Hello,
Sunday afternoon when walking with my
young friend we saw an animal in the road that appeared dead. He said, “I think
that is an opossum.”
“I do not think so because it does not
have the naked tail. I suspect that it is a groundhog since we have seen one in
this area.” I said.
We walked a little farther when he
speculated, “It might be a raccoon.”
At that point I had to walk back and
get a closer look. This animal, while it had a little bit of a bushy tail, did
not have any of the characteristic black rings of a raccoon. I went back to my
original Identification. That certainly was the closest that I have been to a
groundhog, if it was a groundhog.
When Leroy and I walked Monday morning
there was no animal in the road. Did someone remove it? Or was it not really
dead even though it had been on its back with legs in the air?
Later Leroy went for a walk by himself
and he did see a live groundhog a bit farther up the hill. Lately he has had
all the luck spotting the live animals. Are they not out when I am there or is
he better at seeing what is in the vicinity? Anyway I am jealous.
My walk monitor reported that last
week I logged 89,945 steps with the best day at 14,152. Staying home more is
good for something.
Paula
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Monday, April 6, 2020
Masks!
Hello,
Our downstairs friend gave us two masks! I am so happy! The sewing machine is going into the closet. I figure that with washing and using my one that is ok along with a couple bandanas we will mange just fine. So happy to get those two good looking and well made masks. She is definitely a more accomplished seamstress than I am.
Leroy and I again walked early this morning. This time we started at 6:10 am. We did not see anyone else until almost the end of the walk when a woman walking a dog got off a part of the trail that we wanted to use. If we had been a few minutes later we might not have even seen her. Another woman was across the street walking two dogs so that was well out of our territory. We did not wear our masks because we were hoping to see no one. Later in the morning, I went for a second walk. This time I stayed much closer to home just in case it started to rain. Every time I saw another person, I turned and went a different direction or used an alternative path for a while. Consequently, I never met anyone. But I managed to get my 10,000 steps once again.
Self care now seems to be king in my life. Leroy and I do devotions together after which I do ten minutes of meditation. I also do my devotions in which I reread the passage in two translations and write some things. Usually a bit later in morning I do some yoga or tai chi so I get some balance and stretching work.
Perhaps writing to all of you is a part of self care as well. I am always strongly compelled to write. If many days go by without writing I do not feel so good. I am glad some of you read this. I cannot say if I need an audience or not.
Paula
Our downstairs friend gave us two masks! I am so happy! The sewing machine is going into the closet. I figure that with washing and using my one that is ok along with a couple bandanas we will mange just fine. So happy to get those two good looking and well made masks. She is definitely a more accomplished seamstress than I am.
Leroy and I again walked early this morning. This time we started at 6:10 am. We did not see anyone else until almost the end of the walk when a woman walking a dog got off a part of the trail that we wanted to use. If we had been a few minutes later we might not have even seen her. Another woman was across the street walking two dogs so that was well out of our territory. We did not wear our masks because we were hoping to see no one. Later in the morning, I went for a second walk. This time I stayed much closer to home just in case it started to rain. Every time I saw another person, I turned and went a different direction or used an alternative path for a while. Consequently, I never met anyone. But I managed to get my 10,000 steps once again.
Self care now seems to be king in my life. Leroy and I do devotions together after which I do ten minutes of meditation. I also do my devotions in which I reread the passage in two translations and write some things. Usually a bit later in morning I do some yoga or tai chi so I get some balance and stretching work.
Perhaps writing to all of you is a part of self care as well. I am always strongly compelled to write. If many days go by without writing I do not feel so good. I am glad some of you read this. I cannot say if I need an audience or not.
Paula
Sunday, April 5, 2020
Walking with a friend
Hello,
A friend called and asked if I would walk in a state park with him. He told me that he would wear a mask and did I have a mask. My replay was that I was not going so far away even though it is only 13-15 miles. But I would be willing to walk in the park close to my home if we walked six feet apart and wore our masks.
I made a mask yesterday such as it is. I should have followed instructions more closely. Oh well, I will try again, perhaps tomorrow.
There were a number of people out walking or riding bikes. Many of the walkers were wearing masks and two bike riders had them on as well. We are changing. We often walked in the street or on the grass to get far enough from each other as well as other people.
Even though it was cool this morning Leroy and I went out by 6:30 am. The trail was deserted except for one young man who walked ahead of us for a short time before heading off on a sidewalk. Then later we saw an older man on roller blades. He had no mask as we did not at that hour, but we stayed well away from him as he sped on by three times because he turned at some intersections.
My plan is to go out early again tomorrow. I now feel much more comfortable with fewer people in the area.
Paula
A friend called and asked if I would walk in a state park with him. He told me that he would wear a mask and did I have a mask. My replay was that I was not going so far away even though it is only 13-15 miles. But I would be willing to walk in the park close to my home if we walked six feet apart and wore our masks.
I made a mask yesterday such as it is. I should have followed instructions more closely. Oh well, I will try again, perhaps tomorrow.
There were a number of people out walking or riding bikes. Many of the walkers were wearing masks and two bike riders had them on as well. We are changing. We often walked in the street or on the grass to get far enough from each other as well as other people.
Even though it was cool this morning Leroy and I went out by 6:30 am. The trail was deserted except for one young man who walked ahead of us for a short time before heading off on a sidewalk. Then later we saw an older man on roller blades. He had no mask as we did not at that hour, but we stayed well away from him as he sped on by three times because he turned at some intersections.
My plan is to go out early again tomorrow. I now feel much more comfortable with fewer people in the area.
Paula
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Lightness
Hello,
I suggested, to the two people who are mostly in charge, for our church book club that we meet on Zoom. Well they thought it was a great idea and that I was the one who should get it together. I said yes, but then started to stew about it almost immediately.
I did not have the book and could not get it easily as an eBook as the hold list was too long. So I made that trip to church hoping for safety in both directions. Breathing in and breathing out.
I had only done that online meeting program once and that was when daughter Sarah invited me. It worked simply. I contacted the book club group and told them, “Since I do not know what I am doing, I will set up a practice as well as the meeting.”
That was all fairly easy to send an email, but I am not truly an organizer of people person. So I spent some time fussing in my mind about it all. Yesterday I tried to set up a meeting and it just was not working. How did Sarah made it sound so quick and easy. Finally we called her and she coached me over the phone while trying to see and read my screen on face time. What we found was that the app did not give the same options as logging on the web. When I logged in on the web it was all fine. Thank you Sarah.
This morning we had our practice gathering with a portion of the group there. It was such a relief to me. I feel that a load has been lifted. One member could not get her video to show, we could hear her just fine. She logged out and came back in to the same white screen result. When we were done she sent an email to all saying that her laptop had a sticker from the company on it which covered her camera. We were all seeing the back of that sticker and it did not express much!
Paula
I suggested, to the two people who are mostly in charge, for our church book club that we meet on Zoom. Well they thought it was a great idea and that I was the one who should get it together. I said yes, but then started to stew about it almost immediately.
I did not have the book and could not get it easily as an eBook as the hold list was too long. So I made that trip to church hoping for safety in both directions. Breathing in and breathing out.
I had only done that online meeting program once and that was when daughter Sarah invited me. It worked simply. I contacted the book club group and told them, “Since I do not know what I am doing, I will set up a practice as well as the meeting.”
That was all fairly easy to send an email, but I am not truly an organizer of people person. So I spent some time fussing in my mind about it all. Yesterday I tried to set up a meeting and it just was not working. How did Sarah made it sound so quick and easy. Finally we called her and she coached me over the phone while trying to see and read my screen on face time. What we found was that the app did not give the same options as logging on the web. When I logged in on the web it was all fine. Thank you Sarah.
This morning we had our practice gathering with a portion of the group there. It was such a relief to me. I feel that a load has been lifted. One member could not get her video to show, we could hear her just fine. She logged out and came back in to the same white screen result. When we were done she sent an email to all saying that her laptop had a sticker from the company on it which covered her camera. We were all seeing the back of that sticker and it did not express much!
Paula
Friday, April 3, 2020
Going to the Library
Hello,
Because I have my key we can get into the library. We drove there yesterday afternoon. My boss was still there. She has been putting together books and craft ideas for patrons by setting up a time when they can come get them. They do not enter, but get them from her in a hand off.
She checked out our books by using hand sanitizer and gloves. We selected them and put them in bags ourselves. Leroy found 18 books, I found 12 books, he selected 7 DVDs, and I selected 2 DVDs. We are set now for some time to come.
It was so good to see my boss again. It is the longest stretch of time for not seeing her. Usually when we meet we hug, but no touching and not even getting close was the new way.
It was also nice just to go down this familiar road.
I saw something today about how we should only go about two miles from home. Oh dear that trip was 12 miles. We do have one grocery store that close, but many people would not have that.
At the library, I learned that when I stepped sideway along a shelf that the bottom of my sneaker was coming loose. I regretfully put that pair in the garbage. The last time I walked I had noticed something but figured that I had stepped on something on the path. I do know that these shoes are recyclable, but assume that will not work at this time. These shoes were the ones I wear in the garden and such. I had been keeping them on the back porch and not bringing them in the house. Now my “good” pair is on the back porch after wearing them on a couple walks. With all the time I have I have been logging more than 10,000 steps a day it is closer to 12 or 13 thousand. Leroy often walks with me, but not so much because he is working 20 hours a week.
Paula
Because I have my key we can get into the library. We drove there yesterday afternoon. My boss was still there. She has been putting together books and craft ideas for patrons by setting up a time when they can come get them. They do not enter, but get them from her in a hand off.
She checked out our books by using hand sanitizer and gloves. We selected them and put them in bags ourselves. Leroy found 18 books, I found 12 books, he selected 7 DVDs, and I selected 2 DVDs. We are set now for some time to come.
It was so good to see my boss again. It is the longest stretch of time for not seeing her. Usually when we meet we hug, but no touching and not even getting close was the new way.
It was also nice just to go down this familiar road.
I saw something today about how we should only go about two miles from home. Oh dear that trip was 12 miles. We do have one grocery store that close, but many people would not have that.
At the library, I learned that when I stepped sideway along a shelf that the bottom of my sneaker was coming loose. I regretfully put that pair in the garbage. The last time I walked I had noticed something but figured that I had stepped on something on the path. I do know that these shoes are recyclable, but assume that will not work at this time. These shoes were the ones I wear in the garden and such. I had been keeping them on the back porch and not bringing them in the house. Now my “good” pair is on the back porch after wearing them on a couple walks. With all the time I have I have been logging more than 10,000 steps a day it is closer to 12 or 13 thousand. Leroy often walks with me, but not so much because he is working 20 hours a week.
Paula
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Leroy Working
Hello,
Yesterday, Leroy decided that, before this is over, he will probably finish the work that he brought home. Consequently he went in that morning after calling and learning that one other person would be in the building. He went with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. He said there were wipes right by the door so that was no problem. He spent a little time talking to the person there, but they kept that good six foot distance apart. He brought home two heavy boxes. “I watered my plant,” he said.
“Oh you should have brought it home,” I sighed.
“I watered it, it had not been watered for two weeks and it still looked good.” He assured me.
Well in a bit I heard him exclaim, “Where is that third box? I am sure I had it ready to go. It has things in it I need!”
He went back in to fetch that box and came home with an additional box as well as the plant. Luckily the plant is not so large that it will easily fit in with the little crowd that we have here.
Our state is now one of five that is not requiring people to shelter at home. We are planning to go to the Ely Library, which is closed, to return books and get new items. No one else will be there. Somehow that seems to me to be safe for us and others. Although I wonder if I am being hypocritical going out because I believe we should be sheltering at home as an entire group. Sometimes it is hard to live up to one’s own principles.
Keep safe and think of three things you are thankful for. Today I am just thinking of none people things. I am thankful for a furnace that works efficiently, windows that let in light with a view of the outside world, and a washer in the flat.
Paula
Yesterday, Leroy decided that, before this is over, he will probably finish the work that he brought home. Consequently he went in that morning after calling and learning that one other person would be in the building. He went with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. He said there were wipes right by the door so that was no problem. He spent a little time talking to the person there, but they kept that good six foot distance apart. He brought home two heavy boxes. “I watered my plant,” he said.
“Oh you should have brought it home,” I sighed.
“I watered it, it had not been watered for two weeks and it still looked good.” He assured me.
Well in a bit I heard him exclaim, “Where is that third box? I am sure I had it ready to go. It has things in it I need!”
He went back in to fetch that box and came home with an additional box as well as the plant. Luckily the plant is not so large that it will easily fit in with the little crowd that we have here.
Our state is now one of five that is not requiring people to shelter at home. We are planning to go to the Ely Library, which is closed, to return books and get new items. No one else will be there. Somehow that seems to me to be safe for us and others. Although I wonder if I am being hypocritical going out because I believe we should be sheltering at home as an entire group. Sometimes it is hard to live up to one’s own principles.
Keep safe and think of three things you are thankful for. Today I am just thinking of none people things. I am thankful for a furnace that works efficiently, windows that let in light with a view of the outside world, and a washer in the flat.
Paula
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Spills, Walking
April 1, 2020
Hello,
We often have a cup of water with a small amount of honey and cider vinegar in it. Last week, Leroy bumped the cup spilling the contents on the table, floor and chair. The chair pad got quite a supply. Because we had had them for some time and they had not been washed, it seemed like a nice time to wash. I was not paying attention and I washed them in warm or hot water. The inner part either expanded or the outer part shrunk. It is nice to have them clean, but they still are a bit off with a bowl shape in one direction and a mound when turned over. We are sitting on the mound side hoping they will eventually figure out a way to get together. It certainly is not a necessary item.
After that, when drinking tea in the computer room, I put my tea cup across the room. I do not want to accidently spill on the computer as I do not want to repair or shop for one now. Unfortunately I cannot just put it in the washer.
Leroy rode his bike yesterday and saw a groundhog that we have seen occasionally. I always look for it when going by its home which is about 20 or 30 feet from the bike trail. More than once it has dived into the hole when it becomes aware of someone there. Leroy was quiet on the bike so he got a good look. It is nice to see the wildlife such as squirrels and various birds. Once in a while we see a rabbit, but not often.
Paula
Hello,
We often have a cup of water with a small amount of honey and cider vinegar in it. Last week, Leroy bumped the cup spilling the contents on the table, floor and chair. The chair pad got quite a supply. Because we had had them for some time and they had not been washed, it seemed like a nice time to wash. I was not paying attention and I washed them in warm or hot water. The inner part either expanded or the outer part shrunk. It is nice to have them clean, but they still are a bit off with a bowl shape in one direction and a mound when turned over. We are sitting on the mound side hoping they will eventually figure out a way to get together. It certainly is not a necessary item.
After that, when drinking tea in the computer room, I put my tea cup across the room. I do not want to accidently spill on the computer as I do not want to repair or shop for one now. Unfortunately I cannot just put it in the washer.
Leroy rode his bike yesterday and saw a groundhog that we have seen occasionally. I always look for it when going by its home which is about 20 or 30 feet from the bike trail. More than once it has dived into the hole when it becomes aware of someone there. Leroy was quiet on the bike so he got a good look. It is nice to see the wildlife such as squirrels and various birds. Once in a while we see a rabbit, but not often.
Paula
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