Hello,
Many people on social media have been
posting pictures of foods that they have made. You will not get a picture from
me as my food is seldom photo genetic. Guess it is like Leroy and just does not
like to smile for a picture.
After I replenished our produce supply
we had a great salad with no name. The base layer was a mixture of spring
greens (Or so the greens package stated.) This was followed by chopped or diced
radishes, green pepper, colored pepper, cucumber, carrots, grape tomatoes,
black barley, red lentils, sauerkraut, and a dash of olive oil for me. Leroy adds
a little liquid from the sauerkraut and considers that dressing. Actually the
salad was nice looking, but we had most of it eaten before I thought about
sharing the contents with you. By that time, the bits that were left looked
lonely in the bowl.
Leroy and I often put sauerkraut on
our salads, as well as barley once in a while. But we did like the addition of
the lentils which added color, flavor and protein.
Today, before the rain, I went to the
garden to dig dandelions. Another person knows I like to eat them so she left
them just for me when she weeded. I should have eaten them but the leaves were
flat on the ground and not standing up nicely as I like when I harvest them for
eating. I did, in the process of this weeding, find some stray onions that I
transplanted. I am happy that the rain came after I went home as I did not
water them.
Leroy had planned to get a bike ride
this afternoon but I am not sure that will happen as rain could come again.
Paula
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
How Life Changes
Hello,
Now gas prices are so low, but we are driving so little. I read that we should drive at least once a week to keep the components all working, such as the battery charged and the tires sealed. Today when I went to the grocery store, it had been two weeks; I took a longer route since the store is only about two miles away. Yesterday, we went to the nature center that is in town because it takes us about 10 minutes to get there. Also when there we could get out and walk because it is 210 acres. We did see some others, but managed to stay a good distance from most. There is a bike trail there and it was great to see many families out with bikes for all.
This morning, before going to the grocery store, I put on lipstick as I normally do when going out in public. It wasn’t until I was done and took the mask off that I knew wearing lipstick was not necessary. No one could see my lips! There was now lipstick on the inside of the mask.
I find that I miss support and schedules. I do not have many people that I do things with, except organized things such as church or work. It is there where I do a lot of interacting and feel connections.
My schedule, also from work or church, keeps me focused and grounded. As it is now, my days feel more rootless. I still fix meals and take care of dishes and clothes, but it is not the same as needing to be somewhere for a certain activity at a certain time. I am going to have to figure out something. I still envy Leroy having work that he can do from home. Guess I am not ready for retirement.
Things have relaxed in all but 22 counties in Iowa. We live in one of those 22 so life will continue as is for a longer time.
Paula
Now gas prices are so low, but we are driving so little. I read that we should drive at least once a week to keep the components all working, such as the battery charged and the tires sealed. Today when I went to the grocery store, it had been two weeks; I took a longer route since the store is only about two miles away. Yesterday, we went to the nature center that is in town because it takes us about 10 minutes to get there. Also when there we could get out and walk because it is 210 acres. We did see some others, but managed to stay a good distance from most. There is a bike trail there and it was great to see many families out with bikes for all.
This morning, before going to the grocery store, I put on lipstick as I normally do when going out in public. It wasn’t until I was done and took the mask off that I knew wearing lipstick was not necessary. No one could see my lips! There was now lipstick on the inside of the mask.
I find that I miss support and schedules. I do not have many people that I do things with, except organized things such as church or work. It is there where I do a lot of interacting and feel connections.
My schedule, also from work or church, keeps me focused and grounded. As it is now, my days feel more rootless. I still fix meals and take care of dishes and clothes, but it is not the same as needing to be somewhere for a certain activity at a certain time. I am going to have to figure out something. I still envy Leroy having work that he can do from home. Guess I am not ready for retirement.
Things have relaxed in all but 22 counties in Iowa. We live in one of those 22 so life will continue as is for a longer time.
Paula
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Things to see on a walk
Hello,
Leroy and I went out for a shorter walk this morning so I could cut his hair and we could shower before church. After church we went back out to finish the walk.
On that walk Leroy first spotted the groundhog nosing around, perhaps looking for food. We were not that far from it, but there was a fence between so perhaps it felt safer to ignore, or just keep a watchful eye on us. So nice to get a good look at this animal and compare it to the flattened fauna that we had seen two days ago.
In a little bit Leroy spotted the reddest cardinal that I have seen in many days. It was beautiful, but not interested in hanging around so we could get a good look closer.
Leroy spotted all the nature things this morning. “What are those white flowers?” he wondered pointing to the blanketed hillside in the park. We walked over for a closer look, with Leroy saying, “I think they are white violets.”
When we got there I so totally disagreed, but he is convinced that they are violets. I just let the conversation drop and so did he because we were not at a meeting point.
The last thing to mention, that we notice on our walks is that we have a lot of health care workers in the neighborhood. We have seen the signs by one of the hospitals in town as well as in front of houses. One day a neighbor was out so I asked, “Is someone in your home a health care worker or are you just supporting them?”
He said with pride, “My wife is a nurse.” He gave added details as he must have been ready to talk. On a later walk, I should count the signs.
Paula
Leroy and I went out for a shorter walk this morning so I could cut his hair and we could shower before church. After church we went back out to finish the walk.
On that walk Leroy first spotted the groundhog nosing around, perhaps looking for food. We were not that far from it, but there was a fence between so perhaps it felt safer to ignore, or just keep a watchful eye on us. So nice to get a good look at this animal and compare it to the flattened fauna that we had seen two days ago.
In a little bit Leroy spotted the reddest cardinal that I have seen in many days. It was beautiful, but not interested in hanging around so we could get a good look closer.
Leroy spotted all the nature things this morning. “What are those white flowers?” he wondered pointing to the blanketed hillside in the park. We walked over for a closer look, with Leroy saying, “I think they are white violets.”
When we got there I so totally disagreed, but he is convinced that they are violets. I just let the conversation drop and so did he because we were not at a meeting point.
The last thing to mention, that we notice on our walks is that we have a lot of health care workers in the neighborhood. We have seen the signs by one of the hospitals in town as well as in front of houses. One day a neighbor was out so I asked, “Is someone in your home a health care worker or are you just supporting them?”
He said with pride, “My wife is a nurse.” He gave added details as he must have been ready to talk. On a later walk, I should count the signs.
Paula
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Tea Pot Cracked
Hello,
For days we had noticed that the tea cozy was stained. I personally thought that Leroy was filling the pot too full, however on closer examination I learned that he was doing a good job. Soon the brown, six cup, Frankonia tea pot had brown marks on its bottom every time we used it which was daily, sometimes two times a day. Some people like coffee, but we like tea.
I especially like this tea pot because it is drip less or almost drip less. Also I bought it in Missouri Valley Iowa where Leroy served his first parish between the years of 1975 and 1984. It was in the day when smaller towns had a more thriving business area. I personally seldom shopped in Omaha or Council Bluffs. We only had one car and those larger places were at least 27 miles away. Not so easy for me to do with a husband who needed the car for work. Another reason to like this pot is that a friend gifted me with a crocheted tea cozy that fits it perfectly. Our tea would stay hot for an hour or so.
Last night we looked carefully at the bottom of the outside of the pot and saw two hairline cracks. This morning as the great science experiment we did not use the cozy or put anything else under it except to set it on the white dryer surface. There were indeed tea stained water spots on the dryer in about 15 minutes.
After such a long time of faithful service it is hard to see it go. Perhaps some type of good bye service would be in order.
Leroy looked up tea pots finding some by this company that cost over $100. I found an identical appearing used one, that was $20, which is about what I paid for it. I am a little concerned that considering the age it might also have a crack or be close to developing one.
We have the tea pot that Leroy uses at work now at home. Plus I bought one at a neighbor’s garage sale for $1.00. I am not crazy about the appearance of it, but this neighbor was desperate for a sale so I bought it. It is drippy which also does not endear it to me. We will use it for the time being and be happy for the ability to do that.
Paula
For days we had noticed that the tea cozy was stained. I personally thought that Leroy was filling the pot too full, however on closer examination I learned that he was doing a good job. Soon the brown, six cup, Frankonia tea pot had brown marks on its bottom every time we used it which was daily, sometimes two times a day. Some people like coffee, but we like tea.
I especially like this tea pot because it is drip less or almost drip less. Also I bought it in Missouri Valley Iowa where Leroy served his first parish between the years of 1975 and 1984. It was in the day when smaller towns had a more thriving business area. I personally seldom shopped in Omaha or Council Bluffs. We only had one car and those larger places were at least 27 miles away. Not so easy for me to do with a husband who needed the car for work. Another reason to like this pot is that a friend gifted me with a crocheted tea cozy that fits it perfectly. Our tea would stay hot for an hour or so.
Last night we looked carefully at the bottom of the outside of the pot and saw two hairline cracks. This morning as the great science experiment we did not use the cozy or put anything else under it except to set it on the white dryer surface. There were indeed tea stained water spots on the dryer in about 15 minutes.
After such a long time of faithful service it is hard to see it go. Perhaps some type of good bye service would be in order.
Leroy looked up tea pots finding some by this company that cost over $100. I found an identical appearing used one, that was $20, which is about what I paid for it. I am a little concerned that considering the age it might also have a crack or be close to developing one.
We have the tea pot that Leroy uses at work now at home. Plus I bought one at a neighbor’s garage sale for $1.00. I am not crazy about the appearance of it, but this neighbor was desperate for a sale so I bought it. It is drippy which also does not endear it to me. We will use it for the time being and be happy for the ability to do that.
Paula
Friday, April 24, 2020
Rescuers
Hello,
On our early walk in the light rain this morning wearing raincoats, and in Leroy’s case, rain pants we were nicely covered from the elements, except when the wind blew the rain in our faces. Leroy also wore hiking shoes that are water proof. I just slugged along in some leather shoes while carefully avoiding any puddles. We only met two people and one of them turned off before we intersected. Both of our coats were wet enough to require a serious drying out period.
We saw many earthworms on the path. I wanted to pick them up and move them but there were so many and often they were quite small so it was not possible to do that and walk too. We both tried to avoid stepping on them.
Later I saw a night crawler which is a worm of a larger size. I took my glove off and tried to pick it up. It slithered a bit to avoid me. This slippery critter was not very easy to get in hand, but after some struggle I got it and deposited it in the grass. In the end I managed to get every night crawler that I saw off the path and in the grass. Often they would land upside down, but it did not take them long to turn over. Amazing how they can do that with no hands or feet to assist.
I asked Leroy to pick up one. He dutifully took off his glove and went after this wriggling creature. He was not successful so I decided I should get back at it and rescue it before he injured it even though he was impossibly gentle. The gentleness is the reason he could not capture it. He tried once more and managed to get another one off the trail. He seemed a little squeamish. That seems so odd to me because he appears to have no trouble putting a worm on a fish hook. I am so different because I do not like doing that.
Paula
On our early walk in the light rain this morning wearing raincoats, and in Leroy’s case, rain pants we were nicely covered from the elements, except when the wind blew the rain in our faces. Leroy also wore hiking shoes that are water proof. I just slugged along in some leather shoes while carefully avoiding any puddles. We only met two people and one of them turned off before we intersected. Both of our coats were wet enough to require a serious drying out period.
We saw many earthworms on the path. I wanted to pick them up and move them but there were so many and often they were quite small so it was not possible to do that and walk too. We both tried to avoid stepping on them.
Later I saw a night crawler which is a worm of a larger size. I took my glove off and tried to pick it up. It slithered a bit to avoid me. This slippery critter was not very easy to get in hand, but after some struggle I got it and deposited it in the grass. In the end I managed to get every night crawler that I saw off the path and in the grass. Often they would land upside down, but it did not take them long to turn over. Amazing how they can do that with no hands or feet to assist.
I asked Leroy to pick up one. He dutifully took off his glove and went after this wriggling creature. He was not successful so I decided I should get back at it and rescue it before he injured it even though he was impossibly gentle. The gentleness is the reason he could not capture it. He tried once more and managed to get another one off the trail. He seemed a little squeamish. That seems so odd to me because he appears to have no trouble putting a worm on a fish hook. I am so different because I do not like doing that.
Paula
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Busy Computers
Hello,
On Thursday morning our computers and the internet service gets a workout. Leroy “went” to an interactive bible study starting at 6:45 am. I stayed off the computer, but then, I usually do not use it so early in the morning except possibly to look at the weather prediction on my phone. I managed to find other things to do after I finished my devotions, but it involved a lot of wandering between the kitchen and bathroom thinking of possibilities. Leroy was sitting in an easy chair in the living room. I tried to stay out of the camera’s eye on his tablet; I also tried to be very quiet. The book I am currently reading was in my book basket by the chair where he was sitting. No computer use, no book reading, what now? Oh I can sneak down the hall and make the bed. That took all of five minutes.
At 8:00 am. I led the morning stretch with Paula Live. Before Leroy got done I was feeling a bit edgy as I like to get set up ahead of time to make sure both audio and video work properly. Finally, Leroy was in the spare bed room where he has his work computer set up. He was using the computer but not doing any video. After I was done, I tried to look at my video and it did not play well. I wonder if it was just too much for our system to handle. Generally we do not do so much video over the lines. I was finished by 8:45 am.
Then Leroy connects to the site that he needs to have his museum staff meeting which lasts over an hour, perhaps an hour and a half. This also involves video and audio. During that time I leave the house for a nice long walk so that means I do not make noise and I do not have to listen to any of the chatter. This is one of the times when I think a larger house would be nice because we could be farther apart. Most of the time, I like the size of this place.
Paula
On Thursday morning our computers and the internet service gets a workout. Leroy “went” to an interactive bible study starting at 6:45 am. I stayed off the computer, but then, I usually do not use it so early in the morning except possibly to look at the weather prediction on my phone. I managed to find other things to do after I finished my devotions, but it involved a lot of wandering between the kitchen and bathroom thinking of possibilities. Leroy was sitting in an easy chair in the living room. I tried to stay out of the camera’s eye on his tablet; I also tried to be very quiet. The book I am currently reading was in my book basket by the chair where he was sitting. No computer use, no book reading, what now? Oh I can sneak down the hall and make the bed. That took all of five minutes.
At 8:00 am. I led the morning stretch with Paula Live. Before Leroy got done I was feeling a bit edgy as I like to get set up ahead of time to make sure both audio and video work properly. Finally, Leroy was in the spare bed room where he has his work computer set up. He was using the computer but not doing any video. After I was done, I tried to look at my video and it did not play well. I wonder if it was just too much for our system to handle. Generally we do not do so much video over the lines. I was finished by 8:45 am.
Then Leroy connects to the site that he needs to have his museum staff meeting which lasts over an hour, perhaps an hour and a half. This also involves video and audio. During that time I leave the house for a nice long walk so that means I do not make noise and I do not have to listen to any of the chatter. This is one of the times when I think a larger house would be nice because we could be farther apart. Most of the time, I like the size of this place.
Paula
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
What to do Today?
Hello,
We took a short walk this morning because it is shower day and Leroy likes to start work early so he can finish early. After we ate breakfast we did devotions and I continued on my own to write down the people I pray for as well as six things for which I am thankful. Nice earth day to all. Earth and all its creatures are of more importance than we sometimes consider. How’s that for a little lecture?
I made the bed, brushed my teeth, did yoga, considered what I am going to do tomorrow for morning stretch, and put hair growth on my head to stop thinning hair. All important stuff? That is always up for opinion.
After that I pulled out the two drawers in the kitchen, emptied them carefully so I could put things back without much thinking and proceeded to wash breakfast dishes and the drawer bins.
Before we had our mid morning snack, Leroy helped me put things back in the two drawers. Two drawers seem like not many drawers since I have lived in many places with more. But I am grateful for these two, much better than none.
I did get in a longer walk after that in spite of a little intermittent rain shower. I will have to go again to get my 10,000 steps. At the end of our walk this morning we checked the number of steps and Leroy had recorded about 400 more than I did. Says something about the accuracy of these devices. I have read that they are good for comparison to themselves, but not when comparing other type’s results.
Paula
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