Tourists

Stephen took Natalie to daycare. Leroy and I walked Lexi to school, stopping in the precise place that she wanted us to. It was close to the building, but not in the building. We then came back home, gathered up things we wanted to take on our trek to the city center. Those things included a map, metro passes, money, courage, and expectations. Even though we had been here before it has been a while so the map gave security, metro passes allowed us to speed cheaply to our destination, money was added to the passes so we could get back home, courage is what I always need when striking out from memory and instructions., and expectations added that bit of edge to it all.

We did experience something new when we got on the transfer metro car, it did not go anywhere, but sat with the doors open. Someone did announce that we would sit for a while as there was some problem up the way. It took about five to ten minutes. When we told Stephen about it at night, he informed us that we have now had the complete metro experience as often he hears people complaining because they had to wait somewhere along the line.

As we got off the metro and were getting our street bearings a homeless man (I know he was homeless because his sign said so.) asked if we needed help. He was quick to spot the unsure, or maybe he even recognizes many people from daily exposure. He graciously told us how to go and it dovetailed nicely with what I had been thinking. We thanked him and headed off for a pleasant walk in the cool air.

Our first and most important destination was the MLK memorial which we had not yet seen. It impressed both of us. We were once again struck by the sensitivity and perceptiveness of this man. What gifts he was given to see the whole picture beyond just himself.

From there we saw mostly repeat monuments, but they were nice to revisit. That included the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War, Vietnam War, Vietnam women’s, and World War II. Another new one was the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was not so spectacular, but well done with the signatures in stone along with the printed translation. That translation was need for understanding some of them. They are grouped so those from a state are displayed together.

Leroy and I felt like a couple old people as my foot was bothering me and his hip was bothering him. We had to sit more than once because of that.

I think one of the honor flights must have been visiting as there were a number of even older guys, many in wheel chairs at the WWII memorial. When we came by on the return walk there were military from several countries in full dress uniform. Leroy recognized some of them.  That guy knows so many different types of things. It seemed there was to be some type of ceremony.

After all that walking, Leroy and I came home rather than go to a museum as we had originally planned. Besides it was time to go pick up Lexi from school. Where did the time go?

Paula

In DC

We are in DC. Our landlady rolled out of bed at the early hour and drove us to the airport in plenty of time. We were a bit mystified when we got to the gate area as there was no sign of our airline going to Detroit even though it was stated on the general board. Some people were already in the chairs so we sat too. Even at the recommended boarding time no workers were on the scene. Finally the flight crew came and that seemed like a good sign even though they also just ended up standing around. Someone finally came, but even then no signs turned on and we were actually boarded by being marked by hand on a chart.  It was late, but we still had enough time for the layover to find our next plane. I mean, “How big can the Detroit airport be?”

Then before we left the ground, the pilot announced that we would have to wait because they needed to de-ice the plane. It still seemed that time would all work out because we would have 45 minutes to make the connection.

After landing we were taxing around the building when the plane stopped rather abruptly. In a bit another plane could be seen going in front of us. Do those pilots just keep an eye out for others as they move around on the ground? Then we got to the gate and the pilot announced that there were emergency vehicles in the way. He would call the tower for an alternate gate. That took a little bit more time. He also commented as he started to move that emergency vehicles looked as if they were also leaving, but we kept moving. At the new gate we had to wait for the ground crew to get in place to do all of that work that they do.

My bag had been plane sided so I waited for that while Leroy went out to look for the next plane. Course it was about as far from this spot as you could be and still be in the airport. We were in Terminal C6 and we needed to get to A78. We started following signs and moving at the great Bradway walk speed with a little extra push. When we were about half way there I noticed that there is a tram in this airport. We had enough time to use the bathroom before we flopped into seats in the waiting area. “When we come back, I am going to figure out how and where to catch that tram,” I panted.

On the return trip we only have about 30 min. in the schedule. It seems like a miss if we are delayed on the first flight. We leave later and get back earlier. We are counting on being early enough that I can go to work. And then we are going to use the city buses to get to our house. Hopefully they abide by their schedules.

Lexi was quite excited to see us when we picked her up after school. We knew to bring our picture ID’s which they copied. Lexi went with us to pick up two year old Natalie who has not seen us in person since last Christmas. As it turned out Natalie saw me first and she just produced a bit grin. That webcam is a great invention for helping memory. As we were leaving, after once again have the ID’s copied, Natalie went into my arms, not eagerly or closely, but comfortably.

Paula

Packing

Hello,

I still have not packed. It is so hard to decide what clothes will feel comfortable. Then, there is my feet and how to comfortably shoe them. If it is too hot the Morton’s neuroma lets me know that it is still around. On the other hand it might be too cool for sandals all of the time. We only do carry on so it is a trick to get all needed things in especially if packing shoes. I figure that I can borrow some clothes from Sarah even if she is in South Africa. I am fortunate to have girls the same size that I am. Makes packing a little easier. No one has my foot size.

Yesterday we again went to the garden and helped to strip it of most of the tomato vines. There were enough tomatoes that I once again canned four pints and froze a small amount. Now I am done with that. Beans are also done. Yesterday I picked and pulled the rest of the green beans. We froze them because I created room in the freezer. I am not sure how many it was, but I would guess it was easily more than seven pints. We are well supplied for the winter. I love that save, well taken care of feeling.

We are getting a ride to the airport with our landlord as we need to be there earlier than the buses run. On the return trip we will indeed use the bus. Hopefully our plane will be on time, if not we will have to wait an hour at the airport. I did remind Leroy that was how it worked in Bratislava too. I believe we have gotten away from the waiting mentality. We must put a positive spin on it and contemplate life and the gifts we have.

This morning I visited with Nora. She called because her mother had a question about making cinnamon rolls. In the past Nora has just grinned while on the phone. Today she was talking so much that I thought for sure it was her older sister. It was great to have this time together.  Thank you to all those who contributed to this great technology that allows us to connect so easily.

Paula

Packing

Hello,

I still have not packed. It is so hard to decide what clothes will feel comfortable. Then, there is my feet and how to comfortably shoe them. If it is too hot the Morton’s neuroma lets me know that it is still around. On the other hand it might be too cool for sandals all of the time. We only do carry on so it is a trick to get all needed things in especially if packing shoes. I figure that I can borrow some clothes from Sarah even if she is in South Africa. I am fortunate to have girls the same size that I am. Makes packing a little easier. No one has my foot size.

Yesterday we again went to the garden and helped to strip it of most of the tomato vines. There were enough tomatoes that I once again canned four pints and froze a small amount. Now I am done with that. Beans are also done. Yesterday I picked and pulled the rest of the green beans. We froze them because I created room in the freezer. I am not sure how many it was, but I would guess it was easily more than seven pints. We are well supplied for the winter. I love that save, well taken care of feeling.

We are getting a ride to the airport with our landlord as we need to be there earlier than the buses run. On the return trip we will indeed use the bus. Hopefully our plane will be on time, if not we will have to wait an hour at the airport. I did remind Leroy that was how it worked in Bratislava too. I believe we have gotten away from the waiting mentality. We must put a positive spin on it and contemplate life and the gifts we have.

This morning I visited with Nora. She called because her mother had a question about making cinnamon rolls. In the past Nora has just grinned while on the phone. Today she was talking so much that I thought for sure it was her older sister. It was great to have this time together.  Thank you to all those who contributed to this great technology that allows us to connect so easily.

Paula

Garden Work

Hello,

I went to the garden late morning to pick more green beans and some tomatoes. With those tomatoes I was able to can another six quarts. I pulled up one row of green beans, stripping the plants of all edible beans as I did so. There are more beans than Leroy and I can eat before we leave for DC. I might even try to put some in the freezer. I can now take out some of the stuff I bought for granola as I know it will not be too hot in the attic and I can store it there. We have been so blessed with good food this year.

I will pick Leroy up at work and we will head to the Ely garden where he will stand on the ladder and pick some apples. The rest of the apples we hope will be still there when we come back from DC. However if not, not. We have had a great supply of apples.

It looks like I once again missed the low gas prices. How does that happen? At least the garden is more predictable.

I picked 12 great peppers when I was last at the Ely garden. Even though I gave two to the generous garden supplier, I think we will not finish eating all of them so I will also try to freeze some of them. I like to put them in many dishes. It is great to have that convenient supply of chopped veggies to put in a dish.

I talked with another neighbor this morning on my way to the garden. I am so happy to see people out and about as I am walking around. She was raking leaves. She was not into gardening, but said that she works in a place where they have a garden for children. The children are small so all they do is water, but that is a challenge. I am happy that they are getting the exposure. There may be some future gardeners there.

Paula

Bus Pass

Hello,

I now have a “City Bus Pass 10 Ride Elderly”. How on earth did I ever get to be classified as elderly? I have gradually slipped into feeling comfortable with the designation of senior, but elderly seems a bit more advanced. Leroy and I are going to try to use the buses to get back to our house from the airport. I feel saddened because we have gotten so far away from public transportation. It is almost hard to believe that I was so comfortable on it in Slovakia and could navigate with ease around Bratislava. What a waste of skill and talent.

Unfortunately the schedules are not so convenient for being at ones destination in a timely manner. I saw a large number of people at the bus station because it was a time when all the buses come in and people can make transfers. In Slovakia, however the number of people at such a spot would have tripled that crowd. It is a vicious circle. The buses do not run so much so not so many people ride. If more people rode they could provide better service.

I might be just giving a donation to the buses, but so be it I would like to encourage them to be efficient. I may just ride them a few times. Leroy also got the same ticket, but he is more likely to use it in the cold days. Although he tells me that it does not work so well with his work times.

I rode my bike the two miles to this spot so on the way home I stopped at the garden to see if I could find some green tomatoes for my neighbor. I realized just as I came to the garden that I had forgotten to put on my bike bags. My jacket had deep pockets so I filled them up. Then when I was riding it all seemed to hang from my neck causing strain and pain. But I got home and deposited the tomatoes on my neighbor’s front step where I hope he finds them. I have visited with this neighbor, but I only know his first name and have no real way of contacting him.

Paula

Chores Done

Hello,

I made my list and I’m checking things off. I have picked beans this morning in the cool crisp air. If we expected another week of nice weather we could pick once more. I have enough that I can can some pints. It is on the list.

Also on my list was reading email and writing some emails to

specific people. Crossed off. Now I am writing “the” email. Soon it will be off the list.

Then there is: take pictures off camera and put camera with pile of things that we will take to Sarah’s house. Exercise is on the list as is deliver the rest of the neighborhood newsletters. Then there is spend time with God and sew a tuck in my bra that is in perfect condition except is too big. Have I lost weight since I bought it? How does God fit in this picture? Oh that is right, God is in all of life, no matter what it is. Sometimes that concept is hard to accept or believe.

I should dust, but it is not on the list and I will not do it. I also should put on the list: read and relax a bit. Oh then there is soak my feet. I have a corn that is complaining so I am trying to get it softened up for extraction. I talk about soaking my feet much more frequently than I manage to remember to do it. It has to be on the list. Now it is.

On yesterday’s list was: put the comforter on the bed. Last night was blissful sleeping in the warm bed, especially because Leroy got in bed first and warmed up the bed, in a cool room. It is a great time of year.

Paula