Hello,
It was so good to see our friend there
with the driver when we walked into the public area. The driver immediately took
our suitcase and headed off to the car while we followed a bit slower. By this
time I was sweating in the unaccustomed warmth. My winter coat seemed like a lost
soul hanging on my arm. In the car, Leroy and I sat in the back seat. We headed
off for the hour plus drive to their home. First we traveled through a small
portion of the 2.4 million city of Medellin, Columbia. For a bit we were on a
four lane highway, but after a while it was just two lanes. Eventually the two
lanes seemed narrower and we started going around curves, first one way then
the other. The car was a shift car and the driver handled it all with great
skill. I frequently gripped the bar above the door so I would not fly across
the car. I tried not to think about the possibility of an accident as we raced
around most of the curves at times passing other vehicles in an impossibly
short passing distance.
Two of our granddaughters and a
daughter would surely have had motion sickness. Later, Leroy told me that he was
quite nauseated. In the town of Guatape we climbed more hills or small
mountains before arriving at their gate which slid open with the push of a
button. Just looking at the downhill slope of their drive took my breath away.
Brakes on vehicles are a wonderful invention.
We arrived after midnight. It took a
bit to get settled in our room, but it had been a long day starting in the
early morning. It is so nice that we just went through one time zone. We were
tired, but not in the same way as when we go through eight time zones.
Paula
Friday, January 31, 2020
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Our Columbia Trip Day 1
Hello,
The trip started on January 21 at an early hour in the morning. Even Leroy finally admitted that we do not need to come to the airport so early next time. Only three people were ahead of us and we all waited some time before another person showed up. I did get in a nice number of steps walking about the small airport. Another good thing is that we had pre check so that time was short.
In Chicago we were lucky because our arrival gate was right next to the place where we were to wait for the bus to take us to the international terminal. We had been a bit anxious about finding this bus so we did not have to go through security once again. It was just great after the bus ride to the terminal it was only a short walk to our departure gate. In this area there was much Spanish signage, a sign of what was to come? Wishing I knew some Spanish as I could hear much of it around me.
We were able to change our seats so we could be together. Even though our hosts were to meet us at the airport we did get their address. Good that we did because, before boarding in Chicago they wanted to know, along with our passports, where we were going to be staying.
We wondered if this five hour flight to Panama City would serve food. We just took some snack items and hoped for the best. They did serve a nice meal. Even though it was betting quite late for us to be eating, we ate the sandwich like thing that we were served on the flight to Medellin that only lasted an hour.
In the Panama City airport the amount of English was much less than expected. Only the very most important things were translated. We could not understand the boarding instructions, but the mike stopped working and they held up fingers for the zone number. That certainly worked in our favor.
We were dressed warmly because it was 0 degrees F when we left Cedar Rapids. Here it was in the 60’s and I felt quite hot. I just carried my coat, but it was still plenty warm.
I found it interesting that the fasten seat belt sign was often viewed as an optional item. I do think that the captain would forget to turn it off. Our flight to Medellin was a bit rough from time to time. People mostly sat during those times.
We were seated in the last row, consequently we were last off. I dislike making people wait, but there was no way to change it politely. It meant that we had to wait a long time in the passport line. Our suitcase was almost the last one that was brought in so that too was a long wait. Going through customs the only question was, “Are you together?”
Paula
The trip started on January 21 at an early hour in the morning. Even Leroy finally admitted that we do not need to come to the airport so early next time. Only three people were ahead of us and we all waited some time before another person showed up. I did get in a nice number of steps walking about the small airport. Another good thing is that we had pre check so that time was short.
In Chicago we were lucky because our arrival gate was right next to the place where we were to wait for the bus to take us to the international terminal. We had been a bit anxious about finding this bus so we did not have to go through security once again. It was just great after the bus ride to the terminal it was only a short walk to our departure gate. In this area there was much Spanish signage, a sign of what was to come? Wishing I knew some Spanish as I could hear much of it around me.
We were able to change our seats so we could be together. Even though our hosts were to meet us at the airport we did get their address. Good that we did because, before boarding in Chicago they wanted to know, along with our passports, where we were going to be staying.
We wondered if this five hour flight to Panama City would serve food. We just took some snack items and hoped for the best. They did serve a nice meal. Even though it was betting quite late for us to be eating, we ate the sandwich like thing that we were served on the flight to Medellin that only lasted an hour.
In the Panama City airport the amount of English was much less than expected. Only the very most important things were translated. We could not understand the boarding instructions, but the mike stopped working and they held up fingers for the zone number. That certainly worked in our favor.
We were dressed warmly because it was 0 degrees F when we left Cedar Rapids. Here it was in the 60’s and I felt quite hot. I just carried my coat, but it was still plenty warm.
I found it interesting that the fasten seat belt sign was often viewed as an optional item. I do think that the captain would forget to turn it off. Our flight to Medellin was a bit rough from time to time. People mostly sat during those times.
We were seated in the last row, consequently we were last off. I dislike making people wait, but there was no way to change it politely. It meant that we had to wait a long time in the passport line. Our suitcase was almost the last one that was brought in so that too was a long wait. Going through customs the only question was, “Are you together?”
Paula
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Winter Weather
Hello,
Leroy and I walked to church today because the temperature was low, but so was the wind. We bundled up quite a bit. Both of us wore what I call wind breaker pants. That certainly makes our legs feel better. I all my wool socks were dirty, but luckily Leroy and I have about the same size foot so I could wear a pair of his. Boots were of course the footwear. We each wore scarves, down coats, and warm mittens. I wore a thing over my head that covers a lot of territory. Because it can go over my nose, I also wore a pair of ski goggles which are to keep my glasses from steaming up. Leroy has worn such several times. I noticed that I could not get a good breath because those goggles pressed down on my nose too firmly. I pushed them up several times, but then started breathing through my mouth. Gradually, the goggles steamed up severely restricting my vision. I finally stopped and grabbled with getting the goggles off. Unfortunately I had put them under too many layers. When I got them off it was great to able to see where my feet were landing as there was enough ice around that we tried to avoid.
Many people commented on how amazing it was that we walked. They did not know the full extent of amazing. True it was cold, but I have been out in much worse.
Leroy told me that his goggles were also too small and pressed on his nose or face too much. I guess we both have big heads.
The most tiring part off the trip was getting ready to go outside. Once outside it all seemed like not such a big deal.
Paula
Leroy and I walked to church today because the temperature was low, but so was the wind. We bundled up quite a bit. Both of us wore what I call wind breaker pants. That certainly makes our legs feel better. I all my wool socks were dirty, but luckily Leroy and I have about the same size foot so I could wear a pair of his. Boots were of course the footwear. We each wore scarves, down coats, and warm mittens. I wore a thing over my head that covers a lot of territory. Because it can go over my nose, I also wore a pair of ski goggles which are to keep my glasses from steaming up. Leroy has worn such several times. I noticed that I could not get a good breath because those goggles pressed down on my nose too firmly. I pushed them up several times, but then started breathing through my mouth. Gradually, the goggles steamed up severely restricting my vision. I finally stopped and grabbled with getting the goggles off. Unfortunately I had put them under too many layers. When I got them off it was great to able to see where my feet were landing as there was enough ice around that we tried to avoid.
Many people commented on how amazing it was that we walked. They did not know the full extent of amazing. True it was cold, but I have been out in much worse.
Leroy told me that his goggles were also too small and pressed on his nose or face too much. I guess we both have big heads.
The most tiring part off the trip was getting ready to go outside. Once outside it all seemed like not such a big deal.
Paula
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Shoveling Satisfaction
Hello,
Early in the morning, the snow reflecting light made it quite easy to see in our apartment, even with lights off. No wind was howling. The temperature was 33 degrees when Leroy first looked. We decided to wait until after breakfast before heading out to shovel off the snow and ice that had accumulated since yesterday afternoon. The prediction was for falling temperatures and rising winds.
Leroy went out ahead of me. Using the medal shovel he made quite a bit of progress. I wondered if the plastic shovels would work. It was fine on the deck so I moved on with much success. It was not that easy shoveling job of yesterday. The ice crust was thick enough to make it a bit harder and heavier. We both went down our sidewalk out to the public stretch, there one of us went one direction and one the other.
I was pleased to see our neighbors on the corner working to get rid of the snow that the city plow and forced into the cross walk. I went up to thank them for doing that job. We often find the mounds of snow at the crossing to take some extra thought to navigate. How nice it is to just walk right through rather than climbing a hill.
Leroy came in to rest a bit while I worked on widening the path on the side of the house as well as going out to the garage and getting the snow away from the doors the cars traverse. It was a chore. Then I also went in for a rest and just got something to eat.
Revived Leroy went back out followed by me. We finished the alley area as best we could, hopefully getting in and out of the garage will not be so much of a challenge. It is just so satisfying to get this job done now. When we first went out the temperature was 31 degrees and by the time we finished it was 19 degrees. We had a recorded wind speed of 22 mph in our mostly sheltered backyard.
Paula
Early in the morning, the snow reflecting light made it quite easy to see in our apartment, even with lights off. No wind was howling. The temperature was 33 degrees when Leroy first looked. We decided to wait until after breakfast before heading out to shovel off the snow and ice that had accumulated since yesterday afternoon. The prediction was for falling temperatures and rising winds.
Leroy went out ahead of me. Using the medal shovel he made quite a bit of progress. I wondered if the plastic shovels would work. It was fine on the deck so I moved on with much success. It was not that easy shoveling job of yesterday. The ice crust was thick enough to make it a bit harder and heavier. We both went down our sidewalk out to the public stretch, there one of us went one direction and one the other.
I was pleased to see our neighbors on the corner working to get rid of the snow that the city plow and forced into the cross walk. I went up to thank them for doing that job. We often find the mounds of snow at the crossing to take some extra thought to navigate. How nice it is to just walk right through rather than climbing a hill.
Leroy came in to rest a bit while I worked on widening the path on the side of the house as well as going out to the garage and getting the snow away from the doors the cars traverse. It was a chore. Then I also went in for a rest and just got something to eat.
Revived Leroy went back out followed by me. We finished the alley area as best we could, hopefully getting in and out of the garage will not be so much of a challenge. It is just so satisfying to get this job done now. When we first went out the temperature was 31 degrees and by the time we finished it was 19 degrees. We had a recorded wind speed of 22 mph in our mostly sheltered backyard.
Paula
Friday, January 17, 2020
Snow, snow, snow
Hello,
Again the grocery store was busy as many people were trying to beat the storm. I suppose we were too, even though it was my usual grocery shopping time. Because we are going to be gone next week, we did not have to get so many things.
I am supposed to work tomorrow, but I am not sure that will happen.
Leroy and I went out to shovel after letting it go for three hours. The prediction is four to eight inches. We agree that four is already on the ground. We will possibly have to shovel again. There is also the prediction that ice will follow the snow. We do not want to have bare sidewalks when the ice comes, but it is hard to know just when all of that will happen.
We do the sidewalks in a rather normal fashion by slinging the snow as far as we can so the piles close do not get so high that I cannot get snow over them. On the alley we use two buckets and a wheelbarrow to move snow to the back yard as there is no or little space to put any piles by the alley. I used the buckets and Leroy manned the wheelbarrow. Luckily the snow is nice and light because it is so cold. Sometimes I dumped my buckets in the wheelbarrow and just stayed in the alley gathering snow. I am not sure if the snow got heavier or we got weaker, but after a while it became harder to get the job done. I thought we would be outside only a half hour or so. Leroy announced when we came in, “That took us an hour and fifteen minutes.”
Even though tired, I have a sense of accomplishment. I am also grateful that when Leroy slipped on the ice which was hiding under the snow, he did not get hurt. Wednesday I went out to the alley in the warm melting spell and got most of the ice off the alley and into the backyard. That makes it so much nicer and easier to shovel the new fresh snow.
Paula
Again the grocery store was busy as many people were trying to beat the storm. I suppose we were too, even though it was my usual grocery shopping time. Because we are going to be gone next week, we did not have to get so many things.
I am supposed to work tomorrow, but I am not sure that will happen.
Leroy and I went out to shovel after letting it go for three hours. The prediction is four to eight inches. We agree that four is already on the ground. We will possibly have to shovel again. There is also the prediction that ice will follow the snow. We do not want to have bare sidewalks when the ice comes, but it is hard to know just when all of that will happen.
We do the sidewalks in a rather normal fashion by slinging the snow as far as we can so the piles close do not get so high that I cannot get snow over them. On the alley we use two buckets and a wheelbarrow to move snow to the back yard as there is no or little space to put any piles by the alley. I used the buckets and Leroy manned the wheelbarrow. Luckily the snow is nice and light because it is so cold. Sometimes I dumped my buckets in the wheelbarrow and just stayed in the alley gathering snow. I am not sure if the snow got heavier or we got weaker, but after a while it became harder to get the job done. I thought we would be outside only a half hour or so. Leroy announced when we came in, “That took us an hour and fifteen minutes.”
Even though tired, I have a sense of accomplishment. I am also grateful that when Leroy slipped on the ice which was hiding under the snow, he did not get hurt. Wednesday I went out to the alley in the warm melting spell and got most of the ice off the alley and into the backyard. That makes it so much nicer and easier to shovel the new fresh snow.
Paula
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Leroy Commenting
Hello,
This morning Leroy (He does read what I write.) said, “I tried to wear my pocket watch today and it would not work with this belt. I waited almost a year before I replaced the battery on the pocket watch. And you have necklaces that you almost never wear.”
There are some necklaces that I have not worn for years. Do I need to do some cleaning out?
I should mention that Leroy will be wearing his new, easily looked at wrist watch most days because he likes wearing a watch.
This afternoon I chopped ice off the alley by the garage. Last weekend, we had not gotten the snow off before several cars had driven over it, creating some ruts of ice. It was not as thick as some years, but enough that I did not want it to build up if we had another snow/ice storm. My arms know that they had a workout, but I tried to be careful and not injure myself. It looks satisfyingly clear.
I am perhaps a bit over cautious about this alley, but we both remember the year we did not clear the alley, but just out five feet in front of the garage. I got stuck in the ruts. When Leroy came out to push the car he ended up falling on the ice covered cement. We do not want that to happen again. I am willing to put in the time and effort chopping and hauling it away, if it helps us get in the garage with little drama.
Paula
This morning Leroy (He does read what I write.) said, “I tried to wear my pocket watch today and it would not work with this belt. I waited almost a year before I replaced the battery on the pocket watch. And you have necklaces that you almost never wear.”
There are some necklaces that I have not worn for years. Do I need to do some cleaning out?
I should mention that Leroy will be wearing his new, easily looked at wrist watch most days because he likes wearing a watch.
This afternoon I chopped ice off the alley by the garage. Last weekend, we had not gotten the snow off before several cars had driven over it, creating some ruts of ice. It was not as thick as some years, but enough that I did not want it to build up if we had another snow/ice storm. My arms know that they had a workout, but I tried to be careful and not injure myself. It looks satisfyingly clear.
I am perhaps a bit over cautious about this alley, but we both remember the year we did not clear the alley, but just out five feet in front of the garage. I got stuck in the ruts. When Leroy came out to push the car he ended up falling on the ice covered cement. We do not want that to happen again. I am willing to put in the time and effort chopping and hauling it away, if it helps us get in the garage with little drama.
Paula
Monday, January 13, 2020
Watches
Hello,
I am somewhat unaware of how Leroy thinks about watches. He has a pocket watch that he has had for many years. He suggested it as a Christmas present so I got it for him. He might use this watch once, twice, or not at all in the course of a year. Apparently he has some positive feelings for it because the battery died this fall and he was without question getting a replacement battery. It works fine lying on the dresser.
He also wanted a smart watch of some type. I believe this was mostly because he saw that many people had them. I got him one of those a year or two ago for Christmas. This watch is not a favorite because he would either forget to charge it, and it needed frequent charges, or he would forget that it was charging and leave home without it. Leroy did not like it because he had to push a button to see the time rather than just glancing down at it. He seldom wore it, but wore it more than the pocket watch.
He had a regular watch that has been malfunctioning for some time. Just last week he finally declared it totally done. We had changed the battery on this one and it was quite a struggle. Not doing that again! So his birthday is coming up. I told him if he would like to pick out a watch, I would get that for his birthday. I think it is best if he makes the selection. He seems quite happy with his new watch. I believe it will be on his arm most days.
The other watches will be noticed from time to time, but worn little.
I have one watch which I am not currently using because the battery died. It is an odd battery size and I have not tracked it down. Also I wear my tracker on my wrist and I do not like the two items there. I suppose that means that someday I will update my tracker so it also shows the time.
Paula
I am somewhat unaware of how Leroy thinks about watches. He has a pocket watch that he has had for many years. He suggested it as a Christmas present so I got it for him. He might use this watch once, twice, or not at all in the course of a year. Apparently he has some positive feelings for it because the battery died this fall and he was without question getting a replacement battery. It works fine lying on the dresser.
He also wanted a smart watch of some type. I believe this was mostly because he saw that many people had them. I got him one of those a year or two ago for Christmas. This watch is not a favorite because he would either forget to charge it, and it needed frequent charges, or he would forget that it was charging and leave home without it. Leroy did not like it because he had to push a button to see the time rather than just glancing down at it. He seldom wore it, but wore it more than the pocket watch.
He had a regular watch that has been malfunctioning for some time. Just last week he finally declared it totally done. We had changed the battery on this one and it was quite a struggle. Not doing that again! So his birthday is coming up. I told him if he would like to pick out a watch, I would get that for his birthday. I think it is best if he makes the selection. He seems quite happy with his new watch. I believe it will be on his arm most days.
The other watches will be noticed from time to time, but worn little.
I have one watch which I am not currently using because the battery died. It is an odd battery size and I have not tracked it down. Also I wear my tracker on my wrist and I do not like the two items there. I suppose that means that someday I will update my tracker so it also shows the time.
Paula
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Winter Weather
Hello,
Yesterday we did not get out much as a result I did not have many steps by evening. Had it been a nice day I would have just taken a nice long walk outside. I still wanted to get my 10,000 steps so I started walking around our flat. I can report that it gets boring to go over the same territory many times; however I took breaks and that made it bearable. Reaching the goal gave a good feeling.
Today we walked to church. I wore my more reliable gripping snow boots. Much of the time I walked alongside the side walk in the snow. Leroy had on some gripper things that he puts over/under his boots, so he kept to the sidewalk and no ice slowed him down. It was a struggle to keep up. The snow/ice was not so deep, but it takes more effort to more through it.
This afternoon we went out and pounded on the ice which was firmly attached to the cement. Not much ice was ready to be knocked aside. We managed to make some tracks so we can, hopefully go up the slight incline in and out of the garage. I will say that all of that pounding added some steps because the counter on my arm had no idea that I was standing still.
Leroy has been reading because he does not think of many other things to do and because I brought home a number of books for him. I also read a book for my second book club that will meet Tuesday night if the weather is good. I read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman. I liked it quite a bit. Now the trick is to find another good book to read. Oh, I just realized I should start on the February book for my other book club since we will be gone for a week. It takes me a while to finish a book even though I am sure that I have read this one some time ago.
Paula
Yesterday we did not get out much as a result I did not have many steps by evening. Had it been a nice day I would have just taken a nice long walk outside. I still wanted to get my 10,000 steps so I started walking around our flat. I can report that it gets boring to go over the same territory many times; however I took breaks and that made it bearable. Reaching the goal gave a good feeling.
Today we walked to church. I wore my more reliable gripping snow boots. Much of the time I walked alongside the side walk in the snow. Leroy had on some gripper things that he puts over/under his boots, so he kept to the sidewalk and no ice slowed him down. It was a struggle to keep up. The snow/ice was not so deep, but it takes more effort to more through it.
This afternoon we went out and pounded on the ice which was firmly attached to the cement. Not much ice was ready to be knocked aside. We managed to make some tracks so we can, hopefully go up the slight incline in and out of the garage. I will say that all of that pounding added some steps because the counter on my arm had no idea that I was standing still.
Leroy has been reading because he does not think of many other things to do and because I brought home a number of books for him. I also read a book for my second book club that will meet Tuesday night if the weather is good. I read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman. I liked it quite a bit. Now the trick is to find another good book to read. Oh, I just realized I should start on the February book for my other book club since we will be gone for a week. It takes me a while to finish a book even though I am sure that I have read this one some time ago.
Paula
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Grateful
Hello,
I am grateful that I was not scheduled to work today. I would have considered going, but hopefully would have said it was not a good idea.
We have had ice followed by snow. Maybe not so much snow, but the ice is problematic. Leroy and I went out to shovel this morning. We could get off the snow, but not the ice. It was satisfying to at least remove the snow, but then there is the question is it safer to walk on the snow rather than the ice? I am not sure. My boots are fairly good at gripping.
This afternoon, I went back out hoping to chop up some of the ice, but it was not very successful so I just figured that it will be another day before that happens.
Leroy has been “working” on his stamps. He was pleased to have gone to the neighborhood post office and gotten quite a few more that he wanted. The man there told him he thought the main post office had the missing ones. Luckily he can stop there on his way to or from work.
We are grateful that we did not have to drive anywhere today.
Yesterday day we went grocery shopping. I was amazed at the number of shoppers. Friday mornings are usually slow times at the stores. Finally it occurred to me that people were trying to “beat” the storm. I said to the checker when leaving, “Are there so many people here because of the expected storm?”
She grinned and nodded. Then I commented, “Friday morning is my usual shopping time and I wondered why so many people are getting into my time.”
Then she laughed.
Paula
I am grateful that I was not scheduled to work today. I would have considered going, but hopefully would have said it was not a good idea.
We have had ice followed by snow. Maybe not so much snow, but the ice is problematic. Leroy and I went out to shovel this morning. We could get off the snow, but not the ice. It was satisfying to at least remove the snow, but then there is the question is it safer to walk on the snow rather than the ice? I am not sure. My boots are fairly good at gripping.
This afternoon, I went back out hoping to chop up some of the ice, but it was not very successful so I just figured that it will be another day before that happens.
Leroy has been “working” on his stamps. He was pleased to have gone to the neighborhood post office and gotten quite a few more that he wanted. The man there told him he thought the main post office had the missing ones. Luckily he can stop there on his way to or from work.
We are grateful that we did not have to drive anywhere today.
Yesterday day we went grocery shopping. I was amazed at the number of shoppers. Friday mornings are usually slow times at the stores. Finally it occurred to me that people were trying to “beat” the storm. I said to the checker when leaving, “Are there so many people here because of the expected storm?”
She grinned and nodded. Then I commented, “Friday morning is my usual shopping time and I wondered why so many people are getting into my time.”
Then she laughed.
Paula
Friday, January 10, 2020
Mysteries
Hello,
A recent morning I woke and saw a light on in the office which is next to our bedroom. I thought maybe Leroy could not sleep and had gotten up to just read, however when I felt in his direction I soon touched his warm body.
Why would the light be on? Lying quietly brought no noise to my ears except Leroy’s gentle breathing. I checked the time, noting that it was almost time to get up. Exploring the lighted room I could discover no reason why the lamp had turned on. It is a light that turns on with the lightest of touches. Leroy did have his watch charging in the USB port on that lamp. I thought maybe a paper had fallen, but nothing seemed to make sense.
I was not as nervous as I was when this happened to us when we lived in Missouri Valley, IA. That time I was pregnant with child number three, when I woke to go to the bathroom. I noticed the light downstairs, called to Leroy to tell him he forgot to turn off a light.
He dutifully got up and when down. He stayed down there quite a while. When I asked him about it he said, “That was the last light I turned off before I came up. I am checking around.”
While he was checking the lower levels in this split level home I checked the kids bedrooms, even in the closets. Just what I would have done had I found an intruder, I have no idea.
Leroy and I had been having a spat when we went to bed so we were sleeping as far away from each other as possible. When we got back in bed we were solidly together. Leroy said all the doors were locked and nothing was disturbed.
For some reason we had lights come on in the night at least three more occasions. Once it was the Christmas tree lights, once it was the kitchen and once in the living room.
We never did figure it out, but it was not so frightening on subsequent occurrences.
Paula
A recent morning I woke and saw a light on in the office which is next to our bedroom. I thought maybe Leroy could not sleep and had gotten up to just read, however when I felt in his direction I soon touched his warm body.
Why would the light be on? Lying quietly brought no noise to my ears except Leroy’s gentle breathing. I checked the time, noting that it was almost time to get up. Exploring the lighted room I could discover no reason why the lamp had turned on. It is a light that turns on with the lightest of touches. Leroy did have his watch charging in the USB port on that lamp. I thought maybe a paper had fallen, but nothing seemed to make sense.
I was not as nervous as I was when this happened to us when we lived in Missouri Valley, IA. That time I was pregnant with child number three, when I woke to go to the bathroom. I noticed the light downstairs, called to Leroy to tell him he forgot to turn off a light.
He dutifully got up and when down. He stayed down there quite a while. When I asked him about it he said, “That was the last light I turned off before I came up. I am checking around.”
While he was checking the lower levels in this split level home I checked the kids bedrooms, even in the closets. Just what I would have done had I found an intruder, I have no idea.
Leroy and I had been having a spat when we went to bed so we were sleeping as far away from each other as possible. When we got back in bed we were solidly together. Leroy said all the doors were locked and nothing was disturbed.
For some reason we had lights come on in the night at least three more occasions. Once it was the Christmas tree lights, once it was the kitchen and once in the living room.
We never did figure it out, but it was not so frightening on subsequent occurrences.
Paula
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Christmas Presents
Hello,
Monday sometime during the day, Leroy found my Christmas present. He did call me at work to let me know because he was so excited he could not contain his joy. Then he put it under my pillow so I found it when I was getting ready for bed.
He also found his stamps the same day. After tai chi, which Leroy now attends, he stopped at the post office to buy many of the stamps that he had not yet gotten for the year 2019. He did say something about all the money he spends on stamps. But as my present to him, I told him, “You do not need to be concerned. After so many years I am used to the idea. Besides there are many more things that I am glad you are not spending money on.”
He did take some duplicate stamps to a stamp club meeting. (The only stamp club still operating in Iowa.) Others also had brought stamps to share so he brought home some as well. Perhaps so I would not think he had too many stamps he told me that two of the members have a room that is full of collected stamps. Leroy basically just has a bookcase full of the albums. So he is perhaps on the slim side of stamp collecting.
The stamp club meeting was in a Presbyterian church. Leroy brought home two poinsettias for me because they invited people to take some, as they were to be thrown out in a day or two. I was pleased to get some as I had not bought one this year as I often rescue too many from our church. This year the rescue did not happen because we are remodeling the sanctuary. Not so many poinsettias were in the building after Christmas. I had been feeling a little regretful, but no more.
Paula
Monday sometime during the day, Leroy found my Christmas present. He did call me at work to let me know because he was so excited he could not contain his joy. Then he put it under my pillow so I found it when I was getting ready for bed.
He also found his stamps the same day. After tai chi, which Leroy now attends, he stopped at the post office to buy many of the stamps that he had not yet gotten for the year 2019. He did say something about all the money he spends on stamps. But as my present to him, I told him, “You do not need to be concerned. After so many years I am used to the idea. Besides there are many more things that I am glad you are not spending money on.”
He did take some duplicate stamps to a stamp club meeting. (The only stamp club still operating in Iowa.) Others also had brought stamps to share so he brought home some as well. Perhaps so I would not think he had too many stamps he told me that two of the members have a room that is full of collected stamps. Leroy basically just has a bookcase full of the albums. So he is perhaps on the slim side of stamp collecting.
The stamp club meeting was in a Presbyterian church. Leroy brought home two poinsettias for me because they invited people to take some, as they were to be thrown out in a day or two. I was pleased to get some as I had not bought one this year as I often rescue too many from our church. This year the rescue did not happen because we are remodeling the sanctuary. Not so many poinsettias were in the building after Christmas. I had been feeling a little regretful, but no more.
Paula
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Company
Hello,
Someone gave me some jelly roll type sweet breads. It was much too much for Leroy and I to eat by ourselves. We invited two couples to come help us eat it up. In addition I cut up some fruit and put plain yogurt on it with some homemade granola for sprinkling on top of the fruit.
All of the bread was eaten except one small slice. Most of the fruit was also eaten. We had a nice time visiting. I know I should do more of this type of thing, but somehow it does not get done.
Ahead of time, we did a bit of cleaning, but otherwise it did not require much effort. There were two people who could not make it so we will have to think of something to have with them. Seems to me in the past I was much more comfortable with just casually having people over. Somehow that idea has changed. It seemed to me that these people were quite pleased to have been asked. Is everyone just sitting around waiting for someone to ask them?
Because Epiphany is tomorrow, Leroy and I put away our Christmas decorations. I only know, at the moment, of one item that was missed, even though we noticed that there was a bit more room in some of the boxes.
Now the big question: where is the star that we hang for the epiphany season? Seems to me we have had this same question in the past. It sometimes went an entire year before we found it, only apparently just to hide it from ourselves once more.
Paula
Someone gave me some jelly roll type sweet breads. It was much too much for Leroy and I to eat by ourselves. We invited two couples to come help us eat it up. In addition I cut up some fruit and put plain yogurt on it with some homemade granola for sprinkling on top of the fruit.
All of the bread was eaten except one small slice. Most of the fruit was also eaten. We had a nice time visiting. I know I should do more of this type of thing, but somehow it does not get done.
Ahead of time, we did a bit of cleaning, but otherwise it did not require much effort. There were two people who could not make it so we will have to think of something to have with them. Seems to me in the past I was much more comfortable with just casually having people over. Somehow that idea has changed. It seemed to me that these people were quite pleased to have been asked. Is everyone just sitting around waiting for someone to ask them?
Because Epiphany is tomorrow, Leroy and I put away our Christmas decorations. I only know, at the moment, of one item that was missed, even though we noticed that there was a bit more room in some of the boxes.
Now the big question: where is the star that we hang for the epiphany season? Seems to me we have had this same question in the past. It sometimes went an entire year before we found it, only apparently just to hide it from ourselves once more.
Paula
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Grrrrr!
Hello,
This morning I decided to follow some advice that I have seen in several places about identify theft. We have never had a problem, but I thought I would go to all three of the companies listed and follow directions. It took some time to get to the place I wanted with the first company. I even read some of their terms and conditions before clicking on the proceed box. They also wanted my SS number and that made me seriously uncomfortable. After discussion with Leroy, I added that. The last step was that they sent me a page that they recommended that I print and save. Well printing was not a breeze. Because it was a PDF file, our printer wanted to print it as a picture on those picture paper sizes. We could not get it to switch to just regular paper. Grrr!
Finally I saved it to a flash drive, course that took some time to find the drive and then to make sure it really was saved on there. Leroy needed to check in at work today, something about his time sheet. So he took the drive and printed the document there. There are some advantages to continued work.
I combined job time and end time which I learned long ago (while Leroy was at seminary, about 45 years in the past) is something that does not make for peace and happiness. That means that you either say I will work on this for an hour or I will keep at it until it, or a part, is finished. I had thought I would have all of this done in an hour. Sometimes I believe I am a slow learner or I just revert to old habits.
For the rest of the day I am going to work harder to keep things in their proper thought process for a positive outcome.
Paula
This morning I decided to follow some advice that I have seen in several places about identify theft. We have never had a problem, but I thought I would go to all three of the companies listed and follow directions. It took some time to get to the place I wanted with the first company. I even read some of their terms and conditions before clicking on the proceed box. They also wanted my SS number and that made me seriously uncomfortable. After discussion with Leroy, I added that. The last step was that they sent me a page that they recommended that I print and save. Well printing was not a breeze. Because it was a PDF file, our printer wanted to print it as a picture on those picture paper sizes. We could not get it to switch to just regular paper. Grrr!
Finally I saved it to a flash drive, course that took some time to find the drive and then to make sure it really was saved on there. Leroy needed to check in at work today, something about his time sheet. So he took the drive and printed the document there. There are some advantages to continued work.
I combined job time and end time which I learned long ago (while Leroy was at seminary, about 45 years in the past) is something that does not make for peace and happiness. That means that you either say I will work on this for an hour or I will keep at it until it, or a part, is finished. I had thought I would have all of this done in an hour. Sometimes I believe I am a slow learner or I just revert to old habits.
For the rest of the day I am going to work harder to keep things in their proper thought process for a positive outcome.
Paula
Friday, January 3, 2020
Good Things
Hello,
Just tonight Leroy sounds so much better. He did take a long walk with me this afternoon, but he was not racing me as usual. But now I believe he would walk at the usual Bradway pace.
I am happy that he is feeling so much better. However it is just a week’s time and that seems quite normal for a cold or virus. He was getting a bit down from not feeling good for so long.
Yesterday when I was brushing my teeth with the electric toothbrush I noticed that there was an odd feeling in my mouth. When I took the brush out I saw one bristle that was about twice as long as the others. It did not move when I pulled on it. Because I had a spare I got it out. This afternoon, I contacted the company via online chat. I questioned if I could cut off the bristle and then use it. She did not recommend that at all. The agent wanted to see a picture of the brush. I told her I could take one with my phone, but not with the computer. However I checked the apps on the laptop and found that I could take a picture which I managed to do. Then I had to tell her I had the picture, but did not know how to get it to her. She suggested that I email it to myself and then save it to the desktop. I did that and she sent me a link so I could drag and drop. That all worked like a charm. They are going to send me an amount of money that will allow me to not only replace the brush, but get at least two more besides. I am pleased. And I did throw that almost new brush away.
Not sure why, but I get rather nervous when doing these types of things. So I am happy with the results and my ability to make myself get this done.
Paula
Just tonight Leroy sounds so much better. He did take a long walk with me this afternoon, but he was not racing me as usual. But now I believe he would walk at the usual Bradway pace.
I am happy that he is feeling so much better. However it is just a week’s time and that seems quite normal for a cold or virus. He was getting a bit down from not feeling good for so long.
Yesterday when I was brushing my teeth with the electric toothbrush I noticed that there was an odd feeling in my mouth. When I took the brush out I saw one bristle that was about twice as long as the others. It did not move when I pulled on it. Because I had a spare I got it out. This afternoon, I contacted the company via online chat. I questioned if I could cut off the bristle and then use it. She did not recommend that at all. The agent wanted to see a picture of the brush. I told her I could take one with my phone, but not with the computer. However I checked the apps on the laptop and found that I could take a picture which I managed to do. Then I had to tell her I had the picture, but did not know how to get it to her. She suggested that I email it to myself and then save it to the desktop. I did that and she sent me a link so I could drag and drop. That all worked like a charm. They are going to send me an amount of money that will allow me to not only replace the brush, but get at least two more besides. I am pleased. And I did throw that almost new brush away.
Not sure why, but I get rather nervous when doing these types of things. So I am happy with the results and my ability to make myself get this done.
Paula
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Leroy Dragging
Hello,
That is the first time I have written that new date. Happy New Year to all.
Leroy and I are having a quiet day. It is a good thing because he is not feeling so well. Now it is mostly stomach discomfort rather than the head cold type of stuff. He did work yesterday. He came home feeling a bit tired, but otherwise fine. Before he went to bed his stomach was gurgling and carrying on. Apparently the night was not so restful. He has been lying around all morning.
I will be taking a long walk this afternoon since I have not moved around so much this morning. I did put away the advent wreath because two of the candles had burned to the end. That also led me to put away the Christmas card holder and organize myself for sending out cards next year. We leave the other decorations up until January 6, or Epiphany.
I also cleaned out our humidifier. I do not do that very often so it was a good task. Maybe our air will be cleaner.
Yesterday I finished the book, The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-year-old man, by Jonas Jonasson. I laughed out loud more than once. Now I am moving on to a more serious book, A Mind Unraveled: a memoir, by Kurt Eichenwald. It is well written so it has captured my attention almost from the beginning. Course I am still at the beginning really.
Leroy is watching a movie now. I tried to bring home those that he would like. He thought maybe he had seen one of them before, but he might watch it again. I took more DVDs than I am allowed to take, but I have that privilege of overriding the stop on it. When I no longer work at the library there are certain bonuses that we will miss, however then Leroy will take himself to the library so he can choose his own and that will be a plus. Like much of life there are pluses and minuses.
Paula
That is the first time I have written that new date. Happy New Year to all.
Leroy and I are having a quiet day. It is a good thing because he is not feeling so well. Now it is mostly stomach discomfort rather than the head cold type of stuff. He did work yesterday. He came home feeling a bit tired, but otherwise fine. Before he went to bed his stomach was gurgling and carrying on. Apparently the night was not so restful. He has been lying around all morning.
I will be taking a long walk this afternoon since I have not moved around so much this morning. I did put away the advent wreath because two of the candles had burned to the end. That also led me to put away the Christmas card holder and organize myself for sending out cards next year. We leave the other decorations up until January 6, or Epiphany.
I also cleaned out our humidifier. I do not do that very often so it was a good task. Maybe our air will be cleaner.
Yesterday I finished the book, The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-year-old man, by Jonas Jonasson. I laughed out loud more than once. Now I am moving on to a more serious book, A Mind Unraveled: a memoir, by Kurt Eichenwald. It is well written so it has captured my attention almost from the beginning. Course I am still at the beginning really.
Leroy is watching a movie now. I tried to bring home those that he would like. He thought maybe he had seen one of them before, but he might watch it again. I took more DVDs than I am allowed to take, but I have that privilege of overriding the stop on it. When I no longer work at the library there are certain bonuses that we will miss, however then Leroy will take himself to the library so he can choose his own and that will be a plus. Like much of life there are pluses and minuses.
Paula
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