Focused on Tomorrow Morning

Hello,

I know, I know, I would be happier and calmer if I could be focused on the moment. Since I do not travel so much I am a bit on edge. Packing has occupied much of my time, actually stewing about what to take has occupied much of my time. Miriam tells me it will be warmer in UT, but sitting or standing in my apartment with temperatures hovering around 66 makes an unbeliever out of me.

I also know I can wear her clothes so much of all of that consideration really does not matter. Now toiletries are another issue. I do wish we did not have such restrictions on liquids, but I have small containers so it will all work as it has in the past. I just have to remember to put the stuff in them.

Leroy told me last night that he forgot to pack his toothbrush. He packed his electric charger and the handle, but put the brush head back in the spot where he keeps it at home. He told me he would remember to bring back the electric stuff, because he had left that some place and we once had to repurchase. I usually always carry a manual toothbrush as well. He does too, but this time he thought he did not need it. Luckily he could ask at the desk for a toothbrush. It is an ok toothbrush not a great toothbrush he tells me.

I gave him superb advice about making a list when he packs and checking it twice. I am now trying to follow my own stellar wisdom and find I really do not want to make a list. It seems like such a bother. After all how many little things must I include? Because these girls are a bit older I do not expect that they will have so much fun hiding my things so I should well organized. Besides if I forget something there, I am coming back at the first part of July.

Paula

Where did Leroy go?

Hello,

Leroy is in St. Louis for a week doing Stephen’s Ministry training. He was pleased to be able to go with all the classes paid for by the church. He has noticed that it does not happen so much in his library job. Last night he called and reported in. The drive was uneventful with just a few rain showers here and there.

I got a lot of reading done last night. It was quiet and not distracting. I am reading Seabiscuit. My knowledge of horse racing has grown considerably, but that is easy to add to since I knew little before I started. Before this I had no idea how much is required of the jockeys; how strong and daring they must be. I just thought they had to be light weight.

I am thinking I will start packing a little today. Miriam tells me that I should just bring underwear and shoes as I can wear her clothes. She also tells me that it will be warm. When I look at the prediction for her area it does not look so very warm. I will take a dress to wear for graduation, assuming it will be a bit more formal than some occasions.

My hair is curling and looks good. Humidity is my friend but soon I will be in the land of little humidity. For some reason there they think humidity is not a good thing. I, however, like the feel on my hair, skin and eyes. Too much humidity is not as terrific, but just as with many things moderation is the best.

I have not shifted the clothes in my closet so I can easily access summer things. Once in a while I do grab something in the back row, but certainly not everyday. Maybe when I come back it will have all changed to a warmer feel. I do know some who started to wear sandals when we had a teaser warm spell. They insisted that they were not going back. As of yet I have not painted my toe nails.

Paula

Leroy is gone

Hello,

I have not heard anything so I assume that he made it. I do think about him sleeping since I do so much of the driving when we are together. A woman went with him, but she can not drive a shift car so it is all him. She did have a GPS that she was going to bring to help with navigation.

I went to a buffet dinner for a Liberian pastor who is being educated in the US. I was the last to arrive in part because I did not go the last service so I did not want to arrive too soon. Then I have to walk across 1^st Ave. I forgot there was no stop light at the corner I was crossing. After waiting, then realizing that it would be quite a while for traffic to clear, I had to walk a few minutes out of my way and wait for the green. After that I started up 2^nd Ave. instead of 3^rd. On my way to the proper street three little boys had me look at their bikes one of which was new. It seemed each of them felt pride of ownership was worth hailing down a stranger. At any rate they were just ready to eat when I got there. At least I did not miss the food. It was quite good with Liberian peanut soup over rice.

It is very quiet around the house without Leroy. Usually I do not notice on days he is working. I guess I expect him to be around more on a Sunday afternoon.

The sirens just went off. I keep wondering if I should head to the basement, but I can hear the piano downstairs so decided to stay put. It was a fierce storm that blew through rather quickly and it is much quieter now.

Leroy has told me that he has had to put some onion sets back in the ground everyday. Today I had to do that job. We are not sure if it is a cat or a squirrel digging around in the bed, but we wish they would quit.

Paula

Saturday

Hello,

Leroy and I were both home for the whole day.  I made a list for me and a partial one for Leroy because he asked me to remind him to do some things. I know how long I can remember that.

He is going to take the laptop with him when he leaves tomorrow. The virus protection has run out on the desktop so he found some free for a 30 day trial. That is now installed and working. There was not much negative on the computer so that is good.

Our landlord wanted the raised bed moved a bit so Leroy got that done and we planted the cold weather plants as well as the onions. I feel sorry that I had just gotten a bag of onions because my winter onions are in such good shape right now. I might just freeze some of them so they do not all go to seed.

Leroy and I planted four pots of tulip bulbs. I am looking forward to at least some of them producing flowers next year.  Will be here in the spring and could see them. There is still a pot of good looking yellow ones in the house. One of the azaleas has revived so I brought it in the house. Before I go to UT I will bring in all of the poinsettias and put them on the back porch so they do not freeze.

Leroy needed some more lactose pills. Leroy and I took a circuitous bike ride to compare prices at a couple stores and then back to the first to make the purchase. The cost difference was over $3.00. Certainly it was a good excuse to get a five mile bike ride in.

Last night we attended a progressive dinner which was a fund raising effort for assistance to low income people. It was quite enjoyable. I was happy that we had decided to go. I had thought about just donating money. It mystifies me how many people in the congregation I know by name or by sight. I am happy about that too.

Paula

Plant lady

Hello,

I must be getting a reputation as a plant lady. As we were leaving the church on Easter, one woman called out to me, “Take any of the plants that you want. Many will surely be left.”

I figured I would wait to see what might be left in a couple weeks. Today, however the church secretary called me. There were twelve tulips and two begonias that were not up to standard. I went to get some of those. I learned that some others did want some of the tulips. I brought home five of them. One was good enough to bring in the house. The rest I will see if I can plant around the house here. The begonias turned out to be azaleas. For some reason all of the blossoms had just died. Perhaps that is because they were neglected. I did bring them home too because I thought they might be a nice bush for a while. We have some space by our garage that could accept them.

I am excited to get going on gardening. I bought some red cabbage plants, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. It is great to have new beginnings. Leroy planted onion sets along with some other seeds in our four by four raised bed garden. Our landlords like it so much that they bought one to balance it out on the other side and decided to expand both and bought one more for each side. That will mean less mowing. Especially the first year I suspect there will not be many weeds so it should be low maintenance. We bought top soil that I figure should be weed free.

I had to stop myself from buying more things. Many of the perennials look so good. Maybe someday I will live in my own house so I can put some things in.

Paula

Ps here are two pictures of my poinsettias.

Hanging out Clothes

Hello,

This year hanging out clothes has been a tough go. My big wash day is Wednesday because I am home all day. Since the weather has been quite nice in recent days I just figured I could hang clothes out without even thinking about it. Leroy informed me that it was to rain today even though it looked quite fine when we woke. I had so many clothes piled up that washing could not wait many more days. So I put in the first load as soon as I could get it all rounded up. It went on the line as the second load was washing. Then I did a third load. I am pleased to report that all clothes came in the house before the rain truly started. The last three things got some sprinkles on them, but they are hanging on the clothes drying rack so it is not an issue.

Leroy rode the bike this morning with my assurances that I would come get him if it were raining. It appears that will be my task. It is not a strong rain, however not much fun to ride a bike in it.

 I am grateful for my mother’s clothes drying rack; especially in this place. I have used it almost every week in the winter. I would like an additional one, but of the style we had in Slovakia. I have never seen one like that in a US store. It folded so compactly that it was easy to store. This wooden one of my mother’s takes a lot more room. I am grateful that I have an attic that I can stick it in when I do not need it. I love putting unused things out of sight.

I am also making bread today. It is a nice day to turn on the oven and smell the baking smell. Life is good indeed.

The rain is to stop before we need to leave for choir practice. I am hoping that is true. I do not like walking in the rain. Often people are concerned when we walk in the cold, but the rain bothers me much more as we are too likely to get wet. Cold and wet lingers on even after we are inside.

Paula

Squirrel Work

Hello,

The squirrels are busy critters. There is an evergreen tree of some variety at the front of our house. For some reason, those animals are busy denuding the top of this tree. Leroy believes they are using the branches to make nests. That does seem a possibility because it is the season, why would they eat this tree only in the spring, this would explain why the nests that I thought were made of leaves do not fall apart in a good wind, and a lot is dropped on the ground which shows they are not eating it.

It is so amazing to look out and see the green grass as the leaves start to give a green haze to the trees. One thing when the other trees leaf out I will not able to keep such a close eye on those squirrels.

I do see squirrels digging around the house. Hopefully they will find all the nuts they buried so trees will not grow there. Perhaps that is part of the purpose of squirrels, to bury nuts away from the parent tree so they will have a chance to thrive and spread.

Enough about those squirrels. Leroy will be taking a class next week. That means he will be gone all week, consequently this is his last week working in the church until July. I am ready for July to come so that he can move the books he intends to give away to the Intern. He will be able to store them in the church office because he does not have much to put on the book shelves. We have put them almost out of sight under the dining room table which resides in the computer room. At least he does not squirrel things away, thinking they will be valuable some time later.

We are still bothered by fruit flies. I suspect the poinsettias of harboring them. So I have moved those plants to the back porch or on the deck. Surely, it will not freeze again? I know it might, so those plants are still in the pots and I can easily move them back in the house should the need arise. It is an approach-avoidance love affair with the plants. I love my plants, but I am always happy when spring comes and I can move them outside allowing me to enjoy the open space in the house. Is it the same way with children? I loved having my children at home, but was secretly relieved when they left home and I could enjoy some me time.

Paula

Busy, but good

Hello,

We have walked to church five days in a row. Wednesday evening was choir practice and the rest of the days there were services. It has been so nice to be able to do this. I am happy about the ability to walk to church. Then to sing three of those times adds to the joy. On Wednesday I could tell that I had missed a practice so that was more learning, but for the services things came together and actually worked. I was impressed that that could happen. For some reason there are few sopranos in this choir. Sometimes there are only two of us singing the first part and two on the second part. We are singing with about 40 people so while the high voices of the first sopranos are probably heard I suspect the seconds are just some effort. Sometimes some altos join us so that adds to the effect.

One of the pleasures of being in a larger church is the availability of talented musicians. Besides the singers, the brass choir, bells, and organist were all adding to the excitement of the occasion.

In the afternoon another couple had invited us to come for lunch. There was an additional couple there as well. It was wonderful to have this time with them. I was pleased at how well we connected. As many of you know or suspect a hard part of moving all the time is getting to know new people on a deeper level. Good people are everywhere.

I had felt like I was hearing more noise in the car lately. I convinced Leroy to take it to the shop this morning.  After coming home he agreed that it was a bit noisy. They called because they could not find anything amiss. After asking more questions about the noise they took it out for a spin and heard it too. They then found a wheel bearing that was going bad. I am happy to know that I was not imagining things and that they can fix it. It is a comfort to know that it should work for a while longer. Besides that we have the money to pay for the repairs. What more could someone want?

Paula

Leroy working and seeking

Hello,

When Leroy’s hours were cut he was just existing and wondering what to do. No more is that the case. Now he says, “I do not have much time to read.”

He is working 15 hours a week for the museum and 20-25 per week for the church making him full time. There is also a certain amount of time traveling to the museum and church and back. He certainly cannot complain about sitting too much anymore.

This morning he spent some time looking for his home communion kit. He was sure it was in one of our plastic tubs, but the search turned up nothing. I offered to help him look and he took me up on that offer. I pushed the coats out of the way in the closet and right in front of me was a cardboard box with the contents listed, in my handwriting since that is my thing. The first item was the communion kit. Then he was looking for our old passports to take to the museum. He could not find those either. He though they were in the Slovakia boxes, but could not find them. I thought they were in the file cabinet. He looked there, but did not see them. I looked ant they were in the first file I looked in, called passport pictures. They were not in the one called passport. Such good filing we do.

Now if I could just find Leroy’s college ring and my glasses we would be in good shape. I keep thinking a pack rat must have these things. How could they just disappear? The ring I understand is small, but my glasses in their case?

Luckily it is only stuff and not something that is truly important like our vision, hearing, or ability to walk.

Paula

Where is my mind?

Hello,

We had a display in the Ely library matching books and movies that were made from them. Seabiscuit was one of those items. This movie had impressed me so I often recommended this set with little result because people had already seen it or really did not want to. They certainly were not interested in reading the book even though I had recommended this author’s other book, Unbroken to many people and they had all liked it.

I had never read the book so it seemed like I should follow my own advice. We also had a documentary so I watched that first since I had never seen it. Leroy and I both liked it. I did not have time to watch the movie here, but learned that Brian still owned it. I asked because I remembered watching it at his house.

When the kids were not at home or were in bed I started to watch this movie. The opening scene was not at all what I remembered. From then on I did not have a time when I thought yes, I have seen this. The story was somewhat familiar, but maybe that was from the documentary. Do I remember anything?  Do not know. Good thing that I liked the movie, even crying a bit. To think I have been talking about how well I liked this movie and could not remember it. I must have another movie stuck in my mind, but what would it be?

I am reading the book and enjoying it even if it is not exactly like the movie. I like to see a movie and then have the tale enriched by the book rather than read the book and have the tale diminished by the movie.

How could I be so sure that I had seen the movie and not remember the scenes, but not really be surprised by it at all? I am great at promoting many things even ones that I am sure am familiar with, but can’t recall. Maybe I should be a used car sales person.

Paula

Oops!

Hello,

The second day at Brian’s the kids decided a fun game would be to hide my clothes, especially if I got a fake excitement about it. You know, saying things like, “What happened to my clothes? Where are they?” All of that would then be followed by me franticly looking and wondering what I would do without more clothes. It did not take long for my suitcase to be emptied. I had to seek these lost items, finding them all. The next day I decided to wear my dark brown shirt, but I could not find it. I searched everywhere. Sophia told me she had not seen it so Logan must have hidden it. Logan did not remember anything about it. Sophia and I looked in his closet, drawers, and in the laundry. Even though she insisted that she did not put it in her room we looked just in case Logan had put it there.

No luck. Before I left yesterday morning I told Brian about my missing shirt. He and I looked once more. He assured me that they would send it. I am rich enough in tops that I could live until July without it. It did not seem worth it to send it. We will see all of our children in July in Utah. Did I mention that already? Am I excited about that?

At home I was thinking about that brown top when I opened the drawer looking for another to wear. There it was lying peacefully on the top of the pile. I guess I had thought of packing it, changed my mind, and left it at home. That was a lot of looking for something that we were never going to find.

As I told Brian I had seen a suggestion that one make a list of everything in a suitcase so you do not leave things behind. I will have to start that practice mostly so I do not search for the item left at home.

Paula

Back Home in Cedar Rapids

Hello,

I am back in Cedar Rapids where the grass is green, winter onions are ready to eat, and chives are close. It is definitely warmer here.

In the morning I walked Cloe and was quite happy to step inside the warm house when I got back. At least I did not need my boots. However, I drove past snow on the grass and fields in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. They seem to have gotten enough for it to be quite visible.

Friday night Logan said he wanted to have a sleep over. When I asked him to explain he said, “I want to sleep in Sophia’s room with you.”

So we had a sleep over for two nights. Sophia slept on the top bunk, Logan slept on the bottom bunk, and I slept on the trundle bed mattress on the floor. It was decided that Cloe should join the party and her bed was at the foot of the bunk bed. There was certainly a lot of breathing, sighing, and a bit of snoring in the night. It took  some fancy maneuvers to convince the children to stop talking, close their eyes, and actually sleep, but eventually it happened.

Logan would have liked to have grandpa there because as it was Logan was the only boy in the house and he felt out numbered. I would have liked grandpa there too because apparently I do not play such fun things with the kids.

I also noticed how little self time there was once the kids were home from school and preschool. Kudos to all parents who do such a great job in their parent role requiring much personal time to be forfeited. The world is a better place because of that.

Paula

Shoes Returned

Hello,

I wore the new shoes in the house for an hour or so and my foot started to hurt so they went back to the store. It was easier, back in the day, to buy shoes before I noticed pain in my toes. Now cheap will not do and some expensive too are not right. If I were more able to part with money I would look into having some custom made shoes. At least I have shoes at home that I can wear with a certain amount of ease even if they are not stylish. That is the good side of all this.

I wanted mushrooms and onions so it was a good time to pick them up on the way home from dropping Logan at preschool. While I was contemplating mushrooms a woman came up and said, “You look like you cook. Can you tell me where I might find this?”

I was already to deny that I cooked when I looked at the word she was showing me in her recipe. It was edamame. Wow, I could even talk about this stuff. I had only purchased it as a frozen food so suggested she look there. I did not tell her that I have grown it. Then she showed me another recipe that had quinoa. Truly amazing! She wanted to know if I liked either of these foods, to which I could give aa positive yes. She then went on to explain that her son-in-law was coming to visit and he is vegetarian. She was feeling a bit out of her comfort zone. I looked over her recipes and told her I thought they looked good.

Well, I have followed the schedule of duties here. Last night was a bit tricky because Sophia had a fever when she came home from school. She did not want to go to Logan’s first soccer practice. After a couple phone calls with Brian and Jen, I gave her a fever reducer and we went. She had a miraculous cure when she saw one of her classmates there. They spent quite a lot of time enjoying each other’s company. After that her health was fine. She slept well even getting to sleep before Logan. I slept well on that other pillow. I put my pillow in the car this morning so I do not leave it here.

Paula

Good Trip

Hello,

It was an easy drive to MN. No snow flying around obscuring the view, light traffic, and clear views made it a good driving day. As I went north I did see snow, but only the odd piles that were shaded, deep, and therefore preserved. Some of the lakes also had a good bit of ice left on them, at least enough to support birds.

The dog Cloe was quite happy to see me even though I did not take her for a walk immediately. Brian and I walked over to pick Sophia up at her school and Cloe was quite happy to go along for that walk.

It was quite warm here. I could almost manage without a long sleeve on, but it is what I brought. Logan thought it quite nice to be out in short sleeves. Spring is coming indeed.

I slept in the bottom bunk of Sophia’s bed. It was fine except for some reason my pillow, that I brought from home,a was not so good. Tonight I will use one that is provided here.

After putting Sophia on the bus and taking Logan to preschool, I went shopping. I am still not sure why some people like shopping. I find it a drag. I looked a bit for a new dress for Easter. I found some I liked, but could not part with so much money. I guess I have taken to heart the adage about a fool and his money being parted. The money is sticking but the clothes aren’t. I did buy a pair of shoes. That seems to be my favorite purchase in this city. They were not so much money as sometimes. Hopefully they will feel good after a mile walk.

Paula

Procrastination

Hello,

I never thought I procrastrated often in my earlier life. I seem to have embraced the trait more frequently as I have aged. I begin to sense the seductive nature of it. I used to think that it was great to have things done so I would not have to cram and hurry. Now I know that some things will take care of themselves or there is something that is more fun to attend to at the moment.

I should be packing because I am leaving for Brian’s house in the morning. Generally when I come home from work at 8 or 8:30 I do not like to have jobs to do so I do not want to do it tonight. I also do not like to pack just before I leave as I am likely to forget something. Right now I have a book that I am interested in reading so I have a good excuse. The book is, Me before you by Jojo Moyes. There is a woman patron at the library who has frequently told me I must read that book. I am doing that now and wondering why I did not read it sooner.

I do not like to take library books with me when I travel anywhere because I am afraid of leaving them behind and needing to replace them or mail them.

Brian tells me, and the weather reports tell me, that it will be warm in MN. I, however, do not trust all of that as a result I intend to take boots incase it snows. I remember one other April visit when Brian assured me that snow was past and I wanted my boots.

I did eat a piece of one of those cookies or bars that I made Sunday. I thought it was fine. Certainly sweet enough for me. Leroy took the better pieces for the meeting tonight. We will see what the response is, if he hears anything. I realize most people are not likely to say anything about something they dislike in such a situation.

Paula