Library party

Hello,

Leroy and I are quiet at home. I am satisfied and contented with that. I worked today from 8:00am to 1:00pm. The yoga group was fairly small, but the rest of the day was large with people. It was just a bit of steady work in the morning while my co-worker got ready for the “Noon Year’s Eve Party. I learned that over 80 people had signed up. There was a definite push in the air to get everything ready for so many people.

At noon a few people came. It was manageable that they keep coming in rather small groups. Some of the signees did not come, but there were still 72 people who participated. I really had nothing to do with the party; however I was busy at the desk, checking in books, checking out books, getting computer passes, and generally answering any questions that anyone had.

I managed to finish my own lunch by 1:30pm. That meant I left my apple for when I work on Saturday. I was not done working until after 2:00. At which time the doors were locked. I started cleaning up and watering plants. It was at least 2:30 by the time I left. In a small town the library becomes the hub of the community. The importance is not to be ignored.

For some reason I had trouble remembering which month I was taking about when telling due dates. The year seemed to come with much more ease. Perhaps it was because I had worked hard to think about 2016 coming tomorrow when the library will be closed. Consequently we had a number of people who dashed in to get books or movies so they would have some when we are not open.

How nice to be needed.

Paula

More Shoveling, chopping

Hello,

When the sun came out a little I went out in the afternoon to tackle some of the ice that was in front of the garage and on the sidewalk. I made a bit of progress by the garage, but only on my side I habitually reverse out of. Leroy did not seem so concerned about it so it just ignored that other side. The sidewalk had several places that were chunks of ice with no pavement visible below. With the ice chopper I was able to break most of those up and remove them. I worked for an hour, but could not manage any more. Leroy tells me that an hour is quite a long time for that hard work of banging on the cement. I was pleased to see pavement for clear walking in at least a path for the entire sidewalk.

If I were home again tomorrow, I might tackle the space in front of the other garage door. I should be home by 2:00 so I suppose there is no excuse. I get finished with work at 1:00, but I need to water plants after that. I would also like to get a haircut. The hair needs it right now, but there may not be time until next week to tend to that.

I am reading, My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira. It captured my attention, but it has a lot of words. I need to finish it by Sunday when we meet for bookclub. As usual I leave it until close to the end so I can remember what I read. I am pleased to read about the US Civil War because my HS history teacher was so interested in it and impressed many of the facts on my mind. Enthusiasm in teachers goes a long way in leading students to learning. Generally I have paid little attention to history.

My brother-in-law is coming to visit on Friday. This week is going fast with company, storm, and more company. Our lives are rather quiet much of the time. This is good.

Paula

Shoveling Snow

Hello,

Leroy went out early this morning to clear the snow in front of our garage. It is not a long distance, but he declared it much work as the snow had piled up against the door creating a little drift that packed together. “It was like shoveling rocks,” he declared when he came in breathless, but warm from exertion.

He also did a path to the compost bin as we go there almost every day. I went out later and carved a path to the front of the house. It was not drifted, but still rather heavy and difficult to get up as it was stuck to the sidewalk in many places. My dad’s scoop shovel worked the best. When I had gotten to the front a guy with a small snow blower offered to clear the front for $10. I asked my landlord if he would like to do that. He agreed when I told him, “It is a heavy difficult snow.”

Usually I like to do it, but not this time. I figured that I had already had my aerobic workout. My heart should be in good shape. Maybe the next storm I will be more comfortable with.

Miriam gifted me with a carry on suitcase. Today I brought out my one legged wonder and replaced it with the new. After some searching, I found the luggage tag that I had removed and put in a safe place, where? Now I am ready for that trip to any destination. I still have a hard time believing that I have been on a plane so often and mostly think nothing of it. I was in my forties before I ever flew on a commercial plane. Once in high school I did go up in a plane that seated four and flew over the farm. I suppose that was more like real flying. It was a treat to see the farm from the air. Now I wonder how we could get there faster as most of the time in the air there is not such an interesting view.

Paula

Christmas Visit

Hello,

We had a nice time hosting Miriam’s family. They arrived a bit later than expected because they had to circle the lake in Chicago before the plane could land. Then the rental car had a warning ding for a seat belt that supposedly was not fastened when all were secure. Andy declared he was not going to travel in a car for hours with a ding. A new car was procured and off they drove into tornado warnings when they got to Iowa. That meant taking shelter in a gas station bathroom. In spite of that Miriam came in time to join us for choir practice. She then sang with the choir on Christmas Eve.

We made ravioli, but not as successfully as we had in DC. We had this in the crock pot too long and it was a bit over done on the bottom, still edible, but not superb.

The day after Christmas we met my brother and his wife about half way between our homes. It was good to see him again. I am not sure why, but I seem to have gotten the only thinning hair gene in the family. Why do you suppose that is? Did I catch it from Leroy?

Miriam and family left yesterday to spend some time with Andy’s family and to visit with Brian and family. They had planned to leave today. The latest technology allowed them to see the prediction of more snow/rain than they wanted to drive in. I am happy that I did not have to worry about them. This morning it was most uninviting for travel with snow, sleet, and more snow. I have not gone out much, but I should because I like seeing the soft look of it. The wind is not as friendly as it blows snow off the roof in a funnel shape. I have never seen anything quite like it. Leroy shoveled some, but said it was so heavy that he got tired very quickly.

Leroy is working at the church tomorrow consequently he can walk. I do not go to work until afternoon so hopefully all will be clear or at least passable by that time.

Paula

Miriam's Family is Coming

Hello,

I have gone to the grocery store twice today. Do you think that is enough? I do! The rest of the world eats differently so I have to make a lot of guesses as to what would be appreciated. I am now at the point of saying if it is not right, too bad. Eat it anyway!

The “green thing” has been gathered from our landlords as have deck chair cushions. That should make for some soft sleeping places. We have borrowed and borrowed this green thing for all grandchildren visits. I think it was a fold up type of chair at one time in its life. It is quite thick so is comfortable for them to sleep on.

I also retrieved sheets and blankets. I had given away a blanket this summer when our neighbor was sleeping in the car. I was happy to learn that I still had two left, one for each girl. I offered the sleeping bags, but they preferred blankets. Aren’t mobile phones wonderful so we can make plans while they are driving in the middle of Illinois?

Now I have to write down the menus that are floating around in my mind. I know I should have made menus, a shopping list, and then shopped.  I am doing it backwards. Hoping that will work too.

Oh yes, I should clean the bathroom. Do you think there could be another task or two that I have forgotten? I am trying hard to forget so I do not work too hard.

Tomorrow Miriam’s family is visiting a friend while I am at work. Leroy will be working all day so I am not concerned about him and any plans. Leroy, before he knew anyone would be here for Christmas, signed up to work a lot as other people wanted time off.

If I do not write again until after Christmas, I must wish you all the blessings that Christmas and contemplation can bring into your life.

Paula

Taking Care of things

Hello,

Leroy laid quite low on Saturday, reading, sleeping, watching TV and talking about being out and about. Sunday morning he got dressed, ate breakfast, and said, “I do not think I can walk to church. I am so tired now.”

I convinced him to stay home, not that it took much effort. The choir was singing a special selection, but he decided they could do it without his help,

He was still being quiet when I got home.  Later in the afternoon we did make a short trip in the car. He was ok with that but glad to come home and take a nap.

Today, Monday, he was talking about whether he should ride the bike to work or drive. When I glanced out the window and raindrops were visible in the puddle by the street light, it was decided that driving was the proper choice.

I am proud of myself for calling, you know me and phone calls, the Dr. Office about a co pay that I was charged. I did find the receipt that shows I paid it when the visit was made. Now I have written down this conversation and the date. I even over paid so they will send me a refund.

In searching through a drawer looking for the stapler, I found another key for the car we sold. There were plenty of keys to pass along so I think this one can be safely disposed of in one way or another. Is such a thing recyclable? When we got the new car the dealer commented that sometimes people lose a key. Because the new type of key is so expensive to replace, they have sold used cars with only one key available. Back in the good old days they were just a trip to the hardware store and a dollar to replace. It was nice to have a spare key in case I locked the key in the car. Luckily I have seldom done that. In the two times it happened, Leroy came and rescued me.

Paula

Leroy is better

Hello,

Leroy had a peaceful night and so did I. It was blissful. We think it must have been something he ate. There was some food sitting out at the museum. Because his lunch was packed in our usual almost pristine conditions it should not have been the problem. He tells me that he is still a little tired.

I am hoping he will be able to help me a small amount with the Christmas cards. My goal is to finish them this weekend. I have some of the envelope addressed. That makes it feel a little less daunting. True confession, I write more personal notes on the first letters and run out of vive as I go along. After mid morning snack I will tackle it in reality instead of just in my mind. That should help.

I have done a load of laundry this morning so there is nothing left that Leroy got dirty. Aren’t we lucky that we have a washing machine in our apartment, or that there is a washing machine at all in our culture. I would not be anxious to beat them on the rocks. Also I remember my mother heating wash water before we got the water heater. We also had a wringer washer that was out on the porch. There was a dramatic difference between the cold air and the hot water. Mom used an old broom handle to snag the items in the first load because the water was too hot for comfort. It was a more earth friendly way to wash as that water was used for many loads with dish towels being in the first load and my dad’s overalls being in the last when the water had turned a different color.

I am happy to have a water saving machine even though it does not meet the standard of my childhood.

Paula