Hello,
This morning I tackled things I do not
like doing. The first was that I cancelled a credit card that I never use or at
least have not used in four years or more. That was painlessly easy as it could
do all be done automatically. I did not have to speak to any person, but just effortlessly
push buttons on the phone.
I have a prescription from the Dr. The
last time I filled this, it cost $40. Now the price is $100 for the same
amount. My provider and I tried another pharmacy to learn if that would make a
difference, it did not. She says she has another option to check so I had to
make some calls to get that process started. The introvert in me does not want
to make these phone calls. I know they do not hurt, but it is hard to get
started on it. Now, unfortunately, I am waiting for a call back. That means I am
not done. I gave the home phone number as the call back number. What if I am
gone to work? Will they let Leroy handle it? I suspect not because of the
privacy issues and practices.
My college friends and I are meeting
in a couple weeks. The place we are renting has “free” WI-FI. The last note I got
from the company said that there is an extension to this for the lower level, which
uses the same password as the rest of the house. After searching all of the
correspondence and papers that I have printed off, I do not find any user name
or password. That means I have to contact them again and confess ignorance. I will
look some more, but it is one of those cases where I think I have been very
careful and checked it all.
Paula
Monday, September 30, 2019
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Picking tomatoes
Hello,
Yesterday there was not time to go to the community garden so I went this afternoon. It was past time for a number of tomatoes, but I still filled three bags as full as I dared. Some of those yellow tomatoes are so fragile that they cannot be piled on each other. The orange ones manage much better.
I was hopeful that I would see someone to share tomatoes with on the way home. Two men were sitting on their porch. When asked, one of the men took a bag. I told them about the community garden hoping they would go there on their own. I do not mind picking the things, but I would like it more if people would come and pick on their own.
I saw someone else go in their house. I knocked on the door and they also accepted one bag. Another woman was sitting on her front porch. She also seemed happy to get a bag.
The two beets in my bag seemed a little old so I just took them home. Plus they have mostly grown out of the ground. I am not sure how that affects them.
The broccoli traveled home with me. I left the green beans on the vine. When it is wet as it was today, they can become rusty although this late in the season it would probably be fine.
At least I saved some of the tomatoes from rotting on the vine.
Paula
Yesterday there was not time to go to the community garden so I went this afternoon. It was past time for a number of tomatoes, but I still filled three bags as full as I dared. Some of those yellow tomatoes are so fragile that they cannot be piled on each other. The orange ones manage much better.
I was hopeful that I would see someone to share tomatoes with on the way home. Two men were sitting on their porch. When asked, one of the men took a bag. I told them about the community garden hoping they would go there on their own. I do not mind picking the things, but I would like it more if people would come and pick on their own.
I saw someone else go in their house. I knocked on the door and they also accepted one bag. Another woman was sitting on her front porch. She also seemed happy to get a bag.
The two beets in my bag seemed a little old so I just took them home. Plus they have mostly grown out of the ground. I am not sure how that affects them.
The broccoli traveled home with me. I left the green beans on the vine. When it is wet as it was today, they can become rusty although this late in the season it would probably be fine.
At least I saved some of the tomatoes from rotting on the vine.
Paula
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Clean Room
Hello,
Because we both had the day off and some rain was predicted, it seemed like a nice idea to deep clean a room. Starting early is great because then we are done early. However the glasses place called to let Leroy know that his glass could be picked up. They were putting the lens in his old frames so he had to make an appointment. He has been waiting anxiously for those glasses so this morning early was selected. We are cleaning the spare room which is where Leroy uses the closet to hang his clothes as well as have some on the shelves. He got everything out of the closet before he left. When cleaning, I am grateful for the small closets in this 100 year old house. At least we cannot pack away so much stuff.
In the closet, I wiped down the ceiling and the walls, as well as the shelves. I followed that with the vacuum on the floor. Because I do not know where all of his things go, I did not put anything back, instead moved on to taking things off the walls in the bedroom. Then it was on to taking things off the dressers.
Leroy came home much sooner than I expected. It only took half an hour instead of an hour to get the job done. He was pleased although some brain adjustment is required for the new focus points. We both have new glasses now so there are no excuses in this house for not seeing.
With Leroy putting things back in the closet, I continued to take out other things. We both worked on moving any of the heavier furniture. Because the dressers have Leroy’s clothes in them and his big stamp collection he was in charge of putting it all back. We are both pleased to have accomplished this task. We will have a guest in two weeks. Leroy said, “We can tell her that we had the ACE cleaners come to prepare for her.”
Paula
Because we both had the day off and some rain was predicted, it seemed like a nice idea to deep clean a room. Starting early is great because then we are done early. However the glasses place called to let Leroy know that his glass could be picked up. They were putting the lens in his old frames so he had to make an appointment. He has been waiting anxiously for those glasses so this morning early was selected. We are cleaning the spare room which is where Leroy uses the closet to hang his clothes as well as have some on the shelves. He got everything out of the closet before he left. When cleaning, I am grateful for the small closets in this 100 year old house. At least we cannot pack away so much stuff.
In the closet, I wiped down the ceiling and the walls, as well as the shelves. I followed that with the vacuum on the floor. Because I do not know where all of his things go, I did not put anything back, instead moved on to taking things off the walls in the bedroom. Then it was on to taking things off the dressers.
Leroy came home much sooner than I expected. It only took half an hour instead of an hour to get the job done. He was pleased although some brain adjustment is required for the new focus points. We both have new glasses now so there are no excuses in this house for not seeing.
With Leroy putting things back in the closet, I continued to take out other things. We both worked on moving any of the heavier furniture. Because the dressers have Leroy’s clothes in them and his big stamp collection he was in charge of putting it all back. We are both pleased to have accomplished this task. We will have a guest in two weeks. Leroy said, “We can tell her that we had the ACE cleaners come to prepare for her.”
Paula
Friday, September 27, 2019
Breathing
Hello,
I had a Dr. apt this morning. Lately my blood pressure has been rather high, but they tell me that I have “white coat syndrome”. Today as I was waiting for my visit, I did a few alternate nostril breathing sets from yoga. My numbers were much lower than usual. Certainly not optimum, but much better than usual. Now if I could just snag that for future visits, I would like that.
I have tried to breath in the 4-4-4 pattern that a policeman suggested at our neighborhood meeting. Sometimes when I feel tense I do this as it is not as noticeable as the alternate nostril method. The office was suggesting that we use the breathing to calm down in a tense situation because when tense we often lose our ability to think clearly. It should be good for lowering blood pressure as well, right?
I have stopped meditating every day. That is also recommended with gentle breathing that surely helps to reduce tension and settle the heart into a normal beating pattern. Now if I could just follow the things that I know to be good.
Leroy purchased a bike from our downstairs friend that he passed on to the museum with a bike lock as well as front and rear lights. He is to be repaid by the museum. There is a guy spending time here from the Czech Republic. This will allow him to get around in the city on his own as long as the weather holds. He will be here until November or December. It might still be nice during that time. When he returns to his country the bike will stay here for other such exchange people who will not have a car. At least much of this area around the museum is flat, but I suspect many could handle hills.
Paula
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Simply trying to get gas
Hello,
I got a hair cut this morning. Because I like to combine trips I planned to stop at two stores and the gas station as well. I checked gas buddy for the cheapest local price. It was not truly on my route, but just beyond my home, so not a big deal to get there.
The hair cut was as expected and took little time. The hair cutter commented on how beautiful my curly hair is. Since I am not used to such statements, I wonder, improving with age?
Then I headed off to donate some things at Goodwill and check availability of anything that might appeal to me. Not much time was spent there because shopping with no item in mind is not so appealing to me. Then I moved on to the co-op grocery store where I had a $5 discount if I spent $25 or more. Well, I managed to find $35 worth of items that we “needed”. As I came home, pulled into the garage, and after unpacking my purchases I realized that I had not gotten gas. That is an important purchase because I go to work tomorrow morning. Getting gas then is not in the rushed schedule.
It seemed I should go back out while thinking of it. When I got out to the garage I discovered that a truck with a large trailer was right in back of the garage door. The driver was still sitting in the truck. When questioned, he told me, “I will be here a while as I am cleaning out this place.” swinging his head to the empty house across the alley. We agreed I would try to get out, if I could not manage he would move. He started to move before I was sure I could not swing the car clear of the garage supports.
On the road there were many cars which required some long waits at two stop lights. I was happy to get that vehicle fueled so I could comfortably drive to work even though I might have burned up any saving waiting for the lights to turn.
It seemed like a good idea to park on the street in front of the house when I returned. I would not interfere with any activity in the back. Later when I noticed the alley was clear, I put the car in the garage.
Paula
I got a hair cut this morning. Because I like to combine trips I planned to stop at two stores and the gas station as well. I checked gas buddy for the cheapest local price. It was not truly on my route, but just beyond my home, so not a big deal to get there.
The hair cut was as expected and took little time. The hair cutter commented on how beautiful my curly hair is. Since I am not used to such statements, I wonder, improving with age?
Then I headed off to donate some things at Goodwill and check availability of anything that might appeal to me. Not much time was spent there because shopping with no item in mind is not so appealing to me. Then I moved on to the co-op grocery store where I had a $5 discount if I spent $25 or more. Well, I managed to find $35 worth of items that we “needed”. As I came home, pulled into the garage, and after unpacking my purchases I realized that I had not gotten gas. That is an important purchase because I go to work tomorrow morning. Getting gas then is not in the rushed schedule.
It seemed I should go back out while thinking of it. When I got out to the garage I discovered that a truck with a large trailer was right in back of the garage door. The driver was still sitting in the truck. When questioned, he told me, “I will be here a while as I am cleaning out this place.” swinging his head to the empty house across the alley. We agreed I would try to get out, if I could not manage he would move. He started to move before I was sure I could not swing the car clear of the garage supports.
On the road there were many cars which required some long waits at two stop lights. I was happy to get that vehicle fueled so I could comfortably drive to work even though I might have burned up any saving waiting for the lights to turn.
It seemed like a good idea to park on the street in front of the house when I returned. I would not interfere with any activity in the back. Later when I noticed the alley was clear, I put the car in the garage.
Paula
Monday, September 23, 2019
Garden Produce
Hello,
This morning I got myself in gear to go to the community garden early. Because I do not have to weed, I do not spend much time there. There are a lot of yellow and orange tomatoes there. They are not picked as quickly as the red ones so many of them rot. I have decided it is my job to save them from the rotting fate.
Four small bags that grapes came in were quickly filled. Those yellow tomatoes are more fragile and cannot withstand much weight on them. Then I moved on to pick some broccoli followed by dragon kale and red Russian kale. On my way home, I was happy to see a woman in her car. I asked if she would like a bag of those yellow or orange tomatoes. She replied, “I would like one tomato.”
“Just one?” I wondered.
“I would like to try one and I have beefsteak tomatoes in my back yard.” she replied with a smile.
Farther on, I met a man, who wears a turban, pushing a shopping cart. I have seen him before. I wonder if he is from one of the African countries as I see him by a house where several live. He took a big and plopped it in his shopping cart. I saw a neighbor across the street. So I offered a bag to him which he also accepted. Then my downstairs friends took one bag. That left me with one bag which I can manage.
The kales and broccoli I kept. I will use them for sure. The broccoli is not quite of the standard sold in the store, but I suspect it is just as great nutritionally.
Paula
This morning I got myself in gear to go to the community garden early. Because I do not have to weed, I do not spend much time there. There are a lot of yellow and orange tomatoes there. They are not picked as quickly as the red ones so many of them rot. I have decided it is my job to save them from the rotting fate.
Four small bags that grapes came in were quickly filled. Those yellow tomatoes are more fragile and cannot withstand much weight on them. Then I moved on to pick some broccoli followed by dragon kale and red Russian kale. On my way home, I was happy to see a woman in her car. I asked if she would like a bag of those yellow or orange tomatoes. She replied, “I would like one tomato.”
“Just one?” I wondered.
“I would like to try one and I have beefsteak tomatoes in my back yard.” she replied with a smile.
Farther on, I met a man, who wears a turban, pushing a shopping cart. I have seen him before. I wonder if he is from one of the African countries as I see him by a house where several live. He took a big and plopped it in his shopping cart. I saw a neighbor across the street. So I offered a bag to him which he also accepted. Then my downstairs friends took one bag. That left me with one bag which I can manage.
The kales and broccoli I kept. I will use them for sure. The broccoli is not quite of the standard sold in the store, but I suspect it is just as great nutritionally.
Paula
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Humming bird and other wildlife
Hello,
Two days ago Clark and I saw a humming bird come to the feeder. I found that quite a pleasant sight. This afternoon Leroy went outside to eat his snack on the deck. In about a minute he came back up to tell me he had seen a humming bird. I considered staying inside to work on a Sudoku puzzle while eating my snack. That was a short consideration. I was outside quickly sitting well back from the feeder. It seemed to take forever before a bird showed itself. I was almost ready to go back inside, but then it came and stayed for a long time. By that point Leroy was in the garage. I called to him. He could not see it because the pole blocked his view. He put down the load he was carrying when the bird left the feeder and flew over his head. I am sorry that he missed it the second time, but glad I could see it. I feel joy.
Leroy did tell me that he saw some painted lady butterflies in the neighborhood. Two years ago we must have been on their migratory route as there were so many that came to our fall sedum. This year the sedum is lying on the ground, both from the rain and because we did not tie it up. I hope the butterflies will still find it. I am happy to live in a place where there is some wildlife in our back yard. It always lifts my spirits.
After the rain, I did take a walk to the nearby park this afternoon. I like being among the trees. Not so much wildlife besides squirrels, but two little children on bikes that they had to show me. Both of them had training wheels. The one was so small that she could not figure out how to back up without mom’s help.
Paula
Two days ago Clark and I saw a humming bird come to the feeder. I found that quite a pleasant sight. This afternoon Leroy went outside to eat his snack on the deck. In about a minute he came back up to tell me he had seen a humming bird. I considered staying inside to work on a Sudoku puzzle while eating my snack. That was a short consideration. I was outside quickly sitting well back from the feeder. It seemed to take forever before a bird showed itself. I was almost ready to go back inside, but then it came and stayed for a long time. By that point Leroy was in the garage. I called to him. He could not see it because the pole blocked his view. He put down the load he was carrying when the bird left the feeder and flew over his head. I am sorry that he missed it the second time, but glad I could see it. I feel joy.
Leroy did tell me that he saw some painted lady butterflies in the neighborhood. Two years ago we must have been on their migratory route as there were so many that came to our fall sedum. This year the sedum is lying on the ground, both from the rain and because we did not tie it up. I hope the butterflies will still find it. I am happy to live in a place where there is some wildlife in our back yard. It always lifts my spirits.
After the rain, I did take a walk to the nearby park this afternoon. I like being among the trees. Not so much wildlife besides squirrels, but two little children on bikes that they had to show me. Both of them had training wheels. The one was so small that she could not figure out how to back up without mom’s help.
Paula
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Retirement?
Hello,
Many people ask how retirement is going. Personally I have barely noticed that Leroy is retired, at least in terms of the amount of time he spends working. He has been going to the museum four or even five days in a week, depending on whether we are gone the week before or after that time. He is not using his vacation time. Not sure what he is saving it for, but it is adding up.
He has also signed up for two small group sessions at church. One happens each week and the other is once a month. Both involve some reading so he keeps busy. He talks about volunteering, but nothing has happened in that territory. He is also coming to tai chi with me once a week. Then there is the odd job around the house that he has had time to tend to.
Often people do not realize that he has that half time job at the museum or that I work half time. Between the two we are filling in time with little thought to what will happen with any spare time.
We canned another seven quarts of tomatoes this morning before Leroy left to work at the museum. I am having a hard time realizing that today is Saturday. Today, I did actually take off some time to read. Course the book is for book club. I bring magazines home from the library when they are dated. That reading also takes quite a bit of time. I do learn some interesting things. Even though I do not remember everything I read, I would hate to give that up.
I am excited. Miriam called last night to tell us that Sarah’s family is coming to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving. We, in the space of about an hour, also booked our flights. Speed seemed important because we were thinking that the cost would be more if we waited even a day. Leroy and I decided to pay more for a flight during the day, otherwise we could have flown to Atlanta, GA and then IA, but it would have taken all night for flights and layover time.
Paula
Many people ask how retirement is going. Personally I have barely noticed that Leroy is retired, at least in terms of the amount of time he spends working. He has been going to the museum four or even five days in a week, depending on whether we are gone the week before or after that time. He is not using his vacation time. Not sure what he is saving it for, but it is adding up.
He has also signed up for two small group sessions at church. One happens each week and the other is once a month. Both involve some reading so he keeps busy. He talks about volunteering, but nothing has happened in that territory. He is also coming to tai chi with me once a week. Then there is the odd job around the house that he has had time to tend to.
Often people do not realize that he has that half time job at the museum or that I work half time. Between the two we are filling in time with little thought to what will happen with any spare time.
We canned another seven quarts of tomatoes this morning before Leroy left to work at the museum. I am having a hard time realizing that today is Saturday. Today, I did actually take off some time to read. Course the book is for book club. I bring magazines home from the library when they are dated. That reading also takes quite a bit of time. I do learn some interesting things. Even though I do not remember everything I read, I would hate to give that up.
I am excited. Miriam called last night to tell us that Sarah’s family is coming to Salt Lake for Thanksgiving. We, in the space of about an hour, also booked our flights. Speed seemed important because we were thinking that the cost would be more if we waited even a day. Leroy and I decided to pay more for a flight during the day, otherwise we could have flown to Atlanta, GA and then IA, but it would have taken all night for flights and layover time.
Paula
Friday, September 20, 2019
Crazy Day
Hello,
Yesterday I decided to change the time on our alarm sounding bedroom clock because it was almost ten minutes fast. This old clock is a challenge to adjust as the buttons are small and close to each other. Often when changing the time with the twice yearly changes it takes much patience and redoing before it is ok. Yesterday I felt quite lucky as it was quite smooth slipping into the new minutes as if it knew where it was going.
This morning the alarm when off as anticipated. Both of us got up and started our morning routine. About fifteen minutes later Leroy looked at his phone to charge it when he declared, “My phone has the wrong time, it is only 5:13. Do you think someone thought it was a time change?”
I too thought that was quite strange, checked my phone and it also had the time as Leroy’s phone. About five minutes later I checked another clock in the house to discover that it agreed with the phones. “Oh no, I must have changed the hour without realizing it yesterday!” I exclaimed.
At that point we were quite awake and started on the day so we just continued. It allowed us a bit more leisure time in our morning. Leroy changed that clock to the proper time even though he dislikes messing with it. I suspect he thought I was not to be counted on to get it to that later hour. I guess we could say we changed time zones without leaving the house.
Paula
Yesterday I decided to change the time on our alarm sounding bedroom clock because it was almost ten minutes fast. This old clock is a challenge to adjust as the buttons are small and close to each other. Often when changing the time with the twice yearly changes it takes much patience and redoing before it is ok. Yesterday I felt quite lucky as it was quite smooth slipping into the new minutes as if it knew where it was going.
This morning the alarm when off as anticipated. Both of us got up and started our morning routine. About fifteen minutes later Leroy looked at his phone to charge it when he declared, “My phone has the wrong time, it is only 5:13. Do you think someone thought it was a time change?”
I too thought that was quite strange, checked my phone and it also had the time as Leroy’s phone. About five minutes later I checked another clock in the house to discover that it agreed with the phones. “Oh no, I must have changed the hour without realizing it yesterday!” I exclaimed.
At that point we were quite awake and started on the day so we just continued. It allowed us a bit more leisure time in our morning. Leroy changed that clock to the proper time even though he dislikes messing with it. I suspect he thought I was not to be counted on to get it to that later hour. I guess we could say we changed time zones without leaving the house.
Paula
Friday, September 13, 2019
Going Places
Hello,
It is certainly easier to go places when the area is known. We have managed to get to all places in time, but it was a bit of a problem when the directions that Brian provided did not match what Leroy's phone produced. At least for the piano lessons, I vaguely remembered going there the last time we were in charge. The kids, who had not been there in some time, were some help with memorie that surfaced as they spotted landmarks. At one point, we did turn around and go back to a known spot. One of the kids decided that we should give ourselves a little extra time to make some uturns on our next trips. These children like to be on time. That helps to make it all happen more efficiently.
This morning both of the kids got to school by themselves. Sophia, the older walked and Logan, the younger, rode his bike. Sophia came back and got a light jacket, but Logan rode off dressed in a short sleeved shirt and shorts. The temperatrue was below 60 so I do not imagine that he was warm.
Leroy and I took a nice long walk with the dog when we were on our own. We enjoyed it until it started to rain. We got a little wet but not so much as it never rained hard.
Our next stop was shopping, where leroy bought one pair of shoes/boots. I got a pair of sandals, and a pair of brown tie shoes. All were on sale, of course. His one pair was almost equal to my two pair. I hope we find that they fit well and we get much wear out of them. We stopped at two more stores before Leroy found a pair of sunglasses to wear over his glasses when in the car. The transition lens do not work so well there to block the rays.
We did not plan to buy anything when here, but it happened.
Paula
It is certainly easier to go places when the area is known. We have managed to get to all places in time, but it was a bit of a problem when the directions that Brian provided did not match what Leroy's phone produced. At least for the piano lessons, I vaguely remembered going there the last time we were in charge. The kids, who had not been there in some time, were some help with memorie that surfaced as they spotted landmarks. At one point, we did turn around and go back to a known spot. One of the kids decided that we should give ourselves a little extra time to make some uturns on our next trips. These children like to be on time. That helps to make it all happen more efficiently.
This morning both of the kids got to school by themselves. Sophia, the older walked and Logan, the younger, rode his bike. Sophia came back and got a light jacket, but Logan rode off dressed in a short sleeved shirt and shorts. The temperatrue was below 60 so I do not imagine that he was warm.
Leroy and I took a nice long walk with the dog when we were on our own. We enjoyed it until it started to rain. We got a little wet but not so much as it never rained hard.
Our next stop was shopping, where leroy bought one pair of shoes/boots. I got a pair of sandals, and a pair of brown tie shoes. All were on sale, of course. His one pair was almost equal to my two pair. I hope we find that they fit well and we get much wear out of them. We stopped at two more stores before Leroy found a pair of sunglasses to wear over his glasses when in the car. The transition lens do not work so well there to block the rays.
We did not plan to buy anything when here, but it happened.
Paula
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Good Travel Day
Hello,
We had a rather uneventful trip from Iowa to MN. There was rain for a time, but it was not strong so it was fine to be in a leak proof car that hugs the road even when the pavement is wet. We had thought our new car was just what Leroy's legs/hips needed because on our seven hour drive he felt little discomfort. However, yesterday, he did not fare so well. I had to drive most of the way because he found it too painful. Personally I think it is tight muscles from tension as he drives. Also we had so much stuff in the back seat that he was unable to put it as far back as he wanted so his position was not as good as it should have been.
A few boxes were taken to a site called Global Health Ministries, plus there was one large box delivered to Brian. The back was quite full. The trip to the Global place was quite easy until I missed the turn onto the little street. Luckily the phone gives the althernate route to make the correction because I could not just easily turn around and go back to it.
The schedule of kids activities is almost daunting. Their lives are quite booked. To think, when I grew up we did chores, but not much else. My sister and I did have many years of piano lessons, but that was the extent of it. Much free time was a given.
Brian is very good at leaving a full list of places, times and directions for arrival. It should all go smoothly. Leroy dropped Brian and Jen at the airport and he is on the way home. I stayed home with Logan as he was riding the bus to school. It is raining quite steadily. Logan would have walked had it been nice. I would have walked the dog had it been nice. I did take a short walk last night and that was refreshing.
We will visit with friends this afternoon. Other than reading, we have no set agenda for our time when the children are in school. Leroy wants to get some reading done. He has already finished a book. He says, "It was a fast read."
Could it be that he reads fast?
Paula
We had a rather uneventful trip from Iowa to MN. There was rain for a time, but it was not strong so it was fine to be in a leak proof car that hugs the road even when the pavement is wet. We had thought our new car was just what Leroy's legs/hips needed because on our seven hour drive he felt little discomfort. However, yesterday, he did not fare so well. I had to drive most of the way because he found it too painful. Personally I think it is tight muscles from tension as he drives. Also we had so much stuff in the back seat that he was unable to put it as far back as he wanted so his position was not as good as it should have been.
A few boxes were taken to a site called Global Health Ministries, plus there was one large box delivered to Brian. The back was quite full. The trip to the Global place was quite easy until I missed the turn onto the little street. Luckily the phone gives the althernate route to make the correction because I could not just easily turn around and go back to it.
The schedule of kids activities is almost daunting. Their lives are quite booked. To think, when I grew up we did chores, but not much else. My sister and I did have many years of piano lessons, but that was the extent of it. Much free time was a given.
Brian is very good at leaving a full list of places, times and directions for arrival. It should all go smoothly. Leroy dropped Brian and Jen at the airport and he is on the way home. I stayed home with Logan as he was riding the bus to school. It is raining quite steadily. Logan would have walked had it been nice. I would have walked the dog had it been nice. I did take a short walk last night and that was refreshing.
We will visit with friends this afternoon. Other than reading, we have no set agenda for our time when the children are in school. Leroy wants to get some reading done. He has already finished a book. He says, "It was a fast read."
Could it be that he reads fast?
Paula
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
First Bike Ride to Ely
Hello,
We took our first bike ride to Ely on Sunday. Another couple invited us to ride with them and had us pick the destination. I was a little concerned about the distance of 23 miles round trip, but it all worked out just fine. Having someone else with us keeps us going. The man has some heart issues so he has an electric bike that he powers up when going uphill. He would get a bit ahead from time to time, but then he would wait. That helped keep up our speed.
We could show them the outside of the house we lived in for 15 years as well as the outside of the church and where the additions to the building occurred.
We also stopped for ice cream at the Creamery. It was a very busy place with many bike riders as well as people who drove there. The ice cream is delicious and almost organic. They are not certified organic, but they told me they are as close as they can be to that ideal.
I could also show them the outside of the library where I work. Neither of us noticed any leg issues when we were done. I work on Saturday this week and might once again ride the bike if the weather is good.
Someone gave us their printer that they were getting rid of. It is a very nice printer, but so far Leroy, who has fussed with it quite a lot, can only get it to print pictures and not text. Neither of us sees a command that would change that. It seems that the treasures of the computer technology are hidden from view, but lurking in the background. I finally found it so I could add it here.
It required much more effort than I meant to put into it.
Paula
We took our first bike ride to Ely on Sunday. Another couple invited us to ride with them and had us pick the destination. I was a little concerned about the distance of 23 miles round trip, but it all worked out just fine. Having someone else with us keeps us going. The man has some heart issues so he has an electric bike that he powers up when going uphill. He would get a bit ahead from time to time, but then he would wait. That helped keep up our speed.
We could show them the outside of the house we lived in for 15 years as well as the outside of the church and where the additions to the building occurred.
We also stopped for ice cream at the Creamery. It was a very busy place with many bike riders as well as people who drove there. The ice cream is delicious and almost organic. They are not certified organic, but they told me they are as close as they can be to that ideal.
I could also show them the outside of the library where I work. Neither of us noticed any leg issues when we were done. I work on Saturday this week and might once again ride the bike if the weather is good.
Someone gave us their printer that they were getting rid of. It is a very nice printer, but so far Leroy, who has fussed with it quite a lot, can only get it to print pictures and not text. Neither of us sees a command that would change that. It seems that the treasures of the computer technology are hidden from view, but lurking in the background. I finally found it so I could add it here.
It required much more effort than I meant to put into it.
Paula
Monday, September 2, 2019
Home for Labor Day
Hello,
We have been busy so I have not written for a few days. We visited some friends in MN for two days, but their cabin is a seven hour plus drive away so it all involved four days. It was quite a fine visit even though the wind was up the first day and we could not go out on the lake. However it was clear as glass the second day. In the morning, Leroy went out in the kayak while I sat on the paddle board. Our friend stood on a paddle board and guided us along the way teaching us, especially me, how to control the board or boat. We went almost a mile up the lake, which means we worked our way through two miles of exploring mostly close to the shore.
At noon we all got in the motor boat and headed off to a restaurant that was at least three lakes away. The connections between the lakes are quite shallow so we all got lighter as we crept through those places. We saw gulls, loons, deer, and people along the way. Later in the afternoon we all went fishing. Even though I did not have a license I caught a couple small ones from their dock. Leroy, who went out in the boat also only caught a couple small ones. He was quite disappointed.
On the drive home we did something that I would not ever expect to do. We dropped in to have a short visit with Brian’s family. Course we called first. Our children are not usually on the way home from anywhere so we can just stop in for a casual visit. It is hard for me to wrap my brain around that thought.
Paula
We have been busy so I have not written for a few days. We visited some friends in MN for two days, but their cabin is a seven hour plus drive away so it all involved four days. It was quite a fine visit even though the wind was up the first day and we could not go out on the lake. However it was clear as glass the second day. In the morning, Leroy went out in the kayak while I sat on the paddle board. Our friend stood on a paddle board and guided us along the way teaching us, especially me, how to control the board or boat. We went almost a mile up the lake, which means we worked our way through two miles of exploring mostly close to the shore.
At noon we all got in the motor boat and headed off to a restaurant that was at least three lakes away. The connections between the lakes are quite shallow so we all got lighter as we crept through those places. We saw gulls, loons, deer, and people along the way. Later in the afternoon we all went fishing. Even though I did not have a license I caught a couple small ones from their dock. Leroy, who went out in the boat also only caught a couple small ones. He was quite disappointed.
On the drive home we did something that I would not ever expect to do. We dropped in to have a short visit with Brian’s family. Course we called first. Our children are not usually on the way home from anywhere so we can just stop in for a casual visit. It is hard for me to wrap my brain around that thought.
Paula
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