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