him to help me with one task and that was to wash the kitchen and bathroom floors. Or does that count as two tasks? Neither floor is very large so it did not take us long. My real need for help was in moving things out so the entire floor could be scrubbed at once without moving the table around. We are both happy to have that job done. We sweep quite regularly, but washing gets put off until?
We have an offer on a credit card so we applied for that this morning. Leroy wanted one with his name first. This one also has some good rates, or at least we think they are good. We both have good credit ratings. We seldom check on that so it was nice to learn that all is fine.
It is snowing once more, but Leroy tells me it is not supposed to be as much as the last time. We are walking to church tonight for choir practice. Guess it is boots and carry shoes because I do not like having my feet become so warm when inside. It seems to me that they get colder when we go out if they are too hot inside the building.
Paula
Perhaps you can tell that Leroy and I are not thinking of leisure activities that involve going anywhere. Today Leroy spent a good bit of the morning “working” on some stamps that someone gifted him. He was quite content to look them over, get a stronger magnifying glass (Amazingly I knew where that was.), make exclamations, and put some of them in his stamp albums. There were more than he expected that he did not have and could be added to his collection. He was quite happy. There are still many to look at.
I only asked him to help me with one task and that was to wash the kitchen and bathroom floors. Or does that count as two tasks? Neither floor is very large so it did not take us long. My real need for help was in moving things out so the entire floor could be scrubbed at once without moving the table around. We are both happy to have that job done. We sweep quite regularly, but washing gets put off until?
We have an offer on a credit card so we applied for that this morning. Leroy wanted one with his name first. This one also has some good rates, or at least we think they are good. We both have good credit ratings. We seldom check on that so it was nice to learn that all is fine.
It is snowing once more, but Leroy tells me it is not supposed to be as much as the last time. We are walking to church tonight for choir practice. Guess it is boots and carry shoes because I do not like having my feet become so warm when inside. It seems to me that they get colder when we go out if they are too hot inside the building.
Paula
Monday, November 11, 2019
Snowy Day
Hello,
Leroy was out early to shovel snow. I was still doing laundry so he did the major part by himself. He pronounced it slippery under the snow, but we continued to clear the five or six inches off the sidewalk, hoping no one would slip on what was left. We were lucky because the sun came out this afternoon and dried off the wet and melted the icy spots. The sidewalk in front of the house looks great and safe.
I was so happy that I did not have to work today so there was no concern about the road condition.
Leroy will be walking to church tonight. I envy him a little as it is a great excuse to walk. I did not get to many steps so I went out this afternoon; however it was icy in many spots prompting me to cut that short. Also the wind was bitterly cold. Leroy has some tracks things that he attaches to his boost. He will wear them tonight. The temperature is dropping and I do not think people who could not shovel this morning will be able to tonight as it is quite solid in some places.
I invited a friend to come share rhubarb/mulberry crisp. In honor of her visit, I put in a little more sugar than I usually would. It seemed quite sweet to me.
It was quite fine to have the oven going. The room/apartment is nicely warm, but opening the oven door when the baking is done lets a luxurious amount of heat envelop the room. When I grew up we had a wood burning cook stove as well as a wood burning furnace. We were always warm, but there was something about having that stove working in the kitchen that warmed the soul.
Paula
Leroy was out early to shovel snow. I was still doing laundry so he did the major part by himself. He pronounced it slippery under the snow, but we continued to clear the five or six inches off the sidewalk, hoping no one would slip on what was left. We were lucky because the sun came out this afternoon and dried off the wet and melted the icy spots. The sidewalk in front of the house looks great and safe.
I was so happy that I did not have to work today so there was no concern about the road condition.
Leroy will be walking to church tonight. I envy him a little as it is a great excuse to walk. I did not get to many steps so I went out this afternoon; however it was icy in many spots prompting me to cut that short. Also the wind was bitterly cold. Leroy has some tracks things that he attaches to his boost. He will wear them tonight. The temperature is dropping and I do not think people who could not shovel this morning will be able to tonight as it is quite solid in some places.
I invited a friend to come share rhubarb/mulberry crisp. In honor of her visit, I put in a little more sugar than I usually would. It seemed quite sweet to me.
It was quite fine to have the oven going. The room/apartment is nicely warm, but opening the oven door when the baking is done lets a luxurious amount of heat envelop the room. When I grew up we had a wood burning cook stove as well as a wood burning furnace. We were always warm, but there was something about having that stove working in the kitchen that warmed the soul.
Paula
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Finding the Lost
Hello,
We took flashlights out to the garage to search for those floor mats. After all, it is hard to see a black item on a black surface. We even backed the cars out into the sunlight and shone the light more seriously in the garage parameter. No mats appeared.
Leroy dug deep into the closet in the computer room, no luck, but he did find some other things that he moved around.
We looked under beds. Leroy searched the attic but no mats came to light. Finally at the end of the day I went up to scan the attic. I found them in the first place I looked. Admittedly they were not in plain sight but under some other things including the canner. The lower position was to guarantee their flat shape.
Today Leroy cleaned the mats we are storing for the winter and vacuumed the floor of the car so it would be clean for a while. We stored the summer mats in the attic with both of us witnessing the storage place. Do you want to take bets on our ability to find them when we want to swap them out?
Yesterday we decided to take the dirtiest car to the car wash. When there we learned that there was a special with the $12 wash only $5. We promptly went back with the second car to take advantage of that great price. One of them still has some smashed bugs on the front, but we can live with that. Apparently it takes a bit more hands on scrubbing to eliminate those corpses.
Paula
We took flashlights out to the garage to search for those floor mats. After all, it is hard to see a black item on a black surface. We even backed the cars out into the sunlight and shone the light more seriously in the garage parameter. No mats appeared.
Leroy dug deep into the closet in the computer room, no luck, but he did find some other things that he moved around.
We looked under beds. Leroy searched the attic but no mats came to light. Finally at the end of the day I went up to scan the attic. I found them in the first place I looked. Admittedly they were not in plain sight but under some other things including the canner. The lower position was to guarantee their flat shape.
Today Leroy cleaned the mats we are storing for the winter and vacuumed the floor of the car so it would be clean for a while. We stored the summer mats in the attic with both of us witnessing the storage place. Do you want to take bets on our ability to find them when we want to swap them out?
Yesterday we decided to take the dirtiest car to the car wash. When there we learned that there was a special with the $12 wash only $5. We promptly went back with the second car to take advantage of that great price. One of them still has some smashed bugs on the front, but we can live with that. Apparently it takes a bit more hands on scrubbing to eliminate those corpses.
Paula
Friday, November 8, 2019
Cold but Good
Hello,
This afternoon I delivered more newsletters. There is only a little left for Leroy and I to finish tomorrow afternoon. It is supposed to be a bit warmer then which fits Leroy’s hands better. He has such a time with cold hands. He feels it is because of frost bite when he was much younger. It did not bother me to get a big chunk of this job done. I even visited with two of the neighbors. They live about four blocks away, but they are still in the group. One guy was mowing his lawn and bagging the leaves. He said, “I will take this mulch to my cabin and mulch things there. I do like to use everything. I am a retired biologist.”
I was glad to hear that the leaves were going to be used. They are not thrown away. The city here uses them as well. If the leaves are at the curb a truck with a vacuum comes to suck them up and take them to the city compost pile. That is a great service to the citizens and the earth.
Because it was below 19 degrees this morning, Leroy drove to work. This is not starting off as a good fall/winter to ride his bike.
Leroy remembered that we got some winter floor mats with the latest car purchase. Neither of us can remember where we put them. We both remember taking them out of the car, but then what? Leroy especially has looked in the most likely places with no luck. Will winter be over before we find them? Even though we have limited storage options we still seem to be able to hide things from ourselves. Some places just might be too creative.
Paula-
This afternoon I delivered more newsletters. There is only a little left for Leroy and I to finish tomorrow afternoon. It is supposed to be a bit warmer then which fits Leroy’s hands better. He has such a time with cold hands. He feels it is because of frost bite when he was much younger. It did not bother me to get a big chunk of this job done. I even visited with two of the neighbors. They live about four blocks away, but they are still in the group. One guy was mowing his lawn and bagging the leaves. He said, “I will take this mulch to my cabin and mulch things there. I do like to use everything. I am a retired biologist.”
I was glad to hear that the leaves were going to be used. They are not thrown away. The city here uses them as well. If the leaves are at the curb a truck with a vacuum comes to suck them up and take them to the city compost pile. That is a great service to the citizens and the earth.
Because it was below 19 degrees this morning, Leroy drove to work. This is not starting off as a good fall/winter to ride his bike.
Leroy remembered that we got some winter floor mats with the latest car purchase. Neither of us can remember where we put them. We both remember taking them out of the car, but then what? Leroy especially has looked in the most likely places with no luck. Will winter be over before we find them? Even though we have limited storage options we still seem to be able to hide things from ourselves. Some places just might be too creative.
Paula-
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Changing Temperatures
Hello,
Leroy also had Wednesday off, so I had plans for him to help me clean a closet. However, after he looked at the five day weather forecast those plans changed. The community garden still had some of the cold weather tolerant veggies in it, but most would not handle the predicted 16 degrees F. or the 8 a few days later.
We also needed to deliver some neighborhood newsletters. At first it seemed like a good idea to do the newsletter and wait for warmer weather in the afternoon for the garden. Not sure why, but it seemed better to go to the garden earlier because the temperature was in the high 40’s.
I also needed to drop off a book, at a neighborhood school, that had ended up in our library. Morning appealed to me to do that errand and it was on the way to the garden. It was pleasant to be out in the sun.
At the garden we quickly realized that we needed to make another trip. Leroy suggested we bring our garden cart and two saws so we could get the roots off the collards, kale, and Brussels sprouts. We carried some home, but did indeed come back. Then it was all unloaded on the deck where we could work at the table with cutting boards, knives, bags, and stamina.
I had called a friend who cooks for the homeless in about three places, wondering if she could use the mountain of greens that we were collecting. She agreed she would like them. The Brussel sprouts were not much larger than peas, but she took them with the exclamation, “They are cute.”
That is what all veggies should be is cute. They might have a better reputation; maybe even become the stars of the meal.
It was great to go to the garden in the morning. When we left on our walk the temperature was 44 which had dropped from 50. When we got home almost an hour later it was 41 and now another hour later it is 37. We are so happy to have done all that outdoor garden stuff at a better degree of warmth.
Paula
Leroy also had Wednesday off, so I had plans for him to help me clean a closet. However, after he looked at the five day weather forecast those plans changed. The community garden still had some of the cold weather tolerant veggies in it, but most would not handle the predicted 16 degrees F. or the 8 a few days later.
We also needed to deliver some neighborhood newsletters. At first it seemed like a good idea to do the newsletter and wait for warmer weather in the afternoon for the garden. Not sure why, but it seemed better to go to the garden earlier because the temperature was in the high 40’s.
I also needed to drop off a book, at a neighborhood school, that had ended up in our library. Morning appealed to me to do that errand and it was on the way to the garden. It was pleasant to be out in the sun.
At the garden we quickly realized that we needed to make another trip. Leroy suggested we bring our garden cart and two saws so we could get the roots off the collards, kale, and Brussels sprouts. We carried some home, but did indeed come back. Then it was all unloaded on the deck where we could work at the table with cutting boards, knives, bags, and stamina.
I had called a friend who cooks for the homeless in about three places, wondering if she could use the mountain of greens that we were collecting. She agreed she would like them. The Brussel sprouts were not much larger than peas, but she took them with the exclamation, “They are cute.”
That is what all veggies should be is cute. They might have a better reputation; maybe even become the stars of the meal.
It was great to go to the garden in the morning. When we left on our walk the temperature was 44 which had dropped from 50. When we got home almost an hour later it was 41 and now another hour later it is 37. We are so happy to have done all that outdoor garden stuff at a better degree of warmth.
Paula
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Decisions
Hello,
We voted early today walking there at a fast pace as it was quite cool maybe even it could be called cold. A neighbor was scrapping frost off the car windows. It required a bit of work and effort. I am grateful that we found a place to rent that has a garage. Leroy and I agree that the cars spend their down time in the garage rather than any items we might have accumulated.
There were not a lot of choices in this small off “season” election, but we still had to know something about the best possible. Does anyone ever know the best possible? I read more and more about how important to our lives local elections are, but the voter turnout is frequently quite low. Another person was a head of me on the sign in sheet and someone came before we left so at least a few people have put forth the effort to make their wishes known.
Our state is already inundated with candidates vying for a spot on the ballet in the next major national election. I personally do not put much effort into that decision at this point. Guess I am happy to let others deal with it all.
I have had a few people expound on the virtues of this or that candidate. Mostly I just nod and smile as I really have not a clue.
Besides all those decisions we have a barrage of daily choices: what to wear, what to eat and when to sleep. No wonder a day passes with such speed.
Paula
We voted early today walking there at a fast pace as it was quite cool maybe even it could be called cold. A neighbor was scrapping frost off the car windows. It required a bit of work and effort. I am grateful that we found a place to rent that has a garage. Leroy and I agree that the cars spend their down time in the garage rather than any items we might have accumulated.
There were not a lot of choices in this small off “season” election, but we still had to know something about the best possible. Does anyone ever know the best possible? I read more and more about how important to our lives local elections are, but the voter turnout is frequently quite low. Another person was a head of me on the sign in sheet and someone came before we left so at least a few people have put forth the effort to make their wishes known.
Our state is already inundated with candidates vying for a spot on the ballet in the next major national election. I personally do not put much effort into that decision at this point. Guess I am happy to let others deal with it all.
I have had a few people expound on the virtues of this or that candidate. Mostly I just nod and smile as I really have not a clue.
Besides all those decisions we have a barrage of daily choices: what to wear, what to eat and when to sleep. No wonder a day passes with such speed.
Paula
Monday, November 4, 2019
Props For Our Age
Hello,
While working on the puzzle, Leroy and I have discovered that we both need some props to help us succeed at getting this together. The first is bright light. I also find that I had to bring the pieces close or lean over more to bring the individual pieces into focus. I also have to bring the box closer to see it as well.
Is there a puzzle that is still complicated but has more visible details? Course we do not want it to be too complicated. Ability level does make a difference. We do not fit in the extreme category.
We need to vote tomorrow because we believe that voting is an important privilege. We both read about the candidates and have come to a conclusion as to who to vote for. When I talked with Leroy this morning, admitting to not remembering the names of all the people I support, he also could not remember who he had selected. I have written down names, but is it alright if I look at that list when voting? I have not had to do that in the past.
We are both having more difficulty opening a jar that has a larger top. Perhaps it is because our hands do not fit so well around it. My mother always tapped the jars against the edge of the counter and I find myself doing more of that. We have some grippy circles that are for help in jar opening and we now know where they are in the drawer.
Paula
While working on the puzzle, Leroy and I have discovered that we both need some props to help us succeed at getting this together. The first is bright light. I also find that I had to bring the pieces close or lean over more to bring the individual pieces into focus. I also have to bring the box closer to see it as well.
Is there a puzzle that is still complicated but has more visible details? Course we do not want it to be too complicated. Ability level does make a difference. We do not fit in the extreme category.
We need to vote tomorrow because we believe that voting is an important privilege. We both read about the candidates and have come to a conclusion as to who to vote for. When I talked with Leroy this morning, admitting to not remembering the names of all the people I support, he also could not remember who he had selected. I have written down names, but is it alright if I look at that list when voting? I have not had to do that in the past.
We are both having more difficulty opening a jar that has a larger top. Perhaps it is because our hands do not fit so well around it. My mother always tapped the jars against the edge of the counter and I find myself doing more of that. We have some grippy circles that are for help in jar opening and we now know where they are in the drawer.
Paula
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Puzzles
Hello,
We opened a puzzle two days ago. Leroy got right to work turning the pieces over so we could see what they were. It brought back a memory of working with Logan this fall. His method of puzzle construction was to look through the box for the piece he wanted. He and I had little talks about the best method. I believe these were friendly talks. In the end he acquiesced to let me have some more pieces out and I stopped fussing about those left in the box.
Here in this house, they are all out right side up on the table, but the puzzle is not going together very fast. Leroy is persistent in working on the outside pieces which we have not found the total. I have quit on that and have worked on the shapes I see. I figure that the more pieces connected to each other the fewer pieces we have to search through. Now we can look at 900 instead of a thousand when wanting one more piece.
The laptop now has an updated windows program on it. There were some instructions about the updates. For a change I decided to check them out. Usually I just figure it will all come together or not. There were some steps to follow to do a certain task. The first step was to click on “more”, unfortunately, I cannot find “more”. That certainly takes my ego down a step or two. Keeping up is hard to do!
Perhaps I do best with a live body who can tell me how to get to the first screen.
Paula
We opened a puzzle two days ago. Leroy got right to work turning the pieces over so we could see what they were. It brought back a memory of working with Logan this fall. His method of puzzle construction was to look through the box for the piece he wanted. He and I had little talks about the best method. I believe these were friendly talks. In the end he acquiesced to let me have some more pieces out and I stopped fussing about those left in the box.
Here in this house, they are all out right side up on the table, but the puzzle is not going together very fast. Leroy is persistent in working on the outside pieces which we have not found the total. I have quit on that and have worked on the shapes I see. I figure that the more pieces connected to each other the fewer pieces we have to search through. Now we can look at 900 instead of a thousand when wanting one more piece.
The laptop now has an updated windows program on it. There were some instructions about the updates. For a change I decided to check them out. Usually I just figure it will all come together or not. There were some steps to follow to do a certain task. The first step was to click on “more”, unfortunately, I cannot find “more”. That certainly takes my ego down a step or two. Keeping up is hard to do!
Perhaps I do best with a live body who can tell me how to get to the first screen.
Paula
Friday, November 1, 2019
Intermittent Chores
Hello,
One car now has four new tires. Hopefully that will make stopping better, although we probably will not notice. It took some discussion to decide if we should get just two or four tires as all four were not equally worn. But Consumer Reports and Click and Clack agree that it is best to get four new tires so we went with that suggestion. The new used car might also need new tires soon, but only a mechanic knows for sure.
We also went out for lunch, not a chore, but we had a generous gift card we had not used because we had not managed to be at home together at the time when the idea came to mind. It was quite nice. I was pleased to find some vegetarian possibilities on the menu at this establishment. The amount of food was about right as well because we could have a half salad and half pasta.
After lunch we went to a book store, again Leroy has a gift card from his retirement. He found a couple books that are the beginnings of two different fantasy/si-fi series. Those will be donated to my library. So two benefit from this purchase; Leroy and the library.
Later we met with a financial adviser. Leroy is now 70 so he needs to take money from his pension fund, but because we are both working we do not need that money to live on at the moment. So we figured out where to stash it, but not under the mattress. I suppose we should get a new mattress too maybe they make them with money slits in them.
Just yesterday Leroy got another gift from church for his retirement. He was surprised, amazed, and pleased. Tonight he had the pleasing chore of writing a thank you.
Paula
One car now has four new tires. Hopefully that will make stopping better, although we probably will not notice. It took some discussion to decide if we should get just two or four tires as all four were not equally worn. But Consumer Reports and Click and Clack agree that it is best to get four new tires so we went with that suggestion. The new used car might also need new tires soon, but only a mechanic knows for sure.
We also went out for lunch, not a chore, but we had a generous gift card we had not used because we had not managed to be at home together at the time when the idea came to mind. It was quite nice. I was pleased to find some vegetarian possibilities on the menu at this establishment. The amount of food was about right as well because we could have a half salad and half pasta.
After lunch we went to a book store, again Leroy has a gift card from his retirement. He found a couple books that are the beginnings of two different fantasy/si-fi series. Those will be donated to my library. So two benefit from this purchase; Leroy and the library.
Later we met with a financial adviser. Leroy is now 70 so he needs to take money from his pension fund, but because we are both working we do not need that money to live on at the moment. So we figured out where to stash it, but not under the mattress. I suppose we should get a new mattress too maybe they make them with money slits in them.
Just yesterday Leroy got another gift from church for his retirement. He was surprised, amazed, and pleased. Tonight he had the pleasing chore of writing a thank you.
Paula
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
New Ideas
Hello,
I am reading a book called Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher. I even liked the introduction. I have finished one chapter and am interested in reading more. Now, if I can just convince someone that old age is a good place to be it will be well. It says, according to polls, that women between the ages of 65 and 80 are some of the happiest people in the country. In many ways I do feel more comfortable with myself than I did in an earlier phase of life. The real trick is to adapt and adjust to changes that come in life. Apparently we acquire and retain more skills for the journey as life progresses.
For a book club, I read The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden. It is set before the Civil War and involves life among the slaves as well as the owners of such human property. I do know something about that piece of history, but this told the story from several female points of view.
I was fine with learning history when is school, but it is only the last few years that I have been reading much historical fiction. It seems to be my preferred method of absorbing more than I did with just the facts. Many of the books involve sights from the woman’s point of view or are even about real woman in history who got no mention in the school books. A theme seems to be that life is not so clearly mapped when it comes to making choices that might change history. Many women have lived perilous lives, especially if they lived in a manner that is true to their convictions. As I “travel north” will I live more true to my convictions?
Paula
I am reading a book called Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher. I even liked the introduction. I have finished one chapter and am interested in reading more. Now, if I can just convince someone that old age is a good place to be it will be well. It says, according to polls, that women between the ages of 65 and 80 are some of the happiest people in the country. In many ways I do feel more comfortable with myself than I did in an earlier phase of life. The real trick is to adapt and adjust to changes that come in life. Apparently we acquire and retain more skills for the journey as life progresses.
For a book club, I read The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden. It is set before the Civil War and involves life among the slaves as well as the owners of such human property. I do know something about that piece of history, but this told the story from several female points of view.
I was fine with learning history when is school, but it is only the last few years that I have been reading much historical fiction. It seems to be my preferred method of absorbing more than I did with just the facts. Many of the books involve sights from the woman’s point of view or are even about real woman in history who got no mention in the school books. A theme seems to be that life is not so clearly mapped when it comes to making choices that might change history. Many women have lived perilous lives, especially if they lived in a manner that is true to their convictions. As I “travel north” will I live more true to my convictions?
Paula
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Fall, Fall, Fall
Hello,
Yesterday we helped clean out of the community garden, all the plants that could not handle the cold which has moved into our territory. It is so satisfying to get this done and on a beautiful day even if a bit cool. There are three types of kale left in the garden along with broccoli, Brussels sprouts (tiny pea sized sprouts, sigh), red cabbage, and some Swiss chard. We also cleared out all tomato cages, fencing, stakes, and posts which hold up various vines.
This afternoon we went to a friend’s house to help her gather pine needles for protecting her roses through the winter. She has had shoulder replacement surgery and cannot do the job. Her husband does not like to do this job so we really helped him. He does do much work in the garden. All we did was rake them piles and fill bags with them. It was a nice to time visit and take in nature. We went to a college campus that is close to their house so it was quite close to us and them. She uses the needles on the roses then in the spring they are used as mulch between their raised beds in the garden. I was happy to hear that they are so useful. It gives them two uses beyond what nature would do.
She also showed us how she uses them to clean hoes, etc. Those needles are a nice resource indeed. I have not been around pine trees much so I did not realize that they lose some needles in the fall. I have seen needles on the ground, but did not know of any cycle fro them. I could see the yellow needles in the trees after she showed me. The peak of the fall color is just about over. It has been a spectacular show this year.
Paula
Yesterday we helped clean out of the community garden, all the plants that could not handle the cold which has moved into our territory. It is so satisfying to get this done and on a beautiful day even if a bit cool. There are three types of kale left in the garden along with broccoli, Brussels sprouts (tiny pea sized sprouts, sigh), red cabbage, and some Swiss chard. We also cleared out all tomato cages, fencing, stakes, and posts which hold up various vines.
This afternoon we went to a friend’s house to help her gather pine needles for protecting her roses through the winter. She has had shoulder replacement surgery and cannot do the job. Her husband does not like to do this job so we really helped him. He does do much work in the garden. All we did was rake them piles and fill bags with them. It was a nice to time visit and take in nature. We went to a college campus that is close to their house so it was quite close to us and them. She uses the needles on the roses then in the spring they are used as mulch between their raised beds in the garden. I was happy to hear that they are so useful. It gives them two uses beyond what nature would do.
She also showed us how she uses them to clean hoes, etc. Those needles are a nice resource indeed. I have not been around pine trees much so I did not realize that they lose some needles in the fall. I have seen needles on the ground, but did not know of any cycle fro them. I could see the yellow needles in the trees after she showed me. The peak of the fall color is just about over. It has been a spectacular show this year.
Paula
Friday, October 25, 2019
Shopping Changes
Hello,
Leroy has seldom gone shopping in the last 10 years. Now, however, he is on the team. I have to get used to that as I have my routines and they do not include another person, consequently, I keep coming home without things that I meant to get, but were not on the list. Today I forgot to look at the ads before going. This will definitely take an adjustment.
On the other hand Leroy helps carry groceries. He also looks at the price of this or that and thinks it is too much. I just say, “That is the way it is. We have the money and we are not feeding a number of people, just us.”
On the way home today he started adding, in his head, the approximate monthly amount which also surprised him. I do keep track of what I spend, but do not discuss it, because it is mostly not a negotiable item. He was not aware of what it adds up to. I shop for specials and seasonal items so I do not think I overspend. Although, I am switching to organic so that makes it higher. Some things are better that way, especially the dirty dozen. Often the clean fifteen is not organic.
We use an electric toothbrush. We have two units and one of them died. We have been looking for a new one. It was probably good that Leroy was with me today because we spotted one on sale. He remembered what the price was in another store. Plus this one had an offer with it to get brushes at the same time of purchase and save another $20. We thought that was a great deal as brushes were also on sale. Then when we got it home we found a coupon for three dollars off more brushes and they would send another ten dollar coupon if we registered the unit. All in all am glad we did this. I might not have decided so fast had I been alone.
Paula
Leroy has seldom gone shopping in the last 10 years. Now, however, he is on the team. I have to get used to that as I have my routines and they do not include another person, consequently, I keep coming home without things that I meant to get, but were not on the list. Today I forgot to look at the ads before going. This will definitely take an adjustment.
On the other hand Leroy helps carry groceries. He also looks at the price of this or that and thinks it is too much. I just say, “That is the way it is. We have the money and we are not feeding a number of people, just us.”
On the way home today he started adding, in his head, the approximate monthly amount which also surprised him. I do keep track of what I spend, but do not discuss it, because it is mostly not a negotiable item. He was not aware of what it adds up to. I shop for specials and seasonal items so I do not think I overspend. Although, I am switching to organic so that makes it higher. Some things are better that way, especially the dirty dozen. Often the clean fifteen is not organic.
We use an electric toothbrush. We have two units and one of them died. We have been looking for a new one. It was probably good that Leroy was with me today because we spotted one on sale. He remembered what the price was in another store. Plus this one had an offer with it to get brushes at the same time of purchase and save another $20. We thought that was a great deal as brushes were also on sale. Then when we got it home we found a coupon for three dollars off more brushes and they would send another ten dollar coupon if we registered the unit. All in all am glad we did this. I might not have decided so fast had I been alone.
Paula
Sunday, October 20, 2019
One-eyed
Hello,
On vacation, while we were riding in the car to take our recycle to the proper place, we all heard a ping as something hit the side of the car on the inside. Leroy said, “One of the lens fell out of my glasses.” Luckily he had not been driving.
When we got to the place, I got out to depositing the recycle. Sarah opened the door where Leroy was sitting. Nothing fell on the tarmac. Leroy and Sarah looked carefully in the car for that lens. They searched and searched without seeing it.
In a bit it became necessary to drive on to that waterfall place which was across the road. Once again we all looked very carefully and felt with hands in many places just in case it blended in and we could not see it. Our three other friends came over to help as well. They looked in many of the same places to no avail. Finally we even took out the umbrellas that were in the seat back. Unopened they gave up nothing.
It is so frustrating, bizarre, and amazing because it never fell out of the car so it has to be in there. However, only so much time can be spent looking for the unfindable. In spite of knowing that we already looked there when we were at the car we looked again from time to time.
Leroy even stripped off all his clothes, behind closed doors, of course, but it did not appear.
We drove into Galena and got a glasses screwdriver so he could replace the screw on the glasses frame so it would not bother him so much flopping around. He got an eye patch as he had before. This one was too tight so he did not wear it long.
He called the glasses place. We went there as soon as we got home. Leroy found his old lens which had just about a month ago been removed from those frames. They put the old lens back in much to his relief and ordered one new lens to replace the missing. They put a rush on it. It will take a week, but he is not complaining because it is so much better than one lens in the glasses. The woman there remarked, “The missing one will turn up about a week after you get the new lens.”
Paula
On vacation, while we were riding in the car to take our recycle to the proper place, we all heard a ping as something hit the side of the car on the inside. Leroy said, “One of the lens fell out of my glasses.” Luckily he had not been driving.
When we got to the place, I got out to depositing the recycle. Sarah opened the door where Leroy was sitting. Nothing fell on the tarmac. Leroy and Sarah looked carefully in the car for that lens. They searched and searched without seeing it.
In a bit it became necessary to drive on to that waterfall place which was across the road. Once again we all looked very carefully and felt with hands in many places just in case it blended in and we could not see it. Our three other friends came over to help as well. They looked in many of the same places to no avail. Finally we even took out the umbrellas that were in the seat back. Unopened they gave up nothing.
It is so frustrating, bizarre, and amazing because it never fell out of the car so it has to be in there. However, only so much time can be spent looking for the unfindable. In spite of knowing that we already looked there when we were at the car we looked again from time to time.
Leroy even stripped off all his clothes, behind closed doors, of course, but it did not appear.
We drove into Galena and got a glasses screwdriver so he could replace the screw on the glasses frame so it would not bother him so much flopping around. He got an eye patch as he had before. This one was too tight so he did not wear it long.
He called the glasses place. We went there as soon as we got home. Leroy found his old lens which had just about a month ago been removed from those frames. They put the old lens back in much to his relief and ordered one new lens to replace the missing. They put a rush on it. It will take a week, but he is not complaining because it is so much better than one lens in the glasses. The woman there remarked, “The missing one will turn up about a week after you get the new lens.”
Paula
Friday, October 18, 2019
People Talking
Hello,
People who have not seen each other for forty-nine years can talk for hours. I was the only one who had seen all of the friends in the years since we had graduated. Granted in some cases, it had been a long time, but I had actually spent some time with them. The rest had not been in the same area during those many years. There were some phone calls and Christmas cards, but not always.
It was like pulling a plug on silence. Words just flowed. We will get together again next year at our 50th reunion/homecoming. Rooms have been booked so it is a fairly sure thing. One of our group was not there, but she will be there next year. I am pleased that when we were in the same room we were able to make plans together.
We spent much time in the house or in that area just visiting. One outing included a trolley ride in Galena, IL. Even though I had grown up quite close to this area, I thoroughly enjoyed that ride with all of the information it included.
I had hoped the trees would be at their peak, but it was not quite there even though there was some beauty to be seen.
Here is a picture of the four of us and the second picture includes two spouses.
It was a wonderful time to reconnect.
Paula
People who have not seen each other for forty-nine years can talk for hours. I was the only one who had seen all of the friends in the years since we had graduated. Granted in some cases, it had been a long time, but I had actually spent some time with them. The rest had not been in the same area during those many years. There were some phone calls and Christmas cards, but not always.
It was like pulling a plug on silence. Words just flowed. We will get together again next year at our 50th reunion/homecoming. Rooms have been booked so it is a fairly sure thing. One of our group was not there, but she will be there next year. I am pleased that when we were in the same room we were able to make plans together.
We spent much time in the house or in that area just visiting. One outing included a trolley ride in Galena, IL. Even though I had grown up quite close to this area, I thoroughly enjoyed that ride with all of the information it included.
I had hoped the trees would be at their peak, but it was not quite there even though there was some beauty to be seen.
Here is a picture of the four of us and the second picture includes two spouses.
It was a wonderful time to reconnect.
Paula
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Excited
Hello,
My college friends are getting together tomorrow. My roommate will be with us this afternoon and evening. Another roommate is now in Iowa going to visit her sister. She will join us tomorrow in Galena. My other friend lives within driving distance so she will also meet us at the destination. One of these people I have not seen in years, maybe even forty. One it has perhaps been ten years. One of them I saw last summer. That makes for a real mix.
I am excited. It is all coming together just fine. Hoping for some beauty in the trees and crisp air. We have rented a house so we can all be together as much as we would like. Next year is our 50th college reunion so we are really speeding up the visiting. This time we can just visit with each other and not a lot of other people that we know will be at the 50th.
Leroy and one other guy will be there so they might have to entertain themselves from time to time. We are just going to go expecting the best possible time for all.
It did not freeze last night, but it was predicted. Our thermometer registered 32 degrees F. To stop the growth of much, it has to get a bit lower.
At least I know not to pack summer clothes.
Paula
My college friends are getting together tomorrow. My roommate will be with us this afternoon and evening. Another roommate is now in Iowa going to visit her sister. She will join us tomorrow in Galena. My other friend lives within driving distance so she will also meet us at the destination. One of these people I have not seen in years, maybe even forty. One it has perhaps been ten years. One of them I saw last summer. That makes for a real mix.
I am excited. It is all coming together just fine. Hoping for some beauty in the trees and crisp air. We have rented a house so we can all be together as much as we would like. Next year is our 50th college reunion so we are really speeding up the visiting. This time we can just visit with each other and not a lot of other people that we know will be at the 50th.
Leroy and one other guy will be there so they might have to entertain themselves from time to time. We are just going to go expecting the best possible time for all.
It did not freeze last night, but it was predicted. Our thermometer registered 32 degrees F. To stop the growth of much, it has to get a bit lower.
At least I know not to pack summer clothes.
Paula
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