Hello,
Coming home was not quite as uneventful as expected. Leroy went out to move the car Friday evening so that Brian and Jen could get their car out of the garage. Unfortunately ours would not start. About half an hour later Leroy tried again and it started right up.
I kept trying to foster optimism saying, “It will start in the morning. Usually when it does not start it will then start every time for a month or more.”
After all the last time it did not start was in Utah in late August.
In the morning when we wanted to leave it would not start. After waiting and trying again, Brian and Leroy tried jumping it. Guess they did not leap high enough because it was unsuccessful. Then after an additional wait it started but the check engine light was on. Brian tried to call the dealer in town only to be put on hold. I went out to take a plant out of the car so it would not freeze and found the light had gone off. So drove on home. We got the expensive gas in the city so that if it would not start again, Brian could come and help us get to their house. We have had no trouble since then, but it is a bit unnerving wondering if this vehicle will start. When we have taken it to a mechanic they tell us that it must not be working or they cannot ascertain the problem.
We also can not get the windows down. Leroy thinks that is a fuse, but he is unable to figure out which one it is so we will take that to a shop on Saturday. I am just grateful that the window did not go down only to not go back up. It would have been a frightfully cold drive in the 12 degree weather in MN.
At one point we went past an accident. I am so grateful for all of those people who work on holidays so the rest of us can drive like crazy and possibly kill ourselves.
It also helps to put things in perspective. After all how much trouble is a car that will not start and the windows stay up?
Paula
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Gone and Back
Hello,
Thanksgiving day we set out for the long drive to Brian’s house with a degree caution and concern for the condition of the roads, but all was good. Evidence of ice started appearing as we were about three hours from home but no ice on the road. It was also noticeably colder as we were headed north. Then in about another hour snow was on the ground, but not on the road. By the time we got to Brian’s house the grass was hidden under the layer of snow.
We had made excellent time so were there in the early afternoon. Our greeting party of granddaughter and dog was exciting and welcoming. It must have been 8.9 on the Richter scale with shouts, jiggling and hugging for all. Such a gift to be treasured and savored.
There was some family talk about going to the sales on Friday, but instead we got our knives sharpened at a small shop that Brian knew about. He had suggested that we bring our knives so we did just that. On the way home from sharpening he had planned to stop at a store, but could not find a parking place so we just went back home.
Personally I found looking at the ads an overwhelming task. There were so many that it was difficult to keep my mind on what I might want. Most things I did not need. We do not buy many gifts as we give our granddaughters money for their college funds. It is our understanding that they get plenty of gifts from other sources. I have bought a small gift for each of them. This year we drew names for our children and their spouses so we are not getting many gifts there either. Leroy keeps saying, “I have not thought of anything for you.”
My reply is, “I have not even thought about getting you something.”
I would not mind if we did not get gifts for each other, but I think Leroy would be quite disappointed as he likes to open a surprise. Surprises are not my skill.
Paula
Thanksgiving day we set out for the long drive to Brian’s house with a degree caution and concern for the condition of the roads, but all was good. Evidence of ice started appearing as we were about three hours from home but no ice on the road. It was also noticeably colder as we were headed north. Then in about another hour snow was on the ground, but not on the road. By the time we got to Brian’s house the grass was hidden under the layer of snow.
We had made excellent time so were there in the early afternoon. Our greeting party of granddaughter and dog was exciting and welcoming. It must have been 8.9 on the Richter scale with shouts, jiggling and hugging for all. Such a gift to be treasured and savored.
There was some family talk about going to the sales on Friday, but instead we got our knives sharpened at a small shop that Brian knew about. He had suggested that we bring our knives so we did just that. On the way home from sharpening he had planned to stop at a store, but could not find a parking place so we just went back home.
Personally I found looking at the ads an overwhelming task. There were so many that it was difficult to keep my mind on what I might want. Most things I did not need. We do not buy many gifts as we give our granddaughters money for their college funds. It is our understanding that they get plenty of gifts from other sources. I have bought a small gift for each of them. This year we drew names for our children and their spouses so we are not getting many gifts there either. Leroy keeps saying, “I have not thought of anything for you.”
My reply is, “I have not even thought about getting you something.”
I would not mind if we did not get gifts for each other, but I think Leroy would be quite disappointed as he likes to open a surprise. Surprises are not my skill.
Paula
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Impulse Buy
Hello,
On my list of stops were the library, a drug store, and two grocery stores. The library was there because I had been notified that a book I had requested had come in. Now the problem was that I would not be able to go on my regular days of Thursday or Friday. I might get there on Monday but if not they would put it back in circulation. By looking at the map I realized I could make a rather large box on my trip around town and it would all make sense.
Leroy said, “I want to come too since I have to work tonight.” The afternoon was the perfect time even though the wind was strong, temperatures were low, and some rain was falling from time to time.
All went according to plan, but at one of the grocery stores I noticed in the checkout line, the man behind me had a poinsettia.
“Why didn’t I see them?” I wondered, “And where were they?”
Good thing I had Leroy with me because he spotted them. He looked and saw the price was a mere $3.50. I immediately ran over and got one. It is perhaps not the largest in the world with only five blossoms, but it is a brilliant red and vigorous looking. I am so pleased and excited to have it. Blessed again in an unexpected way.
There was a time in my life when I was not thrilled with poinsettias. I even wondered what all the fuss was about.
When we lived in Missouri Valley the funeral home would give the ministers candy for Christmas. Because I was not into eating that or having my children eat it I always gave it away. One year I had decided to let us eat it. (Had Leroy begged me?) That year instead of giving us candy we were given a beautiful poinsettia that I loved more with the passing days. Saved from chocolate by a flower! I had to like that.
Paula
On my list of stops were the library, a drug store, and two grocery stores. The library was there because I had been notified that a book I had requested had come in. Now the problem was that I would not be able to go on my regular days of Thursday or Friday. I might get there on Monday but if not they would put it back in circulation. By looking at the map I realized I could make a rather large box on my trip around town and it would all make sense.
Leroy said, “I want to come too since I have to work tonight.” The afternoon was the perfect time even though the wind was strong, temperatures were low, and some rain was falling from time to time.
All went according to plan, but at one of the grocery stores I noticed in the checkout line, the man behind me had a poinsettia.
“Why didn’t I see them?” I wondered, “And where were they?”
Good thing I had Leroy with me because he spotted them. He looked and saw the price was a mere $3.50. I immediately ran over and got one. It is perhaps not the largest in the world with only five blossoms, but it is a brilliant red and vigorous looking. I am so pleased and excited to have it. Blessed again in an unexpected way.
There was a time in my life when I was not thrilled with poinsettias. I even wondered what all the fuss was about.
When we lived in Missouri Valley the funeral home would give the ministers candy for Christmas. Because I was not into eating that or having my children eat it I always gave it away. One year I had decided to let us eat it. (Had Leroy begged me?) That year instead of giving us candy we were given a beautiful poinsettia that I loved more with the passing days. Saved from chocolate by a flower! I had to like that.
Paula
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Cleaned Upstairs
Hello,
I cleaned upstairs this morning. Mostly I did it because there were some dust bunnies and lint on the floor when we gave our company the house tour. It was embarrassing to see that. Then I found that Leroy noticed it too. Oh, no that is really bad. Now this cleaning job adds new meaning to the phrase about closing the barn door when the horse is gone.
There was a good assortment of those Asian beetles to vacuum up. The warmth of the last few days has encouraged them to come in and enjoy the house. I am thankful that I have a vacuum. I broom does not work as well with them as they seem to fall apart with too much pressure and if they are still alive they escape to show up in another place. Perhaps now that colder temperatures are here we have seen the last of those beetles until spring.
The vacuum cam out, rugs were shaken, and all looks better. I feel better both physically and mentally. I had to sit and rest in the middle of the job, otherwise it went well. Before this I simply did not have the energy to tackle any job that required more than a minimum amount of strength. The coughing had mostly subsided, but all was still not well as lethargy hung around. Leroy too tells me that I am acting much more lively than I have for a long time. Where do these bugs come from that they stay and take up residence? Couldn’t they move on to another victim? Or just live and die in a faster cycle. I used to think that a week was the maximum for any disease to hang around.
Today, I am making whole wheat bread as well as some sweet bread that has cranberries in it. I have gotten several bags of the berries since they are a seasonal item. I like to put them in things where I do not have to add so much sugar to the mix. I even cut the sugar in the recipe. We will see if Leroy and I just pucker up all the time.
Paula
I cleaned upstairs this morning. Mostly I did it because there were some dust bunnies and lint on the floor when we gave our company the house tour. It was embarrassing to see that. Then I found that Leroy noticed it too. Oh, no that is really bad. Now this cleaning job adds new meaning to the phrase about closing the barn door when the horse is gone.
There was a good assortment of those Asian beetles to vacuum up. The warmth of the last few days has encouraged them to come in and enjoy the house. I am thankful that I have a vacuum. I broom does not work as well with them as they seem to fall apart with too much pressure and if they are still alive they escape to show up in another place. Perhaps now that colder temperatures are here we have seen the last of those beetles until spring.
The vacuum cam out, rugs were shaken, and all looks better. I feel better both physically and mentally. I had to sit and rest in the middle of the job, otherwise it went well. Before this I simply did not have the energy to tackle any job that required more than a minimum amount of strength. The coughing had mostly subsided, but all was still not well as lethargy hung around. Leroy too tells me that I am acting much more lively than I have for a long time. Where do these bugs come from that they stay and take up residence? Couldn’t they move on to another victim? Or just live and die in a faster cycle. I used to think that a week was the maximum for any disease to hang around.
Today, I am making whole wheat bread as well as some sweet bread that has cranberries in it. I have gotten several bags of the berries since they are a seasonal item. I like to put them in things where I do not have to add so much sugar to the mix. I even cut the sugar in the recipe. We will see if Leroy and I just pucker up all the time.
Paula
Monday, November 22, 2010
Visitors
Hello,
We had visitors stop on their way south. That was so nice. I just really like to talk to someone who has been in my life for a while. It is as good as slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes. Leroy tells me that I looked happy. I certainly felt happy. Even Leroy enjoyed it and he does not know them so very well. We are blessed.
After that great visit we went out and took a walk. I assured Leroy that I wanted to walk longer in the balmy weather so we headed off on one of the trails that leads to a spring coming out of the side of the bluff above the Mississippi. “Are you sure it is dry enough so we won’t slip?” I wondered as we started. Even though it was warm there was some dampness.
For protection on part of the trail there is a single strand of a seriously strong wire strung on two by four sized steel posts that have been cemented into the ground. Seeing one of these posts washed out and the cement bottom dangling in the air, I commented, “It certainly does not inspire confidence that it will hold me up if I should fall.”
In a part of the trail the path is so narrow that the steel presses the waist on one side with the rocks touching on the other.
I did ok going down, but for some reason on the way back, in one place that was trickier to navigate upright, I bent down to use the rock above as a grasping point. Then for a number of feet I found myself too uncomfortable to stand so I foraged on with my hands firmly on the soil and my bottom up. Leroy, who was behind me assured me that it was safe to stand, but I could not bring myself to let go for a few more steps. Guess I am not ready to climb mountains.
At the site of the spring there was a plaque that had been put up the DAR in 1915 stating that this was BlackHawk Spring. BlackHawk was a chief of the Sauk and Fox Indians who used the spring when they were in the area in the early 1800’s.
Paula
We had visitors stop on their way south. That was so nice. I just really like to talk to someone who has been in my life for a while. It is as good as slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes. Leroy tells me that I looked happy. I certainly felt happy. Even Leroy enjoyed it and he does not know them so very well. We are blessed.
After that great visit we went out and took a walk. I assured Leroy that I wanted to walk longer in the balmy weather so we headed off on one of the trails that leads to a spring coming out of the side of the bluff above the Mississippi. “Are you sure it is dry enough so we won’t slip?” I wondered as we started. Even though it was warm there was some dampness.
For protection on part of the trail there is a single strand of a seriously strong wire strung on two by four sized steel posts that have been cemented into the ground. Seeing one of these posts washed out and the cement bottom dangling in the air, I commented, “It certainly does not inspire confidence that it will hold me up if I should fall.”
In a part of the trail the path is so narrow that the steel presses the waist on one side with the rocks touching on the other.
I did ok going down, but for some reason on the way back, in one place that was trickier to navigate upright, I bent down to use the rock above as a grasping point. Then for a number of feet I found myself too uncomfortable to stand so I foraged on with my hands firmly on the soil and my bottom up. Leroy, who was behind me assured me that it was safe to stand, but I could not bring myself to let go for a few more steps. Guess I am not ready to climb mountains.
At the site of the spring there was a plaque that had been put up the DAR in 1915 stating that this was BlackHawk Spring. BlackHawk was a chief of the Sauk and Fox Indians who used the spring when they were in the area in the early 1800’s.
Paula
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Dresses and Heels
Hello,
Moving involves more than what goes where in the house, meeting new people, learning your way around town, and learning the local culture. It involves clothing preferences. Most of the time in the Chariton church I was the only woman who wanted to wear a dress or skirt. Now in Burlington it is a different story as several women wear dresses or skits. Not only do they wear more swirly things than I own, they also wear heels—high heels.
I have not worn heels since sometime in the middle 90’s when I got a toenail fungus. That changed my life. It was too painful to have my toes press down into the end of the shoe. Flats were fine after I made the mental adjustment. Flats in which I might even have felt superior to what damage those other women were doing to their feet.
I just tried to buy a new pair of black flats only to find that none in the better quality, translate that to expensive, shoe store in Burlington felt good on my foot. I ended up with a pair of black clogs. They felt great and looked quite good with my jeans. At home with a skirt, however, it was a different matter. I still think I could benefit from custom made shoes, but Leroy is so selfish. He does not want to spend anywhere from $1000 to $5000 a pair. Can you imagine that?
At this time I will not be joining the crowd on narrow high toe crimping shoes. But how else to look glamorous? There must be a solution. When I could not find a pair of flats that fit, even after ordering some in an unstocked size, the guy in the shoe store told me, “My dad who started this store used to say, would you look better with a pained expression and ill fitting shoes or a smile and perfectly fitting shoes.”
Life is full of tough choices and downsizing possibilities. Should I just get a closet full of slacks? Some of these women wear those same high pointed heels with slacks. Is there no hope?
Paula
Moving involves more than what goes where in the house, meeting new people, learning your way around town, and learning the local culture. It involves clothing preferences. Most of the time in the Chariton church I was the only woman who wanted to wear a dress or skirt. Now in Burlington it is a different story as several women wear dresses or skits. Not only do they wear more swirly things than I own, they also wear heels—high heels.
I have not worn heels since sometime in the middle 90’s when I got a toenail fungus. That changed my life. It was too painful to have my toes press down into the end of the shoe. Flats were fine after I made the mental adjustment. Flats in which I might even have felt superior to what damage those other women were doing to their feet.
I just tried to buy a new pair of black flats only to find that none in the better quality, translate that to expensive, shoe store in Burlington felt good on my foot. I ended up with a pair of black clogs. They felt great and looked quite good with my jeans. At home with a skirt, however, it was a different matter. I still think I could benefit from custom made shoes, but Leroy is so selfish. He does not want to spend anywhere from $1000 to $5000 a pair. Can you imagine that?
At this time I will not be joining the crowd on narrow high toe crimping shoes. But how else to look glamorous? There must be a solution. When I could not find a pair of flats that fit, even after ordering some in an unstocked size, the guy in the shoe store told me, “My dad who started this store used to say, would you look better with a pained expression and ill fitting shoes or a smile and perfectly fitting shoes.”
Life is full of tough choices and downsizing possibilities. Should I just get a closet full of slacks? Some of these women wear those same high pointed heels with slacks. Is there no hope?
Paula
Friday, November 19, 2010
Safety
Hello,
Sarah called this morning to tell us that someone had broken or kicked in their door tearing it off the frame. The intruders proceeded to rob them as they were in bed upstairs. Such a frightening occurrence! I am grateful that they were all safe.
They did take Stephen’s IPhone and wallet. Luckily they did not take Sarah’s purse because her phone was in there. Stephen and Sarah do not have a landline so would have had no other way of calling someone.
Later in the morning Stephen was notified by someone in his office that some of his wallet contents had been found and would be returned to him. They cancelled all of their credit cards so that should be ok, annoying and time consuming, but ok.
Even thought it was a solid back door that was assaulted it makes us realize that safety is an illusion and we must trust that we will be able to walk through all possibilities.
After this call Leroy and I moved the spare key that is outside our house. We did not think it was a very good place to put it. Apparently the last pastor had it in this spot for years with no trouble. Now the question is where to put it? Some of the property committee members have a key to the house, but they like one on the place so they do not have to remember to bring their own if they need to get into the house. Leroy and I have not been locked out of the house, but it is nice to have another key handy since we do not plan to break the door to enter.
I can not imagine having someone violate my space as seriously as happened this morning. On the plus side the police arrived within five minutes of being called. DC police are good or at least they were close enough to come quickly.
Paula
Sarah called this morning to tell us that someone had broken or kicked in their door tearing it off the frame. The intruders proceeded to rob them as they were in bed upstairs. Such a frightening occurrence! I am grateful that they were all safe.
They did take Stephen’s IPhone and wallet. Luckily they did not take Sarah’s purse because her phone was in there. Stephen and Sarah do not have a landline so would have had no other way of calling someone.
Later in the morning Stephen was notified by someone in his office that some of his wallet contents had been found and would be returned to him. They cancelled all of their credit cards so that should be ok, annoying and time consuming, but ok.
Even thought it was a solid back door that was assaulted it makes us realize that safety is an illusion and we must trust that we will be able to walk through all possibilities.
After this call Leroy and I moved the spare key that is outside our house. We did not think it was a very good place to put it. Apparently the last pastor had it in this spot for years with no trouble. Now the question is where to put it? Some of the property committee members have a key to the house, but they like one on the place so they do not have to remember to bring their own if they need to get into the house. Leroy and I have not been locked out of the house, but it is nice to have another key handy since we do not plan to break the door to enter.
I can not imagine having someone violate my space as seriously as happened this morning. On the plus side the police arrived within five minutes of being called. DC police are good or at least they were close enough to come quickly.
Paula
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