Mysteries

Hello, The towel in the picture was out on the clothes overnight. Whose footprints are these?

They are front and back on the bottom of the towel. It is a couple feet off the ground. I vote for a large racoon. I have been told by neighbors that there is a large one that comes out at night and roams around the area. Raccoons are out in the daytime, but not a big one. It seems they live in the storm drains. Leroy though it might be a squirrel, but looks too large for that. It could be a possum, but I think their foot is shaped a little differently. Who is adding to our little free library? That is a big mystery. Six middle level dictionaries were put in there. To my astonishment two of them have left. The Korean language learning books are still there. When I remember, I will take them to the public library for their book sale. Now there are several duplicate copies of books on magic. They will stay a while, but if here too long they are also going to the public library book sale. When rain is predicted should we water at church? Sometimes it rains and sometimes it does not. Can I finish a book by Sunday that I just picked up today for the book club? I had forgotten about it. It is about three hundred pages long. Paula

Neighborhood Fungi

Hello, We saw this beautiful white ball mushroom or fungus on a neighbor’s lawn. Yesterday we saw a number of them on a lawn, but there someone had attack them perhaps with a stick. There were white balls that had been knocked off the stems. That saddened me. I liked looking at them. At least today both of the fungi were still intact and looked good.

I happened to glance out the window as I was making the bed. I saw a young man, riding a bike, stop in the middle of the street, get off the bike and inspect it a bit. Then he picked the bicycle up and heaved it at the side of the road. As it landed the front wheel snapped off along with a part I could not identify. He then turned the bike over on its handle bars, retrieved the wheel and tried to fit it back on. That did not work so he threw the wheel. At that point he went pack to the bike and fiddled with back tire. Whatever he tried to do was unsuccessful. He then picked up the bike and threw it next to the curb. After we had lunch, I suggested we go look at it to see if it would be worth giving to a place that repairs bikes and gives them away. The bike was gone, but a neighbor was mowing the lawn so I stopped and asked him about it. He said someone who lives in his house wondered if they could use parts to repair their own bike. He also added that if that did not work, they would take it to the place that shares bikes. I was glad to hear that there was a bit of a positive ending. I prayed for the angry man. Paula

Another county Park

Hello, Yesterday afternoon Leroy and I went to another county park. We have been to Wickiup Hill several times in the past. Some of the times we picked black raspberries. They were wonderful. We saw no briars this time. We did find some black berries. We picked about a half pint to bring home. Leroy was not very comfortable with that as a sign tells the visitors to leave in the park what they find. When we picked the black raspberries, we asked permission and were given that. The visitor center has been updated and I found it quite interesting. The displays start way back in the past with early humans in the area. They also showed the former depth of the top soil and the length of the grass roots. I could almost reach the entire length of the root which much have been over six feet long. As we know, the land changed when the European settlers came and invented the plow. Our top soil is now quite small and contaminated with herbicides. At least we have some park areas that are reclaiming the prairies and wetlands. Some farmers are also trying to care for the land as they know how important it is. There was also a small bit about the Meskwaki who are some of the early inhabitants of this part of the world. After they had been moved to Kansas, the Iowa legislature allowed them to buy back some of the land that was taken from them. People in the Amana Colonies in Iowa helped them a bit with this. The picture of the baby swing is an effort on their part to maintain their culture.

Paula

At What Time?!

Hello, This morning, I thought I had my day all organized. I had even gotten ready to go to church to water plants. Leroy asked what time my physical therapy appointment was. I replied glibly, “Eleven forty.” For some reason I checked my calendar only to see that it was set for 7:40. Eek! I was already late as it was 7:45. Leroy said, “I will water, you just go.” At least I was dressed well enough to be seen in public. I grabbed my purse, keys and slipped into some sandals. I had planned to walk since it is fairly close, but the car got me there a bit faster. When I walked in on of the people at the desk said, “Good morning, how are you?” “All upset!” I blurted out breathlessly, “Because I am late.” They all laughed and one of them said, “We have all been there at some time.” There were a few questions and some papers to sign before I met the therapist. When she started to take my blood pressure, I said, “It is always terrible.” Since I came in with such anxiety, I was surprised to learn that it was quite fine. Maybe I should dash around more often instead of being on time or even early. Paula

More Weeds gone

Hello, I was surprised when Leroy talked about going back to the community garden this morning. We have two yardies ready to pick up tomorrow. Our city has a pickup of yard waste and it is composted and gifted back to people who would like to come get it. I think it is such a good thing. The shovel was necessary again today. We also took some water with us to drink and that is a good thing. It was not so hot, but as the time when on it got warmer. I should take a picture of some of these large grasses. I think enough big ones are still in the garden. The paths in the garden have been mulched so the weeds are not there, but some are growing from under that mulch. It has been raining so much that we did not water at church yesterday or today. Tomorrow I will go again. The food pantry in Ely is rather short of produce and other foods. Our church in doing a big food drive for the food pantry in our town. Food scarcity is a real thing for many people. Paula

Weeds stronger than we are

Hello, Leroy and I went to the community garden for about an hour to dig/pull weeds. It was a struggle to win. The knuckle grass was well established and enormous. Luckily there were two of us and a shovel. Guess it has been good weather for growth and we have been gone a long time. I had gone by myself without a digger or a shovel and was not so successful. It was such a little attempt, that no one would know that I had been there. Today, Leroy and I learned that we will be going on another trip at the end of August, first part of September. It will be a bus trip to the west in this country. This will be the fourth big trip this year. Leroy is getting to the end of his trip need for the time being. Certainly, it is more than we have ever done in one year. Last night I went to a presentation about the 50 years of the Ely Library. The best part for me was to see some of the people I knew from the past, but had not seen in a long time. People make the world go round. Paula

Bug Chasing Day July 22, 2024 Hello, I cut some lettuce, brought it in to wash, and noticed a bug on the floor. It was not a familiar bug, but I thought maybe it was a big ant before I smashed it under my heel. It took two more blows before it stopped moving. Then after the lettuce was on the counter, I got out my metal mixing bowls to use for the wash, Leory came out to help and said, “There is a bug on the counter.” At which point it seemed like a good idea to take the lettuce outside to clean it. Leroy, who was behind me, said, “Another one fell out and it went in the closet.” One also fell on the steps, but scurried out of sight. We found many of those bugs on that lettuce. I guess they were hiding because the lettuce had not been consumed by anyone for lunch. We washed it four times and more each time. It was good lettuce, but I will be more cautious next time when bringing such things into the house. Leroy did find the two bugs that had gotten lose in the house. We feel better now even though these bugs just wanted to get away from us. We did tour the tower of London. Many people saw the crown jewels, but we decided not to stand in line for that, instead we climbed a lot of stairs.

Paula

The Best Of Summer

Hello, The best of summer according to Leroy: corn on the cob, green beans, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, and any other fresh produce. We are eating “high on the hog”. No hog, but many plants that are sun ripened and promptly eaten. It is a wonderful time. We have been given corn, purple cabbage, green beans, colorful carrots, and tomorrow some tomatoes. What gifts! Our refrigerator is full. The trick is to eat it all before it spoils. We have given some away and might give away more. Leroy is happy. He was also given some stamps. There were many in this collection that he can use because they are in better shape than the ones in his collection. There are lots of good feelings in the room. While in Cardiff, Wales we heard a men’s chorus practicing. It was wonderful.

One photo is that group and they also took a picture of our group.

Most of us attended that event. Paula

Iowa Touring July 20, 2024 Hello, Leroy and I took a side trip on the way to get my glasses adjusted. For those of you in this part of Iowa, we went to Kent Park which is a county park, but a winner. We had a few sprinkles on us, but still managed to walk around a lake and read some very interesting information about bridges. There was also some good information about prairies and the effort to restore some of it. The European settlers really destroyed the prairie along with the soil depth and the wetlands in their rush to plow up the land. They contributed to the good life that I enjoy, but were not thinking of the long-term effects of what they were doing. The native people had lived here for a very long time and managed to live respectfully on the land with the available plants and animals. Many current day practices still do not help the land to survive. It seems we do not realize it has been a gift to us and we need to care for it. I am grateful for those people who realized that we needed to care for what we have and pushed for better husbandry. On the walk around the lake, we walked on several bridges that have been moved into the area. At each bridge it told what style it was and where it came from, along with the age. Here are a couple pictures from those places.

Paula

Leroy Retired

Hello, Someone asked Leroy, “How is retirement going?” “I don’t really know since we have not been home much of the time.” he replied. Leroy had a week before we left on our Rhine River Cruise. Much of that time was spent getting ready for the trip or doing some odd jobs. There were six days at home between trips before we left with the choir for England. I had covid some of that time and spent two full days in bed plus the rest of the time just being quiet and slow. He had to cook, clean up and generally take care of things. This week, we have been home except for doctor visits. Leroy is definitely reading a lot. He always does read a lot. He has gone to the library twice for more books. He can ride the bike there, but it would be nice if it was a good walk away. I have been having him help with household chores. At first, we were both rather tired and disorientated with jet lag. I feel quite fine today and he seems to be good too. We even managed to deliver the neighborhood newsletters. We have 140 places that get them. Some of these are on quite nice hilly spots. I know Iowa has a reputation as being flat, but there are some hills, not mountains, but a bit of up and down. Leroy is helping me water plants at church. Today while he watered, I pruned and deadheaded. It looks a bit better. We found the Roman Baths quite interesting. Not sure why it looks like my abdominal area is extended, but I might have had my bag under there since it was so crowded.

Paula

How Strong Am I

Hello, Yesterday evening, I flossed my teeth, but forgot that I have that temporary crown. It popped right out with the pull of the floss. Embarrasses, disgusted, and unhappy, I phoned the dentist, left a message and got a call back this morning. The crown is reglued and in place. Hopefully it will stay there until Tuesday when the permanent or more permanent crown is inserted. To continue with my health care saga, yesterday afternoon I saw my general care provider about the pain in my knee. She was unable to find any explanation. The x-ray showed no damage of any kind. I will see a physical therapist to learn if I am not walking and moving with good alignment. Hopefully it will help. The yoga this morning did help me to feel better. We scheduled a future meeting to discuss what meds I can use for bone health. I think I should lift weights as well. This morning, I also visited with my podiatrist. The remaining disfigured toenails are not responding to the fungus medication so we discussed other options. I always thought I was quite healthy, but now I have a full array of specialists. Taken at West Minister Abbey, the royal chair (Throne) used for special occasions.

Paula

Feeling Good

Hello, The hematologist oncologist does not need to see me again. My white blood count is where it should be. Some other numbers are off, but not far. All bad things have been taken off the list. That is such a good feeling. Also, I now have a temporary crown so my tongue is starting to feel better as it is not stabbed every time I swallow. The dentist had a cancellation yesterday so he was able to work on it. It was tiring having my mouth open so long, but I am grateful for care of these issues. Leroy sees a physical therapist for some hip pain. He thinks that has been helping. He also saw a dermatologist and all looks clear and good. Our schedule has been filled with health care visits. What did we do with our time before all of this was a reality? One thing is for sure we were not grateful enough for all of our perfectly working body parts. I have two more appointments this week and then there should be a break of several weeks. We will serve meals at a free noon meal site next week, otherwise we are free. We will learn how to live without Leroy’s salary as it is now finished. It will be good. We are almost there now as we have eliminated this rather gradually. Here is a picture of our choir in the Portsmouth cathedral. I am the second from the right. Leroy is not visible. Hauling robes and music added to our luggage weight, but we were still good.

Paula

Once Again Home

Hello, It was a trip of 11 busy days. I do not recommend taking two trips that are so far away by plane in such a short time. It is especially not helpful to have Covid on those days between with jet lag and fatigue pressing in. At least the flights were easier on the second trip, both going and coming back were only one flight which left on time. The first few days in England were just a bit of a blur with my brain and body trying to figure out where they were. By the time the trip was over I was more ready to begin. We are home now for two days. Tired, but healthy unlike many of the members on this trip. Several of them have covid. Since I isolated for five or six days before we left, they probably did not get it from me. I had no more symptoms, but still a bit tired. London traffic was something that I was happy to let the bus driver navigate. Every day we went on a tour or two. Here is a picture of us in front of Buckingham Palace.

Paula