Hello,
Many people on social media have been
posting pictures of foods that they have made. You will not get a picture from
me as my food is seldom photo genetic. Guess it is like Leroy and just does not
like to smile for a picture.
After I replenished our produce supply
we had a great salad with no name. The base layer was a mixture of spring
greens (Or so the greens package stated.) This was followed by chopped or diced
radishes, green pepper, colored pepper, cucumber, carrots, grape tomatoes,
black barley, red lentils, sauerkraut, and a dash of olive oil for me. Leroy adds
a little liquid from the sauerkraut and considers that dressing. Actually the
salad was nice looking, but we had most of it eaten before I thought about
sharing the contents with you. By that time, the bits that were left looked
lonely in the bowl.
Leroy and I often put sauerkraut on
our salads, as well as barley once in a while. But we did like the addition of
the lentils which added color, flavor and protein.
Today, before the rain, I went to the
garden to dig dandelions. Another person knows I like to eat them so she left
them just for me when she weeded. I should have eaten them but the leaves were
flat on the ground and not standing up nicely as I like when I harvest them for
eating. I did, in the process of this weeding, find some stray onions that I
transplanted. I am happy that the rain came after I went home as I did not
water them.
Leroy had planned to get a bike ride
this afternoon but I am not sure that will happen as rain could come again.
Paula
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
How Life Changes
Hello,
Now gas prices are so low, but we are driving so little. I read that we should drive at least once a week to keep the components all working, such as the battery charged and the tires sealed. Today when I went to the grocery store, it had been two weeks; I took a longer route since the store is only about two miles away. Yesterday, we went to the nature center that is in town because it takes us about 10 minutes to get there. Also when there we could get out and walk because it is 210 acres. We did see some others, but managed to stay a good distance from most. There is a bike trail there and it was great to see many families out with bikes for all.
This morning, before going to the grocery store, I put on lipstick as I normally do when going out in public. It wasn’t until I was done and took the mask off that I knew wearing lipstick was not necessary. No one could see my lips! There was now lipstick on the inside of the mask.
I find that I miss support and schedules. I do not have many people that I do things with, except organized things such as church or work. It is there where I do a lot of interacting and feel connections.
My schedule, also from work or church, keeps me focused and grounded. As it is now, my days feel more rootless. I still fix meals and take care of dishes and clothes, but it is not the same as needing to be somewhere for a certain activity at a certain time. I am going to have to figure out something. I still envy Leroy having work that he can do from home. Guess I am not ready for retirement.
Things have relaxed in all but 22 counties in Iowa. We live in one of those 22 so life will continue as is for a longer time.
Paula
Now gas prices are so low, but we are driving so little. I read that we should drive at least once a week to keep the components all working, such as the battery charged and the tires sealed. Today when I went to the grocery store, it had been two weeks; I took a longer route since the store is only about two miles away. Yesterday, we went to the nature center that is in town because it takes us about 10 minutes to get there. Also when there we could get out and walk because it is 210 acres. We did see some others, but managed to stay a good distance from most. There is a bike trail there and it was great to see many families out with bikes for all.
This morning, before going to the grocery store, I put on lipstick as I normally do when going out in public. It wasn’t until I was done and took the mask off that I knew wearing lipstick was not necessary. No one could see my lips! There was now lipstick on the inside of the mask.
I find that I miss support and schedules. I do not have many people that I do things with, except organized things such as church or work. It is there where I do a lot of interacting and feel connections.
My schedule, also from work or church, keeps me focused and grounded. As it is now, my days feel more rootless. I still fix meals and take care of dishes and clothes, but it is not the same as needing to be somewhere for a certain activity at a certain time. I am going to have to figure out something. I still envy Leroy having work that he can do from home. Guess I am not ready for retirement.
Things have relaxed in all but 22 counties in Iowa. We live in one of those 22 so life will continue as is for a longer time.
Paula
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Things to see on a walk
Hello,
Leroy and I went out for a shorter walk this morning so I could cut his hair and we could shower before church. After church we went back out to finish the walk.
On that walk Leroy first spotted the groundhog nosing around, perhaps looking for food. We were not that far from it, but there was a fence between so perhaps it felt safer to ignore, or just keep a watchful eye on us. So nice to get a good look at this animal and compare it to the flattened fauna that we had seen two days ago.
In a little bit Leroy spotted the reddest cardinal that I have seen in many days. It was beautiful, but not interested in hanging around so we could get a good look closer.
Leroy spotted all the nature things this morning. “What are those white flowers?” he wondered pointing to the blanketed hillside in the park. We walked over for a closer look, with Leroy saying, “I think they are white violets.”
When we got there I so totally disagreed, but he is convinced that they are violets. I just let the conversation drop and so did he because we were not at a meeting point.
The last thing to mention, that we notice on our walks is that we have a lot of health care workers in the neighborhood. We have seen the signs by one of the hospitals in town as well as in front of houses. One day a neighbor was out so I asked, “Is someone in your home a health care worker or are you just supporting them?”
He said with pride, “My wife is a nurse.” He gave added details as he must have been ready to talk. On a later walk, I should count the signs.
Paula
Leroy and I went out for a shorter walk this morning so I could cut his hair and we could shower before church. After church we went back out to finish the walk.
On that walk Leroy first spotted the groundhog nosing around, perhaps looking for food. We were not that far from it, but there was a fence between so perhaps it felt safer to ignore, or just keep a watchful eye on us. So nice to get a good look at this animal and compare it to the flattened fauna that we had seen two days ago.
In a little bit Leroy spotted the reddest cardinal that I have seen in many days. It was beautiful, but not interested in hanging around so we could get a good look closer.
Leroy spotted all the nature things this morning. “What are those white flowers?” he wondered pointing to the blanketed hillside in the park. We walked over for a closer look, with Leroy saying, “I think they are white violets.”
When we got there I so totally disagreed, but he is convinced that they are violets. I just let the conversation drop and so did he because we were not at a meeting point.
The last thing to mention, that we notice on our walks is that we have a lot of health care workers in the neighborhood. We have seen the signs by one of the hospitals in town as well as in front of houses. One day a neighbor was out so I asked, “Is someone in your home a health care worker or are you just supporting them?”
He said with pride, “My wife is a nurse.” He gave added details as he must have been ready to talk. On a later walk, I should count the signs.
Paula
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Tea Pot Cracked
Hello,
For days we had noticed that the tea cozy was stained. I personally thought that Leroy was filling the pot too full, however on closer examination I learned that he was doing a good job. Soon the brown, six cup, Frankonia tea pot had brown marks on its bottom every time we used it which was daily, sometimes two times a day. Some people like coffee, but we like tea.
I especially like this tea pot because it is drip less or almost drip less. Also I bought it in Missouri Valley Iowa where Leroy served his first parish between the years of 1975 and 1984. It was in the day when smaller towns had a more thriving business area. I personally seldom shopped in Omaha or Council Bluffs. We only had one car and those larger places were at least 27 miles away. Not so easy for me to do with a husband who needed the car for work. Another reason to like this pot is that a friend gifted me with a crocheted tea cozy that fits it perfectly. Our tea would stay hot for an hour or so.
Last night we looked carefully at the bottom of the outside of the pot and saw two hairline cracks. This morning as the great science experiment we did not use the cozy or put anything else under it except to set it on the white dryer surface. There were indeed tea stained water spots on the dryer in about 15 minutes.
After such a long time of faithful service it is hard to see it go. Perhaps some type of good bye service would be in order.
Leroy looked up tea pots finding some by this company that cost over $100. I found an identical appearing used one, that was $20, which is about what I paid for it. I am a little concerned that considering the age it might also have a crack or be close to developing one.
We have the tea pot that Leroy uses at work now at home. Plus I bought one at a neighbor’s garage sale for $1.00. I am not crazy about the appearance of it, but this neighbor was desperate for a sale so I bought it. It is drippy which also does not endear it to me. We will use it for the time being and be happy for the ability to do that.
Paula
For days we had noticed that the tea cozy was stained. I personally thought that Leroy was filling the pot too full, however on closer examination I learned that he was doing a good job. Soon the brown, six cup, Frankonia tea pot had brown marks on its bottom every time we used it which was daily, sometimes two times a day. Some people like coffee, but we like tea.
I especially like this tea pot because it is drip less or almost drip less. Also I bought it in Missouri Valley Iowa where Leroy served his first parish between the years of 1975 and 1984. It was in the day when smaller towns had a more thriving business area. I personally seldom shopped in Omaha or Council Bluffs. We only had one car and those larger places were at least 27 miles away. Not so easy for me to do with a husband who needed the car for work. Another reason to like this pot is that a friend gifted me with a crocheted tea cozy that fits it perfectly. Our tea would stay hot for an hour or so.
Last night we looked carefully at the bottom of the outside of the pot and saw two hairline cracks. This morning as the great science experiment we did not use the cozy or put anything else under it except to set it on the white dryer surface. There were indeed tea stained water spots on the dryer in about 15 minutes.
After such a long time of faithful service it is hard to see it go. Perhaps some type of good bye service would be in order.
Leroy looked up tea pots finding some by this company that cost over $100. I found an identical appearing used one, that was $20, which is about what I paid for it. I am a little concerned that considering the age it might also have a crack or be close to developing one.
We have the tea pot that Leroy uses at work now at home. Plus I bought one at a neighbor’s garage sale for $1.00. I am not crazy about the appearance of it, but this neighbor was desperate for a sale so I bought it. It is drippy which also does not endear it to me. We will use it for the time being and be happy for the ability to do that.
Paula
Friday, April 24, 2020
Rescuers
Hello,
On our early walk in the light rain this morning wearing raincoats, and in Leroy’s case, rain pants we were nicely covered from the elements, except when the wind blew the rain in our faces. Leroy also wore hiking shoes that are water proof. I just slugged along in some leather shoes while carefully avoiding any puddles. We only met two people and one of them turned off before we intersected. Both of our coats were wet enough to require a serious drying out period.
We saw many earthworms on the path. I wanted to pick them up and move them but there were so many and often they were quite small so it was not possible to do that and walk too. We both tried to avoid stepping on them.
Later I saw a night crawler which is a worm of a larger size. I took my glove off and tried to pick it up. It slithered a bit to avoid me. This slippery critter was not very easy to get in hand, but after some struggle I got it and deposited it in the grass. In the end I managed to get every night crawler that I saw off the path and in the grass. Often they would land upside down, but it did not take them long to turn over. Amazing how they can do that with no hands or feet to assist.
I asked Leroy to pick up one. He dutifully took off his glove and went after this wriggling creature. He was not successful so I decided I should get back at it and rescue it before he injured it even though he was impossibly gentle. The gentleness is the reason he could not capture it. He tried once more and managed to get another one off the trail. He seemed a little squeamish. That seems so odd to me because he appears to have no trouble putting a worm on a fish hook. I am so different because I do not like doing that.
Paula
On our early walk in the light rain this morning wearing raincoats, and in Leroy’s case, rain pants we were nicely covered from the elements, except when the wind blew the rain in our faces. Leroy also wore hiking shoes that are water proof. I just slugged along in some leather shoes while carefully avoiding any puddles. We only met two people and one of them turned off before we intersected. Both of our coats were wet enough to require a serious drying out period.
We saw many earthworms on the path. I wanted to pick them up and move them but there were so many and often they were quite small so it was not possible to do that and walk too. We both tried to avoid stepping on them.
Later I saw a night crawler which is a worm of a larger size. I took my glove off and tried to pick it up. It slithered a bit to avoid me. This slippery critter was not very easy to get in hand, but after some struggle I got it and deposited it in the grass. In the end I managed to get every night crawler that I saw off the path and in the grass. Often they would land upside down, but it did not take them long to turn over. Amazing how they can do that with no hands or feet to assist.
I asked Leroy to pick up one. He dutifully took off his glove and went after this wriggling creature. He was not successful so I decided I should get back at it and rescue it before he injured it even though he was impossibly gentle. The gentleness is the reason he could not capture it. He tried once more and managed to get another one off the trail. He seemed a little squeamish. That seems so odd to me because he appears to have no trouble putting a worm on a fish hook. I am so different because I do not like doing that.
Paula
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Busy Computers
Hello,
On Thursday morning our computers and the internet service gets a workout. Leroy “went” to an interactive bible study starting at 6:45 am. I stayed off the computer, but then, I usually do not use it so early in the morning except possibly to look at the weather prediction on my phone. I managed to find other things to do after I finished my devotions, but it involved a lot of wandering between the kitchen and bathroom thinking of possibilities. Leroy was sitting in an easy chair in the living room. I tried to stay out of the camera’s eye on his tablet; I also tried to be very quiet. The book I am currently reading was in my book basket by the chair where he was sitting. No computer use, no book reading, what now? Oh I can sneak down the hall and make the bed. That took all of five minutes.
At 8:00 am. I led the morning stretch with Paula Live. Before Leroy got done I was feeling a bit edgy as I like to get set up ahead of time to make sure both audio and video work properly. Finally, Leroy was in the spare bed room where he has his work computer set up. He was using the computer but not doing any video. After I was done, I tried to look at my video and it did not play well. I wonder if it was just too much for our system to handle. Generally we do not do so much video over the lines. I was finished by 8:45 am.
Then Leroy connects to the site that he needs to have his museum staff meeting which lasts over an hour, perhaps an hour and a half. This also involves video and audio. During that time I leave the house for a nice long walk so that means I do not make noise and I do not have to listen to any of the chatter. This is one of the times when I think a larger house would be nice because we could be farther apart. Most of the time, I like the size of this place.
Paula
On Thursday morning our computers and the internet service gets a workout. Leroy “went” to an interactive bible study starting at 6:45 am. I stayed off the computer, but then, I usually do not use it so early in the morning except possibly to look at the weather prediction on my phone. I managed to find other things to do after I finished my devotions, but it involved a lot of wandering between the kitchen and bathroom thinking of possibilities. Leroy was sitting in an easy chair in the living room. I tried to stay out of the camera’s eye on his tablet; I also tried to be very quiet. The book I am currently reading was in my book basket by the chair where he was sitting. No computer use, no book reading, what now? Oh I can sneak down the hall and make the bed. That took all of five minutes.
At 8:00 am. I led the morning stretch with Paula Live. Before Leroy got done I was feeling a bit edgy as I like to get set up ahead of time to make sure both audio and video work properly. Finally, Leroy was in the spare bed room where he has his work computer set up. He was using the computer but not doing any video. After I was done, I tried to look at my video and it did not play well. I wonder if it was just too much for our system to handle. Generally we do not do so much video over the lines. I was finished by 8:45 am.
Then Leroy connects to the site that he needs to have his museum staff meeting which lasts over an hour, perhaps an hour and a half. This also involves video and audio. During that time I leave the house for a nice long walk so that means I do not make noise and I do not have to listen to any of the chatter. This is one of the times when I think a larger house would be nice because we could be farther apart. Most of the time, I like the size of this place.
Paula
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
What to do Today?
Hello,
We took a short walk this morning because it is shower day and Leroy likes to start work early so he can finish early. After we ate breakfast we did devotions and I continued on my own to write down the people I pray for as well as six things for which I am thankful. Nice earth day to all. Earth and all its creatures are of more importance than we sometimes consider. How’s that for a little lecture?
I made the bed, brushed my teeth, did yoga, considered what I am going to do tomorrow for morning stretch, and put hair growth on my head to stop thinning hair. All important stuff? That is always up for opinion.
After that I pulled out the two drawers in the kitchen, emptied them carefully so I could put things back without much thinking and proceeded to wash breakfast dishes and the drawer bins.
Before we had our mid morning snack, Leroy helped me put things back in the two drawers. Two drawers seem like not many drawers since I have lived in many places with more. But I am grateful for these two, much better than none.
I did get in a longer walk after that in spite of a little intermittent rain shower. I will have to go again to get my 10,000 steps. At the end of our walk this morning we checked the number of steps and Leroy had recorded about 400 more than I did. Says something about the accuracy of these devices. I have read that they are good for comparison to themselves, but not when comparing other type’s results.
Paula
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
More Work?
Hello,
The cupboard under the kitchen sink is now clean. The space was not very cluttered so it was a fairly easy job. Leroy works in the morning until early afternoon so I did not want to tackle anything where I might need help, such as cleaning behind the washer which sits at the entrance to a little space under the attic stairs. The intention is that one of us will go back there and clean that uncluttered but dusty space. I am a bit concerned that I might need to be pulled out. So I want Leroy available.
This afternoon we went back to the community garden for about an hour. The big difference was that we took the garden cart. Seems like it should not be a big deal, but it means that one car must be moved out. That sounds simple, but there is repair work being done to the house across the alley and often we have to have someone move a vehicle so we can get either car out of the garage. Today we were lucky because the blocking vehicle was moved just before we wanted to move the car. Also once the car is out it takes some maneuvering in the garage to extract the cart. Then after it was out, we learned that blowing up the tires was required.
Here we could load all desired tools and the proper gloves. On the way home it had quite a few weeds in buckets along with the tools and gloves. Sometimes we/Leroy talk about getting rid of the cart, but I feel it has been quite useful and I am not ready to let it go.
We brought home some cilantro that started from seed on its own. It is so nice. I still miss the lamb’s quarters and wonderful dandelions from the more fertile garden spot. I am a bit hesitant to take them from any yard because I do not know what has been put on the soil.
Paula
The cupboard under the kitchen sink is now clean. The space was not very cluttered so it was a fairly easy job. Leroy works in the morning until early afternoon so I did not want to tackle anything where I might need help, such as cleaning behind the washer which sits at the entrance to a little space under the attic stairs. The intention is that one of us will go back there and clean that uncluttered but dusty space. I am a bit concerned that I might need to be pulled out. So I want Leroy available.
This afternoon we went back to the community garden for about an hour. The big difference was that we took the garden cart. Seems like it should not be a big deal, but it means that one car must be moved out. That sounds simple, but there is repair work being done to the house across the alley and often we have to have someone move a vehicle so we can get either car out of the garage. Today we were lucky because the blocking vehicle was moved just before we wanted to move the car. Also once the car is out it takes some maneuvering in the garage to extract the cart. Then after it was out, we learned that blowing up the tires was required.
Here we could load all desired tools and the proper gloves. On the way home it had quite a few weeds in buckets along with the tools and gloves. Sometimes we/Leroy talk about getting rid of the cart, but I feel it has been quite useful and I am not ready to let it go.
We brought home some cilantro that started from seed on its own. It is so nice. I still miss the lamb’s quarters and wonderful dandelions from the more fertile garden spot. I am a bit hesitant to take them from any yard because I do not know what has been put on the soil.
Paula
Monday, April 20, 2020
Gardening
Hello,
This afternoon Leroy and I headed off to the community garden carrying gloves, a potato fork, and two small diggers. Unfortunately after I got there I realized I needed to walk back home to get a left hand glove. I have brought two right handed without really checking on them. Unfortunately the gloves were not large enough that I could wear a right glove on my left hand. Oh well that means I got my 10,000 steps.
Leroy had dug 16 holes by the time I returned and had settled into weeding. His plan is to put in cabbage and broccoli when they are purchased by another member of the community. He dug the holes in the new section of the garden which was just used last year for tomatoes. Apparently not much digging was done last year because he found three bricks. He feels it was probably from fill dirt.
Doing all this by hand takes a lot of energy. I found I got tired of the weeding sooner than I thought I should. Creeping Charlie was making some inroads on one side. I remembered that I had not weeded over there last fall. Obviously it is not a good idea to skip that chore. Hopefully I will get more done this year.
We also found a lot of earth worms which lifted our spirits. We carefully put them back if they were tangled in the roots of weeds. They are our helper.
We put the weeds in two five gallon buckets and Leroy carried them home to put in the yardy. The yardy is the bin that can take all of the natural items that come from a yard as well as any compostable table scraps to the city compost site. I am so happy to live in a place where we can do this. If we want the end result, it is available for pick up.
Paula
This afternoon Leroy and I headed off to the community garden carrying gloves, a potato fork, and two small diggers. Unfortunately after I got there I realized I needed to walk back home to get a left hand glove. I have brought two right handed without really checking on them. Unfortunately the gloves were not large enough that I could wear a right glove on my left hand. Oh well that means I got my 10,000 steps.
Leroy had dug 16 holes by the time I returned and had settled into weeding. His plan is to put in cabbage and broccoli when they are purchased by another member of the community. He dug the holes in the new section of the garden which was just used last year for tomatoes. Apparently not much digging was done last year because he found three bricks. He feels it was probably from fill dirt.
Doing all this by hand takes a lot of energy. I found I got tired of the weeding sooner than I thought I should. Creeping Charlie was making some inroads on one side. I remembered that I had not weeded over there last fall. Obviously it is not a good idea to skip that chore. Hopefully I will get more done this year.
We also found a lot of earth worms which lifted our spirits. We carefully put them back if they were tangled in the roots of weeds. They are our helper.
We put the weeds in two five gallon buckets and Leroy carried them home to put in the yardy. The yardy is the bin that can take all of the natural items that come from a yard as well as any compostable table scraps to the city compost site. I am so happy to live in a place where we can do this. If we want the end result, it is available for pick up.
Paula
Sunday, April 19, 2020
What to Wear?
Hello,
This morning before church started, Leroy said, “I dressed for church,” He was referring to his jeans and un-ironed, badly in need of ironing, denim shirt. Just to let you know he would never have gone to church dressed in that manner unless it was a cleanup work day. But for virtual church…
I too thought I was dressing a little more carefully, however I also would not have been wearing these items to church as I do not think the color of the shirt does anything for my appearance.
We have gotten used to being sloppy around the house and even on our walks we do not wear very “up town” clothes.
This afternoon we are going to a drive by shooting, oops I mean drive by birthday party. Somehow I keep coming up with that shooting term in my mind, perhaps because it is an older idea and my brain does best with old ideas?
What does one wear to a drive by birthday party? Surely I do not have to dress up and we won’t get out of the car will we? We did make a happy birthday sign that we can hold up.
This would be my idea of an easy party to have: no food to prepare, no house to clean, no logistics to consider, and no spiders to extricate. There are some advantages to this type of living.
Paula
This morning before church started, Leroy said, “I dressed for church,” He was referring to his jeans and un-ironed, badly in need of ironing, denim shirt. Just to let you know he would never have gone to church dressed in that manner unless it was a cleanup work day. But for virtual church…
I too thought I was dressing a little more carefully, however I also would not have been wearing these items to church as I do not think the color of the shirt does anything for my appearance.
We have gotten used to being sloppy around the house and even on our walks we do not wear very “up town” clothes.
This afternoon we are going to a drive by shooting, oops I mean drive by birthday party. Somehow I keep coming up with that shooting term in my mind, perhaps because it is an older idea and my brain does best with old ideas?
What does one wear to a drive by birthday party? Surely I do not have to dress up and we won’t get out of the car will we? We did make a happy birthday sign that we can hold up.
This would be my idea of an easy party to have: no food to prepare, no house to clean, no logistics to consider, and no spiders to extricate. There are some advantages to this type of living.
Paula
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Puzzle Finished
Hello,
This morning I finished the puzzle. I had been wondering about one piece that did not seem to fit with the colors anywhere. When all done that piece was still hanging around. I gently swept my hands over the puzzle to see if there was a hole I could not see. All pieces were present and accounted for. There is another puzzle that has come from the same company. I suspect this piece belongs with it. I brought these puzzles home a long time ago. They were used, but I do not remember just where they came from.
That loose piece might push me to work on another puzzle while we are more confined to home.
I cleaned a closet in the kitchen which I consider a pantry, although it is not as large as the pantry was in the house that I grew up in. I got everything out, very carefully keeping shelf items separate so I could put it back without working my brain too much. Then I cleaned the inside of the area by wiping things down and scrubbing a few places.
Leroy was spending his two hours working calling people from the museum patron list. Leroy finished his work so he helped me put things back. That was very nice especially for the high areas so there was not so much climbing on the chair.
Leroy was happier with his calling today because a number of people answered the phone so he did not have to leave a message. If there is no answer on the first call they call back at another time. He is looking forward to being done with this task.
Paula
This morning I finished the puzzle. I had been wondering about one piece that did not seem to fit with the colors anywhere. When all done that piece was still hanging around. I gently swept my hands over the puzzle to see if there was a hole I could not see. All pieces were present and accounted for. There is another puzzle that has come from the same company. I suspect this piece belongs with it. I brought these puzzles home a long time ago. They were used, but I do not remember just where they came from.
That loose piece might push me to work on another puzzle while we are more confined to home.
I cleaned a closet in the kitchen which I consider a pantry, although it is not as large as the pantry was in the house that I grew up in. I got everything out, very carefully keeping shelf items separate so I could put it back without working my brain too much. Then I cleaned the inside of the area by wiping things down and scrubbing a few places.
Leroy was spending his two hours working calling people from the museum patron list. Leroy finished his work so he helped me put things back. That was very nice especially for the high areas so there was not so much climbing on the chair.
Leroy was happier with his calling today because a number of people answered the phone so he did not have to leave a message. If there is no answer on the first call they call back at another time. He is looking forward to being done with this task.
Paula
Friday, April 17, 2020
Snow, Snow, Snow!
Hello,
Snow was predicted overnight, but just a bit or up to two inches. Instead we woke to about four inches. It was beautiful with snow on the trees and other objects, but sidewalks and streets were clear. That type of snow would be perfect to drive to work without tension.
We walked in the park among the trees that were occasionally dropping snow. There was no wind so perhaps it was warm that was making it fall. We just enjoyed the view and novelty. If all snow were so easy to deal with snow might have a better reputation.
By the time we walked again this afternoon it was 99% gone. One place in the park someone had tried to make a snow person, but it was now just a pile of snow.
Leroy worked a little once more today. He again has a list of names to call for the museum. However this time it is only 50 names so it is not so daunting, but he still likes to do it in smaller amounts. He will also do a group tomorrow even though he usually takes Saturday off.
Our picture puzzle is getting close to being done. I am finding it much more satisfying. Maybe we will finish it this weekend. Glad I still know what a weekend is even though it does not figure much in my life.
Paula
Snow was predicted overnight, but just a bit or up to two inches. Instead we woke to about four inches. It was beautiful with snow on the trees and other objects, but sidewalks and streets were clear. That type of snow would be perfect to drive to work without tension.
We walked in the park among the trees that were occasionally dropping snow. There was no wind so perhaps it was warm that was making it fall. We just enjoyed the view and novelty. If all snow were so easy to deal with snow might have a better reputation.
By the time we walked again this afternoon it was 99% gone. One place in the park someone had tried to make a snow person, but it was now just a pile of snow.
Leroy worked a little once more today. He again has a list of names to call for the museum. However this time it is only 50 names so it is not so daunting, but he still likes to do it in smaller amounts. He will also do a group tomorrow even though he usually takes Saturday off.
Our picture puzzle is getting close to being done. I am finding it much more satisfying. Maybe we will finish it this weekend. Glad I still know what a weekend is even though it does not figure much in my life.
Paula
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Sore Arm and shoulder
Hello,
Yesterday my upper arm and shoulder hurt. I even woke up early and could not go back to sleep because of it. Upon rising I learned that it hurt to raise my arm. I had noticed some discomfort for about two days before.
The muscle which knots up at the back of my neck was rock solid, not a good sign. When I poked into the arm muscles a hard rolling mass could be found. I started trying to use my arm against the pain because it seemed like muscle stress to me. I do not like to favor that place because I believe that stretching and working it is the solution. I had not been doing much yoga and almost no Tai Chi. Not good!
Leroy used to give me forceful messages for my neck/shoulder area. That has not happened for a long time, maybe even a year or two. Yesterday he worked on those spots two or three times. I also did a session of yoga. By the time I went to bed I could lift my arm more comfortably. I was pleased as could be to wake this morning and find the pain gone.
I did morning stretch live for the library. Yoga is already on the schedule for tomorrow. No more slacking off for this chick.
When Leroy and I walked this afternoon Leroy smugly commented, “There is no ground hog out today.”
“Are you insinuating that I am the reason that we do not see one?” I wondered.
He nodded just a bit. He has seen one on each of his last two solitary walks. Humph!
Paula
Yesterday my upper arm and shoulder hurt. I even woke up early and could not go back to sleep because of it. Upon rising I learned that it hurt to raise my arm. I had noticed some discomfort for about two days before.
The muscle which knots up at the back of my neck was rock solid, not a good sign. When I poked into the arm muscles a hard rolling mass could be found. I started trying to use my arm against the pain because it seemed like muscle stress to me. I do not like to favor that place because I believe that stretching and working it is the solution. I had not been doing much yoga and almost no Tai Chi. Not good!
Leroy used to give me forceful messages for my neck/shoulder area. That has not happened for a long time, maybe even a year or two. Yesterday he worked on those spots two or three times. I also did a session of yoga. By the time I went to bed I could lift my arm more comfortably. I was pleased as could be to wake this morning and find the pain gone.
I did morning stretch live for the library. Yoga is already on the schedule for tomorrow. No more slacking off for this chick.
When Leroy and I walked this afternoon Leroy smugly commented, “There is no ground hog out today.”
“Are you insinuating that I am the reason that we do not see one?” I wondered.
He nodded just a bit. He has seen one on each of his last two solitary walks. Humph!
Paula
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Daily Life
Hello,
We all want to go back to closer greeting and human contact, but it appears to be a target moving down the future. In the meantime we connect through that relatively new way on the Internet. When I first heard about scientist connecting on projects through email, I could not imagine that I would ever really use it. That was in 1990. Now I can spend hours a day connected to one thing or another. Life without this connectivity is almost unimaginable.
I have participated in two book clubs, one yoga session, family gatherings, several church services, and two spiritual mentor meetings.
Leroy and I could have managed on our own but life would have been very different.
How casually we accepted face to face meetings! They seemed to be so ordinary. Now the very idea is worthy of respect. Because my children all live at some distance and have for many years I never took that contact for granted.
I or we, because Leroy helps from time to time, spend time putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Leroy does not really like to do them. He finds it more of a struggle than a pleasure. I usually like to do them, but have found this to be hard. Finally now almost half of it is in place and it calls to me frequently. I can see the possibilities more easily. I think there were too many pieces on the table for individual ones to be noted. I had gathered many that I knew went together, but it still did not help. Yesterday I placed all those “tree” pieces on a paper and put them on the desk. To my surprise I started doing the rest of the puzzle more easily. The next step was to add in the tree pieces and it worked. Perhaps it helps to “think outside the box”.
Paula
We all want to go back to closer greeting and human contact, but it appears to be a target moving down the future. In the meantime we connect through that relatively new way on the Internet. When I first heard about scientist connecting on projects through email, I could not imagine that I would ever really use it. That was in 1990. Now I can spend hours a day connected to one thing or another. Life without this connectivity is almost unimaginable.
I have participated in two book clubs, one yoga session, family gatherings, several church services, and two spiritual mentor meetings.
Leroy and I could have managed on our own but life would have been very different.
How casually we accepted face to face meetings! They seemed to be so ordinary. Now the very idea is worthy of respect. Because my children all live at some distance and have for many years I never took that contact for granted.
I or we, because Leroy helps from time to time, spend time putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Leroy does not really like to do them. He finds it more of a struggle than a pleasure. I usually like to do them, but have found this to be hard. Finally now almost half of it is in place and it calls to me frequently. I can see the possibilities more easily. I think there were too many pieces on the table for individual ones to be noted. I had gathered many that I knew went together, but it still did not help. Yesterday I placed all those “tree” pieces on a paper and put them on the desk. To my surprise I started doing the rest of the puzzle more easily. The next step was to add in the tree pieces and it worked. Perhaps it helps to “think outside the box”.
Paula
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Fruits and veggies gone!
Hello,
This morning it was time to make a trip to the store. We, in Iowa, do not have a shelter in place rule. Pictures that show an empty interstate are not Cedar Rapids. It was not as crowded as usual, but there were still quite a few cars.
Hand sanitizer, wipes and mask were part of my arsenal. I washed hands and took along gloves. Leroy and I worked on the list so I would not forget anything that we really wanted.
There were only two apples and four onions left in the house. That was all of the produce. Except when moving, we have not had that happen. As Leroy said, “This frig is about empty.”
I still have some canned things, some frozen packages as well as dried beans. We could have gone for a longer time, but we both miss the fresh foods.
The store was marked with directional signs to keep us going in the same direction so we would not meet others. Some people apparently did not see the signs.
Most people were wearing masks, but not all. Some people stepped up close. I just stepped out of the way and waited for them to move on.
Has it been two or three weeks since I have gotten groceries? It almost felt that it was new territory as some things had changed although there were still some empty places on the shelf. I found plenty of fresh produce. It must not be such a “hot” item.
We are grateful we can still go to the grocery story, that we have money to pay for what we need and that most people respect others enough to give them space.
Paula
This morning it was time to make a trip to the store. We, in Iowa, do not have a shelter in place rule. Pictures that show an empty interstate are not Cedar Rapids. It was not as crowded as usual, but there were still quite a few cars.
Hand sanitizer, wipes and mask were part of my arsenal. I washed hands and took along gloves. Leroy and I worked on the list so I would not forget anything that we really wanted.
There were only two apples and four onions left in the house. That was all of the produce. Except when moving, we have not had that happen. As Leroy said, “This frig is about empty.”
I still have some canned things, some frozen packages as well as dried beans. We could have gone for a longer time, but we both miss the fresh foods.
The store was marked with directional signs to keep us going in the same direction so we would not meet others. Some people apparently did not see the signs.
Most people were wearing masks, but not all. Some people stepped up close. I just stepped out of the way and waited for them to move on.
Has it been two or three weeks since I have gotten groceries? It almost felt that it was new territory as some things had changed although there were still some empty places on the shelf. I found plenty of fresh produce. It must not be such a “hot” item.
We are grateful we can still go to the grocery story, that we have money to pay for what we need and that most people respect others enough to give them space.
Paula
Monday, April 13, 2020
Haircut and Cleaning
Hello,
Last week Leroy gave me a haircut. It is ok even with a few unusual spots. Some of them are less visible than they once were. I had planned to get a haircut about the time it became not a possibility. Years agoLeroy used to cut my hair all of the time. I never felt that it was bad, but he only has one cut in his repertoire. I had a slightly different cut now and somehow just cutting this one shorter did not really work. One good thing for me is my curly hair hides many a change and it still curls up the same way as always, unless it is too short.
I have been cutting Leroy’s hair for years. After it got so thin that it seemed not worth it to go to a barber, I learned some sort of style. We do have a nice clippers and that helps me a lot.
This morning we spring cleaned the living room. Someone asked what we do when we deep clean. We move everything out, sweep the ceiling, walls, and vacuum the floor. The woodwork gets washed. All drawers are emptied, cleaned and put back. It might have been god to get rid of some games, but I could not decide which ones should go. Furniture is turned upside down or tilted so the bottom can be cleaned. It does not look so different, but we know it has been done. And that is the best. Since last October we have cleaned three rooms. It does take us a while to get this done. The two bedrooms are done as is the living room. There is still the office, kitchen and bathroom. It seems we will be mostly confined to home for some longer time so we can probably get at least one more room done. We would not want to get too bored. It seems to me that my mother did fall and spring cleaning. Am I lazy or what?
Paula
Last week Leroy gave me a haircut. It is ok even with a few unusual spots. Some of them are less visible than they once were. I had planned to get a haircut about the time it became not a possibility. Years agoLeroy used to cut my hair all of the time. I never felt that it was bad, but he only has one cut in his repertoire. I had a slightly different cut now and somehow just cutting this one shorter did not really work. One good thing for me is my curly hair hides many a change and it still curls up the same way as always, unless it is too short.
I have been cutting Leroy’s hair for years. After it got so thin that it seemed not worth it to go to a barber, I learned some sort of style. We do have a nice clippers and that helps me a lot.
This morning we spring cleaned the living room. Someone asked what we do when we deep clean. We move everything out, sweep the ceiling, walls, and vacuum the floor. The woodwork gets washed. All drawers are emptied, cleaned and put back. It might have been god to get rid of some games, but I could not decide which ones should go. Furniture is turned upside down or tilted so the bottom can be cleaned. It does not look so different, but we know it has been done. And that is the best. Since last October we have cleaned three rooms. It does take us a while to get this done. The two bedrooms are done as is the living room. There is still the office, kitchen and bathroom. It seems we will be mostly confined to home for some longer time so we can probably get at least one more room done. We would not want to get too bored. It seems to me that my mother did fall and spring cleaning. Am I lazy or what?
Paula
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Leroy, me, and sweets
Hello,
I am quite strong about not much refined sugar or white flour in my/our diet. I do like sweets, but I do not believe they contribute to health. It is much easier for me to pass them up in the store than at home. At work, I have a reputation and people believe I never eat them. Never is a strong word. When offered sweets, if I do not feel there is a polite way to refuse, I eat the smallest helping that I can. I do not eat chocolate because it makes me nervous/upsets me. I feel fine saying that it does not agree with me. Most people seem to accept that without problem.
Our granola also has honey in it and we eat that every day. Each morning we have a bit, less than a teaspoon of honey with apple cider vinegar and water as a get started with the day drink.
Leroy does eat sweets at work. I have no real idea how often this happens. Sometimes he confesses, but often he tells me about what he did not take.
He has not been to work with other people for three weeks. So no sweet to eat! Two days ago he confessed to wanting something sweet. I should say that at home he eats jelly (Rather a fruit spread that lists the fruit as the first ingredient and sugar second.) on peanut butter and bread or a bit of molasses on unsweetened cornbread, etc. Yesterday, as an Easter treat I made gingerbread which has not sugar but quite a bit of molasses in it. I believe from Leroy’s expression he found it quite satisfying.
Paula
I am quite strong about not much refined sugar or white flour in my/our diet. I do like sweets, but I do not believe they contribute to health. It is much easier for me to pass them up in the store than at home. At work, I have a reputation and people believe I never eat them. Never is a strong word. When offered sweets, if I do not feel there is a polite way to refuse, I eat the smallest helping that I can. I do not eat chocolate because it makes me nervous/upsets me. I feel fine saying that it does not agree with me. Most people seem to accept that without problem.
Our granola also has honey in it and we eat that every day. Each morning we have a bit, less than a teaspoon of honey with apple cider vinegar and water as a get started with the day drink.
Leroy does eat sweets at work. I have no real idea how often this happens. Sometimes he confesses, but often he tells me about what he did not take.
He has not been to work with other people for three weeks. So no sweet to eat! Two days ago he confessed to wanting something sweet. I should say that at home he eats jelly (Rather a fruit spread that lists the fruit as the first ingredient and sugar second.) on peanut butter and bread or a bit of molasses on unsweetened cornbread, etc. Yesterday, as an Easter treat I made gingerbread which has not sugar but quite a bit of molasses in it. I believe from Leroy’s expression he found it quite satisfying.
Paula
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Routines
Hello,
As a new routine, every day Leroy and I discuss the date and the day of the week. Otherwise it slips away and we are clueless. After all, we think we should know the day in case we would be asked by someone who is questioning our reasoning ability. So far we have managed to come up with the date and day without looking at the calendar although one of us usually looks afterward to learn if we were correct.
I write the date in the booklet in which I record my devotion thoughts. So I get more practice there. Writing to you is another practice point.
I like to hang out clothes to dry in the sun and wind. My mother always used a damp cloth to wipe off the clothes line. I do that as well, but wondered if it was needed especially in these days of less pollution. Yesterday I hung out clothes after a few days hiatus. I was amazed at how much dust was on the cloth after just wiping it once. I am newly convinced that mama was right to wipe the clothes line.
We have some serious walking routines in place with the first walk happening as early in the morning as we get up and out. I like to get to my goal so that requires another walk. Even when rain is predicted I go out, especially if it does not look like rain. In spite of my idea of it not looking like rain, it has rained on me at least two times. Each of those times it is not a hard rain, but enough that it is dripping off my hood by the time I get home. I have been logging
12,000 or 13,000 steps most days. Leroy says, “You are becoming fanatical about those steps.”
Guess he is right, but I am not ready to stop walking.
Paula
As a new routine, every day Leroy and I discuss the date and the day of the week. Otherwise it slips away and we are clueless. After all, we think we should know the day in case we would be asked by someone who is questioning our reasoning ability. So far we have managed to come up with the date and day without looking at the calendar although one of us usually looks afterward to learn if we were correct.
I write the date in the booklet in which I record my devotion thoughts. So I get more practice there. Writing to you is another practice point.
I like to hang out clothes to dry in the sun and wind. My mother always used a damp cloth to wipe off the clothes line. I do that as well, but wondered if it was needed especially in these days of less pollution. Yesterday I hung out clothes after a few days hiatus. I was amazed at how much dust was on the cloth after just wiping it once. I am newly convinced that mama was right to wipe the clothes line.
We have some serious walking routines in place with the first walk happening as early in the morning as we get up and out. I like to get to my goal so that requires another walk. Even when rain is predicted I go out, especially if it does not look like rain. In spite of my idea of it not looking like rain, it has rained on me at least two times. Each of those times it is not a hard rain, but enough that it is dripping off my hood by the time I get home. I have been logging
12,000 or 13,000 steps most days. Leroy says, “You are becoming fanatical about those steps.”
Guess he is right, but I am not ready to stop walking.
Paula
Friday, April 10, 2020
Random Good Friday Thoughts
Hello,
Why do we call it Good Friday? I might have known or been told this at one time, but have no memory of it.
This morning Leroy and I walked to church, planning to arrive at a little after 8:00 just after they opened the doors. We brought our masks with us, but saw no other people on the trip.
Astonished that the price of gas was $1.41 per gallon! Obviously we are not getting out often.
At the church, I opened the door with my bare hands, and held it for Leroy to walk through. He then put hand sanitizer on my hands. We put on our masks. We talked though the door of the office to learn where the book, which we were returning, should be placed. We then moved into the sanctuary which is open. Almost as soon as I was in there I started to cry, but did not really know why. Considering our vagabond life I am not so attached to a church building. Tissues and hand sanitizer were supplied at the door. After sitting and thinking I believe that I was crying for all of the losses in life, not just to me and my routine, but deaths and other more serious changes to lives around the world. Grief.
On the walk home we wore our masks. Between my cataracts and the fogging of my glasses, I decided that I was safer with the mask pulled down. Falling did not seem like a good thing. Mask off the nose certainly brought the walk surface into focus. As it turned out we did not meet a person, but saw a number of cars going by.
Interesting that in all of our previous lives we never thought of the risk of going to church as many people have done over the centuries and throughout the world. Also interesting that their risks involved people who wanted to do harm to them and now it is a virus that attacks randomly or at least it appears to be random.
Paula
Why do we call it Good Friday? I might have known or been told this at one time, but have no memory of it.
This morning Leroy and I walked to church, planning to arrive at a little after 8:00 just after they opened the doors. We brought our masks with us, but saw no other people on the trip.
Astonished that the price of gas was $1.41 per gallon! Obviously we are not getting out often.
At the church, I opened the door with my bare hands, and held it for Leroy to walk through. He then put hand sanitizer on my hands. We put on our masks. We talked though the door of the office to learn where the book, which we were returning, should be placed. We then moved into the sanctuary which is open. Almost as soon as I was in there I started to cry, but did not really know why. Considering our vagabond life I am not so attached to a church building. Tissues and hand sanitizer were supplied at the door. After sitting and thinking I believe that I was crying for all of the losses in life, not just to me and my routine, but deaths and other more serious changes to lives around the world. Grief.
On the walk home we wore our masks. Between my cataracts and the fogging of my glasses, I decided that I was safer with the mask pulled down. Falling did not seem like a good thing. Mask off the nose certainly brought the walk surface into focus. As it turned out we did not meet a person, but saw a number of cars going by.
Interesting that in all of our previous lives we never thought of the risk of going to church as many people have done over the centuries and throughout the world. Also interesting that their risks involved people who wanted to do harm to them and now it is a virus that attacks randomly or at least it appears to be random.
Paula
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Yoga or Morning Stretch
Hello,
From my living room, I did a live Facebook session for the Ely Library. I have been putting it off even after my boss asked if I would lead the morning stretch from home. I stewed and fussed a long time, about two weeks about it. I am not a certified yoga instructor, would I be able to keep moving from one pose to the next (In class I always look at my list.) would I look stupid looking at my list, and how would I get the camera to be on the floor as well as up for standing poses.
I lead these at the library, but it is very different thing to have people in the room and to be “performing” for a laptop. Who knows if anyone was doing it with me? I felt all alone. Leroy was there, but not in the room. He helped by adjusting the laptop camera so I could be seen after starting with standing positions. People could see him.
It certainly was not Jane Fonda. It was very casual and not always so smooth with me at the helm. Later when I looked I could see that four different people made some comments. I could not tell from those if they were doing it with me or if they thought it was worth looking at. “Good Morning, Thanks and she’s so flexible” were the comments.
We have deleted it now, but I will be doing it in the weeks to come. I have to put away feelings about how I would like it to look more professional and slick as if I knew what I was doing.
It does me good to have some pressure to put something together because that means I get the benefit of moving and stretching. As I have often told the people who come to my sessions at the library I am grateful they come because it keeps me practicing. Something about being responsible is a good motivator for me.
Paula
From my living room, I did a live Facebook session for the Ely Library. I have been putting it off even after my boss asked if I would lead the morning stretch from home. I stewed and fussed a long time, about two weeks about it. I am not a certified yoga instructor, would I be able to keep moving from one pose to the next (In class I always look at my list.) would I look stupid looking at my list, and how would I get the camera to be on the floor as well as up for standing poses.
I lead these at the library, but it is very different thing to have people in the room and to be “performing” for a laptop. Who knows if anyone was doing it with me? I felt all alone. Leroy was there, but not in the room. He helped by adjusting the laptop camera so I could be seen after starting with standing positions. People could see him.
It certainly was not Jane Fonda. It was very casual and not always so smooth with me at the helm. Later when I looked I could see that four different people made some comments. I could not tell from those if they were doing it with me or if they thought it was worth looking at. “Good Morning, Thanks and she’s so flexible” were the comments.
We have deleted it now, but I will be doing it in the weeks to come. I have to put away feelings about how I would like it to look more professional and slick as if I knew what I was doing.
It does me good to have some pressure to put something together because that means I get the benefit of moving and stretching. As I have often told the people who come to my sessions at the library I am grateful they come because it keeps me practicing. Something about being responsible is a good motivator for me.
Paula
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Nuts and Squirrels
Hello,
Because we have a black walnut tree in the back yard, every year Leroy has been picking up some walnuts. Unfortunately it takes him a long time to get them cracked. If you know about very nutritional black walnuts, you know one of the challenges is getting the hulls off without staining your hands dark in any old pattern that can last for weeks. Leroy wears thick rubber gloves that are for serious jobs. He also uses them to pick them up. The green hulled nuts sit in the garage for a time until the hulls dry. He can take them off with more finesse at that point.
We both like to eat them, but I let him do all of the fun things. After they have dried they need to be cracked. These shells are very hard and the way he gets the job done is to wield a hammer with force and intent to harm. Once in a while he will hit a thumb or finger because he must hold them. He also does not have a work bench to make it possible at a nice height so he kneels on a garden kneeler and bangs away until his knees hurt or his arm is tired or it is to hot or too cold outside.
The squirrels are often very interested when Leroy is cracking nuts. He said, “Sometimes they come quite close.”
The other day one went in the garage with him and he had a bit of time chasing it out. He no longer leaves the garage door open as he feels the squirrels would come in and help themselves to the nuts that are still waiting to be cracked.
After the cracked nuts are inside, I help a little by sorting out all of the empty shells into one pan. I also put all of the free nut meats in another container. The last task is to put all of the partial shells that have nut meats stuck in them in a pan that Leroy pulls out of to attack with the nut pick.
There are some small shells and nut meats that Leroy throws out for the squirrels that come running and sort through the pile looking for treasure.
For some reason we do miss getting out a shell and it will blend in with the nut meats. I am not sure why, but when that happens I am the one who almost cracks a tooth by biting down on it. I have now gotten so that I put the nut meats on a white plate and take it to the window looking for those elusive shells. So far my teeth are still good. How do those squirrels do it?
Paula
Because we have a black walnut tree in the back yard, every year Leroy has been picking up some walnuts. Unfortunately it takes him a long time to get them cracked. If you know about very nutritional black walnuts, you know one of the challenges is getting the hulls off without staining your hands dark in any old pattern that can last for weeks. Leroy wears thick rubber gloves that are for serious jobs. He also uses them to pick them up. The green hulled nuts sit in the garage for a time until the hulls dry. He can take them off with more finesse at that point.
We both like to eat them, but I let him do all of the fun things. After they have dried they need to be cracked. These shells are very hard and the way he gets the job done is to wield a hammer with force and intent to harm. Once in a while he will hit a thumb or finger because he must hold them. He also does not have a work bench to make it possible at a nice height so he kneels on a garden kneeler and bangs away until his knees hurt or his arm is tired or it is to hot or too cold outside.
The squirrels are often very interested when Leroy is cracking nuts. He said, “Sometimes they come quite close.”
The other day one went in the garage with him and he had a bit of time chasing it out. He no longer leaves the garage door open as he feels the squirrels would come in and help themselves to the nuts that are still waiting to be cracked.
After the cracked nuts are inside, I help a little by sorting out all of the empty shells into one pan. I also put all of the free nut meats in another container. The last task is to put all of the partial shells that have nut meats stuck in them in a pan that Leroy pulls out of to attack with the nut pick.
There are some small shells and nut meats that Leroy throws out for the squirrels that come running and sort through the pile looking for treasure.
For some reason we do miss getting out a shell and it will blend in with the nut meats. I am not sure why, but when that happens I am the one who almost cracks a tooth by biting down on it. I have now gotten so that I put the nut meats on a white plate and take it to the window looking for those elusive shells. So far my teeth are still good. How do those squirrels do it?
Paula
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Groundhogs – dead or alive
Hello,
Sunday afternoon when walking with my young friend we saw an animal in the road that appeared dead. He said, “I think that is an opossum.”
“I do not think so because it does not have the naked tail. I suspect that it is a groundhog since we have seen one in this area.” I said.
We walked a little farther when he speculated, “It might be a raccoon.”
At that point I had to walk back and get a closer look. This animal, while it had a little bit of a bushy tail, did not have any of the characteristic black rings of a raccoon. I went back to my original Identification. That certainly was the closest that I have been to a groundhog, if it was a groundhog.
When Leroy and I walked Monday morning there was no animal in the road. Did someone remove it? Or was it not really dead even though it had been on its back with legs in the air?
Later Leroy went for a walk by himself and he did see a live groundhog a bit farther up the hill. Lately he has had all the luck spotting the live animals. Are they not out when I am there or is he better at seeing what is in the vicinity? Anyway I am jealous.
My walk monitor reported that last week I logged 89,945 steps with the best day at 14,152. Staying home more is good for something.
Paula
Sunday afternoon when walking with my young friend we saw an animal in the road that appeared dead. He said, “I think that is an opossum.”
“I do not think so because it does not have the naked tail. I suspect that it is a groundhog since we have seen one in this area.” I said.
We walked a little farther when he speculated, “It might be a raccoon.”
At that point I had to walk back and get a closer look. This animal, while it had a little bit of a bushy tail, did not have any of the characteristic black rings of a raccoon. I went back to my original Identification. That certainly was the closest that I have been to a groundhog, if it was a groundhog.
When Leroy and I walked Monday morning there was no animal in the road. Did someone remove it? Or was it not really dead even though it had been on its back with legs in the air?
Later Leroy went for a walk by himself and he did see a live groundhog a bit farther up the hill. Lately he has had all the luck spotting the live animals. Are they not out when I am there or is he better at seeing what is in the vicinity? Anyway I am jealous.
My walk monitor reported that last week I logged 89,945 steps with the best day at 14,152. Staying home more is good for something.
Paula
Monday, April 6, 2020
Masks!
Hello,
Our downstairs friend gave us two masks! I am so happy! The sewing machine is going into the closet. I figure that with washing and using my one that is ok along with a couple bandanas we will mange just fine. So happy to get those two good looking and well made masks. She is definitely a more accomplished seamstress than I am.
Leroy and I again walked early this morning. This time we started at 6:10 am. We did not see anyone else until almost the end of the walk when a woman walking a dog got off a part of the trail that we wanted to use. If we had been a few minutes later we might not have even seen her. Another woman was across the street walking two dogs so that was well out of our territory. We did not wear our masks because we were hoping to see no one. Later in the morning, I went for a second walk. This time I stayed much closer to home just in case it started to rain. Every time I saw another person, I turned and went a different direction or used an alternative path for a while. Consequently, I never met anyone. But I managed to get my 10,000 steps once again.
Self care now seems to be king in my life. Leroy and I do devotions together after which I do ten minutes of meditation. I also do my devotions in which I reread the passage in two translations and write some things. Usually a bit later in morning I do some yoga or tai chi so I get some balance and stretching work.
Perhaps writing to all of you is a part of self care as well. I am always strongly compelled to write. If many days go by without writing I do not feel so good. I am glad some of you read this. I cannot say if I need an audience or not.
Paula
Our downstairs friend gave us two masks! I am so happy! The sewing machine is going into the closet. I figure that with washing and using my one that is ok along with a couple bandanas we will mange just fine. So happy to get those two good looking and well made masks. She is definitely a more accomplished seamstress than I am.
Leroy and I again walked early this morning. This time we started at 6:10 am. We did not see anyone else until almost the end of the walk when a woman walking a dog got off a part of the trail that we wanted to use. If we had been a few minutes later we might not have even seen her. Another woman was across the street walking two dogs so that was well out of our territory. We did not wear our masks because we were hoping to see no one. Later in the morning, I went for a second walk. This time I stayed much closer to home just in case it started to rain. Every time I saw another person, I turned and went a different direction or used an alternative path for a while. Consequently, I never met anyone. But I managed to get my 10,000 steps once again.
Self care now seems to be king in my life. Leroy and I do devotions together after which I do ten minutes of meditation. I also do my devotions in which I reread the passage in two translations and write some things. Usually a bit later in morning I do some yoga or tai chi so I get some balance and stretching work.
Perhaps writing to all of you is a part of self care as well. I am always strongly compelled to write. If many days go by without writing I do not feel so good. I am glad some of you read this. I cannot say if I need an audience or not.
Paula
Sunday, April 5, 2020
Walking with a friend
Hello,
A friend called and asked if I would walk in a state park with him. He told me that he would wear a mask and did I have a mask. My replay was that I was not going so far away even though it is only 13-15 miles. But I would be willing to walk in the park close to my home if we walked six feet apart and wore our masks.
I made a mask yesterday such as it is. I should have followed instructions more closely. Oh well, I will try again, perhaps tomorrow.
There were a number of people out walking or riding bikes. Many of the walkers were wearing masks and two bike riders had them on as well. We are changing. We often walked in the street or on the grass to get far enough from each other as well as other people.
Even though it was cool this morning Leroy and I went out by 6:30 am. The trail was deserted except for one young man who walked ahead of us for a short time before heading off on a sidewalk. Then later we saw an older man on roller blades. He had no mask as we did not at that hour, but we stayed well away from him as he sped on by three times because he turned at some intersections.
My plan is to go out early again tomorrow. I now feel much more comfortable with fewer people in the area.
Paula
A friend called and asked if I would walk in a state park with him. He told me that he would wear a mask and did I have a mask. My replay was that I was not going so far away even though it is only 13-15 miles. But I would be willing to walk in the park close to my home if we walked six feet apart and wore our masks.
I made a mask yesterday such as it is. I should have followed instructions more closely. Oh well, I will try again, perhaps tomorrow.
There were a number of people out walking or riding bikes. Many of the walkers were wearing masks and two bike riders had them on as well. We are changing. We often walked in the street or on the grass to get far enough from each other as well as other people.
Even though it was cool this morning Leroy and I went out by 6:30 am. The trail was deserted except for one young man who walked ahead of us for a short time before heading off on a sidewalk. Then later we saw an older man on roller blades. He had no mask as we did not at that hour, but we stayed well away from him as he sped on by three times because he turned at some intersections.
My plan is to go out early again tomorrow. I now feel much more comfortable with fewer people in the area.
Paula
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Lightness
Hello,
I suggested, to the two people who are mostly in charge, for our church book club that we meet on Zoom. Well they thought it was a great idea and that I was the one who should get it together. I said yes, but then started to stew about it almost immediately.
I did not have the book and could not get it easily as an eBook as the hold list was too long. So I made that trip to church hoping for safety in both directions. Breathing in and breathing out.
I had only done that online meeting program once and that was when daughter Sarah invited me. It worked simply. I contacted the book club group and told them, “Since I do not know what I am doing, I will set up a practice as well as the meeting.”
That was all fairly easy to send an email, but I am not truly an organizer of people person. So I spent some time fussing in my mind about it all. Yesterday I tried to set up a meeting and it just was not working. How did Sarah made it sound so quick and easy. Finally we called her and she coached me over the phone while trying to see and read my screen on face time. What we found was that the app did not give the same options as logging on the web. When I logged in on the web it was all fine. Thank you Sarah.
This morning we had our practice gathering with a portion of the group there. It was such a relief to me. I feel that a load has been lifted. One member could not get her video to show, we could hear her just fine. She logged out and came back in to the same white screen result. When we were done she sent an email to all saying that her laptop had a sticker from the company on it which covered her camera. We were all seeing the back of that sticker and it did not express much!
Paula
I suggested, to the two people who are mostly in charge, for our church book club that we meet on Zoom. Well they thought it was a great idea and that I was the one who should get it together. I said yes, but then started to stew about it almost immediately.
I did not have the book and could not get it easily as an eBook as the hold list was too long. So I made that trip to church hoping for safety in both directions. Breathing in and breathing out.
I had only done that online meeting program once and that was when daughter Sarah invited me. It worked simply. I contacted the book club group and told them, “Since I do not know what I am doing, I will set up a practice as well as the meeting.”
That was all fairly easy to send an email, but I am not truly an organizer of people person. So I spent some time fussing in my mind about it all. Yesterday I tried to set up a meeting and it just was not working. How did Sarah made it sound so quick and easy. Finally we called her and she coached me over the phone while trying to see and read my screen on face time. What we found was that the app did not give the same options as logging on the web. When I logged in on the web it was all fine. Thank you Sarah.
This morning we had our practice gathering with a portion of the group there. It was such a relief to me. I feel that a load has been lifted. One member could not get her video to show, we could hear her just fine. She logged out and came back in to the same white screen result. When we were done she sent an email to all saying that her laptop had a sticker from the company on it which covered her camera. We were all seeing the back of that sticker and it did not express much!
Paula
Friday, April 3, 2020
Going to the Library
Hello,
Because I have my key we can get into the library. We drove there yesterday afternoon. My boss was still there. She has been putting together books and craft ideas for patrons by setting up a time when they can come get them. They do not enter, but get them from her in a hand off.
She checked out our books by using hand sanitizer and gloves. We selected them and put them in bags ourselves. Leroy found 18 books, I found 12 books, he selected 7 DVDs, and I selected 2 DVDs. We are set now for some time to come.
It was so good to see my boss again. It is the longest stretch of time for not seeing her. Usually when we meet we hug, but no touching and not even getting close was the new way.
It was also nice just to go down this familiar road.
I saw something today about how we should only go about two miles from home. Oh dear that trip was 12 miles. We do have one grocery store that close, but many people would not have that.
At the library, I learned that when I stepped sideway along a shelf that the bottom of my sneaker was coming loose. I regretfully put that pair in the garbage. The last time I walked I had noticed something but figured that I had stepped on something on the path. I do know that these shoes are recyclable, but assume that will not work at this time. These shoes were the ones I wear in the garden and such. I had been keeping them on the back porch and not bringing them in the house. Now my “good” pair is on the back porch after wearing them on a couple walks. With all the time I have I have been logging more than 10,000 steps a day it is closer to 12 or 13 thousand. Leroy often walks with me, but not so much because he is working 20 hours a week.
Paula
Because I have my key we can get into the library. We drove there yesterday afternoon. My boss was still there. She has been putting together books and craft ideas for patrons by setting up a time when they can come get them. They do not enter, but get them from her in a hand off.
She checked out our books by using hand sanitizer and gloves. We selected them and put them in bags ourselves. Leroy found 18 books, I found 12 books, he selected 7 DVDs, and I selected 2 DVDs. We are set now for some time to come.
It was so good to see my boss again. It is the longest stretch of time for not seeing her. Usually when we meet we hug, but no touching and not even getting close was the new way.
It was also nice just to go down this familiar road.
I saw something today about how we should only go about two miles from home. Oh dear that trip was 12 miles. We do have one grocery store that close, but many people would not have that.
At the library, I learned that when I stepped sideway along a shelf that the bottom of my sneaker was coming loose. I regretfully put that pair in the garbage. The last time I walked I had noticed something but figured that I had stepped on something on the path. I do know that these shoes are recyclable, but assume that will not work at this time. These shoes were the ones I wear in the garden and such. I had been keeping them on the back porch and not bringing them in the house. Now my “good” pair is on the back porch after wearing them on a couple walks. With all the time I have I have been logging more than 10,000 steps a day it is closer to 12 or 13 thousand. Leroy often walks with me, but not so much because he is working 20 hours a week.
Paula
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Leroy Working
Hello,
Yesterday, Leroy decided that, before this is over, he will probably finish the work that he brought home. Consequently he went in that morning after calling and learning that one other person would be in the building. He went with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. He said there were wipes right by the door so that was no problem. He spent a little time talking to the person there, but they kept that good six foot distance apart. He brought home two heavy boxes. “I watered my plant,” he said.
“Oh you should have brought it home,” I sighed.
“I watered it, it had not been watered for two weeks and it still looked good.” He assured me.
Well in a bit I heard him exclaim, “Where is that third box? I am sure I had it ready to go. It has things in it I need!”
He went back in to fetch that box and came home with an additional box as well as the plant. Luckily the plant is not so large that it will easily fit in with the little crowd that we have here.
Our state is now one of five that is not requiring people to shelter at home. We are planning to go to the Ely Library, which is closed, to return books and get new items. No one else will be there. Somehow that seems to me to be safe for us and others. Although I wonder if I am being hypocritical going out because I believe we should be sheltering at home as an entire group. Sometimes it is hard to live up to one’s own principles.
Keep safe and think of three things you are thankful for. Today I am just thinking of none people things. I am thankful for a furnace that works efficiently, windows that let in light with a view of the outside world, and a washer in the flat.
Paula
Yesterday, Leroy decided that, before this is over, he will probably finish the work that he brought home. Consequently he went in that morning after calling and learning that one other person would be in the building. He went with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. He said there were wipes right by the door so that was no problem. He spent a little time talking to the person there, but they kept that good six foot distance apart. He brought home two heavy boxes. “I watered my plant,” he said.
“Oh you should have brought it home,” I sighed.
“I watered it, it had not been watered for two weeks and it still looked good.” He assured me.
Well in a bit I heard him exclaim, “Where is that third box? I am sure I had it ready to go. It has things in it I need!”
He went back in to fetch that box and came home with an additional box as well as the plant. Luckily the plant is not so large that it will easily fit in with the little crowd that we have here.
Our state is now one of five that is not requiring people to shelter at home. We are planning to go to the Ely Library, which is closed, to return books and get new items. No one else will be there. Somehow that seems to me to be safe for us and others. Although I wonder if I am being hypocritical going out because I believe we should be sheltering at home as an entire group. Sometimes it is hard to live up to one’s own principles.
Keep safe and think of three things you are thankful for. Today I am just thinking of none people things. I am thankful for a furnace that works efficiently, windows that let in light with a view of the outside world, and a washer in the flat.
Paula
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Spills, Walking
April 1, 2020
Hello,
We often have a cup of water with a small amount of honey and cider vinegar in it. Last week, Leroy bumped the cup spilling the contents on the table, floor and chair. The chair pad got quite a supply. Because we had had them for some time and they had not been washed, it seemed like a nice time to wash. I was not paying attention and I washed them in warm or hot water. The inner part either expanded or the outer part shrunk. It is nice to have them clean, but they still are a bit off with a bowl shape in one direction and a mound when turned over. We are sitting on the mound side hoping they will eventually figure out a way to get together. It certainly is not a necessary item.
After that, when drinking tea in the computer room, I put my tea cup across the room. I do not want to accidently spill on the computer as I do not want to repair or shop for one now. Unfortunately I cannot just put it in the washer.
Leroy rode his bike yesterday and saw a groundhog that we have seen occasionally. I always look for it when going by its home which is about 20 or 30 feet from the bike trail. More than once it has dived into the hole when it becomes aware of someone there. Leroy was quiet on the bike so he got a good look. It is nice to see the wildlife such as squirrels and various birds. Once in a while we see a rabbit, but not often.
Paula
Hello,
We often have a cup of water with a small amount of honey and cider vinegar in it. Last week, Leroy bumped the cup spilling the contents on the table, floor and chair. The chair pad got quite a supply. Because we had had them for some time and they had not been washed, it seemed like a nice time to wash. I was not paying attention and I washed them in warm or hot water. The inner part either expanded or the outer part shrunk. It is nice to have them clean, but they still are a bit off with a bowl shape in one direction and a mound when turned over. We are sitting on the mound side hoping they will eventually figure out a way to get together. It certainly is not a necessary item.
After that, when drinking tea in the computer room, I put my tea cup across the room. I do not want to accidently spill on the computer as I do not want to repair or shop for one now. Unfortunately I cannot just put it in the washer.
Leroy rode his bike yesterday and saw a groundhog that we have seen occasionally. I always look for it when going by its home which is about 20 or 30 feet from the bike trail. More than once it has dived into the hole when it becomes aware of someone there. Leroy was quiet on the bike so he got a good look. It is nice to see the wildlife such as squirrels and various birds. Once in a while we see a rabbit, but not often.
Paula
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