That 19-Day Trip

Hello, We listened to the GPS which advised us to take a different route than planned because of road construction delays. We went the scenic byway which was called Shooting Star. It was lush and green with little variation of the scene. We had packed a lunch which we ate when we found a well shaded city park. It was lovely and refreshing to get out of the car. After that we did more meandering because of so many road closures. Leroy thinks we went in circles. I am not sure. Because of stops and different possibilities it took a bit longer than expected. However, we had plenty of time to get to the hotel. I had brought a cord to charge my phone. Unfortunately, I learned it only worked with Leroy’s phone. Luckily, we did have the proper cord in the car so that went all the way with me. After we returned home, I made sure that cords for me were clearly labeled. We woke early the first morning, giving Leroy some time to do his exercises before breakfast. Breakfast was ready early. The guy there informed us that it looked foggy out, but it was really smoke from the wild fires to the north of us. It was nice to get that warning. We got there is plenty of time to get our things on the bus and greet our friends. This is really a 17-day trip, but we have to drive a day before and one after so I call it 19 days. Paula

Computer Help

Hello, Brian came for about a day and a half to answer any questions we might have about our technology use. We had made a list so all of those questions were answered. He flew in and flew out. With one solid day here. It was great to se him again and good to settle some issues even though we had ignored those issues for some time. He also helped our downstairs friends with one issue of theirs. His plane was delayed coming, but not by much. The return flight was a different story. It was delayed several hours, meaning he would miss an appointment. He and Leroy drove to Des Moines, about two hours away. He caught a flight there and did ok. I was a little concerned about Leroy driving back by himself. Leroy does not like to drive. He made it in good time. We could even walk to church afterwards for a senior lunch. Then our internet did not work very well. Leroy had gotten a text that they were working on the “line”. But even when they should have been done it did not work. A call to our downstairs friends showed that their system was working. We reset all devices, but it finally worked again when the modem was unplugged and restarted. Amazing how turn it off, tun it back on seems to clear many things. Perhaps we should just do that on a regular basis. Relax and take a deep breath. Paula

Being a Slight Invalid

Hello, There are some good things about the toenail gone. Leroy just washed the kitchen and bathroom floors because he did not want to have me accidently hurt my toe. I do not get on hands and knees, but squat. He still figured there was some risk. I can just let him do it. I did help move things out of the area, sweep the floors, and shake out the bathmats. At least I did not feel guilty about not doing so much. It seemed to me that my toe was a bit shinny. I called my provider this afternoon. That became a bit of a challenge. Apparently, many people have foot issues because it was a bit hard to get through. When I did get through, a picture was required to be sent to the online site. I could take the picture just fine. The portal, it required a provider’s name. my provider was off for the day. I only had the first name of the person who would look at it. The last name was needed to find anyone, requiring another phone call where I left a message so they could call me back. That next call was the best because they gave me the cell phone of another doctor. I am comfortable sending photos by text. That Doctor got back to me in short order. He feeling was that it looked quite normal. Yes! How did we manage these questions before such advanced technology? Paula

Earwigs

Hello, I have a closer relationship with earwigs than I had ever imagined possible. I barely knew their name before this season. Now I have talked to several, they do not listen or obey. I have dumped several outside after finding them around the base of the cabbage head. I have killed several with my bands by crushing them into the garden soil. I have tried to destroy their home in the garden by snapping off the lower cabbage leaves. I have put out a trap for them, recipe found on the Internet, and apparently caught many tiny ants. I am sorry about that as I suspect these are good creatures to have around. Is this war or what? Does this mean you should not get on my bad side? The cabbage heads have been quite good. Especially after we chase out the earwigs. Most of the damage is just at the bottom of the head. From the street the cabbage looks beautiful and perfect. There are still two heads left. We will get those cut and frozen before we leave on our trip. I like cooked cabbage better than raw. Leroy goes along with whatever I say in the food area. By the way, Leroy will not touch the earwigs. He was also that way with squash bugs which I attacked with a vengeance one year. I managed to extend the zucchini crop for a good month. The Internet site stated that earwigs like lettuce as well, but they seem to like our cabbage better. We have some very nice oakleaf lettuce that with stands the heat. I am pleased with it. Paula

Busy Morning

Hello, We were off to tai chi, even managed to arrive ahead of the instructor. But that just meant we needed to get the computer and TV set up for the internet connection. We are often joined by five or more online people. My foot did quite well with the balance poses. Leroy had a bit more of a struggle. The next stop was to pay a dentist bill. Just grateful that we have the money to do this without stressing about it. Course we like to stop at the city library. Leroy found about five books and I even managed to find two. I am reading one at home that will go in the little free library when I am done. Our little free library is frequently almost empty. Books go out, but seldom come back. We stopped at church to do some watering flowers around the building. Even though I had been to the pharmacy to pick up a filled prescription, we went there again to pick up one for Leroy. Now I have a message that I will have one there in a week. Are we on a lot of drugs? At home we had to do some watering because one flower looked rather distressed. We got water from the rain barrel. It was a task since leaves or some green growth was blocking the exit. It took two of us to get that open. The plant looks much better now. At home I asked Leroy for help with one of the credit card statements. I always keep the receipts and then check it against the statement. I can do it by myself, but it is easier with the two of us. Paula

Brass Band

Hello, The brass band was an interesting concert. They were quite good. They even stopped and showed all of their instruments. It was based on the British style of brass band. All of the selections were introduced with a little description. The concert was in the Shakespear garden. That certainly fits. I had wanted to visit the Shakespear garden. It was a good excuse to get there. What makes it a garden of that period, I can not begin to say. It was quite well organized and colorful. We were a bit early so we could walk around and admire the plants. There was a breeze scattering the bugs. The temperature was warm, but not hot and the breeze helped with that too. There was a municipal band concert after the brass band, but Leroy did not want to stay so long. I would have stayed if I had been alone, but it was ok to come home and go to bed before it was late. Today is so much hotter. Glad the concerts were last night. I went out early to water plants this morning. Neither of us did much outside this afternoon. Air conditioning is a comfort. Leroy had an appointment this morning with the cardiologist. I did my volunteer job. Trusted him to pay attention. He seemed to do a good job with questions and listening. Some of his meds are changed. He will have another procedure done when it can be scheduled. Guess these people are very busy. Too many people with hearts that require attention. We are fortunate that he can get it taken care of. Paula

Getting Ready for a trip

Hello, Even though the trip is still a little more than two weeks away, I keep planning for it. Perhaps it has been too long since we have taken a trip. Wondering which suitcase should I take. Old faithful or the new one? How cold will it be outside, on the bus, or in the hotels? What clothes to pack? Warm or cool weather? How much of each type? People often ask what cities will be visited. It seemed good to make a list that I can see them and start to learn them. Perhaps I should learn something about each one. Now that would be out of character. Should I set aside something when it seems we might need it? What shoes? Sunhat for sure, but it is worn almost daily. Should a spare go in even though it is not the favorite in case the favorite is forgotten at the last minute. How much reading material to take? Not a lot of time for reading, but certainly some. Perhaps the magazines will be just about right for reading and leaving someplace. How much money should we take? We like to leave a tip in the hotel room for the care we get. Then there are some meals that we purchase ourselves, but usually we use plastic for that. Souvenirs are not really on our list. Paula