Bags

Hello,

I try to take my reusable bags into the store to avoid getting more store bags. Most of the time I am successful. However, usually I manage to get enough that I can put one in the kitchen wastebasket. Amazingly, this week I did not have a plastic bag that is the ordinary size from the grocery store. We do have a small supply in the garage so I had to go get one from there. I feel that I am winning when I can do this. One of the stores that I frequent often has marked down produce that I snatch up, take right home, and use. Consequently I am acquiring a number of smaller white paper bags with handles. I can use those in the bathroom wastebasket, but I get more than one a week or so it seems since my supply is growing.

It is not always easy to live life in a world where supply and demand make the perfect match.

For some that goes for sleep too. Leroy is home now taking a nap before we eat and then go to church. I am not sure how long he would sleep at night if he would be just allowed to go at it. As it is his naps sustain him through many evenings.

I went to a garage sale this morning since they advertized sleeping bags. Also it was almost on my way to the store. The bags looked fairly unused. However, this woman thought they were down filled bags. I felt them and disagreed so she looked at the label to learn that they were not. The brand was nothing special. I called Leroy to get his opinion and he said, “Do not get them. That is not a good brand.”

After I got home I went to that brand’s website. I was happy to have passed up this bargain as the bags did not cost much more new, than what she was charging.

Paula

Bills to pay

Hello,

I gasped a little when I saw the credit card bill. How did it get so large? Usually I wait for the notice that I can look at the statement, but yesterday I went immediately to the website so I could verify the bill and all its contents.

In the end it was all our expenditures. I had forgotten about paying the income tax preparer as well as a donation that we had made to the seminary. Then there was another donation so it all added up to the usual amount spent on more regular things.

There is something about that plastic card and not knowing just how much has been spent. Somewhere in my brain I keep a list going so I am seldom amazed by the total. All in all I am thankful that we had enough money on hand to pay that bill.

This morning Leroy and I did the final step to process our passports. I was impressed at how easy it all was at the county office. We did have the form filled out ahead of time. The person at the desk checked forms for accuracy of completion. I had not filled out a part that asked who to call in emergency as well as a couple places so they would know that I wanted a book and not a card. Neither of us had filled in a spot that said travel was in the future.

We had our pictures taken there with that new technology the pictures were ready in just minutes. We wrote a check for both passports and had the county mail it for us. We did have to pay for the cost of the pictures as well as the postage. All in all I thought it was a good simple deal. I remember the first time that I got one and all of the requirements of time and effort. Technology does simplify our lives in many ways even though I still hear people complain about it if something goes wrong.

Paula

Brilliance or Not?

Hello,

This morning I thought of some brilliant statement and an idea for writing to you. But I did not make a note about it. Consequently when I sat down to write this afternoon my brain seemed to be not only not brilliant, but a tad dull. After stewing around for some time, walking from room to room looking for that thought, I realized that it was not coming back.

So I made some phone calls that I have been putting off. I needed to check with our insurance supplement to learn just what is covered in the wellness exam. I had called to make an appointment last week for just such an excursion, but the Doctor’s office would not book the exam until they knew what it covered. For some reason that day I was unable to reach the insurance company.

It takes quite a lot of courage for me to make these calls so I put them off as much as I can. When the letter writing did not happen it seemed there were no further excuses. The call went through right away and it was really painless, but I was sweating quite a bit by the time it was over. I am not sure that I can explain such, but I do not really like to use the phone. I next called the office and made that appointment. While I had my courage up and running through me, I called the eye doctor. Just as we were talking about when I might come in, I realized that Leroy needed to be my driver because they wanted to dilate my eyes. I had no idea when Leroy would be able to do this so I had to get out of that conversation. Now courage is needed another day.

A compliment for Leroy, when I talked to him about my angst about making the calls he listened with a note of understanding rather than giving advice or saying it would be alright and what is so hard about that. He is learning something the older he gets.

Paula

Passports

Hello,

Our passports expire in September. Even though we have not planned any out of country trips at the moment, we, especially Leroy, like to have it ready perhaps so we can leave at a moment’s notice? Leroy picked up two forms at the post office. I filled out one, half way, only to realize that I had made a mistake in putting in the date. I used the dd/mm/yy form that I have adopted since we have lived in Slovakia. The form was asking for the USA method. I thought if a person were reading this form I might get by with it, but a computer is perhaps only programmed one way. Leroy will now have to stop and get more forms for himself. He did say, “I thought about getting extras so we could make some mistakes and still get it done.”

In my defense, it makes such sense to me to go from the smallest date unit to the largest unit. The way people in this country use the mm/dd/yy system is not truly logical. Who set it up that way in the first place?

There are other illogical ways of doing things in this country. I do not know how we got such a cumbersome linear measuring method rather than using the easy to learn metric system that is based on tens which is understood so readily. It means more time is spent teaching such things in school.

I also learned, while in Slovakia, that our money system is also not as easy as other systems to know how many coins equal a dollar, etc. again money comparisons is almost not taught because it is so clear and easy to understand. After all, what relationship is a dime to quarter? Size does not help because a nickel is larger than a dime, but worth less. Why do we not write on our coins, using a numeral, the number of cents it represents? One of the Slovaks told me about how difficult it was to know what coins to use when visiting the USA.

We certainly have no national or cultural philosophy that feels visitors should be helped with any of this. Instead we expect them to buckle down and learn our ways as well as our language.

Paula

Sunday for Leroy

Hello,

Leroy was a participant for all three services this morning. Perhaps it is because that felt like a day of work rather than a day of rest, he vacuumed this afternoon. What he did not know was that I had shared in my small group that I do not do house work on Sundays. Because he was doing that vacuuming I moved some small things off the floor such as a foot stool and our book baskets. Then I departed some more from my Sabbath rule by shaking our four throw rugs.  Ultimately I realize that I cannot blame Leroy for this as he did not even ask me to do it, but I do not like to vacuum without out moving those small things.

He had talked about vacuuming yesterday, but tells me now that when he thought of it he did not feel like doing it, hence the delay. Leroy had a “to do” list in his head and we managed to do all of the other items on that list.

It was quite fine to walk to church this morning because the wind was at my back most of the time. I wore my tallest boots, mostly because they are comfortable to walk in and because I anticipated melting on the way home so the waterproof quality would be an asset.

Many people had shoveled their walks so it was a grateful person who went by sending good wishes their way. The places that were not clear were fine if no one had walked there and I just sunk into the snow, but the frozen footsteps were a bit more treacherous. All in all, the walk required concentration along with giving some physical exercise. Leroy tells me that he thought he did not need boots so on the early morning way to church he walked in the street much of the time. On the way home it was more challenging as there was more car traffic and he had to use the sidewalks where both snow and water in the crosswalks presented problems.

Paula

Snow Shoveling and That Lantern

Shoveling and that Lantern

March 24, 2018

Hello,

Leroy and I went out at 7:30 to shovel this wet, heavy, spring snow. It packed well as it dripped into piles. It was definitely exercise! I noticed that our neighbors, one set who seldom shovels, had already been out. “Look at that,” I exclaimed, “They have already shoveled.”

“I am not surprised as I heard someone shoveling at 4:00 this morning.” Leroy responded.

Life is full of wonders.

After about three hours we went back out and again shoveled that cement sidewalk which we could no longer see. I am thankful that we did not wait much longer as the snow was again heavy with increasing wetness. It has snowed since then, but there must be enough heat in the sidewalk to keep it melted because it is still clear.

I almost feel nervous about admitting it, but I like snow, especially when I do not have to drive anywhere. We were aiming to make snow people, but that did not happen. In spite of the snow being packable it did not want to hold together well enough to make people. I settled for a snow bunny. Leroy took a picture, but there is not enough contrast in the snow colors to see it clearly. Here is the link so you can guess what you are looking at beside my boots. 

Leroy did not understand that the lantern was only seven dollars. He had understood me to say that it was seven dollars off. He did not talk about it, but I will go to the service counter next time I am in that store and see if they will take more money from me as I do not feel right about it. Then I can sleep more comfortably.

Paula

Camping Lantern

Hello,

Last week I bought a camping lantern that was on sale. It required batteries. The next day Leroy and I were out shopping and discovered a lantern with a rechargeable battery. After an extended discussion that seemed like the more practical item since we like the idea of rechargeable. This morning I took the first lantern back and purchased the second. At the self check out station I was astonished to see that the charge was a mere seven dollars because on the shelf the price was listed at something over $20. There was a store worker in the area. I caught her eye, she came over, and we discussed possibilities. “I believe this should have been over $20” I told her.

She looked the slip over and noted that it said the proper brand of lantern. She thought that it was probably on sale and no one had put up a sign.

I brought it home, but I feel a bit guilty as I cannot imagine that the sale price would have been so low. I am still wondering what to do. Should I write the company?

I am a bit ashamed to say that if the difference had stretched in the store’s favor I would have pressed harder for a solution, perhaps even insisting that someone go and check the shelf or check the barcode. I really do not want to gain from a mistake, but part of me really wants to gain. Oh that human nature that I carry around with me has more sides than I like to admit. Stuff down and hide anything that I do not like about myself is one of my operatives from time to time. Leroy, who toes the ethical line much more firmly than I do, did not really comment on what I should do about it. Do I just like to “get by with something” and pretend it never happened.

Once when Leroy was in the seminary, the bank somehow gave us about $10 (This might have gotten a week’s groceries.) more than they should have. When I went back to correct the mistake it became a big time consuming deal of tracking it down as I had brought it up about a week later. It almost seemed that it might have been better if they had not known about it, although they did tell me that it goes on the teller’s record so that person would have been happy to have it corrected.

Paula

Gross!

Hello,

Yesterday I went to the toilet, peed if you want to know, stood up pulled up my pants and felt/heard my Fitbit snap off my waist and into the unclean toilet. Gross, gross, gross went through my mind as I quickly stuck my hand in to rescue this round quarter sized object. I quickly got it out of the case and rinsed it off. The display was still there. So from feeling gross I went to feeling relieved and happy. Even after it was dry it still worked.

That is certainly better than my phone that stopped working after a granddaughter, long ago, threw it in a toilet. Can’t remember if it was clean or not, but it still did not work after rinsing, drying and putting it in rice. The Fitbit is a smaller item in the overall scheme of life, but I really did not want to replace it, especially after I had just purchased a new battery for it.

I now wonder “how did I change diapers for both children and grandchildren”. The real mystery is that it did not bother me too much and had even become a normal part of life. Is it all in attitude? Especially when a loved one is involved?

If I ever need such care, I hope someone will be around me who can clean up and not be too grossed out. The real gift will be treating it like a small occurrence in the scheme of things.

On another topic, our church book club is reading A Man Called Ove. I have read that before and enjoyed it. It was fun to start it again. I seldom reread a book, but I am ready for some laughs. I have recommended this book to many people. Some people do not like it at all. That always surprises me. But then I do not like all the books that others have recommended to me.

Paula

Saving Pots

Hello,

I am a great believer in reusing and recycling, however, that belief can make life more difficult rather than simple and smooth flowing. Flower pots to do not often go in the garbage at my house, consequently I have a stash in the garage ready for use at any time.

This morning I looked for two pots to use for the two other violet stems that are growing in the lone pot. The violet leaves are hanging in a lackluster droop. Could they be too crowded? I have potting soil, but alas only one of the pots on hand seemed to be the proper size for new growth possibility. To make do, should it be bigger or smaller? At the moment a smaller one caught my eye. Because of the coolness in the unattached garage, the potting soil and the two new pots, one of the really is new, are now residing in the bathroom closet to warm up and keep them out of my line of vision. Clutter is not tolerated for long before my brain is stressed and complaining.

Because I do not know much about violets and transplanting, an internet search is in order. What did we/I do back in the days when there were no computers? I remember talking to a number of people until I found a successful violet grower and siphoning off knowledge along with encouragement and a bolstering of possibilities. It did not always work as planned, but it was good for the soul. Sometimes I was given even more than I asked for.

There are some beautiful violets at the church. I scrutinized them yesterday, looking for hints of the best way to proceed. I did not learn much, but that the people who were sitting close were great at causing the death of violets. Now the internet fills many information needs, but no talking is allowed. Perhaps that is why I now spend so much time talking to myself.

Paula

Popcorn

Hello,

First I have to confess that I do not gravitate to microwave popcorn. We own a stir crazy and I am a big fan of popping corn closer to the old fashioned way.

I like the popcorn brand that I am now keeping in my freezer where I have been told it helps the corn to pop more efficiently. The popcorn is large with few “old maids”. Why do we call unpopped kernels that?

My only complaint about this popcorn is that there are a lot of hulls so I try not to get them caught between my teeth and gum line where they can lodge uncomfortably until extracted.

Once, at the grocery store, I decided to try the store brand. After all this store’s origin was in Iowa so surely they had good popcorn. It did not pop to the great volume that was achieved by the corn that has an Iowa origin. I took it back to the store to get my money back on this inferior product. The money was cheerfully refunded as had been promised even when I told them that the grown in Iowa corn was better.

I remember that my dad grew popcorn some years while I was in college. At school we often made popcorn as a treat. Others would frequently ask where we had gotten the popcorn. I guess Illinois; my home state is close enough to Iowa to grow good corn too. I was always proud to say that it had been homegrown.

On the current bag of popcorn there is a Warning: “Kernels will explode under intense heat.” I am happy to report this is true.

Paula

The Great Hair Clipper Chase

Hello,

About two or three months ago I bought hair clippers that were a bargain price of $10. This marvelous machine has several possibilities of length of hair as well as being cordless. The first time it was used it seemed to be fine. But after just two uses it became weak and needed to be recharged. The next time I used it to cut Leroy’s hair, there were many hairs that did not get cut, requiring much more time to get them to a good length. Leroy also uses this machine to trim his beard. When he used it about the fourth or fifth time it protested loudly. He managed to take it apart a bit and clean it out as well as oil it. It was determined, by the user, after an additional usage with missing long hair that a new one was in order.

The problem is that we had a clipper we bought ten years ago which we liked very much. We mourned its passing. Unfortunately they are no longer available. Yesterday I got some serious searching done both in stores and on line. Today Leroy decided that he would like to look at them in the stores. We found one in the first store that we had seen online. It had received good reviews. It was purchased with the idea that we would go to another store and check out their supply. At the second store we found one that was a bit more expensive, but could be used corded or cordless. It was also set up to be used internationally. “Would you take this when you travel?” I asked incredulously.

“No, probably not, but I still think about doing some short term mission trips of three months or so. Then it would be nice to have.” Leroy stated.

We are now the proud owners of three hair clippers; one that does not work very well and two that are still in the boxes. The last purchased, multi use item will be the keeper. I suppose the first, poorly operating, one did earn its keep as we used it for at least six haircuts and it only cost $10.

Paula

Taxes are Done

Hello,

We are pleased that our taxes are done. It is nice not to consider  them for another year. We increased our withholding significantly so we are only paying a little to the federal and getting a small refund from the state. That is nice, even though I was prepared mentally to pay a big bill if needed as happened for the last two years. I just hope that all of these taxes are used in the best possible way to help people with a variety of issues. It is a privilege to be able to share with others. Sometimes we only look at taxes as something taken from us rather than helping. Certainly it allows our government to function even if we disagree with some of the possibilities.

For reasons unknown to me I believe that my body sags more than it used to. The real question is: Is this a mental state or a physical one? I frequently catch myself leaning on my elbow. Back in middle school I would lean on my elbow so much that I got bursitis. Something else I have noticed is that Leroy seems to be taller than he was in just the recent past. Does that mean he is stretching up or that I am shrinking down? Perhaps it would help if I could hang by my heels and stretch out more.

I would like some warmer weather on my day off so I could divide and transplant my violet that shows three clear plants in one pot. Could dividing make it feel inspired to bloom?

Last night the guy who spoke at our neighborhood meeting was a patron of the Ely Library. We both thought we should know each other. He brought it up and we did a little sleuthing before coming up with the answer. I am not sure why I find it harder to recognize people when they are not in the place that I interact with them. Memory must tie to a place, making them a mystery when seen elsewhere.

Paula

Flower Beauty

Hello,

The pink Christmas cactus is still blooming with five open blossoms and four more to come. The white plant has four buds coming, but they are a bit slow growing. Then the cyclamen has at least five open flowers with four or more to come.  The poinsettias are all displaying plenty of red leaves even though a few have fallen. The two impatient plants with one being white and one pink have not stopped sharing their wealth. I look at this beauty every day and it lifts my spirits.

Leroy rode the bike to work with the temperature outside at 22 degrees F. This afternoon it is in the low fifties. Just how comfortable will he be with that heavy coat, hat, and gloves? At this time of year it is a challenge to be dressed just right for all possibilities.

Me? It is much easier since I just get in the car which is insulated against all possible variations in the weather. Plus I can causally toss my too warm items on the seat where I do not need to think about them until I arrive at my destination. I try to remember to take them with me. We car users are so spoiled and seldom think about others who have to deal with all sorts of possibilities and changes in the daily weather scene.

Paula

Friends and Food

Hello,

I just noticed that I have over 200 friends on that social media site. How did this happen for an introvert who does not make friends easily? I suppose one of the biggest reasons is that we have moved so many times, increasing the number of people that I know. In any new place I am forced to meet new people. Those new people then become acquaintances and some become dear friends. Had I not moved for most of my life I would have just been happy to keep the same friends for years. As it is I have been forced to expand my circles. I believe this to have been a good thing. There are some people who have over a 1000 friends on social media. I can barely wrap my brain around such an idea. I guess I know 1000 people, but I have never counted.

The food I want to talk about is what was on the cruise. I am almost a vegetarian and I seldom eat sweets. Most of the food was aimed at meat eaters and sweet eaters. So we were told, most people gain a pound a day when they are on a cruise. I did not gain a pound. I believe that I lost five pounds. There was some good food for me to eat, but I had to search it out. One large gap for me was that I eat nuts and fruits for my snacks. The snacks provided in our rooms were candy and sweetened drinks. After the second or third day I did find some nuts. Now I know that I should have stocked up on them and taken them back to the room so I could indulge later. There was fresh fruit for breakfast and some fruit salad for meals.

I had taken a bag that had nuts and dried fruit in it. Unfortunately I asked Leroy to work on that before we left. His equation of nuts to fruits is quite different than mine. I felt there were almost no nuts and too much fruit. Consequently I did not gain any weight. Another factor would probably be the amount of walking. I believe that I walked well over 10000 steps each day so that surely took off some energy that was needed to keep going.

Paula

No Voice Talking to Me

Hello,

I just figured out how to get rid of the voice that wants a yes or no answer to whether or not I want to look at the text message on my phone. Now the real deal will be that I do not accidently set it up again and not know how to eliminate it once more. Technology is just full of circles that I run around and around on creating spiraling blood pressure and annoyance. If I could just remember what button I pushed life would be simple. Those old people back in the day, did not know how easy life was when one had to merely plug it in to have it work as expected.

Leroy mentioned that there was a little free library across the street from the church and would I like to take some of the extra books that I have from my grant. I said, “Yes, that would be great. I did not know a about that one and did not put any in there before.”

We headed to church with eleven books to drop off if there was room. If not enough room, one of the congregation members has a library in her yard and I could give the remainder to her.

Wow! Only three books were in this library so all eleven would fit with ease. Now I just have thirteen more to distribute and that will be a finished project. I checked the one close to our house and it is still lying on the ground. I suppose spring must be a little fuller in evidence before they can get it back upright.

I had felt a little embarrassed to still have these books in my house. I had some trouble finding the libraries as two of them were gone. Also this year I was able to get almost twice as many books for the same amount of money. Nice to have more to share, but then I needed more not fewer places to distribute them.

The person in the congregation did comment that the new books I had put in moved very quickly. I had asked if her library needed some more books. She also commented that she made some kids she knew, read the books and put them back so others can share in the reading wealth. What a deal for all!

Paula

Phones and Batteries

Hello,

I needed more time on my phone as it was expiring in three days. For some reason I cannot do it on line because I do not know my password or pin. I was grumbling because I could not get it done. Leroy suggested that I do an online chat as that is quick. That moved along nicely until they wanted me to reply 1 to the question did I want it on this phone or 2 if on a different phone. For some unknown reason,  it would not let me put in a 1, only the symbols that are behind the one. I was yelling by this time. Each time I get a text message on the phone I am to answer some strange female voice that wants to know if I want to receive the message. Irritatingly it does not understand my yes so I cannot see it until I get out of there and go back in. More yelling, “Yes, Yes, Yes!” spewed out of my mouth.

Leroy informed me, “You have just totally lost it.”

Finally I called the phone number on the website and was able to add the time with minimal difficulty. I made a clear note so next year I will not have to go through this same annoying process. Will that work?

My Fitbit battery was low so I bought a two pack yesterday while out and about. The new battery did not work even though I/we put it in using each direction as a possibility. I even went on line in my still irritated state and found a video about putting in the new battery. We had done everything correctly just as I had remembered doing it before. Finally Leroy suggested that I try the other battery. The new one works. Has anyone ever had such a thing happen? One good battery and one dead battery in a new package, how can that be? It is so locked in that I had to use a strong scissors to get it out of there. Surely no one could tamper with it. Can I get my money back from the store or do I contact the battery company? My mood went up as I looked out at the sun and trees. Otherwise it was quite low and threatening to stay there for some time.

Paula

Leroy's Health

Hello,

Leroy just called to let me know that he has to have a squamous cell carcinoma removed. It had appeared, on his leg, close to the one he had before. For some reason both of us thought that it was not going to be a problem so Leroy is a bit annoyed. I am just happy that the Dr. thought it was enough of an abnormality to get a biopsy of it. The day after Easter is when the appointment is set.

Otherwise Leroy is in quite good health. He just got a new life insurance policy. He was able to get the best possible rating for his age because of his excellent health condition. We both got some long term health insurance. He also got a good rating for that, but I just got the standard rating. It is a bit annoying to me since I have always considered myself in better shape than he is. Course I tell him that if he were not married to me he would not be so well off. He never argues with that statement.

I need to get out and exercise more. I do some, but not consistently every day. Leroy is able to go to work by walking or riding his bike and that puts him in the upper level of activity. Unfortunately I need to drive to work most days, since it is 12 miles one way.

Leroy is talking about putting out some lettuce seed. I brought some home, but heard on the radio that we should perhaps wait until the end of March as the ground can be still frozen in many places. Perhaps here at the house it is warmer and we could cover it with a protective window or something. I would like some greens from the earth soon. The winter onions have a little bit of green color on them. Others have told me they have seen parsley looking green. Spring is coming.

Paula