Hello,
Leroy is at camp this week so I begin to truly see his value in my life.
He is a good nurse or fetcher or do for type person. I developed a fever last night and abdominal pains. There was no Leroy to get me anything. I had to get up myself for anything I might want. My fever was done a little this morning, but the pain was mostly still there. Then in the afternoon the fever went down as did the pain. I did look in the Mayo Clinic self care book and learned that I should perhaps see the doctor in this situation. Later I talked with Brian and he insisted that I should see the Dr. Later my fever went back up. Wonder of wonders there was a doctor free who could see me in 15 minutes. I said, “My clothes, my hair, it isn’t good.”
The receptionist replied, “You should look sick when you are sick.”
It was decided that I perhaps have dieriticulosus (or however you spell that). I can’t even find it in my misspellers dictionary. I am now on antibiotics and pain killers.
See if Leroy had been here could have driven me around, prepared lunch, washed dishes, and said soothing words.
I also know that it takes five books to replace Leroy. We do a crossword puzzle together everyday. He knows how to spell, gods and goddesses, geography, and weird science facts. I had to use the dictionary, crossword puzzle dictionary, atlas, and the almanac. The guy is so much faster than looking it up. In case you wonder I do even contribute to the solutions, but I need him.
Paula
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Weeding and Restricted
Hello,
I will tell more about the Dells later, but now I must tell about all the weeding I did yesterday. The soil was just loose enough that the roots of almost all plants pulled out easily. It is my favorite time to weed. Unfortunately that just right point only lasts for a day or two. Leroy was impressed and felt guilty about all of the ground that I covered so he had to weed in the drive. He did not finish, but covered a good bit of it. He declared it to be tiring, but satisfying. I also find weeding satisfying because things look so much better when done. Sometimes it is nice to know that something has been accomplished.
In the afternoon our neighbor’s mower came. She raked the grass in piles and I took our garden cart over and filled it one and a half times. Our garden cart is probably 30 years old and has survived many moves, but it still impresses people with its great ability to haul so much weight easily. That grass allowed me to protect the ground in the flower bed that I had just weeded as well as the corner of the garden that was clear of weeds. Now those weeds can not easily return. I wish I had had the grass on sooner as it would have kept the plants warm in our cool weather spells. As it is we are giving away lettuce and have eaten our fill. I will be alone this week so consumption will slow down.
Leroy has gone to confirmation camp in the car. He had planned to ride with someone, but that did not work out. One of our cars does indeed need work on the wheel bearings. They could not work on it until Thursday or Friday this week. Leroy thinking that I would have a hard time getting myself back to the house scheduled the repair for a week from Monday when he will be back. I am able to drive the car for limited trips around town, but out of town travel is not recommended. I had been planning to make some visits to out of town friends, but alas that will not happen. Now if any one wants to visit me you are more than welcome as I could well be lonely.
Tonight I will go to a band concert in the further end of the park. I do not mind walking there, but I am debating the energy for dragging along a chair. It is only an hour concert and I could stand that long or sit on the grass some. Tomorrow night is book club discussion and Wednesday is Bible study so I will not be totally on my own. Maybe I will learn the true value of Leroy in my life.
Paula
I will tell more about the Dells later, but now I must tell about all the weeding I did yesterday. The soil was just loose enough that the roots of almost all plants pulled out easily. It is my favorite time to weed. Unfortunately that just right point only lasts for a day or two. Leroy was impressed and felt guilty about all of the ground that I covered so he had to weed in the drive. He did not finish, but covered a good bit of it. He declared it to be tiring, but satisfying. I also find weeding satisfying because things look so much better when done. Sometimes it is nice to know that something has been accomplished.
In the afternoon our neighbor’s mower came. She raked the grass in piles and I took our garden cart over and filled it one and a half times. Our garden cart is probably 30 years old and has survived many moves, but it still impresses people with its great ability to haul so much weight easily. That grass allowed me to protect the ground in the flower bed that I had just weeded as well as the corner of the garden that was clear of weeds. Now those weeds can not easily return. I wish I had had the grass on sooner as it would have kept the plants warm in our cool weather spells. As it is we are giving away lettuce and have eaten our fill. I will be alone this week so consumption will slow down.
Leroy has gone to confirmation camp in the car. He had planned to ride with someone, but that did not work out. One of our cars does indeed need work on the wheel bearings. They could not work on it until Thursday or Friday this week. Leroy thinking that I would have a hard time getting myself back to the house scheduled the repair for a week from Monday when he will be back. I am able to drive the car for limited trips around town, but out of town travel is not recommended. I had been planning to make some visits to out of town friends, but alas that will not happen. Now if any one wants to visit me you are more than welcome as I could well be lonely.
Tonight I will go to a band concert in the further end of the park. I do not mind walking there, but I am debating the energy for dragging along a chair. It is only an hour concert and I could stand that long or sit on the grass some. Tomorrow night is book club discussion and Wednesday is Bible study so I will not be totally on my own. Maybe I will learn the true value of Leroy in my life.
Paula
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Fun and Games
Hello,
There was plenty of time for fun and games even though Brian brought and prepared most of the food making it easy to eat in our space. I am not a great fan of restaurant eating so that was an additional gift to me. Thanks Brian, you did a great job. The rest of us pitched in as needed to help prepare and clean up.
Leroy and I experienced some new things since neither of us had been at a water park before. My sister and husband had not either so all of us older ones learned at the same time as our grandchildren who were about 60 years younger. Two of them had already been so they did not learn as much as the rest of us. It was wonderful to see them go down the slides with daring and élan. The rest of the big people except for pregnant Sarah and I went down the hurricane. It looked a little scary to me and Sarah could not go down any of the slides as it is not recommended. This complex has several indoor water parks and an equal number outdoors. We just stayed indoors as it meant we did not have to worry about sunburn. I had no idea that I would like spending so much time in the water that my hair would turn to straw.
In the evening we adults played games after the children were in bed. Afternoon nap time also provided some game time. Sometimes some of the adults went and did some additional activities, but as always someone must stay with the little ones.
One morning, Leroy, Carolyn (my sister), Gerald (brother-in-law), Mark (nephew), and I went on the zip line where, sitting in a harness, we sailed along in the tree tops. All of us enjoyed it. The most difficult part was stepping off into the air the first time. Body weight makes a difference in speed and the ability to finish. For the second run when instructed to leap off, I could not quite bring my body to respond beyond a slightly more forceful step. In the end they had to throw me the rope and pull me in the last bit, but then others got the same treatment. One woman missed catching the rope and they had to go out after her as she slowly moved back the other direction. This was a short and tame experience as zip lines go with the longest segment being only 900 feet. But we still liked it.
Paula
There was plenty of time for fun and games even though Brian brought and prepared most of the food making it easy to eat in our space. I am not a great fan of restaurant eating so that was an additional gift to me. Thanks Brian, you did a great job. The rest of us pitched in as needed to help prepare and clean up.
Leroy and I experienced some new things since neither of us had been at a water park before. My sister and husband had not either so all of us older ones learned at the same time as our grandchildren who were about 60 years younger. Two of them had already been so they did not learn as much as the rest of us. It was wonderful to see them go down the slides with daring and élan. The rest of the big people except for pregnant Sarah and I went down the hurricane. It looked a little scary to me and Sarah could not go down any of the slides as it is not recommended. This complex has several indoor water parks and an equal number outdoors. We just stayed indoors as it meant we did not have to worry about sunburn. I had no idea that I would like spending so much time in the water that my hair would turn to straw.
In the evening we adults played games after the children were in bed. Afternoon nap time also provided some game time. Sometimes some of the adults went and did some additional activities, but as always someone must stay with the little ones.
One morning, Leroy, Carolyn (my sister), Gerald (brother-in-law), Mark (nephew), and I went on the zip line where, sitting in a harness, we sailed along in the tree tops. All of us enjoyed it. The most difficult part was stepping off into the air the first time. Body weight makes a difference in speed and the ability to finish. For the second run when instructed to leap off, I could not quite bring my body to respond beyond a slightly more forceful step. In the end they had to throw me the rope and pull me in the last bit, but then others got the same treatment. One woman missed catching the rope and they had to go out after her as she slowly moved back the other direction. This was a short and tame experience as zip lines go with the longest segment being only 900 feet. But we still liked it.
Paula
Thursday, June 9, 2011
At the Dells
Hello,
It was fun to arrive at the Dells and explore our accommodations. First people started choosing their rooms. It had been decided that Leroy and I should share the master bedroom because of our anniversary celebration. Because it was the largest room it was also the most logical place for the four girls to sleep.
To digress, the night before we left for the Dells Leroy and I slept in the tent with the two Utah girls who had flown in that day as well as Sophia who was at home. Everyone was excited when we went to bed, but the two youngest talked for a long time and did not enjoy stopping. When it was quite and all but the youngest, Nora, were asleep she started to cry a little. I managed to calm her down. There was also a certain amount of sliding out of slippery sleeping bags. It was an interesting night.
It was quite a bit easier for us to manage in a bed while the girls were on the floor. They were good, but again there was a certain amount of moving around. Children do not sleep in a still position I have learned. I got up at least once and covered girls or moved them.
The second night when there were only three in the room with us I heard a lot of sleeping bag rustle. When I got up and checked there was Olivia industrially precisely arranging her sleeping bag. When I tried to help, she, without a word, put it back to her satisfaction. Consequently, I just watched and made sure that she could get in and covered to I could go back to bed.
The third night I again woke to that sleeping bag rustle. This time it was Nora seeking the perfect spot and alignment. She also had some master plan in mind and only accepted a little of my help.
Leroy gets to sleep through all of this and did not even hear the people partying outside. Lucky guy!
Paula
It was fun to arrive at the Dells and explore our accommodations. First people started choosing their rooms. It had been decided that Leroy and I should share the master bedroom because of our anniversary celebration. Because it was the largest room it was also the most logical place for the four girls to sleep.
To digress, the night before we left for the Dells Leroy and I slept in the tent with the two Utah girls who had flown in that day as well as Sophia who was at home. Everyone was excited when we went to bed, but the two youngest talked for a long time and did not enjoy stopping. When it was quite and all but the youngest, Nora, were asleep she started to cry a little. I managed to calm her down. There was also a certain amount of sliding out of slippery sleeping bags. It was an interesting night.
It was quite a bit easier for us to manage in a bed while the girls were on the floor. They were good, but again there was a certain amount of moving around. Children do not sleep in a still position I have learned. I got up at least once and covered girls or moved them.
The second night when there were only three in the room with us I heard a lot of sleeping bag rustle. When I got up and checked there was Olivia industrially precisely arranging her sleeping bag. When I tried to help, she, without a word, put it back to her satisfaction. Consequently, I just watched and made sure that she could get in and covered to I could go back to bed.
The third night I again woke to that sleeping bag rustle. This time it was Nora seeking the perfect spot and alignment. She also had some master plan in mind and only accepted a little of my help.
Leroy gets to sleep through all of this and did not even hear the people partying outside. Lucky guy!
Paula
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Going to Wisconsin
Hello,
Almost a week ago we set off for The Wisconsin Dells. Because it was not predictable how well three month old Logan would travel we split the group as follows: Brian’s larger vehicle carried the three men, himself, Leroy, Andy, and three girls, Olivia, Nora, and Sophia. Our car had the three women, me, Jen, and Miriam along with possibly crying Logan. As it turned out Logan was a model traveler for his age group. He needed to be changed and to eat which all required stopping, but it was not a problem.
I commented on the beautiful green scenery. Miriam who has become totally accustomed to the Utah Mountains said, “I do not find it that pretty as there are no mountains.”
That just amazes me as I feel at home and so comfortable here. How can anyone not see the specialness? She says it was nice, but the mountains are superior.
Then Andy complained about the Midwest humidity which I thought was more comfortable than sometimes. I guess this is now a mountain family.
Our condo had three bedrooms along with a den that had a door which could be closed as well a couch that converted to a bed. We all used the common areas of kitchen, dinning, and living rooms. It worked out quite well for all of us. Leroy and I shared the master bedroom with four girls one night and three the rest of the nights. It was quite fine.
Paula
Almost a week ago we set off for The Wisconsin Dells. Because it was not predictable how well three month old Logan would travel we split the group as follows: Brian’s larger vehicle carried the three men, himself, Leroy, Andy, and three girls, Olivia, Nora, and Sophia. Our car had the three women, me, Jen, and Miriam along with possibly crying Logan. As it turned out Logan was a model traveler for his age group. He needed to be changed and to eat which all required stopping, but it was not a problem.
I commented on the beautiful green scenery. Miriam who has become totally accustomed to the Utah Mountains said, “I do not find it that pretty as there are no mountains.”
That just amazes me as I feel at home and so comfortable here. How can anyone not see the specialness? She says it was nice, but the mountains are superior.
Then Andy complained about the Midwest humidity which I thought was more comfortable than sometimes. I guess this is now a mountain family.
Our condo had three bedrooms along with a den that had a door which could be closed as well a couch that converted to a bed. We all used the common areas of kitchen, dinning, and living rooms. It worked out quite well for all of us. Leroy and I shared the master bedroom with four girls one night and three the rest of the nights. It was quite fine.
Paula
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Vacation ends
Hello,
I knew I was home because I had work to do. The weeds have moved in and taken up serious residence in the garden as well as in the flower beds. The rain gauge had four inches of rain sitting in it apparently with the heat, the rain it creates good growing conditions. The corn in the field behind the house seems to have grown an astonishing amount.
We have a lot of lettuce that we will have to share with others. That is one thing about a garden, generally if a plant does well it is more than enough for one family.
I weeded a small part of the garden and covered the open soil with the moldering grass clippings from our neighbor. I am so grateful to get that bounty. It is just a blessing.
Then it was time to wash and hang out two loads of clothes. The sun and heat did its work and the clothes were ready to take down, fold, and put away before lunch.
The next duty/pleasure was that of making bread. While the bread was rising a batch of granola got mixed up and put in the oven. Nothing like making a person sweat by baking on a hot day. I even had the air conditioner on. Baking in the winter is so much more satisfying as it fills the house with additional warmth.
The plan tomorrow is to do more weeding, spreading grass clippings and riding my bike to the library. That library trip is necessary because I am out of new reading material. That is never a good situation.
When I write tomorrow I will start flashbacks of our last weekend adventure.
Paula
I knew I was home because I had work to do. The weeds have moved in and taken up serious residence in the garden as well as in the flower beds. The rain gauge had four inches of rain sitting in it apparently with the heat, the rain it creates good growing conditions. The corn in the field behind the house seems to have grown an astonishing amount.
We have a lot of lettuce that we will have to share with others. That is one thing about a garden, generally if a plant does well it is more than enough for one family.
I weeded a small part of the garden and covered the open soil with the moldering grass clippings from our neighbor. I am so grateful to get that bounty. It is just a blessing.
Then it was time to wash and hang out two loads of clothes. The sun and heat did its work and the clothes were ready to take down, fold, and put away before lunch.
The next duty/pleasure was that of making bread. While the bread was rising a batch of granola got mixed up and put in the oven. Nothing like making a person sweat by baking on a hot day. I even had the air conditioner on. Baking in the winter is so much more satisfying as it fills the house with additional warmth.
The plan tomorrow is to do more weeding, spreading grass clippings and riding my bike to the library. That library trip is necessary because I am out of new reading material. That is never a good situation.
When I write tomorrow I will start flashbacks of our last weekend adventure.
Paula
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Minnesota Wildlife
Hello,
Leroy and I are enjoying our encounters with Minnesota Wildlife. Ducks have been seen everyday so they no longer seem wild, but quite a common part of the scene. These ducks appear to be mallards, but don’t quote us on that.
Then there is the turkey that Leroy spotted in a yard on the way home from a walk in the park. When this bird saw us it trotted back in the direction of the wooded area of the park. I have almost never seen a wild turkey so close. It was amazing to see it in the yard as if it belonged there.
Just yesterday we spotted a rather large snapping turtle in another yard as we were walking Sophia home from daycare. After we arrived home, Leroy went back to pick dog poop that Cloe had deposited in a yard farther away. Unfortunately we had forgotten to bring bags with us. At that point Leroy said the turtle was closer to the street so he decided to go back with the camera and take pictures. Brian went with him to check out this turtle. At this point the turtle was in the street. Brian carefully picked it up, pointed it in the direction of the park, and positioned it again in the yard where we had originally seen it. I was sorry that I had stayed home to babysit since I have never seen a snapper up close. One woman who was watching this turtle thought it was looking for a place to lay eggs.
Yesterday we visited friends who took us to the arboretum. There we saw plenty of beautiful wildflowers. My family considered some of these plants weeds. It was wonderful to see friends and plants. There were also cultivated flowers that were blooming so it was quite a delightful scene and good conversation.
Paula
Leroy and I are enjoying our encounters with Minnesota Wildlife. Ducks have been seen everyday so they no longer seem wild, but quite a common part of the scene. These ducks appear to be mallards, but don’t quote us on that.
Then there is the turkey that Leroy spotted in a yard on the way home from a walk in the park. When this bird saw us it trotted back in the direction of the wooded area of the park. I have almost never seen a wild turkey so close. It was amazing to see it in the yard as if it belonged there.
Just yesterday we spotted a rather large snapping turtle in another yard as we were walking Sophia home from daycare. After we arrived home, Leroy went back to pick dog poop that Cloe had deposited in a yard farther away. Unfortunately we had forgotten to bring bags with us. At that point Leroy said the turtle was closer to the street so he decided to go back with the camera and take pictures. Brian went with him to check out this turtle. At this point the turtle was in the street. Brian carefully picked it up, pointed it in the direction of the park, and positioned it again in the yard where we had originally seen it. I was sorry that I had stayed home to babysit since I have never seen a snapper up close. One woman who was watching this turtle thought it was looking for a place to lay eggs.
Yesterday we visited friends who took us to the arboretum. There we saw plenty of beautiful wildflowers. My family considered some of these plants weeds. It was wonderful to see friends and plants. There were also cultivated flowers that were blooming so it was quite a delightful scene and good conversation.
Paula
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