Okay - meant to get this out last week, so I'll put any new news in italics This was begun last week.
News about kitchen. We're . . . between old and new. Our house is a mess. (but it's going down) We have boxes in the dining room, guest room. We're waiting on the countertops to be put in next week, plumbing. Meanwhile, our stack of paper plates, which have their own new drawer, is going down. Actually not. I'm filling it up with other sizes. We'll have quite a collection when we stop using them. They're always good to use. So I'm not worried.
I suppose it'll be worth the wait and I'm really finding better places for things. My spices are alphabetized on the new pull-out shelving section for spices next to the oven- top - A-L, middle - M-Z bottom tall shelf extra sized items. This is great. These all had been on 12" rotaries most of which I couldn't reach unless on a step stool.
(Monday, the 15th) We were waiting with baited breath for the truck to come with the countertops BUT they called to say they'd be delayed until tomorrow morning between 8-9:00. They weren't finished yet. So very disappointing.
We did get some rotaries (3) that are 18". I love Amazon! They've been added to cabinets that are deep or hard to reach. It's great for canned goods. I'm so pleased. We're getting a lot put away.
*****
Paul and I have been skyping with Brenda every Tuesday at 9:00 our time. It gives us a chance to catch up on what's going on out there and let her know what we've been up to. We didn't talk to her last week because of the show rehearsals, but we should be back on schedule tomorrow night.
For several years now, Brenda's been singing with an opera company. When Emma was home, she also sang, as did their German exchange student, Lena. It involves a lot of rehearsal time; she loves it. This year they're doing Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber, music by Stephen Sondheim. It'll be next weekend.
It was a nice coincidence that Sweeney Todd was being put on by Venice Theatre this past weekend SO we were able to get tickets to see it. We wanted to see what Brenda was doing It would have been nice if we could have gone to California to see Brenda performing in it, but this was the next best thing even if it was entirely different setting: We did see Brenda's Sweeney Todd on Facebook this week, and the set is very much more expansive than the one we saw. Plus some pictures of the cast.
Ours was performed in a small theater in the round with a three-piece orchestra. Piano, cello, flute. It seated 90 people. Paul has been to see at least one of Brenda's shows and he says, they're in a big theater with hundreds of people in the audience. It was fun though imagining her singing. The music wasn't anything you could hum, a lot of discord, but it did fill my mind when we left the theater. They must've been challenging rehearsals.
*****
We haven't had good weather this winter. It's been cold (er). cloudy and rainy so I've been wearing my raincoat with long pants a lot of the time.
I'm going to Bone Health at the Club House three days a week - 8:30-9:45. We have from 6 to 18 or more ladies attend. (I have a feeling I may have mentioned this before, but any way - ) It has made me feel a lot better. It's taken a while, but it does work. Plus I go to the exercise room.
I have reservations to go to Chicago the 19-22 for Walter's third birthday. I couldn't believe the price. $147 round trip. Naturally, it didn't include luggage, etc. So I imagine it'll increase the price substantially. The weather forecast is pretty good. Cold but sunny.
We had a chance to talk with Lue the other night. She's doing fine. She visited her great grandchildren in Tampa earlier this season for a few days. They'll be moving soon to California. We talked with her again last night and she's planning to visit Gayle and Art in Sanibel later on this season for a few more days. I'm glad she's getting down.
Carol O stopped by with Pam, a friend from Bath. They wanted to see the kitchen. Afterwards, we sat on the lanai and had a nice visit. Carol - we'll be sure to call you for a fish fry when Bob gets here. He's due next week some time. It'll be good to see him!
Valentine's Day: Paul took me to a favorite restaurant, Farlow's on the Water, in Englewood.
You'd think we'd be tired of eating out practically every night since Feb. 1st. Yes. We were. This was nice though. Very pretty setting and good food. We ate inside even though they have a beautiful outside area. We had a nice large booth and it was very relaxing.
We've been eating at some surprisingly good places that weren't that expensive. We've been to a diner, a Chinese restaurant, a pizza place, a British Pub, the Moose Club, a barbeque place, a sports bar. It's been fun. Tonight we went back to the diner. Really good again.
No long trips this year. We need to be here for the kitchen. It'll surely look great when done. Paul can't wait to get started on the backsplash. He can't do it until the counter is in. We picked up all the tiles needed tonight from Home Depot.
So I guess that's all for now. I hope the weather cooperates for all you northerners, and for you southerners where it's been colder than normal. Enjoy.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Monday, February 1, 2016
I feel sad for our old cabinets.
I feel sad for our old cabinets. They're a part of House's history.
Our first guy is short, stocky. Hard worker. I can hear him drilling, moving, making work noises. There's quiet, then noise from the drill. He asked for a broom. Good sign. He and Paul commiserate about electric wires. Found out he's Paul also. Paul and Paul. My Paul and "the guy."
Gracie is lying on the futon. . . She's more curious than anxious. Noises don't bother her much - except for smoke alarms. She's up. Her ears are twitching back and forth. Our little radar. Her tail is up as she goes confidently in to check on what's making the noise. She's back, lying at my feet looking toward the kitchen with her head between her paws, listening to what she knows now is happening. Does it hurt her butterfly ears? Loud hammering, drilling? I hold my hands over her ears.
I thought our island would be safe. Nope. Stuff is pushed against stuff. Dishes, glasses, mugs are on the table. Where will we eat? Where's the Keurig? Dishwasher is empty. Good. I don't know why it's good. Oh. Can't use the microwave. It's down. What made me think we could?
So far the only problem the guy foresees, is if the 220 line to the stove. He said sometimes the line can be too short if there's a fake ceiling. We'll find out; it's coming down. You can see the insulation above. Some crummy old work. Hello electrician.
I'm losing the sad for our cabinets. The new ones have arrived. House will be happy. They're in the garage waiting for placement. Two men came a truck and placement like a puzzle - piece by piece - taking up the least space possible, but quite a bit. Old cabinets out - going with them. Out with the old! In with the new.
The guy finished the day at 2:15.Wow.I have a kitchen without a sink, microwave, stove. High open ceiling.I like the height, not the openness.
Lunch was on TV trays in the computer room (here.) Dishes washed in the guest bathroom.How come I didn't use paper plates? That'll be rectified. So - what about dinner? I vote for going out.
Paul's in the kitchen using the drill. We're headed for Home Depot to get something the guy suggested.
Our first guy is short, stocky. Hard worker. I can hear him drilling, moving, making work noises. There's quiet, then noise from the drill. He asked for a broom. Good sign. He and Paul commiserate about electric wires. Found out he's Paul also. Paul and Paul. My Paul and "the guy."
Gracie is lying on the futon. . . She's more curious than anxious. Noises don't bother her much - except for smoke alarms. She's up. Her ears are twitching back and forth. Our little radar. Her tail is up as she goes confidently in to check on what's making the noise. She's back, lying at my feet looking toward the kitchen with her head between her paws, listening to what she knows now is happening. Does it hurt her butterfly ears? Loud hammering, drilling? I hold my hands over her ears.
I thought our island would be safe. Nope. Stuff is pushed against stuff. Dishes, glasses, mugs are on the table. Where will we eat? Where's the Keurig? Dishwasher is empty. Good. I don't know why it's good. Oh. Can't use the microwave. It's down. What made me think we could?
So far the only problem the guy foresees, is if the 220 line to the stove. He said sometimes the line can be too short if there's a fake ceiling. We'll find out; it's coming down. You can see the insulation above. Some crummy old work. Hello electrician.
I'm losing the sad for our cabinets. The new ones have arrived. House will be happy. They're in the garage waiting for placement. Two men came a truck and placement like a puzzle - piece by piece - taking up the least space possible, but quite a bit. Old cabinets out - going with them. Out with the old! In with the new.
The guy finished the day at 2:15.Wow.I have a kitchen without a sink, microwave, stove. High open ceiling.I like the height, not the openness.
Lunch was on TV trays in the computer room (here.) Dishes washed in the guest bathroom.How come I didn't use paper plates? That'll be rectified. So - what about dinner? I vote for going out.
Paul's in the kitchen using the drill. We're headed for Home Depot to get something the guy suggested.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
You know, we haven't had the greatest weather. But. . . I wouldn't complain.
The Northeast, or the eastern portion of the U.S., has been having BAD weather. The record blizzard of the past weekend was to blame for a lot of discomfort.
Florida should have been exempt from it. BUT a by product of their snow-wealth was - our next door neighbor, Bob's, knee replacement surgery Monday. His surgeon postponed it. He was stuck in Washington DC. Sometimes - It isn't easy being Floridians when there's a blizzard going on in the northeast.
Nevertheless, last week was a good week. We were busy each day. Monday we went to see Capital Steps - loved it. Don't know how they keep it relevant. Same idea as Saturday Night Live. These troupes travel throughout the country making fun of Congress. They started 30 years ago at a Congressional Christmas party and were such a hit; they've been doing it ever since.
Tuesday we had breakfast at Peaches with our friends from Bath: Carolyn and John, Cindy and Carol.
This restaurant is very popular - it's open only for breakfast and lunch and there's always a wait. Forget it on the weekend. Don't go then. Unless you really like waits.
After the next paragraph keep reading.
Wednesday I met Carolyn at The Plantation Golf and Country Club Restaurant. She lives in one of their communities. Our church women's group was having their monthly luncheon meeting. We met some really nice women. I recognized some of them on Thursday night when Paul and I went to hear the Doane College Choir program at church. Forty young people from Nebraska with wonderful voices. If you have a chance, please check out YouTube. They were magnificent. Brought tears to my eyes.
Keep reading. My computer is doing crazy things: Leaving big spaces.
Friday we took our neighbors with us to the Venice Moose Club Fish fry. We were pleasantly surprised to see that they had open tables. Of course, we went very early; the place was still crowded, but had the open tables. Two weeks in a row we tried to get in the Englewood Moose, but the parking lot was absolutely full; they had cars parked on the grass, at the bank next door. We went elsewhere, so this week we didn't even try.
Next week is The Big Week. Drumroll.... Our new kitchen will begin! Monday they deliver our new kitchen cabinets, rip out our old decrepit ones, and take down the ceiling. And thus begins the adventure. I hunted all over for boxes yesterday and finally got them in Publix. Paul's been emptying the cabinets yesterday and today; he's also been working on the ceiling lights.
My father's grapefruit tree that he planted the year he died, was cut down a couple of years ago. It's growing again. When we came back to Fla last year, Paul noticed this scraggly plant coming up in the same spot as the old tree. He was rather indignant; he thought someone had planted it. . But after we realized that it was the same tree, we have had fun watching it grow. Don't know if it'll ever produce fruit, or if it'll be good fruit, but we'll see.
On the same subject: It's strange to think that there were two decent sized trees in the back of us, but now there's none. I can remember several years ago NeeNee and Brenan climbed them. We really could use some. We've thought, but nothing hits us just right. (except the sun) which is in our eyes at sunset.
Subject change: Did I mention that I got Paul a "real" book for Christmas? He loves John Grisham. The reason? The kindle book was maybe a dollar less. I couldn't see spending that amount of money on "air."
I still think it's neat - getting the book in the blink of an eye. I didn't have to get in the car and go to the bookstore. How much better could things get? The first time I got a Kindle book it was a Dean Koontz book and cost $7.99. Now, his books are $14.99.
When I first got my kindle, I did it for novelty, getting a book quickly, not having to make space for it. When I look back at all the books (over a hundred, I'm sure - I've never counted them. Maybe I'll do that some time.) I think of all they'd take up. When he was done and said it was good, I read it.
You can share Kindle books, but it's a pain. Reading a real book - It was fun to turn the pages and read an actual one. I used the book cover as a bookmark. It was fun to actually see how much I'd read and had to still read. ( Kindle will tell you the percentage of the book read. It's not the same as actually seeing it). An aside: I did find myself tapping the book to turn the page. . two times.
So what did all this teach me? I've decided I'm going to get some real books every once in a while. As I said - why pay for air? There are still lots of books $3.99 and less. Some of those are as much fun to read as the Bestsellers, but I still like to get the ones that everyone has agreed are good. Plus then I can share. Anyone want to read a good book? Paul and I just finished one.
Florida should have been exempt from it. BUT a by product of their snow-wealth was - our next door neighbor, Bob's, knee replacement surgery Monday. His surgeon postponed it. He was stuck in Washington DC. Sometimes - It isn't easy being Floridians when there's a blizzard going on in the northeast.
Nevertheless, last week was a good week. We were busy each day. Monday we went to see Capital Steps - loved it. Don't know how they keep it relevant. Same idea as Saturday Night Live. These troupes travel throughout the country making fun of Congress. They started 30 years ago at a Congressional Christmas party and were such a hit; they've been doing it ever since.
Tuesday we had breakfast at Peaches with our friends from Bath: Carolyn and John, Cindy and Carol.
This restaurant is very popular - it's open only for breakfast and lunch and there's always a wait. Forget it on the weekend. Don't go then. Unless you really like waits.
After the next paragraph keep reading.
Wednesday I met Carolyn at The Plantation Golf and Country Club Restaurant. She lives in one of their communities. Our church women's group was having their monthly luncheon meeting. We met some really nice women. I recognized some of them on Thursday night when Paul and I went to hear the Doane College Choir program at church. Forty young people from Nebraska with wonderful voices. If you have a chance, please check out YouTube. They were magnificent. Brought tears to my eyes.
Keep reading. My computer is doing crazy things: Leaving big spaces.
Friday we took our neighbors with us to the Venice Moose Club Fish fry. We were pleasantly surprised to see that they had open tables. Of course, we went very early; the place was still crowded, but had the open tables. Two weeks in a row we tried to get in the Englewood Moose, but the parking lot was absolutely full; they had cars parked on the grass, at the bank next door. We went elsewhere, so this week we didn't even try.
Next week is The Big Week. Drumroll.... Our new kitchen will begin! Monday they deliver our new kitchen cabinets, rip out our old decrepit ones, and take down the ceiling. And thus begins the adventure. I hunted all over for boxes yesterday and finally got them in Publix. Paul's been emptying the cabinets yesterday and today; he's also been working on the ceiling lights.
My father's grapefruit tree that he planted the year he died, was cut down a couple of years ago. It's growing again. When we came back to Fla last year, Paul noticed this scraggly plant coming up in the same spot as the old tree. He was rather indignant; he thought someone had planted it. . But after we realized that it was the same tree, we have had fun watching it grow. Don't know if it'll ever produce fruit, or if it'll be good fruit, but we'll see.
On the same subject: It's strange to think that there were two decent sized trees in the back of us, but now there's none. I can remember several years ago NeeNee and Brenan climbed them. We really could use some. We've thought, but nothing hits us just right. (except the sun) which is in our eyes at sunset.
Subject change: Did I mention that I got Paul a "real" book for Christmas? He loves John Grisham. The reason? The kindle book was maybe a dollar less. I couldn't see spending that amount of money on "air."
I still think it's neat - getting the book in the blink of an eye. I didn't have to get in the car and go to the bookstore. How much better could things get? The first time I got a Kindle book it was a Dean Koontz book and cost $7.99. Now, his books are $14.99.
When I first got my kindle, I did it for novelty, getting a book quickly, not having to make space for it. When I look back at all the books (over a hundred, I'm sure - I've never counted them. Maybe I'll do that some time.) I think of all they'd take up. When he was done and said it was good, I read it.
You can share Kindle books, but it's a pain. Reading a real book - It was fun to turn the pages and read an actual one. I used the book cover as a bookmark. It was fun to actually see how much I'd read and had to still read. ( Kindle will tell you the percentage of the book read. It's not the same as actually seeing it). An aside: I did find myself tapping the book to turn the page. . two times.
So what did all this teach me? I've decided I'm going to get some real books every once in a while. As I said - why pay for air? There are still lots of books $3.99 and less. Some of those are as much fun to read as the Bestsellers, but I still like to get the ones that everyone has agreed are good. Plus then I can share. Anyone want to read a good book? Paul and I just finished one.
Friday, January 15, 2016
It's Winter Everywhere
Even in Florida. We're in long pants, sweaters or jackets. I think our winter's the best. I know real winter persons, would disagree. Oh well - you have your way, I've got mine. Some people wear down vests, winter hats. It looks so funny. I imagine some of them do it just for the excitement of wearing winter clothes. One lady had a hat on with the braided sides. How ridiculous.
So Paul's very happy. He can wear his jeans.
When the sun comes out though, it's nice and summery. Or Spring-like.
Got a phone call from Carol O..my friend from Bath. She and her friend Cindy arrived here right on time last Saturday on the auto train. Unfortunately, her rental house was covered with mold. No one had been there in over a year. Obviously - The person who's supposed to watch it, didn't (as much as he was supposed to, anyway.)
After contacting the owner, they had someone in to clean it all up. What a mess. I can remember when that happened to the furnished cellar of our house in East Rockaway a long time ago. It's not nice. All is okay now. They stopped by to relate her story and she seems as happy as ever. She's always so bubbly.
It's Gracie's birthday - she's 6 today. I hate to have the years go by. She's such a good dog. We've had such a great time with her. Doesn't seem possible that it was MY birthday when we bought her. March 22nd. How many weeks was that? 8? She was such a little thing - less than 2 lbs. Now she weights a little over 5.
Went to have my hair colored this morning. We had a terrific rain storm with horrendous wind and rain. If it was snow, it would've been labeled a white out. It had been raining hard before and the parking lot was flooded outside the door when I came in. Then boom - The power went out at an awful time . . . The color was on my head; I looked pretty bad AND - I almost had to go home with a wet head and come in tomorrow to complete my beautification, but the power came back on 20 minutes later. When Paul came to get me, he said there was some wind by our house (two miles away?), but that's it. I'm looking at a big six-foot umbrella in the lanai that has dried. Gracie had to go out earlier. She always refuses without an umbrella if it's raining.
Earlier this morning I went to bone health exercise up at the clubhouse. There were seven of us there but I didn't recognize anyone. It was amusing how we all tried to interpret the written numbered directions from the folding boards. I was about as much help as anyone. Somehow I don't think we really got it right, but we all ended up in a sweat, so I guess it was good enough.
Saturday night (tomorrow) they're having a pasta dinner at the clubhouse. While we were exercising, several people were in the kitchen - making meatballs, etc. . (The Board's annual dinner.) After I finished exercising, I went in and asked if there would be any gluten free pasta? (a long shot) Nope. The meatballs had breadcrumbs in them also. There are just some things that have to not be. I could bring my gf pasta, but I really don't want to make a fuss. It's not worth it. I asked Paul and he was ambivalent.
Alice wasn't there because she's expecting her daughter, Laura, her husband Tim and their two grandsons - Kailen and Matt. They're coming from Columbia, South Carolina. Matt is about Walter's age (3) Kailen is about Vincent's age (9). Close enough. They have a three day weekend due to Martin Luther King Day.
Then after they leave, Alice's daughter Sue and son-in-law, Craig, will be with her a couple of nights from Peru where they are missionaries. Sue will lead the Bible Study on Wednesday morning.
Cousin Carol is not with us for Bible Study because she is in dialysis on Wednesdays now at the same time that Bible Study is. Mon, Wed, Fri. It seems strange to not have her there. I miss her. Alice has another Bible Study at another place in Venice on Thursdays that will begin again in February. I think Carol is planning on going.
Next week should be busy.
Monday - we're meeting Carol O and Cindy at Venice Theatre, for this year's performance of Capital Steps. It is a national touring company that pokes fun at Washington DC . . . the government and all. Should be funny - with Trump, Cruz, etc. in the headlines now.
Tuesday - We're meeting other friends from Bath for breakfast - Carolyn and John along with Carol and Cindy.
Wednesday - Carolyn and I are going to a luncheon at The Plantation Golf and Country Club restaurant for the Women's Club of the Presbyterian church. I can remember going to the Plantation for Easter Sundays years ago when the kids were small. Now, however, you need to be a member to get in.
We had our first tomato of the season today. I made a chicken salad for lunch. The tomato was pretty good. I gotta say that nothing compares with upstate tomatoes. Oops. Listen to me! I'm criticizing a tomato that comes up in January. Good heavens. There are more - not ripe yet. Hope I didn't heart their feelings.
Monday morning I had two basal cell carcinomas on my back and shoulder taken off. It only took 20 minutes; it was done in the doctor's office. Very easy, but I'm Nervous Norma. Paul went with me. All the doctors down here are duplicates of the ones I see up north. Sometimes I forget what they look like until they come through the door for the first time of the season, and then, (oh yes - I remember you.)
From there we drove to an appointment at the Hyundai dealership in Sarasota. I'm thinking -why did we buy a car that, when service is needed, we don't have an agency in Venice. There are so many dealerships here. Love that car, though. It needed more work than we thought, so we had a rental. . . a cute little thing and kept it for a couple of days.
It was nice to go to Sarasota. We so seldom get there these days. We should really make more of an effort. They have a Sam's Club quite close to the dealership - so when we picked up the car, we enjoyed getting the items we would normally have gotten at the Port Charlotte Sam's.
Pretty soon - February - we'll be having our new cabinets and countertops in the kitchen. Not looking forward to the upheaval. To have it nice, it has to be messy for a while.
So that's all the news that's fit to print.
So Paul's very happy. He can wear his jeans.
When the sun comes out though, it's nice and summery. Or Spring-like.
Got a phone call from Carol O..my friend from Bath. She and her friend Cindy arrived here right on time last Saturday on the auto train. Unfortunately, her rental house was covered with mold. No one had been there in over a year. Obviously - The person who's supposed to watch it, didn't (as much as he was supposed to, anyway.)
After contacting the owner, they had someone in to clean it all up. What a mess. I can remember when that happened to the furnished cellar of our house in East Rockaway a long time ago. It's not nice. All is okay now. They stopped by to relate her story and she seems as happy as ever. She's always so bubbly.
It's Gracie's birthday - she's 6 today. I hate to have the years go by. She's such a good dog. We've had such a great time with her. Doesn't seem possible that it was MY birthday when we bought her. March 22nd. How many weeks was that? 8? She was such a little thing - less than 2 lbs. Now she weights a little over 5.
Went to have my hair colored this morning. We had a terrific rain storm with horrendous wind and rain. If it was snow, it would've been labeled a white out. It had been raining hard before and the parking lot was flooded outside the door when I came in. Then boom - The power went out at an awful time . . . The color was on my head; I looked pretty bad AND - I almost had to go home with a wet head and come in tomorrow to complete my beautification, but the power came back on 20 minutes later. When Paul came to get me, he said there was some wind by our house (two miles away?), but that's it. I'm looking at a big six-foot umbrella in the lanai that has dried. Gracie had to go out earlier. She always refuses without an umbrella if it's raining.
Earlier this morning I went to bone health exercise up at the clubhouse. There were seven of us there but I didn't recognize anyone. It was amusing how we all tried to interpret the written numbered directions from the folding boards. I was about as much help as anyone. Somehow I don't think we really got it right, but we all ended up in a sweat, so I guess it was good enough.
Saturday night (tomorrow) they're having a pasta dinner at the clubhouse. While we were exercising, several people were in the kitchen - making meatballs, etc. . (The Board's annual dinner.) After I finished exercising, I went in and asked if there would be any gluten free pasta? (a long shot) Nope. The meatballs had breadcrumbs in them also. There are just some things that have to not be. I could bring my gf pasta, but I really don't want to make a fuss. It's not worth it. I asked Paul and he was ambivalent.
Alice wasn't there because she's expecting her daughter, Laura, her husband Tim and their two grandsons - Kailen and Matt. They're coming from Columbia, South Carolina. Matt is about Walter's age (3) Kailen is about Vincent's age (9). Close enough. They have a three day weekend due to Martin Luther King Day.
Then after they leave, Alice's daughter Sue and son-in-law, Craig, will be with her a couple of nights from Peru where they are missionaries. Sue will lead the Bible Study on Wednesday morning.
Cousin Carol is not with us for Bible Study because she is in dialysis on Wednesdays now at the same time that Bible Study is. Mon, Wed, Fri. It seems strange to not have her there. I miss her. Alice has another Bible Study at another place in Venice on Thursdays that will begin again in February. I think Carol is planning on going.
Next week should be busy.
Monday - we're meeting Carol O and Cindy at Venice Theatre, for this year's performance of Capital Steps. It is a national touring company that pokes fun at Washington DC . . . the government and all. Should be funny - with Trump, Cruz, etc. in the headlines now.
Tuesday - We're meeting other friends from Bath for breakfast - Carolyn and John along with Carol and Cindy.
Wednesday - Carolyn and I are going to a luncheon at The Plantation Golf and Country Club restaurant for the Women's Club of the Presbyterian church. I can remember going to the Plantation for Easter Sundays years ago when the kids were small. Now, however, you need to be a member to get in.
We had our first tomato of the season today. I made a chicken salad for lunch. The tomato was pretty good. I gotta say that nothing compares with upstate tomatoes. Oops. Listen to me! I'm criticizing a tomato that comes up in January. Good heavens. There are more - not ripe yet. Hope I didn't heart their feelings.
Monday morning I had two basal cell carcinomas on my back and shoulder taken off. It only took 20 minutes; it was done in the doctor's office. Very easy, but I'm Nervous Norma. Paul went with me. All the doctors down here are duplicates of the ones I see up north. Sometimes I forget what they look like until they come through the door for the first time of the season, and then, (oh yes - I remember you.)
From there we drove to an appointment at the Hyundai dealership in Sarasota. I'm thinking -why did we buy a car that, when service is needed, we don't have an agency in Venice. There are so many dealerships here. Love that car, though. It needed more work than we thought, so we had a rental. . . a cute little thing and kept it for a couple of days.
It was nice to go to Sarasota. We so seldom get there these days. We should really make more of an effort. They have a Sam's Club quite close to the dealership - so when we picked up the car, we enjoyed getting the items we would normally have gotten at the Port Charlotte Sam's.
Pretty soon - February - we'll be having our new cabinets and countertops in the kitchen. Not looking forward to the upheaval. To have it nice, it has to be messy for a while.
So that's all the news that's fit to print.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Happy New Year everyone!
Isn't it nice that it's January? New month, new year.
We're finally wearing long pants down here. It's been unseasonably warm (like all over the U.S.)since we arrived here in November. The only time I wore long pants was in church. So it's been an unusual Fall, early winter. We're looking forward to the sweater, long pants time.
We got the house undecorated on Saturday and Sunday. It doesn't take much work.
We have a little tree which goes on left side the top of the white baby grand digital piano. I have a little plastic four-tier box that all the tree decorations go. They snap together and have a handle on top. One tier holds the lights. Another tier - the silver cloth for the bottom, The next one - the small decorations. It was fun collecting them. I didn't realize how many ornaments are made for small trees.
The final one - my little crèche One Christmas, several years ago, my friend, Ruth, gave me a tiny wooden crèche with all the animals and people included to have down here when I would just fly down for the holidays. I have treasured it ever since. I put that on the piano, but realized that when I had the piano opened, you couldn't see it. So. . . It's not the best place. My job next Christmas is to find a better spot.
We had a quiet Christmas at home, just the two of us. I got a kick out of our packages. We both shopped Amazon.com and wrapped the presents in the boxes they came in, so we were both using knives to cut them open to see what was in there! I can remember seeing something on-line and printing a picture of it and putting it on Paul's computer, and vice-versa. It certainly is an easy way to shop! Lots of boxes to take apart for the garbage men, however. Paul built me a step so it won't be so hard for me to get on the bed. What a difference that makes.
We spent the afternoon at my cousin Alice's house. She had all her neighbors that were here for the holidays, her sister, Carol, and Paul and me. A total of 11. We all brought something to eat, and something to add to the Funny Gift Exchange. My cousin is always doing something nice for people. She's a real blessing.
We visited with Greg and Noi on Monday, coming home on Tuesday. Even though we were there just over night, it was an enjoyable visit.
It was good to see them and the kids too. Brenan is in his second year at Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, and Neenee is a freshman at Florida State. It amazes me how Paul's grandkids are growing up. They've almost all graduated from high school. DJ and Alaina have graduated from college, several years ago now..But, I digress. . . Noi cooked a delicious dinner. We had cocktails outside while he grilled our marinated pork ribs. She always puts on a feast. We had time to talk and talk.
Alaina arrived home mid-December, after a 2 1/2 year stint in the Peace Corp in Uganda. It's so good to have her home.
So now that the holidays are over, I guess that this month will be a time of adjustment for Alaina:
From one extreme to another - From dirt floor huts, to her home in Rochester. Friends left behind. People whom she's gotten to know, people she said she won't ever see or hear from again, . I can't imagine how hard that must be - to know someone for over two years and know they have no phone, postal address, internet. Things we can never understand. We've never been in that kind of a position. How can you explain to someone who's never been in this situation how you feel?
iPhones and other smart phones are wonderful during the holidays. (and all the time) They enable us to keep in touch with family. Sharon texted Paul a "stomp stomp flush flush" message at 6 AM. The story goes that when they were little, someone would stomp stomp on the hall way floor and flush flush the toilet to get Paul and Donna awake. This Christmas morning, the five siblings were messaging all morning long. With the iPhone, you're never alone. Especially Christmas morning.
Paul found a gluten free pancake mix and made pancakes for Christmas morning. That plus sausages. Delicious. So, I did the same thing for him for New year's day. Mine weren't as good as his. I haven't cooked pancakes in years!
The family was glad that we'll be up North next Christmas. They've missed the gathering. And seeing everyone.
We have too, but there's a certain joy down here too. We've enjoyed our neighbors, family here, church, decorating outside in the warmth, not having to worry about coats, boots, - you know - no icy roads. Wintry times.
But we've also missed the wintry times. Our northern neighbors, friends, family, our church there. When you're Snowbirds, you always miss something because you're in the opposite place. But there are lots of great things to being Snowbirds too - such as lots of friends from around the USA we never would have known. Our neighbors are the best. Couldn't ask for nicer people. But it's the same up north. Couldn't ask for nicer people. I guess we just have to open up our hearts wider to include everyone. We are so lucky in that respect.
We skyped with Bill, Flor and Samantha. We do it every week. It was especially nice for Christmas. Of course they're twelve or thirteen hours ahead of us, so when we call it's in the morning of the next day. Samantha is getting ready for her afternoon kindergarten and her Chinese language class beforehand. With Facebook also, we get a chance to see what they're doing all the time. Its amazing how close they seem.
Nancy's family left for St. Louis a couple of days before she did, because she had to work. She followed on the train, the day before Christmas Eve. She had a wonderful time in Chicago shopping by herself. She texted me pictures of what she'd bought for the kids. And herself.
Carol O will be on her way to Florida on the auto train with her friend Cindy next weekend. Talked to her and she's so excited! It'll be good to see her again.
We have a new cleaning lady. She's here for the first time today, and I can hear her bustling around getting things done. We had to do a lot of searching. Everyone was filled up with clients. She seems nice and works fast. Really fast. I'll see how things go. She'll be here for three hours.
Guess that's all the news for now.
We're finally wearing long pants down here. It's been unseasonably warm (like all over the U.S.)since we arrived here in November. The only time I wore long pants was in church. So it's been an unusual Fall, early winter. We're looking forward to the sweater, long pants time.
We got the house undecorated on Saturday and Sunday. It doesn't take much work.
We have a little tree which goes on left side the top of the white baby grand digital piano. I have a little plastic four-tier box that all the tree decorations go. They snap together and have a handle on top. One tier holds the lights. Another tier - the silver cloth for the bottom, The next one - the small decorations. It was fun collecting them. I didn't realize how many ornaments are made for small trees.
The final one - my little crèche One Christmas, several years ago, my friend, Ruth, gave me a tiny wooden crèche with all the animals and people included to have down here when I would just fly down for the holidays. I have treasured it ever since. I put that on the piano, but realized that when I had the piano opened, you couldn't see it. So. . . It's not the best place. My job next Christmas is to find a better spot.
We had a quiet Christmas at home, just the two of us. I got a kick out of our packages. We both shopped Amazon.com and wrapped the presents in the boxes they came in, so we were both using knives to cut them open to see what was in there! I can remember seeing something on-line and printing a picture of it and putting it on Paul's computer, and vice-versa. It certainly is an easy way to shop! Lots of boxes to take apart for the garbage men, however. Paul built me a step so it won't be so hard for me to get on the bed. What a difference that makes.
We spent the afternoon at my cousin Alice's house. She had all her neighbors that were here for the holidays, her sister, Carol, and Paul and me. A total of 11. We all brought something to eat, and something to add to the Funny Gift Exchange. My cousin is always doing something nice for people. She's a real blessing.
We visited with Greg and Noi on Monday, coming home on Tuesday. Even though we were there just over night, it was an enjoyable visit.
It was good to see them and the kids too. Brenan is in his second year at Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, and Neenee is a freshman at Florida State. It amazes me how Paul's grandkids are growing up. They've almost all graduated from high school. DJ and Alaina have graduated from college, several years ago now..But, I digress. . . Noi cooked a delicious dinner. We had cocktails outside while he grilled our marinated pork ribs. She always puts on a feast. We had time to talk and talk.
Alaina arrived home mid-December, after a 2 1/2 year stint in the Peace Corp in Uganda. It's so good to have her home.
So now that the holidays are over, I guess that this month will be a time of adjustment for Alaina:
From one extreme to another - From dirt floor huts, to her home in Rochester. Friends left behind. People whom she's gotten to know, people she said she won't ever see or hear from again, . I can't imagine how hard that must be - to know someone for over two years and know they have no phone, postal address, internet. Things we can never understand. We've never been in that kind of a position. How can you explain to someone who's never been in this situation how you feel?
iPhones and other smart phones are wonderful during the holidays. (and all the time) They enable us to keep in touch with family. Sharon texted Paul a "stomp stomp flush flush" message at 6 AM. The story goes that when they were little, someone would stomp stomp on the hall way floor and flush flush the toilet to get Paul and Donna awake. This Christmas morning, the five siblings were messaging all morning long. With the iPhone, you're never alone. Especially Christmas morning.
Paul found a gluten free pancake mix and made pancakes for Christmas morning. That plus sausages. Delicious. So, I did the same thing for him for New year's day. Mine weren't as good as his. I haven't cooked pancakes in years!
The family was glad that we'll be up North next Christmas. They've missed the gathering. And seeing everyone.
We have too, but there's a certain joy down here too. We've enjoyed our neighbors, family here, church, decorating outside in the warmth, not having to worry about coats, boots, - you know - no icy roads. Wintry times.
But we've also missed the wintry times. Our northern neighbors, friends, family, our church there. When you're Snowbirds, you always miss something because you're in the opposite place. But there are lots of great things to being Snowbirds too - such as lots of friends from around the USA we never would have known. Our neighbors are the best. Couldn't ask for nicer people. But it's the same up north. Couldn't ask for nicer people. I guess we just have to open up our hearts wider to include everyone. We are so lucky in that respect.
We skyped with Bill, Flor and Samantha. We do it every week. It was especially nice for Christmas. Of course they're twelve or thirteen hours ahead of us, so when we call it's in the morning of the next day. Samantha is getting ready for her afternoon kindergarten and her Chinese language class beforehand. With Facebook also, we get a chance to see what they're doing all the time. Its amazing how close they seem.
Nancy's family left for St. Louis a couple of days before she did, because she had to work. She followed on the train, the day before Christmas Eve. She had a wonderful time in Chicago shopping by herself. She texted me pictures of what she'd bought for the kids. And herself.
Carol O will be on her way to Florida on the auto train with her friend Cindy next weekend. Talked to her and she's so excited! It'll be good to see her again.
We have a new cleaning lady. She's here for the first time today, and I can hear her bustling around getting things done. We had to do a lot of searching. Everyone was filled up with clients. She seems nice and works fast. Really fast. I'll see how things go. She'll be here for three hours.
Guess that's all the news for now.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Our cul de sac is the best decorated!
Hi there -
. I mean it. It's true. I'm very proud of Bob A., Phil and Paul. Our homes are the best. It's like a Christmas fairyland. And what is great is we can go outside in the evening and enjoy it - without a coat. A lawn chair, a drink, and company is all that's needed. doesn't seem like December down here.
The weatherman noted today that we have the same weather all year. Sunny, mild or as Paul says, sunny and hot. It really has been hotter than usual. I know Paul's waiting for the cool-off that's supposed to come in December-Jan-Feb. We'll see.
The grass out back is growing like crazy. It has these little teeny green catch-ums that attach to Gracie all the time when she goes to do her business. It's only temporary or seasonal. I have to comb her to get them off. She doesn't seem to mind, but I wonder if she's concluded that having these, means she has to be combed and she doesn't really care for it after all but tolerates it because it gets rid of them. It's getting she doesn't like to go on the grass. She'll walk the perimeter and come back in the house. Not good. No zoomies, to speak of. Sometimes in the house she'll zoom. Actually Paul did say she showed off out front for our neighbors, Bob and Phil, the other day.
Yes. It's been a long time since I've written again. I don't know why - not much going on down here, but it does keep me busy.
Here it is 4 days before Christmas. That's impossible to believe. This month has flown by. The traffic isn't as bad as it could be because a lot of the Snowbirds have gone home for Christmas. This is something we've planned for next year. (Go home.) But I digress - I am pleased that I have my Christmas shopping done. I hope so. We're going to Alice's for Christmas dinner. She's having 12. We're all bringing a silly gift and have a gift exchange. They seem to go over well. She requested we bring a fruit salad, so we will. That's Paul's specialty!
Paul got an iPhone last month. He seems pleased with it.
So we were at Sam's the other day and went to the book section, which incidentally has shrunk, due to e-books? I found a large paperback "iPhone book for those who need help figuring out what to do." That's not the title, of course, but I jut don't feel like getting up. I thought, what a great Christmas gift for him. Wrong. It's been used a LOT already. Didn't have a chance to wrap it. He also requested a tool - which he asked me to get on Amazon. I did. He's used that already too
We knew when we came down here that he'd be getting some tools to keep down here. We're planning on flying back and forth from now on and leaving our car here. Tools are heavy things to bring in a suitcase. Plus security might question them.
I've started a bone health exercise program MWF at 8:30 in the clubhouse. I get there as often as I can. Alice introduced me to it. It's good. Quite easy exercises, but you can note what they're for. Ex. turn your neck to the left as far as you can and think of Walmart parking lot. Stay for 12 seconds. Do it again to the right. I'm pleased how far my neck goes. As you age, some of these things become harder and harder. Balance, strength - we wear ankle weights and carry hand weights for part of the time.
Having trouble with my skin It's become so very fragile. I decided to order some sleeves from the internet. And my dermatologist recommended I wear long sleeves all the time to prevent wounds. So . . . They came a couple of days ago and I'm trying to wear them, but it does get hot which means I sweat. They are the "dripless" kind or whatever it means for hot weather. When I got home from Walmart this morning, I took them off. My hair was wet, as usual. I have them on now. They're comfortable in the a/c. I know you people up North are shaking your heads, not understanding a word I'm saying.
So what has been happening? We've decided to go with a company to have our kitchen cabinets put in. This will all happen in February. We interviewed three and decided on the last one. Paul will be involved in putting in the back splash and "supervising" the cabinets' installation. They said it should take three weeks. Or less. ((I'm sure they said - or less. I'm hoping so.) It'll be beautiful when it's done. But I've heard nightmares about living in the conditions needed when they're working.. We're having the ceiling taken out so it will be up to the true 8 ft. I'm not sure of the correct wording for that and Paul's at Walmart right now. It means: They're taking it down so it'll be higher.
Actually, that took up a lot of time. Planning it. Weeks.
We had my nephew Paul here for dinner a week or so ago. He appreciated it and we enjoyed having him be here. It's good to cook for others. We'll be seeing each other again after the holidays. We invited him to come with us for Christmas, but he made other plans.
Edna's husband, Mike, passed away just after Thanksgiving. He was such a gentle kind man. Paul flew home for the funeral and had a chance to see a lot of his family. We didn't have anyone to take care of Gracie, so I stayed behind. We had also planned a Christmas Carol sing and invited a lot of people. So I had the party by myself. Paul said it was good to see and be with everyone. I'm sure it was. May Mike rest in peace. I'm beginning to realize the saying - funerals are for family to be together. Isn't it a shame that it takes funerals.
Paul just arrived back from Walmart. So I'll close. Hope you all have a Peaceful Merry Christmas. I'll miss my little ones, Vincent (9), Evie (5) and Walter (2 3/4). But I can picture where they'll be and what they'll be doing at Nana and PopPop's. What a good time they'll have! I know Jane and Scott showed me a couple of wonderful Christmases when I was by myself. They're good people. Nancy is very lucky.
Bill is happy in the Philippines with Flor and Samantha. Life is good. My kids are happy. Me too Thank you, Lord.
. I mean it. It's true. I'm very proud of Bob A., Phil and Paul. Our homes are the best. It's like a Christmas fairyland. And what is great is we can go outside in the evening and enjoy it - without a coat. A lawn chair, a drink, and company is all that's needed. doesn't seem like December down here.
The weatherman noted today that we have the same weather all year. Sunny, mild or as Paul says, sunny and hot. It really has been hotter than usual. I know Paul's waiting for the cool-off that's supposed to come in December-Jan-Feb. We'll see.
The grass out back is growing like crazy. It has these little teeny green catch-ums that attach to Gracie all the time when she goes to do her business. It's only temporary or seasonal. I have to comb her to get them off. She doesn't seem to mind, but I wonder if she's concluded that having these, means she has to be combed and she doesn't really care for it after all but tolerates it because it gets rid of them. It's getting she doesn't like to go on the grass. She'll walk the perimeter and come back in the house. Not good. No zoomies, to speak of. Sometimes in the house she'll zoom. Actually Paul did say she showed off out front for our neighbors, Bob and Phil, the other day.
Yes. It's been a long time since I've written again. I don't know why - not much going on down here, but it does keep me busy.
Here it is 4 days before Christmas. That's impossible to believe. This month has flown by. The traffic isn't as bad as it could be because a lot of the Snowbirds have gone home for Christmas. This is something we've planned for next year. (Go home.) But I digress - I am pleased that I have my Christmas shopping done. I hope so. We're going to Alice's for Christmas dinner. She's having 12. We're all bringing a silly gift and have a gift exchange. They seem to go over well. She requested we bring a fruit salad, so we will. That's Paul's specialty!
Paul got an iPhone last month. He seems pleased with it.
So we were at Sam's the other day and went to the book section, which incidentally has shrunk, due to e-books? I found a large paperback "iPhone book for those who need help figuring out what to do." That's not the title, of course, but I jut don't feel like getting up. I thought, what a great Christmas gift for him. Wrong. It's been used a LOT already. Didn't have a chance to wrap it. He also requested a tool - which he asked me to get on Amazon. I did. He's used that already too
We knew when we came down here that he'd be getting some tools to keep down here. We're planning on flying back and forth from now on and leaving our car here. Tools are heavy things to bring in a suitcase. Plus security might question them.
I've started a bone health exercise program MWF at 8:30 in the clubhouse. I get there as often as I can. Alice introduced me to it. It's good. Quite easy exercises, but you can note what they're for. Ex. turn your neck to the left as far as you can and think of Walmart parking lot. Stay for 12 seconds. Do it again to the right. I'm pleased how far my neck goes. As you age, some of these things become harder and harder. Balance, strength - we wear ankle weights and carry hand weights for part of the time.
Having trouble with my skin It's become so very fragile. I decided to order some sleeves from the internet. And my dermatologist recommended I wear long sleeves all the time to prevent wounds. So . . . They came a couple of days ago and I'm trying to wear them, but it does get hot which means I sweat. They are the "dripless" kind or whatever it means for hot weather. When I got home from Walmart this morning, I took them off. My hair was wet, as usual. I have them on now. They're comfortable in the a/c. I know you people up North are shaking your heads, not understanding a word I'm saying.
So what has been happening? We've decided to go with a company to have our kitchen cabinets put in. This will all happen in February. We interviewed three and decided on the last one. Paul will be involved in putting in the back splash and "supervising" the cabinets' installation. They said it should take three weeks. Or less. ((I'm sure they said - or less. I'm hoping so.) It'll be beautiful when it's done. But I've heard nightmares about living in the conditions needed when they're working.. We're having the ceiling taken out so it will be up to the true 8 ft. I'm not sure of the correct wording for that and Paul's at Walmart right now. It means: They're taking it down so it'll be higher.
Actually, that took up a lot of time. Planning it. Weeks.
We had my nephew Paul here for dinner a week or so ago. He appreciated it and we enjoyed having him be here. It's good to cook for others. We'll be seeing each other again after the holidays. We invited him to come with us for Christmas, but he made other plans.
Edna's husband, Mike, passed away just after Thanksgiving. He was such a gentle kind man. Paul flew home for the funeral and had a chance to see a lot of his family. We didn't have anyone to take care of Gracie, so I stayed behind. We had also planned a Christmas Carol sing and invited a lot of people. So I had the party by myself. Paul said it was good to see and be with everyone. I'm sure it was. May Mike rest in peace. I'm beginning to realize the saying - funerals are for family to be together. Isn't it a shame that it takes funerals.
Paul just arrived back from Walmart. So I'll close. Hope you all have a Peaceful Merry Christmas. I'll miss my little ones, Vincent (9), Evie (5) and Walter (2 3/4). But I can picture where they'll be and what they'll be doing at Nana and PopPop's. What a good time they'll have! I know Jane and Scott showed me a couple of wonderful Christmases when I was by myself. They're good people. Nancy is very lucky.
Bill is happy in the Philippines with Flor and Samantha. Life is good. My kids are happy. Me too Thank you, Lord.
Friday, November 6, 2015
We're here! Venice, Fla.
Yes. After a long trip (planned), we arrived here in Venice on Monday. Doesn't seem possible that five days have gone by, but they have. It's Friday.
We left on Wednesday, the 28th, in a driving rain, which lasted the whole day, so we stopped early, after only 300 miles. We'd traveled as long as we usually do though.
We stopped at Edna and Mike's, as usual, to visit and have lunch with them. Edna made a delicious potato soup, and kept in mind my gluten free diet. I really appreciated that, Edna. She even had gluten free pretzels, which I'm afraid we didn't remember to have, but I appreciated the thought, Edna! Mike's oxygen was increased.
We saw lots of pictures of relatives and friends and had a chance to talk for a couple of hours. Thanks Edna and Mike for the hospitality.
We spent the night at Stephen City, Va. at a pet friendly hotel. Gracie does pretty well at these places. It felt like a long day. The weather was really unpleasant.
Thursday we traveled to Chocowinity, NC to visit with our friends, Marcia and Hal. We stayed for two nights.
Marcia is a great pet lover, and their cat Cleo passed away a while back and they're pet-less; she had her pet fix with Gracie. The weather was much better. In fact, Friday morning, Marcia called a restaurant downtown near the water that had eating outside (so we could bring Gracie.). Marcia volunteers at the Estuarium nearby and worked from 10-1:00. We picked her up and we went out for lunch.. Were we surprised when they brought Gracie a small tray with a little bit of chicken, cheese, roast beef, cracker and a cup of water! They then fawned over her. Of course we were enchanted.
This was Halloween, and a colorful character appeared on the deck where we were seated. I'm not sure if it was because of it being Halloween , but there was this old man dressed in a pirate costume. He had a knife "through his neck." He said he liked dressing up because lots more people talk to him. So maybe he does it more often than just Halloween. He really had fun.
That evening, their good friends Andy and Doug, came for dinner. We had salmon which Paul helped to cook. We used his relish recipe. (It was conveniently in the car, going to Fla. with us.) Andy and Doug are very personable and come from the Finger lakes area as we do.
We left Marcia and Hal's on Saturday morning and traveled all day to Port Wentworth, Ga. Nice hotel. Very close to Savannah. It was the day to change the clocks, which we remembered to do!
Sunday we got to Gainesville and Greg and Noi's house, mid afternoon. And to our surprise, Neenee was there! She was home for the weekend from college! She has her own car on Campus and can travel from Pensacola in a couple of hours. She had dinner with us and then started back. It was good to see her. She looks good and she and I had a nice long conversation about sororities and schools. Yes. I can remember back 50 years ago to my freshman year. It was a good chance to go down memory lane and compare then and now.
Monday, we left mid-morning and took our time to get to Venice. My brother Bob was at the house. He got there a couple of days ago and opened up the house and got groceries for us. That was nice.
He used our house as a stop-over to his trip to visit with his daughter Christine and her family, in Melbourne on the East coast. It's a long trip from Alpharetta, GA, to there. Plus - It also gave him a chance to visit with his son, Paul, who works here in Venice and lives in a neighboring town.
Bob's gone now to spend a couple of days with Christine. They have a rambunctious large poodle so Bob left Martini with us. For those of you who don't know, Martini is a papilon like Gracie. Small. Martini is a little sweetie. Actually she seems big to us, as she weighs close to 10 lbs, and Gracie is 5 lbs.
Bob will be back on Sunday evening after he visits with his son, Bobby, who works and lives in Orlando now. Bobby has found a church that he really likes, and they'll be going to it.
Had my hair done on Wednesday - it feels so good. ZsaZsa, my hair dresser, does a marvelous job. She took a picture of me and put it on Facebook. She cuts my cousin Alice's hair also, and did the same thing!
Our "So Far" projects are: 1. Get the car set up to be a Florida car. New License, insurance. 2. Put in new kitchen cabinets.
We stopped at two insurance agencies. Paul's in the process of choosing between the two. We've been so spoiled with Dave and Sharon's agency.
I'm glad we got here early because the man at Lowe's said that they can do cabinets for us now more easily, but after Thanksgiving, the mobs of people arrive and they don't know how long it would take. We'll be in the front of the list. Score one for us. Don't expect to have it in right away. We're looking in catalogs, etc. We have a meeting planned for next Monday.
Paul and I went to the exercise room here at Circlewoods. I used the treadmill and the cycles. We went yesterday and I went back today.
Our gas grill is empty, so Paul's out filling it. Not much else to report. Took the dogs out just a while ago - and it is getting really nice out. We first got here and it was HOT. According to the weather lady, it was almost a record for this time of year. The grass needs to be cut.
We left on Wednesday, the 28th, in a driving rain, which lasted the whole day, so we stopped early, after only 300 miles. We'd traveled as long as we usually do though.
We stopped at Edna and Mike's, as usual, to visit and have lunch with them. Edna made a delicious potato soup, and kept in mind my gluten free diet. I really appreciated that, Edna. She even had gluten free pretzels, which I'm afraid we didn't remember to have, but I appreciated the thought, Edna! Mike's oxygen was increased.
We saw lots of pictures of relatives and friends and had a chance to talk for a couple of hours. Thanks Edna and Mike for the hospitality.
We spent the night at Stephen City, Va. at a pet friendly hotel. Gracie does pretty well at these places. It felt like a long day. The weather was really unpleasant.
Thursday we traveled to Chocowinity, NC to visit with our friends, Marcia and Hal. We stayed for two nights.
Marcia is a great pet lover, and their cat Cleo passed away a while back and they're pet-less; she had her pet fix with Gracie. The weather was much better. In fact, Friday morning, Marcia called a restaurant downtown near the water that had eating outside (so we could bring Gracie.). Marcia volunteers at the Estuarium nearby and worked from 10-1:00. We picked her up and we went out for lunch.. Were we surprised when they brought Gracie a small tray with a little bit of chicken, cheese, roast beef, cracker and a cup of water! They then fawned over her. Of course we were enchanted.
This was Halloween, and a colorful character appeared on the deck where we were seated. I'm not sure if it was because of it being Halloween , but there was this old man dressed in a pirate costume. He had a knife "through his neck." He said he liked dressing up because lots more people talk to him. So maybe he does it more often than just Halloween. He really had fun.
That evening, their good friends Andy and Doug, came for dinner. We had salmon which Paul helped to cook. We used his relish recipe. (It was conveniently in the car, going to Fla. with us.) Andy and Doug are very personable and come from the Finger lakes area as we do.
We left Marcia and Hal's on Saturday morning and traveled all day to Port Wentworth, Ga. Nice hotel. Very close to Savannah. It was the day to change the clocks, which we remembered to do!
Sunday we got to Gainesville and Greg and Noi's house, mid afternoon. And to our surprise, Neenee was there! She was home for the weekend from college! She has her own car on Campus and can travel from Pensacola in a couple of hours. She had dinner with us and then started back. It was good to see her. She looks good and she and I had a nice long conversation about sororities and schools. Yes. I can remember back 50 years ago to my freshman year. It was a good chance to go down memory lane and compare then and now.
Monday, we left mid-morning and took our time to get to Venice. My brother Bob was at the house. He got there a couple of days ago and opened up the house and got groceries for us. That was nice.
He used our house as a stop-over to his trip to visit with his daughter Christine and her family, in Melbourne on the East coast. It's a long trip from Alpharetta, GA, to there. Plus - It also gave him a chance to visit with his son, Paul, who works here in Venice and lives in a neighboring town.
Bob's gone now to spend a couple of days with Christine. They have a rambunctious large poodle so Bob left Martini with us. For those of you who don't know, Martini is a papilon like Gracie. Small. Martini is a little sweetie. Actually she seems big to us, as she weighs close to 10 lbs, and Gracie is 5 lbs.
Bob will be back on Sunday evening after he visits with his son, Bobby, who works and lives in Orlando now. Bobby has found a church that he really likes, and they'll be going to it.
Had my hair done on Wednesday - it feels so good. ZsaZsa, my hair dresser, does a marvelous job. She took a picture of me and put it on Facebook. She cuts my cousin Alice's hair also, and did the same thing!
Our "So Far" projects are: 1. Get the car set up to be a Florida car. New License, insurance. 2. Put in new kitchen cabinets.
We stopped at two insurance agencies. Paul's in the process of choosing between the two. We've been so spoiled with Dave and Sharon's agency.
I'm glad we got here early because the man at Lowe's said that they can do cabinets for us now more easily, but after Thanksgiving, the mobs of people arrive and they don't know how long it would take. We'll be in the front of the list. Score one for us. Don't expect to have it in right away. We're looking in catalogs, etc. We have a meeting planned for next Monday.
Paul and I went to the exercise room here at Circlewoods. I used the treadmill and the cycles. We went yesterday and I went back today.
Our gas grill is empty, so Paul's out filling it. Not much else to report. Took the dogs out just a while ago - and it is getting really nice out. We first got here and it was HOT. According to the weather lady, it was almost a record for this time of year. The grass needs to be cut.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Well, after a long break, I'm back.
No reason except that nothing has been happening around here and we haven't been doing anything outside of our home here. So I didn't write. I guess I felt I needed a break.
Got a message from Bonnie and Edna, Paul's sisters, that they thought I was only on Facebook now. (They get my post on e-mail, which means they miss the purty background of my blog. But that's okay. No - Bonnie and Edna - I haven't been writing at all. I just couldn't think of things that were exciting. I know that shouldn't be a reason not to write. But, if I didn't have anything to write about - why do it? No. It wasn't on Facebook.
We're getting ready to go South next Wednesday, the 28th - so we'll be stopping to see you, Edna and Mike. Looking forward to the nice lunch you prepare every time we're there! It is certainly appreciated. Bonnie - we're sorry you have to go through chemo for the lymphoma they found, but glad the doctor said it was curable. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Paul thanks you for his birthday card and note.
My new knee is working marvelously well. I am so pleased with it. My other knee has had a shot of cortisone and is feeling well also, so I can say between the two of them I am feeling great! Oh, yes. I don't think I've felt this good in a long time. Perhaps I'll take up tap-dancing. No surgery on the other knee for the time being. Very happy.
Paul has had a back that had been bothering him and it got worse and worse. He tried a chiropractor that his GP sent him to, but he only made it worse. The chiropractor suggested he go to a pain clinic. Our GP got him set up with one. He had two shots - one in each side of his lower spine. The doctor cautioned that it may take several shots in several locations before they found the spot that was the culprit. But - glory be - it WAS the correct spot, and he's been pain free since going. He may need a shot again in a couple of months, but hooray - he's doing very well.
Of course, I think (?) feel (?) that his work in the cellar has done a number on his back. He's done 4/5ths of the job this year, and will finish it next year. As planned. Carrying the 5 X 8 pieces of sheet rock couldn't be the culprit, could it? Or putting up the drop ceiling? Note my sarcasm. But it is in Paul's nature to do that sort of thing and not to end it until it's finished.
We have been skyping with Bill every Sunday at 9:00PM. I visited Nancy last weekend and I skyped from there. Vincent had a chance to talk with him as did Nancy. They had a chance to see Flor and Samantha too. Nancy is going to Skype with him at 9:30 AM his time (when we hang up). There is exactly 12 hours difference in time. Except for Nancy who's in Central time. So it will be 8:30 PM her time.
We are skyping with Brenda also - every Tuesday at 9PM. It's enjoyable to talk with her and see her. She usually has her papillon, Bode, on her lap. Gracie enjoys seeing him. She really does. We had a wonderful surprise (not especially happy, since it involved a funeral of her friend's husband). Brenda came home last weekend and kept Paul company while I was in Chicago with Nancy. It's been too long a time since we've seen her. I'm glad we set up this Tuesday evening time to visit with her.
So - yes, I visited with Nancy and her family - Dan, Vincent (9), Evie (5) Walter (2 yrs. 9 mos.) It was hectic, but fun. I arrived in time for dinner Friday night. Flight was wonderful - and I can say that honestly. I requested a wheelchair, which was wise, considering the distance I had to walk. When I got to the gates, I found that they'd changed my seat each time to a better one, closer to the door, so I could get on and off easier. And they let me on early. They really treated me very well. I was very pleased with Delta.
I walked with Nancy and the kids each day - to Chase Park - a couple of blocks away from her apartment. I walked up and down the stairs. Each time. Slowly, but easily. Evie had ballet lessons there on Saturday morning. Saturday at noon, Vincent had a soccer game down at the Lakeside park. Sunday Evie had soccer at Chase park again.
Walter is getting over the terrible twos. It has not been easy on Nancy. He's almost a joy to be around! I found him very loveable. Most of the time - as toddlers are. He is very vocal and cute as a button.
Tomorrow is Paul's 81st birthday. Last year we had that big party for him - but this year will be only family. I set the dining room table today for 13 people. And it stretches out all the way. Of course, there's lots of room between everyone, so we can all be comfortable. It looks so pretty. It'll be a nice celebration for a wonderful man whose life I am so glad to be a part of. Ended that sentence with a participle. I know that's wrong, but what the heck.
Cousin Carol is still struggling with her dialysis but working hard at doing her best, as usual. I can't believe the strength she shows in all her undertakings with this condition. I'm very proud to be her cousin and want her to know that I love her very much.
I just finished reading a Facebook entry about how to cope with things when they aren't going the way you expect and thought of Bonnie, Carol, and my friend and college roommate Carol, who is battling cancer also. Heed the following, if you can:
"Think positively. Eat healthy. Exercise today. Worry less. Work hard. Laugh often. Sleep well.
Repeat . . . "
Guess that's all for now.
Got a message from Bonnie and Edna, Paul's sisters, that they thought I was only on Facebook now. (They get my post on e-mail, which means they miss the purty background of my blog. But that's okay. No - Bonnie and Edna - I haven't been writing at all. I just couldn't think of things that were exciting. I know that shouldn't be a reason not to write. But, if I didn't have anything to write about - why do it? No. It wasn't on Facebook.
We're getting ready to go South next Wednesday, the 28th - so we'll be stopping to see you, Edna and Mike. Looking forward to the nice lunch you prepare every time we're there! It is certainly appreciated. Bonnie - we're sorry you have to go through chemo for the lymphoma they found, but glad the doctor said it was curable. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Paul thanks you for his birthday card and note.
My new knee is working marvelously well. I am so pleased with it. My other knee has had a shot of cortisone and is feeling well also, so I can say between the two of them I am feeling great! Oh, yes. I don't think I've felt this good in a long time. Perhaps I'll take up tap-dancing. No surgery on the other knee for the time being. Very happy.
Paul has had a back that had been bothering him and it got worse and worse. He tried a chiropractor that his GP sent him to, but he only made it worse. The chiropractor suggested he go to a pain clinic. Our GP got him set up with one. He had two shots - one in each side of his lower spine. The doctor cautioned that it may take several shots in several locations before they found the spot that was the culprit. But - glory be - it WAS the correct spot, and he's been pain free since going. He may need a shot again in a couple of months, but hooray - he's doing very well.
Of course, I think (?) feel (?) that his work in the cellar has done a number on his back. He's done 4/5ths of the job this year, and will finish it next year. As planned. Carrying the 5 X 8 pieces of sheet rock couldn't be the culprit, could it? Or putting up the drop ceiling? Note my sarcasm. But it is in Paul's nature to do that sort of thing and not to end it until it's finished.
We have been skyping with Bill every Sunday at 9:00PM. I visited Nancy last weekend and I skyped from there. Vincent had a chance to talk with him as did Nancy. They had a chance to see Flor and Samantha too. Nancy is going to Skype with him at 9:30 AM his time (when we hang up). There is exactly 12 hours difference in time. Except for Nancy who's in Central time. So it will be 8:30 PM her time.
We are skyping with Brenda also - every Tuesday at 9PM. It's enjoyable to talk with her and see her. She usually has her papillon, Bode, on her lap. Gracie enjoys seeing him. She really does. We had a wonderful surprise (not especially happy, since it involved a funeral of her friend's husband). Brenda came home last weekend and kept Paul company while I was in Chicago with Nancy. It's been too long a time since we've seen her. I'm glad we set up this Tuesday evening time to visit with her.
So - yes, I visited with Nancy and her family - Dan, Vincent (9), Evie (5) Walter (2 yrs. 9 mos.) It was hectic, but fun. I arrived in time for dinner Friday night. Flight was wonderful - and I can say that honestly. I requested a wheelchair, which was wise, considering the distance I had to walk. When I got to the gates, I found that they'd changed my seat each time to a better one, closer to the door, so I could get on and off easier. And they let me on early. They really treated me very well. I was very pleased with Delta.
I walked with Nancy and the kids each day - to Chase Park - a couple of blocks away from her apartment. I walked up and down the stairs. Each time. Slowly, but easily. Evie had ballet lessons there on Saturday morning. Saturday at noon, Vincent had a soccer game down at the Lakeside park. Sunday Evie had soccer at Chase park again.
Walter is getting over the terrible twos. It has not been easy on Nancy. He's almost a joy to be around! I found him very loveable. Most of the time - as toddlers are. He is very vocal and cute as a button.
Tomorrow is Paul's 81st birthday. Last year we had that big party for him - but this year will be only family. I set the dining room table today for 13 people. And it stretches out all the way. Of course, there's lots of room between everyone, so we can all be comfortable. It looks so pretty. It'll be a nice celebration for a wonderful man whose life I am so glad to be a part of. Ended that sentence with a participle. I know that's wrong, but what the heck.
Cousin Carol is still struggling with her dialysis but working hard at doing her best, as usual. I can't believe the strength she shows in all her undertakings with this condition. I'm very proud to be her cousin and want her to know that I love her very much.
I just finished reading a Facebook entry about how to cope with things when they aren't going the way you expect and thought of Bonnie, Carol, and my friend and college roommate Carol, who is battling cancer also. Heed the following, if you can:
"Think positively. Eat healthy. Exercise today. Worry less. Work hard. Laugh often. Sleep well.
Repeat . . . "
Guess that's all for now.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Just as I expected . . .
Summer is racing by. It's the middle of August - leaning towards the end. Why do the months do that? Because its my favorite time of the year.
We've had a busy month - lots of birthdays. Starting with Bill's (in the Philippines) on the 7th. His significant other, Flor, and her daughter, Samantha - are both in August following his. They planned a month worth of celebrations and are putting them on Facebook.
Bob arrived a week ago Tuesday from Alpharetta, Ga to spend two weeks with us. It was nice to be able to include him on our Skype Sunday night visit with Bill and will this Sunday also.. Bob will be going home Monday. We had a chance to see Samantha's new bike, (she tried to ride it past the monitor) and some toys I sent to her. .
Nancy, Dan and their three children were here the same time as Bob, but they left for home on Saturday. The Sunday before, Nancy, Dan, and the kids were spending time with Nancy's Dad and his wife Judy at Keuka Lake. At that time they had a chance to also Skype with Bill. Evie and Samantha are the same age within a month of each other. 5 years. They showed each other their toys. Skype is certainly a marvelous way to keep our family close when we're half-way around the world.
Dan took a glider ride when the family went up to Harris Hill Amusement Park. Harris Hill is the Glider Capital of the World. Lots of people go up there. There's always rides available when the weather cooperates. After your name is on a list, there's quite a long wait for your turn. (two and a half hours?) So they took the kids to the amusement park, located also up the hill, where they could ride the Merry Go Round, or the other rides.
We had the Corning relatives and Lue here for a picnic a week ago Thursday. I put some pictures on Facebook for those who use it. My iPhone is great and easy. So easy - I put them on twice without realizing it. I just love how these young adults have such patience with the little ones. It was much appreciated.
Bob went with us to the Fingerlakes Casino (I don't remember the name, but it's up north about an hour away) on Wednesday - we had lunch there at their buffet and then spent time at the slots. I was the only "winner." Afterwards we went to the outlet mall, located several miles up near the thruway. We all got bargains! Yesterday we went wine-tasting. You'd think with us living so close to all the wineries we'd do it a lot. Nope. Did manage to take some wine home with us. Bob belongs to the Y in Alpharetta and goes four times a week. He went to the Corning Y while here. He likes it - says they're very friendly.
Paul is still busy downstairs. Lots of hammering going on. Fun stuff he says. Good. If it's not fun, he has to stop. (both our rules). It's wonderful what he does.
The Curves facility near us has closed and there aren't any others nearby for me to join. "Luckily" since I had my knee operated on, I couldn't exercise for a couple of months. And I had PT for two months.
BUT I did find out that the women, whom I'd gotten to know at Curves, were going to a place in a neighboring town from us, Diamond Gym. Only 7 miles away. Closer than Curves was. Last week, I had my last PT session. So I tried Diamond Gym out and joined. They have a room for us seniors: a place where we can exercise in private and not feel stared at.
Lots of the machines are very similar to Curves, but I think it's a better workout. There are other machines too. Plus a bicycle like I did at PT. And some treadmills. One of the machines I did in PT also. I have been coming home tired and achy in a good way. Another plus: They're open seven days a week, and their hours are a lot more extensive.
We've had a busy month - lots of birthdays. Starting with Bill's (in the Philippines) on the 7th. His significant other, Flor, and her daughter, Samantha - are both in August following his. They planned a month worth of celebrations and are putting them on Facebook.
Bob arrived a week ago Tuesday from Alpharetta, Ga to spend two weeks with us. It was nice to be able to include him on our Skype Sunday night visit with Bill and will this Sunday also.. Bob will be going home Monday. We had a chance to see Samantha's new bike, (she tried to ride it past the monitor) and some toys I sent to her. .
Nancy, Dan and their three children were here the same time as Bob, but they left for home on Saturday. The Sunday before, Nancy, Dan, and the kids were spending time with Nancy's Dad and his wife Judy at Keuka Lake. At that time they had a chance to also Skype with Bill. Evie and Samantha are the same age within a month of each other. 5 years. They showed each other their toys. Skype is certainly a marvelous way to keep our family close when we're half-way around the world.
Dan took a glider ride when the family went up to Harris Hill Amusement Park. Harris Hill is the Glider Capital of the World. Lots of people go up there. There's always rides available when the weather cooperates. After your name is on a list, there's quite a long wait for your turn. (two and a half hours?) So they took the kids to the amusement park, located also up the hill, where they could ride the Merry Go Round, or the other rides.
We had the Corning relatives and Lue here for a picnic a week ago Thursday. I put some pictures on Facebook for those who use it. My iPhone is great and easy. So easy - I put them on twice without realizing it. I just love how these young adults have such patience with the little ones. It was much appreciated.
Bob went with us to the Fingerlakes Casino (I don't remember the name, but it's up north about an hour away) on Wednesday - we had lunch there at their buffet and then spent time at the slots. I was the only "winner." Afterwards we went to the outlet mall, located several miles up near the thruway. We all got bargains! Yesterday we went wine-tasting. You'd think with us living so close to all the wineries we'd do it a lot. Nope. Did manage to take some wine home with us. Bob belongs to the Y in Alpharetta and goes four times a week. He went to the Corning Y while here. He likes it - says they're very friendly.
Paul is still busy downstairs. Lots of hammering going on. Fun stuff he says. Good. If it's not fun, he has to stop. (both our rules). It's wonderful what he does.
The Curves facility near us has closed and there aren't any others nearby for me to join. "Luckily" since I had my knee operated on, I couldn't exercise for a couple of months. And I had PT for two months.
BUT I did find out that the women, whom I'd gotten to know at Curves, were going to a place in a neighboring town from us, Diamond Gym. Only 7 miles away. Closer than Curves was. Last week, I had my last PT session. So I tried Diamond Gym out and joined. They have a room for us seniors: a place where we can exercise in private and not feel stared at.
Lots of the machines are very similar to Curves, but I think it's a better workout. There are other machines too. Plus a bicycle like I did at PT. And some treadmills. One of the machines I did in PT also. I have been coming home tired and achy in a good way. Another plus: They're open seven days a week, and their hours are a lot more extensive.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
We've had numerous sunny days lately
And that made all those days extra specially nice.
This was mostly written on Tuesday.
Italics are Wednesday. Now we're getting HOT weather and it's unpleasant to sit outside, so I guess I'll be inside reading or typing.
I was talking with Nancy while she walked Ivan. It's HOT in Chicago this afternoon, and she said it's a vicious cycle with Ivan because. . . .
He drinks copious amounts of water, and then he has to go out.
Ivan really suffers - he has a double coat in the winter, which he sheds in the summer. He gets so hot and thirsty - and then he has to pee. He's old. If he doesn't get outside, he'll pee on the floor. Which he did last night, just outside the bathroom when Walter was having a bath. Nancy cleaned up Ivan's puddle and Walter made one in his bedroom. Guess toilet training is out for a while. Nance - I hope that was okay, to put in this post. It WAS funny.
In the afternoon, Gracie and I will go out front and sit on the porch read and watch all the action . Our front is deeply shaded. They say it's not good for your eye muscles to be focused on reading all the time, so I lift my head up and look at the wind in the leaves, the birds, Gracie, cars going by. We live on a dead end street. So, I'm always surprised to see all that goes on.
We have, probably 10 houses on our street. Four of which have kids. Mostly across from us. Which I like. Yesterday afternoon, the new people across the street, one house down, with the new swimming pool must have invited the neighborhood children to come for a swim. The kids range from age 2.5 to 10, I'd say. One family I watched come from two houses down. Ages 2.5 and almost 5, plus mom bringing up the rear carrying baby. Stop and go. Bringing beach balls, (dropping them) noodles, towels, themselves. It must have felt like going a mile to that mom.
I can see, behind the "pool" house, about 1/3 of the pool . . . the deep end. I can see from the bench when I'm sitting on the porch through their see-through metal fence . Once in a while I'd see a kid on the diving board. As noted, they're on the younger side so that side is empty a lot. Surprisingly there's not much noise. There were the top of a noodle flipping here and there. It was one of those perfect days. Sitting there reading.
Gracie very seldom travels beyond my eyesight. She watches but does not seek out adventure It's enough for her to just watch. She'll sit and sniff the breeze. She'll lie on the driveway (it's warm). . . She'll lie by me on the bench. Except when she sees a chipmunk. These papillons are great breeds. They don't run away, they don't bark much, except when people come to the door. (Gracie will also if she's startled.) I guess it's her size that worries her.
She's worried about Chloey, the next door dog who's about twice the size of her and is the next smallest to Gracie in the neighborhood dog pecking order. Chloey is rambunctious. Or she was in her younger years. She, like Gracie, is aging. Gracie is 5 Chloey is older - 6? If Chloey is outside, on her leash, Gracie will run up to her and give her muzzle a lick, but then run a safe distance away. Bark bark bark.
Bob is coming the second week in August for a visit so he can be here with Nancy, Dan and the kids.
He'll be here for a couple of weeks, which will be nice. His grandkids and daughter-in-law start school the week he leaves Georgia. Doesn't it seem awfully early to you? It does to me, as mentioned in my last post. Carol O wrote me after she read my blog about her son's family who live in PA. and their schedule. They get off early for summer vacation because they don't have all the holidays we do in NYS.
It's time for Nancy and Dan's summer trip to NYS. It seems like ages since I've seen the grandkids. And it is! It'll be wonderful. With all these neighborhood kids, they should have a ball. Karen, the mom across the street says her kids speak a lot of Evie and Vincent. Walter and their son, Graydon are about the same age. Last year they were too young to play. Should be cute.
I've been getting messages from my cousin, Carol, signed "from my ipad " It's quite something. Yea! I called Carol and we had a long chat yesterday. Maybe you don't know but she was having a difficult time with her iPad. She got it when Paul and I were down there several months ago now. After trying all sorts of ways, she found someone at Circlewoods who was very "iPad- knowledgeable" (my word) and could transfer that knowledge . . . she spent two and a half hours with her and learned a lot.
There's a lot of people out there with the knowledge, but (sorry Carol to put you in my category - but those of us who know so very little, it may be a word, or a phrase that knocks us out of understanding )- To be able to get us there FROM here to there is quite satisfying and I know I'm grateful when someone can do that. .
I will not get to Bible Study next week, which aggravates me, because I have Physical Therapy scheduled. And I couldn't reschedule. I have a doctor's appointment. This time for my knee of which I am so pleased..
I must say PT is doing marvelous things for me. My left leg is now about as strong as my right leg. The good leg. I love my physical therapist. It's a young gal, just graduated one year ago from school with her doctorate. I asked her if I should call her Dr. She said, for heaven's sake - no. That's what her friends call her when they want to tease her. So I call her Sarah. She's been working both my legs.
My right leg is doing so well, I feel I don't need that one operated now. I'm feeling better than I have for a long time. So that's really good news. I'm walking up and down both sets of stairs. Alternating legs.
*****
Several years ago, Paul took me on a trip out west to visit national parks: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite. I just finished a book that included those places, and it was fun to be able to picture them in my mind. I was so glad to have gone to see them. And we always visit with Brenda, Eric and Emma when we're there. Usually Thanksgiving. Good memories. I'll always be thankful.
Paul is still working downstairs. It's amazing all he does. I'm going to have to get some pictures up on Facebook, I know. He's so happy doing all that. He said he hates to stop because he wants to see what the next step looks like "next." I've been able to go downstairs and see his progress. Gracie always loves to find ping pong balls. They're the only size that fits in her mouth. She'll chase them all over - following their bounces, trying to catch them.
All I hear is good news from Bill which pleases me no end. I don't think I ever stop worrying about my children. Do we ever? It doesn't matter what age they are. It's wonderful to hear that he's having such a happy, contented life in the Philippines with Flor and Samantha. We Skype every Sunday night. Sometimes we "take a walk" around the neighborhood. Remember - it's 12 hours ahead there. He has a whole day ahead of him.
This was mostly written on Tuesday.
Italics are Wednesday. Now we're getting HOT weather and it's unpleasant to sit outside, so I guess I'll be inside reading or typing.
I was talking with Nancy while she walked Ivan. It's HOT in Chicago this afternoon, and she said it's a vicious cycle with Ivan because. . . .
He drinks copious amounts of water, and then he has to go out.
Ivan really suffers - he has a double coat in the winter, which he sheds in the summer. He gets so hot and thirsty - and then he has to pee. He's old. If he doesn't get outside, he'll pee on the floor. Which he did last night, just outside the bathroom when Walter was having a bath. Nancy cleaned up Ivan's puddle and Walter made one in his bedroom. Guess toilet training is out for a while. Nance - I hope that was okay, to put in this post. It WAS funny.
In the afternoon, Gracie and I will go out front and sit on the porch read and watch all the action . Our front is deeply shaded. They say it's not good for your eye muscles to be focused on reading all the time, so I lift my head up and look at the wind in the leaves, the birds, Gracie, cars going by. We live on a dead end street. So, I'm always surprised to see all that goes on.
We have, probably 10 houses on our street. Four of which have kids. Mostly across from us. Which I like. Yesterday afternoon, the new people across the street, one house down, with the new swimming pool must have invited the neighborhood children to come for a swim. The kids range from age 2.5 to 10, I'd say. One family I watched come from two houses down. Ages 2.5 and almost 5, plus mom bringing up the rear carrying baby. Stop and go. Bringing beach balls, (dropping them) noodles, towels, themselves. It must have felt like going a mile to that mom.
I can see, behind the "pool" house, about 1/3 of the pool . . . the deep end. I can see from the bench when I'm sitting on the porch through their see-through metal fence . Once in a while I'd see a kid on the diving board. As noted, they're on the younger side so that side is empty a lot. Surprisingly there's not much noise. There were the top of a noodle flipping here and there. It was one of those perfect days. Sitting there reading.
Gracie very seldom travels beyond my eyesight. She watches but does not seek out adventure It's enough for her to just watch. She'll sit and sniff the breeze. She'll lie on the driveway (it's warm). . . She'll lie by me on the bench. Except when she sees a chipmunk. These papillons are great breeds. They don't run away, they don't bark much, except when people come to the door. (Gracie will also if she's startled.) I guess it's her size that worries her.
She's worried about Chloey, the next door dog who's about twice the size of her and is the next smallest to Gracie in the neighborhood dog pecking order. Chloey is rambunctious. Or she was in her younger years. She, like Gracie, is aging. Gracie is 5 Chloey is older - 6? If Chloey is outside, on her leash, Gracie will run up to her and give her muzzle a lick, but then run a safe distance away. Bark bark bark.
Bob is coming the second week in August for a visit so he can be here with Nancy, Dan and the kids.
He'll be here for a couple of weeks, which will be nice. His grandkids and daughter-in-law start school the week he leaves Georgia. Doesn't it seem awfully early to you? It does to me, as mentioned in my last post. Carol O wrote me after she read my blog about her son's family who live in PA. and their schedule. They get off early for summer vacation because they don't have all the holidays we do in NYS.
It's time for Nancy and Dan's summer trip to NYS. It seems like ages since I've seen the grandkids. And it is! It'll be wonderful. With all these neighborhood kids, they should have a ball. Karen, the mom across the street says her kids speak a lot of Evie and Vincent. Walter and their son, Graydon are about the same age. Last year they were too young to play. Should be cute.
I've been getting messages from my cousin, Carol, signed "from my ipad " It's quite something. Yea! I called Carol and we had a long chat yesterday. Maybe you don't know but she was having a difficult time with her iPad. She got it when Paul and I were down there several months ago now. After trying all sorts of ways, she found someone at Circlewoods who was very "iPad- knowledgeable" (my word) and could transfer that knowledge . . . she spent two and a half hours with her and learned a lot.
There's a lot of people out there with the knowledge, but (sorry Carol to put you in my category - but those of us who know so very little, it may be a word, or a phrase that knocks us out of understanding )- To be able to get us there FROM here to there is quite satisfying and I know I'm grateful when someone can do that. .
I will not get to Bible Study next week, which aggravates me, because I have Physical Therapy scheduled. And I couldn't reschedule. I have a doctor's appointment. This time for my knee of which I am so pleased..
I must say PT is doing marvelous things for me. My left leg is now about as strong as my right leg. The good leg. I love my physical therapist. It's a young gal, just graduated one year ago from school with her doctorate. I asked her if I should call her Dr. She said, for heaven's sake - no. That's what her friends call her when they want to tease her. So I call her Sarah. She's been working both my legs.
My right leg is doing so well, I feel I don't need that one operated now. I'm feeling better than I have for a long time. So that's really good news. I'm walking up and down both sets of stairs. Alternating legs.
*****
Several years ago, Paul took me on a trip out west to visit national parks: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite. I just finished a book that included those places, and it was fun to be able to picture them in my mind. I was so glad to have gone to see them. And we always visit with Brenda, Eric and Emma when we're there. Usually Thanksgiving. Good memories. I'll always be thankful.
Paul is still working downstairs. It's amazing all he does. I'm going to have to get some pictures up on Facebook, I know. He's so happy doing all that. He said he hates to stop because he wants to see what the next step looks like "next." I've been able to go downstairs and see his progress. Gracie always loves to find ping pong balls. They're the only size that fits in her mouth. She'll chase them all over - following their bounces, trying to catch them.
All I hear is good news from Bill which pleases me no end. I don't think I ever stop worrying about my children. Do we ever? It doesn't matter what age they are. It's wonderful to hear that he's having such a happy, contented life in the Philippines with Flor and Samantha. We Skype every Sunday night. Sometimes we "take a walk" around the neighborhood. Remember - it's 12 hours ahead there. He has a whole day ahead of him.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Summer is going by at a nice slow rate.
Wait until August - it will fly by, which I hate.
I had Bible Study this morning which means we meet for coffee and conversation and discuss bible verses that seem to be on whatever subject we may be talking about. Ex. One of the ladies said she knew an older person who thought he was too old to become a Christian. She wanted to know what bible verse would be apropos. Can any of you think of a verse? Someone suggested Godquestions.com.
It is a beautiful day today and was also yesterday. I'd score it a 10. As I pulled up to church there were a lot of children and young adults outside on the playground. Vacation Bible School is this week. There were quite a few children there.
Leslie, whom I've mentioned several times, (but I will mention her again) is now 98 years old, a former minister's wife. She's a Bible Study friend. She had brought in a special book. She's been a widow for 20 years. Actually there were two books - one was titled "The Child". There was a picture on each page, across from a couple of sentences that had been written. Then under these words, in red ink, her husband, Earl, had written his own comments, in poetry form.
SO - and this is where I have gotten confused - either Leslie or one of her children, had made up a new book using Earl's poems and family photographs of grandchildren. I think her children did it for her. So each picture had a caption of its own, in her husband's handwriting in red ink. She said she looks at it a lot. I can imagine.
Paul got a similar book from his children for his 80th birthday party. The kids put out papers and pens for people to write out things they remembered about him. Paul says he's looked at this at least 10 times and read it from cover to cover. It sits by his recliner.
My apologies to Michael, Lue's son. Mike was here last week for a tractor pull. He lives in Connecticut, not New Jersey. I had been told that TWICE by my husband, but it went in one ear and out the other. Some one of these days I'll get it right. Paul is usually nearby so he can answer questions I have. This time he was not.
Paul's been mowing a lot. He was mowing the lawn today. It needs mowing every 5 days!
I love July. It means summer is still new. When August appears, the summer flies by. As I look out the window, the shadows from the trees, on the grass are absolutely beautiful. I also like the July skies.
I can't get used to the school calendars of states other than NYS. We follow the July-August summer months and throughout my teaching life, that was summer. California goes from June-July. Florida is similar, as is Georgia. Those are the three states in which I have relatives. I don't know why they do that. Is it the heat? Does someone know? Pennsylvania has a longer vacation period because they don't have as many holidays during the school year. Is that true?
This afternoon, after we had our weekly Thursday lunch with Lue and her sister, Sharon, we went to Corning to see something special: Paul's grandson's handiwork.
Each Thursday, there is a Farmers' Market downtown Corning along a walkway in a beautiful park-like area. He has a stall of his own showing his handmade wooden items. We were very impressed by his obvious talent. We've always been. (He takes after his father and his grandfather.) Several customers came as we were there. Some were there asking questions, seeing if he'd take orders. He has business cards made up that he gave out. He's quite the young business man and he has a wonderful work eth
When he's not outside mowing the lawn, Paul is downstairs in the cellar working on making that space all live-able. He's working on the stairway right now, trying to decide what he wants to do, but he's very happy just even thinking about it and putting it in his mind and then doing something about it or not. Does that make sense. In other words - he's happy planning or doing it.
I am getting such a kick out of pictures Nancy puts on Facebook of my grandchildren. Especially Walter, the 2.5 year old. When visiting their other grandparents in St. Louis, they went for ice cream, and took a family picture. Nancy is sitting on the end by Walter and "quietly" pointing at his outfit that is covered with ice cream. It is adorable. Can't wait to see him and the others in August. We'll make sure to go for ice cream when they come.
Now that Samantha is becoming more fluent in English and understands it better, she is more likely to stick around and talk, or listen, when we are skyping. Bill said she was very interested in his father, when they skyped last Sunday because he and Bill look so much alike. She must have been cute. I got a birthday package out for her yesterday. Her birthday is in August, as is Bill's, and her mother Flor's. That makes it easy. Samantha is the same age as Evie, within a month. Evie being older.
That's about all the news from here. Paul is on another run to Lowe's. He goes just about every other day for one thing or another. One of the salespeople knows Gracie by name. She's there so often.
I had Bible Study this morning which means we meet for coffee and conversation and discuss bible verses that seem to be on whatever subject we may be talking about. Ex. One of the ladies said she knew an older person who thought he was too old to become a Christian. She wanted to know what bible verse would be apropos. Can any of you think of a verse? Someone suggested Godquestions.com.
It is a beautiful day today and was also yesterday. I'd score it a 10. As I pulled up to church there were a lot of children and young adults outside on the playground. Vacation Bible School is this week. There were quite a few children there.
Leslie, whom I've mentioned several times, (but I will mention her again) is now 98 years old, a former minister's wife. She's a Bible Study friend. She had brought in a special book. She's been a widow for 20 years. Actually there were two books - one was titled "The Child". There was a picture on each page, across from a couple of sentences that had been written. Then under these words, in red ink, her husband, Earl, had written his own comments, in poetry form.
SO - and this is where I have gotten confused - either Leslie or one of her children, had made up a new book using Earl's poems and family photographs of grandchildren. I think her children did it for her. So each picture had a caption of its own, in her husband's handwriting in red ink. She said she looks at it a lot. I can imagine.
Paul got a similar book from his children for his 80th birthday party. The kids put out papers and pens for people to write out things they remembered about him. Paul says he's looked at this at least 10 times and read it from cover to cover. It sits by his recliner.
My apologies to Michael, Lue's son. Mike was here last week for a tractor pull. He lives in Connecticut, not New Jersey. I had been told that TWICE by my husband, but it went in one ear and out the other. Some one of these days I'll get it right. Paul is usually nearby so he can answer questions I have. This time he was not.
Paul's been mowing a lot. He was mowing the lawn today. It needs mowing every 5 days!
I love July. It means summer is still new. When August appears, the summer flies by. As I look out the window, the shadows from the trees, on the grass are absolutely beautiful. I also like the July skies.
I can't get used to the school calendars of states other than NYS. We follow the July-August summer months and throughout my teaching life, that was summer. California goes from June-July. Florida is similar, as is Georgia. Those are the three states in which I have relatives. I don't know why they do that. Is it the heat? Does someone know? Pennsylvania has a longer vacation period because they don't have as many holidays during the school year. Is that true?
This afternoon, after we had our weekly Thursday lunch with Lue and her sister, Sharon, we went to Corning to see something special: Paul's grandson's handiwork.
Each Thursday, there is a Farmers' Market downtown Corning along a walkway in a beautiful park-like area. He has a stall of his own showing his handmade wooden items. We were very impressed by his obvious talent. We've always been. (He takes after his father and his grandfather.) Several customers came as we were there. Some were there asking questions, seeing if he'd take orders. He has business cards made up that he gave out. He's quite the young business man and he has a wonderful work eth
When he's not outside mowing the lawn, Paul is downstairs in the cellar working on making that space all live-able. He's working on the stairway right now, trying to decide what he wants to do, but he's very happy just even thinking about it and putting it in his mind and then doing something about it or not. Does that make sense. In other words - he's happy planning or doing it.
I am getting such a kick out of pictures Nancy puts on Facebook of my grandchildren. Especially Walter, the 2.5 year old. When visiting their other grandparents in St. Louis, they went for ice cream, and took a family picture. Nancy is sitting on the end by Walter and "quietly" pointing at his outfit that is covered with ice cream. It is adorable. Can't wait to see him and the others in August. We'll make sure to go for ice cream when they come.
Now that Samantha is becoming more fluent in English and understands it better, she is more likely to stick around and talk, or listen, when we are skyping. Bill said she was very interested in his father, when they skyped last Sunday because he and Bill look so much alike. She must have been cute. I got a birthday package out for her yesterday. Her birthday is in August, as is Bill's, and her mother Flor's. That makes it easy. Samantha is the same age as Evie, within a month. Evie being older.
That's about all the news from here. Paul is on another run to Lowe's. He goes just about every other day for one thing or another. One of the salespeople knows Gracie by name. She's there so often.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
What a perfectly gorgeous day it is today!
And it's Sunday!
Which means we went to church, early church, which is the only one for summer - 9:30, and then on to breakfast out.
We went to Cracker Barrel. I was interested in having some buckwheat pancakes. I found out, not too long ago, that buckwheat doesn't have any gluten in it, even though the name would suggest it did. Unfortunately, cracker barrel didn't have any on the menu. So I had some freshly cooked oatmeal with all sorts of fruit and nuts with it. It really tasted good. Paul had a delicious concoction of French toast sandwich, with a fruit dip. This had two slices of French toast spread with cream cheese, cut in two pieces, and two eggs, crispy bacon. I feel like after describing these breakfasts, I should let you know - These breakfasts were quite unusual for our Sunday breakfasts - we usually order eggs.
After describing all that, I need to say that my appetite hasn't improved much. I'm still leaving a lot on the plate. I've lost another 6 pounds without really trying. Good. Let's see what the next couple of weeks do. I suppose if I become skin and bones, I could become worried. Laugh, laugh.
My physical therapy is going well. I have it twice a week and then go home and practice what I've done. I must admit, I didn't do it yesterday. But I usually do it. Really.
I am now driving. Watch out world. And I am cooking again. (I'm sharing the cooking with Paul. He's such a great cook. He loves to experiment.)
Edna - Paul forwarded your lovely e-mail to me. I appreciate your thoughts. Alicia I hope you are feeling better after your hospital stay for your foot that wouldn't heal.
My brother Bob contacted me through my iPhone - similar to Skype. It was fun to talk and see each other. He'll be here in August. As will Nancy, Dan and the kids.
I do Skype with my son Bill and his family - Flor and Samantha - on Sunday nights. It's Monday morning in the Philippines. I suppose I've written that a dozen times already. Old people repeat themselves, don't they.
They all three have birthdays in August and I have ordered some books for Samantha. They have yet to arrive here and then I will send them off via the USPS. I had an awful experience with Fed Ex. a couple of months ago. It cost me quite a bit. I won't go into it, but it upset me. Won't use them again!
As you can imagine, there isn't much news here from me. Now - I am NOT an invalid, but I am learning how to walk up and down stairs, alternating steps like real people do. I don't have much strength in my legs, but it is improving. Paul has put a railing into the garage to help me use those two steps. They're quite pretty, white wooden posts and hand rail. I don't use a cane very much any more.
Lue has had company overnight. Her son, Mike, travels to places for tractor pulls at county fairgrounds. Mike lives in New Jersey. The truck and tractor pull was at the Tioga County NY fairground in Owego. He, his wife, Barbara, and Sue G. from Middletown came yesterday and are staying with Lue for the weekend. Owego is an hour away from us. Not far. Paul went to the tractor pull last night. I stayed home.
Gracie and I spent the evening watching the movie, "Neighbors" on HBO. I had taped it and what a stupid, ignorant awful movie it ended up being. I don't know why I watched it until the end. But I did. Gracie learned some new offensive words.
Paul is mowing the lawn every five days now. The grass is growing phenomenally.
Brenda, Eric, Greg, NeeNee and Brenan are all back from their three and a half week trip to Europe. They spent time in Germany and Northern Europe. I think that's right. I know they went t Germany and Amsterdam. Beautiful pictures. Brenda and Eric, living in California are nine time zones away! Brenda called her dad last night, so since he was at the tractor pull, I had a chance to talk with her. It was really hot some days (over 100) which made some days disappointing. But they found some beautiful places they'd like to come back to visit.
Our anniversary - thank you all for your cards and wishes. It was our 8th. Not our 10th like some of you thought. We went to our favorite Italian restaurant. And I had gluten free pasta. It annoyed me that they charge $5 extra for GF. I'm going to check around at comparable places and see if they do the same. Not fair. I didn't eat it all and took it home - had it the next night - sharing it with Paul.
Our Florida relatives, Carol and Alice, seem to be doing well. It's the quiet time down there, where you roast, but enjoy the empty parking lots, roads, restaurant, shops. I miss them, but I'm glad I am able to keep in touch with them via this machine.
I guess that's all the news for now.
Which means we went to church, early church, which is the only one for summer - 9:30, and then on to breakfast out.
We went to Cracker Barrel. I was interested in having some buckwheat pancakes. I found out, not too long ago, that buckwheat doesn't have any gluten in it, even though the name would suggest it did. Unfortunately, cracker barrel didn't have any on the menu. So I had some freshly cooked oatmeal with all sorts of fruit and nuts with it. It really tasted good. Paul had a delicious concoction of French toast sandwich, with a fruit dip. This had two slices of French toast spread with cream cheese, cut in two pieces, and two eggs, crispy bacon. I feel like after describing these breakfasts, I should let you know - These breakfasts were quite unusual for our Sunday breakfasts - we usually order eggs.
After describing all that, I need to say that my appetite hasn't improved much. I'm still leaving a lot on the plate. I've lost another 6 pounds without really trying. Good. Let's see what the next couple of weeks do. I suppose if I become skin and bones, I could become worried. Laugh, laugh.
My physical therapy is going well. I have it twice a week and then go home and practice what I've done. I must admit, I didn't do it yesterday. But I usually do it. Really.
I am now driving. Watch out world. And I am cooking again. (I'm sharing the cooking with Paul. He's such a great cook. He loves to experiment.)
Edna - Paul forwarded your lovely e-mail to me. I appreciate your thoughts. Alicia I hope you are feeling better after your hospital stay for your foot that wouldn't heal.
My brother Bob contacted me through my iPhone - similar to Skype. It was fun to talk and see each other. He'll be here in August. As will Nancy, Dan and the kids.
I do Skype with my son Bill and his family - Flor and Samantha - on Sunday nights. It's Monday morning in the Philippines. I suppose I've written that a dozen times already. Old people repeat themselves, don't they.
They all three have birthdays in August and I have ordered some books for Samantha. They have yet to arrive here and then I will send them off via the USPS. I had an awful experience with Fed Ex. a couple of months ago. It cost me quite a bit. I won't go into it, but it upset me. Won't use them again!
As you can imagine, there isn't much news here from me. Now - I am NOT an invalid, but I am learning how to walk up and down stairs, alternating steps like real people do. I don't have much strength in my legs, but it is improving. Paul has put a railing into the garage to help me use those two steps. They're quite pretty, white wooden posts and hand rail. I don't use a cane very much any more.
Lue has had company overnight. Her son, Mike, travels to places for tractor pulls at county fairgrounds. Mike lives in New Jersey. The truck and tractor pull was at the Tioga County NY fairground in Owego. He, his wife, Barbara, and Sue G. from Middletown came yesterday and are staying with Lue for the weekend. Owego is an hour away from us. Not far. Paul went to the tractor pull last night. I stayed home.
Gracie and I spent the evening watching the movie, "Neighbors" on HBO. I had taped it and what a stupid, ignorant awful movie it ended up being. I don't know why I watched it until the end. But I did. Gracie learned some new offensive words.
Paul is mowing the lawn every five days now. The grass is growing phenomenally.
Brenda, Eric, Greg, NeeNee and Brenan are all back from their three and a half week trip to Europe. They spent time in Germany and Northern Europe. I think that's right. I know they went t Germany and Amsterdam. Beautiful pictures. Brenda and Eric, living in California are nine time zones away! Brenda called her dad last night, so since he was at the tractor pull, I had a chance to talk with her. It was really hot some days (over 100) which made some days disappointing. But they found some beautiful places they'd like to come back to visit.
Our anniversary - thank you all for your cards and wishes. It was our 8th. Not our 10th like some of you thought. We went to our favorite Italian restaurant. And I had gluten free pasta. It annoyed me that they charge $5 extra for GF. I'm going to check around at comparable places and see if they do the same. Not fair. I didn't eat it all and took it home - had it the next night - sharing it with Paul.
Our Florida relatives, Carol and Alice, seem to be doing well. It's the quiet time down there, where you roast, but enjoy the empty parking lots, roads, restaurant, shops. I miss them, but I'm glad I am able to keep in touch with them via this machine.
I guess that's all the news for now.
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