Hello,
On an impulse when I was at Wal-Mart this morning I went into a shop to get a haircut. I could see they were not busy and I do not really like to make appointments. The girl cutting my hair was quite young and new I believe. This is perhaps the worst haircut that I have ever had. My hair does not lie down very well. She did not know it was naturally curly hair and that might make a different. It is also shorter on the bottom and longer on the top than I like. This haircut took a long time.
When I was in Utah I went to the barber school. There I got one of the fastest, cheapest, and best cuts I have ever had. Nothing like getting the best and the worst back to back. Anyway next time I will find out more information about this other place and try that. At least the person I spoke to has a cute haircut. I am having a bit of a time getting used to the idea that I now have to pay close to double for my cuts.
Leroy got a strange phone call at lunch today. It was made from a payphone and the operator, or computer asked if he would pay for a collect call from someone from the church. He could not understand the name so he said no. Then he felt badly in case it was someone who needed his help. He looked and learned that the number was from northwestern Illinois.
“How could this person get our phone number?” I wondered.
He considered possibilities a bit more then called the secretary at church.
She said, “I got a collect call from that same person. They would not tell me what they wanted other than your phone number. I think they just wanted money.”
There is some new scheme all the time.
Paula
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Spiders
Hello,
One thing about moving in the fall is that spiders meet you at the door of your new home. It seems not to matter where it is. Intellectually I think spiders are fine, emotionally I wish I would not ever see another. At least here all of the spiders have been small. It is when they are large that I have more trouble sharing space with them. Today I picked up a piece of lint that Leroy seems to get from his socks only to discover that it was not lint, but a spider. Dropped, stomped on, and killed. After all that I still felt a bit creepy.
There are plenty of spiders outside, but that is ok. I do not mind that, I even think they are good for getting rid of other insects I might not like.
We also have an infestation of Japanese beetles. They came to visit in droves after the bean field next to the house was harvested. It is not really that many in the house. They are only on the back of the house closest to the field. Today they are diminishing in number. It has cooled off some and maybe that explains their absence.
We again rode to the library. It was noticeably cool in the windy downhill ride. Coming back I guess we work enough and we are not moving fast enough to create much wind so it seemed warmer.
Leroy and I as well as two women worked in the church library this morning. I gathered nothing had been done to this one in several years. I have only been in one church where the library was a lively vibrant place with lots of traffic in and out. We will see what can be done here and if the place will be used.
Paula
One thing about moving in the fall is that spiders meet you at the door of your new home. It seems not to matter where it is. Intellectually I think spiders are fine, emotionally I wish I would not ever see another. At least here all of the spiders have been small. It is when they are large that I have more trouble sharing space with them. Today I picked up a piece of lint that Leroy seems to get from his socks only to discover that it was not lint, but a spider. Dropped, stomped on, and killed. After all that I still felt a bit creepy.
There are plenty of spiders outside, but that is ok. I do not mind that, I even think they are good for getting rid of other insects I might not like.
We also have an infestation of Japanese beetles. They came to visit in droves after the bean field next to the house was harvested. It is not really that many in the house. They are only on the back of the house closest to the field. Today they are diminishing in number. It has cooled off some and maybe that explains their absence.
We again rode to the library. It was noticeably cool in the windy downhill ride. Coming back I guess we work enough and we are not moving fast enough to create much wind so it seemed warmer.
Leroy and I as well as two women worked in the church library this morning. I gathered nothing had been done to this one in several years. I have only been in one church where the library was a lively vibrant place with lots of traffic in and out. We will see what can be done here and if the place will be used.
Paula
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
To Do List
Hello,
It was time to make a “to do” list so I could get something done. It no longer works to think of a task the night before and expect that it will come to mind in the morning or afternoon or anytime in the near future.
I did all but one task on my list and even added some other things to it after I had done them just to experience the pleasure of crossing them off too.
Leroy rode the bike to the bible study this morning even though many clouds were hanging low in the sky. I kept waiting for him to call for rescue, but before that could happen I heard him breathing heavily as he came in the door. “I raced up the hill and even went 20 mph on the street at the top trying to get here before it started to rain.” he told me with a big grin.
“Is it raining?” I wondered.
“Not really, but there is moisture in the air.” he said.
I had to pay a bill at an office within easy bike riding distance so I did that in the afternoon since the sky was now clear. When done I rode around the park trying for a little speed to get a bit more exercise out of the experience. We are indeed blessed.
At noon we had lunch with the seniors in the congregation. It is nice to be able to spend some time talking more one on one. It helps me to get to know people. It did not happen today, but for some reason since we have been here at least four people have told me that their child or grandchild died. I have also learned about some serious not visible conditions or diseases that people have. I do not always know what to do with the information so I mostly listen. There is pain everywhere.
Paula
It was time to make a “to do” list so I could get something done. It no longer works to think of a task the night before and expect that it will come to mind in the morning or afternoon or anytime in the near future.
I did all but one task on my list and even added some other things to it after I had done them just to experience the pleasure of crossing them off too.
Leroy rode the bike to the bible study this morning even though many clouds were hanging low in the sky. I kept waiting for him to call for rescue, but before that could happen I heard him breathing heavily as he came in the door. “I raced up the hill and even went 20 mph on the street at the top trying to get here before it started to rain.” he told me with a big grin.
“Is it raining?” I wondered.
“Not really, but there is moisture in the air.” he said.
I had to pay a bill at an office within easy bike riding distance so I did that in the afternoon since the sky was now clear. When done I rode around the park trying for a little speed to get a bit more exercise out of the experience. We are indeed blessed.
At noon we had lunch with the seniors in the congregation. It is nice to be able to spend some time talking more one on one. It helps me to get to know people. It did not happen today, but for some reason since we have been here at least four people have told me that their child or grandchild died. I have also learned about some serious not visible conditions or diseases that people have. I do not always know what to do with the information so I mostly listen. There is pain everywhere.
Paula
Monday, October 11, 2010
Warm weather
Hello,
We went on two bike rides on Saturday. One ride was with members of the congregation. It was great to ride on all flat land, but the second ride was late in the afternoon to the library. That got our hill work in. We did stop on the way home for an ice cream cone. We both got small cones, but wished that we had shared instead as it was too much digestion on the way up the hill. Or at least our bodies did not seem to like the combination.
On the way down the hill we stopped at an overlook and watched a barge go through the gap in the railroad bridge. There was a tug on the front and the rear. Leroy thought maybe that was to keep it from banging into the sides. When we came back the bridge had turned back into place. I wonder when a boat and a train want the same space, who rules?
On Sunday was the CROP walk. It was great weather and I walked with some women from the congregation that I had not spoken to before. It was a mother and her two adult daughters. They seemed to be ok with me being included in the group. We just walked the three mile route. Here there is the option of doing one, three, or six miles. When we first walked in these walks it was ten miles. Now that was a hike.
Wasps have been coming into the house. I suspect we have taken out five to ten of them. One of them was dead so it went in the wastebasket; otherwise we do a live trap and release them to the wild. The live trap involves putting a glass or plastic container over them, slipping a piece of paper between the container and the surface, holding tightly, and going outside to let it go. I can not imagine how they get in, but they are doing it. I will be glad for cold weather so they can not move around so much.
Paula
We went on two bike rides on Saturday. One ride was with members of the congregation. It was great to ride on all flat land, but the second ride was late in the afternoon to the library. That got our hill work in. We did stop on the way home for an ice cream cone. We both got small cones, but wished that we had shared instead as it was too much digestion on the way up the hill. Or at least our bodies did not seem to like the combination.
On the way down the hill we stopped at an overlook and watched a barge go through the gap in the railroad bridge. There was a tug on the front and the rear. Leroy thought maybe that was to keep it from banging into the sides. When we came back the bridge had turned back into place. I wonder when a boat and a train want the same space, who rules?
On Sunday was the CROP walk. It was great weather and I walked with some women from the congregation that I had not spoken to before. It was a mother and her two adult daughters. They seemed to be ok with me being included in the group. We just walked the three mile route. Here there is the option of doing one, three, or six miles. When we first walked in these walks it was ten miles. Now that was a hike.
Wasps have been coming into the house. I suspect we have taken out five to ten of them. One of them was dead so it went in the wastebasket; otherwise we do a live trap and release them to the wild. The live trap involves putting a glass or plastic container over them, slipping a piece of paper between the container and the surface, holding tightly, and going outside to let it go. I can not imagine how they get in, but they are doing it. I will be glad for cold weather so they can not move around so much.
Paula
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hunt woods
Hello,
Yesterday afternoon Leroy and I went to Hunt Woods which is a park of the county conservation board. We had a map of the trail that appeared to be just a large loop. As we headed off down the trail that was indeed true, but then we came upon a fork in the road. Which way to go? We discussed and made our best guess. It all worked out eventually getting back to the beginning. A compass might be a good tool to have on these hikes, but so far neither of us has thought of that before we leave the house. Instead we are always prepared in the food and water department.
It was a nice one to two hour wooded hike on a sunny afternoon. There were information signs along the way telling about the trees and how they care for the sections of land in terms of cutting them or letting nature take its course. There was a stream, but in this rainless spell it was all dry. We did find a pioneer cemetery that was quite interesting to explore. There were even two graves from the 1950’s.
On the way back to the car Leroy spotted a small snake. We could not identify it. That was nice find since we had not seen a snake in the wild for a long time.
We were interested in knowing if we wanted to cross country ski here. It could be good, but perhaps hard going with the small branches, etc. on the trail. If it snows enough we will probably just go to the parks across the street. There is plenty of room and we have been told that others ski there as well. Hoping for a nice amount of snow this winter. Do you think I am the only one who wants snow?
I have been looking through some boxes. One contained notes and letters from people when we left Ely. That was certainly a lift to read those. We had lived there 16 years. I guess that is why we keep such things, for that feel good feeling that comes from positive comments.
By the way, people are allowed to hunt in Hunt Woods. Signs were posted about the rules.
Paula
Yesterday afternoon Leroy and I went to Hunt Woods which is a park of the county conservation board. We had a map of the trail that appeared to be just a large loop. As we headed off down the trail that was indeed true, but then we came upon a fork in the road. Which way to go? We discussed and made our best guess. It all worked out eventually getting back to the beginning. A compass might be a good tool to have on these hikes, but so far neither of us has thought of that before we leave the house. Instead we are always prepared in the food and water department.
It was a nice one to two hour wooded hike on a sunny afternoon. There were information signs along the way telling about the trees and how they care for the sections of land in terms of cutting them or letting nature take its course. There was a stream, but in this rainless spell it was all dry. We did find a pioneer cemetery that was quite interesting to explore. There were even two graves from the 1950’s.
On the way back to the car Leroy spotted a small snake. We could not identify it. That was nice find since we had not seen a snake in the wild for a long time.
We were interested in knowing if we wanted to cross country ski here. It could be good, but perhaps hard going with the small branches, etc. on the trail. If it snows enough we will probably just go to the parks across the street. There is plenty of room and we have been told that others ski there as well. Hoping for a nice amount of snow this winter. Do you think I am the only one who wants snow?
I have been looking through some boxes. One contained notes and letters from people when we left Ely. That was certainly a lift to read those. We had lived there 16 years. I guess that is why we keep such things, for that feel good feeling that comes from positive comments.
By the way, people are allowed to hunt in Hunt Woods. Signs were posted about the rules.
Paula
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Friday Off
Hello,
Leroy is taking Friday off and I no longer know what day of the week it is. I think it was my suggestion because then he can sometimes have a bit of Saturday off too so it can mean two days off in one week from time to time. Now we both think Friday is Saturday. Oh brain taxing problems.
It is beautiful weather so Leroy came home a little early and we again rode downtown. It was a great ride, but I have to say that it is not so easy and enjoyable to ride the bike after a bug goes up one nostril. Also a truck came quite close and then someone in the next car yelled that I should be on the sidewalk. Some places bikes are banned on the sidewalk. It is not easy to get exercise and save the earth.
We went to the farmer’s market this evening. It was disappointing that there were no greens of any kind. Kohlrabi was not there either. But I did buy some type of squash that they said was like sweet potatoes. We will learn if that is a good thing or not.
The Mississippi is lapping at the banks and even slipping over a little in some places. The flood crest should come in a couple days or so I think I read.
I have been looking for a poster frame for our Alphonse Mucha print. Maybe because we got it in Bratislava it is not the same size as frames sold here. The frame from K-Mart was a bit bigger than the print, but not acceptable without a mat. Then the $10 frame at Shopko seemed like it might do because there was a fake mat. In the end someone suggested I check out Hobby Lobby. The person who was working at the custom frame counter knew of Mucha. I guess that sold me because I went from thinking the cheapest to why not? I think it will look very nice in this regular poster frame matted to perfection. When she was finishing the order she commented, “We have to put on a replacement cost in case we were to damage the print.”
“I suspect we paid about $2 for it,” I said.
“Well since you bought it in Europe it is almost irreplaceable as you are not going back are you?” she wanted to know.
“We would probably not replace it,” I sighed.
“I will put down $100,” she said, “But don’t worry; we almost never damage a print.”
Tonight I looked on the internet and found this print just a little bigger than ours for $79. Wow! And that probably does not include shipping. The value has risen in my eyes even though I have always liked this. Makes the $40 + for the frame worth it.
Paula
Leroy is taking Friday off and I no longer know what day of the week it is. I think it was my suggestion because then he can sometimes have a bit of Saturday off too so it can mean two days off in one week from time to time. Now we both think Friday is Saturday. Oh brain taxing problems.
It is beautiful weather so Leroy came home a little early and we again rode downtown. It was a great ride, but I have to say that it is not so easy and enjoyable to ride the bike after a bug goes up one nostril. Also a truck came quite close and then someone in the next car yelled that I should be on the sidewalk. Some places bikes are banned on the sidewalk. It is not easy to get exercise and save the earth.
We went to the farmer’s market this evening. It was disappointing that there were no greens of any kind. Kohlrabi was not there either. But I did buy some type of squash that they said was like sweet potatoes. We will learn if that is a good thing or not.
The Mississippi is lapping at the banks and even slipping over a little in some places. The flood crest should come in a couple days or so I think I read.
I have been looking for a poster frame for our Alphonse Mucha print. Maybe because we got it in Bratislava it is not the same size as frames sold here. The frame from K-Mart was a bit bigger than the print, but not acceptable without a mat. Then the $10 frame at Shopko seemed like it might do because there was a fake mat. In the end someone suggested I check out Hobby Lobby. The person who was working at the custom frame counter knew of Mucha. I guess that sold me because I went from thinking the cheapest to why not? I think it will look very nice in this regular poster frame matted to perfection. When she was finishing the order she commented, “We have to put on a replacement cost in case we were to damage the print.”
“I suspect we paid about $2 for it,” I said.
“Well since you bought it in Europe it is almost irreplaceable as you are not going back are you?” she wanted to know.
“We would probably not replace it,” I sighed.
“I will put down $100,” she said, “But don’t worry; we almost never damage a print.”
Tonight I looked on the internet and found this print just a little bigger than ours for $79. Wow! And that probably does not include shipping. The value has risen in my eyes even though I have always liked this. Makes the $40 + for the frame worth it.
Paula
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Joy in the Day
Hello,
Went to bible study this morning and met two new people. Nice bonus to the experience. If these people ever wear the same clothes I might remember their names. The study was enlightening too.
This afternoon went to one of the women’s groups. Had a delightful time learning, or being reminded, about Dorcas. Before we got started one of the women told me that the leader “has some dementia so I help her”. All things considered it went off very well with just some repetition. She, being a former school teacher, even gave us homework. I was also impressed that she remembered who I was, but she knew Leroy better than some because her son was a friend of his.
When they ate they had a door prize of the centerpiece. One of the hostesses got the star on her plate so after some discussion she traded her plate for mine. I was not quite up to speed on what was happening until it was all finagled. The center piece looks wonderful on my table. It is a candle surrounded by autumn leaves. I will enjoy that especially since I do not buy decorative items as I have no desire to move them. I will figure out what to do with this candle ring when fall is over. Who knows I might keep it since it is very light weight therefore not such a big deal to move.
This evening I was enjoying a cup of tea as the sun was going down. The beauty and the warmth drew me outside to see it clearly. There was a monarch butterfly on the blooming sedum. That almost seemed like a miracle because while I have seen many butterflies, moths, or flickers on this plant none of them have been bigger than a quarter even with their wings expanded.
Paula
Went to bible study this morning and met two new people. Nice bonus to the experience. If these people ever wear the same clothes I might remember their names. The study was enlightening too.
This afternoon went to one of the women’s groups. Had a delightful time learning, or being reminded, about Dorcas. Before we got started one of the women told me that the leader “has some dementia so I help her”. All things considered it went off very well with just some repetition. She, being a former school teacher, even gave us homework. I was also impressed that she remembered who I was, but she knew Leroy better than some because her son was a friend of his.
When they ate they had a door prize of the centerpiece. One of the hostesses got the star on her plate so after some discussion she traded her plate for mine. I was not quite up to speed on what was happening until it was all finagled. The center piece looks wonderful on my table. It is a candle surrounded by autumn leaves. I will enjoy that especially since I do not buy decorative items as I have no desire to move them. I will figure out what to do with this candle ring when fall is over. Who knows I might keep it since it is very light weight therefore not such a big deal to move.
This evening I was enjoying a cup of tea as the sun was going down. The beauty and the warmth drew me outside to see it clearly. There was a monarch butterfly on the blooming sedum. That almost seemed like a miracle because while I have seen many butterflies, moths, or flickers on this plant none of them have been bigger than a quarter even with their wings expanded.
Paula
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