Hello,
I must say that there is precious little quiet time in a house that at various times has had up to six adults and three children under the age of four. The truth is obvious; Leroy and I do not make much music, noise, and laughter when we are home. Must be quite dull. Here something is always moving, jiggling, squirming, talking, sleeping, or agitating for their will or way.
Every morning, Leroy and I have walked the dog along with one, two, or three children. We have seen adult ducks, baby ducks, adolescent ducks, butterflies, birds in the air, rabbits, squirrels, and a couple swimming things that we could not identify from a distance. Then there are black raspberries to be picked and savored each new day.
The Utah granddaughters have reestablished the wonder of squirrels and rabbits as they seldom see them.
The trip to the Como Zoo brought back memories along with mostly new sights. To think Leroy and I have actually seen a zebra, ostrich, and giraffe in its natural habitat. But not as close for the ostrich and giraffe in the wild, but the zebra was close enough that I could hear it clip off the grass with its teeth and then smell its fear as it passed close to the vehicle.
All we adults thought the zoo’s butterfly house was the best. Sparky the seal gave a good show of just the right length for the three year old attention span. What a treat!
Paula
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day after moving
Hello,
Brian had a list of suggested activities, but we were both too tired to do them. Leroy took one nap in the morning and one in the afternoon. I’m not sure that I can account for my time since I did not nap, but I did not read much either.
We went through all of the hastily packed clothes that we brought with us. Both of know that we went overboard in that territory. We could have managed with half of the clothes. No cool heads at this packing job. At least we have not discovered that we forgot many things, so that is good. We just have too much in Brian’s house.
On the drive up Leroy commented, “I do not feel that we have moved, but that we are just going away for a short time off.”
If someone asks for our phone number we can supply that since our phone is as free and easy as we are. I do not know what to say if someone were to ask for my address. Seems I have been in this position before and I do not like it any better now than I did some years back.
What are we doing today? Cleaning the garage floor, cleaning the driveway, pulling weeds, reading books and figuring out how to watch the TV almost.
Daughter Miriam and family will come tomorrow just as Brian and Leroy drive to Iowa to pick up beef. Sophia and I will spend the day here waving goodbye and hugging hello.
Yesterday when I was sorting through the things in my suitcase, the dog Cloe started to cry a little. Did she think I was going to leave so soon after I had gotten here? I am her reliable morning walk partner.
Paula
Brian had a list of suggested activities, but we were both too tired to do them. Leroy took one nap in the morning and one in the afternoon. I’m not sure that I can account for my time since I did not nap, but I did not read much either.
We went through all of the hastily packed clothes that we brought with us. Both of know that we went overboard in that territory. We could have managed with half of the clothes. No cool heads at this packing job. At least we have not discovered that we forgot many things, so that is good. We just have too much in Brian’s house.
On the drive up Leroy commented, “I do not feel that we have moved, but that we are just going away for a short time off.”
If someone asks for our phone number we can supply that since our phone is as free and easy as we are. I do not know what to say if someone were to ask for my address. Seems I have been in this position before and I do not like it any better now than I did some years back.
What are we doing today? Cleaning the garage floor, cleaning the driveway, pulling weeds, reading books and figuring out how to watch the TV almost.
Daughter Miriam and family will come tomorrow just as Brian and Leroy drive to Iowa to pick up beef. Sophia and I will spend the day here waving goodbye and hugging hello.
Yesterday when I was sorting through the things in my suitcase, the dog Cloe started to cry a little. Did she think I was going to leave so soon after I had gotten here? I am her reliable morning walk partner.
Paula
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Stored
June 23, 2010
Hello,
The time schedule.
3:00 am Tossing, turning, thinking, muttering, and sighing.
4:00 am Checking clock, trying the view facing the right side.
5:00 am Rising, first Leroy and then Paula out of bed.
5:15 am Running around half naked doing some of those things that came to mind
at 3:00. Starting last laundry loads.
5:30 am Dressed, fixing breakfast. Packing, dashing, and glancing.
6:00 am Eating almost cold oatmeal, brushing teeth, putting on makeup, packing
things associated with those activities.
6:01 am Groaning as the rain comes pouring down.
7:00 am Packing the car that is going to MN so items not inadvertently stored.
7:38 am First helpers arrive. Happy that rain has stopped.
7:47 am Discussion of moving particulars. Loading first trailer.
8:00 am Boxes moved, cooperation used, laughter expelled, energy output, caring concern enveloped, on the go, boxes, laundry and back. Leroy to storage facility. Moving, moving, moving, faster, faster, faster.
10:00 am Check the house, empty. Oops bedding still in dryer. Hugs, goodbye.
10:30 am Last load gone. Recycle, garbage gone. Mail came, bill to pay. Hugs, goodbye.
10:45 am Vacuum, others sweep, wash floor, adjust shades, windows. More hugs, goodbyes.
12:00 Eat delicious lunch prepared by others. Clean up, more recycle, more garbage.
12:30 Goodbye house, pay bill, leave town debt free, but owing many forever.
12:45 Car number two left at temporary home.
1:00 Chariton goodbye.
Paula
June 23, 2010
Hello,
The time schedule.
3:00 am Tossing, turning, thinking, muttering, and sighing.
4:00 am Checking clock, trying the view facing the right side.
5:00 am Rising, first Leroy and then Paula out of bed.
5:15 am Running around half naked doing some of those things that came to mind
at 3:00. Starting last laundry loads.
5:30 am Dressed, fixing breakfast. Packing, dashing, and glancing.
6:00 am Eating almost cold oatmeal, brushing teeth, putting on makeup, packing
things associated with those activities.
6:01 am Groaning as the rain comes pouring down.
7:00 am Packing the car that is going to MN so items not inadvertently stored.
7:38 am First helpers arrive. Happy that rain has stopped.
7:47 am Discussion of moving particulars. Loading first trailer.
8:00 am Boxes moved, cooperation used, laughter expelled, energy output, caring concern enveloped, on the go, boxes, laundry and back. Leroy to storage facility. Moving, moving, moving, faster, faster, faster.
10:00 am Check the house, empty. Oops bedding still in dryer. Hugs, goodbye.
10:30 am Last load gone. Recycle, garbage gone. Mail came, bill to pay. Hugs, goodbye.
10:45 am Vacuum, others sweep, wash floor, adjust shades, windows. More hugs, goodbyes.
12:00 Eat delicious lunch prepared by others. Clean up, more recycle, more garbage.
12:30 Goodbye house, pay bill, leave town debt free, but owing many forever.
12:45 Car number two left at temporary home.
1:00 Chariton goodbye.
Paula
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Last things
Hello,
Yesterday morning my ride to the Kenya talk was picking me up at 6:00. After being up two or three times in the night opening or closing windows because of rain or heat, I woke up at 4:00 sure that it was time to get up, finally went back to sleep and jerked awake with the bleating of the alarm at 5:00.
My driver came on time in his rather high off the ground pick-up without a running board. I was wearing my Kenya dress. Not wanting to get it dirty I hitched it up a good distance, grabbed hold of the conveniently placed handle, and hoisted myself up and in while my driver averted his eyes as a bit of leg and who knows what was displayed.
We got the computer, projector, and table set up in plenty of time. I was happy to find oatmeal as a choice on the buffet line. The only thing lacking was fruit, but I ate that when I got home.
Was the talk successful? The audience seemed quite interested and asked a number of questions. But the computer did not move the pictures on in a timely manner. I would get impatient, push the arrow yet again and then it might skip a picture or two. Luckily there were some that were almost duplicates. I kept telling myself to be flexible.
My driver who is a member of the congregation told me, “When I heard that you were leaving I felt as if I had been punched. It is like losing family.”
Somehow I think Leroy and I do not realize how connected people feel to us. His wife had helped me pack and just after making a remark from the sermon on Sunday, she said, “I hope this next person has sermons that are as good as Leroy’s.”
Leroy got home in fine time in the afternoon and we went to the first of our farewell dinners. Being here almost three years makes such a difference from a one year stay. People are having a hard time seeing us go. I just hope they can welcome the new person with open hearts.
One of the people gave us some black walnuts. I do so appreciate the time and effort that goes into this gift. Besides I like them a lot. I often eat a few as a snack.
Paula
Yesterday morning my ride to the Kenya talk was picking me up at 6:00. After being up two or three times in the night opening or closing windows because of rain or heat, I woke up at 4:00 sure that it was time to get up, finally went back to sleep and jerked awake with the bleating of the alarm at 5:00.
My driver came on time in his rather high off the ground pick-up without a running board. I was wearing my Kenya dress. Not wanting to get it dirty I hitched it up a good distance, grabbed hold of the conveniently placed handle, and hoisted myself up and in while my driver averted his eyes as a bit of leg and who knows what was displayed.
We got the computer, projector, and table set up in plenty of time. I was happy to find oatmeal as a choice on the buffet line. The only thing lacking was fruit, but I ate that when I got home.
Was the talk successful? The audience seemed quite interested and asked a number of questions. But the computer did not move the pictures on in a timely manner. I would get impatient, push the arrow yet again and then it might skip a picture or two. Luckily there were some that were almost duplicates. I kept telling myself to be flexible.
My driver who is a member of the congregation told me, “When I heard that you were leaving I felt as if I had been punched. It is like losing family.”
Somehow I think Leroy and I do not realize how connected people feel to us. His wife had helped me pack and just after making a remark from the sermon on Sunday, she said, “I hope this next person has sermons that are as good as Leroy’s.”
Leroy got home in fine time in the afternoon and we went to the first of our farewell dinners. Being here almost three years makes such a difference from a one year stay. People are having a hard time seeing us go. I just hope they can welcome the new person with open hearts.
One of the people gave us some black walnuts. I do so appreciate the time and effort that goes into this gift. Besides I like them a lot. I often eat a few as a snack.
Paula
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Another gift
Hello,
The people at the quilt group handed me an envelope. “You should not have done this,” I said on seeing the gift card, “You have already given me this apron.”
“Well that was because we thought you were leaving a long time ago,” one of the laughed, “Now you are leaving again or really leaving.”
I was pleased to be thought of again. Then for some reason I felt some guilt as I don’t think I give enough in return as they have given me the priceless gift of friendship.
After getting out all of our suitcases I have been packing more clothes. The two largest will contain things that we might need if this goes longer than expected. I am wondering if I should have left out more than one pair of jeans. It seems so insufferably hot today that I can barely imagine needing to ever wear them again. I do have some other long pants included in the mix.
If we should happen to move a long distance how will my plants make that type of journey, especially my 38.4 year old Christmas cactus? That would be so hard on it. The other cactus is probably 25 years old. Both of them were quite traumatized and set back by a trip in the hot sun of only 2.5 hours. An air conditioned car helps, but having the sun shine in the window was too much. Most of the rest of the plants I could let go with a bit of weeping and wailing before I would move on. I keep telling myself they are replaceable. Is this great negative thinking or what?
On another note tomorrow morning early, 6:30, I will give a talk about the working life I saw in Kenya. Twenty minutes is the short length of this speech/picture show. The hard part will be stopping, but people have to go to work so there is no other choice.
Paula
The people at the quilt group handed me an envelope. “You should not have done this,” I said on seeing the gift card, “You have already given me this apron.”
“Well that was because we thought you were leaving a long time ago,” one of the laughed, “Now you are leaving again or really leaving.”
I was pleased to be thought of again. Then for some reason I felt some guilt as I don’t think I give enough in return as they have given me the priceless gift of friendship.
After getting out all of our suitcases I have been packing more clothes. The two largest will contain things that we might need if this goes longer than expected. I am wondering if I should have left out more than one pair of jeans. It seems so insufferably hot today that I can barely imagine needing to ever wear them again. I do have some other long pants included in the mix.
If we should happen to move a long distance how will my plants make that type of journey, especially my 38.4 year old Christmas cactus? That would be so hard on it. The other cactus is probably 25 years old. Both of them were quite traumatized and set back by a trip in the hot sun of only 2.5 hours. An air conditioned car helps, but having the sun shine in the window was too much. Most of the rest of the plants I could let go with a bit of weeping and wailing before I would move on. I keep telling myself they are replaceable. Is this great negative thinking or what?
On another note tomorrow morning early, 6:30, I will give a talk about the working life I saw in Kenya. Twenty minutes is the short length of this speech/picture show. The hard part will be stopping, but people have to go to work so there is no other choice.
Paula
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Yesterday
Hello,
Each day slips away faster than the last one. Leroy will be home in two more days. I had better get it together so it looks as if I have been busy.
For a treat yesterday I visited a friend for lunch. It is so nice to share food, conversation, flowers, and relaxation time.
Even though it might not seem like a big deal, the tickets for the DC trip to visit Sarah, Stephen, and Lexi have been booked. If we travel on the 4th of July we save $140 so guess what? We are traveling on the 4th. We will be there a little over three weeks, hope they can put up with us all that time. But then we are good for some work that can include cleaning. See you do not have to worry about whether we can survive this time financially. We can spend money on airfare. Probably it is cheaper to fly than to drive, certainly it is quicker.
Last night I took advantage of a free rental offer at the second Redbox movie rental location in town. Approaching this machine from the side, but exuding confidence by trying not to think of my previous experiences at the other kiosk, I pressed my finger firmly but quickly on the touch screen. It worked. Every press I made was accepted. Wow, the movie was in my hand in record time. I even enjoyed the movie as laughter bubbled up. Blessings again! Those blessings never end.
Today I rode the bike to yoga in the park. A day without rain and sunshine is also a blessing not to be taken for granted.
Hope your days are blessing filled. If not start making a list and you will find your list full of things that you had not noticed before.
Paula
Each day slips away faster than the last one. Leroy will be home in two more days. I had better get it together so it looks as if I have been busy.
For a treat yesterday I visited a friend for lunch. It is so nice to share food, conversation, flowers, and relaxation time.
Even though it might not seem like a big deal, the tickets for the DC trip to visit Sarah, Stephen, and Lexi have been booked. If we travel on the 4th of July we save $140 so guess what? We are traveling on the 4th. We will be there a little over three weeks, hope they can put up with us all that time. But then we are good for some work that can include cleaning. See you do not have to worry about whether we can survive this time financially. We can spend money on airfare. Probably it is cheaper to fly than to drive, certainly it is quicker.
Last night I took advantage of a free rental offer at the second Redbox movie rental location in town. Approaching this machine from the side, but exuding confidence by trying not to think of my previous experiences at the other kiosk, I pressed my finger firmly but quickly on the touch screen. It worked. Every press I made was accepted. Wow, the movie was in my hand in record time. I even enjoyed the movie as laughter bubbled up. Blessings again! Those blessings never end.
Today I rode the bike to yoga in the park. A day without rain and sunshine is also a blessing not to be taken for granted.
Hope your days are blessing filled. If not start making a list and you will find your list full of things that you had not noticed before.
Paula
Monday, June 14, 2010
Moving Tales
Hello,
With the help of a friend, eleven more boxes are now packed. Last night and this morning I gathered things from the kitchen and put them in the dining area. It did make packing a little easier as the items could be seen and considered. Next it was upstairs to pack bedding from the spare bed and warm winter weight blankets. The linen closet is mostly empty. As with the kitchen it is just things that we need to live with for a week yet. Most of my winter clothes are now in boxes and some shoes are in as well.
We finished about noon and I am ashamed to say that I did not invite her for a scrambled egg lunch. She might have liked that. Otherwise I am rather short on company food.
Packing is quicker when there is just talk, and the next task is ready and waiting in the docket.
We will probably take the computer down next Monday, if there is no rain Tuesday we will move things to storage. After that it will be catch as catch can. Everyday a laptop grows more appealing, after all with wireless we can be connected most of the time that we want. Who remembers that 15 years ago life was perfectly acceptable without constant contact on the computer? Now it hardly bares thinking about it. Does that mean I have not become as connected to the people around me?
Moving decisions about health insurance, disability insurance, and
FSA contributions occupy the mind. It would be nice if someone could just tell us the perfect answer. Neither of us wants to deal with all of this. Besides that, where is the perfect forwarding address for our mail? It is so much easier just to slip from job to job without a break. There are decisions there too, but more mundane such as what doctor, dentist, and hair stylist to use.
Paula
With the help of a friend, eleven more boxes are now packed. Last night and this morning I gathered things from the kitchen and put them in the dining area. It did make packing a little easier as the items could be seen and considered. Next it was upstairs to pack bedding from the spare bed and warm winter weight blankets. The linen closet is mostly empty. As with the kitchen it is just things that we need to live with for a week yet. Most of my winter clothes are now in boxes and some shoes are in as well.
We finished about noon and I am ashamed to say that I did not invite her for a scrambled egg lunch. She might have liked that. Otherwise I am rather short on company food.
Packing is quicker when there is just talk, and the next task is ready and waiting in the docket.
We will probably take the computer down next Monday, if there is no rain Tuesday we will move things to storage. After that it will be catch as catch can. Everyday a laptop grows more appealing, after all with wireless we can be connected most of the time that we want. Who remembers that 15 years ago life was perfectly acceptable without constant contact on the computer? Now it hardly bares thinking about it. Does that mean I have not become as connected to the people around me?
Moving decisions about health insurance, disability insurance, and
FSA contributions occupy the mind. It would be nice if someone could just tell us the perfect answer. Neither of us wants to deal with all of this. Besides that, where is the perfect forwarding address for our mail? It is so much easier just to slip from job to job without a break. There are decisions there too, but more mundane such as what doctor, dentist, and hair stylist to use.
Paula
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