Hello,
Yesterday church service was in the park followed by brunch. Brunch slipped past my radar and I took not one but two salads. Most of the offerings were sweets and fruits. My salads were half eaten. Sandwiches were also there so that was ok. Before we ate, I wanted to wash my hand. The large wolf spider looked at me. The rushing water caused it to try to get out and I screeched. My hands were almost clean. I did not press the issue because I was not interested in having the spider out of the sink.
It is better to let the grass grow longer and not cut it so short is the message I have preached to Leroy. He has complied. The trouble is that something stopped him the day he was last going to mow and then we had about three days of rain. Saturday he mowed the tall grass prairie into mounds of grass. I raked it on Sunday. I do not like to work on Sunday, but it seemed that the grass under might die. It is good to get the grass for mulch for the flower beds.
Today was a day to spend money. Our flight to Utah in October is booked as is my flight to DC in September. Miriam ended up calling the airlines for the Utah trip because we could not get it to go through on the website. We will go out of Omaha since it is so much cheaper. Then for the DC flight I called since I wanted to use my NW miles for a Delta ticket. After a long talk with the agent, the flight was booked using some miles, both Delta and NW flights, and paying some money. In the end I could not say that I got the best deal, but I just trusted this woman I was working with. It was quite complicated, way beyond my abilities. She was friendly too so that made it all feel right.
The credit card bill is paid as is a dr. bill. One car insurance bill is yet to be paid. It was a shocker. Our rate raised because of Leroy’s slide on the ice and rates were adjusted up for Iowa. But we have the money so we can’t complain too much.
Paula
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Volunteers
Hello,
Volunteers are so much appreciated, especially when they are unexpected. In the back yard there are now four impatients volunteering and sharing their beauty. It almost seems like a rare discovery to find them opening their buds. One of them is transplanted into the impatient bed and doing extremely well.
One human volunteer helped Leroy to move the nonworking washer out of the basement. Before it was over he might have regretted his impulse. There was much huffing, puffing, groaning, and moaning before the job was finished. “Why aren’t we 30 years younger?” was said during a time of breathing and resting. That washer was very heavy, but it is gone now and I am glad. There is a little more room to move around in the laundry area.
It is amazing how one person’s joy is another’s job. Miriam was looking for flights for Leroy and I to visit (and babysit) in October.
“You don’t have to do that right now,” Leroy said as we were talking to her.
“It is alright,” she said, “It is fun.”
Not fun in our book, but a chore.
I have some ear wax that defies Leroy’s efforts. I have put “stuff” in the ear that is supposed to soften it. Leroy washes and washes until he is tired. So far only a very little bit of odd looking material has come out. Am I going to have to have a Dr. do this? That seems so excessive since we have taken care of this problem more than once in the past. To be controlled by ear wax alters the importance of things.
Paula
Volunteers are so much appreciated, especially when they are unexpected. In the back yard there are now four impatients volunteering and sharing their beauty. It almost seems like a rare discovery to find them opening their buds. One of them is transplanted into the impatient bed and doing extremely well.
One human volunteer helped Leroy to move the nonworking washer out of the basement. Before it was over he might have regretted his impulse. There was much huffing, puffing, groaning, and moaning before the job was finished. “Why aren’t we 30 years younger?” was said during a time of breathing and resting. That washer was very heavy, but it is gone now and I am glad. There is a little more room to move around in the laundry area.
It is amazing how one person’s joy is another’s job. Miriam was looking for flights for Leroy and I to visit (and babysit) in October.
“You don’t have to do that right now,” Leroy said as we were talking to her.
“It is alright,” she said, “It is fun.”
Not fun in our book, but a chore.
I have some ear wax that defies Leroy’s efforts. I have put “stuff” in the ear that is supposed to soften it. Leroy washes and washes until he is tired. So far only a very little bit of odd looking material has come out. Am I going to have to have a Dr. do this? That seems so excessive since we have taken care of this problem more than once in the past. To be controlled by ear wax alters the importance of things.
Paula
Friday, August 28, 2009
Dumpster in the park
Hello,
I heard a bit of noise at the dumpster north of us. A van was pulled up and there were several people out by it. Because of the distance it was difficult to say what they were doing. Could someone come to the state park to dispose of their garbage?
After a bit the old rusty van moved down to the next dumpster south of us. Three girls, the oldest might have been 13, came slowly walking past. Then their father yelled, “The last one here goes in.”
The girls picked up the pace for the rest of the walk to the dumpster. The man picked up one of the girls and put her in the dumpster. She started throwing out garbage bags. What can they find of value in the campgrounds? They seemed to be getting the cans because clinking as they put them in another bag. Iowa has a five cent bottle deposit.
What a way to get money. Just a little bit at a time. If I were one of those girls I would have hated doing this. It would have been hard for others to see me do this. But at least they were getting money in a legal even though unsavory manner. Leroy and I do not drink anything from cans so we could contribute to their haul.
Who knows maybe they did not really need the money, but just did it for the challenge. After all, our former car was rusty, but we have enough money. But maybe others thought differently when they looked at the car.
Paula
I heard a bit of noise at the dumpster north of us. A van was pulled up and there were several people out by it. Because of the distance it was difficult to say what they were doing. Could someone come to the state park to dispose of their garbage?
After a bit the old rusty van moved down to the next dumpster south of us. Three girls, the oldest might have been 13, came slowly walking past. Then their father yelled, “The last one here goes in.”
The girls picked up the pace for the rest of the walk to the dumpster. The man picked up one of the girls and put her in the dumpster. She started throwing out garbage bags. What can they find of value in the campgrounds? They seemed to be getting the cans because clinking as they put them in another bag. Iowa has a five cent bottle deposit.
What a way to get money. Just a little bit at a time. If I were one of those girls I would have hated doing this. It would have been hard for others to see me do this. But at least they were getting money in a legal even though unsavory manner. Leroy and I do not drink anything from cans so we could contribute to their haul.
Who knows maybe they did not really need the money, but just did it for the challenge. After all, our former car was rusty, but we have enough money. But maybe others thought differently when they looked at the car.
Paula
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Health
Hello,
I just got the results of my most recent blood tests. I am happy to report that my total cholesterol dropped by 35 points. Still more than 200, but close at 217. Triglycerides dropped to 58 so that is excellent. HDL is down to 72, but I understand that is still in the good range. LDL is 127, putting it in the near optimal range.
What caused this good report? Maybe it is less cheese in the diet plus honey and cider vinegar taken each day? Or is it all of the yoga? Who knows? Now just to hang on to that level and maybe even have it drop some more. Will Leroy have a similar tale to tell when he gets his levels checked?
We are getting quite a lot of rain. I did not ride my bike to the park for yoga because the sky was dark. It did not rain until I had been home for two hours. Leroy even made it home for lunch before it poured. We have been so fortunate to ride bikes or walk most of the time without getting wet.
There is a strange fungus growing in the front flower bed. It has a narrow brown top with an orange stem. It is so interesting that it gets to live. It seems not to bother anything else.
While in the park a woman in a motorized cart wheeled around the camp ground. How wonderful that handicapped persons can be out and about too.
The ration of dogs to people was clearly out of sync. Most had a dog and many had two or more.
We were also fortunate to see four deer, hear owls hooting, and hear cicadas buzzing away in the trees.
Paula
I just got the results of my most recent blood tests. I am happy to report that my total cholesterol dropped by 35 points. Still more than 200, but close at 217. Triglycerides dropped to 58 so that is excellent. HDL is down to 72, but I understand that is still in the good range. LDL is 127, putting it in the near optimal range.
What caused this good report? Maybe it is less cheese in the diet plus honey and cider vinegar taken each day? Or is it all of the yoga? Who knows? Now just to hang on to that level and maybe even have it drop some more. Will Leroy have a similar tale to tell when he gets his levels checked?
We are getting quite a lot of rain. I did not ride my bike to the park for yoga because the sky was dark. It did not rain until I had been home for two hours. Leroy even made it home for lunch before it poured. We have been so fortunate to ride bikes or walk most of the time without getting wet.
There is a strange fungus growing in the front flower bed. It has a narrow brown top with an orange stem. It is so interesting that it gets to live. It seems not to bother anything else.
While in the park a woman in a motorized cart wheeled around the camp ground. How wonderful that handicapped persons can be out and about too.
The ration of dogs to people was clearly out of sync. Most had a dog and many had two or more.
We were also fortunate to see four deer, hear owls hooting, and hear cicadas buzzing away in the trees.
Paula
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Camping
Hello,
The decision to go camping was really made when Leroy came home after church about 1:00 in the afternoon. As soon as we were done eating we started preparing. The list of necessary items was made as thoughts came to mind. Carrying one thing out the door spurred a thought of some other item that was good to have along. Finally all was ready. In the car and away we drove.
As we started to fix supper it was clear that we had not brought oil, a necessity for late popcorn and morning pancakes. I gamely introduced myself to some well established looking neighbors across the way. They were happy to sell me some oil.
Then it was time to turn on the stove. The first fuel cylinder produced no flame, ditto for the second. What is happening? It was not in character for Boy Scout prepared Leroy to put away empty cylinders. Could they have leaked? What to do? Go to the nearby town or cook over a wood fire. Even though we did not bring much wood and had not bought any we got some from the empty camp site next door. The grating was quite far from the flame so it was difficult, but not impossible to cook. Leroy stacked the wood so that we could balance the pan on it. That worked fine to cook and heat water for dishes. However, now our wood supply was quite low. The thought of no popcorn treat put a damper on spirits. We walked around just looking at the lake and adjacent playground when we spotted a bigger log. Leroy has an efficient finger saw so it would be good. We picked it up and hauled it home. Not long after we got there the oil neighbors brought over two sawed logs and immediately behind them other neighbors brought over two more logs. Generous people are indeed everywhere.
We had also forgotten to bring dish soap, but we had some homemade soap so we used that. After all that is what my family used for dishes when I was growing up. Not so nice in hard water, but it still cleans, I believe.
In the morning Leroy said, “I feel as if I slept on cement.”
“I slept very well,” I said, “thank you for the comfort of this bigger air mattress (bigger, but still small enough to blow up with human lungs).”
When Leroy checked his mattress it was really flat. I had not blown enough air into it. Oops!
Paula
The decision to go camping was really made when Leroy came home after church about 1:00 in the afternoon. As soon as we were done eating we started preparing. The list of necessary items was made as thoughts came to mind. Carrying one thing out the door spurred a thought of some other item that was good to have along. Finally all was ready. In the car and away we drove.
As we started to fix supper it was clear that we had not brought oil, a necessity for late popcorn and morning pancakes. I gamely introduced myself to some well established looking neighbors across the way. They were happy to sell me some oil.
Then it was time to turn on the stove. The first fuel cylinder produced no flame, ditto for the second. What is happening? It was not in character for Boy Scout prepared Leroy to put away empty cylinders. Could they have leaked? What to do? Go to the nearby town or cook over a wood fire. Even though we did not bring much wood and had not bought any we got some from the empty camp site next door. The grating was quite far from the flame so it was difficult, but not impossible to cook. Leroy stacked the wood so that we could balance the pan on it. That worked fine to cook and heat water for dishes. However, now our wood supply was quite low. The thought of no popcorn treat put a damper on spirits. We walked around just looking at the lake and adjacent playground when we spotted a bigger log. Leroy has an efficient finger saw so it would be good. We picked it up and hauled it home. Not long after we got there the oil neighbors brought over two sawed logs and immediately behind them other neighbors brought over two more logs. Generous people are indeed everywhere.
We had also forgotten to bring dish soap, but we had some homemade soap so we used that. After all that is what my family used for dishes when I was growing up. Not so nice in hard water, but it still cleans, I believe.
In the morning Leroy said, “I feel as if I slept on cement.”
“I slept very well,” I said, “thank you for the comfort of this bigger air mattress (bigger, but still small enough to blow up with human lungs).”
When Leroy checked his mattress it was really flat. I had not blown enough air into it. Oops!
Paula
Monday, August 24, 2009
Leroy's Sermons
Hello,
Friday Leroy came home and announced, “Well, I have a sermon, but I am not sure how it will be received. Some might be offended.”
“Oh, dear, does that mean I should stay home?” I asked.
“I don’t think it is that bad,” he said.
It did not seem bad to me. His basic point was that Jesus is asking us “Do you love me?” rather than where do you stand on any issue.
After church a woman came up and said, “Hi Paula.” She looked familiar, but I could not place her. After a while I realized that she is the mother of a congregation member. She lives in Washington D.C. and I have only seen her once. At her request, Leroy emails his sermons to her.
“I am thankful he sends me his sermons,” she said, “I find them to be so inspired. They usually are just what I need. I often share them with other people.”
Leroy’s sermons are usually good, but this comment just blows me away. Are Leroy’s sermons going around the Internet? I guess I should listen more carefully.
Getting away seemed like a good idea so camping in a state park 30 miles from home transported us outside of our home. The weather was beautiful, the lake calm, breezes fresh, people friendly, air cool, and the quiet night star filled.
“We should do this every Sunday night all fall,” I said as we gazed at the fire. Will that happen? That is not so likely, but maybe one more time.
Paula
Friday Leroy came home and announced, “Well, I have a sermon, but I am not sure how it will be received. Some might be offended.”
“Oh, dear, does that mean I should stay home?” I asked.
“I don’t think it is that bad,” he said.
It did not seem bad to me. His basic point was that Jesus is asking us “Do you love me?” rather than where do you stand on any issue.
After church a woman came up and said, “Hi Paula.” She looked familiar, but I could not place her. After a while I realized that she is the mother of a congregation member. She lives in Washington D.C. and I have only seen her once. At her request, Leroy emails his sermons to her.
“I am thankful he sends me his sermons,” she said, “I find them to be so inspired. They usually are just what I need. I often share them with other people.”
Leroy’s sermons are usually good, but this comment just blows me away. Are Leroy’s sermons going around the Internet? I guess I should listen more carefully.
Getting away seemed like a good idea so camping in a state park 30 miles from home transported us outside of our home. The weather was beautiful, the lake calm, breezes fresh, people friendly, air cool, and the quiet night star filled.
“We should do this every Sunday night all fall,” I said as we gazed at the fire. Will that happen? That is not so likely, but maybe one more time.
Paula
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Blessings
Hello,
The pastor of the Ukrainian congregation again brought us gifts: a quart of honey, two cucumbers, one yellow pepper, 5-10 pounds of tomatoes, and ten or more pounds of potatoes. All of these things come from their farm. What bounty! We can not imagine what we can give them in return that is of such value.
Earlier today someone else brought a box of tomatoes. Just when I think we are out of something the doorbell rings.
This morning we went to garage sales. We found a lid for a Tupperware container that was in need. That was well worth a quarter. It is amazing what treasures are waiting to be found.
Even though it is August, we had bean soup and cornbread for supper. It is cool and seemed to be a good choice. With the addition of some of the new vegetables that came in the door it was quite tasty.
“I am embarrassed,” Leroy said as he trudged into the living room and eased onto the couch.
“Oh, why is that?” I wanted to know.
“I can’t find any paint that will cover the paint that I put on the walls at church to cover the marks,” he sighed, “It shows through all of them.”
Leroy had decided to cover some odd spots on the walls, opened a can of paint that he thought looked close, and proceeded to cover spots here and there in many places in the church. When the paint dried it was revealed to be much darker than the original. Now none of the other cover ups he has tried have been able to hide it.
“I think there is nothing left, but that you must fess up to your mistake. We could try to repaint what we able if we knew the proper color,” I said.
“Oh,” he groaned, “I suppose that is all that is left to do.”
“You will know you are past it,” I said, helpfully, “when you can tell about it and laugh. There are certainly other more serious things you could screw up. Such as insulting some pillar of the church. This is really minor in the long run.”
“That is true, but now I do not feel that way,” he said.
Paula
The pastor of the Ukrainian congregation again brought us gifts: a quart of honey, two cucumbers, one yellow pepper, 5-10 pounds of tomatoes, and ten or more pounds of potatoes. All of these things come from their farm. What bounty! We can not imagine what we can give them in return that is of such value.
Earlier today someone else brought a box of tomatoes. Just when I think we are out of something the doorbell rings.
This morning we went to garage sales. We found a lid for a Tupperware container that was in need. That was well worth a quarter. It is amazing what treasures are waiting to be found.
Even though it is August, we had bean soup and cornbread for supper. It is cool and seemed to be a good choice. With the addition of some of the new vegetables that came in the door it was quite tasty.
“I am embarrassed,” Leroy said as he trudged into the living room and eased onto the couch.
“Oh, why is that?” I wanted to know.
“I can’t find any paint that will cover the paint that I put on the walls at church to cover the marks,” he sighed, “It shows through all of them.”
Leroy had decided to cover some odd spots on the walls, opened a can of paint that he thought looked close, and proceeded to cover spots here and there in many places in the church. When the paint dried it was revealed to be much darker than the original. Now none of the other cover ups he has tried have been able to hide it.
“I think there is nothing left, but that you must fess up to your mistake. We could try to repaint what we able if we knew the proper color,” I said.
“Oh,” he groaned, “I suppose that is all that is left to do.”
“You will know you are past it,” I said, helpfully, “when you can tell about it and laugh. There are certainly other more serious things you could screw up. Such as insulting some pillar of the church. This is really minor in the long run.”
“That is true, but now I do not feel that way,” he said.
Paula
Friday, August 21, 2009
More info on feelings
Hello,
I just wanted to be sure that you understood that I am ashamed about some of those feelings. After all how could a nice person like me have them? But I suspect we all have a bit of the darker side. I am over it and have moved on.
Some people who stayed have sent nice thank you notes and I do appreciate that. Also it was fun to meet the guy who hunted on the land that is my home farm. Who would have guessed that anyone would have a connection with my past? He did not hunt there until after my parents sold the farm, but he knew my brother and one of my cousins.
Now school kids walk past the house. Recess noises filter in through the window. A little grief comes to the forefront, but I do not want to sub so I let those feelings roll through me. Now I know that I will have to find something more to do. However, my children call.
November we will be in MN because Leroy has continuing Ed. October we go to SLC to babysit while Miriam and Andy are gone. September I go to D.C. to help Sarah and Stephen move. In December I go to MN to babysit while Brian and Jen are gone. Who has time for a real job? Not me. Life always has some give and take if I can just go with the priorities.
I canned a few tomatoes today, five pints. It was a bit more than we could eat just now. There are more tomatoes on the vines so we can still eat tomorrow. The five peppers are growing slowly. I hope they make it before frost. Course I will pick them before that since I do not believe it hurts to eat a green pepper green. Basil is growing beautifully. Every time I see it I tell it how much I like it.
Paula
I just wanted to be sure that you understood that I am ashamed about some of those feelings. After all how could a nice person like me have them? But I suspect we all have a bit of the darker side. I am over it and have moved on.
Some people who stayed have sent nice thank you notes and I do appreciate that. Also it was fun to meet the guy who hunted on the land that is my home farm. Who would have guessed that anyone would have a connection with my past? He did not hunt there until after my parents sold the farm, but he knew my brother and one of my cousins.
Now school kids walk past the house. Recess noises filter in through the window. A little grief comes to the forefront, but I do not want to sub so I let those feelings roll through me. Now I know that I will have to find something more to do. However, my children call.
November we will be in MN because Leroy has continuing Ed. October we go to SLC to babysit while Miriam and Andy are gone. September I go to D.C. to help Sarah and Stephen move. In December I go to MN to babysit while Brian and Jen are gone. Who has time for a real job? Not me. Life always has some give and take if I can just go with the priorities.
I canned a few tomatoes today, five pints. It was a bit more than we could eat just now. There are more tomatoes on the vines so we can still eat tomorrow. The five peppers are growing slowly. I hope they make it before frost. Course I will pick them before that since I do not believe it hurts to eat a green pepper green. Basil is growing beautifully. Every time I see it I tell it how much I like it.
Paula
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Feelings
Hello,
Before RAGBRAI people came I was feeling all generous even emailing to offer breakfast. Somehow more negative thoughts crept in and I began to hope they would pay me for the breakfast, after all I did not know any of these people. Leroy did know one of them. Showers cost $5 at public places. I thought people would want to shower here and sure enough that was the assumption. No one even asked, “Can I use your shower?” Instead the question was, “Where is the shower?”
Because we live in a parsonage it is a question should the church get the money or us? One man in a van asked to use electricity and he paid $5 for that service. Another group in a camper asked to fill their water tank. They gave me $20. I did give $10 back since no one else was paying for the shower inside of the house. We did give that money to the church since they do pay the utilities. However the IRS considers utilities part of Leroy’s income along with a fair rental value of the house. So just whose money should this be? It is hard to find the proper answer. Leroy was definitely more in favor of giving it to the church, so his wishes ruled. Besides keeping it did not feel right to me either.
In the evening one group gave us a RAGBRAI mug. The other group gave a Hawkeye basketball figure with a string on the top of the head, perhaps an ornament, but it seems a little large for a tree. Personally I do not care much about those things, but at least they gave something. Part of me still wanted money for the 15 showers, my new half empty bottle of body wash, two loads of laundry, computer use, and the meal(not everyone had the meal).
Guilt set in because generosity should rule. After all, so many people have been generous with us. Letting us stay over night and feeding us too. Where did these selfish thoughts come from? Is it the real me? Or am I a mix. I am hoping for the mix or at least changing from time to time. I have put it to rest finally and feel ok about it. Next time I think Leroy should ask to stay in homes. It is dry. There are showers, toilets, and company.
Paula
Before RAGBRAI people came I was feeling all generous even emailing to offer breakfast. Somehow more negative thoughts crept in and I began to hope they would pay me for the breakfast, after all I did not know any of these people. Leroy did know one of them. Showers cost $5 at public places. I thought people would want to shower here and sure enough that was the assumption. No one even asked, “Can I use your shower?” Instead the question was, “Where is the shower?”
Because we live in a parsonage it is a question should the church get the money or us? One man in a van asked to use electricity and he paid $5 for that service. Another group in a camper asked to fill their water tank. They gave me $20. I did give $10 back since no one else was paying for the shower inside of the house. We did give that money to the church since they do pay the utilities. However the IRS considers utilities part of Leroy’s income along with a fair rental value of the house. So just whose money should this be? It is hard to find the proper answer. Leroy was definitely more in favor of giving it to the church, so his wishes ruled. Besides keeping it did not feel right to me either.
In the evening one group gave us a RAGBRAI mug. The other group gave a Hawkeye basketball figure with a string on the top of the head, perhaps an ornament, but it seems a little large for a tree. Personally I do not care much about those things, but at least they gave something. Part of me still wanted money for the 15 showers, my new half empty bottle of body wash, two loads of laundry, computer use, and the meal(not everyone had the meal).
Guilt set in because generosity should rule. After all, so many people have been generous with us. Letting us stay over night and feeding us too. Where did these selfish thoughts come from? Is it the real me? Or am I a mix. I am hoping for the mix or at least changing from time to time. I have put it to rest finally and feel ok about it. Next time I think Leroy should ask to stay in homes. It is dry. There are showers, toilets, and company.
Paula
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Under the stars
Hello,
Up at the crack of dawn, soon dawn will not have cracked before we get up, we exercised a little (Leroy), wrote a little (Paula), ate breakfast (cantaloupe, oatmeal, banana, blueberries, milk, a bit of granola), had devotions, and headed off to church where we cleaned up after our Kenya talk the previous night. It was an all new show with pictures that I had taken when I returned to be with Sarah and Lexi as they moved back to the US. Eighty-seven pictures seemed like a lot to cover in an hour so with a conscious effort the last picture was seen only half an hour from the first. What to do now? A wireless connection to the Internet made it possible to view more pictures. There are many more pictures to choose from. Also there was time for questions.
At the church the frozen food in the freezer that had been left from the big RAGBRAI bash was loaded in the car. The food was going to an organization that supports people with physical and emotional handicaps. A connection with my neighbor who works there, made this possible.
Next a stop at the local food pantry was on the list. Leroy is to get a ceiling repaired and needed to see what was involved. A sack of donations to the cause and a tour of the facility completed the outing.
At the end of the day Leroy said, “I am a little down.”
“What do we do for fun?” I wondered. Fun seems to be low on our list of priorities.
“I know, let’s go the park, start a fire, sit around it, and enjoy the evening. The night was clear, cool, and calm. Spirits lifted with the smoke floating up to the molted sky. All sticks burned leaving the home yard pristine. Egg cartons are great fire starters and not recyclable, hence they were piling up in the garage because this great pyrotechnique tool cannot be thrown cavalierly in the garbage. There is a much smaller stack today. Now that fits the practical soul, relaxation and something of value happened.
Paula
Up at the crack of dawn, soon dawn will not have cracked before we get up, we exercised a little (Leroy), wrote a little (Paula), ate breakfast (cantaloupe, oatmeal, banana, blueberries, milk, a bit of granola), had devotions, and headed off to church where we cleaned up after our Kenya talk the previous night. It was an all new show with pictures that I had taken when I returned to be with Sarah and Lexi as they moved back to the US. Eighty-seven pictures seemed like a lot to cover in an hour so with a conscious effort the last picture was seen only half an hour from the first. What to do now? A wireless connection to the Internet made it possible to view more pictures. There are many more pictures to choose from. Also there was time for questions.
At the church the frozen food in the freezer that had been left from the big RAGBRAI bash was loaded in the car. The food was going to an organization that supports people with physical and emotional handicaps. A connection with my neighbor who works there, made this possible.
Next a stop at the local food pantry was on the list. Leroy is to get a ceiling repaired and needed to see what was involved. A sack of donations to the cause and a tour of the facility completed the outing.
At the end of the day Leroy said, “I am a little down.”
“What do we do for fun?” I wondered. Fun seems to be low on our list of priorities.
“I know, let’s go the park, start a fire, sit around it, and enjoy the evening. The night was clear, cool, and calm. Spirits lifted with the smoke floating up to the molted sky. All sticks burned leaving the home yard pristine. Egg cartons are great fire starters and not recyclable, hence they were piling up in the garage because this great pyrotechnique tool cannot be thrown cavalierly in the garbage. There is a much smaller stack today. Now that fits the practical soul, relaxation and something of value happened.
Paula
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Moving furniture
Hello,
I think the piano would look good on that other inside wall and then we could have the rocking chair facing the other chairs. Today a guy came over to help Leroy move the donated washing machine to find out if it really worked. After a time struggling to move it and getting the cord attached to the wall they learned that it does not work. It has been taking up space in the laundry area for over a year now. I like open space. It will go next week when they clean out some other things at church, as they can pick up this machine too.
It took quite a bit of effort to shift the piano over the carpet to the adjoining wall. Leroy declared it would have to stay there, but I do not like it there. He said, “Maybe when they move out the washing machine they would also help move the piano.”
We will have to move or the piano will have to move.
Recycling, groceries, and general store stops were on my list. Leroy said, “I will go with you and help with the recycling.”
“Okay,” I replied, “You help me remember to pick up the shopper that lists garage sales.”
“Sure,” he said with the voice of confidence.
We were just putting the groceries away when Leroy asked, “Did you get the shopper list?”
I make many trips to the store and have not brought home that list, but it is not worth going again. How can I go to garage sales if I do not know where they are?
Paula
I think the piano would look good on that other inside wall and then we could have the rocking chair facing the other chairs. Today a guy came over to help Leroy move the donated washing machine to find out if it really worked. After a time struggling to move it and getting the cord attached to the wall they learned that it does not work. It has been taking up space in the laundry area for over a year now. I like open space. It will go next week when they clean out some other things at church, as they can pick up this machine too.
It took quite a bit of effort to shift the piano over the carpet to the adjoining wall. Leroy declared it would have to stay there, but I do not like it there. He said, “Maybe when they move out the washing machine they would also help move the piano.”
We will have to move or the piano will have to move.
Recycling, groceries, and general store stops were on my list. Leroy said, “I will go with you and help with the recycling.”
“Okay,” I replied, “You help me remember to pick up the shopper that lists garage sales.”
“Sure,” he said with the voice of confidence.
We were just putting the groceries away when Leroy asked, “Did you get the shopper list?”
I make many trips to the store and have not brought home that list, but it is not worth going again. How can I go to garage sales if I do not know where they are?
Paula
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I left my heart...
Hello,
While hanging out clothes today, “I left my heart” started playing on a tape in my head. The writer of that song has nothing on me. I could sing “I left my underpants in Bratislava, hanging on a tree.” Do you think my panties are still there? One windy day they blew off the balcony clothes line into a tree beyond easy reach. I could never convince Leroy to risk life and limb to save me from seeing them flapping in the breeze. The only blessing is that it was quite a distance above street level with the gray chameleon color blending quite well with the tree trunk. In the summer the leaves hid them perfectly.
The fuchsia was perfect at first, nearly died, was trimmed, watered twice daily, and moved to a new home deeper in the shade. Now it has revived and re-bloomed beyond all expectation.
Sunday I “accompanied” a kid (he is probably 19) who played the saxophone in church. It was a hymn that I transposed; actually I think I had help since it is quite a distant key, for alto sax. Brian played sax so I did it so he could play it. I thought it would sound good with this hymn. Avry met me carrying a large case. As he was taking it out I asked, “What type of sax is that?”
“Tenor,” he replied.
“Do you play the same music as Alto?” I wanted to know.
It is not the same so we came up with a solution since neither of us could transpose this much. I played my little interludes and he played the melody segments by himself. It was a fifth off from my part but we both felt it was ok.
One of the congregation members told me that I should have had his band director find a longer more complicated piece that would show his talent. I told her that I was interested in having the hymn played. I guess I do not see the worship service as a place to show case music or other talents, but that can happen however it is not the driving force. It should just come naturally as the gift of talent unfolds for the moment.
An update on Lora, Stephen’s sister: her cancer cannot be cured, but it can be treated.
Paula
While hanging out clothes today, “I left my heart” started playing on a tape in my head. The writer of that song has nothing on me. I could sing “I left my underpants in Bratislava, hanging on a tree.” Do you think my panties are still there? One windy day they blew off the balcony clothes line into a tree beyond easy reach. I could never convince Leroy to risk life and limb to save me from seeing them flapping in the breeze. The only blessing is that it was quite a distance above street level with the gray chameleon color blending quite well with the tree trunk. In the summer the leaves hid them perfectly.
The fuchsia was perfect at first, nearly died, was trimmed, watered twice daily, and moved to a new home deeper in the shade. Now it has revived and re-bloomed beyond all expectation.
Sunday I “accompanied” a kid (he is probably 19) who played the saxophone in church. It was a hymn that I transposed; actually I think I had help since it is quite a distant key, for alto sax. Brian played sax so I did it so he could play it. I thought it would sound good with this hymn. Avry met me carrying a large case. As he was taking it out I asked, “What type of sax is that?”
“Tenor,” he replied.
“Do you play the same music as Alto?” I wanted to know.
It is not the same so we came up with a solution since neither of us could transpose this much. I played my little interludes and he played the melody segments by himself. It was a fifth off from my part but we both felt it was ok.
One of the congregation members told me that I should have had his band director find a longer more complicated piece that would show his talent. I told her that I was interested in having the hymn played. I guess I do not see the worship service as a place to show case music or other talents, but that can happen however it is not the driving force. It should just come naturally as the gift of talent unfolds for the moment.
An update on Lora, Stephen’s sister: her cancer cannot be cured, but it can be treated.
Paula
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Garage Sale Finds
Hello,
“Look at what I got,” Leroy said.
“At the sidewalk sale at the hardware store?” I asked.
“No at a garage sale about three blocks from here,” he said.
It is a nice weed eater complete with extra wire and reels. For some time Leroy has been complaining about the one he had purchased at a garage sale about 15 years ago. Besides this was only $2. He has already used it almost that much.
I walked over to the sale, spotted some flowerpots and baskets for plants before I also got a plastic mitt to use for hot things, some hooks, and paper doilies for the great sum of 50 cents. Then they told me they were going to throw away an amaryllis and a geranium that did not look good.
“That is not good for the plants. I will take them.” I said, “I live close and can’t carry it all at once. I will go home and come back.”
Leroy went back to help carry and found a 75 cent box for tools. The biggest purchase is a rocking chair for $25. Leroy carried that home, but he had to rest three times. I was glad to put the plant down too as it was heavy. I think the rocker looks good. We don’t really need it, but we will put one rocker up stairs so that if one of us wants to watch some awful show on TV the other can still have a nice reading chair out of the room. Impulse sales reign at garage sales.
Our neighbor told us that the reason they had the grapes to share was that a truck driver’s load was rejected and he put them in the dumpster. Our neighbor rescued what he could. There is something wrong with how things operate in this country. We know people at the food pantry could use some food.
In our culture the definition of rich is too narrow, as it seems to reference only money. That makes us poor when we really are rich if we could see it.
Paula
“Look at what I got,” Leroy said.
“At the sidewalk sale at the hardware store?” I asked.
“No at a garage sale about three blocks from here,” he said.
It is a nice weed eater complete with extra wire and reels. For some time Leroy has been complaining about the one he had purchased at a garage sale about 15 years ago. Besides this was only $2. He has already used it almost that much.
I walked over to the sale, spotted some flowerpots and baskets for plants before I also got a plastic mitt to use for hot things, some hooks, and paper doilies for the great sum of 50 cents. Then they told me they were going to throw away an amaryllis and a geranium that did not look good.
“That is not good for the plants. I will take them.” I said, “I live close and can’t carry it all at once. I will go home and come back.”
Leroy went back to help carry and found a 75 cent box for tools. The biggest purchase is a rocking chair for $25. Leroy carried that home, but he had to rest three times. I was glad to put the plant down too as it was heavy. I think the rocker looks good. We don’t really need it, but we will put one rocker up stairs so that if one of us wants to watch some awful show on TV the other can still have a nice reading chair out of the room. Impulse sales reign at garage sales.
Our neighbor told us that the reason they had the grapes to share was that a truck driver’s load was rejected and he put them in the dumpster. Our neighbor rescued what he could. There is something wrong with how things operate in this country. We know people at the food pantry could use some food.
In our culture the definition of rich is too narrow, as it seems to reference only money. That makes us poor when we really are rich if we could see it.
Paula
Friday, August 7, 2009
Date Night
Hello,
After deciding that it was silly to go to the theatre and sit in two separate movies, we checked out two movies from the library. Why two, just in case we did not like one. The first was so unappealing that we only watched about 15 minutes. The second was better, but just barely or we were not in the mood.
Last night Leroy said he would watch The Proposal with me and forgo the new Harry Potter film. Amazingly enough we both enjoyed the film and laughed in more than one spot. I figure laughing or crying is the sign of a successful story. I would not go to Harry Potter, but Leroy tried my choice how is that for sacrifice.
I walked to yoga about a mile away. It was just a light rain on the way there, but the return trip rain was a downpour with strong wind. My shoes were wet as well as my legs by the time I walked the three blocks to the church so I could ride home with Leroy. I was going to wait for him, but instead I got in the car on my way past and drove home. That meant I went back from him when it was time.
Plans to brag about how much we use our legs in a day changed. Last yoga day I rode the bike about 8 miles and walked six miles. Leroy walked or rode the bike nine miles. That total of 17 miles not on the car is great, but it just takes a good rainstorm to get us to cry uncle. Rain stops us more quickly than snow. We don’t like being wet.
Maintenance for the car seems to have been necessary. Brake pads were replaced as well as shock absorbers. We like to have brakes that work. Tires were rotated as well. Leroy feels good about it all so that is what matters especially since the car has stopped making funny noise.
We were gifted with more cucumbers, hot peppers, one green pepper, tomatoes, and grapes. Also got some plastic bags. I do not get them from the store, but use them for garbage and the supply was low. Blessings are in full measure, pressed down and running over. Why worry? Even the little things come.
Paula
After deciding that it was silly to go to the theatre and sit in two separate movies, we checked out two movies from the library. Why two, just in case we did not like one. The first was so unappealing that we only watched about 15 minutes. The second was better, but just barely or we were not in the mood.
Last night Leroy said he would watch The Proposal with me and forgo the new Harry Potter film. Amazingly enough we both enjoyed the film and laughed in more than one spot. I figure laughing or crying is the sign of a successful story. I would not go to Harry Potter, but Leroy tried my choice how is that for sacrifice.
I walked to yoga about a mile away. It was just a light rain on the way there, but the return trip rain was a downpour with strong wind. My shoes were wet as well as my legs by the time I walked the three blocks to the church so I could ride home with Leroy. I was going to wait for him, but instead I got in the car on my way past and drove home. That meant I went back from him when it was time.
Plans to brag about how much we use our legs in a day changed. Last yoga day I rode the bike about 8 miles and walked six miles. Leroy walked or rode the bike nine miles. That total of 17 miles not on the car is great, but it just takes a good rainstorm to get us to cry uncle. Rain stops us more quickly than snow. We don’t like being wet.
Maintenance for the car seems to have been necessary. Brake pads were replaced as well as shock absorbers. We like to have brakes that work. Tires were rotated as well. Leroy feels good about it all so that is what matters especially since the car has stopped making funny noise.
We were gifted with more cucumbers, hot peppers, one green pepper, tomatoes, and grapes. Also got some plastic bags. I do not get them from the store, but use them for garbage and the supply was low. Blessings are in full measure, pressed down and running over. Why worry? Even the little things come.
Paula
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bike Ride
Hello,
The seat was adjusted, feet on the pedals, hands in the proper place, cool air, sun getting low, and the breeze light. The uphill grade was slight and not very visible.
I have no idea if I was a help or a hindrance. There was no complaining from the front, but instructions at take off and at the one turn on the route. It helps to have a tall strong person sitting in front of you on the recumbent tandem. He easily steered around the random pothole and captured stray bugs and the cold wind as we returned.
Mostly I thought my legs were just spinning around, but when he stopped in a high gear at one crossing and asked for more power on the start up I tried to give it.
Before returning we stopped for refreshments at the end of the eleven-mile trail. The back and bottom of my tee shirt was wet. What could that be from? I checked in the bathroom and the top of the back of my shorts was wet too. Good grief could I urinate and not know I did that, but why was it wet so high up? When we returned to the bike there was a wet spot under my seat. Could there be a leaking water bottle behind me?
“What is that water from?” I wondered.
“You,” he replied, and before I could melt to a puddle of embarrassment on the ground, he added, “You are sweating.”
I guess sweat does not blow off the person in the back because you have the seat against your back. Or maybe I worked harder than I realized and sweat quite a lot.
On the way back we coasted and tried to stay back with the other two as I saw lightening bugs in the ditches. The moon was beautiful too. A deer went across in front of us, but I could not see around the back in front of me and so missed it. Not everyone would say that going for a 22-mile bike ride would be relaxing, but I do.
Paula
The seat was adjusted, feet on the pedals, hands in the proper place, cool air, sun getting low, and the breeze light. The uphill grade was slight and not very visible.
I have no idea if I was a help or a hindrance. There was no complaining from the front, but instructions at take off and at the one turn on the route. It helps to have a tall strong person sitting in front of you on the recumbent tandem. He easily steered around the random pothole and captured stray bugs and the cold wind as we returned.
Mostly I thought my legs were just spinning around, but when he stopped in a high gear at one crossing and asked for more power on the start up I tried to give it.
Before returning we stopped for refreshments at the end of the eleven-mile trail. The back and bottom of my tee shirt was wet. What could that be from? I checked in the bathroom and the top of the back of my shorts was wet too. Good grief could I urinate and not know I did that, but why was it wet so high up? When we returned to the bike there was a wet spot under my seat. Could there be a leaking water bottle behind me?
“What is that water from?” I wondered.
“You,” he replied, and before I could melt to a puddle of embarrassment on the ground, he added, “You are sweating.”
I guess sweat does not blow off the person in the back because you have the seat against your back. Or maybe I worked harder than I realized and sweat quite a lot.
On the way back we coasted and tried to stay back with the other two as I saw lightening bugs in the ditches. The moon was beautiful too. A deer went across in front of us, but I could not see around the back in front of me and so missed it. Not everyone would say that going for a 22-mile bike ride would be relaxing, but I do.
Paula
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Breaking glasses
Hello,
Yesterday two glasses tapped together in the dishwater and one got a creak in it. This was the last glass still intact from our pre Chariton life. The glass was probably more than twenty years old. Eleven glasses have broken since we have been here.
Last year I bought a set of short glasses at a garage sale for little money. At the church garage sale people who knew the breaking glass story set aside seven more glasses for us, two nice looking short ones and five with logos from cola types on them. A garage sale day later four crystal glasses were added to the collection. Were they too expensive at $1.25 a piece? The box said they were from France. My sister pronounced them very attractive and nice so not too expensive. They should be harder to break.
Last night as he opened the microwave, Leroy’s elbow sailed back hitting the Pepsi glass sitting on the counter. It fell with a crash, broke into a hundred pieces, and water flowed at will. Is it a good idea for us to use glass tumblers? Should we buy plastic and declare us unsafe? How did we manage in our previous life? Are we now moving into the era of clumsy?
We must meditate and do more yoga. Surely it will help keep us balanced and centered.
I tried to take some sweets to the new neighbors, but they were not home. Should we try later or just eat up the offerings?
Paula
Stephen explained further what his organization does and its proper name. I am passing that on to you. I know that someone in Chariton had heard of them so I know they do have some presence here.
FYI, my organization is called RCAP (not RECAP) - the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. In case anybody goes and tries to search for a website on it. Not that we have a website in the first place - I'm working on that now! RCAP - its Midwest affiliate - might be at work around Chariton. I edited something recently about Iowa, so I should look to see where that is in relation to you. We're not really an advocacy organization - we don't speak on behalf of rural communities to Congress (well, we do, but that's a small part of what we do), but we're more of a direct-service organization to communities. And we're not working just with the rural poor, although most of the small communities we work with tend to be below the poverty level. It's more that they're small and don't have the large scale of customers to undertake upgrades to their water and sewage systems that causes us to work with them rather than them being poor and needing our assistance.
Stephen
Yesterday two glasses tapped together in the dishwater and one got a creak in it. This was the last glass still intact from our pre Chariton life. The glass was probably more than twenty years old. Eleven glasses have broken since we have been here.
Last year I bought a set of short glasses at a garage sale for little money. At the church garage sale people who knew the breaking glass story set aside seven more glasses for us, two nice looking short ones and five with logos from cola types on them. A garage sale day later four crystal glasses were added to the collection. Were they too expensive at $1.25 a piece? The box said they were from France. My sister pronounced them very attractive and nice so not too expensive. They should be harder to break.
Last night as he opened the microwave, Leroy’s elbow sailed back hitting the Pepsi glass sitting on the counter. It fell with a crash, broke into a hundred pieces, and water flowed at will. Is it a good idea for us to use glass tumblers? Should we buy plastic and declare us unsafe? How did we manage in our previous life? Are we now moving into the era of clumsy?
We must meditate and do more yoga. Surely it will help keep us balanced and centered.
I tried to take some sweets to the new neighbors, but they were not home. Should we try later or just eat up the offerings?
Paula
Stephen explained further what his organization does and its proper name. I am passing that on to you. I know that someone in Chariton had heard of them so I know they do have some presence here.
FYI, my organization is called RCAP (not RECAP) - the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. In case anybody goes and tries to search for a website on it. Not that we have a website in the first place - I'm working on that now! RCAP - its Midwest affiliate - might be at work around Chariton. I edited something recently about Iowa, so I should look to see where that is in relation to you. We're not really an advocacy organization - we don't speak on behalf of rural communities to Congress (well, we do, but that's a small part of what we do), but we're more of a direct-service organization to communities. And we're not working just with the rural poor, although most of the small communities we work with tend to be below the poverty level. It's more that they're small and don't have the large scale of customers to undertake upgrades to their water and sewage systems that causes us to work with them rather than them being poor and needing our assistance.
Stephen
Monday, August 3, 2009
Update on Sarah and Stephen
Hello,
Since several of you asked I am giving some more details about Sarah and Stephen. They now live in Washington D.C. Stephen is working for a nonprofit called RECAP. They advocate for rural poor in the USA. Sarah starts working today for another nonprofit called PACT. They deal with international affairs of world hunger and poverty. She says it is going to be much like the job she had in Geneva.
Some of you have said that you would like to pray for Stephen’s sister by name. Her name is Lora and she is 41. Her treatment or close evaluation of the situation will start today.
I am sorry that my Ukrainian neighbor has moved out to the country. I am not sure if she will continue to come in to have some language lessons. I will miss them if she does not come.
Leroy is looking for a place to assess the car for general maintenance. It seems to far too take it to Des Moines to the dealer and it is five years old so not under warranty. There is a company that thinks our warranty has just run out. A letter frequently comes declaring that we can still sign up for the extended warranty. One guy that he had used for car repair moved so he is a bit unsure who would be a good alternative. He just picked a place. The only way we will know if the mechanic is not good is if he makes some flagrant mistake.
When we get shade in the backyard we will wash the car in spite of the 90-degree heat. How to we go from cool to hot in the space of one day?
Today is Leroy’s day off so we checked out two movies from the library hoping one would be good. We could have gone to the theater in town, but I did not want to see the Harry Potter movie and Leroy did not want to see the other one. It seems silly to go on a date and part at the theater door. Maybe another time it will work out. Our date will be at home.
Paula
Since several of you asked I am giving some more details about Sarah and Stephen. They now live in Washington D.C. Stephen is working for a nonprofit called RECAP. They advocate for rural poor in the USA. Sarah starts working today for another nonprofit called PACT. They deal with international affairs of world hunger and poverty. She says it is going to be much like the job she had in Geneva.
Some of you have said that you would like to pray for Stephen’s sister by name. Her name is Lora and she is 41. Her treatment or close evaluation of the situation will start today.
I am sorry that my Ukrainian neighbor has moved out to the country. I am not sure if she will continue to come in to have some language lessons. I will miss them if she does not come.
Leroy is looking for a place to assess the car for general maintenance. It seems to far too take it to Des Moines to the dealer and it is five years old so not under warranty. There is a company that thinks our warranty has just run out. A letter frequently comes declaring that we can still sign up for the extended warranty. One guy that he had used for car repair moved so he is a bit unsure who would be a good alternative. He just picked a place. The only way we will know if the mechanic is not good is if he makes some flagrant mistake.
When we get shade in the backyard we will wash the car in spite of the 90-degree heat. How to we go from cool to hot in the space of one day?
Today is Leroy’s day off so we checked out two movies from the library hoping one would be good. We could have gone to the theater in town, but I did not want to see the Harry Potter movie and Leroy did not want to see the other one. It seems silly to go on a date and part at the theater door. Maybe another time it will work out. Our date will be at home.
Paula
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Sunday Bike ride
Hello,
Tonight’s bike ride is scheduled for the evening. The bike trail is an old railroad bed so not much hills, but it is eleven miles long. Riding on a tandem was a tempting solution to the idea of can I ride so long and so fast as surely these people would want to go. It should be fun and a learning experience since I have only ridden on a tandem for a short distance around town. Apparently the person in the rear of a tandem is considered the stocker. That seems to indicate a source of power. Time will tell if that is accurate or not.
Leroy wanted to use bread in his sermon today so I mixed two medium batches of dough last night. They rose over night and baked nicely this morning. The loaves were whole and white flour.
I sang a song with an alto this morning during the offering. I am always pleased when I can make it through without making some terrible mistake. Getting enough breath is difficult when I am nervous so that makes it hard to sing but today was not bad.
Someone gave us two summer squash and a gallon bag of blackberries. I am so pleased to get those. Yesterday brought the gift of two tomatoes. Leroy and I are well blessed by the fruits of the earth and the largess of others.
We ask for your prayers for Stephen’s sister as she is fighting cancer. Their life is stressful in addition as Sarah starts her job tomorrow, Lexi goes to day care, and they are purchasing a house.
Paula
Tonight’s bike ride is scheduled for the evening. The bike trail is an old railroad bed so not much hills, but it is eleven miles long. Riding on a tandem was a tempting solution to the idea of can I ride so long and so fast as surely these people would want to go. It should be fun and a learning experience since I have only ridden on a tandem for a short distance around town. Apparently the person in the rear of a tandem is considered the stocker. That seems to indicate a source of power. Time will tell if that is accurate or not.
Leroy wanted to use bread in his sermon today so I mixed two medium batches of dough last night. They rose over night and baked nicely this morning. The loaves were whole and white flour.
I sang a song with an alto this morning during the offering. I am always pleased when I can make it through without making some terrible mistake. Getting enough breath is difficult when I am nervous so that makes it hard to sing but today was not bad.
Someone gave us two summer squash and a gallon bag of blackberries. I am so pleased to get those. Yesterday brought the gift of two tomatoes. Leroy and I are well blessed by the fruits of the earth and the largess of others.
We ask for your prayers for Stephen’s sister as she is fighting cancer. Their life is stressful in addition as Sarah starts her job tomorrow, Lexi goes to day care, and they are purchasing a house.
Paula
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